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Gorilla Trek & Kenya Safari (Accommodated)

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18 days

ACCOMMODATED SAFARI: Take in the highlights of Uganda and Kenya on this 18-day overland safari. Go on a captivating game drive through Lake Nakuru National Park before heading to Uganda's capital, Kampala. Venture to Queen Elizabeth National Park to see the chimpanzees. Embark on a hike through steamy jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for an encounter with mountain gorillas, unwind alongside the majestic Nile River in Jinja, and end your adventure spotting the Big Five in Kenya's famed Masai Mara Reserve.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Tour Overview

Duration

18 days

Starts

Nairobi

Ends

Nairobi

Range

Overlanding

Tour Guide

Yes - escorted by a tour leader

Group Size

Min 4 / Max 16

Minimum age

18

Departs

Saturdays

Hotel Rating

Simple Accommodation

Countries

Kenya, Uganda

Arrival Transfer

No - can be booked on request

Departure Transfer

No - can be booked on request

Meals included

Breakfast: 13, Lunch: 13, Dinner: 13
Per person from
NZD$7,852.50
Local Payment
$175.00pp paid in USD
Save 10% today
Total From
$17,450.00
NZD$15,705.00
Deposit From
Final payment
NZD$1,000.00
$15,205.00

Tour Highlights

Lake Nakuru National Park - Search for lions, rhinos and other resident wildlife on an included game drive in specialized safari vehicles
Eldoret - Pose for photos at the Equator and camp on the outskirts of one of Kenya's largest and most vibrant cities
Queen Elizabeth National Park - Go trekking in search of chimpanzees, which are usually spotted in the treetops
Bwindi National Park - Embark on a memorable trek to see endangered mountain gorillas in the steamy jungles of Uganda
Lake Bunyonyi - When not trekking to see gorillas, relax beside this idyllic lake, surrounded by greenery and rolling hills
Jinja - Spend two full days relaxing beside the Nile and Lake Victoria, with time for boating, fishing, hiking and more
Masai Mara - Game drive through Kenya's most famous wilderness and search for the Big Five

Included

17 breakfasts, 16 lunches & 15 dinners
17 nights simple twin share accommodation (please refer to the trip notes for details)
Escorted by a licensed 2-person crew
Transportation in a 24-seater overland truck with camping and cooking equipment
All road tolls and vehicle taxes
Lake Nakuru National Park game drive in specialized safari vehicles
Queen Elizabeth National Park chimpanzee trekking with expert guides (subject to payment of permits, see cost below)
Bwindi National Park gorilla trekking with expert guides (subject to payment of permits, see cost below)
Masai Mara excursion in a purpose built safari vehicle and game drives with a resident guide

Not Included

International flights and visas
Non refundable Gorilla & Chimpanzee Permit: USD $935pp (or equivalent in your currency) - pay at time of booking in addition to the deposit
Airport transfers - can be booked on request
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
Optional activities (prices listed in Trip Notes)
Local Payment: $175.00pp paid in USD

Itinerary

Day 1 - Lake Nakuru National Park safari

Nairobi - Lake Nakuru National Park. We leave Nairobi this morning and descend into the Great Rift Valley, home to some of Africa's most dramatic scenery. We stop at a lookout point to enjoy the view before arriving in Lake Nakuru National Park. Although small by African standards, this Kenyan reserve is home to all manner of wildlife, including lion, rhino, buffalo and leopard, not to mention the great flocks of flamingos which gather at the famous soda lake itself. We enjoy an included game drive in specialized safari vehicles in order to spot some of this wildlife for ourselves.

Please note: The pre-departure meeting is held at 18:00 on the evening prior to departure. The tour departs at 08:00 on Day 1 so please arrive in Nairobi the day before your tour. Refer to the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes for more information. We can book accommodation and transfers on request.

Overnight: Lake Nakuru National Park
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2 - Crossing the Equator

Lake Nakuru National Park - Eldoret. Departing Nakuru this morning we journey to Eldoret, Kenya's fifth largest town and a region increasingly important to the country's economy. On our journey today we will cross the Equator, travelling from the Southern Hemisphere to the Northern Hemisphere. We will stop to enjoy some time and photo opportunities at the Equator itself. Arriving at our camp on the outskirts of Eldoret, there is time for you to admire the nearby Sirikwa holes, primitive dwellings believed to have belonged to an ancient tribe.

