Will the tour pick up my passenger from their hotel on the day of departure?

We recommend booking accommodation at Wildebeest Eco Camp or The Heron Hotel. We will collect passengers from these hotels on the morning of day 1. After booking, we send detailed tour information and a prior to departure form where clients can request accommodation or airport transfers.

Can I ask what the local payment costs are for?

There is a local payment of 800 USD payable on day 1 of this trip. This amount plus the main tour price together cover various highlights including game parks, meals, camping, services of crew, road tolls & taxes.

What is the difference between your "Simba Sounds" tour and "East African Encounter?"

The two trips are very similar in terms of the highlights you can see, it is just the direction of travel that is the main difference. The Simba Sounds starts in Nairobi and covers Kenya first, moving west into Uganda and travelling around Lake Victoria in an anti-clockwise direction through Rwanda and Tanzania. The East Africa Encounter starts in Nairobi and travels into Tanzania on day 1 of the trip. We then travel west through the Tanzanian parks, and into Rwanda and Uganda, traveling around Lake Victoria in a clockwise direction and coming into Kenya last. Both tours experience all the same parks and highlights.

Is the first day an arrival day or is the tour starting on this day?

The safari departs early from 2 locations in Nairobi on the departure date, so the first day is not a free day. It might be a good idea to consider a night of pre-tour accommodation in this instance.

Is the last day part of the travel or a day where I could plan my flight home?

You will be travelling on the final date, so it might be best to book a night of post-tour accommodation or fly out late on the last day.

Is it possible to get a transfer from/to the airport as I am travelling alone?

Airport transfers can be added onto your package if you would like. The prices can vary. Please contact us to arrange this.

When is the best time to view the migration?

The prime time to visit the Serengeti in Tanzania is usually regarded as being from late November through to March when the big herds of wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelle and zebra head on to the southern plains of the Serengeti. To get the best viewing on the other hand in Kenya's Masai Mara July through to September are usually regarded as the best months.

What is the local payment?

The local payment is a separate payment from the initial price you pay before you leave. If a local payment is required it will be shown with the trip price. This second payment is made in Africa at the start of your trip. It is payable in USD. The local payment provides us with the means for expenses that need to be paid in cash to local businesses en route to be arranged in the most cost effective manner possible, a saving we can then pass on to you. It also means we can operate in a way that directly supports local businesses and wildlife authorities as we travel. Local Payment will not be changed once you have booked your travel arrangements.

How much will this trip really cost me?

The costs to consider when travelling overland are: Safari price & Local payment, Optional excursions, Personal spending money, Visas. We are always very transparent about what a tour will cost and are happy to go through personal, tailored budgets to give you a very realistic idea of what you will spend on your tour - whether you are an adrenaline junkie, souvenir-shopaholic or travelling on a shoestring…

From

$3,005

US $2,794 per person

East Africa Encounter

30 days

•

Start and end in Nairobi

4.0

2 traveler reviews

View all
Definitely best value and liked that we were in charge of what we ate instead of being given premade meals like some other tours.
DanielaLeSueur, traveled in September
5.0
View all

From

$3,005

-7%

US $2,794 per person

+ $800 Local Payment

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Operator: Absolute Africa
Overland Truck: Off-the-grid adventures with a rugged edge
Group Tour: Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
Fully Guided: An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Medium Intensity: Travelers should be comfortable with somewhat-demanding activities
Guided in English
Group Size 4 - 28
Ages 18+

Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Day 1
Nairobi to Arusha
Days 2 - 4
Serengeti
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Game drive in Ngorongoro Crater
- Morning drive through Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Game drive in The Serengeti
- Entry to Serengeti National Park at Naabi Gate
Optional Activities
- Masai Village visit
- Ballooning in the Serengeti - £450
Landmarks
Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Serengeti National Park
The Grumeti Reserve
Bunda
Naabi Gate
Days 5 - 7
Lake Victoria
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Lake Victoria visit
Landmarks
Lake Victoria
Nyakhanazi
Days 8 - 9
Kigali
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit to The Genocide Memorial and Museum
Landmarks
Genocide Memorial
Days 10 - 12
Kisoro - Bwindi
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Mountain gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Optional Activities
- Banana beer making
- Basket weaving
- Visit to Dian Fossey's grave - US$100 (not including transfers)
- Coffee tour
- Batwa (Pygmy) village visit
- Lake Mutande visit
- Golden monkey trek - from US$100 (not including transfers)
- Orphanage visit
Landmarks
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Lake Mutande
Days 13 - 14
Kalinzu Forest
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Mountain gorilla trek - £705
- Golden monkeys trek
- Orphanage visit
- Lake Mutande visit
- Coffee tour
- Batwa (Pygmy) village visit
Landmarks
Kalinzu Forest
Lake Mutande
Days 15 - 17
Queen Elizabeth National Park - Kampala - Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Queen Elizabeth National Park visit
- Kazinga Channel cruise
- Equator stop visit
- Local craft markets exploration
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary visit
Optional Activities
- Chimpanzee trek (US$130)
- Boat ride
Landmarks
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Kazinga Channel
Equator
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Days 18 - 20
White Nile - Lake Bujagali
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Whitewater rafting - US$140
- Village walk
- Bungee jumping - US$115
- Kayaking
- Visit a local school
- Quad biking - from US$55
- Horse riding - from US$45
- Sunset cruise on Lake Victoria - US$45
Landmarks
White Nile
Lake Bujagali
Lake Victoria
Days 21 - 23
Lake Nakuru National Park
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Lake Nakuru National Park visit
Landmarks
Lake Nakuru National Park
Days 24 - 26
Loita Hills
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Orphanage visit
- Lake Naivasha visit
- Masai village stay with bushwalk
Optional Activities
- Cycling safari in Hells Gate National Park - US$55
- Guided walk to Green Crater Lake - US$45
- Elsamere for afternoon tea
- Balloon safari
Landmarks
Lake Naivasha
Loita Hills
Hells Gate National Park
Green Crater Lake
Elsamere
Days 27 - 30
Nairobi
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Game drives in Masai Mara (2 days)
Optional Activities
- Night out in a Nairobi restaurant
- Giraffe centre visit
Landmarks
Masai Mara National Reserve

Landmarks
Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Serengeti National Park
The Grumeti Reserve
Bunda
Naabi Gate

Landmarks
Lake Victoria
Nyakhanazi

Landmarks
Genocide Memorial

Landmarks
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Lake Mutande

Landmarks
Kalinzu Forest
Lake Mutande

Landmarks
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Kazinga Channel
Equator
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Landmarks
White Nile
Lake Bujagali
Lake Victoria

Landmarks
Lake Nakuru National Park

Landmarks
Lake Naivasha
Loita Hills
Hells Gate National Park
Green Crater Lake
Elsamere

Landmarks
Masai Mara National Reserve

What's Included

Expand All

Accommodation
Guide
Meals
Additional Services
Transport

What's Not Included

Flights
Insurance
Optional
Additional Services

Operated by

Absolute Africa

4.5

(193 reviews)

Number of tours

Age Range

18 to 80 years old

Response time

11 hours

Response rate

92%

With over thirty years of experience running safaris from London to Cape Town...

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Traveler Reviews

4.0

Overall rating based on 2 Reviews

Itinerary
5.0
Transport
4.0
Guide
3.5
Accommodation
3.5
Food
4.0
Tour Operator
4.5

D
DanielaLeSueur
September 12th, 2018
5
My husband and are did the 23 day safari around lake Victoria and absolutely loved it. Definitely best value and...
My husband and are did the 23 day safari around lake Victoria and absolutely loved it. Definitely best value and liked that we were in charge of what we ate instead of being given premade meals like some other tours. Wycliffe, our tour guide, and our driver, Hezron, were both the nicest, most considerate people you could find. We both were comfortable with the camping, tents were really good quality and because we were lucky with a small group, got to stack the mats up 2 high which made it very comfortable.Show more
Traveled in July 2018
B
Bernadette
February 4th, 2017
3
Iam a 57 yr old woman who is considerably fit I did the 23 day Encounter trip that started on the 1st January 2017...
Iam a 57 yr old woman who is considerably fit I did the 23 day Encounter trip that started on the 1st January 2017 with my 21 yr old daughter and we had one of the best experiences of our lives!! The group we travelled with were great fun especially considering we were all a bunch of randoms at the start and apart from me the age ranged from 21 to 30. Over all I would highly recommend this trip but definitely would not recommend this for people my age who are not fit While amazing as the safaris were, it was also quite gruelling unloading belongs, equipment and tents and then setting up tents after a full day of safaris in the heat and then cooking dinner and cleaning up the campsite before collapsing. Then up next morning between 4.30am and 6.30 in the to pack up our belongings dismantle tents and load everything back on the truck before breakfast then wash up dishes and pack second load of tables, equipment and food crates on the truck. Our driver was the best, he did everything he could to make sure we got the most out of our safaris and often helped us around the campsites and would find out answers to any of our enquiries or concerns but out guide was not particularly informative in knowledge of the animals when we were on safari and basically lazy for most of the trip doing as little as possible around the campsites. This did not deter us from having a truely unique and wonderful experience as Absolute Africa had the route we were on very well worked out to make sure we saw Africa in all its glory!! Show more
Traveled in January 2017
Reply from: Absolute Africa
Thank you for your review Bernadette, its great to hear you had a fantastic time on the tour. We also appreciate your comments on the different aspects of the tour and the guide as we are always looking to improve our service and will surely take your comments into account :)
Show more

