Jambo! Welcome to Kenya. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm in Nairobi. If you arrive early, why not head out and soak up the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the city. There are plenty of good bars and restaurants, as well as markets and shops packed with arts and crafts from the region. After the meeting tonight, maybe join your new travel companions for a welcome dinner and get to know each other. It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. Unfortunately, petty crime has become common in Nairobi and recently arrived visitors to the capital can often make for tempting targets. Your trip leader will verse you in a few worthwhile precautions at the welcome meeting. Some top tips are to get local advice on where to walk, keep valuables in a neck wallet or money belt or leave them secure in your hotel, and to not leave belongings unattended on chairs or the floor. Stay aware even when inside, as thieves and pickpockets have been known to operate indoors as well. There's no need to be paranoid but appearing vigilant is a great deterrent to would-be thieves.

Take in the spectacular views of the Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha and Elementaita on the drive north-west to Lake Nakuru National Park – situated in the heart of the Great Rift Valley. You’ll arrive in time for a short evening game drive along the shore of the lake. Lake Nakuru National Park is a small and compact area based around a lake that makes a great location for spotting wildlife. Along with the other members of the Big Five, Lake Nakuru is home to many rhinos and will therefore be the best chance to get a snap of these magnificent beasts. Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours. Your camp tonight is located inside the park and has flush toilets and showers. Accommodation upgrades and wi-fi are not available.

Rise early, have some breakfast, break up camp and head out on an overland game drive as you leave the park. Eat lunch at the gate before driving northwest to Eldoret – one of Kenya's fastest-growing cities. Due to its high altitude, the town is an ideal training ground for middle and long-distance athletes and is home to some of Kenya's most famous runners. Tonight, enjoy a traditional dinner at your campsite located just outside Eldoret. Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours. Your camp tonight has basic facilities and wi-fi. Upgrades are possible, subject to availability.

Today, you’ll leave Kenya behind and cross the border into landlocked Uganda, travelling on to its capital city, Kampala. With a population of over 45 million, Uganda is a country of great cultural diversity and is one of the five countries that make up the East African Community. As today is a long travel day, take a break from setting up camp with a stay at a hotel tonight. After your long drive, sit down for a dinner prepared by the hotel before settling in for a good night’s rest. Your travel time today will be approximately 10 hours.

Travel to Kalinzu Forest National Park today. Some of its inhabitants include chimpanzees, black and white colobuses, baboons, red-tailed monkeys, both blue and red duikers, bushbucks, waterbucks, giant forest hogs, buffalo and elephants. When you arrive, settle into your camp and perhaps stretch your legs and explore your surroundings with the rest of the group. Your camp tonight has basic facilities and wi-fi. Upgrades are possible, subject to availability.

This morning, you have the option to take an excursion to see the chimpanzees of Kalinzu Forest. More closely related to humans than any other living creature, the chimpanzees are a delight to watch as they squabble and play in fruiting trees. You can also choose to soak in the sounds of the forest from the comfort of your tent. Later, take the short drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Once camp is set up, there's an option to take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel – well-known for pelicans, eagles and other birdlife, as well as a healthy population of hippos. Chimpanzee trekking is offered as a pre-booked service which will guarantee you a place. If you would rather wait and try to get a better price by booking this locally on the ground, you’re welcome to, but keep in mind that this is a popular activity, and places are limited. Your camp tonight has basic facilities and wi-fi. Upgrades are possible, subject to availability.

Today, drive out of the Queen Elizabeth National Park on your way to the southwest tip of Uganda. On this short game drive, cross your fingers and look out for elephants, buffalo, Ugandan kobs and waterbucks. Arrive at the corner of Uganda, where the border touches Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. You’ll spend the night in Kisoro at a camp on the shore of Lake Mutanda, with views of the Virunga Mountain range. Tonight, relax and soak up the views, go for a swim off the small dock or go hunting for a glimpse of local weaver bird nests and African clawless otters. Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours. Your camp tonight has wi-fi. Accommodation upgrades are not available. There is also a zip-line and high-ropes course, neither of which have passed our safety assessments. We strongly advise you not to use them.

