Nairobi to Kampala Overland Safari

Nairobi to Kampala Overland Safari

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6 Days From

$1699

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey from Nairobi to Kampala with our Nairobi to Kampala Overland Safari. This adventure takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of Kenya and Uganda, offering a unique blend of wildlife encounters and cultural experiences. Begin your journey in Nairobi, where you'll meet your group and CEO before setting off through the stunning Great Rift Valley to the iconic Masai Mara National Reserve. Here, you'll have the chance to spot Africa's "big five" and witness the annual migration of wildebeest, gazelles, and zebras. Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch at the Ubuntu Cafe, supporting local communities, and experience thrilling wildlife safari drives in both the Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru National Park. The tour concludes in Kampala, Uganda, after crossing the border from Kenya. Travel in comfort with a safari vehicle and a Lando, and enjoy a mix of basic hotel stays, permanent tented camps, and participation camping for a true adventure experience. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Explore the Masai Mara National Reserve in a 4x4 safari vehicle.

  • Spot Africa's "big five" in their natural habitat.

  • See pelicans on the shores of Lake Nakuru.

  • Travel through the Great Rift Valley on the way to the Maasai Mara Reserve.

  • Enjoy a wildlife safari drive in Lake Nakuru National Park.

  • Experience a farm-to-table lunch at G Adventures-supported Ubuntu Cafe.

  • Cross the border from Kenya into Uganda, ending the journey in Kampala.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Nairobi

Baby Elephants in Nairobi

Location: Nairobi

Accommodation: The Heron Portico

Accommodation Name: The Heron Portico Hotel Nairobi

Arrive at any time.



Tonight after a brief welcome meeting, choose to get to know your group members with an optional group dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Additional Information: Please make sure you have all of the necessary visas for this tour by the time of the welcome meeting. It is very important to read the visa section in our trip details to make sure you have the ones you will need, if any. Please note that not all nationalities are able to obtain a visa on arrival at the border.

ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Day 2: Nairobi/Masai Mara

Baby Elephants in Nairobi

Location: Nairobi, Maasai Mara

Accommodation: Kenia Campsite

Accommodation Name: Kenia Campsite

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Travel through the Great Rift Valley on the way to the Maasai Mara Reserve. Embark on a late afternoon wildlife safari drive in one of Kenya’s premier wildlife destinations.

TRANSPORT: Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride.

ACTIVITY: AFTERNOON Maasai Mara is one of the world’s top safari destinations, known for its abundance of big cats – cheetahs, leopards and lions – as well as the two million wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelles and zebra that migrate annually across the vast grasslands in search of water. Set off on safari with our driver/guide and keep your eyes and ears peeled for movement and memories. Watch elephants and giraffe grazing, photograph zebras and wildebeest and, with a little luck, you'll even spot animals feasting on a recent kill.

Day 3: Masai Mara

Location: Masai Mara

Accommodation: Kenia Campsite

Accommodation Name: Kenia Campsite

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Board the safari vehicle and travel into the Maasai Mara Reserve for some wildlife spotting. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure at the camp.

Additional Information: Please note: if you have pre-booked the Maasai Mara Balloon Safari, today's likely the day for this activity! Your CEO will give you final confirmation when it will take place, as it is subject to change. You will miss the included morning wildlife safari drive with the group, but you will have a much better view from above!

TRANSPORT: Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride.

ACTIVITY: FULL DAY Maasai Mara is one of the world’s top safari destinations, known for its abundance of big cats – cheetahs, leopards and lions – as well as the two million wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelles and zebra that migrate annually across the vast grasslands in search of water. Set off on safari with our driver/guide and keep your eyes and ears peeled for movement and memories. Watch elephants and giraffe grazing, photograph zebras and wildebeest and, with a little luck, you'll even spot animals feasting on a recent kill.

Day 4: Masai Mara/Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru Nat. Park, Kenya

Location: Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru National Park

Accommodation: Nderit Campsite

Accommodation Name: Nderit Campsite

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Depart the camp on your 4x4 safari vehicle and meet up with the Lando at G Adventures-supported Ubuntu Cafe for a delicious lunch. Later, enjoy an afternoon wildlife drive through the area.ACTIVITY: Search for, buffalo, impalas, hyenas, and even lions and leopards on the wildlife safari drive in this renowned national park. Head to the shores of Lake Nakuru to see pelicans and cormorants. The park is also rich in other bird life, including grebes, white winged black terns, stilts, avocets, and ducks.TRANSPORT: Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride.TRANSPORT: Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!ACTIVITY: On this trip, you'll experience the warmth of Ubuntu Cafe, where every meal you enjoy contributes to a circle of empowerment and supports the creation of impactful souvenirs you'll treasure forever. Your visit also extends support to Ubuntu School, championing the rights and education of children with special needs through therapeutic and vocational training programs.

