16 days tour

Gorillas & Game Parks

$ 4,895 .00 USD

Total price per person

Reserve with $4,895.00

Gorillas & Game Parks

This tour includes:

Others

Lake Nakuru - Overland Vehicle Game Drive Lake Nakuru - Morning Overland Vehicle Game Drive Queen Elizabeth National Park - Overland Vehicle Game Drive Bwindi National Park - Mountain Gorilla Permit & Trek Kericho - Tea plantation visit Masai Mara National Reserve - 4x4 Game Drive Loita Hills - Maasai Village Visit Masai Mara National Reserve - Full Day 4x4 Game Drive

Accommodation

Accommodation on this trip is mainly in two-person canvas dome tents with camping mattresses supplied. The type and variety of accommodation are determined by conditions on each of our routes. Each route is different - on some, we use a mixture of campsites and wild camps; on others, we also use hotels. In Africa, itโ€™s not usually practical to camp when staying in towns and cities, so we use hotel accommodations and eat out in local restaurants. There may be the occasional night stop when we stay on the grounds of a hotel or at a campsite, which may also have rooms/cabins available. In this case, there may be a choice of camping or upgrading to a room. Rooms cost approximately USD : 40-100 per room per night for a twin room and cannot be pre-booked. Standards of these rooms vary greatly, and we recommend viewing the room before purchasing the nightโ€™s accommodation. The day-by-day itinerary advises when upgrades may be possible (subject to availability). Keep in mind that if we are staying in dormitory accommodation, you may have to share with other passengers or be split into same-sex rooms. Campsites do have facilities, but they usually arenโ€™t to the same standard you would find in Western countries. For example, the bathroom facilities can be very basic. Toilet paper is rarely provided, and shower facilities can be as simple as a hose pipe spurting out cold water. Wild camps have no facilities at all. At times, there may be spare tents in the vehicles. Unfortunately, these cannot be used without the purchase of a single supplement. This is to ensure the tents avoid wear and tear or are clean and ready for the customers arriving on the next section of the trip. Camping (with facilities) (13 nights), Hotel (1 night), Hotel with shared facilities (1 night)

Meals

15 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 14 dinners

Transport

Our trucks are purpose-built, self contained safari vehicles. Our fleet of vehicles varies depending on your group size, trip route and style. Your vehicle type may differ from those listed above. It is also important to note that our overland vehicles are not air-conditioned, but all vehicles have windows that can be opened to allow for fresh air. Each seat will have access to a power socket to charge your devices. This outlet will use a UK/K: enyan 3 pronged outlet. There are many early starts with long hours spent driving on rough roads on all African itineraries. While most people love the chance to watch the changing landscape and daily village life, feedback shows that long periods of inactivity does not appeal to all clients. We provide the approximate distance covered each day and how many hours this normally takes to drive so that you can choose the safari experience that is right for you. African conditions are extremely tough on vehicles. While we fastidiously maintain our vehicles at our workshops, you should not expect Africa to be your traditional touring experience. While itโ€™s certainly our aim to avoid them, itโ€™s important that you set off on your trip knowing that the occasional breakdown can happen and are best treated as part of the African adventure. Due to wet weather there may be times when we have to take an alternative route which will mean longer travel times. Overland vehicle , 4x4 Safari Vehicle

Guide

On this trip you will be accompanied by three crew members - Group Leader, Cook and Driver who will usually be Kenyan. Your Group Leaderโ€™s role involves organizing the overall operation and smooth-running of the trip, managing trip logistics, coordinating the tipping kitty (where applicable) and will form work groups to take turns cooking, cleaning and shopping. (From time to time your leader may drive as well) Your Group Leader will work towards making the trip as safe and enjoyable as possible for all travellers. Intrepid trips are built around the coโ€“operation and participation of all the group members under the supervision of the group leader. The group leader will show the group how to set up and use the equipment. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting, especially when tracking and identifying game - we think itโ€™s the best of both worlds. Regardless of the country of origin, our Group Leaders are chosen for their leadership skills and are wonderful ambassadors for our company and our beautiful continent and its people. Your Cook is responsible for the cooking and will help to coordinate the work groups for preparing the meals and washing up! Cooks are also responsible for organizing food shopping (they are always happy to have you on board) and most importantly, they make sure high hygiene standards are kept at all times while camping. Your Driverโ€™s main responsibility is to get you to your destination safely; they are also responsible for the maintenance of the vehicles along the way. Everyone is expected to participate and carry their share of the workload/duties, making camp chores easier. The duties Rota system is adopted where all members share in general camp duties โ€“ cooking, shopping, washing up etc. If the whole group participates it will be quicker, easier, and more fun. We endeavour to provide the services of an experienced leader and crew; however, situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders.

