Detailed 40 Days Kenya Uganda Tanzania, Malawi & Zambia Safari – Gorilla trekking & Victoria Falls
Discovering Africa’s Hidden Gems Together- 1 month plus self drive adventure to East and South Africa is tailored for off road adventures and starts from Nairobi Kenya with the ending destination being Lusaka Zambia where you will drop the rental cars as you take flights back home. If your not considering long trips then consider 2 weeks Rwanda Tanzania Self drive tour as the best alternative for this long road trip adventure.
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi Kenya & Pick up the rental Jeeps
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta international Airport , you will be welcomed by the team of Self drive East Africa where you will start on the adventure by feeling the warm Kenya Capital City driving in the open vans as you do shopping and stocking for the long trip within East Africa and south Africa under the guidance of experienced local Safari guide from Self Drive Uganda.
If time allows , going for a short drive from the city center, and visit the elephant orphanage to see rescued elephants and learn about conservation efforts.
Accommodation: Wildebeest Eco Camp & Karen Camp
Its from this accommodation that you will find the cars parked , you will stock them and double confirm that all cars have the required documents for your 40 days Self drive itinerary in East Africa.
Day 2: Transfer to Masai Mara National Reserve
After enjoying breakfast set off on your drive to Masai Mara National Reserve, You will reach at the park which is the favorite wildlife watching place in Kenya and renown for wildlife watching as it shares the border line with Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. As the rules don’t allow self drive safaris in Masai Mara , we shall have arranged the experienced drivers that will take you during the game drive in your very cars rented from Self drive Uganda. During the game drive in Masai Mara you will see the big five animals including lions, cheetahs, leopards, cape buffaloes.
Accommodation: Mara Explorers Camp & Oloololo Campsite
Day 3: Full-Day Game Drive in Masai Mara National Reserve
You will again be joined by the Safari drivers that you had the previous day and go for the full day game drives in the Maasai Mara, Picnic lunch in the bush and after proceed with the Game drive. Late evening return to the campsite for dinner and a night at the above lodge.
Accommodation: Mara Explorers Camp & Oloololo Campsite
Day 4: Transfer from Masai Mara National Reserve to Jinja, Uganda
After morning breakfast at the camp , you will set off to drive connecting to Uganda via Busia Border where you will find our clearing agents awaiting to show you the entry into Uganda. The Clearing agent will clear cars and you secure your stamp entry into Uganda the pearl of Africa that is known for the gorilla trekking , chimpanzee watching and golden monkey ( Primates ). After you will proceed to drive to jinja city.
Accommodation: Haven Lodge or Nile River Explorers Camp.
Day 5: White water rafting on the Nile;
As early as 6:30am , you will head to the starting point for water rafting the depending on where the waters are strong and the rapid selected by the travelers, Self drive Uganda head guide will take you to the start point and take an hour or full day white water rafting on the Nile under the expertise of Nile Explorer guide. Later you will return to the camp to relax in the evening hours or you can decide to visit the source of the Nile in the late afternoon
Day 6: Bungee Jumping and Walking Safari in Jinja City.
After morning breakfast at the camp, you will go for bungee jumping on the Nile River as you explore Rive Nile from the sky and later you wil return to the camp for lunch and later relax in the green forests close to the camp . A Self guided walking Safari around jinja city is recommended to enable understand the history of jinja city which is the oldest trade city by the Arabs
Accommodation: Nile River Explorers Campsite & The Haven Campsite
Day 7: Transfer from Jinja City to Ziwa Rhino Tracking
You will have a relaxed morning breakfast and start on the drive to connect to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary the best place for walking with the Rhinos in Uganda , its the only destination in Uganda where your assured of seeing the white Rhinos as the case for Black rhinos in Mkomazi National Park Tanzania.
Accommodation: Ziwa Rhino Camp
Day 8: Shoebill Watching, Rhino watching & Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
You will set off early morning and head for shoe bill watching in ziwa swamps and later go for Rhino trekking , have lunch at the canteen and later proceed to drive to Murchison falls National Park the place with the world’s most powerful falls. Murchison falls is the largest national Park in Uganda and offers great wildlife watching on Self drive Safari in Uganda.
