Experience the ultimate East African adventure with our bespoke 11-day safari through Uganda and Kenya. Delve into the ancient splendour of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its majestic mountain gorillas. Witness these incredible creatures in their natural habitat, a truly unforgettable encounter. Then, journey to Kenya's iconic Masai Mara, where endless savannahs and meandering rivers set the stage for unparalleled wildlife encounters. Explore the diverse landscapes and witness the Big Five in action, including the rare rhinos at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, known for its conservation efforts and community initiatives. This journey promises not only thrilling wildlife sightings but also a deep immersion into the rich cultures and stunning landscapes of East Africa. Discover the heart of Africa on a safari tailored to exceed your wildest expectations.
Welcome to Uganda! On arrival, after clearing customs and immigration, you will be met by our local representative and transferred to the hotel for the night. Overnight Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe.
Located on the shores of Lake Victoria, Entebbe lies 40 km south of Kampala, Uganda's bustling capital. As the country’s primary gateway, it serves as both a peaceful retreat and a starting point for exploring Uganda's natural wonders. The city sits in a lush landscape, with sprawling green spaces and a shoreline dotted with fishing villages.
Today you will be transferred to Entebbe Airport and board your light aircraft flight to Kihihi Airstrip, at the base of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the gate to the southern sector of the Queen Elizabeth National Park. On arrival at Kihihi Airstrip you will be met and transferred to the Buhoma Lodge, your base for the next three nights.
Located in southwestern Uganda, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is said to be Africa’s oldest rainforest. It is world-renowned for its excellent gorilla-sighting opportunities - the forest is home to half of the remaining mountain gorillas on earth. This gorilla experience takes place among a rugged landscape of dense jungle, cascading waterfalls, sparkling mountain streams, deep valleys, and steep ridges. The untouched forest has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its breathtaking natural beauty and unique ecological significance, and aside from the amazing gorilla interactions, there are other drawcards such as a network of forest walks, over 340 species of bird to spot, and a variety of brightly coloured butterflies to identify.
Today should prove to be both challenging and exciting. You will set out early to begin your trek through the park’s dense vegetation, travelling up and down its steep slopes in search of groups of endangered mountain gorillas.
The mountain gorillas in Bwindi have undergone an extremely delicate process that has gradually brought them to tolerate the presence of humans for a brief period every day and allowed a few privileged visitors to interact with them in the wild.
Once the gorillas are located, you are permitted to observe them for a maximum of an hour. See mothers keeping infants close as they knucklewalk on three limbs. Toddlers scamper around and get reined in by an attentive father, whose job is to protect his family. When you encounter a mountain gorilla in the wild, there is no mistaking the bond that exists between primate and man — they share 97.7% of our DNA — and no escaping the poignant reminder that these creatures lie on the brink of extinction. However, your presence on a gorilla trek funds conservation efforts that contribute to the gorillas’ continued survival in the wild.
Today head out on a community walk that includes visits to Bwindi Community Hospital and the Bwindi Women's Bike Shop or you may choose to spend the day relaxing and reflecting on your adventures yesterday. There are a range of optional activities available from the Lodge including Bwindi Forest Walk, Bird Watching and Butterfly Watching (supplements apply).
This morning you are transferred to Kihihi Airstrip for your scheduled flight to Entebbe International Airport. Here you will be assisted onto your connecting flight to the Masai Mara via Kisumu where you will clear customs and immigration for Kenya. On arrival at Ol Kiombo airstrip, you will be transferred to the Soroi Mara Bush Camp for a three-night stay.
The Masai Mara together with Tanzania’s Serengeti form Africa’s most famous wildlife park, the Masai Mara National Reserve. The image of acacia trees dotting endless grass plains epitomises Africa for many, then add a Maasai warrior and some cattle to the picture and the conversation need go no further. The undeniable highlight of the Masai Mara National Reserve is undoubtedly the annual wildebeest migration traversing the vast plains of the Serengeti and the Masai Mara. It is known as the largest mass movement of land mammals on the planet – with more than a million animals following the rains. Large prides of lions, herds of elephants, as well as giraffes, gazelles and eland can also be spotted in the reserve.
