Self-Launched Game Parks, Gorillas & Zanzibar — Kenya, Uganda & Tanzania in 28 Days

Take an early morning shared matatu or shuttle bus from Nairobi's downtown bus stands to Nakuru town (~2.5 hrs, £3–5). Check into a guesthouse in Nakuru town, then join an afternoon shared game drive into Lake Nakuru National Park — famous for its flamingos, rhinos, and leopards. Book a shared safari jeep directly at the park gate or via a local operator in Nakuru (~£25–35 pp including park fees).

🚌Nairobi to Nakuru: shared matatu or shuttle bus (~£4, 2.5 hrs)

🛏Budget guesthouse in Nakuru town, e.g. Nakuru Backpackers or Waterbuck Hotel (~£12–16/night)

• →Afternoon shared game drive at Lake Nakuru National Park
• →Flamingo and rhino spotting

Travel by shared matatu from Nakuru to Eldoret (~2 hrs, £4). Eldoret is a transit stop — explore the local market, grab a cheap meal at a local restaurant, and rest up before the long Uganda border crossing the next day.

🚌Nakuru to Eldoret: shared matatu (~£4, ~2 hrs)

🛏Budget guesthouse in Eldoret, e.g. Naiberi River Campsite & Resort (~£10–14/night)

• →Explore Eldoret town market
• →Rest and preparation for Uganda border crossing

Take a morning coach from Eldoret to the Malaba border crossing into Uganda (~2 hrs), cross on foot, then pick up an onward shared taxi or bus to Kampala (~4–5 hrs, total ~£8–12). Arrive in Kampala in the afternoon. Check into a hostel and explore the lively Kabalagala or Kololo neighbourhoods for dinner.

🚌Eldoret to Malaba border by coach (~£4), border crossing on foot, Malaba to Kampala shared taxi (~£7, ~4 hrs)

🛏Kampala hostel, e.g. Backpackers Hostel Uganda or Red Chilli Hideaway (~£10–15/night dorm)

• →Cross Uganda border at Malaba
• →Arrive and settle in Kampala
• →Evening exploration of local restaurants

Catch a morning shared minibus or bus from Kampala to Fort Portal (~4–5 hrs, £6–8), the gateway town for Kibale Forest National Park. From Fort Portal, take a boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) or shared taxi to the park (~30 min, £2–3). Check into a budget guesthouse near the park entrance. Explore the surrounding area and mingle with the local community in the afternoon.

🚌Kampala to Fort Portal: shared minibus (~£7, ~4–5 hrs); Fort Portal to Kibale: shared taxi or boda-boda (~£2–3)

🛏Budget guesthouse near Kibale, e.g. Kibale Forest Camp or Primate Lodge budget rooms (~£12–18/night)

• →Travel to Fort Portal and Kibale
• →Walk in surrounding forest areas
• →Mingle with local community

This is a highlight of the trip. Book your chimpanzee trekking permit in advance directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (~£80 pp). Treks depart at 8am from Kanyanchu Visitor Centre and last 2–4 hours. After the trek, relax at your guesthouse and enjoy the forest surroundings. Permits must be booked well in advance as numbers are limited.

🚌Local transfer to Kanyanchu Visitor Centre (~£2)

🛏Same guesthouse near Kibale (~£12–18/night)

• →Chimpanzee forest trek at Kibale National Park (pre-booked permit required ~£80 pp)
• →Afternoon rest and forest walks

Take a shared taxi or minibus from Fort Portal southward to Kabale (~4–5 hrs, £6–8), then a short shared taxi or moto to Lake Bunyonyi (~30 min, £2). Lake Bunyonyi is one of Uganda's most beautiful lakes, dotted with islands. Arrange an island visit by local wooden canoe or dugout with local boatmen (~£5–8).

