Our trip was broken into two different tour leaders (Lelei and Nash), drivers (Sam and Strong Patrick) and cooks...
Our trip was broken into two different tour leaders (Lelei and Nash), drivers (Sam and Strong Patrick) and cooks (Nicholas and Simon) all of which were phenomenal. I still am trying to figure out when the cook actually slept. All the guides went out of their way to explain their culture. Splurge for having a cook on this trip the days are SOOOO long that we would roll in at 7 and get everything organized for a 9pm dinner being cooked while tents were going up, showers being taken and one beer to be consumed.
There are quite a lof of TIA (This is Africa) moments but our guides were so good at quickly figuring out alternatives i.e. bridges washed away to the campsite and finding new campsites, campsites being flooded and again finding alternative accommodation, the bus broke down once outside Nairobi and a quick fix was found.
By far the best part of the trip was the Gorilla section - the chimpanzees, the boat tour the same day with so many animals on the river including baby elephants and hippos was mind blowing, gorillas - had no idea what to expect and just out of this world experience (do not do Mt Sabyano hike unless you are VERY in shape), the Masai Mara had cheetahs killing in front of us, cheetahs on kills with pups, lion fights, lioness with cubs etc etc. I have to say the Nairobi to Zanzibar isn’t really worth it on it’s own and hard to assimilate with the group if you jump on here because the first part of the gorilla tour is exhausting. If you can do the entire trip from the beginning, bonds are made from the beginning and harder to break into as time goes on unless you are a couple.
The tents were well taken care of and sleeping pads were sufficient on their own except maybe 4 days as you moved more south due lack of grass to sleep on. Be aware that if you are over 5 foot 10 you need your own tent because the footprint is too small and your feet and head touch the damp tent leading to unpleasant evenings, I am 5 foot 6 and it just fit me. I was really unsure of what temperature sleeping bag to take and a 0 degree celcius bag worked perfectly. Our first night was freezing though luckily as a Canadian I had brought a down jacket and scarf but if you just get a blanket all will be fine.First campsite was some peoples favourites or some peoples least favourite (toilet wasn’t working and no water to drain the toilet but lots of animals wondering through camp). Chimpanzee campsite was also a little rough but after that all were quite decent (basic but decent) and lots of upgrades for people who have the money...I stuck to camping.
Lockers fit my 55L bag well, it’s best if you have a 20L waterproof bag with a flat bottom that you store your night stuff and toiletry stuff in as there aren’t hooks in the showers sometimes.
More showers than you imagine and even if there is wifi many times there are just too many people on it and nothing happens. Would definitely recommend SIM cards for Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania as you spend your most time in these countries.
I would do your own laundry as the laundry completed by the locals did come back smelling good but were still dirty which was disappointing and one of my shirts just didn’t come back, check out the scrubba bags. If there are a few of you hand doing laundry with a beer and music it was a good time. The bus has laundry buckets.
Each country was so incredibly different for the first ¾ of the trip especially Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. I found that in Malawi it was just too overwhelming with people trying to sell craft goods all the time that I was quite panicked but it is very poor there at the same time so I understand their plight - I literally had 5 guys run me down at the beach with sand flying at their feet it was quite scary to get run after and surrounded.
I am a SUPER active person and spent many sleepless nights for months ahead of time stressing about all of the sitting and yes there was A LOT of sitting, up to 12 hours some days but it was tolerable and I wouldn’t do it any other way in retrospect. Don’t even think it’s possible to go for runs on this tour you just get in too late and your up early to leave. I did not gain weight on the trip but you have to consciously remember not to cram huge portions of the yummy food onto your plate and consider what activity you did that day.
PLEASE factor in tipping your driver, leader and tour guide DO NOT FORGOT to add it into your budget or get to the end of the trip and think wow that’s a lot of money to give them and undermine the hard work they’ve done the entire tour for YOU. Expect to pay a lot in tipping, you pay not only those 3 busy bees but every single person you meet along the way and the Gorilla trek is tips tips tips (about 60 US) for each military escort, trackers, guide and porters.
This trip was once in a lifetime, I had low expectations since I hate sitting still and I don’t like the heat but I LOVED it. Totally recommend.
PS bring a seat cushion, your bum will thank you.Show more
Traveled in January 2020
Reply from: Intrepid Travel
Thank you so much Parker! We're so glad you enjoyed your trip and can't wait to see where your next adventures takes you :)
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M
Margaret
Asked on January 20th, 2026
We would appreciate your assistance. My husband & I are 61 & 59 respectively. We want to spend 2 months exploring Africa's wildlife, food, music & traditions between 4/1-6/15/2026. Flying in most direct/short manner from Washington DC & visiting areas where we will have best weather & wildlife experiences at a value.
