Gorilla Trek & Kenya Safari - 18 days
Gorilla Trek & Kenya Safari - 18 days
Gorilla Trek & Kenya Safari - 18 days
18 Days Starting and ending in Nairobi, Kenya
Visiting: Lake Nakuru National Park, Eldoret, Kampala, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi National Park, Jinja, Nairobi, Masai Mara
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2727/GTSK
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
18-75
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 18-day Gorilla Trek & Kenya Safari adventure, exploring the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife of Kenya and Uganda. Begin your journey in Nairobi, descending into the Great Rift Valley to witness the vibrant wildlife of Lake Nakuru National Park. Cross the Equator to Eldoret and venture into Uganda's lush Queen Elizabeth National Park for a thrilling chimpanzee trek. Experience the awe of encountering endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi National Park's steamy jungles. Relax by the serene Lake Bunyonyi and enjoy the tranquil beauty of Jinja, where the Nile River meets Lake Victoria. Conclude your safari with exhilarating game drives in the iconic Masai Mara, home to the Big Five. This small group camping tour offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation, with expert guides and comfortable campsites enhancing your African experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi
Location: Lake Nakuru National Park
Accommodation Name: Lake Nakuru National Park
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Nairobi - Lake Nakuru National Park. We leave Nairobi early 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.
Day 2: Eldoret
Location: Eldoret
Accommodation Name: Naiberi River Campsite and Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 campsite 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.
Day 3: Kampala
Location: Kampala
Accommodation Name: Red Chilli Hideaway
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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. Our campsite tonight is in the country's capital, Kampala.
Day 4: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Name: Simba Safari Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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!
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Name: Simba Safari Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 6-8: Bwindi National Park
Location: Bwindi National Park
Accommodation Name: Bunyonyi Overland Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 9: Kampala
Location: Kampala
Accommodation Name: Red Chilli Hideaway
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 10: Jinja
Location: Jinja
Accommodation Name: Nile River Explorers Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 11-12: Jinja
Location: Jinja
Accommodation Name: Nile River Explorers Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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!
Day 13: Eldoret
Location: Eldoret
Accommodation Name: Naiberi River Campsite and Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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!
Day 14: Nairobi
Location: Nairobi
Accommodation Name: Wildebeest Eco Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 15: Nairobi
Location: Nairobi
Accommodation Name: Wildebeest Eco Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast
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'.
Day 16: Masai Mara
Location: Masai Mara
Accommodation Name: Enchoro Wildlife Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 on the edge of the reserve, close to the action!
Day 17: Masai Mara
Location: Masai Mara
Accommodation Name: Enchoro Wildlife Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 18: Return To Nairobi
Location: Nairobi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Masai Mara - Nairobi. Leaving the Mara, we travel back through the Great Rift Valley to Nairobi where our tour ends in the late afternoon.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Camping -
17 breakfasts, 16 lunches & 15 dinners
Enjoy 17 breakfasts, 16 lunches, and 15 dinners during the tour.
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17 nights camping in 2-person dome tents
Stay for 17 nights in 2-person dome tents while camping.
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Escorted by a licensed 2-person crew
The tour is escorted by a licensed 2-person crew.
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Transportation in a 24-seater overland truck with camping and cooking equipment
Travel in a 24-seater overland truck equipped with camping and cooking equipment.
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Sleeping mattress (you will need to bring your own sleeping bag)
A sleeping mattress is provided, but you will need to bring your own sleeping bag.
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All road tolls and vehicle taxes
All road tolls and vehicle taxes are included in the tour.
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Lake Nakuru National Park game drive in specialized safari vehicles
Participate in a game drive at Lake Nakuru National Park using specialized safari vehicles.
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Queen Elizabeth National Park chimpanzee trekking with expert guides
Go chimpanzee trekking in Queen Elizabeth National Park with expert guides, subject to payment of permits.
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Bwindi National Park gorilla trekking with expert guides
Embark on gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park with expert guides, subject to payment of permits.
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Masai Mara excursion in a purpose built safari vehicle and game drives with a resident guide
Enjoy an excursion in the Masai Mara with game drives in a purpose-built safari vehicle and a resident guide.
What's Not Included
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Non refundable Gorilla & Chimpanzee Permit
The Gorilla & Chimpanzee Permit costs USD $935 per person and is non-refundable, payable at the time of booking.
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International flights and visas
International flights and visas are not included in the tour.
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Sleeping bag
A sleeping bag is not provided; please bring your own.
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Tipping
Tipping is not included and is an entirely personal gesture.
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Optional activities
Optional activities are not included and prices are listed in the Trip Notes.
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Airport transfers
Airport transfers are not included but can be booked on request.
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Local payment
A local payment of US$175 per person is required, paid on arrival in USD.
Accommodation
Experience the beauty of Kenya and Uganda with stays at culturally designed campsites and resorts like Naiberi River Campsite, Red Chilli Hideaway, and Simba Safari Camp. Enjoy serene surroundings, panoramic views, and shared facilities, with opportunities to relax at bars, restaurants, and pools after a day of exploration.
Age Policy
18 and over. Anyone over 65 to complete a Tour Suitability Form.Maximum age 75.
Mode of Transport
Travel in a 24-seater overland truck equipped with camping and cooking gear, ensuring a comfortable journey through Kenya and Uganda. Specialized safari vehicles are used for game drives, providing an intimate wildlife-viewing experience in the Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru National Park.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides 17 nights of camping in 2-person dome tents. The campsites are located in various scenic locations such as the Naiberi River Campsite and Resort, Red Chilli Hideaway, Simba Safari Camp, Bunyonyi Overland Resort, Nile River Explorers Camp, Wildebeest Eco Camp, and Enchoro Wildlife Camp. These campsites offer shared facilities, and some have additional amenities like bars, restaurants, and swimming pools.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 17 breakfasts, 16 lunches, and 15 dinners. Meals are typically provided at the campsites or during excursions.
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What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes several activities such as game drives in Lake Nakuru National Park and Masai Mara, chimpanzee trekking in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park. These activities are guided by experts and are subject to the payment of permits.
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Are there any additional costs not included in the tour price?
Yes, there are additional costs not included in the tour price. These include a non-refundable Gorilla & Chimpanzee Permit costing USD $935 per person, international flights and visas, a sleeping bag, tipping, optional activities, airport transfers, and a local payment of US$175 per person, which is paid on arrival in USD.
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What is the age policy for this tour?
The age policy for this tour is 18 and over. Anyone over 65 is required to complete a Tour Suitability Form, and the maximum age is 75.
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What should I bring for the camping experience?
You will need to bring your own sleeping bag for the camping experience. A sleeping mattress is provided as part of the tour inclusions.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
Transportation during the tour is provided in a 24-seater overland truck equipped with camping and cooking equipment. Specialized safari vehicles are used for game drives in certain parks.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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