Others

Kigali - Welcome Dinner Kigali - Genocide Memorial Centre Kigali - City Tour Kigali - Traditional Ugandan Lunch Bwindi - Gorilla Doctors Veterinarian Educational Talk Bwindi National Park - Mountain Gorilla Permit & Trek Complimentary Arrival Transfer Nairobi - Welcome Dinner Lake Naivasha - Boat trip Lake Naivasha - Elsamere Conservation Centre Lake Nakuru - Afternoon 4x4 Game Drive Lake Nakuru - Morning 4x4 Game Drive Loita Hills - Cultural talk and village visit Masai Mara - Sundowner and snacks Masai Mara - Full Day 4x4 Game Drive Masai Mara - Afternoon 4x4 Game Drive

Hygieneprotocol

All Intrepid travellers 18 years and older and Intrepid leaders will be required to be fully vaccinated. Travellers must provide proof of vaccination to the leader at the group meeting on day 1 of the trip. All children 5 and above must provide proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or a negative COVID-19 test. Any high-risk customer who is unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons can apply for an exemption. Exemptions will be assessed on a case by case basis. Customers must provide a medical certificate from a medical professional.

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. 4WD vehicles , Plane , Boat , Private Vehicle

Meals

12 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners

Guide

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Premium leaders are Intrepid’s most experienced, with in-depth knowledge and extensive local networks to make it a trip of a lifetime. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. When not already included in your trip, your leader will be able to recommend a local guide service who can share more detailed or specialised information at specific sites should you be interested in delving deeper. On the Rwanda & Uganda section of this trip you will be accompanied by 2 leaders who will also be the drivers of the 4x4 safari vehicles. For group sizes of less than 6 travellers you will be accompanied by one leader/driver. Your Intrepid Group Leader’s role involves organizing the overall operation and smooth-running of the trip and managing trip logistics. Your Group Leader will work towards making the trip as safe and enjoyable as possible for all travellers. Intrepid trips are built around the co–operation and participation of all the group members under the supervision of the group leader. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including wildlife, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting, especially when tracking and identifying game - we think it’s the best of both worlds. Our Group Leaders are chosen for their leadership skills and are wonderful ambassadors for our company and our beautiful continent and its people.

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. Hotel (3 nights), Eco-Lodge (3 nights), Lodge (3 nights), Permanent Tented Camp (3 nights)

Not included:

Optional

Optional experiences are available on this tour for an additional cost and will be provided to you with your finalised travel documents. Please contact our team of Travel Experts for more information.

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Please make sure you are adequately covered. TourRadar has partnered up with XCover so that you can travel with peace of mind. You can add TourRadar Travel Protection on the booking page for your tour.

Others

Departure transfer Entrance fees Pre and post-tour accommodation Tipping Other meals, snacks and drinks

Flights

Please note that the intra-flights for this tour are mandatory but are not included in your tour price. Please contact our Travel Experts for more information. As we have travellers from all over the world, flights before and after the tour are not included in the tour price and you need to arrange these separately by yourself once your tour is guaranteed. As we specialise in organising the best tours around the world for you, we are unable to advise on flight prices or book flights on your behalf. We recommend that you do not book your flights until your place on the tour has been confirmed.

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Day 1 Day 1: Kigali
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Kigali

Welcome to Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city and the starting point for your adventure. You will be collected from the airport and transferred to your hotel, where you will meet your tour leader and small group for a 6 pm welcome meeting. Your accommodation for the next two nights is no ordinary hotel – the Hotel des Mille Collines is famous for sheltering and consequently saving more than 1000 people during the Rwandan genocide of 1994. If you arrive to Kigali early, perhaps take to the streets to explore this flourishing city in the midst of a great revival. Head to Nyamirambo, the Muslim quarter, to try some giant grilled tilapia, or stop by a local cafe and discover why Rwandan coffee is considered some of the world’s best. This evening, join your leader and small group for dinner at a lively East African restaurant popular with the locals. Enjoy live music, cocktails, incredible views and an authentic shared dining experience full of regional flavour.
Day 2 Day 2: Kigali
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Kigali