Dates & Availability

Select departure month and travellers

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Upcoming departures

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Ends in2d2h35m47s

-7%
From Tuesday
23 Jun, 2026
To Wednesday
22 Jul, 2026
English
Filling Fast
From:
$3,005
US $2,794 per person
Local Payment
$800
-7%
From Thursday
23 Jul, 2026
To Friday
21 Aug, 2026
English
Filling Fast
From:
$3,005
US $2,794 per person
Local Payment
$800
From Sunday
27 Sep, 2026
To Monday
26 Oct, 2026
English
Filling Fast
From:
US $3,005 per person
Local Payment
$800
From Tuesday
27 Oct, 2026
To Wednesday
25 Nov, 2026
English
Filling Fast
From:
US $3,005 per person
Local Payment
$800
From Saturday
21 Nov, 2026
To Sunday
20 Dec, 2026
English
Filling Fast
From:
US $3,005 per person
Local Payment
$800
From Monday
18 Jan, 2027
To Tuesday
16 Feb, 2027
English
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From:
US $3,005 per person
Local Payment
$800
From Saturday
13 Feb, 2027
To Sunday
14 Mar, 2027
English
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From:
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Local Payment
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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.

All questions

We couldn't find results

Try a different search term or ask a question to this adventure's experts

R
Rosemary
Asked on October 5th, 2025
Will the tour pick up my passenger from their hotel on the day of departure?
Tour Details
Transport
- Absolute AfricaOperator•Written October 2025
  We recommend booking accommodation at Wildebeest Eco Camp or The Heron Hotel. We will collect passengers from these hotels on the morning of day 1. After booking, we send detailed tour information and a prior to departure form where clients can request accommodation or airport transfers.
S
Steven
Asked on May 30th, 2023
Can I ask what the local payment costs are for?
Payments
Tour Details
- Absolute AfricaOperator•Written May 2023
  There is a local payment of 800 USD payable on day 1 of this trip. This amount plus the main tour price together cover various highlights including game parks, meals, camping, services of crew, road tolls & taxes.
- Absolute AfricaOperator•Written May 2023
  The local payment provides us with the means for expenses that need to be paid in cash to local businesses en route to be arranged in the most cost effective manner possible. This means we can operate in a way that directly supports local businesses and wildlife authorities as we travel. This is why it needs to be paid in USD cash on day 1 of the tour.
T
Tanya
Asked on April 4th, 2023
What is the difference between your "Simba Sounds" tour and "East African Encounter?"
Tour Details
- Absolute AfricaOperator•Written April 2023
  The two trips are very similar in terms of the highlights you can see, it is just the direction of travel that is the main difference. The Simba Sounds starts in Nairobi and covers Kenya first, moving west into Uganda and travelling around Lake Victoria in an anti-clockwise direction through Rwanda and Tanzania. The East Africa Encounter starts in Nairobi and travels into Tanzania on day 1 of the trip. We then travel west through the Tanzanian parks, and into Rwanda and Uganda, traveling around Lake Victoria in a clockwise direction and coming into Kenya last. Both tours experience all the same parks and highlights.
J
Joy
Asked on January 1st, 2017
Is the first day an arrival day or is the tour starting on this day?
Other
- Absolute AfricaOperator•Written January 2017
  The safari departs early from 2 locations in Nairobi on the departure date, so the first day is not a free day. It might be a good idea to consider a night of pre-tour accommodation in this instance.
J
Julia
Asked on January 1st, 2017
Is the last day part of the travel or a day where I could plan my flight home?
Flights / Transfers
- Absolute AfricaOperator•Written January 2017
  You will be travelling on the final date, so it might be best to book a night of post-tour accommodation or fly out late on the last day.
S
Scott
Asked on January 1st, 2017
Is it possible to get a transfer from/to the airport as I am travelling alone?
Flights / Transfers
- Absolute AfricaOperator•Written January 2017
  Airport transfers can be added onto your package if you would like. The prices can vary. Please contact us to arrange this.
R
Richard
Asked on February 19th, 2016
When is the best time to view the migration?
Other
- Absolute AfricaOperator•Written February 2016
  The prime time to visit the Serengeti in Tanzania is usually regarded as being from late November through to March when the big herds of wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelle and zebra head on to the southern plains of the Serengeti.
  
