Accommodation

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we’re arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn’t always possible which means we won’t be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available. If you require a Sleep Apnea Machine to sleep please ensure that it is battery operated. Lodges and Permanent Tented Camps are often powered by generators which are turned off during the night. Hotel (10 nights), Lodge (6 nights), Permanent Tented Camp (5 nights)

Others

Kigali - Welcome Dinner Kigali - Genocide Memorial Centre Kigali - City Tour Kigali - Traditional Ugandan Lunch Bwindi - Gorilla Doctors Veterinarian Educational Talk Bwindi National Park - Mountain Gorilla Permit & Trek Complimentary Arrival Transfer Nairobi - Welcome Dinner Lake Naivasha - Boat trip Lake Naivasha - Elsamere Conservation Centre Lake Nakuru - Afternoon 4x4 Game Drive Lake Nakuru - Morning 4x4 Game Drive Loita Hills - Cultural talk and village visit Masai Mara - Sundowner and snacks Masai Mara - Full Day 4x4 Game Drive Masai Mara - Afternoon 4x4 Game Drive Arusha - Welcome Dinner Tarangire National Park - Afternoon 4x4 Game Drive Tarangire National Park - Morning 4x4 Game Drive Mto Wa Mbu - Market Visit Serengeti National Park - 4x4 Game Drive Serengeti National Park - Sundowner in the Park Serengeti National Park - Afternoon 4x4 Game Drive Serengeti National Park - Morning 4x4 Game Drive Ngorongoro Crater - 4WD Game Drive Karatu - Coffee Tour

Meals

20 breakfasts, 15 lunches, 17 dinners

Transport

On this trip we use 8 seater 4x4 safari vehicles. For smaller groups of up to 6 travellers we will use 1 safari vehicle and for larger groups between 7-12 we will use 2 vehicles. 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 it’s certainly our aim to avoid them, it’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. 4WD vehicles , Plane , Boat , Private Vehicle

Guide

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Premium leaders are Intrepid’s most experienced, with in-depth knowledge and extensive local networks to make it a trip of a lifetime. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. When not already included in your trip, your leader will be able to recommend a local guide service who can share more detailed or specialised information at specific sites should you be interested in delving deeper. On the Rwanda & Uganda section of this trip you will be accompanied by 2 leaders who will also be the drivers of the 4x4 safari vehicles. For group sizes of less than 6 travellers you will be accompanied by one leader/driver. Your Intrepid Group Leader’s role involves organizing the overall operation and smooth-running of the trip and managing trip logistics. Your Group Leader will work towards making the trip as safe and enjoyable as possible for all travellers. Intrepid trips are built around the co–operation and participation of all the group members under the supervision of the group leader. 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 wildlife, 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 it’s the best of both worlds. Our Group Leaders are chosen for their leadership skills and are wonderful ambassadors for our company and our beautiful continent and its people.

Hygieneprotocol

All Intrepid travellers 18 years and older and Intrepid leaders will be required to be fully vaccinated. Travellers must provide proof of vaccination to the leader at the group meeting on day 1 of the trip. All children 5 and above must provide proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or a negative COVID-19 test. Any high-risk customer who is unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons can apply for an exemption. Exemptions will be assessed on a case by case basis. Customers must provide a medical certificate from a medical professional.

Not included:

Optional

Bwindi Impenetrable Forrest - Nombe Forest Pocket (5-6hrs) - USD120 Bwindi Impenetrable Forrest - Trek To The Top of The World (2-3hrs) - USD50 Bwindi Impenetrable Forrest - Coffee Tour & Lake Mutanda Canoe (6-7hrs) - USD120 Bwindi Impenetrable Forrest - Gorilla Buffer Zone Walk (2-3hrs) - USD50 Nairobi - City Experience Urban Adventure - USD55 Masai Mara National Reserve - Balloon ride (from price) - USD500 Masai Mara - Half Day Game Drive - KES8000 Masai Mara National Reserve - Guided Walking Safari - USD30 Karatu - Bicycle tour - USD30 Serengeti National Park - Balloon Ride (from price) - USD599

Insurance

Travel insurance is not included.

Flights

International flights are not included.

