Ultimate East Africa: Mountains & the Masai Mara

Location: Nairobi

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Kenia Campsite (or similar)

Meals: No Meals

Arrive at anytime. Prepare for tomorrow’s early morning by checking out the Hotel Boulevard Bar with your newest friends. Travelling can take a lot out of you so sit back, fill those food and drink needs, and spend a chill night becoming familiar with your group and CEO.

Additional Information: Please make sure you have all of the necessary visas for this tour by the time of the welcome meeting. It is very important to read the visa section in our trip details to make sure you have the ones you will need, if any. Please note that not all nationalities are able to obtain a visa on arrival at the border.

ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

ACTIVITY: Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.

Location: Nairobi, Maasai Mara National Reserve

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Kenia Campsite (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hit the road and journey through the Great Rift Valley today on the way to one of the most famous national parks in Africa and Kenya’s premier wildlife reserve. Stretch those legs and take in your surroundings before heading on a late afternoon wildlife safari drive with excellent chances of seeing the “big five”. This natural environment coupled with the park’s varied wildlife provides for a spectacular safari experience.

TRANSPORT: Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride.

ACTIVITY: AFTERNOON Masai Mara is one of the world’s top safari destinations, known for its abundance of big cats – cheetahs, leopards, and lions – as well as the two million wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelles, and zebra that migrate annually across the vast grasslands in search of water. Set off on safari with our driver/guide and keep your eyes and ears peeled for movement and memories. Watch elephants and giraffe grazing, photograph zebras and wildebeest, and with a little luck, you'll even spot animals feasting on a recent kill.

Location: Masai Mara

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Kenia Campsite (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Grab those cameras and jump in the safari vehicle with your driver/guide to spot wildlife in the Masai Mara National Reserve. Listen to your guide describe the African bush as you traverse one of the world’s top safari destinations. Masai Mara is known for its abundance of big cats and wildebeest (see if you can capture a picture of one)!

Additional Information: Please note: if you have pre-booked the Masai Mara Balloon Safari, today's likely the day for this activity! Your CEO will give you final confirmation when it will take place, as it is subject to change. You will miss the included morning wildlife safari drive with the group, but you will have a much better view from above!

TRANSPORT: Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride.

ACTIVITY: FULL DAY Masai Mara is one of the world’s top safari destinations, known for its abundance of big cats – cheetahs, leopards, and lions – as well as the two million wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelles, and zebra that migrate annually across the vast grasslands in search of water. Set off on safari with our driver/guide and keep your eyes and ears peeled for movement and memories. Watch elephants and giraffe grazing, photograph zebras and wildebeest, and with a little luck, you'll even spot animals feasting on a recent kill.

Location: Masai Mara, Mai Mahiu, Lake Nakuru National Park

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Nderit Campsite (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Awake to the sounds of the bush as your alarm clock before breaking down camp and jumping in the Lando. Today, the group is heading to Lake Nakuru, known for harbouring flocks of pink flamingos and a rich variety of bird species. Along the way you’ll stop for lunch at Café Ubuntu, a G Adventures-supported project that trains and employs local women and mothers of children with disabilities. You’ll get to explore the craft centre, meet some of the women who create what you see, and sit down for a delicious farm-to-table meal. The group will stop for the afternoon at the safari lodge inside Lake Nakuru National Park then you will be going on a late afternoon wildlife drive to try and spot the resident rhinos in the area.

TRANSPORT: Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride.

ACTIVITY: In the rural settlement of Maai Mahiu is the very special G Adventures for Good supported project, Ubuntu Café. A true social enterprise in the heart of Kenya, this initiative empowers the community, creating over 400 sustainable local jobs for mothers of children with disabilities, and supporting pediatric health and education programs in the region. Sit down to a delicious, organic farm-to-table lunch.

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!

ACTIVITY: Search for rhinos, buffalo, impalas, hyenas, and even lions and leopards on the wildlife safari drive in this renowned national park. Head to the shores of Lake Nakuru to see pelicans and cormorants. The park is also rich in other bird life, including grebes, white winged black terns, stilts, avocets, and ducks.