Day 5: Lake Nakuru National Park/Eldoret

Lake Nakuru Nat. Park, Kenya

Location: Lake Nakuru National Park, Eldoret

Accommodation: Greenwoods Resort and Campsite

Accommodation Name: Greenwoods Resort and Campsite

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

See more wildlife life on a morning safari drive around Lake Nakuru. Then, continue onwards in the Lando to Eldoret.ACTIVITY: Search for, buffalo, impalas, hyenas, and even lions and leopards on the wildlife safari drive in this renowned national park. Head to the shores of Lake Nakuru to see pelicans and cormorants. The park is also rich in other bird life, including grebes, white winged black terns, stilts, avocets, and ducks.TRANSPORT: Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!

Day 6: Eldoret/Kampala

Location: Eldoret, Kampala

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Cross the border from Kenya into Uganda. The trip will end upon arrival to Kampala in the late afternoon.



If you plan on flying out today, please do not book flights before 11:30pm.

If you aren’t ready to go home yet talk to your CEO about extending and get to know more of Uganda or beyond. It is possible to book accommodation in Kampala for the final night, please speak to your agent or GCO for the options.

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!

ACTIVITY: Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.

ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Basic hotel (1 nt single or twin-share), permanent tented camp (2 nts), participation camping (2 nts).

  • Meals
    5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners

  • G for Good Moment

    Enjoy a 3-course farm-to-table lunch at Café Ubuntu, Maai Mahiu.

  • Welcome Moment

    Meet your CEO and group in Nairobi.

  • Wildlife Safari Drives

    Experience wildlife safari drives in Masai Mara National Reserve.

  • Safari in Lake Nakuru National Park

    Participate in a safari in Lake Nakuru National Park.

  • Transport

    All transport between destinations and to/from included activities is provided.

What's Not Included

  • Visas

    Necessary visas for the tour are not included and must be obtained by the traveler.

  • Bottled Drinking Water

    All bottled drinking water will be at your own expense.

  • Sleeping Bag and Pillow

    Sleeping bags and pillows are not provided and must be brought by the traveler.

  • Yellow Fever Certificate

    A Yellow Fever certificate may be required upon entering the countries visited.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities and extras are not included and must be booked prior to departure.

Accommodation

Experience a mix of basic hotel stays, permanent tented camps, and participation camping. Enjoy one night in a single or twin-share hotel, two nights in a permanent tented camp, and two nights of participation camping, offering a true adventure experience.

Transport

Safari Vehicle, Lando (overland adventure vehicle).

Meals Included

5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners

Group Size

Max 22, avg 20.

Solo Travellers

We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price. ...more ...less

Meals

As mentioned above, most of the meals on this tour are included in the tour price. In Nairobi after your tour, your CEO will be able to suggest some good local restaurants or options for you to choose from.



All included meals will be prepared from fresh local produce. The majority of the shopping for foodstuffs will be done before the trip departs, and fresh goods, such as meats, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, will be bought en route during the trip from supermarkets, local shops and markets. Please note that even though our cooks will try their utmost to provide you with a varied and interesting meals, the choices might be somewhat limited, based on what is available on the local market.



Breakfasts will generally consist of breads and cereals, if time allows a warm breakfast may be prepared. Many lunches will be provided en-route and will be light meals such as sandwiches and/or salads. All evening meals will be freshly-prepared hot meals, and will consist of a variety of continental and local dishes.



Your CEOs will do all the meal preparation and lead the way here, but will prepare a duty schedule for ensuring a fair, rotating participation from you and your group members in the meal preparation and dish washing duties.



Vegetarian meals and other dietary requirements need to be specified prior to arrival. Please note all bottled drinking water will be at your own expense.
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Mode of Transport

Travel in style with a safari vehicle and a Lando (overland adventure vehicle), ensuring comfort and adventure as you explore the stunning landscapes and wildlife of Kenya and Uganda.

Minimum Age

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

Important Notes

• In the instance that you are a parent or guardian traveling with a minor under the age of 18 and you do not share the same gender as the minor child, you will accommodated together in a private room instead of the multi share option.



• Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.



• An essential part of your safari is participation - from putting up your tent (while camping) or packing away in the morning, to helping with meal preparation and cleaning up - it is all part of your adventure and when everyone puts in a little effort the trip will run smoothly. Team spirit is part of the fun! All camping equipment (with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow) is supplied. We supply dome tents and assembly/disassembly takes only 5 minutes. All tents have built-in insect nets. Mattresses are also available, which are approximately 4cm thick, warm and comfortable.



• YELLOW FEVER

It may be required to show a Yellow Fever certificate upon entering the country(s) visited. Please check in with your local health expert for advice on Yellow Fever and other inoculations required for this area.



• Sleeping bags are not available for rent and difficult to purchase locally.