Joined by a local ranger and gorilla trackers, you’ll climb through the rugged mountain terrain of Bwindi (translating to ‘dark’) Impenetrable National Park for the rare and exciting opportunity to encounter the gorilla families that live here. No more than eight people per day can visit any one habituated family and visits are strictly controlled to minimise disturbance. The terrain here can be quite strenuous, but the sheer thrill of coming across a group of gorillas dominated by a great male silverback more than outweighs the difficulty. Watch them eat, sleep, groom and play as the giant silverback surveys the scene and the smaller ones laze in the trees or play and be struck by the similarities between gorillas and humans. You’ll be provided with a walking stick and the option to hire a porter who can carry your day pack and assist you on the trek. It costs USD 20 to hire a porter, plus an optional tip. Hiring a porter not only makes your trek easier but also encourages local communities to embrace gorilla conservation and tourism. Some porters are ex-poachers who now recognize the value of gorilla conservation practices. Your camp tonight has wi-fi. Accommodation upgrades are not available.

If you didn’t get to complete your gorilla visit yesterday, you’ll head out today. With your free day, your leader will provide you with options and ideas on how you can spend your time in the area around Kisoro. You can head out on more rainforest hikes to see monkeys, take some nature walks, or perhaps take a day excursion over the border to Rwanda to visit the genocide memorial, art museum and Nyamirambo women’s center. However, please ensure you have a Rwanda or East Africa visa. Optional activities require additional transport costs of approximately USD 150 that can be shared between 5 travellers. The Golden Monkeys Trek is offered as a pre-booked service, which guarantees you a place. If you would rather wait and try to get a better price by booking locally, you are welcome to, but keep in mind that this is a popular activity, and places are limited. The Rwanda day excursion price depends on the number of travellers. The van costs USD 480 for up to 6 travellers, and entrance fees and tipping are additional costs. Your camp tonight has wi-fi. Accommodation upgrades are not available. For safety reasons we are currently not offering any activities in Parc National des Volcans.

This morning, you’ll turn back towards the capital of Kampala and embark on a bit of a travel day. You’ll break up the journey at the pit-stop town of Mbarara for the night. There’s not much to do around Mbarara, so tonight’s a great opportunity to recharge, get stuck into a book or relax at the camp. Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours. Your camp tonight has basic facilities and wi-fi. Upgrades are possible, subject to availability.

Today you'll continue your journey inland, travelling towards Jinja. The Jinja region is one of the highlights of any visit to Uganda – a riverside retreat at the source of the Nile that’s also the adventure capital of the country. Tonight, you’ll camp at a scenic riverside site and enjoy a good night’s rest ready for tomorrow's adventures. Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours. Your camp tonight has wi-fi, flush toilets and showers. Upgrades are possible, subject to availability.

Located at the source of the Nile as it leaves Lake Victoria, Jinja is a place for the adventurer, the adrenaline junkie and the eco-traveller. Enjoy a full free day here to explore at your own pace, with a bunch of optional activities to choose. Maybe get active with some whitewater rafting or float along the river on a kayak. You can also opt for a boat cruise to the source of the Nile, to enjoy the river from a new perspective. The Source of the Nile boat cruise requires a minimum of 4 travellers.

Farewell Uganda and begin the journey back to Kenya and Nairobi, stopping overnight at the town of Kericho – one of Kenya’s most popular towns due to its tranquil surroundings, blanketed by thick tea plantations and evergreens. Sitting at the edge of the South-Western Mau National Reserve and is known for its vast tea estates. When you arrive, visit a tea plantation and learn about the tea farming process from the locals themselves. Your travel time today will be approximately 9 hours. Your camp tonight is on the grounds of a hotel. Upgrades are possible, subject to availability.

This morning, drive to the famous Maasai Mara National Park. Stop in Loita Hills on the way, home of the traditional Maasai people, and visit Tepesua Village. You’ll be welcomed by Maasai warriors through traditional song and dance. Meet your Maasai hosts and listen to a talk full of insights into the remarkable ancient culture. The Tepesua Community was formed with the aim of promoting education, empowering women (including widows and vulnerable women in the community) as well as promoting community development. There are multiple projects that aim to educate boys and girls and support women’s development and empowerment, focusing especially on the village mamaas (widows). Learn how the community creates job opportunities for the youths in the village and meet the women who make eco-friendly handbags and backpacks to sell to visiting travellers and locals. Travel on to the Maasai Mara – with sparse open plains, dramatic skies and the world's most iconic animals living within its boundaries, this is the quintessential African experience. Explore this diverse environment and view a multitude of wildlife on an early evening 4WD game drive with expert local driver guides. Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours. Your camp tonight does not have wi-fi. Upgrades are possible, subject to availability, and should be paid for in Kenyan Shillings.

