Tour Kenya & Uganda Gorilla Overland: Forests & Wildlife Spotting

Others

Your G for Good Moment: Café Ubuntu Farm-to-Table Lunch, Maai Mahiu Your G for Good Moment: AidChild Cafe & Gallery, Kayabwe Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group, Nairobi Your Discover Moment: Jinja. Wildlife safari drives in Masai Mara National Reserve. Safari in Lake Nakuru National Park. Guided mountain gorilla trek in Bwindi with permits. Entrance and chimpanzee tracking in Kalinzu Forest Reserve. Tea plantation visit. Transfer from Jinja to Nairobi. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Accommodation

Basic hotel (1 nt, single or twin-share), permanent tented camp (2 nts), participation camping (11 nts).

Hygieneprotocol

As of October 1, 2021 G Adventures’ Vaccinated Tours Policy applies:  All travelers must meet the G Adventures requirements for joining their tours.  The majority of tours require travelers to be fully vaccinated and the full/final COVID-19 vaccination must be at least 14 days before the first day of the tour.  There are some tours and departures that are only ‘Travel-Ready’ which means all travelers must be fully vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test within 96 hours before the first day of the tour.  Please, double check with the G Adventures Support Team about the requirements of your tour and departure date. ** Updated Vaccine Mandate Changes as of 16 December 2022 below** Travel with Confidence & Vaccinated Tours As we continue to see vaccine mandates shifting and countries evolving COVID-19 policies, we have continued to monitor and adjust our policies in line. Based on this, we will be making some adjustments to our Vaccinated Tours and Travel with Confidence policy in 2023. Tours departing on or after March 31, 2023 we will no longer be requiring all travellers to be vaccinated to travel with G Adventures. However, we still strongly recommend that all travellers are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to travelling. As per our existing policy, it is the travellers responsibility to ensure they are aware of and adhere to the regulations of the country they are visiting. Please remember to ensure that your travellers have adequate travel insurance to protect them should their travel plans change, this should include trip disruption and COVID-19 coverage. Our National Geographic Journeys, National Geographic Family Journeys and G Expedition will remain fully vaccinated for all departures . You can read more about these policies here: https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/  Leading up to March 31, 2023 our tours will continue to be Vaccinated Tours and you can look for the Vaccinated Tours icon to indicate which departures are vaccinated and which will not require a vaccination as we move forward with this change. You can find more information on our Travel with Confidence landing page https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/  or as well as on Sherpa.  Thank you for your continued support as we navigate these updates. ** Updated Vaccine Mandate Changes as of 16 December 2022 above**

Transport

7-seat 4x4 safari van, Lando (overland adventure vehicle), minibuses, walking.

Meals

13 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 10 dinners

Guide

2 CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) throughout as head guide/cook and driver, certified safari guides/drivers, certified mountain gorilla trackers, local guides.

Not included:

