Overview
Masai Mara and Gorillas Accommodated
Masai Mara and Gorillas Accommodated Tour, we leave the capital of Nairobi and travel to the Masai Mara National Park, world renowned for its endless plains of wild animals and spectacular beauty.
The rolling grasslands of the Masai Mara offer ideal game viewing and photographic opportunities. Animals that are found in the Masai Mara include the elephant, black rhino, buffalo, leopard, cheetah, wildebeest, zebra & gazelle, Hippo and crocodile abound in the muddy brown waters of the rivers, which traverse this reserve.
First of all take in the spectacle of Lake Nakuru National Park which is a great place to spot flamingos.
We then cross into Uganda where you can explore Kampala or visit a Chimpanzee sanctuary. We visit the Murchison Falls National Park then we head up to Budongo Forest, this is the biggest Mahogany forest found in East Africa consequently the home to the largest number of chimpanzees throughout Uganda. Here we meet up with our chimp guide who will take us on our trek through the forest in search of the chimps.
Next stop Lake Bunyon where we prepare for the upcoming Gorilla trekking excursion. The mountain gorilla is extremely endangered therefore visiting them is a great way to ensure their survival as each permit raises money for their conservation.
Tour has a Comfort Option available.
ONE NIGHT PRE-ACCOMMODATION INCLUDED
Included
- Meals are prepared & served at the Overland truck
- Accommodation
- Qualified crew
- Filtered water
- Transport in the Overland truck
- Included highlights as per the itinerary
- Entrance fees to National Parks
Excluded
- Items of a personal nature (snacks, alcohol, bottled water, soft drinks, tips)
- Entrance fees (associated with optional activities )
- Souvenirs and optional activities.
- Gorilla Permit – USD630 – USD730.
Excludes single supplement.
Prices are subject to change
**Price is per person sharing, excludes single supplement and any additional meals or activities not set out in the itinerary.
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Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Masai Mara National Reserve
Route: Nairobi to Masai Mara
We leave the capital of Nairobi and travel to the Masai Mara, world renowned for its endless plains of wild animals and spectacular beauty. The visit to the Masai Mara is operated in safari type vehicles and not the Nomad truck. For this reason, you are asked to pack a small overnight bag to travel with. You will need your towel, clothes, toiletries and camping essentials.
Hightlights:
Masai Mara Excursion
Accommodation:
Masai Mara Excursion
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 - Masai Mara National Reserve
The rolling grasslands of the Masai Mara offer ideal game viewing and photographic opportunities. Some of the other animals that could be found here include elephant, black rhino, buffalo, leopard, cheetah, wildebeest, zebra and gazelle. Hippo and crocodile abound in the muddy brown waters of the rivers, which traverse this reserve. Today we will spend the entire day game driving through the Mara in search of all the animals.
Hightlights:
Masai Mara Excursion
Accommodation:
Masai Mara Excursion
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - Lake Nakuru National Park
Route: Masai Mara Reserve to Lake Nakuru National Park
This morning we bid the Mara farewell before heading to Lake Nakuru National Park, here we will enjoy an afternoon game drive through the park. Lake Nakuru is home to large flocks of Flamingos and pelicans as well as black & white rhino, leopard, lion and numerous buck. Originally created as a bird sanctuary, Lake Nakuru was upgraded to National Park status in 1968.
Hightlights:
Lake Nakuru NP Game Drive
Accommodation:
Lake Kivu Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Route: Lake Nakuru to Jinja
This morning we not only cross the border into Uganda, but shortly after setting out this morning we cross the Equator on our way to Jinja. Jinja is Uganda’s second largest city and most famous as the point where the Nile (officially the Victoria Nile) flows out of Lake Victoria and begins the 6695 kilometre journey to Egypt and the Mediterranean.
Hightlights:
Crossing of the Equator
Accommodation:
Eden Rock Resort
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Masindi – Murchison Falls National Park
Route: Jinja to Masindi
After a quick stop in the city of Kampala, we head in the direction of The Murchison Falls National Park. Also referred to as the Kabaraga Falls, Murchison Falls is a waterfall found on the course of the great Nile and are located within the Murchison National Park. The park is recognized as one of the best National Parks in Uganda. After settling into our accommodation in Masindi, your guide will brief you on the activities for the following day.