This morning, head out of the city for a sobering visit to the Ntarama Church. Your leader will explain how this memorial marks the spot where 5000 people were tragically slaughtered during the Genocide. Reminders of lives lost remain in the church, including clothes and even bones. Continue to the Nyamata Genocide Memorial Centre, a former church where an incomprehensible 50,000 people were murdered. Your leader will discuss how the Tutsis sought refuge in churches, only for them to turn into death traps. Then, visit the Genocide Museum, a powerful yet confronting experience and important in understanding the tragedy and the resilience of the Rwandan people. This afternoon, re-energize with some local Ugandan treats before taking a tour of the thriving city and its vibrant market with your leader. The evening is free for you to enjoy.
Day 3 Day 3: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After breakfast, depart Kigali and head across the border to the Bwindi National Park in Uganda (approximately 4 hours). Arrive at the Gorilla Heights Lodge, your feature stay accommodation for the next three nights. Sitting high on the Nteko Ridge, the lodge offers up magnificent views of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to half of the world’s 800 mountain gorillas. Gaze out across the jagged Virunga Mountains that straddle Uganda’s borders with Congo and Rwanda. An eco-friendly oasis, each elegant cottage has a private balcony overlooking the forest canopy. The lodge is solar-powered and works closely with the local people. Here, you’ll experience genuinely warm Ugandan hospitality – when they wish you welcome, they really mean it. There’s no better spot for soaking in your wild surroundings and searching for mountain gorillas. This evening will be a truly special experience as you’re joined by a field veterinarian from the Gorilla Doctors for a fireside chat. This organisation is dedicated to saving the mountain and eastern lowland (Grauer’s) gorilla species using veterinary medicine and science. They provide medical interventions to protect these magnificent animals from human-induced or life-threatening trauma or disease. You’ll learn more about their fascinating work during this unique and exclusive experience.
Day 4 Day 4: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Rise early and take a short walk to the park headquarters where you’ll be briefed on today’s gorilla trek by the Uganda Wildlife Authorities. The trek can be strenuous, wet and uncomfortable at times but the incredible biodiversity of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the chance to see rare mountain gorillas makes it so worthwhile. We recommend investing in the help of local porters who can carry your pack and provide expert, local one-on-one assistance along the trek. Not only does it make for a more comfortable trek, it also provides valuable employment opportunities to locals. Gorilla trekking is highly controlled, with only 24 gorilla trekking permits available each day. Once you encounter a group of gorillas you will be able to stay with them for one hour – watch them swing from trees, groom each other and play, all under the watchful eye of a giant silverback. Coming face to face with a family of mountain gorillas is sure to be a life-affirming experience that will be etched on your mind forever. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the lush wilderness of the rainforest. At the end of the day the comforts of the hotel beckon, along with a chance to reflect on a memorable day. Freshen up with a hot shower and enjoy a hearty dinner by the crackling fireplace.
Day 5 Day 5: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the terrace overlooking the forest. The day is free for you to do as little or as much as you please – your leader will be able to help tailor a day that best suits your interests. For those seeking another encounter with the majestic mountain gorillas, there is the option for a second day of trekking. You may wish to simply relax at the lodge, take in the views from the outdoor pool, or enjoy a luxurious treatment at the spa. This evening, join your group and leader for dinner at the terraced restaurant overlooking the mountains.
Day 6 Day 6: Kigali
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Kigali

After breakfast, we’ll depart the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and begin the journey to cross back over the border into Kigali (approximately 4 hours). After arriving at the capital, your afternoon is free to relax or explore.
Day 7 Day 7: Nairobi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Nairobi

Transfer to the airport and fly on an unescorted flight to Nairobi. You will be collected from the airport for a short transfer to your hotel, where you will meet your local leader and small group for a 6pm welcome meeting. If you arrive before this time, you could spend the afternoon browsing the artistic and cultural displays at Nairobi Gallery, or lounging by the pool at your home for the night – a swish central hotel complete with bold pan-African art, a sauna and steam room, and super friendly staff. After your meeting, head out with your leader and fellow travellers to a colourful local restaurant offering traditional favourites with a modern touch. Sharing food is a big part of the culture here and a great way to get to know your new travel companions – enjoy sharing platters and tasty sides like samosas, fried plantains and tilapia.
Day 8 Day 8: Lake Naivasha / Lake Nakuru
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Lake Naivasha / Lake Nakuru

Today, we head off to the Great Rift Valley of East Africa, where our first stop will be in Elsamere, the former home of the writer Joy Adamson, whose 1960 book ’Born Free’ helped bring wildlife conservation into the mainstream. The house is a veritable museum dedicated to the works of Joy and George Adamson, with many photos of Elsa, the lioness that started it all. Embark on a boat trip on Lake Naivasha, the highest of all lakes in the Great Rift Valley and home to many a hippopotamus. Later, enjoy a high tea lunch on the very grounds Joy cherished for so many years, with the lake as a serene backdrop. After lunch, continue to your Lake Nakuru lodge, arriving in the early evening. From your lodge you’ll enjoy remarkable views of Lake Nakuru and the surrounding national park, alive with the call of birds and rich in wildlife. What better way to take it all in than from your lodge’s infinity pool.
Day 9 Day 9: Lake Nakuru National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Lake Nakuru National Park