Accommodation: Red Chilli campsite
Day 9: Morning game drive, falls and Boat cruise
You will go an early morning game drive where you expect to see different wild animals like elephants, Kobs among others. You will drive back at the lodge have breakfast and drive at the falls. Return at the lodge for lunch, relax and later at 2: 00 pm you will go for an afternoon boat cruise on the Nile which is the same river that you had visited in Jinja.
Accommodation: Delta Campsite
Day 10: Transfer from Kibale National Park
You will have breakfast at the camp and start on the drive to south western Uganda where you will have a stop at Fort portal town , the best destination known as Tourism City for lunch and later proceed to Kibale forest national Park which is the home for 13 primates. Most of Uganda primate Safaris take you to Kibale Forest National Park. Driving the drive you will see scenic landscapes , Tea Plantation and in the evening go for bigodi swamp walk.
Accommodation : Kibale Forest Camp or Little Monkey Camp or Public UWA Campsite
Day 11: Chimpanzee trekking and Community visit
Early morning breakfast and join your range for chimpanzee tracking experience in Kibale Forest, arguably Africa’s largest surviving hardwood forest. The forest is home to 13 primate species, birds and many other forest animal species. After trekking, you will drive back to the lodge for lunch and later visit Bigodi wetland area for a great nature walk and remarkable bird life. Spend your evening relaxing at the lodge. Dinner and overnight as above.
Day 12: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After morning breakfast you will transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park via the crater lakes, you will explore the crater lakes within the kibale areas and later proceed to Queen Elizabeth national park which is one of the best savanna parks in the pearl that harbors plenty of wildlife species seen on a game drive. Upon park arrival, you will check in your campsite and relax.
Accommodation: The Kasenyi safari Camp & Mweya Safari Camp
Day 13: Game Drive & Boat Cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park
After morning breakfast , you will head for self drive morning Game Drive explore the park’s diverse habitats, from Savannah to wetlands, home to numerous wildlife species later return to the campsite for lunch, in the afternoon you will do a Boat cruise Safari on the Kazinga Channel: During the boat trip you hope to see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife up close later return to the campsite for evening relaxation
Accommodation: The Kasenyi safari Camp & Mweya Safari Camp
Day 14: Transfer to Kalinzu for Chimpanzee trekking
Wake up early and prepare to be taken for briefing at the starting point in Kalinzu Forest. Kalinzu forest is an underground forest that was created by secondary faulting after the formation of the East African rift valley. Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu is remarkable because it offers tourists a chance to discover its biodiversity. Later after that you will return to the camp and enjoy a relaxing evening as you watch the forest and Tea plantation.
Accommodation: Kalinzu Forest Camp
Day 15: Transfer from Kalinzu to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast , you will start to drive towards Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park which is long journey and the location of your accommodation will depend on the gorilla permits secured. You will have a stop over at Kabale Heritage Sites and later proceed Bwindi Impenetrable National Park where you will arrive in the late Afternoon. Arrivals during lunch time, check in, have lunch, and relax.
Accommodation: Ruhija Gorilla Mist Camp or Ruhija Community Camp & Rushaga Gorilla Camp
Day 16: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Transfer to Volcanoes Rwanda
You will have early morning breakfast and transfer to the park headquarters for briefing by the ranger guide and later head into the forest trekking until you encounter the mountain gorillas. This could take 2-4 hours depending on the movement of the gorillas. On finding them, you will be allowed to spend one hour with these gentle giants and after trekking, you will eat your packed lunch from the lodge. Where you will unwind. Later you will drive to connect to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda that hosts the Mountain gorillas , Golden Monkey within the Virunga Massif.
You will be crossing the Uganda Rwanda border from Cyanika Border – Our Clearing agent will process you to enter the jeeps into Rwanda the land of thousand hills.
