Gorillas & East Africa Safari
Gorillas & East Africa Safari
Gorillas & East Africa Safari
18 Days Starting in Kigali and ending in Arusha
Visiting: Kigali, Musanze, Queen Elizabeth NP, Kisoro, Kisoro (Gorilla Trek), Nairobi, Masai Mara National Reserve, Lake Victoria, Serengeti National Park, Karatu, Arusha, Arusha / Nairobi
Tour operator:
Tour code:
YGSGC
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
15-99 years
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
Whether you’re watching a sombre silverback gorilla in his natural habitat, descending 600 metres to the floor of the volcanic Ngorongoro Crater or spend time with a Hadzabe community in Tanzania, this 18-day tour offers opportunities to create travel memories most people only dream of. Journey through Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania in search of some of the world’s most mythologised animals. Along the way, meet locals and gain an understanding of the diversity of cultures in East Africa – from the Maasai tribes people to villagers on the outskirts of Queen Elizabeth National Park and the hip working class residents of Kigali’s Nyamirambo neighbourhood.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali
Location: Kigali
Welcome to Kigali, the capital of Rwanda since it gained independence in 1962. Most associate Rwanda with the horrific genocide that took place in 1994, but this is a country that has been striving to rebuild its economy for years and offers so much to the intrepid traveller. And though the past won't, and shouldn't, be forgotten, the future of Rwanda's tourism is looking bright thanks to its welcoming people, an abundance of lakes and the beautiful Virunga Mountains. Your adventure begins by meeting your fellow travellers and local leader at 6pm.
Day 2: Musanze
Location: Musanze
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
After breakfast this morning, your tour leader will take you to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, which opened in 2004 to mark the 10th commemoration of the genocide against the Tutsi people. It serves as a museum detailing the history and consequences of Rwanda's genocide and a place for people to grieve for lost friends and family. This afternoon, you’ll drive to Musanze – the gateway to Volcanoes National Park, home to gorillas and golden monkeys.
This afternoon, you'll visit The Gorilla Doctors headquaters; the only organisation in the world dedicated to saving the mountain and eastern lowland (Grauer’s) gorilla species one gorilla patient at a time using veterinary medicine and science. They monitor the health of gorilla groups to ensure the early detection of disease and injury, and stage medical interventions when gorillas suffer from human-induced or life-threatening trauma or disease.
Included Activities:
-
-
Optional Activities:
-
Day 3: Musanze
Location: Musanze
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today, you’ll visit the The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. This research centre leads the world in protecting and studying gorillas while helping communities build their conservation capabilities. Learn about Dian Fossey’s life and the conservation of endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda.
There are heaps of optional activities to do in Musanze, including Golden Monkey Trekking in the Virunga Mountains, the Mount Bisoke trek, or keep it chill with a canoe ride on the Mukungwa River. Maybe visit Redrocks Rwanda, where you’ll learn about the local banana beer production and be treated to some dancing, drumming and basket-weaving demonstrations.
Optional Activities:
-
-
-
-
-
-
Day 4: Queen Elizabeth Np
Location: Queen Elizabeth NP
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Today, you’ll leave Rwanda as we cross the border into Uganda, making our way to Queen Elizabeth National Park. This park is home to 618 bird species, 10 species of primates - including chimpanzees, and 95 different types of mammals. The route to your accommodation may feel like an unofficial safari. Keep a look out for African elephants, buffalo, hippos, warthogs, Nile crocodiles, leopards, spotted hyenas, lions and chimpanzees. Tonight, stay in a simple safari lodge within the park overlooking the Kazinga Channel.
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth Np
Location: Queen Elizabeth NP
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
Wake up for another exciting day in Queen Elizabeth National Park with another 4x4 Game Drive. Be on the lookout for any sightings you may have missed yesterday, and if you’re really lucky, you might be able to spot leopards or lions.
This afternoon, you have the opportunity to see the park from a different perspective with an optional cruise down the Kazinga Channel, linking Lake Edward to Lake George. You’ll be joined by local guides who will fill you in on everything you could want to know about the landscape and the animals who live within it – be on the lookout for hippos basking on the shore, as well as crocodiles, herds of elephants and abundant birdlife.
Included Activities:
-
Optional Activities:
-
-
Day 6: Queen Elizabeth Np
Location: Queen Elizabeth NP
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
This morning we make our way to Ishasha, the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Here you meet some local residents to learn more about rural life in Uganda. Visit a local organic farm, medicine garden and homestead and learn how its owner is tackling human-wildlife conflict with his anti-crop raiding techniques. You’ll also meet a local Mukiga woman who will share her story while showing you how to sort, pound and grind millet to make porridge and other Bakiga meals.
