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Gorillas & Game Parks

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Gorillas & Game Parks

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Description

A close encounter with gentle giants on a gorilla safari in Uganda is an extraordinary experience that will always stay with you. On this 16-day overland African camping adventure, you’ll roam the verdant plains, rainforests, papyrus-fringed lakes and acacia woodlands of Kenya and Uganda’s game parks, from Queen Elizabeth National Park to the Masai Mara Reserve. Spot lions, rhinos, antelopes, hippos, leopards and more in their natural habitats. If you’re looking for a trip that has it all when it comes to African wildlife, this is the trip for you! Take an adventure with a knowledgeable local leader and get the best chance to spot the Big Five, the Small Five, the Ugly Five and all your favourites from the Lion King!

Trip Name
Gorillas & Game Parks
Last Updated
2024-08-28
Days
16
Capacity
22
Highlights
  • Trek through Uganda's steamy forests to seek out rare mountain gorillas and spend an unforgettable hour in their presence with the help of expert rangers and trackers.
  • Head out on an early evening game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, which is particularly famous for its rhino population.
  • Spend a few days at your own pace in Jinja, which can be a relaxing riverside retreat or an adrenaline-pumping adventure capital, depending on your mood.
  • Look out for lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes and more as an expert driver guide take you on a 4WD adventure through the incredible Masai Mara National Reserve for a full-day game drive.
  • Meet the Maasai people known for their vibrant red dress and elaborate jewellery and gain an insight into the culture and ancient ways of this proud East African community.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Gorilla Doctors. Donations help them care for injured mountain and Grauer's gorillas – contributing to the long-term sustainability of gorilla populations.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. ROAD CONDITIONS AND INFRASTRUCTURE IN AFRICA: Roads in Africa are often in very poor condition, which makes it hard on our vehicles. Our vehicles are serviced regularly and are generally in good condition, but breakdowns can and do happen. Sometimes the going on this trip is quite tough, the distances covered fairly large and some of the roads and tracks are not exactly smooth or free from dust, but the rewards are exceptional. The travelling times indicated in our Essential Trip Information is just a rough guide and is dependent on various factors that may be outside our control, such as road conditions, weather and time spent at borders. DRIVE TIMES: The travel times listed in the day to day itinerary are a guide only. Please be aware that delays may occur and please be patient - it's all part of the experience afterall! Additionally, the travel times do not include time spent on game drives as these can vary with each departure. URBAN ADVENTURES: Join us for the Best. Day. Ever. Urban Adventures are for those who want to get away from the tourist crowds and really connect with a city, with a local by their side. The experience can be as short as a couple of hours, or as long as a whole day, but in every case our Urban Adventures tours take travellers to interesting places to experience local culture and see what makes a place unique. If you are travelling before or after your trip with us and would like to book an Urban Adventure in advance, please contact your booking agent or use this link: http://www.urbanadventures.com/?aff=2226. While on tour with us, your leader can assist in booking other Urban Adventures.