Accommodation:
Kabalega Resort Hotel
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Extras:
Ziwa Rhino Walk
Day 6 - Masindi – Budongo Central Forest Reserve
Budongo Forest is the biggest Mahogany forest found in the whole of East Africa and is home to the largest number of chimpanzees throughout Uganda. It is believed that there are between 600 – 700 chimpanzees in Budongo and this morning we will meet up with our chimp guide who will take us on our trek through the forest in search of the chimps. We will also enjoy a boat cruise in the park. Note: As the Chimp trekking is limited to 12 guests per trek, should there be more than 12 guests on a tour the trekking will be split between the morning and the afternoon. Therefore you may find that you will first do the game drive activity followed by the Chimp trekking or vice versa. Please allow for flexibility.
Hightlights:
Chimp trekking (half day) / Nile River Cruise
Accommodation:
Kabalega Resort Hotel
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Route: Masindi to Lake Kikorongo
This morning we depart Masindi and transfer towards the edges of the Queen Elizabeth National Park. Our accommodation for the night is nestled atop a hill overlooking Lake Kikorongo.
Accommodation:
Simba Safari Camp
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 - Gorillas (Lake Bunyonyi)
Route: Kampala to Lake Bunyonyi
Crossing the Equator once more we travel south to the beautiful scenery of Lake Bunyonyi. With eager anticipation we prepare for the upcoming Gorilla trekking excursion and tonight we will receive a briefing on what to expect.
Accommodation:
Lake Bunyonyi Overland Resort
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 - Gorillas (Lake Bunyonyi)
Route: Lake Bunyonyi National Park to the starting point of the gorilla trek (in safari or smaller vehicles)
The mountain gorilla is extremely endangered and while exact numbers vary it is widely assumed that there are only around 650 left. Visiting the gorillas is a great way to support their future on earth as the money spent on permits is used for their protection. An extremely important part of the future conservation of the remaining gorillas rests in the community development work – as local communities change their attitudes towards wildlife and start to protect rather than poach, the future of the mountain gorilla is assured.
As permits granting permission to visit the gorillas are extremely limited we require flexibility in both the tour itinerary and where we actually visit them. The home of the mountain gorillas is completely at odds with man-made borders and so their range encompasses Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo). Whenever possible we choose to make use of the National Park in Uganda, but this depends on the availability of permits. Should we not obtain permits to visit the mountain gorillas in Uganda then we will inform all passengers beforehand that the tour will travel to Rwanda or DRC.
On your free day in Bunyonyi you will have the opportunity to participate in certain optional activities. You can also go hiking or explore the area on a mountain bike.
Accommodation:
Lake Bunyonyi Overland Resort
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Extras:
Gorilla Trekking, Pygmy visit, Rwanda day tour
Day 10 - Gorillas (Lake Bunyonyi)
Although there are 2 days allocated to Gorilla Trekking you will only spend one day on the trek. The other days are there to provide a large enough window in which to obtain permits and to allow the entire group to trek if there are more than 6 of you on the tour.
Accommodation:
Lake Bunyonyi Overland Resort
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Extras:
Gorilla Trekking, Pygmy visit, Rwanda day tour
Day 11 - Lake Bunyonyi – Kampala
Route: Lake Bunyonyi to Kampala
This morning we set off on our return journey to Kampala and make a third crossing of the Equator along our way. Tonight your guide will brief you on the activities available in Jinja so that you can plan your day tomorrow. We overnight in Kampala.
Accommodation:
Hillside Plaza Hotel
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Route: Kampala to Jinja
A short distance from Kampala, Jinja offers many exciting activities and your guide will assist you to plan for this day. Most activities are focussed around the waters of the Nile and these include rafting, kayaking and a variety of cruises on Africa’s largest river. While those who may be less inclined to water sports can enjoy horse riding or a quadbike adventure on dry land.
Accommodation:
Eden Rock Resort
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Extras:
Quad biking, kayaking, rafting
Route: Jinja to Eldoret
Returning to Kenya we visit Eldoret, the country’s 5th largest city. The Great Rift Valley is still the dominant geographical feature of this region and the altitude at Eldoret is 2100 metres above sea level.
Accommodation:
Naiberi River Camp
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Route: Eldoret to Nairobi
Returning to Nairobi this afternoon we reflect on many memories that we have gathered together and brace ourselves for a return to the busy streets of Nairobi.