This part of the park is famous for its tree climbing lions, so be on the look out as you make the game drive towards our ecolodge in the northern sector of the park frequented by herds of elephants, buffaloes and antelopes!
Included Activities:
-
-
Day 7: Kisoro
Location: Kisoro
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today, drive out of the Queen Elizabeth National Park on your way to the southwest tip of Uganda (approximately 6 hours). The journey is like a game drive in itself, with the chance to spot zebras, antelopes, baboons and monkeys out the window. When you arrive at the corner of Uganda, where the border touches Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, you’ll be based in Kisoro, which provides access to seven different gorilla groups located in Mgahinga, Nkuringo, Rushaga and Nshongi.
Day 8: Kisoro (Gorilla Trek)
Location: Kisoro (Gorilla Trek)
Meals Included: breaksfast
Join a local guide and trackers as you climb through the rugged, mountainous terrain of Bwindi National Park in search of mountain gorillas. A quick lock of eyes with these creatures is a truly primal moment and visits are strictly controlled to minimise disturbance. Make no mistake, tracking gorillas is no walk in the park – it's called Bwinidi Impenetrable National Park for a reason. It can be wet, muddy, strenuous and uncomfortable, but the indescribable elation at coming across a group of gorillas is worth the effort. Spend a mesmerising hour with the gorillas as they eat, sleep, groom and play as the male silverback watches over them, then return to the lodge for dinner and to reflect on this incredible experience.
Included Activities:
-
Day 9: Nairobi
Location: Nairobi
Accommodation: Hotel
After breakfast this morning, make the journey back to Kigali. You'll be dropped off at Kigali Airport for your short flight to Nairobi this evening.
When you arrive at Nairobi Airport, you'll be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Check in, freshen up and get a good nights rest before meeting your group in the morning.
Day 10: Masai Mara National Reserve
Location: Masai Mara National Reserve
Accommodation: Permanent tented camp
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Transfer from Nairobi to the famous Masai Mara – one of the best game reserves in Africa. On the way, you'll stop in Loita Hills – a remote region home to the traditional Maasai people. This is one of the key places where the Maasai people still practice their traditional way of life, with little influence from the Western world. Visit the Tepesua Village, known for championing Maasai women’s health and education. Maasai Warriors will welcome you here by way of traditional song and dance. Meet your hosts and attend a talk full of insights into this remarkable and ancient culture. Take a walk to the community village, which was founded for widows who can never remarry and lost their cows due to drought. The village offers support, safety and economic growth through the Tepesua Widows Income Project. Here, the women make handicrafts and sew handbags using sustainable materials as well as washable sanitary pads and backpacks to sell to visitors and locals. Learn about village life and be shown around a traditional Maasai home and its cattle enclosures. Continue to the outskirts of the Masai Mara, where your permanent tented camp can be found.
Included Activities:
-
Day 11: Masai Mara National Reserve
Location: Masai Mara National Reserve
Accommodation: Permanent tented camp
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
This morning, you have the option to take part in a hot air balloon ride and bush breakfast, giving you a rare chance to see the open plains at sunrise, teeming with wildlife. After, explore the Masai Mara in 4WD safari vehicles with game drives in the morning and the afternoon today to give you the best chance to spot the Big Five. This is the quintessential African experience, and with sparse open plains and some of the world's most impressive animals, you won't soon forget this one. Keep your eyes peeled for wildebeest, lions, leopards, antelope and giraffes along the way.
Included Activities:
-
Optional Activities:
-
Day 12: Lake Victoria
Location: Lake Victoria
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Get ready for a long travel day as you journey toward the Kenya-Tanzania border and make your way to the magnificent Lake Victoria. This vast lake is the main source of the Nile, the longest river in the world, and spans the shores of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. On arrival, unwind with a lakeside dinner while you ponder the magnitude of the world’s largest tropical lake.
Day 13: Serengeti National Park
Location: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation: Permanent Tented Camp
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Enjoy a relaxed morning, taking in the magnificent views of Lake Victoria in the morning light. Before hitting the highway, stock up at the local market and grab cash from the ATM, as the next three days will be spent in the wild. Travel to Serengeti National Park, renowned for its incredible wildlife and vast, open landscapes. After passing through the park gate, experience the greatest commute possible as we slowly make our way to our permanent tented campsite via the 'scenic safari route.' Along the way, stop to take photos of the abundant wildlife and stunning views. Tonight, you'll have a true African safari experience – camping in an unfenced site right in the heart of the Serengeti. After dinner, gather around the campfire to share stories then fall asleep to the sounds of the wild.