Accommodation: Ruhija Gorilla Mist Camp or Ruhija Community Camp & Rushaga Gorilla Camp
Day 17: Golden Monkey Tracking & Transfer to Kigali
You will have early morning breakfast and transfer to the park headquarters for briefing by the ranger guide.Tracking golden monkeys starts with a briefing which takes place at park offices at around 7:30am. After the briefing, if you have heavy luggage you will hire a porter to help you carry your luggage at small amount of money. Tracking golden monkeys takes a shorter time (about an hour) and is less strenuous than gorilla trekking activity, later hike back to starting point and transfer back to hotel for lunch and later start on the drive to connect to Kigali city
Accommodation: The Nest Kigali
Day 18: Transfer from Kigali to Biharamulo Forest Reserve Tanzania
Considering the speed limit in Rwanda being 60kms /hr , you will set off from Kigali and drive in the direction of Akagera National park where you will cross to Tanzania via Rusumo border to Tanzania as its the mostly used border for self drive itineraries from Tanzania to Rwanda with Self drive East Africa. The Journey needs to be planned very well as you have border crossing and you have to pay 20-25$ Tanzania Toll road fees for the extension of the car and then exit the cars from Rwanda so that you secure the entry into Tanzania and proceed to Biharamulo town where you will spend a night
Accommodation : Biharamulo Forest Reserve camping site
Day 19: Biharamulo Forest Reserve to Mwanza
You will have morning breakfast at the Biharamulo forest reserve Camp and start on the drive to Mwanza where you will cross the bridge to welcome you into Mwanza on the shores of Lake Victoria. You will Relax at the lake shores by yourself.
Check into a campsite Yacht Club Campsite
Day 20: Transfer from Mwanza to Serengeti National Park
After morning breakfast , you will set off to drive the 156 kms connecting to Ndebaka Gate which is located on the western side of Serengeti where you will do the game drive and proceed to camp in western Serengeti.
Accommodation : Public Campsite
Day 21: Full-Day Game Drive in Serengeti National Park
You will start your morning with hot coffee at the camp and start on the morning game drive connecting from the western Serengeti National Park to Central Serengeti which is the tourism lock for massive Tanzania Safaris . The Game drive will as you connect to Central Serengeti where you can refuel the jeeps and proceed with the adventure – Rubis petrol station only takes visa Card Payment. See the vast plains are home to large populations of predators and herbivores.
Accommodation: Seronera Campsite & Nyani Campsite
Day 22: Game drive in Serengeti as en route to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
You will start the morning with breakfast and start driving towards the ngorongoro crater as you will exit the Serengeti park via the Naabi gate and enter the Ngorongoro crater which is the best dream for any self drive travelers selecting Northern circuit self drive trip with Self drive East Africa. Ngorongoro Conservation is frequently described as one of the wonders of the world, not only because of its geological magnificence, but also because it serves as an extraordinary natural sanctuary for some of Africa’s largest populations of large mammals.
You will visit the ngorongoro crater on this day so that you can save on Park entrance which is quite expensive , you will head into the crater , do game drive and later exit the crater and proceed to the campsite.
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Simba Campsite
Day 23: Transfer to lake Manyara
After Morning breakfast at the hotel , you will prepare to exit the camp and start on the drive to connect to Lake Manyara National Park where you will spend the evening chilling on the shores of Lake Manyara.
Accommodation: Lake Manyara Campsite
Day 24: Birding on Lake Manyara & Transfer to Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, you’ll check in and embark on a 6 hour game drive through the park’s diverse ecosystems. Known for its stunning landscapes and the iconic lake, often home to flocks of pink flamingos, Lake Manyara is a wildlife haven. Your guide will lead you in search of the park’s famous tree-climbing lions and large herds of elephants. With over 400 bird species, it’s also a paradise for birdwatchers. After return to the camp for hot lunch and later transfer to tarangire National Park for the overnight.
Accommodation: Tarangire Public campsite
Day 25: Game drive Tarangire National Park
we shall start our beautiful journey to Tarangire National Park for Game drive. Inside the park you will enjoy your lunch while watching a number of elephants herds and later we shall transfer to your Lodge for dinner, relaxation and overnight stay.
Tarangire National Park it’s very famous for its elephant population. Here you will have unique experience seeing nature combine with original way of life of Masaai. Tarangire offers unparalleled game viewing, and during the dry season elephants abound.
Accommodation: Tarangire Public Campsite
Day 26: Transfer to Dodoma City
You will Start the day by driving to the former capital city of Tanzania Dodoma where you will break the journey before connecting to Mikumi National Park which is for the next day drive in the wilderness of Southern Tanzania offering great wildlife watching experiences.
