28-Day Game Parks, Gorillas & Zanzibar Safari
Destinations: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zanzibar
DAY-BY-DAY BREAKDOWN SUMMARY
| Day | Destination | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival Nairobi, Kenya | Transfer to hotel, briefing |
| Day 2-3 | Amboseli National Park | Game drives, elephant herds, Kilimanjaro views |
| Day 4-5 | Lake Nakuru National Park | Rhinos, flamingos, Rothschild’s giraffes |
| Day 6-8 | Maasai Mara National Reserve | Game drives, Big Cats, optional balloon safari |
| Day 9-10 | Lake Victoria & Jinja | Source of the Nile, white-water rafting (optional) |
| Day 11-12 | Kibale Forest NP, Uganda | Chimpanzee tracking, Bigodi wetland |
| Day 13-14 | Queen Elizabeth NP | Game drives, Kazinga Channel boat cruise |
| Day 15-16 | Bwindi Impenetrable NP | Gorilla trekking (1-2 days) |
| Day 17 | Lake Bunyonyi | Relaxation, canoeing |
| Day 18-19 | Transfer to Tanzania | Fly Entebbe to Kilimanjaro, drive to Arusha |
| Day 20-22 | Serengeti National Park | Game drives following Great Migration |
| Day 23 | Ngorongoro Crater | Crater game drive (rhinos guaranteed) |
| Day 24 | Lake Manyara | Game drive, tree-climbing lions |
| Day 25 | Fly to Zanzibar | Transfer to beach resort |
| Day 26-27 | Zanzibar Beach | Relaxation, Stone Town tour, spice tour |
| Day 28 | Departure | Fly Zanzibar to international connection |
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
| Inclusions | Exclusions |
|---|---|
| All airport transfers | International airfare |
| All internal flights (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zanzibar) | Visas: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania |
| Private 4×4 vehicles with expert guides | Travel insurance |
| Accommodation (27 nights: safari lodges/camps + beach resort) | Personal expenses |
| All meals on safari (breakfast, lunch, dinner) | Alcoholic drinks |
| Gorilla permits ($800) | Tips for guides, staff ($30-40/day total) |
| Chimpanzee tracking permit ($250) | Spa treatments at beach |
| All park entry fees | Water sports equipment rental |
| Kazinga Channel boat cruise | Optional activities (balloon safaris) |
| Lake Bunyonyi canoe excursion | Premium drinks |
| All applicable government taxes |
BEST TIME TO VISIT
| Segment | Best Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya Safari | July-October, January-March | Avoid April-May rains |
| Uganda Gorillas | June-September, December-February | Dry months best |
| Tanzania Safari | July-October, January-March | Follows migration |
| Zanzibar Beach | June-October, December-February | Dry, sunny, less humidity |
| Overall Best | July-September | All destinations good |
WHAT TO PACK
| Category | Essential Items |
|---|---|
| Safari Wear | Neutral colors, long pants (8 pairs), long-sleeved shirts (8), fleece, waterproof jacket, wide-brimmed hat |
| Gorilla Trekking | Waterproof hiking boots, gaiters, gardening gloves |
| Beach Wear | Swimwear, light clothing, sandals, sun hat, cover-ups |
| Gear | Binoculars, camera with 200-400mm lens, extra batteries, power bank |
| Health | DEET repellent, high-SPF sunscreen, personal medications, anti-malarial |
| Documents | Passport, visas, Yellow Fever certificate, travel insurance |
| Luggage | Soft-sided duffel for safari (15kg limit), separate bag for beach (leave in storage) |
RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATION
| Destination | Luxury | Mid-Range |
|---|---|---|
| Nairobi | Hemingways Nairobi, Giraffe Manor | Fairmont The Norfolk, Sarova Stanley |
| Amboseli | Tortilis Camp, Tawi Lodge | Amboseli Serena, Ol Tukai Lodge |
| Lake Nakuru | The Cliff | Sarova Lion Hill, Lake Nakuru Lodge |
| Maasai Mara | Angama Mara, &Beyond Bateleur Camp | Mara Serena, Keekorok Lodge |
| Jinja | Jinja Nile Resort, Wildwaters Lodge | 2 Friends Jinja, Kingfisher Resort |
| Kibale | Kyaninga Lodge, Ndali Lodge | Primate Lodge Kibale, Kibale Forest Cottages |
| Queen Elizabeth | Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Elephant Plains | Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge |
| Bwindi | Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Clouds | Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Mahogany Springs |
| Lake Bunyonyi | BirdNest Lodge | Bunyonyi Eco Resort |
| Arusha | Arusha Coffee Lodge, Legendary Lodge | The African Tulip, Mount Meru Hotel |
| Serengeti | Four Seasons Safari Lodge, Singita properties | Serengeti Serena, Serengeti Sopa |
| Ngorongoro | &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge | Ngorongoro Serena, Ngorongoro Sopa |
| Lake Manyara | Lake Manyara Tree Lodge | Lake Manyara Serena |
| Zanzibar | Zuri Zanzibar, Baraza Resort | Zanzibar Serena, Melia Zanzibar |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Is 28 days too long?
A: For dedicated travelers, it’s perfect. The variety keeps it interesting—safaris, primates, culture, and beach relaxation.
Q: How do I handle luggage for multiple segments?
A: Pack a soft-sided duffel (15kg) for safari segments and a separate bag for beach. Leave the safari bag in storage during Zanzibar.
Q: What’s the fitness level required?
A: Moderate—gorilla trekking requires good fitness. The rest of the itinerary is accessible to most travelers.
Q: Can I do this itinerary in reverse?
A: Yes, start in Zanzibar and work your way through Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya.
Q: What about visas for multiple countries?
A: Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda use East Africa Tourist Visa ($100). Tanzania requires separate visa ($50). Apply online before travel.