18 Day Gorilla Trek and Kenyan wildlife experience – Ugandan – Kenyan safari

Depart from Nairobi in the morning, heading towards the stunning Great Rift Valley. Along the way, pause at a scenic lookout to take in the breathtaking landscape before descending into Lake Nakuru National Park. Although smaller than some African reserves, this park boasts a diverse array of wildlife, including lions, rhinos, buffaloes, and leopards. One of its most captivating features is the soda lake, often frequented by vast flocks of flamingos. In the afternoon, embark on a guided game drive in specialized safari vehicles, providing the perfect opportunity to observe the park’s incredible wildlife.

Note: A pre-departure meeting is scheduled for 18:00 the evening before the tour. Since the tour begins at 08:00 on Day 1, it’s advised to arrive in Nairobi the previous day. Accommodation and transfers can be arranged upon request.

Overnight: Lake Nakuru National Park
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Leaving Lake Nakuru behind, travel to Eldoret, Kenya’s fifth-largest town. The journey takes you across the Equator, moving from the Southern Hemisphere into the Northern Hemisphere. Enjoy a stop at the Equator for photo opportunities and a moment to experience this geographical crossing. Arriving at the camp near Eldoret, take some time to explore the surrounding area, including the intriguing Sirikwa holes—ancient dwellings believed to have been used by an early tribal community.

Overnight: Eldoret
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Bid farewell to Kenya as you cross into Uganda, famously referred to by Winston Churchill as the “Pearl of Africa.” As you journey to Kampala, Uganda’s capital, marvel at the lush rolling hills, tribal villages, and emerging towns that define the landscape. Settle in for the night in Kampala, ready to explore more of Uganda’s natural wonders in the days ahead.

Overnight: Kampala
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Depart Kampala and cross the Equator once more, this time heading south. Travel through verdant hills, dense forests, and rugged mountain terrain to reach Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park, originally named Kazinga National Park, was renamed in 1954 following Queen Elizabeth II’s visit. Spend the evening exploring the park’s lush surroundings, where you might catch glimpses of elephants, buffalo, hippos, and more. Wildlife populations in the park are on the rise, thanks in part to tourism efforts.

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

Set out to explore Queen Elizabeth National Park further, keeping an eye out for the park’s diverse wildlife, including over 500 bird species. Head to Kyambura Gorge for a chimpanzee trekking experience. Accompanied by expert rangers, trek through the forest in search of these fascinating primates, which are often spotted high in the treetops. The duration of the trek can vary depending on the location of the chimpanzees, ranging from under an hour to several hours.

Note: Chimpanzee trekking permits are issued in groups of up to 8 people. Depending on group size, treks may be scheduled for the afternoon of Day 4, or morning/afternoon of Day 5 or Day 6.

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

Travel from Queen Elizabeth National Park to the serene Lake Bunyonyi, surrounded by rolling hills and dotted with islands. Over these three days, engage in the highlight of the journey—mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park. For conservation purposes, the group will split into smaller teams to minimize disturbances to the gorillas. On the days when you’re not trekking, enjoy various activities like a boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi, bird watching, or visiting a local village.

On the trekking day, prepare for a challenging hike through the dense jungle, which can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 7 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location. Once the gorillas are found, spend approximately an hour observing them at a safe distance. This rare encounter with one of the world’s most endangered species is a humbling and awe-inspiring experience.

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

Depart Lake Bunyonyi and make your way back to Kampala, skirting around the northern shores of Lake Victoria. The evening is yours to explore Kampala, engage with locals, or try some traditional Ugandan cuisine.

Overnight: Kampala
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Journey from Kampala to Jinja, situated along the shores of Lake Victoria and the source of the Nile River. Set up camp beside the Nile, with plenty of optional activities to choose from, including quad biking, white-water rafting, and Nile cruises. You can also take part in a local school initiative to lend a helping hand with various improvement projects.

Overnight: Jinja
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spend the next two days at leisure by the Nile River. Opt to participate in various activities like hiking, fishing, or simply relaxing at the campsite. It’s a perfect time to unwind after the adventurous trekking days.

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

Cross back into Kenya and travel to Eldoret. Spend the evening around the campfire, sharing memories of the trip and enjoying the final night in the company of fellow travelers.

Overnight: Eldoret
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Depart Eldoret and head back to Nairobi, crossing the Equator once more. Upon arrival in Nairobi, you have the option to explore the city’s vibrant nightlife or dine at the famous Carnivore Restaurant.

Overnight: Nairobi
Meals: Breakfast

This day is set aside for leisure activities in Nairobi. You can explore the city, visit the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre, or take a trip to the Karen Blixen Museum. Alternatively, spend the day at your own pace, enjoying some well-deserved relaxation.

Overnight: Nairobi

Leave Nairobi early in the morning for the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve. Enjoy a more intimate wildlife experience through game drives in specialized safari vehicles, where you will search for the Big Five and witness the diverse wildlife that the Mara has to offer. Camp on the edge of the reserve in pre-erected en-suite tents.

Overnight: Masai Mara

Continue exploring the Masai Mara with morning and afternoon game drives. In addition to the iconic Big Five, look for other species like hyenas, vultures, and warthogs, all playing their part in the ecosystem. Enjoy a midday break for lunch before returning to camp in the evening.

Depart the Masai Mara and journey back through the Great Rift Valley to Nairobi, concluding the unforgettable 18-day safari adventure.