Included Activities:
-
Day 14: Serengeti National Park
Location: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation: Permanent Tented Camp
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Wake to another glorious day in the Serengeti National Park. Start the day with an early morning 4WD safari to spot the wildlife when they're at their most active. Then, return to the camp for a relaxed brunch. Spend the hottest part of the day chilling out at camp – don't stress, the animals will do the same! This afternoon, head off again for another drive through the park. Return to the campsite for dinner and another night under the Serengeti's stars.
Included Activities:
-
-
Optional Activities:
-
Day 15: Karatu
Location: Karatu
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Enjoy a final game drive through the Serengeti National Park this morning as you exit your camp inside the park and make your way to the park gate. From here, drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation area, where you'll hop in the park's 4WD jeeps and descend to the crater floor. The jeeps have an open roof, and the animals here are less wary of humans and vehicles, which makes watching them up close easier. Take in the spectacular views from the crater's rim as you make your way to the bottom, where animals roam the lakes, rivers, woodlands and hills. Keep an eye out for wildebeest, lion, zebra, cheetah, buffalo, gazelle, endangered black rhino and the colourfully dressed Maasai people who often water their cattle at the lake here. This afternoon, leave the Ngorongoro Crater and drive to Karatu – a small town on its outskirts and your base for the next two nights.
Included Activities:
-
-
Day 16: Karatu
Location: Karatu
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
After breakfast this morning, you’ll make your way to Lake Eyasi – a huge seasonal soda lake. Lake Eyasi has been home to the Hadzabe people for more than 10,000 years and is one of the few places in Africa where traditional tribal life continues without modern influence. Today’s visit to the Hadzabe lands offers incredible insight into this ancient culture and a chance to learn about their way of life. You’ll be able to meet community members and join in on daily activities like hunting, gathering and traditional dance. You’ll also learn about their unique ‘click’ language, which is thought to be one of the oldest languages still in use today. Return to your lodge in Karatu later in the day to put your feet up and relax.
Included Activities:
-
-
Day 17: Arusha
Location: Arusha
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
Today is a free day to relax or choose from the various optional activities available from your base in Karatu. You might like to head to a local coffee plantation or take a game drive in Lake Manyara National Park. Maybe opt for a hike through the Ngorongoro Reserve Forest to Elephant Caves accompanied by an expert local guide and armed ranger. This is the perfect way to stretch your legs after a few days of travel. You'll hike through the Ngorongoro rainforest as your local guide explains the ins and outs of the area and points out interesting animal tracks and footprints. Marvel at the wild landscape and spot the varied birdlife as you walk. In the afternoon, you’ll head to Arusha, where you spend your last night.
Optional Activities:
-
-
-
-
Day 18: Arusha / Nairobi
Location: Arusha / Nairobi
Meals Included: breaksfast
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast today. A departure transfer to either Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) can be booked at an additional expense. Alternatively, you can continue with your crew to finish in Nairobi.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
Hotel (6 nights), Lodge (7 nights), Permanent Tented Basic Lodge (2 nights), Permanent Tented Camp (2 nights) -
Kigali - Genocide Memorial Centre
-
Musanze - Visit to The Gorilla Doctors HQ
-
Queen Elizabeth National Park - 4x4 Game Drive
-
Ishasha - Community Tourism Project Visit
-
Bwindi National Park - Mountain Gorilla Permit & Trek
-
Loita Hills - Maasai Village Visit
-
Masai Mara National Reserve - Full Day 4x4 Game Drive
-
Serengeti National Park - Overland Vehicle Game Drive
-
Ngorongoro Crater - 4x4 Game Drive
-
Serengeti National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drive
What's Not Included
-
Tipping and Gratuities
-
International Travel
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.
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.
Included Activities
- Kigali - City Tour
- Kigali - Nyamata Memorial Site
- Kigali - Ntarama Church
- Kigali - Genocide Memorial Centre
- Gisenyi - Morning Town Visit
- Kisoro - Village Visit
- Bwindi National Park - Mountain Gorilla Permit & Trek
- Complimentary Airport Departure Transfer
- Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
- Nairobi - Farm to Feast Community Visit
- Loita Hills - Maasai Village Visit
- Masai Mara National Reserve - Full Day 4x4 Game Drive
- Serengeti National Park - Overland Vehicle Game Drive
- Serengeti National Park - Overland Vehicle Game Drive
- Serengeti National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drive
- Ngorongoro Crater - 4x4 Game Drive
Important Information
- 1. 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.