Others

Important notes 1. This trip requires a higher non-refundable deposit (AUD1000, USD1000, EUR800, NZD1250, GBP650, CAD1000, ZAR8000, CHF900) in order to secure the included gorilla permit. Please note that we need to confirm availability of a gorilla permit if you are booking within 45 days of departure. The additional deposit paid at time of booking will be credited to the final balance of your booking. 2. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel. 3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 4. Depending on the departure date, we may use other luxury camps for our Feature Stay in Kenya, including Mara Engai, Amani Mara or Fig Tree Camp. 5. An optional sunrise balloon ride in the Masai Mara is possible on this itinerary. Please see the itinerary above for full details of this activity. As the balloon only holds 16 people, places are limited and we recommend you book in advance. Please inquire when booking your trip to book this optional activity. 6. Please note that the Gorilla Permit included is only valid for one day on Day 4. For those who are interested for a second trek, please consult your booking agent about purchasing the second Gorilla Permit.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Kigali
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Kigali

Welcome to Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city and the starting point for your adventure. You will be collected from the airport and transferred to your hotel, where you will meet your tour leader and small group for a 6 pm welcome meeting. Your accommodation for the next two nights is no ordinary hotel – the Hotel des Mille Collines is famous for sheltering and consequently saving more than 1000 people during the Rwandan genocide of 1994. If you arrive to Kigali early, perhaps take to the streets to explore this flourishing city in the midst of a great revival. Head to Nyamirambo, the Muslim quarter, to try some giant grilled tilapia, or stop by a local cafe and discover why Rwandan coffee is considered some of the world’s best. This evening, join your leader and small group for dinner at a lively East African restaurant popular with the locals. Enjoy live music, cocktails, incredible views and an authentic shared dining experience full of regional flavour.
Day 2 Day 2: Kigali
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Kigali

This morning, head out of the city for a sobering visit to the Ntarama Church. Your leader will explain how this memorial marks the spot where 5000 people were tragically slaughtered during the Genocide. Reminders of lives lost remain in the church, including clothes and even bones. Continue to the Nyamata Genocide Memorial Centre, a former church where an incomprehensible 50,000 people were murdered. Your leader will discuss how the Tutsis sought refuge in churches, only for them to turn into death traps. Then, visit the Genocide Museum, a powerful yet confronting experience and important in understanding the tragedy and the resilience of the Rwandan people. This afternoon, re-energize with some local Ugandan treats before taking a tour of the thriving city and its vibrant market with your leader. The evening is free for you to enjoy.
Day 3 Day 3: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After breakfast, depart Kigali and head across the border to the Bwindi National Park in Uganda (approximately 4 hours). Arrive at the Gorilla Heights Lodge, your feature stay accommodation for the next three nights. Sitting high on the Nteko Ridge, the lodge offers up magnificent views of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to half of the world’s 800 mountain gorillas. Gaze out across the jagged Virunga Mountains that straddle Uganda’s borders with Congo and Rwanda. An eco-friendly oasis, each elegant cottage has a private balcony overlooking the forest canopy. The lodge is solar-powered and works closely with the local people. Here, you’ll experience genuinely warm Ugandan hospitality – when they wish you welcome, they really mean it. There’s no better spot for soaking in your wild surroundings and searching for mountain gorillas. This evening will be a truly special experience as you’re joined by a field veterinarian from the Gorilla Doctors for a fireside chat. This organization is dedicated to saving the mountain and eastern lowland (Grauer’s) gorilla species using veterinary medicine and science. They provide medical interventions to protect these magnificent animals from human-induced or life-threatening trauma or disease. You’ll learn more about their fascinating work during this unique and exclusive experience.
Day 4 Day 4: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Rise early and take a short walk to the park headquarters where you’ll be briefed on today’s gorilla trek by the Uganda Wildlife Authorities. The trek can be strenuous, wet and uncomfortable at times but the incredible biodiversity of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the chance to see rare mountain gorillas makes it so worthwhile. We recommend investing in the help of local porters who can carry your pack and provide expert, local one-on-one assistance along the trek. Not only does it make for a more comfortable trek, it also provides valuable employment opportunities to locals. Gorilla trekking is highly controlled, with only 24 gorilla trekking permits available each day. Once you encounter a group of gorillas you will be able to stay with them for one hour – watch them swing from trees, groom each other and play, all under the watchful eye of a giant silverback. Coming face to face with a family of mountain gorillas is sure to be a life-affirming experience that will be etched on your mind forever. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the lush wilderness of the rainforest. At the end of the day the comforts of the hotel beckon, along with a chance to reflect on a memorable day.
Day 5 Day 5: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the terrace overlooking the forest. The day is free for you to do as little or as much as you please – your leader will be able to help tailor a day that best suits your interests. For those seeking another encounter with the majestic mountain gorillas, there is the option for a second day of trekking. You may wish to simply relax at the lodge, take in the views from the outdoor pool, or enjoy a luxurious treatment at the spa. This evening, join your group and leader for dinner at the terraced restaurant overlooking the mountains.
Day 6 Day 6: Nairobi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Nairobi