Day 1 - Nairobi
Jambo! Welcome to Kenya. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm in Nairobi. If you arrive early, why not head out and soak up the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the city. There are plenty of good bars and restaurants, as well as markets and shops packed with arts and crafts from the region. After the meeting tonight, maybe join your new travel companions for a welcome dinner and get to know each other.
Day 2 - Lake Nakuru National Park
Take in the spectacular views of the Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha and Elementaita on the drive north-west to Lake Nakuru National Park – situated in the heart of the Great Rift Valley. You’ll arrive in time for a short evening game drive along the shore of the lake. Lake Nakuru National Park is a small and compact area based around a lake that makes a great location for spotting wildlife. Along with the other members of the Big Five, Lake Nakuru is home to many rhinos and will therefore be the best chance to get a snap of these magnificent beasts.
Day 3 - Eldoret
Rise early, have some breakfast, break up camp and head out on an overland game drive as you leave the park. Eat lunch at the gate before driving northwest to Eldoret – one of Kenya's fastest-growing cities. Due to its high altitude, the town is an ideal training ground for middle and long-distance athletes and is home to some of Kenya's most famous runners. Tonight, enjoy a traditional dinner at your campsite located just outside Eldoret.
Day 4 - Kampala
Today, you’ll leave Kenya behind and cross the border into landlocked Uganda, travelling on to its capital city, Kampala. With a population of over 45 million, Uganda is a country of great cultural diversity and is one of the five countries that make up the East African Community. As today is a long travel day, take a break from setting up camp with a stay at a hotel tonight. After your long drive, sit down for a dinner prepared by the hotel before settling in for a good night’s rest.
Day 5 - Kalinzu Forest
Travel to Kalinzu Forest National Park today. Some of its inhabitants include chimpanzees, black and white colobuses, baboons, red-tailed monkeys, both blue and red duikers, bushbucks, waterbucks, giant forest hogs, buffalo and elephants. When you arrive, settle into your camp and perhaps stretch your legs and explore your surroundings with the rest of the group.
Day 6 - Queen Elizabeth National Park
This morning, you have the option to take an excursion to see the chimpanzees of Kalinzu Forest. More closely related to humans than any other living creature, the chimpanzees are a delight to watch as they squabble and play in fruiting trees. You can also choose to soak in the sounds of the forest from the comfort of your tent. Later, take the short drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Once camp is set up, there's an option to take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel – well-known for pelicans, eagles and other birdlife, as well as a healthy population of hippos.
Day 7 - Kisoro
Today, drive out of the Queen Elizabeth National Park on your way to the southwest tip of Uganda. On this short game drive, cross your fingers and look out for elephants, buffalo, Ugandan kobs and waterbucks. Arrive at the corner of Uganda, where the border touches Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. You’ll spend the night in Kisoro at a camp on the shore of Lake Mutanda, with views of the Virunga Mountain range. Tonight, relax and soak up the views, go for a swim off the small dock or go hunting for a glimpse of local weaver bird nests and African clawless otters.
Day 8 - Gorilla Trek
Joined by a local ranger and gorilla trackers, you’ll climb through the rugged mountain terrain of Bwindi (translating to ‘dark’) Impenetrable National Park for the rare and exciting opportunity to encounter the gorilla families that live here. No more than eight people per day can visit any one habituated family and visits are strictly controlled to minimise disturbance. The terrain here can be quite strenuous, but the sheer thrill of coming across a group of gorillas dominated by a great male silverback more than outweighs the difficulty. Watch them eat, sleep, groom and play as the giant silverback surveys the scene and the smaller ones laze in the trees or play and be struck by the similarities between gorillas and humans.
Day 9 - Gorilla Trek
If you didn’t get to complete your gorilla visit yesterday, you’ll head out today. With your free day, your leader will provide you with options and ideas on how you can spend your time in the area around Kisoro. You can head out on more rainforest hikes to see monkeys, take some nature walks, or perhaps take a day excursion over the border to Rwanda to visit the genocide memorial, art museum and Nyamirambo women’s center. However, please ensure you have a Rwanda or East Africa visa.
Day 10 - Mbarara
This morning, you’ll turn back towards the capital of Kampala and embark on a bit of a travel day. You’ll break up the journey at the pit-stop town of Mbarara for the night. There’s not much to do around Mbarara, so tonight’s a great opportunity to recharge, get stuck into a book or relax at the camp.
Day 11 - Jinja
Today you'll continue your journey inland, travelling towards Jinja. The Jinja region is one of the highlights of any visit to Uganda – a riverside retreat at the source of the Nile that’s also the adventure capital of the country. Tonight, you’ll camp at a scenic riverside site and enjoy a good night’s rest ready for tomorrow's adventures.
Day 12 - Jinja