🚌Fort Portal to Kabale: shared minibus (~£7, ~4–5 hrs); Kabale to Lake Bunyonyi: shared taxi (~£2)

🛏Budget lakeside guesthouse, e.g. Byoona Amagara or Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort budget rooms (~£12–18/night)

• →Travel to Lake Bunyonyi
• →Island visit by local dugout canoe (~£5–8)

The mountain gorilla trek is the centrepiece of this entire journey. Transfer from Lake Bunyonyi to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (approx 1.5–2 hrs by shared taxi or arranged transfer, ~£10–15). Your gorilla trekking permit must be pre-booked directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (~£380 pp — this is a non-negotiable fixed government fee). Treks start at 8am, last 2–8 hours depending on gorilla location, and are an utterly life-changing experience. Return to Lake Bunyonyi for the night.

🚌Lake Bunyonyi to Bwindi and return: shared taxi or arranged local transfer (~£12–15 each way)

🛏Budget lakeside guesthouse at Lake Bunyonyi (~£12–18/night)

• →Mountain gorilla trek at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (pre-booked UWA permit ~£380 pp)
• →Return to Lake Bunyonyi

A well-deserved rest day after the gorilla trek. Spend the day swimming in the lake (one of Africa's few bilharzia-free lakes), kayaking, or taking canoe trips to nearby islands. Optional: visit local villages or a community school project. Enjoy the incredible scenery and bird life around the lake.

🚌Local boat or canoe (~£5–10)

🛏Same budget lakeside guesthouse (~£12–18/night)

• →Swimming in Lake Bunyonyi
• →Kayaking or canoeing between islands (~£5–10)
• →Optional village or community school visit

Take a shared minibus or coach from Kabale back to Kampala (~5–6 hrs, £8–10). This is a long travel day — stock up on snacks and enjoy the Ugandan countryside rolling past. Arrive in Kampala in the afternoon or evening. Check back into your hostel and grab dinner at a local restaurant.

🚌Kabale to Kampala: shared minibus or coach (~£9, ~5–6 hrs)

🛏Kampala hostel (~£10–15/night dorm)

• →Long travel day Kabale to Kampala
• →Evening exploration of Kampala

Jinja sits on the shores of Lake Victoria at the source of the Nile — it's Uganda's adventure capital. Take a shared taxi or minibus from Kampala to Jinja (~2 hrs, £3–5). Check into a guesthouse and get your bearings. The town itself has a relaxed vibe with good cafes and a buzzing backpacker scene.

🚌Kampala to Jinja: shared minibus (~£4, ~2 hrs)

🛏Budget guesthouse or hostel in Jinja, e.g. Nile River Explorers Camp or Nile Porch (~£10–16/night)

• →Travel to Jinja
• →Walk to the source of the Nile viewpoint (~£3 entry)
• →Evening at local bars

Jinja is one of the best white-water rafting destinations in the world. Book Grade 5 white-water rafting on the Nile directly with Nile River Explorers or Adrift (~£75–90 pp for a full day including lunch). Alternatively, try bungee jumping over the Nile (~£60 pp via Nile High Bungee) or quad biking (~£25–40 for 2 hrs). All can be booked locally or via GetYourGuide.

🚌Local transfers included with activity operators

🛏Budget guesthouse or hostel in Jinja (~£10–16/night)

• →White-water rafting on the Nile (Grade 5, full day, ~£80 pp)
• →OR bungee jumping (~£60 pp)
• →OR quad biking (~£30 pp)

A second full day in Jinja to try more activities or simply relax. Options include a sunset Nile cruise (~£15–25 pp), kayaking, visiting a community school project, or exploring the colourful fish market at the source of the Nile. This is a great place to meet other travellers and swap stories.

🚌Local boda-boda (~£1–3 per ride)

🛏Same budget guesthouse in Jinja (~£10–16/night)

• →Nile sunset cruise (~£20 pp)
• →Kayaking on the Nile (~£15–20 pp)
• →Optional community school project visit
• →Explore Jinja fish market

Retrace the route back towards Kenya. Shared taxi or bus from Jinja to Kampala (~2 hrs, £4), then onward coach to Malaba border crossing and into Kenya, continuing to Eldoret (~6–7 hrs total, £10–14). An early start is essential. Overnight in Eldoret before the final push to Nairobi.