This morning, maybe take an optional balloon ride over the Mara at sunrise. If you’ve pre-booked this activity, you’ll be picked up before dawn and driven to the launch site for a safety briefing from your pilot. You’ll then glide through the skies, sometimes at tree height, for some amazing photo opportunities. After landing, you'll be treated to a bush breakfast before meeting up with the rest of the group. Today you’ll venture into the Maasai Mara National Reserve with expert local driver guides for a day-long 4WD safari. You'll explore this diverse environment and most likely see a multitude of wildlife. An optional balloon ride over the Mara at sunrise is offered as a pre-booked service, which guarantees you a place. If you would rather wait and try to get a better price by booking this locally on the ground, you are welcome to—but keep in mind that this is a popular activity, and places are limited. You'll be picked up before dawn and taken to the launch site for a safety briefing with your pilot. As the sun rises, you'll drift through the sky, sometimes floating at tree level, offering incredible photo opportunities. At other times, you'll soar higher, taking in sweeping views of the vast plains and the early morning movements of the wildlife below. After landing, enjoy a bush breakfast before returning to camp to rejoin your group.

This morning, you'll make your way back to the bustling metropolis of Nairobi. On arrival, settle into your hotel and spend the evening at your leisure before attending a second welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your new group. Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours. As this is a combination trip, your trip leader and group members will most likely change today.

Depart early for Mto wa Mbu in your overland truck. The trip includes a border crossing from Kenya into Tanzania, so be sure to have your passport handy. While you're on the road, there will be a stop at an ATM and a market or shop to stock up on any supplies you might need for the coming days. Arrive in Mto wa Mbu and acquaint yourself with this delightful small village – it's a fascinating snapshot of small-town African life, situated well off the tourist trail. Your travel time today will be approximately 10 hours. Your camp tonight has Wi-Fi, a swimming pool, and optional upgrades (subject to availability). We recommend using local currency for any purchases or upgrades.

Get up early, put your camping and personal gear into a six-person jeep and head out for an excursion into the Serengeti via the Ngorongoro Crater. Enjoy a safari in the crater, spending 3 to 4 hours exploring this incredible, perfectly intact volcanic caldera. Watch for black rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, impalas, zebras and hippos. The crater floor offers excellent game viewing all year round (some 30,000 animals live here) and the photo opportunities are unrivalled. Next, it's on to the wide-open plains of the Serengeti. Green after the rains, brown and burnt in the dry season, this is perhaps the quintessential image of Africa – the home of thousands of hoofed animals and fierce predators. Your campsite is within the Serengeti itself, so listen out for the sounds of nocturnal animals as you drift off to sleep. Tonight’s camp is basic with limited running water. No accommodation upgrades or wi-fi are available. Our camp within the Serengeti National Park does not have a fence to separate the camp from the animals. This is quite the experience as animals such as buffalo and hyenas often come close to camp after sundown. On arrival at the camp, your leader will give a detailed safety briefing on what is required to ensure the safety of the group. You may notice some Maasai villages in the region of the Ngorongoro Crater offering a cultural experience. Tuuur recommends avoiding these villages, as they can impact negatively on the Maasai culture and travellers' perceptions of it by selling an artificial experience.

Awake at dawn and embark on a game drive. You will head out while the animals are at their most active, then head back to camp for brunch at around 11 am. After spending the middle of the day relaxing, just like the animals do, head out again as the day begins to cool. You'll return from this second game drive in time for dinner. There's also the option of a balloon ride over the park this morning – in place of some of today’s game drives. If you have pre-booked this activity, you will be picked up before dawn and driven to the launch site. After a safety briefing, glide through the dawn, sometimes at tree height, getting some amazing photo opportunities. Sometimes you will ascend, getting an overview of the enormity of the plains and the early morning movements of the teeming herds. After landing, indulge in a five-star bush breakfast, then be returned to camp. The balloon ride is offered as a pre-booked service which will guarantee you a place. If you would rather wait and get a better price by booking this locally on the ground, you are welcome to, but keep in mind that this is a popular activity and places are limited. If you participate in this activity you will miss the morning half of the included game drive.