• Travelling can be difficult on this tour, as long drives and poor road conditions are the rule as opposed to the exception in both Kenya and Uganda. This camping trip is about travelling to see what the region is like, see some animals in wildlife parks, and some other sights in between. As such, we cover long distances and have long, bumpy travel days to to get to some of these amazing locations. Despite this, the diversity and scenery of the African landscape, the local culture and abundant wildlife are all well worth the experience.



• Looking to add to your experience? Check out our Extras! Specially designed for travellers with unique interests, Extras are optional add-ons to your G adventures trip that make your adventure more you-centric. Extras must be booked prior to departure, please see details in our optional activities field and ask your GCO or travel agent about booking.



• The use of drones in national parks in Southern Africa is prohibited.
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Group Leader

On this journey, you will be accompanied on your trip by 2 crew members - a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and a CEO driver.



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 the Masai Mara, your driver/guide is skilled and experienced driver and a certified safari guide, and is an integral part of the team.



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.
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About Accommodation

Camping in East 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. We stay at designated campsites inside of and nearby the national parks. These campsites generally are very basic, and we carry tents to pitch at the public campsites.



The campsites in East Africa are generally good, but basic. Luxury here will mean electricity for charging, warm showers, flush toilets, shelter for eating. Rustic camps have no electricity, simple or no bathing facilities, and squatting long-drop latrines. Expect to see both extremes, though most fall somewhere within that spectrum.



At the Masai Mara, we will stay in a simple permanent tented camp. These are walk-in “safari tents” with single beds & mattresses. There is no electricity for lights or charging batteries. The facilities here are basic, though there are flushing toilets and hot water (when the boiler is working).



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 less than 10 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 chairs with a comfortable back-rest, 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.



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.



Please note that due to the high demand for accommodation in the parks, sometimes we will arrange alternative accommodation outside of the park. Please be aware that where we use multi-share accommodations, rooming requests of any kind cannot be taken. For private accommodation please see tours in our Classic/Standard Travel Style.
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What to Take

You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. Your baggage should be clearly labelled and restricted to one soft compact suitcase, sports bag, or backpack, no larger than 30cm(height) x 30cm(width) x 60cm(length), maximum 15kg, plus a daypack. Luggage limits on airlines are strictly enforced, and due to limited vehicle capacity, the cost of transporting any luggage beyond these restrictions is the responsibility of the client. Please note, if you are travelling with a large amount of luggage and wish to leave a portion of it at the start hotel, this is indeed possible as storage facilities are available.



For our camping style tours you will need to provide your own sleeping bag, small pillow and sleeping sheet (if you would like). We provide the tent and the sleeping pads.



It is important to pack clothes for warm days and cool evenings, as well as a warm jacket for early morning wildlife safari drives. Light, quick-drying, practical clothes are advisable for this safari trip. A set of smart casual clothes is also advisable for your time in Nairobi.



Please be advised that if you plan to bring a drone with you, the use of drones in national parks in Southern Africa is prohibited.
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Spending Money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip. ...more ...less

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation can I expect during the Nairobi to Kampala Overland Safari?

    During the safari, you will experience a mix of basic hotel stays, permanent tented camps, and participation camping. You will spend one night in a single or twin-share hotel, two nights in a permanent tented camp, and two nights of participation camping.

  • What kind of transport is used during the safari?

    The safari uses a combination of a safari vehicle and a Lando, which is an overland adventure vehicle. This ensures both comfort and adventure as you explore the landscapes and wildlife of Kenya and Uganda.

  • What is the role of the Chief Experience Officer (CEO) during the tour?

    The Chief Experience Officer (CEO) is the group manager and leader. They organize the trip, assist you when needed, and take care of the small details so you can focus on enjoying your adventure. They are experienced group leaders with a broad knowledge of the region's history, cultures, and wildlife. ...more ...less

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners. Meals are prepared from fresh local produce, and the majority of the shopping for foodstuffs is done before the trip departs.

  • What should I pack for the safari?

    You should pack lightly, with a soft compact suitcase, sports bag, or backpack no larger than 30cm x 30cm x 60cm, and a maximum weight of 15kg. Bring clothes for warm days and cool evenings, a warm jacket for early morning wildlife safari drives, and light, quick-drying, practical clothes. A set of smart casual clothes is also advisable for your time in Nairobi. ...more ...less

  • Is there a minimum age requirement for the tour?

    Yes, you must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors traveling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

  • What is the group size for the safari?

    The maximum group size is 22, with an average of 20 participants.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    G Adventures was established in 1990

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/

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1 Select your preferred date

Friday - Wednesday

Jan 02, 2026 - Jan 07, 2026
$1699 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Nairobi to Kampala Overland Safari

6 Days Starting in Nairobi, Kenya and ending in Kampala, Uganda

Visiting: Nairobi, Maasai Mara, Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru National Park, Eldoret, Kampala

Tour operator:

G Adventures

Tour code:

26064

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 22

Physical rating:

3 - Average

Age range:

12-

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

4WD

From: $1699 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 16-Mar-2025 but subject to change.

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