🚌Jinja to Kampala shared taxi (~£4), Kampala to Eldoret via Malaba border (~£10, ~6–7 hrs total)

🛏Budget guesthouse in Eldoret (~£10–14/night)

• →Long travel day back to Kenya
• →Cross Uganda-Kenya border at Malaba

Morning bus or shared matatu from Eldoret to Nairobi (~4–5 hrs, £5–8). Arrive in Nairobi and check into a hostel in the Westlands or Kilimani area. The evening is free — explore Nairobi's vibrant nightlife, from rooftop bars in Westlands to live music venues in the city centre.

🚌Eldoret to Nairobi: shared bus (~£6, ~4–5 hrs)

🛏Nairobi hostel, e.g. Wildebeest Eco Camp or Upper Hill Campsite (~£12–18/night dorm)

• →Travel to Nairobi
• →Optional: explore Nairobi nightlife — Westlands rooftop bars, live music venues

A full free day to explore Kenya's capital. Visit the Nairobi National Museum (~£5), the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Nursery (free, open 11am–12pm daily, pre-register online), and the Giraffe Centre (~£12). Afternoon: explore the Maasai Market for crafts and souvenirs. Option for a shared game drive into Nairobi National Park (~£25 pp including entry). Evening: bars and restaurants in Westlands.

🚌Uber or matatu around Nairobi (~£2–5 per ride)

🛏Same Nairobi hostel (~£12–18/night)

• →David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Nursery (free, pre-register online)
• →Giraffe Centre (~£12 entry)
• →Nairobi National Museum (~£5)
• →Nairobi National Park shared game drive (~£25 pp)
• →Maasai Market shopping

The Maasai Mara is Kenya's most iconic game reserve — home to the Great Migration (July–October), big cats, elephants, and vast golden savannah. The most budget-friendly way to get there is via a shared shuttle from Nairobi to Narok, then onward shared transport (~4–5 hrs total, £15–20 pp). Book a 2-night budget safari package with a local operator from Nairobi — these typically include transport, accommodation near the park, and game drives (~£80–120 pp for 2 nights all-in). Check into your tented camp or budget lodge on the Mara.

🚌Nairobi to Maasai Mara: shared shuttle/safari vehicle via Narok (~£18, ~4–5 hrs)

🛏Budget tented camp near Maasai Mara, e.g. Mara Explorers Camp or Mara Leisure Camp (~£25–40/night including meals)

• →Transfer to Maasai Mara
• →Check in and afternoon game drive (~included in safari package)

An early breakfast before a full day game drive inside Maasai Mara National Reserve. Shared safari jeeps (booked as part of your 2-night package from Nairobi, or arranged locally at the camp) cover vast distances across the reserve, scanning for lions, cheetahs, leopards, buffalo, elephant, and hippos. If visiting July–October, the wildebeest crossing of the Mara River is one of nature's greatest spectacles. Park entry fees (~£55 pp/day) are typically included in package deals.

🚌Shared safari 4WD (included in game drive package)

🛏Budget tented camp near Maasai Mara (~£25–40/night)

• →Full day game drive in Maasai Mara National Reserve (park entry ~£55 pp, shared jeep ~£25–35 pp)

Morning optional game drive or early start back to Nairobi. Shared safari vehicle returns to Nairobi (~4–5 hrs, included in most package deals). Afternoon arrival in Nairobi — rest, repack, and prepare for Tanzania tomorrow. Optional: explore the city's nightlife one last time before heading south.

🚌Shared safari return vehicle to Nairobi (~included in package, or ~£18 standalone)

🛏Nairobi hostel (~£12–18/night)

• →Return transfer to Nairobi (included in safari package)
• →Optional: evening at Nairobi bars or restaurants

Take an early morning shuttle bus from Nairobi to Arusha, Tanzania (~5–6 hrs, £15–20). Several operators like Riverside Shuttle and Impala Shuttle run this route daily. Cross the Namanga border — ensure your Tanzania visa is sorted (e-visa in advance ~£45). En route, stop at a Maasai village for a cultural tour (~£10–15 pp, easily arranged through your shuttle operator or locally). Arrive in Arusha — the gateway to Tanzania's northern safari circuit.