After breakfast, we’ll depart the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and begin the journey to cross back over the border into Kigali (approximately 4 hours). After arriving at the capital, you’ll transfer to the airport for an unescorted flight to Nairobi, Kenya. You will be collected from the airport for a short transfer to your hotel, where you will have the evening free.
Day 7 Day 7: Nairobi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Nairobi

Enjoy a free day in Nairobi. Perhaps spend the afternoon browsing the artistic and cultural displays at Nairobi Gallery, or lounging by the pool at your home for the night – a swish central hotel complete with bold pan-African art, a sauna and steam room, and super friendly staff. Meet the new members of your group at 6pm, then head out with your leader and fellow travellers to a colourful local restaurant offering traditional favourites with a modern touch. Sharing food is a big part of the culture here and a great way to get to know your new travel companions – enjoy sharing platters and tasty sides like samosas, fried plantains and tilapia.
Day 8 Day 8: Lake Naivasha / Lake Nakuru
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Lake Naivasha / Lake Nakuru

Today, we head off to the Great Rift Valley of East Africa, where our first stop will be in Elsamere, the former home of the writer Joy Adamson, whose 1960 book ’Born Free’ helped bring wildlife conservation into the mainstream. The house is a veritable museum dedicated to the works of Joy and George Adamson, with many photos of Elsa, the lioness that started it all. Embark on a boat trip on Lake Naivasha, the highest of all lakes in the Great Rift Valley and home to many a hippopotamus. Later, enjoy a high tea lunch on the very grounds Joy cherished for so many years, with the lake as a serene backdrop. After lunch, continue to your Lake Nakuru lodge, arriving in the early evening. From your lodge you’ll enjoy remarkable views of Lake Nakuru and the surrounding national park, alive with the call of birds and rich in wildlife. What better way to take it all in than from your lodge’s infinity pool.
Day 9 Day 9: Lake Nakuru National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Lake Nakuru National Park

This morning you will visit Lake Nakuru National Park by four-wheel drive vehicle (4x4) – the park’s lake is its stunning centrepiece. Mornings can be cold here so it’s important to bring warm clothes. You might see why this great soda lake has been described as the world’s greatest ornithological spectacle; great seas of flamingos often turn the landscape a sweeping shade of pink. Flooding in recent years has unfortunately caused a decline in birdlife, however the park boasts substantial numbers of other species, including waterbuck, reedbuck and gazelle. Leopards are also to be found here, and the chances of sighting one are significant. Return to the lodge and take some time out for lunch, then head back out for another afternoon game drive. Keep your eyes peeled for one of Africa’s most endangered creatures, the elusive black rhinoceros. While white rhino sightings are fairly common, spotting a black rhinoceros is a real treat.
Day 10 Day 10: Masai Mara National Reserve
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Masai Mara National Reserve

Head southwest to the Masai Mara, one of the finest game reserves in Africa. Cross the Great Rift Valley and pass by the remote region of Loita Hills, home of the Maasai people. This is one of the few places where they still practice their traditional way of life with little influence from the western world. Stop at Tepesua Village where you’ll be welcomed by Maasai Warriors through traditional song and dance. Meet your Maasai hosts, take a walk to the community village and enjoy a fascinating talk full of insights into this ancient culture. The village offers support, safety and economic growth through the ‘Tepesua Widows Income Project’, where widowed women sew eco-friendly handicrafts to sell to visitors and locals. Learn about village life and be shown around a traditional Maasai home and cattle enclosure. Move on to Zebra River Camp, your Feature Stay accommodation for the next three nights. Here, you can watch blazing sunsets and share stories over the bonfire – or cocktails in the plush lounge area – before retiring to your luxury digs. Tented rooms feature ensuite bathrooms, large, comfortable beds and private verandas offering fabulous views of the surrounding wilderness.
Day 11 Day 11: Masai Mara National Reserve
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Masai Mara National Reserve