Not included:

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Others

Other activities and services are not included

Flights

International flights are not included

Insurance

Travel Insurance is not included

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Gorillas & Game Parks

  • Day 1 Day 1: Nairobi
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      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 Day 2: Lake Nakuru National Park
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      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 โ€“ situated in the heart of the Great Rift Valley. Youโ€™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 Day 3: Eldoret
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      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 โ€“ one of Kenyaโ€™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 Kenyaโ€™s most famous runners. Tonight, enjoy a traditional dinner at your campsite located just outside Eldoret.

  • Day 4 Day 4: Kampala
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Kampala

      Today, youโ€™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 nightโ€™s rest.

  • Day 5 Day 5: Kalinzu Forest
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      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 Day 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      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, thereโ€™s an option to take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel โ€“ well-known for pelicans, eagles and other birdlife, as well as a healthy population of hippos.

  • Day 7 Day 7: Kisoro
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      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. Youโ€™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 Day 8: Gorilla Trek
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Gorilla Trek

      Joined by a local ranger and gorilla trackers, youโ€™ll climb through the rugged mountain terrain of Bwindi (translating to โ€˜darkโ€™) 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 Day 9: Gorilla Trek
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Gorilla Trek

      If you didnโ€™t get to complete your gorilla visit yesterday, youโ€™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 womenโ€™s center. However, please ensure you have a Rwanda or East Africa visa.

  • Day 10 Day 10: Mbarara
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: Mbarara

      This morning, youโ€™ll turn back towards the capital of Kampala and embark on a bit of a travel day. Youโ€™ll break up the journey at the pit-stop town of Mbarara for the night. Thereโ€™s not much to do around Mbarara, so tonightโ€™s a great opportunity to recharge, get stuck into a book or relax at the camp.

  • Day 11 Day 11: Jinja
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: Jinja

      Today youโ€™ll continue your journey inland, travelling towards Jinja. The Jinja region is one of the highlights of any visit to Uganda โ€“ a riverside retreat at the source of the Nile thatโ€™s also the adventure capital of the country. Tonight, youโ€™ll camp at a scenic riverside site and enjoy a good nightโ€™s rest ready for tomorrowโ€™s adventures.

  • Day 12 Day 12: Jinja
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      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 Day 13: Kericho
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 13: Kericho

      Farewell Uganda and begin the journey back to Kenya and Nairobi, stopping overnight at the town of Kericho โ€“ one of Kenyaโ€™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 Day 14: Masai Mara National Reserve
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      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. Youโ€™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 womenโ€™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 โ€“ with sparse open plains, dramatic skies and the worldโ€™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 Day 15: Masai Mara National Reserve
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 15: Masai Mara National Reserve

      This morning, maybe take an optional balloon ride over the Mara at sunrise. If youโ€™ve pre-booked this activity, youโ€™ll be picked up before dawn and driven to the launch site for a safety briefing from your pilot. Youโ€™ll then glide through the skies, sometimes at tree height, for some amazing photo opportunities. After landing, youโ€™ll be treated to a bush breakfast before meeting up with the rest of the group. Today youโ€™ll venture into the Masai Mara National Reserve with expert local driver guides for a day-long 4WD safari. Youโ€™ll explore this diverse environment and most likely see a multitude of wildlife.

  • Day 16 Day 16: Nairobi
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 16: Nairobi

      Return to the bustling metropolis of Nairobi today. When you arrive, youโ€™ll be dropped off at your finishing point hotel, where your trip ends. If youโ€™d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent.

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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Basic

Almost everyone is fit for these activities. Every hike or physical exercise last less than 30 minutes, such as paragliding and horseback riding. Please ask about specific conditions.

Age range

Age range

Min: 15 / Max: 99

Age range allowed for this experience.

Select a country to define if the visa is required