- 2. 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 the time of booking will be credited to the final balance of your booking.
- 3. This itinerary offers two optional sunrise balloon safaris—one in the Masai Mara and another in Serengeti National Park. We offer both as a pre-booked service, which will guarantee you a place. If you would rather wait and try to get a better price by booking this locally on the ground, you are welcome to – but keep in mind that this is a popular activity, and places are limited.
- 4. Some governments have increased foreign travel advice around security in place for Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda. Please check your government’s foreign travel advice before departure and ensure your travel insurance covers all destinations and activities on your itinerary.
Mode of 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/Kenyan 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 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.
Check out our Q&As
-
Is this trip right for you
The sheer thrill in coming across a habituated group of gorillas, dominated by a great male silverback, in unbeatable. But please keep in mind that tracking gorillas in the dense forest can sometimes be wet, muddy and uncomfortable. The terrain is by no means easy either, so it can be pretty strenuous and often humid. You need to be prepared and fit enough to walk up to 4 hours up and down hill. A top tip is to pack some gardening gloves to assist in any up-hill climbs.
Camping in the Serengeti National Park with no barriers between you and the animals is amazing, but it's important to heed the safety advice of your leader. You'll be briefed on arrival.
This is a 4WD overland trip. That means you’ll be travelling with a group in 4WD vehicles, visiting remote communities and world-renowned wildlife parks. The drive days can be long, but it’s as much about the journey as the destination, and half the fun is the camaraderie.
There will be many early starts either to make use of the better safari time or to beat the morning traffic on long travel days.
The day-to-day itinerary features a selection of optional activities. Please note that this list is not exhaustive and is intended only as a guide. Prices are approximate and may change at the discretion of the local provider, and all activities are subject to availability. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
2024 Jan
2025 Feb
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025 Dec
2025 Jan
2026 Feb
2026 Apr
2026 May
2026 Jun
2026 Jul
2026 Aug
2026 Sep
2026 Oct
2026 Nov
2026 Dec
2026
Thursday - Sunday
Dec 05, 2024 - Dec 22, 2024Thursday - Sunday
Jan 09, 2025 - Jan 26, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Feb 20, 2025 - Mar 09, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Apr 17, 2025 - May 04, 2025Thursday - Sunday
May 22, 2025 - Jun 08, 2025Monday - Thursday
Jun 02, 2025 - Jun 19, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Jun 05, 2025 - Jun 22, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Jun 12, 2025 - Jun 29, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Jun 26, 2025 - Jul 13, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Jul 10, 2025 - Jul 27, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Jul 17, 2025 - Aug 03, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Jul 24, 2025 - Aug 10, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Jul 31, 2025 - Aug 17, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Aug 07, 2025 - Aug 24, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Aug 14, 2025 - Aug 31, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Aug 21, 2025 - Sep 07, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Aug 28, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Sep 11, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Sep 18, 2025 - Oct 05, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Sep 25, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Oct 16, 2025 - Nov 02, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Nov 13, 2025 - Nov 30, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Dec 04, 2025 - Dec 21, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Dec 18, 2025 - Jan 04, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Jan 08, 2026 - Jan 25, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Feb 05, 2026 - Feb 22, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Apr 16, 2026 - May 03, 2026Thursday - Sunday
May 21, 2026 - Jun 07, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Jun 04, 2026 - Jun 21, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Jun 11, 2026 - Jun 28, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Jun 25, 2026 - Jul 12, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Jul 09, 2026 - Jul 26, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Jul 16, 2026 - Aug 02, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Jul 23, 2026 - Aug 09, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Jul 30, 2026 - Aug 16, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Aug 06, 2026 - Aug 23, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Aug 13, 2026 - Aug 30, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Aug 27, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Sep 10, 2026 - Sep 27, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Sep 17, 2026 - Oct 04, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Sep 24, 2026 - Oct 11, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Oct 15, 2026 - Nov 01, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Nov 12, 2026 - Nov 29, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Dec 03, 2026 - Dec 20, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Dec 17, 2026 - Jan 03, 2027Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions
Enquire for huge savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.