18-Nights Uganda to Tanzania Overland Safari with Participation Camping - Classic

18 nights from: $5,311

Uganda to Tanzania Overland Safari with Participation Camping
Witness the wildlife of Uganda, lounge on the sunny beaches of Zanzibar, and spend 19 days journeying overland across East Africa. From tracking mountain gorillas through remote forest for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, to pursuing the elusive "big five" across open savannah and camping in the remote wilderness, this trip is for the adventurous spirit dreaming of reaching some of the wonders of this vast continent.

Highlights
Track the "big five" on wildlife safari drives in the Serengeti National Park, Spend a night camping on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater, Trek through lush rainforest in search of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, Choose to raft down the White Nile River while in Jinja, Lounge in the sand of Zanzibar’s beaches and swim in crystal-clear waters of this East African archipelago

Accomodation
Camping in Africa is truly an adventure. You will be able to get off the beaten track to get a first-hand experience of the beautiful wilderness and nature. While camping, we stay at designated campsites in national parks and outside towns. Campsite facilities in eastern Africa are generally good, but can be basic in certain places. There are generally small restaurants and/or bars, washing facilities and occasionally telephones available. The camps have flush toilets, and showers at some camps are outdoors, having simple reed enclosures for privacy. Additionally, warm water is available at most sites, but it is not guaranteed to always be warm when you take your shower; the warm water may be used up others who also use the camp. We usually set-up camp within close proximity to the toilet facilities, though occasionally to reach them you may to walk a short distance. All camping equipment (with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow) is supplied, including camp mattresses, which are warm and comfortable. We supply dome tents and assembly/disassembly takes only 5 minutes. They are good quality, durable, industry-standard 2-person safari canvas tents. Please note that most adults will not be able to fully stand up inside the tents, though most travellers find these more than adequate, as they have a base area of approximately 4 square meters. These tents are regularly treated with a waterproofing agent, but under certain rainy conditions, the tent fabric may become saturated to the point where seepage or leakage may occur. All tents have built-in mesh insect netting on the windows and doors. We travel with our own portable camp stools, and we utilize our own cooking equipment to provide the group good quality camp meals. In camping within the national parks and conservation areas, some camp sites are enclosed for keeping the resident wildlife out. Other camps are open to the natural environment – care must be taken, especially at night, when a torch/flashlight is recommended when walking around the camp area. The campsite in Serengeti National Park is extremely basic, with no electricity, simple bathing facilities (no showers), and squat toilets. While camping at the Ngorongoro Crater rim, there is very limited electricity, occasionally warm showers, and both seated and squat flushing toilets. The campsites for the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are open sites, where the wildlife can wander into the area, but they are safe. Despite the challenge that a few days "roughing it" may pose to some, the experience of being that close to nature, camping under the African stars, and seeing incredible wildlife at your tent door-step is not just gratifying but ultimately an experience of a lifetime. ** NOTE ** - In Zanzibar, we stay in standard, twin-share accommodation. Please note that our Zanzibar Beach Resort location is subject to change due to availability. - Before booking any post nights in Zanzibar please CONTACT US to confirm the location.

Group Leader
On this journey, you will be accompanied on your trip by 2 crew members - a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and a driver. (Kampala to Nairobi); or you will be accompanied by one Chief Experience Officer (Nairobi to Zanzibar). The Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will be the group manager and leader. He/she organizes the trip, and will be there to assist you when needed. He/she will take care of the small things so you can concentrate on enjoying your adventure. All of our CEOs in southern and East Africa are experienced group leaders, with a broad knowledge base of the region’s history, cultures, and wildlife. Your leader will be from either southern or East Africa depending on which part of the tour you are on. All of our overland adventure vehicle (OAV) drivers are experienced in the routes travelled, and highly skilled in dealing with different terrains. All of our cooks will organize and lead the meal preparation, and have experience in cooking a variety of local and international dishes for large groups. In Uganda, during the actual gorilla trek we use an experienced and certified local mountain guide, expert gorilla trackers, and armed guards to accompany you for your safety. In the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater to round out the team, along with your CEO, you will be accompanied by a local safari crew consisting of an expert driver/guide and camp cook. Your driver/guide is skilled and experienced driver and a certified safari guide, and is an integral part of the team. As well, your cook will prepare the camp meals to add some further local flavour to the trip. We also use local guides for some included activities where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting.

Group Size Notes
Max 20, avg 18.

Meals Included
17 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 9 dinners

What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: AidChild Cafe & Gallery, Kayabwe
Your G for Go

Uganda's second-largest city, Jinja is situated where the White Nile leaves Lake Victoria on its 3,470-mi/5,590-km journey to the Mediterranean. There is a small plaque that commemorates the spot where the explorer John Speke claimed he had found the source of the Nile in 1862. Free Jinja Travel
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Jinja Travel Agents

Although the river can be interesting, don't expect much: It's now the site of Owen Falls Dam and is no longer in its natural state. Sunset cruises to the Source are popular.

On the riverbanks, there are some lively campsites and bars, and it is the center for Uganda's burgeoning white-water rafting industry and various other adrenaline-inducing activities. We don't expect Idi Amin would have ever imagined that you could bungee jump over the Nile in Uganda—but you can today. Kayaking is also offered, as is quad biking, horseback riding and ziplining in the villages along the banks of the Nile.

The city, 50 mi/80 km east of Kampala, is an expat haven, and visitors will find juice bars, coffee shops, yacht clubs and community events.