Others

• Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes. • An essential part of your safari is participation - from putting up your tent (while camping) or packing away in the morning, to helping with meal preparation and cleaning up - it is all part of your adventure and when everyone puts in a little effort the trip will run smoothly. Team spirit is part of the fun! All camping equipment (with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow) is supplied. We supply dome tents and assembly/disassembly takes only 5 minutes. All tents have built-in insect nets. Mattresses are also available, which are approximately 4cm thick, warm and comfortable. • YELLOW FEVER It may be required to show a Yellow Fever certificate upon entering the country(s) visited. Please check in with your local health expert for advice on Yellow Fever and other inoculations required for this area. • Sleeping bags are not available for rent and difficult to purchase locally. • Travelling can be difficult on this tour, as long drives and poor road conditions are the rule as opposed to the exception in both Kenya and Uganda. This camping trip is about travelling to see what the region is like, and see some animals in wildlife parks, to trek to see the mountain gorillas, along and some other sights in between. As such, we cover long distances and have long, bumpy travel days to to get to some of these amazing locations. Despite this, the diversity and scenery of the African landscape, the local culture and abundant wildlife are all well worth the experience. • G Adventures can never guarantee the sighting of wildlife, especially when it comes to mountain gorillas. However, the mountain gorilla trek is organized to ensure success. Before heading into the jungle, our local guides receive coordinates from trackers on the whereabouts of the gorillas, and the trackers stay with the gorillas until the group arrives. Please note that if you are unwell with anything contagious, even a common cold, you may be denied any of the treks to ensure the safety of the gorillas and chimps. This is a national park regulation, and trekking permits will not be refunded if you are denied entrance due to illness. • Visitors to Uganda should be in excellent physical condition, without any heart problems and prepared to spend strenuous days in humid rain forests, steep terrain and high altitude trekking for chimpanzee and gorillas, as well as other primates. Those preferring to remain at base camp in Bwindi may do so, however, there is no price reduction. • The use of drones in national parks in Southern Africa is prohibited. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has four areas; Rushaga, Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ruhija. Depending on permit availability your group could be tracking gorillas from different areas of the park, it is all still part of Bwindi.Nairobi - Bomas of Kenya Tour (120USD per person) - The Carnivore Restaurant (130USD per person) - Karen Blixen Museum (34-75USD per person) - Railway Museum (6-34USD per person) - National Museum (53--3USD per person) Masai Mara - Maasai Mara Balloon Safari Lake Bunyonyi - Swimming - Canoe Rental (10USD per person) - Nature Walk (5USD per person) - Motorboat Tour of Lake Bunyonyi (40USD per person) - Bird Watching Walk (10USD per person) Kalinzu Forest Reserve - Kansenene Hill Hike (8USD per person) - Local Coffee Tour (12USD per person) Lake Mburo - Lake Mburo Boat Safari (30USD per person) Lake Mburo National Park - Nature Walk (25USD per person) Jinja - Nile River Kayaking (140-160USD per person) - Quad Biking (105USD per person) - Bungee Jumping (145USD per person) - Nile River Sunset Cruise (30USD per person) - Jinja River Rafting (140USD per person) Mabira Forest - Mabira Forest Mountain Biking (55USD per person)

Flights

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered. If you require travel insurance, TourRadar has partnered up with World Nomads to provide a hassle-free experience. More information can be found here ( https://www.tourradar.com/travel-insurance ).

Start planning your experience

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

Day 1: Nairobi

Arrive at any time.

Prepare for tomorrow’s early morning by checking out the hotel bar with your newest friends. Travelling can take a lot out of you so sit back, fill those food and drink needs, and spend a chill night becoming familiar with your group and CEO.

Included Activities:
- Connect With New Friends
- Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

Additional Notes: Please make sure you have all of the necessary visas for this tour by the time of the welcome meeting. It is very important to read the visa section in our trip details to make sure you have the ones you will need, if any. Please note that not all nationalities are able to obtain a visa on arrival at the border.
Day 2 Day 2: Nairobi/Masai Mara (1B, 1L, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Nairobi/Masai Mara (1B, 1L, 1D)

Hit the road and journey through the Great Rift Valley today on the way to one of the most famous national parks in Africa and Kenya’s premier wildlife reserve.

Stretch those legs and take in your surroundings before heading on a late afternoon wildlife safari drive with excellent chances of seeing the “big five”. This natural environment coupled with the park’s varied wildlife provides for a spectacular safari experience.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner

Transport:
- Safari Vehicle 07:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Maasai Mara Wildlife Safari Drive
Day 3 Day 3: Masai Mara (1B, 1L, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Masai Mara (1B, 1L, 1D)

Grab those cameras and jump in the safari vehicle with your driver/guide to spot wildlife in the Masai Mara National Reserve. Listen to your guide describe the African bush as you traverse one of the world’s top safari destinations. Masai Mara is known for its abundance of big cats and wildebeest (see if you can capture a picture of one)!

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner

Transport:
- Safari Vehicle

Included Activities:
- Maasai Mara Wildlife Safari Drive

Optional Extras to chose from:
- Maasai Mara Balloon Safari

Additional Notes: Please note: if you have pre-booked the Masai Mara Balloon Safari, today’s likely the day for this activity! Your CEO will give you final confirmation when it will take place, as it is subject to change. You will miss the included morning wildlife safari drive with the group, but you will have a much better view from above!
Day 4 Day 4: Masai Mara/Lake Nakuru National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Masai Mara/Lake Nakuru National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)

Awake to the sounds of the bush as your alarm clock before jumping in your 4x4 safari vehicle. Today, the group is heading to Lake Nakuru, known for harbouring flocks of pink flamingos and a rich variety of bird species.