Location: Lake Nakuru National Park, Eldoret

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Greenwoods Resort and Campsite (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Another day, another chance to see more wildlife and live your African safari dream. After your morning safari drive around Lake Nakuru keeping your eyes wide open in search of black and white rhino, buffalo, impala, and the elusive leopard the group will bump along in the Lando sharing photos of your day on the road to Eldoret.

ACTIVITY: Search for rhinos, buffalo, impalas, hyenas, and even lions and leopards on the wildlife safari drive in this renowned national park. Head to the shores of Lake Nakuru to see pelicans and cormorants. The park is also rich in other bird life, including grebes, white winged black terns, stilts, avocets, and ducks.

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!

Location: Eldoret, Malaba, Kampala

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Red Chilli Hideaway (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

It’s time to cross another country off of those travel lists as you cross the border from Kenya into Uganda. Drive along reminiscing on inside jokes and experiences from the trip before camping in Kampala (the country's capital) where you will arrive in the late afternoon.

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!

ACTIVITY: Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.

Location: Kampala, Lake Bunyonyi

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Bunyonyi Overland Camp (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Even though you get to do something pretty awesome everyday you’re going to cross the equator today in the Lando (which we think is a pretty cool thing to be able to add to a travel resume) and head off to Lake Bunyonyi. The name Bunyonyi means ‘place of many little birds’ and it is undoubtedly the loveliest lake in Uganda. It’s winding shores encircle 29 islands and its surrounded by steep terraced hillsides that will have you wondering if you are somewhere in Asia. But the best part is that Lake Bunyonyi is a croc and hippo free lake (unlike many lakes in East Africa) so you can swim in its crystal-clear waters as much as you like… such bliss!

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!

Location: Gorilla Trek Africa, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Gorilla Trek Africa

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Bunyonyi Overland Camp (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s the day that some of your dreams may just come true because you are going on a guided mountain gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (so insanely cool!) So get ready to embark on an unforgettable hike deep into the jungle through volcano forests alongside a park ranger to search for mountain gorillas. The treks can vary in length and difficulty so be prepared for a challenge, but know that if you spot these majestic creatures (we share 98% of our DNA with them) it will all be worth it. Note: Ugandan authorities are fiercely protective of this natural treasure, and currently permit only a maximum of eight people, per day, to visit a given gorilla family. The group will be split into different sub-groups for the trek, and depending on the number of travellers, different sub-groups may do their trek on different days.

Additional Information: Depending on the date of our permits, it's possible that the gorilla trek will take place on the second full day in Lake Bunyonyi.

ACTIVITY: Take an unforgettable guided trek (1-6 hrs) deep into volcano forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a wildlife encounter of a lifetime, and meet a family of mountain gorillas. One of Africa's major highlights, a close encounter with these amazing animals is simply breathtaking. Get prepared before heading out: bring plenty of water and waterproof clothing (it can rain on only a few minutes’ notice), and be sure to bring protective bags for cameras and film. Dress in layers with long sleeves and long pants to protect against stinging nettles found in the forests. The trek’s often chilly, at first, until you start trekking. Note: Ugandan authorities are fiercely protective of this natural treasure, and currently permit only a maximum of eight people, per day, to visit a given gorilla family. The group will be split into different sub-groups for the trek, and depending on the number of travellers, different sub-groups may do their trek on different days.

Location: Lake Bunyonyi

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Bunyonyi Overland Camp (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Let’s give Lake Bunyonyi some love today. Explore this magical place as the morning mist rises off of the gently lapping waters. With tons of optional activities to choose from like, swimming, hiking, canoeing, bird watching, or a motorboat tour of the lake there’s no time to be bored. Then relax together at the lodge in the evening talking about your group gorilla experiences.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY Get out and do as much or as little as you'd like around Lake Bunyonyi.

Location: Lake Bunyonyi, Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Craters Campsite & Country Lodge (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sit back, relax, and watch the Ugandan countryside slip past on today’s journey to Kalinzu Forest Reserve further north in the country. The forest reserve is part of Queen Elizabeth National Park and is characterized by open savannah, large area of swamp around Lake George, and the extensive Maramagambo Forest in the southeast. There’s a lot of landscapes to experience so what are you waiting for? Get started!