Overnight: Eldoret
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 - Into Uganda

Eldoret - Kampala (Uganda). Wave goodbye to Kenya for now as we cross into Uganda, a country once described by Sir Winston Churchill as the 'Pearl of Africa'. On our drive to Kampala you will see lush rolling hills, tribal villages and growing towns and cities. Tonight we stay in the country's capital, Kampala.

Overnight: Kampala
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - Queen Elizabeth National Park

Kampala - Queen Elizabeth National Park. Departing Kampala, we cross the Equator again and pass through fertile green hills, tangled forests and rugged mountain ranges to the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Originally Named Kazinga National Park on its inception in 1952, the reserve was renamed in 1954 after a visit by the newly crowned British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. Our first evening here is free for you to take a walk in the lush surroundings, who knows what wildlife you may spot! The reserve is home to elephant, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, chimpanzee and much more. Encouragingly, reports from the Uganda Wildlife Authority suggest that wildlife populations in the reserve are increasing, thanks to effective protection. This is largely down to your tourism money!

Overnight: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 - Chimpanzee trekking

Today we are heading into Queen Elizabeth National Park, admiring the mountain views and stopping whenever we see something of interest. As well as the charismatic larger animals, the reserve is home to more than 500 bird species. Reaching Kyambura Gorge we head out on foot in search of chimpanzees. The rangers will have a good idea of where they are and the trek can vary in length from less than an hour to several. Chimps tend to stay in the treetops so you may have to crane your neck for a view of our closest relatives.

Please note: Chimpanzee Trek permits are issued by the wildlife authority in groups of up to 8 people per group. Depending on our group size, we may trek on the afternoon of day 4, morning or afternoon of day 5, or morning of day 6.

Overnight: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 6-8 - Mountain gorilla trekking

Queen Elizabeth National Park - Lake Bunyonyi. On day 6 we drive to Lake Bunyonyi, dotted with scenic islands and surrounded by lush forest and rolling hills. Over the next three days everyone in the group will enjoy their mountain gorilla trek, but we will split into smaller groups in order to avoid disturbing the gorillas. On the days when you are not trekking, you are free to take a boat trip to some of Lake Bunyonyi's islands, go bird-watching, visit a local village or hire canoes to paddle on the lake.

On the day of your trek, we will hike for anywhere between 30 minutes and 6 or 7 hours into Bwindi National Park (or occasionally Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, this will be made clear to you in advance), depending on the location of the gorillas. A decent level of fitness is required as we trek through the steamy jungle. Your guide will know the location of the nearest gorilla family.

Once we have located the gorillas, you will spend around an hour watching from a safe distance. Keep quiet, keep low to the ground and follow all the instructions of your guide - this is for your safety and for the welfare of the mountain gorillas. You are welcome to take photos, as long as there is no flash.

One of the world's most endangered creatures, mountain gorillas are heavily protected, with around 1,000 animals now living in the rainforests of central Africa. Numbers have increased remarkably due to effective protection in recent years - keep your eyes peeled for the giant silverback alpha male, and some of the adorable youngsters that represent the future of their species.

When it is time to leave the gorillas, we trek back to Lake Bunyonyi, where you can reflect on what is sure to be the highlight of your African adventure. The rest of your time here is at leisure, whilst the rest of our group completes their trek.

Overnight: Lake Bunyonyi
Meals: Breakfast x3, Lunch x3, Dinner x3

Day 9 - Return to Kampala

Lake Bunyonyi - Kampala. Leaving the mountain gorillas and Lake Bunyonyi behind, we return to Kampala, skirting around the northern edge of Lake Victoria. There is time this evening for you to head into the city and explore, meet the locals or try some of the local cuisine if you wish.

Overnight: Kampala
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 - To the Nile

Kampala - Jinja. It's a short drive today as we make our way to Jinja, a city in southern Uganda on the banks of Lake Victoria, source of the River Nile. From here, the river flows for 5,584km, through 11 countries. It enters the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt, having provided life to millions and millions of people and animals on its journey!