Before reaching the safari lodge inside Lake Nakuru National Park, you’ll stop at the G Adventures-supported Ubuntu Cafe where you will meet up with the Lando, enjoy a meal, and have the opportunity to shop for locally and internationally sold products as memorable and impactful souvenirs.

Later, the group will go on an afternoon wildlife drive through the area.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner

Transport:
- Safari Vehicle 06:00 Hr(s)
- Lando 03:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Café Ubuntu Farm-to-Table Lunch
- Lake Nakuru Wildlife Safari Drive
Day 5 Day 5: Lake Nakuru National Park/Eldoret (1B, 1L, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Lake Nakuru National Park/Eldoret (1B, 1L, 1D)

Another day, another chance to see more wildlife and live your African safari dream. After your morning safari drive around Lake Nakuru keeping your eyes wide open in search of buffalo, impala, and the elusive leopard. The group will bump along in the Lando sharing photos of your day on the road to Eldoret.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner

Transport:
- Lando 03:00 - 04:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Lake Nakuru Wildlife Safari Drive
Day 6 Day 6: Eldoret/Kampala (1B, 1L, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Eldoret/Kampala (1B, 1L, 1D)

It’s time to cross another country off of those travel lists as you cross the border from Kenya into Uganda. Drive along reminiscing on inside jokes and experiences from the trip before camping in Kampala (the country’s capital) where you will arrive in the late afternoon.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner

Transport:
- Lando 11:00 - 13:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Border Crossing (Kenya - Uganda)
Day 7 Day 7: Kampala/Lake Bunyonyi (1B, 1L, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Kampala/Lake Bunyonyi (1B, 1L, 1D)

Even though you get to do something pretty awesome everyday you’re going to cross the equator today in the Lando (which we think is a pretty cool thing to be able to add to a travel resume) and head off to Lake Bunyonyi.

The name Bunyonyi means ‘place of many little birds’ and it is undoubtedly the loveliest lake in Uganda. It’s winding shores encircle 29 islands and its surrounded by steep terraced hillsides that will have you wondering if you are somewhere in Asia. But the best part is that Lake Bunyonyi is a croc and hippo free lake (unlike many lakes in East Africa) so you can swim in its calm waters as much as you like… such bliss!

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner

Transport:
- Lando 12:00 Hr(s)
Day 8 Day 8: Gorilla Trek (1B, 1L, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Gorilla Trek (1B, 1L, 1D)

Today’s the day that some of your dreams may just come true because you are going on a guided mountain gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (so insanely cool!) So get ready to embark on an unforgettable hike deep into the jungle through volcano forests alongside a park ranger to search for mountain gorillas. The treks can vary in length and difficulty so be prepared for a challenge, but know that if you spot these majestic creatures (we share 98% of our DNA with them) it will all be worth it.

Note: Ugandan authorities are fiercely protective of this natural treasure, and currently permit only a maximum of eight people, per day, to visit a given gorilla family. The group will be split into different sub-groups for the trek, and depending on the number of travellers, different sub-groups may do their trek on different days.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner

Included Activities:
- Mountain Gorilla Trek

Additional Notes: Depending on the date of our permits, it’s possible that the gorilla trek will take place on the second full day in Lake Bunyonyi.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has four areas; Rushaga, Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ruhija. Depending on permit availability your group could be tracking gorillas from different areas of the park, it is all still part of Bwindi.
Day 9 Day 9: Lake Bunyonyi (1B, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Lake Bunyonyi (1B, 1D)

Let’s give Lake Bunyonyi some love today. Explore this magical place as the morning mist rises off of the gently lapping waters. With tons of optional activities to choose from like, swimming, hiking, canoeing, bird watching, or a motorboat tour of the lake there’s no time to be bored. Then relax together at the lodge in the evening talking about your group gorilla experiences.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Day 10 Day 10: Lake Bunyonyi/Kalinzu Forest Reserve (1B, 1L, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Lake Bunyonyi/Kalinzu Forest Reserve (1B, 1L, 1D)

Sit back, relax, and watch the Ugandan countryside slip past on today’s journey to Kalinzu Forest Reserve further north in the country.

The forest reserve is adjacent to Queen Elizabeth National Park and is characterized by open savannah, large area of swamp around Lake George, and the extensive Maramagambo Forest in the southeast. There’s a lot of landscapes to experience so what are you waiting for? Get started!