Explore more of the park by 4x4 today with further game drives from morning to the afternoon. We depart for an early morning game drive with our packed lunch at hand since we will drive to the furthest part of the park. Witness the wonderful procession of wildlife that inhabits the area. Wildebeest, zebra and gazelle are plentiful, and you might even spot predators keeping a casual eye on their movements. Elephants, giraffes and elands are also commonly sighted, along with plenty of bird life. The area is known for its rolling green plains and riverine woodlands, and amongst the many species of game, a black-maned lion, leopard or cheetah might appear, with some luck. As the sun starts to set, stop and take a moment to soak it all in with a drink in hand – there’s few better ways to wrap up a day of wildlife spotting in one of the world’s most magical places. As dusk falls, a variety of animals might be visible in the vicinity of your camp also. We return to camp late in the evening and freshen up before settling in for dinner.
Day 12 Day 12: Masai Mara National Reserve
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Masai Mara National Reserve

The morning is yours to do as you wish. You may like to sit back with a cup of coffee on your private deck, keeping an eye out for animals in the reserve, or forgo a sleep-in in favour of an early morning game drive or walking safari. If you’d like to see the Masai Mara from a different perspective, a sunrise hot air balloon ride is a truly memorable experience. Balloon rides can be booked ahead of time or on the ground (subject to availability) and the suppliers are committed conservationists, with a portion of the profits from every flight going straight to worthy conservation projects within the park. You will be collected before dawn and glide through the sunrise, sometimes at tree height, making the most of the amazing photo opportunities. Sometimes you’ll ascend to get an overview of the enormity of the Masai Mara plains and the early-morning movements of the teeming herds. In the afternoon, regroup for another exciting 4x4 game drive in the park.
Day 13 Day 13: Nairobi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Nairobi

Say goodbye to the Masai Mara and make the drive back to Nairobi, arriving in the late afternoon. On arrival, settle into your wonderful hotel and spend an evening relaxing.
Day 14 Day 14: Arusha
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Arusha

Start the day with an early breakfast, then make the drive to Arusha to begin the Tanzanian leg of your journey. On arrival, settle into your hotel – nestled on the woodland slopes of Mount Meru in the heart of a traditional coffee farm, the hotel offers fantastic views of Lake Duluti. A meeting will take place here at 6pm to welcome any new travellers joining you for the next part of your adventure. After your meeting, join your leader and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.
Day 15 Day 15: Tarangire National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, drive on to Tarangire National Park, dotted with soaring baobab trees and varied wildlife. The area experiences its own small-scale migration, as animals travel from Tarangire to Lake Manyara in search of water and grass. Your accommodation here is a permanent tented camp in the heart of the park with wonderful views of the Tarangire River. During the migration periods, you may be lucky enough to witness zebras, wildebeest and elephants passing by the veranda of your tent – a true African bush experience. In the afternoon, set out into the park for a four-wheel drive (4x4) game drive in search of wonderful wildlife.
Day 16 Day 16: Ngorongoro Highlands
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Ngorongoro Highlands

Rise early for a quick breakfast before a thrilling 4x4 game drive. Tarangire National Park is populated with elephants, herds of cape buffalo, gazelles, Burchell’s zebras, giraffes and warthogs. Their predators also roam the park – look out for lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, jackals and even African wild dogs. If you look to the skies you’ll see the park’s abundant array of birdlife. After, continue your journey to the Ngorongoro Highlands. Along the way, stop at a local farmers’ market for a look at local life. Watch traders and buyers haggle over the prices of a colourful array of fruits and vegetables – your leader will pick up some seasonal fruits for you to try yourself. This afternoon, you may like to relax, Speak to your leader for tips on how to get the most out of this wonderful area.
Day 17 Day 17: Serengeti National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Serengeti National Park