🚌Nairobi to Arusha: Riverside or Impala Shuttle (~£17, ~5–6 hrs)

🛏Arusha budget guesthouse or hostel, e.g. Arusha Backpackers or Arusha Planet Lodge (~£12–18/night)

• →Cross into Tanzania at Namanga border
• →Maasai village cultural visit (~£12 pp)
• →Arrive and settle in Arusha

The most budget-friendly way to see the Serengeti is to book a multi-day camping safari from Arusha — budget operators like Wayo Africa, Nature Discovery, or Sunny Safaris offer 3-night Serengeti/Ngorongoro packages from ~£300–400 pp all-in (transport, park fees, meals, camping). Depart Arusha early, drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (~3 hrs to park gate), and arrive at the Serengeti for an afternoon game drive on the iconic plains. Camp at a public campsite inside the park.

🚌Arusha to Serengeti: included in safari package (shared 4WD, ~6–7 hrs driving)

🛏Public campsite inside Serengeti National Park (included in safari package, ~£8–12/night camping fee)

• →Drive through Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Serengeti
• →Afternoon game drive on Serengeti plains

Wake before sunrise for an early morning game drive on the Serengeti plains — this is when predators are most active. After breakfast at camp, drive south towards the Ngorongoro Crater rim (~3–4 hrs). Stop at the crater viewpoint for spectacular panoramic views before descending to a campsite on the rim. The Serengeti's endless savannah, dotted with acacia trees and teeming with wildlife, is endlessly memorable.

🚌Included in 3-night safari package (shared 4WD)

🛏Simba Public Campsite on Ngorongoro Crater rim (included in safari package)

• →Early morning game drive in Serengeti (included in safari package)
• →Drive to Ngorongoro Crater rim
• →Crater rim viewpoint visit

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's largest intact volcanic caldera, home to an estimated 25,000 animals including the Big Five. A morning game drive on the crater floor is one of the finest wildlife experiences in Africa. The crater descent fee is ~£200 pp per vehicle (shared between 6 passengers, so ~£33 pp), typically included in budget safari packages. Look out for black rhinos, lions, elephants, flamingos on Lake Magadi, and massive buffalo herds.

🚌Included in safari package (shared 4WD descent into crater)

🛏Return to Arusha same day or overnight on crater rim (confirm with safari operator)

• →Full morning game drive on Ngorongoro Crater floor (crater fee included in safari package)
• →Lion, rhino, elephant and flamingo spotting

Return from the safari circuit to Arusha, then take a Dar Express or Kilimanjaro Express bus south to Dar es Salaam (~8–9 hrs, £10–14). En route, if the skies are clear, you may glimpse the snow-capped summit of Mount Kilimanjaro from the road. Overnight stop possible in Bagamoyo — a historic Swahili coastal town with fascinating ruins, a slave trade museum, and a laid-back beach vibe. Alternatively, push through to Dar es Salaam.

🚌Arusha to Dar es Salaam: Dar Express bus (~£12, ~8–9 hrs); stop in Bagamoyo en route by local dalla-dalla (~£2)

🛏Bagamoyo guesthouse, e.g. Travellers Lodge Bagamoyo (~£12–18/night) OR push to Dar es Salaam

• →Long bus ride to the coast
• →Optional view of Mount Kilimanjaro (weather dependent)
• →Explore Bagamoyo's historic ruins and slave trade museum (~£3 entry)

Short dalla-dalla or shared taxi ride from Bagamoyo into Dar es Salaam (~1.5 hrs, £3–5). Dar is a bustling, chaotic port city. Spend the afternoon exploring the Kariakoo Market, the National Museum (~£4 entry), or the waterfront. Book your ferry to Zanzibar for tomorrow morning — the fast ferry (Azam Marine or Seagull) departs from the ferry terminal and takes ~2 hrs (~£25–30 pp). Book in advance, especially in high season.