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!

Location: Kalinzu Forest Reserve, Lake Mburo, Lake Mburo National Park

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Leopard Rest Camp (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You know that saying, “the early bird gets the worm” well in this case the early bird gets to see chimpanzees. Get up early for an included chimpanzee tracking excursion and explore the verdant Kalinzu Forest Reserve with a ranger while being on the lookout for these chimpanzee families. Afterwards, the group will visit tea plantation before setting off to Lake Mburo. Once you arrive there you can choose to book an afternoon boat cruise on the lake, or explore the local area on foot.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a chimpanzee tracking excursion through the scenic Kalinzu Forest Reserve. Trek along the ridges and valleys of the Rift Valley escarpment to visit chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Follow forest trails, which offer amazing views over the Rwenzori Mountains, Lake Edward, the Kazinga Channel, and the Congo. The Kalinzu Forest Reserve is steeped in mystery and rich with local legends. Learn about the folklore and uses of the forest from a local guide.

ACTIVITY: Walk through a tea plantation with a local guide. View multiple varietals of tea, and learn about the process of growing tea plants from the harvesting stage to what goes into making the best cup of tea.

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!

Location: Lake Mburo National Park, Jinja

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Nile River Explorers River Camp (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Head back across the equator today in the Lando; Uganda is one of the few countries in the world where you can cross this imaginary geographical line on land. Observe how water swirls in opposite directions on either side of the equator and then stop to enjoy a meal at the G Adventures-supported AidChild Equation Café & Gallery. With full stomachs and even more full hearts the group will continue on to Jinja, the adventure capital of Uganda.

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!

ACTIVITY: Make a stop at AidChild’s Equation Café and Gallery, located at the equator. Surrounded by paintings and other crafts made by local artists, you'll enjoy a meal made with traditional Ugandan ingredients, with a modern twist. Your lunch here directly supports AidChild, a non-profit that provides support, medical care and education to children and youth living with HIV in Uganda.

Location: Jinja, Mabira Forest, Jinja

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Nile River Explorers River Camp (or similar)

Meals: No Meals

Get out there, get active, and have some fun! Explore Jinja today solo or with your group by participating in the plethora of outdoor and adventure activities they have to offer. Choose to raft down the White Nile River, break a sweat mountain biking up and down the hills surrounding the town, or for a more laid back day check out the local market. Keep your eyes ready to spot monkeys and other wildlife that can wander to the outskirts of this town.

Pre-book your rafting adrenaline rush on the checkout page to include the Jinja River Rafting optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY Get out and enjoy the adrenaline capital of Uganda.

Location: Jinja, Malaba, Eldoret

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Greenwoods Resort and Campsite (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today is a bit of a travel day but you won’t mind because you could use the rest, (besides it’s the perfect time to post those Instagram photos that everyone at home is dying to see.) The group will be leaving Uganda and crossing over into Kenya for a night out in Eldoret. Hang out together as a group, maybe grab a drink somewhere and reminisce on the epic(ness) of your trip thus far.

Additional Information: This is an overnight stop in between two long driving days.

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!

ACTIVITY: Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.

Location: Eldoret, Nairobi

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Boulevard (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

After your adventurous experiences yesterday you’ll be glad to have a more low-key travel day to replenish your energy. So sit back and enjoy the ride as the group transfers through the Kenyan countryside to Nairobi. We’re thinking naps, story time, and then maybe a mini dance party in the Lando to get you through the day. (Toto’s Africa song anyone?)

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!

Location: Nairobi, Namanga, Arusha

Accommodation: Vijiji Lodge (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Hop in the shuttle and hit the road in style as you cross through the semi-arid lands of the Maasai people en route to Arusha, Tanzania. Marvel at the epic views of mighty Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance and swap stories with your road trip buddies!

TRANSPORT: FULL DAY Move efficiently from point A to point B aboard this dependable ride.

ACTIVITY: Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.