Located at the source of the Nile as it leaves Lake Victoria, Jinja is a place for the adventurer, the adrenaline junkie and the eco-traveller. Enjoy a full free day here to explore at your own pace, with a bunch of optional activities to choose. Maybe get active with some whitewater rafting or float along the river on a kayak. You can also opt for a boat cruise to the source of the Nile, to enjoy the river from a new perspective.
Day 13 - Kericho
Farewell Uganda and begin the journey back to Kenya and Nairobi, stopping overnight at the town of Kericho – one of Kenya’s most popular towns due to its tranquil surroundings, blanketed by thick tea plantations and evergreens. Sitting at the edge of the South-Western Mau National Reserve and is known for its vast tea estates. When you arrive, visit a tea plantation and learn about the tea farming process from the locals themselves.
Day 14 - Masai Mara National Reserve
This morning, drive to the famous Masai Mara National Park. Stop in Loita Hills on the way, home of the traditional Maasai people, and visit Tepesua Village. You’ll be welcomed by Maasai warriors through traditional song and dance. Meet your Maasai hosts and listen to a talk full of insights into the remarkable ancient culture. The Tepesua Community was formed with the aim of promoting education, empowering women (including widows and vulnerable women in the community) as well as promoting community development. There are multiple projects that aim to educate boys and girls and support women’s development and empowerment, focusing especially on the village mamaas (widows). Learn how the community creates job opportunities for the youths in the village and meet the women who make eco-friendly handbags and backpacks to sell to visiting travellers and locals. Travel on to the Masai Mara – with sparse open plains, dramatic skies and the world's most iconic animals living within its boundaries, this is the quintessential African experience. Explore this diverse environment and view a multitude of wildlife on an early evening 4WD game drive with expert local driver guides.
Day 15 - Masai Mara National Reserve
This morning, maybe take an optional balloon ride over the Mara at sunrise. If you’ve pre-booked this activity, you’ll be picked up before dawn and driven to the launch site for a safety briefing from your pilot. You’ll then glide through the skies, sometimes at tree height, for some amazing photo opportunities. After landing, you'll be treated to a bush breakfast before meeting up with the rest of the group. Today you’ll venture into the Masai Mara National Reserve with expert local driver guides for a day-long 4WD safari. You'll explore this diverse environment and most likely see a multitude of wildlife.
Day 16 - Nairobi
Return to the bustling metropolis of Nairobi today. When you arrive, you'll be dropped off at your finishing point hotel, where your trip ends. If you'd like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
14-12-202429-12-2024AUD $ 6,003-
21-12-202405-01-2025AUD $ 6,003-
28-12-202412-01-2025AUD $ 5,769-
11-01-202526-01-2025AUD $ 6,088-
08-02-202523-02-2025AUD $ 6,088-
22-02-202509-03-2025AUD $ 6,088-
22-03-202506-04-2025AUD $ 5,846-
05-04-202520-04-2025AUD $ 5,846-
03-05-202518-05-2025AUD $ 5,846-
17-05-202501-06-2025AUD $ 5,846-
31-05-202515-06-2025AUD $ 5,846-
07-06-202522-06-2025AUD $ 6,088-
14-06-202529-06-2025AUD $ 6,088-
21-06-202506-07-2025AUD $ 6,088-
24-06-202509-07-2025AUD $ 6,088-
28-06-202513-07-2025AUD $ 6,088-
05-07-202520-07-2025AUD $ 6,296-
08-07-202523-07-2025AUD $ 6,296-
12-07-202527-07-2025AUD $ 6,296-
19-07-202503-08-2025AUD $ 6,296-
26-07-202510-08-2025AUD $ 6,296-
02-08-202517-08-2025AUD $ 6,296-
09-08-202524-08-2025AUD $ 6,296-
16-08-202531-08-2025AUD $ 6,296-
23-08-202507-09-2025AUD $ 6,296-
30-08-202514-09-2025AUD $ 6,296-
06-09-202521-09-2025AUD $ 6,296-
13-09-202528-09-2025AUD $ 6,296-
20-09-202505-10-2025AUD $ 6,088-
27-09-202512-10-2025AUD $ 6,088-
04-10-202519-10-2025AUD $ 6,088-
11-10-202526-10-2025AUD $ 6,088-
25-10-202509-11-2025AUD $ 5,846-
08-11-202523-11-2025AUD $ 5,846-
22-11-202507-12-2025AUD $ 5,846-
29-11-202514-12-2025AUD $ 5,846-
06-12-202521-12-2025AUD $ 5,846-
13-12-202528-12-2025AUD $ 6,088-
27-12-202511-01-2026AUD $ 6,765-
10-01-202625-01-2026AUD $ 6,820-
24-01-202608-02-2026AUD $ 6,820-
07-02-202622-02-2026AUD $ 6,820-
21-02-202608-03-2026AUD $ 6,820-
21-03-202605-04-2026AUD $ 6,820-
04-04-202619-04-2026AUD $ 6,820-
02-05-202617-05-2026AUD $ 6,820-
16-05-202631-05-2026AUD $ 6,820-
30-05-202614-06-2026AUD $ 6,820-
06-06-202621-06-2026AUD $ 6,820-
13-06-202628-06-2026AUD $ 7,105-
20-06-202605-07-2026AUD $ 7,105-
23-06-202608-07-2026AUD $ 7,105-
27-06-202612-07-2026AUD $ 7,105-
04-07-202619-07-2026AUD $ 7,345-
07-07-202622-07-2026AUD $ 7,345-
11-07-202626-07-2026AUD $ 7,345-
18-07-202602-08-2026AUD $ 7,345-
25-07-202609-08-2026AUD $ 7,345-
01-08-202616-08-2026AUD $ 7,345-
08-08-202623-08-2026AUD $ 7,345-
15-08-202630-08-2026AUD $ 7,345-
22-08-202606-09-2026AUD $ 7,345-
29-08-202613-09-2026AUD $ 7,345-
05-09-202620-09-2026AUD $ 7,345-
12-09-202627-09-2026AUD $ 7,345-
19-09-202604-10-2026AUD $ 7,105-
26-09-202611-10-2026AUD $ 7,105-
03-10-202618-10-2026AUD $ 7,105-
10-10-202625-10-2026AUD $ 7,105-
24-10-202608-11-2026AUD $ 6,820-
07-11-202622-11-2026AUD $ 6,820-
21-11-202606-12-2026AUD $ 6,820-
28-11-202613-12-2026AUD $ 6,820-
05-12-202620-12-2026AUD $ 6,820-
12-12-202627-12-2026AUD $ 6,820-
26-12-202610-01-2027AUD $ 7,105-

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (13 nights),Hotel (1 night),Hotel with shared facilities (1 night)

Transport

Overland vehicle,4x4 Safari Vehicle

Map

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