🚌Bagamoyo to Dar es Salaam: shared taxi or dalla-dalla (~£4, ~1.5 hrs)

🛏Budget guesthouse in Dar es Salaam, e.g. Jambo Inn or Econolodge (~£14–20/night)

• →Arrive in Dar es Salaam
• →Explore Kariakoo Market and waterfront
• →National Museum visit (~£4)
• →Book Zanzibar ferry for tomorrow

Take the morning fast ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar (~2 hrs, ~£27 pp — book Azam Marine or Seagull in advance). Arrive in Stone Town, a UNESCO-listed labyrinth of narrow alleyways, carved wooden doors, Arab-influenced architecture, spice markets, and Swahili culture. Spend the afternoon wandering the old fort (free entry), visiting the Zanzibar Museum (~£2), exploring the chaotic Darajani Market, and sampling street food at the famous Forodhani Night Market (~£5–10 for a feast of seafood, Zanzibar pizza, and sugarcane juice).

🚌Azam Marine or Seagull fast ferry (~£27, ~2 hrs)

🛏Stone Town budget guesthouse, e.g. Flamingo Guesthouse or Karibu Inn (~£18–25/night)

• →Fast ferry Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar (Azam Marine, ~£27 pp, ~2 hrs)
• →Explore Stone Town's winding alleyways and spice markets
• →Old Fort visit (free)
• →Forodhani Night Market street food (~£8)

Zanzibar's spice farms are a sensory delight — book a guided spice farm tour directly with a local guide or via GetYourGuide (~£15–20 pp including transport). Visit working farms growing cloves, cardamom, vanilla, turmeric, lemongrass, and jackfruit. Guides offer tastings and sell fresh spices. Afternoon: head to one of Zanzibar's northern beaches — Nungwi or Kendwa — by dala-dala (local minibus, ~£2–3). Swim in the warm Indian Ocean and watch the spectacular sunset.

🚌Spice farm transport included in tour; Stone Town to Nungwi: dala-dala (~£2–3, ~1.5 hrs)

🛏Budget beach guesthouse at Nungwi or Kendwa, e.g. Kendwa Rocks or Nungwi budget rooms (~£20–30/night)

• →Guided spice farm tour (~£18 pp via GetYourGuide or local guide, includes transport)
• →Afternoon at Nungwi or Kendwa beach
• →Sunset at the beach

A blissful final full day on Zanzibar's pristine northern beaches. Nungwi and Kendwa are arguably the island's finest — white sand, turquoise water, swaying palms. Optional activities include snorkelling trips to coral reefs (~£15–20 pp), sunset dhow cruises (~£15 pp), or a day trip to the Mnemba Atoll for world-class diving (~£60–80 pp for 2 dives). Or simply relax, read a book, and celebrate completing an epic 27-day East African adventure.

🚌Local dala-dala or boda-boda for beach hopping (~£2–3)

🛏Same budget beach guesthouse (~£20–30/night)

• →Relax on Nungwi or Kendwa beach
• →Optional snorkelling trip (~£18 pp)
• →Optional sunset dhow cruise (~£15 pp)
• →Optional scuba diving at Mnemba Atoll (~£70 pp for 2 dives)

Morning swim and final breakfast on the island before heading back to Stone Town for the afternoon fast ferry to Dar es Salaam (~£27 pp, ~2 hrs). Arrive in Dar es Salaam in the late afternoon. From here, catch onward transport to Julius Nyerere International Airport for your homeward flight — or extend your stay and explore more of Tanzania. Note: you can also choose to fly directly from Zanzibar Airport, which saves the ferry crossing and is often comparably priced.

🚌Stone Town to Dar es Salaam: Azam Marine fast ferry (~£27, ~2 hrs); Dar es Salaam to airport: taxi (~£8–12)

🛏Tour ends on arrival in Dar es Salaam

• →Final morning swim on Zanzibar beach
• →Last-minute shopping in Stone Town
• →Fast ferry back to Dar es Salaam (~£27 pp)