Location: Arusha, Serengeti National Park

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Seronera Campsite (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Well folks it’s time for the Africa you have all imagined, the experience that has been depicted over and over again in books, movies, and television. So grab those cameras, purchase a quirky bucket hat, and head out on a wildlife safari drive into one of the most famous national parks in Africa; the Serengeti. Get ready for abundant wildlife, vast golden plains dotted with thorny acacia trees, and hippo-filled rivers as you begin a 3-day and 2-night excursion into the park itself and the great Ngorongoro Crater.

Additional Information: The Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater portion of the trip will make use of specialized 4x4 7-seater safari vehicles, with experienced safari driver/guides, who will ensure wonderful wildlife encounters. The safari vehicles each have sliding windows and a large pop-up roof, perfect for viewing animals and scenery. The group will split up among several vehicles and your CEO will spend time in each vehicle over the next three days.

ACTIVITY: This is the reason you came to Africa. Charge your camera, grab your binoculars, and set out on safari. Your eagle-eyed driver will keep an eye out for wildlife – buffaloes, elephants, lions, wildebeests, zebras, and more. Tanzania’s Serengeti tends to be less crowded than some of Kenya’s reserves, so enjoy the scenery, the vast expanse of the grasslands, the play of light and shadow, and the up-close look at wild Africa.

TRANSPORT: Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride with a pop-up top.

Location: Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Simba Campsite (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Grab your buddies and jump aboard for one last morning safari in the Serengeti. As the sun rises higher in the sky watch the animal kingdom come to life in this grassland savannah before returning to break down camp. Then it’s on to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, famous for Africa’s best wildlife viewing. Get ready for epic views from the crater rim and watch as animals meander around below drinking water from the permanent supply on the crater floor. You’ll be setting up camp in the late afternoon at a site near the crater rim and then you can spend the rest of the day enjoying one of the most beautiful wildlife havens on the planet.

Additional Information: Please note: if you have pre-booked the Serengeti Balloon Safari, today's the day for this activity! The CEO will give the final confirmation, as it is subject to change. You will miss the included morning wildlife safari drive with the group, but you will have a much better view from above! If you have not yet pre-booked, add it to your checkout page, or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance. Please note that due to the high-altitude location of our camp, temperatures can drop at night. We recommend bringing extra layers to wear during the evening and following morning.

TRANSPORT: Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride with a pop-up top.

ACTIVITY: This is the reason you came to Africa. Charge your camera, grab your binoculars, and set out on safari. Your eagle-eyed driver will keep an eye out for wildlife – buffaloes, elephants, lions, wildebeests, zebras, and more. Tanzania’s Serengeti tends to be less crowded than some of Kenya’s reserves, so enjoy the scenery, the vast expanse of the grasslands, the play of light and shadow, and the up-close look at wild Africa.

Location: Ngorongoro, Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha

Accommodation: Vijiji Lodge (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

It’s time to experience “Africa’s Garden of Eden” on a more personal level. Today, venture down to the crater floor where the group will embark on a final safari experience. Have those cameras charged and at the ready because, let’s face it if you are going to see any wildlife this would be the place (and we are so excited for you)! The animals are bound to this area by the crater walls and the enclosed nature of the crater means its own ecosystem has been created think; rich grasslands, swamps, acacia forests, and Lake Makat so get ready to see some magic. With full camera rolls the group will exit the crater in the late morning and travel back to Arusha. Swap stories along the way, pick those favourite photos from earlier, or simply sit back and let yourself enjoy the passing scenery as you cruise along.

ACTIVITY: Take part in a cultural walk to learn about life in this East African town. Mto wa Mbu has attracted some 18,000 residents from 120 different tribes. During the two-hour tour, visit the village's local market, go right to the farmer's fields, see how huts are constructed, and meet artisans in their shops. Afterwards, sit down with our new friends and enjoy a traditional lunch of meat and plantains.

TRANSPORT: Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride with a pop-up top.