We would like clean, safe, functional & asthetically pleasant places with English speaking & helpful staff. Like to stay where can interact with other guests but we do not need bells & whistles (luxury). Want to experience wildlife & a little culture (music, food, dance) in comfortable beds where temperature is able to be moderated with a/c or fans or blankets/firepit if needed. Beds do not need to be traditional but no hammocks. Like comfortable, not too jolty vehicle transports with low danger risk. Wish to have wi-fi & internet at lodging. Fine with rudimentary showers, out houses, and simple/limited food choices for periods w/ breaks of less rudimentary experiences. We are somewhat athletic but I get ball of foot pain approx every 1.5 - 2 hours & have to get off my feet for 10 minutez for pain to subside. That said we can walk about 5 hours a day. We may need assistance if have to carry bags up lots of steps.
Want to see as much wildlife as possible & avoid periods bad weather & hope a place would offer something to occupy us if weather keeps us at a lodging such as a fitness opportunity, cooking class, education about the wildlife, board games or craft activity.
Important to us is access to quality healthcare within a 3 hour drive. Open to volunteering at projects where can learn more about the wildlife & help feed, maintain facilities, perform studies, etc.
Our budget for 2 persons total is $20,000. And I have noted airplane costs can eat up $5k per person leaving $10k total for accommodations.
Like photos & description of accommodations including restrooms, access to a/c or fan or blankets. Options for food & variety & beverages & ice. Info on comfort level of transport - will there be a/c & shocks & cushioning of seats. What available for medical care & what done in emergency. Will tour be in English only or a multi language tour. What done if poor weather. Any planning we should do regarding planning an extra day stay after tour before fly out in case of a tour hold up? What are the ave rage added expenses to count on?
Based on your travel window comfort preferences, interest in wildlife and culture, and the pace you're looking for, we'd suggest considering the following Intrepid trips as strong starting points:
Africa Encompassed (Southbound) – from USD 10,192 per person
Africa Encompassed (Northbound) – from USD 10,288 per person
Amazing Southern Africa – from USD 10,192 per person
Cape Town to Zanzibar – from USD 5,266 per person
These trips are designed to offer a balance of wildlife experiences and cultural exposure, with accommodation that is clean, safe, and functional rather than luxury-focused. They also tend to move at a more moderate pace, use comfortable private vehicles with experienced local leaders, and operate primarily in English.
Accommodation styles, transport comfort, included activities, optional experiences, and day-to-day conditions can vary by trip and destination. For this reason, we recommend reviewing each itinerary on our website, where you'll find:
Detailed day-by-day plans
Accommodation descriptions and photos
Transport information
Notes on physical activity levels, weather, and facilities
Information on optional activities and average additional costs
All Intrepid trips are led by English-speaking leaders, and we work in destinations with established tourism infrastructure and access to medical facilities. Your tour leader would be your first point of contact in the event of illness, injury, or weather disruptions, and they're trained to assist with local support and contingency planning where required.
As flights, accommodation standards, medical facilities, and comfort levels vary across regions, reviewing the trip notes in detail will help you decide which itinerary best aligns with your expectations and budget.
O
Oliver
Asked on April 11th, 2023
would like to know what you dates you would recommend. I am flexible on start dates and would like the best time for wildlife spotting.
The best time for wildlife viewing varies by country. In Botswana, winter (April through August) is good with mild days and easy wildlife spotting. In Kenya, January and February are hot and dry, best for wildlife. In Malawi, late dry season (late April to October) is ideal for wildlife viewing. In Namibia, May to October offers warm, sunny days. South Africa is good year-round. Tanzania's Serengeti is best from late June to October. Uganda's best wildlife times are late December to February and June to September. Zambia's best wildlife months are August, September, and October. Zimbabwe's dry winter season from May to October is perfect for wildlife viewing.
Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Intrepid Travel with your enquiry, they usually respond within 5 hours.
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Tour ID: 4006
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Plugs & Adapters
As a traveler from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand you will need an adaptor for types D, M, G, J, C, N. As a traveler from England you will need an adaptor for types D, M, J, C, N. As a traveler from South Africa you will need an adaptor for types G, J, C, N.
Type D
Botswana, Namibia and South Africa
Type M
Botswana, Namibia and South Africa
Type G
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These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
Typhoid - Recommended for Botswana.Kenya.Malawi.Namibia.Rwanda.South Africa.Tanzania.Uganda.Zambia.Zimbabwe. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
Hepatitis A - Recommended for Botswana.Kenya.Malawi.Namibia.Rwanda.South Africa.Tanzania.Uganda.Zambia.Zimbabwe. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
Tuberculosis - Recommended for Botswana.Kenya.Malawi.Namibia.Rwanda.South Africa.Tanzania.Uganda.Zambia.Zimbabwe. Ideally 3 months before travel.
Hepatitis B - Recommended for Botswana.Kenya.Malawi.Namibia.Rwanda.South Africa.Tanzania.Uganda.Zambia.Zimbabwe. Ideally 2 months before travel.
Rabies - Recommended for Botswana.Kenya.Malawi.Namibia.Rwanda.Tanzania.Uganda.Zambia.Zimbabwe. Ideally 1 month before travel.
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Cholera - Recommended for Kenya.Malawi.Namibia.Rwanda.South Africa.Tanzania.Uganda.Zambia.Zimbabwe. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
Meningococcal meningitis - Recommended for Kenya.Rwanda.Tanzania.Uganda.Zambia. Ideally 3 weeks before travel.
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