Our campsite is beside the Nile, and there are numerous optional activities you can enjoy. Quad biking, white water rafting, Nile cruises, fishing trips and mountain biking are some of the options. You also have the opportunity to visit a local school initiative. Lend a hand with some painting, plastering or other labour to help improve the local schools around Jinja.

Overnight: Jinja
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 11-12 - Free time by the Nile

The next two days are completely free for you to unwind by the Nile. Enjoy some of the optional activities available, go for a long walk beside the river or simply relax at the campsite with a good book - the choice is yours!

Overnight: Jinja
Meals: Breakfast x2, Lunch x2, Dinner x2

Day 13 - Return to Kenya

Jinja - Eldoret (Kenya). Say goodbye to Jinja as we cross the border back into Kenya and return to Eldoret. Our final evening is spent around the campfire, sharing our favourite memories from the last two weeks, and exchanging contact details with the rest of the group!

Overnight: Eldoret
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14 - Nairobi

Eldoret - Nairobi. This morning we cross the Equator and make our way south to Nairobi and to our base just outside the city. Tonight, you have the opportunity to head out and explore Nairobi’s bustling night life or dine at the famed Carnivore Restaurant.

Overnight: Nairobi
Meals: Breakfast

Day 15 - free time in Nairobi

Today is free for you to spend at leisure. Explore the city or alternatively join one of the optional tours on offer today. Today offers you the freedom to explore both the city and its surrounding areas. Alternatively, the following optional excursions are available to book locally. Enjoy close encounters at the the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and the Giraffe Centre, or discover the Karen Blixen Museum in the nearby town of Karen. Alternatively, you can opt for a day of relaxation and pure leisure, making the most of some well-deserved 'downtime'.

Overnight: Nairobi

Day 16 - Masai Mara

Nairobi - Masai Mara. We leave Nairobi early this morning and make our way to the famous Masai Mara National Reserve. The Mara is adjacent to the Serengeti, forming one of the world's last surviving great wildernesses. We will be travelling in specialised safari vehicles for this part of the tour for a more intimate wildlife-viewing experience, and will join up with our main vehicle later.

During our time in the Mara, we enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in search of the huge herds of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope which inhabit the plains and the predators that hunt them. Also keep your eyes peeled for other iconic species like rhino, elephant and giraffe. We camp in pre-erected en suite tents on the edge of the reserve, close to the action!

Please note: The pre-departure meeting is held at 18:00 on the evening prior to departure. The tour departs at 08:00 on Day 1 so please arrive in Nairobi the day before your tour. Refer to the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes for more information. We can book accommodation and transfers on request.

Overnight: Masai Mara

Day 17 - Masai Mara

Today we continue exploring the Masai Mara with morning and afternoon game drives to different areas of the park. As well as the iconic Big Five, we will hopefully spot some of the less glamorous species, but creatures that are important to the ecosystem. Hyenas and vultures scavenge the remains of prey, warthogs scurry through the undergrowth and endangered African wild dogs hunt intelligently in packs. We break in the middle of the day for lunch before game driving back to our camp for the evening.

Overnight: Masai Mara

Day 18 - Nairobi

Masai Mara - Nairobi. Leaving the Mara, we travel back through the Great Rift Valley to Nairobi,

Extras and add-ons

If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation

Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.

Post Tour Accommodation Nairobi - Hotel Boulevard, ensuite room

Double

$145per passenger

Twin

$145per passenger

Single

$205per passenger

Pre Tour Accommodation Nairobi - Hotel Boulevard, ensuite room

Double

$145per passenger

Twin

$145per passenger

Single

$205per passenger

Additional Excursions

Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.

Mandatory Gorilla & Chimpanzee Permit (to be paid at time of booking and non-refundable)

$1,665

per passenger

Add on: Nairobi Airport Transfer (1 person)

$95

per passenger

Add on: Nairobi Airport Transfer (max. 3 ppl)

$65

per passenger

Accommodation

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.