ACTIVITY: Set the alarm and prepare for an early start to see the wonders of the Ngorongoro Crater. Masai herdsmen appear in the morning mist. Our driver/guide takes us down into the crater and drives us to all the best spots to view wildlife. Watch for zebra, gazelles, buffalo, and warthogs. The swamp and forest are home to hippos, rhinos, elephants, baboons, and monkeys. Keep your eyes peeled and camera ready to capture a pride of lions or a lone leopard walking along the savanna.

Location: Arusha, Stone Town, Dar es Salaam

Accommodation: Kipepeo Beach Village (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Leave Arusha early and be on the lookout for the mighty Mt Kilimanjaro on the road towards Dar es Salaam and watch as the Tanzanian countryside passes by and the blue waters of the Indian Ocean make their debut. The city started as a fishing village in the mid 19th century before becoming a port and trading centre. The group will spend the night here before embarking for the island beaches of Zanzibar. Want to cut travel time in half and spend more time in Stone Town? Pre-book the Zanzibar Express on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour.

Additional Information: Zanzibar Express; transfer this morning from your Arusha hotel to the airport for a scenic flight to Zanzibar. Arrive in Stone Town and spend the afternoon exploring on your own. Enjoy an extra night in Stone Town and meet back up with the group the following day. Only breakfast included.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Location: Dar es Salaam, Stone Town, Zanzibar

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Tausi Palace Hotel (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

After the jam packed last few days of this trip where you are going next is going to be just what you needed. Wake in Dar es Salaam before hopping on the ferry to the paradise of Zanzibar. Get ready for picturesque island beaches that will make you contemplate staying here and living off the grid. Few places on this planet are as entrancing and exotic as this Tanzanian archipelago so get ready to enjoy it, take loads of pictures, and relax in a place that has long lured backpackers and adventurers to it’s sandy shores.

Additional Information: Zanzibar is a Muslim society. Immodestly dressed women or men in shorts will get harassed and cause great offence in Stone Town. On the beach, customs are a little more relaxed, but travellers are encouraged to be respectful of the island's culture and cover up when walking around. Never try to take a photograph without asking permission.

TRANSPORT: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

ACTIVITY: This orientation walk is just a brief introduction. If you'd like to learn more in depth information about Stone Town, we recommended going on a guided city tour.

FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Feel free to explore on your own, or join a guided tour.

Location: Zanzibar Beach Resort, Stone Town, Jambiani, Jozani Forest, Zanzibar Beach Resort

Accommodation: Fun Beach (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Roll out of bed this morning in Stone Town and explore the heart of Zanzibar. Wander the winding historic unpaved alleyways of Stone Town passing by balconies and gigantic wooden carved doors along the way. Get lost and spend hours exploring the streets and squares, drinking potent coffee from pavement vendors and buying sweetmeats from tiny cafes. Keep an eye out for tinga-tinga paintings, antique shops, beautifully printed cloths (kangas and kikois worn by local people), little carved chests with copper inlays, and spices – all beautiful presents or memories to take home. Transfer to the tropical haven of Jambiani for a relaxing few days as a group.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Settle into island life and explore during some free time.

Location: Zanzibar Beach Resort, Jambiani

Accommodation: Fun Beach (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Wake up in this island paradise and get ready to seize the day. You’ll be exploring one of the world’s great cultural crossroads… think Africa meets Arabia and add the Indian Ocean into the mix as the cherry on top. The day is yours to spend as you choose; head out for a diving experience, grab some goggles and go snorkelling, hop aboard a sailing trip, or just lounge on the beach and relax. Zanzibar’s tropical setting, unique culture, and active beach-party scene make this place a very enjoyable East African Indian Ocean experience.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY Do as much or as little as you'd like on this island slice of paradise.

Location: Jambiani, Stone Town

Meals: Breakfast

Your most difficult task today is going to be pulling yourself away from the beauty that surrounds you in Jambiani. Travel back to Stone Town on the other side of the island and explore the heart of Zanzibar. The tour ends in the late morning.

Additional Information: Please note: Today you will be transferred from Jambiani to the Tausi Palace Hotel in Stone Town where the tour will end on arrival. If you have an early flight you will be transferred to the airport. If not, feel free to enjoy some more time in Stone Town before you make your own way to the airport.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.