  To get the best viewing on the other hand in Kenya's Masai Mara July through to September are usually regarded as the best months.
R
Ron
Asked on February 15th, 2016
What is the local payment?
Other
- Absolute AfricaOperator•Written February 2016
  The local payment is a separate payment from the initial price you pay before you leave. If a local payment is required it will be shown with the trip price. This second payment is made in Africa at the start of your trip. It is payable in USD. The local payment provides us with the means for expenses that need to be paid in cash to local businesses en route to be arranged in the most cost effective manner possible, a saving we can then pass on to you. It also means we can operate in a way that directly supports local businesses and wildlife authorities as we travel. Local Payment will not be changed once you have booked your travel arrangements.
D
Darren
Asked on February 15th, 2016
How much will this trip really cost me?
Price / Availability
- Absolute AfricaOperator•Written February 2016
  The costs to consider when travelling overland are:
  
  Safari price & Local payment,
  Optional excursions,
  Personal spending money,
  Visas.
  
  We are always very transparent about what a tour will cost and are happy to go through personal, tailored budgets to give you a very realistic idea of what you will spend on your tour - whether you are an adrenaline junkie, souvenir-shopaholic or travelling on a shoestring…

From

$3,005

-7%

US $2,794 per person

+ $800 Local Payment

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 30296

Currencies
Sh
Kenyan Shilling
Kenya
Fr
Rwanda Franc
Rwanda
Sh
Tanzanian Shilling
Tanzania
Sh
Uganda Shilling
Uganda
Plugs & Adapters
As a traveler from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types G, J. As a traveler from England you will need an adaptor for type J.
Type G
Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda
Type J
Rwanda
Vaccines
- These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
- Typhoid - Recommended for Kenya.Rwanda.Tanzania.Uganda. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
- Hepatitis A - Recommended for Kenya.Rwanda.Tanzania.Uganda. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
- Cholera - Recommended for Kenya.Rwanda.Tanzania.Uganda. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
- Tuberculosis - Recommended for Kenya.Rwanda.Tanzania.Uganda. Ideally 3 months before travel.
- Hepatitis B - Recommended for Kenya.Rwanda.Tanzania.Uganda. Ideally 2 months before travel.
- Rabies - Recommended for Kenya.Rwanda.Tanzania.Uganda. Ideally 1 month before travel.
- Meningococcal meningitis - Recommended for Kenya.Rwanda.Tanzania.Uganda. Ideally 3 weeks before travel.
- Yellow fever - Recommended for Kenya Yellow fever - Required for entrance into the country for , Rwanda Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for and Uganda. Ideally 10 days before travel.
Visa
- Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
- Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
Payment information
- For any tour departing before May 15th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after May 15th, 2026, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with Absolute Africa. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
- Some departure dates and prices may vary and Absolute Africa will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
- The following cards are accepted for "Absolute Africa" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
Cancellation Policy
- Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
- TourRadar is an authorized Agent of Absolute Africa. Please familiarize yourself with the Absolute Africa payment, cancellation and refund conditions.
Accessibility
Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.
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East Africa Encounter

Itinerary

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

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What's Included

What's Not Included

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

Travel Insurance

Traveler Reviews

Dates & Availability

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