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner

Transport:
- Lando 03:00 Hr(s)
Day 11 Day 11: Kalinzu Forest Reserve/Lake Mburo National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Kalinzu Forest Reserve/Lake Mburo National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)

You know that saying, “the early bird gets the worm” well in this case the early bird gets to see chimpanzees. Get up early for an included chimpanzee tracking excursion and explore the verdant Kalinzu Forest Reserve with a ranger while being on the lookout for these chimpanzee families.

Afterwards, the group will visit a tea plantation before setting off to Lake Mburo. Once you arrive there you can choose to book an afternoon boat cruise on the lake, or explore the local area on foot.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner

Transport:
- Lando 03:00 - 04:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Chimpanzee Tracking Excursion
- Tea Plantation Visit
Day 12 Day 12: Lake Mburo National Park/Jinja (1B, 1L)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Lake Mburo National Park/Jinja (1B, 1L)

Head back across the equator today in the Lando; Uganda is one of the few countries in the world where you can cross this imaginary geographical line on land.

Observe how water swirls in opposite directions on either side of the equator and then stop to enjoy a meal at the G Adventures-supported AidChild Equation Café & Gallery. With full stomachs and even more full hearts the group will continue on to Jinja, the adventure capital of Uganda.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch

Transport:
- Lando 07:00 - 08:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- AidChild Cafe & Gallery
Day 13 Day 13: Jinja
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Jinja

Get out there, get active, and have some fun! Explore Jinja today solo or with your group by participating in the plethora of outdoor and adventure activities they have to offer.

Choose to raft down the White Nile River, break a sweat mountain biking up and down the hills surrounding the town, or for a more laid back day check out the local market. Keep your eyes ready to spot monkeys and other wildlife that can wander to the outskirts of this town.
Pre-book your rafting adrenaline rush on the checkout page to include the Jinja River Rafting optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.

Optional Extras to chose from:
- Jinja River Rafting
Day 14 Day 14: Jinja/Eldoret (1B, 1L)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Jinja/Eldoret (1B, 1L)

Today is a bit of a travel day but you won’t mind because you could use the rest. The group will be leaving Uganda and crossing over into Kenya and travel to Eldoret. Hang out together as a group and enjoy a nice evening camping under the stars.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch

Transport:
- Lando: Jinja to Eldoret 07:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Border Crossing (Uganda - Kenya)

Additional Notes: This is an overnight stop in between two long driving days.
Day 15 Day 15: Eldoret/Nairobi (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Eldoret/Nairobi (1B)

After your adventurous experiences yesterday you’ll be glad to have a more low key travel day to replenish your energy before the journey home. So sit back and enjoy the ride as the group transfers through to the Kenyan countryside to Nairobi. We’re thinking naps, story time, and then maybe a mini dance party in the Lando to get you through the day. (Toto’s Africa song anyone?)

Tour ends on arrival in Nairobi. Not ready to leave Africa just yet? (Yeah, we don’t blame you) talk with your CEO about extending your adventure and get to know Kenya or beyond!

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Lando: Eldoret to Nairobi 11:00 Hr(s)

+12

15 days tour

Kenya & Uganda Gorilla Overland: Forests & Wildlife Spotting

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Kenya & Uganda Gorilla Overland: Forests & Wildlife Spotting

Day 1: Nairobi

Day 2: Nairobi/Masai Mara (1B, 1L, 1D)

Day 3: Masai Mara (1B, 1L, 1D)

Day 4: Masai Mara/Lake Nakuru National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)

Day 5: Lake Nakuru National Park/Eldoret (1B, 1L, 1D)

Day 6: Eldoret/Kampala (1B, 1L, 1D)

Day 7: Kampala/Lake Bunyonyi (1B, 1L, 1D)

Day 8: Gorilla Trek (1B, 1L, 1D)

Day 9: Lake Bunyonyi (1B, 1D)

Day 10: Lake Bunyonyi/Kalinzu Forest Reserve (1B, 1L, 1D)

Day 11: Kalinzu Forest Reserve/Lake Mburo National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)

Day 12: Lake Mburo National Park/Jinja (1B, 1L)

Day 13: Jinja

Day 14: Jinja/Eldoret (1B, 1L)

Day 15: Eldoret/Nairobi (1B)

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