Accommodation: Grumeti Migration Camp
Day 27: Transfer from Dodoma to Mikumi National Park
Depart Dodoma early for the long drive to Mikumi National Park. The route will take you through Morogoro, with a chance to stop for lunch along the way. Arrive at Mikumi National Park and, if time permits, enjoy an evening game drive.Overnight at the campsite.
Accommodation: Mikumi Bandas Campsite
Day 28: Game drive in Mikumi National Park
Enjoy a morning game drive in Mikumi National Park, spotting wildlife like lions, zebras, and giraffes. You will relax in the late evening at the lodge and we recommend some swimming at Tan-Swiss Lodge as it has swimming pool
Accomodation: Mikumi Bandas Campsite
Day 29: Transfer from Mikumi National Park to Mbeya Town
You will wake up early morning for breakfast and prepare for the long drive to connect to Mbeya Town which is the stop over and best recommended way to break the journey while on an expedition into East Africa as you will be exiting into the southern countries of Africa.
The drive may take you 10 hours to 11 hours and it requires you to be ready and fresh in the mind for the great adventure with Self drive Uganda limited.
Accommodation: Utengule Coffee Lodge
Day 30 Transfer from Mbeya Town to Lake Malawi
You will enjoy hot coffee and start on the journey to Lake Malawi , take a note that its not ease day as you have border crossing into Malawi , be prepared for some delays , and clearance of the rental cars which requires you to present a lot of documents for the jeep to be crossed into another country as the case was for entry to Tanzania . Upon Clearance of the immigration and the revenue department , you will proceed to drive to lake Malawi and mostly you will be visiting the northern Lake Malawi Side. The border crossing for Tanzania and Malawi will be Songwe Border
Accommodation: Chilumba Jetty Campsite
Day 31: Northern Lake Malawi to Liwonde National Park (Malawi)
Depart from Northern Lake Malawi and head south towards Liwonde National Park. Continue driving through Malawi’s scenic countryside. Arrive at Liwonde National Park, known for its diverse wildlife. Please consider checking on the road conditions as it tends to be in sorry state when it rains. Call will be done by the safari driver guide leader to confirm the conditions.
Accommodation: Mvuu Camp
Day 32: Explore Liwonde National Park
Enjoy game drives and boat safaris in Liwonde National Park. Look out for elephants, hippos, and various bird species. Evening: Return to Mvuu Camp for a relaxing evening.
Accommodation: Mvuu Camp
Day 33: Liwonde to Victoria Falls (Livingstone, Zambia)
After morning breakfast you will set off from Liwonde National Park and head towards the Zambia-Malawi border, crossing into Zambia and Continue the drive towards Livingstone. You will arrive in the late afternoon and set up the camp.
Accommodation: The Victoria Falls Waterfront Campsite & Victoria Falls Rest Camp
Day 34: Explore Victoria Falls
You will spend the day as you wish since its mainly for Visit Victoria Falls, one of the world’s most impressive natural wonders. Enjoy the viewpoints and consider activities like a guided tour or a helicopter flight.
Accommodation: The Victoria Falls Waterfront Campsite & Victoria Falls Rest Camp
Day 35: Relax on the Victoria Falls
Explore the Optional activities such as a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River or visiting local markets.
Day 36: Relax at the camp Site
You will the laundry services , check and clean the clothes, car cleaning and the camping gears as the last moments to use them will be at this point since when you head to Lusaka city you will be using hotels for the next 3 Days to refresh your minds and reflect on the memory your have secured from the self drive experience in Africa.
Day 37: Transfer from Victoria Falls to Lusaka
Depart from Livingstone and head towards Lusaka. Afternoon: Drive through Zambia’s countryside. Evening: Arrive in Lusaka and set up camp. Accommodation: Eureka Camping Park room section
Day 38: City Tour of Lusaka
You will go for city tour on walking or using the local tax cabs and tour cars that will be secured for the city tour and shopping is among the available activities to be done.
Day 39: Packing and Shopping
You will spend this day re packing and reflecting on the memory your taking home as you discuss with the travel mates about the entire journey as you enjoy the camp fire in the evening.
Day 40: Lusaka to Airport and Flight Back Home
Depending on your flight time, you may have some time to explore Lusaka or relax at the campsite. Afternoon: Head to Lusaka’s airport for your international flight back home.