Today, you will make your way to the wide-open plains of the Serengeti. Travel through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, skirting the mighty volcanic Ngorongoro Crater. Arrive at the ’Endless Plains’ of the Serengeti; they span some 14,700 square kilometres, but their main claim to fame is 3 million or so animals. The wildlife most likely to be seen in the Serengeti are the wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, lion, cheetah, warthog, hyena, hippo and ostrich. This afternoon, head out on a 4x4 game drive in the southern regions of the Serengeti for your first look at the park’s unbelievable wildlife. In the evening, retire to your Feature Stay accommodation – a permanent tented camp located in the breathtaking wilderness of the Serengeti. With no fences, this magnificent eco-friendly camp allows you to really connect with your wild surroundings without sacrificing modern comforts. Each tent is equipped with en-suite bathrooms and large windows, providing an opportunity to spot wildlife from the comfort of your bed. The charming lounge area and dining tent are perfect for socialising with fellow travellers while taking in the mesmerising natural beauty of the surroundings. Tonight, you will enjoy dinner to a soundtrack of the wild Serengeti.
Day 18 Day 18: Serengeti National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Serengeti National Park

The interactions between the many species of the Serengeti plains often provide some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the world. You may like to spend the morning game viewing on a hot air balloon safari over the great plains. Hot-air ballooning in East Africa can be an unforgettable experience, and we strongly recommend booking this extra activity prior to departure if you’re interested. Enjoy a full day of 4x4 game drives in the magnificent Serengeti. Watch the landscape change within the park from the vast treeless central plains to the thick scrub and forest in the north. Linking these areas is the savannah, punctuated by acacia trees and magnificent rock outcrops. Start at sunrise with a morning game drive, then return to the camp in the middle of the day to escape the midday sun. Take some time to relax and enjoy a meal, then when it’s cooled down and the animals are more active, set out again for an afternoon game drive. Pull up in the park and enjoy a refreshing ’sundowner’, an iconic part of traditional safari life. Dating back to the great safaris of the 1920s, there’s no better way to finish up an exciting day of wildlife viewing than gathering for drinks and nibbles while watching the sun go down. Return to camp in the evening for dinner.
Day 19 Day 19: Ngorongoro Highlands
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 19: Ngorongoro Highlands

This morning you will depart the Serengeti National Park and travel back to the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area; one of Africa’s most beautiful nature reserves and the world’s largest intact caldera. Within this crater lies every type of ecosystem, including riverine forests, open plains, freshwater and alkaline lakes. The scenery is awe-inspiring as you descend almost 600 metres down to the crater floor. Within its 300 square kilometres lies a remarkable concentration of wildlife, so on your game drive you may see some, or all, of the ’big five’ creatures that rule here, including the highly endangered black rhinoceros. On the crater floor, grassland blends into swamps, lakes, rivers, woodlands and hills. The Maasai are permitted to water their cattle at the permanent lake and can be seen leading their animals in and out of the crater. Enjoy a bush picnic lunch on the crater floor before continuing with your game drive. After your game drive, return to the Ngorongoro Highlands.
Day 20 Day 20: Ngorongoro Highlands
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 20: Ngorongoro Highlands

Enjoy a morning at leisure. Today you’ll learn all about coffee, with a hands on tour covering the coffee process from seed, to bean, to cup. In the afternoon, spend some time relaxing by the pool, or speak to your leader about the other activities available.
Day 21 Day 21: Arusha
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 21: Arusha

This morning, depart the lodge and make the drive back to Arusha. You should expect to arrive back in Arusha by lunchtime, at which point your adventure comes to an end. Please do not book any international flights departing before 6pm this evening to allow for any unexpected delays. If you would like to extend your stay in Arusha, additional accommodation can be booked in advance (subject to availability).

+18

21 days tour

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Itinerary of your trip Premium East Africa In Depth

Day 1: Kigali

Day 2: Kigali

Day 3: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Day 4: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Day 5: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Day 6: Nairobi

Day 7: Nairobi

Day 8: Lake Naivasha / Lake Nakuru

Day 9: Lake Nakuru National Park

Day 10: Masai Mara National Reserve

Day 11: Masai Mara National Reserve

Day 12: Masai Mara National Reserve

Day 13: Nairobi

Day 14: Arusha

Day 15: Tarangire National Park

Day 16: Ngorongoro Highlands

Day 17: Serengeti National Park

Day 18: Serengeti National Park

Day 19: Ngorongoro Highlands

Day 20: Ngorongoro Highlands

Day 21: Arusha

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