Rise with the sun and enjoy another game drive as you leave the Serengeti in your dust. Jump back into your overland vehicle and head for Mto wa Mbu. After setting up camp, we'll take a guided stroll through the farming areas, local homes and farmlands, getting to know the local community and their way of life. Later, we'll enjoy a scrumptious local dinner in town. Your camp tonight has Wi-Fi, a swimming pool, and optional upgrades (subject to availability). We recommend using local currency for any purchases or upgrades.

Prepare yourself for a long travel day heading for the Usambara Mountains. Stretch your legs during a brief supply stop in Arusha, then jump back in the vehicle and watch the ever-changing scenery, read your favourite book or get to really know your fellow travellers. Your base will be Lushoto – an old German colony and home to the Wasambaa people. This highland town sits at approximately 1400 metres and this evening you'll camp in the grounds of one of the oldest hotels in Africa. Your travel time today will be approximately 10 hours.

Explore the beautiful Usambara Mountains today – a lovely unspoilt area of Tanzania. Unlike the coast and the north, very few tourists visit this part of the country, so it has a freshness that can be hard to find elsewhere. As beautiful as the surrounding mountains and rainforests are, however, the real jewels here are the local people and villages. You'll experience some hospitality on a visit to some of the small local communities. From your base, you will take a walk out to the gorgeous Irente viewpoint. It's best to pack some water and snacks in a day pack for this trip. On your way back, visit a local cultural project where you enjoy a prepared lunch.

Leaving the mountains behind, travel further south to the coastal town of Kipepeo Beach in Dar es Salaam. Your camp is by the beach, so make the most of it – perhaps take a stroll along the shore after you arrive and settle in. Your travel time today will be approximately 9 hours. Tonight’s camp is on the grounds of a hotel which has Wi-Fi. Accommodation upgrades are usually possible (subject to availability).

Catch a ferry to Africa's 'Spice Island' of Zanzibar. Filled with pristine white-sand beaches, winding cobblestone alleyways and fragrant bazaars, Zanzibar has had a colourful history – everything from slave traders to Arabian sultans and fruit exporters. The sight of traditional dhows sailing along the coast evokes what the island must have been like in centuries ago. The old part of Zanzibar's main city is known as Stone Town, and the best way to see this is on foot, exploring the markets, shops, mosques, palaces and courtyards. When the sun is setting, why not grab a drink from a bar overlooking the seafront. A seafood curry at a local restaurant is also a great choice. You'll spend the night in Stone Town at a basic inn. As this is a combination trip the composition of your group may change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and meet your new fellow travellers. Please note the Zanzibar portion of your itinerary may have more passengers than the maximum group size of 22 as we have a crossover of trips starting and finishing in Zanzibar.

Once checked out of your Stone Town accommodation, consider booking in to an optional guided tour of the island's spice plantations, learning all about the history of this town's spice trade. You will have the opportunity to smell and taste various spices, such as cinnamon, vanilla and ginger, plus sample some teas made with these spices too. After lunch, head to the Northern Beaches, where white sands and sparkling blue seas await. This is the Indian Ocean at its best. If you choose not to book in on the optional Zanzibar spice tour this morning, you will be transported directly to the island's Northern Beaches.

Ease into the day with the sound of gentle waves and soft ocean breezes. With a full day free to enjoy Zanzibar’s coastline, you might choose to take a refreshing swim, stretch out on the beach beneath the palms, or savour the flavours of the island with a seafood dinner by the water. However you spend it, today is all about slowing down and letting the rhythm of island life take over.

After checking out of your accommodation this morning, you will make your way back to Stone Town, arriving at a centrally-located hotel around 12 pm. With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave at any time. That doesn't mean your adventure has to come to an end! If you wish to stay on in Zanzibar, either at the Northern Beaches beach resort or in Stone Town, we'll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability). If you wish to organise onward transfers today, please note that the easiest option is to fly out of Zanzibar Airport. However, if you have arranged to fly out of Dar es Salaam Airport, ferries depart Zanzibar at 7.30 am, 9.30 am, 12.30 pm and 3.30 pm. It's important to allow enough time to get back to mainland Africa if you need to catch your departing flight from Dar es Salaam. Speak to your group leader earlier in your trip for more information.