This morning you will visit Lake Nakuru National Park by four-wheel drive vehicle (4x4) – the park’s lake is its stunning centrepiece. Mornings can be cold here so it’s important to bring warm clothes. You might see why this great soda lake has been described as the world’s greatest ornithological spectacle; great seas of flamingos often turn the landscape a sweeping shade of pink. Flooding in recent years has unfortunately caused a decline in birdlife, however the park boasts substantial numbers of other species, including waterbuck, reedbuck and gazelle. Leopards are also to be found here, and the chances of sighting one are significant. Return to the lodge and take some time out for lunch, then head back out for another afternoon game drive. Keep your eyes peeled for one of Africa’s most endangered creatures, the elusive black rhinoceros. While white rhino sightings are fairly common, spotting a black rhinoceros is a real treat.
Day 10 Day 10: Masai Mara National Reserve
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Masai Mara National Reserve

Head southwest to the Masai Mara, one of the finest game reserves in Africa. Cross the Great Rift Valley and pass by the remote region of Loita Hills, home of the Maasai people. This is one of the few places where they still practice their traditional way of life with little influence from the western world. Stop at Tepesua Village where you’ll be welcomed by Maasai Warriors through traditional song and dance. Meet your Maasai hosts, take a walk to the community village and enjoy a fascinating talk full of insights into this ancient culture. The village offers support, safety and economic growth through the ‘Tepesua Widows Income Project’, where widowed women sew eco-friendly handicrafts to sell to visitors and locals. Learn about village life and be shown around a traditional Maasai home and cattle enclosure. Move on to Zebra River Camp, your Feature Stay accommodation for the next three nights. Here, you can watch blazing sunsets and share stories over the bonfire – or cocktails in the plush lounge area – before retiring to your luxury digs. Tented rooms feature ensuite bathrooms, large, comfortable beds and private verandas offering fabulous views of the surrounding wilderness.
Day 11 Day 11: Masai Mara National Reserve
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Masai Mara National Reserve

Explore more of the park by 4x4 today with further game drives from morning to the afternoon. We depart for an early morning game drive with our packed lunch at hand since we will drive to the furthest part of the park. Witness the wonderful procession of wildlife that inhabits the area. Wildebeest, zebra and gazelle are plentiful, and you might even spot predators keeping a casual eye on their movements. Elephants, giraffes and elands are also commonly sighted, along with plenty of bird life. The area is known for its rolling green plains and riverine woodlands, and amongst the many species of game, a black-maned lion, leopard or cheetah might appear, with some luck. As the sun starts to set, stop and take a moment to soak it all in with a drink in hand – there’s few better ways to wrap up a day of wildlife spotting in one of the world’s most magical places. As dusk falls, a variety of animals might be visible in the vicinity of your camp also. We return to camp late in the evening and freshen up before settling in for dinner.
Day 12 Day 12: Masai Mara National Reserve
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Masai Mara National Reserve

The morning is yours to do as you wish. You may like to sit back with a cup of coffee on your private deck, keeping an eye out for animals in the reserve, or forgo a sleep-in in favour of an early morning game drive or walking safari. If you’d like to see the Masai Mara from a different perspective, a sunrise hot air balloon ride is a truly memorable experience. Balloon rides can be booked ahead of time or on the ground (subject to availability) and the suppliers are committed conservationists, with a portion of the profits from every flight going straight to worthy conservation projects within the park. You will be collected before dawn and glide through the sunrise, sometimes at tree height, making the most of the amazing photo opportunities. Sometimes you’ll ascend to get an overview of the enormity of the Masai Mara plains and the early-morning movements of the teeming herds. In the afternoon, regroup for another exciting 4x4 game drive in the park.
Day 13 Day 13: Nairobi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Nairobi

Say goodbye to the Masai Mara and return to Nairobi. You can expect to arrive in the late afternoon, at which point your adventure will come to an end. Please do not book any international flights departing from Nairobi International Airport before 8pm this evening to allow for any unexpected delays. If you would like to extend your stay in Nairobi, additional accommodation can be booked in advance (subject to availability).

+10

13 days tour

Premium Uganda, Rwanda & Kenya

This tour includes:

Not included:

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Itinerary of your trip Premium Uganda, Rwanda & Kenya

Day 1: Kigali

Day 2: Kigali

Day 3: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Day 4: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Day 5: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Day 6: Kigali

Day 7: Nairobi

Day 8: Lake Naivasha / Lake Nakuru

Day 9: Lake Nakuru National Park

Day 10: Masai Mara National Reserve

Day 11: Masai Mara National Reserve

Day 12: Masai Mara National Reserve

Day 13: Nairobi

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