This is our longest overland route, a genuine point-to-point journey from Nairobi to Kampala crossing three countries entirely by road, taking in the Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater before closing with gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Forest.
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival at Nairobi, meeting your overland group and truck crew.
Arrive Nairobi, Overland Briefing
Accommodation
BudgetNairobi campsite, dome tents
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2
An overland drive to the Maasai Mara, with an afternoon game drive on arrival.
Transfer to Maasai Mara
Accommodation
BudgetPublic campsite, dome tents
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3
A full day across the Mara’s plains for lion, leopard and elephant.
Full Day Maasai Mara Game Drives
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4
An overland border crossing into Tanzania, continuing toward the Serengeti.
Cross Border to Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Accommodation
BudgetPublic campsite, dome tents
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5
A full day across the Serengeti’s plains for lion, leopard and, seasonally, the migration.
Full Day Serengeti Game Drives
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6
An overland drive to the crater rim, camping at a site on the rim itself.
Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation
BudgetSimba Public Campsite, crater rim
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7
A full day descended onto the crater floor among lion, elephant and black rhino.
Ngorongoro Crater Floor Game Drive
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8
An overland drive toward the Lake Victoria region, breaking up the longer westward journey.
Transfer to Lake Victoria Region
Accommodation
BudgetBasic guesthouse, Mwanza area
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9
An overland border crossing into Uganda, continuing toward Mbarara.
Cross Border to Uganda
Accommodation
BudgetBasic guesthouse, Mbarara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10
A drive to Bwindi, arriving in time to rest before the following day’s trek.
Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Accommodation
BudgetBuhoma Community Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11
A full day tracking a habituated mountain gorilla family through Bwindi’s forest, the trip’s finale.
Gorilla Trekking, Bwindi
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12
A drive back toward Kampala, with an optional stopover game drive at Lake Mburo National Park.
Transfer Toward Kampala via Lake Mburo
Accommodation
BudgetBasic guesthouse, en route
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 13
A drive to Kampala, with the afternoon free to explore the city.
Arrive Kampala, Free Day
Accommodation
BudgetBackpackers hostel, Kampala
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 14
A transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your onward international flight.
Departure
Meals: Breakfast
Permits & Costs
| Maasai Mara conservancy/reserve fees | ~$100 per person per day |
| Serengeti park entry | ~$82 per person per day |
| Ngorongoro Conservation Area fee | ~$70 per person per day, plus crater descent |
| Uganda gorilla permit | $800 per person (fixed government fee) |
Who This Itinerary Suits
Committed overland travellers with two weeks to spare, wanting the full three-country journey rather than a shorter loop.Tour Includes
- Shared overland truck transport, Nairobi to Kampala
- Camping equipment where applicable
- Professional driver and cook crew
- Meals as specified
- Park entry, crater descent & gorilla permit
Tour Excludes
- International flights (arriving Nairobi, departing Entebbe)
- Sleeping bags (available for hire locally)
- Visas
- Tips & gratuities
- Travel insurance