Naiberi River Campsite and Resort - Accommodated
Eldoret

Located a 30-minute drive from Eldoret this culturally designed campsite and resort offers guests comfort and access to its picturesque surroundings. Rooms feature panoramic views of the surrounding forest and an en-suite. Guests can enjoy food and drinks at the resorts cave bar, a highlight for everyone that stays here. With a garden and a pool there is plenty of space for you to relax after a day of exploring the surrounding area.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Red Chilli Hideaway (Banda)
Kampala

Located on a purpose-built, 5-acre site in a peaceful suburb, the Red Chilli Hideaway offers private ensuite rooms for upgrades. Settle down for the day at the Hideaway's saltwater pool, self-catering kitchen, or restaurant & bar. The camp supports sustainable tourism and operates the Steve Willis Memorial Fund, whose proceeds go to providing clean drinking water in the Murchison Falls region.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
Standard Camp
Simba Safari Camp (Lodge)
Queen Elizabeth National Park

Nestled atop a hill overlooking Lake Kikorongo on the edge of Uganda’s most popular Queen Elizabeth National Park this Safari Camp is the perfect base to explore this picturesque park. With views over the plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park and of the Rwenzori Mountains these comfortable rooms feature panoramic views for their occupants. Meals and drinks are served in the restaurant and bar where guests can relax after a day of safari.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Bunyonyi Overland Resort (Cottage)
Lake Bunyonyi

Placed on the picturesque shores of Lake Bunyonyi this resort and campsite is the perfect hub for guests to explore the lake and all it has to offer. Its location also makes it the perfect stop off for guests who are continuing to Bwindi National Park. The charming cottages and rooms with private bathrooms and complementary wifi offer panoramic views over the lake and its islands. Featuring a bar and restaurant you can enjoy a drink whilst watching the sunset over the lake.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Nile River Explorers
Jinja

Located on Lake Bujagali, where the Nile River comes out of Lake Victoria, this camp is only 8 kilometres from Jinja and is the perfect place to relax and explore the area. Rooms feature an en-suite, hot showers, and panoramic views of the Nile. There is both a river bar and a river spa for guests to enjoy. A jetty for swimming is also available so you can cool down during the hot days. Watch the sunset over the Nile with a drink and relax after a day exploring.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Standard Camp
Wildebeest Eco Camp (permanent tents)
Nairobi

An oasis away from the hustle and bustle of Nairobi, Wildebeest Eco Camp is set in tropical gardens home to hundreds of native birds. It is conveniently located near shops, banks, markets, restaurants and Nairobi National Park. Accommodation is in simply furnished permanent walk-in tents with electricity and shared bathrooms. Bathrooms have solar-powered hot showers and flush toilets. There's an outdoor swimming pool and sun terrace for guests to enjoy and the onsite restaurant serves a variety of African, European, and American dishes. Free Wi-Fi is also available.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
Basic Lodge
Enchoro Wildlife Camp (permanent tents)
Masai Mara

Enchoro Wildlife Camp is a partly fenced campsite located within the Masai Mara National Reserve, set amongst lush trees. Accommodation is in permanent pre-erected tents complete with twin share beds and ensuite bathroom facilities. Each tent also has a verandah perfect for enjoying a sundowner and keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife. There is a thatched-roof restaurant onsite and additional excursions into the Mara can be booked at the tour desk.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
Basic Lodge

Prices & Dates

Departures are guaranteed to operate when there are 6 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Shared' prices are applicable to solo travellers, who will share a room with another traveller of the same sex. All accommodation is on a twin share basis.

Please note, this tour has a non refundable Gorilla & Chimpanzee Permit: USD $785pp (or equivalent in your currency) - paid at time of booking in addition to the tour price.

2024
Twin
Shared
30 Nov - 17 Dec
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Sold Out
28 Dec - 14 Jan
$8,725
$8,725
2025
Twin
Shared
25 Jan - 11 Feb
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$8,725$7,853
$8,725$7,853
22 Feb - 11 Mar
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$8,725$7,853
$8,725$7,853
22 Mar - 8 Apr
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$8,725$7,853
19 Apr - 6 May
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$8,725$7,853
17 May - 3 Jun
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$8,725$7,853
14 Jun - 1 Jul
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$8,725$7,853
$8,725$7,853
12 Jul - 29 Jul
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$8,725$7,853
$8,725$7,853
9 Aug - 26 Aug
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$8,725$7,853
$8,725$7,853

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