Two days exploring the vast expanses of the Masai Mara on morning, afternoon or even full day game drives. The jewel in Africa's crown, Maasai Mara is host to the most spectacular array of wildlife. Here 1,510 square kilometres of open savannah, woodlands and tree-lined rivers create an eco-system which supports huge numbers of bird and mammal species. The western border of the park is the spectacular Siria Escarpment, and together with the acacia dotted plains, creates scenery of stunning beauty. Lion are found in abundance throughout the park as are elephant, giraffe, a variety of gazelle species and zebra. Cheetah and leopard are also regularly seen and, if lucky, you may also find rhino. Game viewing is never dull in the Mara, and patience is often rewarded with unique sightings.
Suggested Optional Activities (supplements apply):
Maasai Village Cultural Visit: Visit a traditional Maasai Village and discover their “way of life” as it was a hundred years ago and still is today. The Maasai are an old nomadic tribe that lives in harmony with nature and is one of the few remaining tribes in Kenya that tends to hold on to their traditions. Your guide will transfer you to/from the village. The property supports the local community in the area with this village visit as most proceeds go to them directly.
Balloon Safari: A wonderful way to experience the magnificent landscape and amazing wildlife from a different perspective. A true highlight of every Safari in East Africa! The Balloon crew will pick you up as early as 5am for a drive to the starting point of the ride. Experience a one-hour ride above the exquisite Savanna with your experienced Balloon Pilot. A sumptuous Champagne breakfast awaits you upon landing to crown the memorable experience. Children under 8 years or a height below 1.25 meters are not permitted for safety reasons.
This morning you will be transferred to Ol Kiombo Airstrip to board your flight bound for the expanses of Ol Pejeta Conservancy. As you fly north the Aberdare Range will be on your left and, on a clear day, you will have a wonderful view of Mount Kenya on the right. On arrival at Kamok Airstrip you will be met by your lodge driver/guide and experience a short game drive to the Ol Pejeta Bush Camp, your base for the following three nights.
Resting at the foothills of Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountain Range, in central Kenya's Laikipia County, the Ol Pejeta Conservancy is the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa. It is also home to some of the last remaining northern white rhino in the world. Originally a working cattle ranch in colonial Kenya and now a pioneering wildlife conservancy, Ol Pejeta works to protect wildlife and provide a sanctuary for rescued chimpanzees. The Conservancy is a popular safari destination and is home to the renowned ‘Big Five’ as well as a wide selection of other African animals including zebra, giraffe, hippo, cheetah, jackal, serval, hyena, vervet monkey, and many more.
Two days spent exploring the open landscapes of the conservancy on morning and afternoon game drives. Experience encounters with some of the rarer inhabitants of Kenya including the Grevy’s Zebras whose stripes are smaller and more delicate than their common cousins. This area of Kenya is at the forefront of wildlife and rhino conservation and shows that traditional pastoral farming can coexist and thrive alongside wildlife conservation.
Night Game Drives: Only available in a select few wildlife areas across the continent, a night game drive is a wonderful way to see the nocturnal animals of the conservancy. With the help of a spotlight and an expert Ol Pejeta Bush Camp guide, you stand the chance of spotting some of Kenya’s more unusual critters — aardvark, zorilla, bat-eared foxes and leopard to name but a few. Wrap up warm and let loose that intrepid explorer inside you. Please note that it gets very cold on night game drives, wearing extra layers for comfort is recommended.
Suggested Optional Activity (supplement applies):
Visit to the Endangered Species Enclosure: Today, only 2 northern white rhino remain in the world and both are found at Ol Pejeta Conservancy in a 700acre enclosure protected by 24hour armed security. Take the opportunity to visit the enclosure, learn from the keepers about the efforts being taken to preserve the last of this highly endangered species, as well as see Grevy’s zebra and Jackson’s hartebeest in a private and intimate setting.
Morning visit: 8.30am or afternoon visit: 4.00pm. Duration 45 minutes. Maximum 6 people per visit and physical interaction with the rhinos is relatively restricted.
Today, you bid farewell to the Ol Pejeta Conservancy and transfer to Kamok Airstrip for your flight to Nairobi. On arrival you will be met and transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward flight.
Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe – Standard Room
BB: Bed and Breakfast
Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe is located on the shores of Lake Victoria in Entebbe, Uganda. The hotel features comfortably furnished guest rooms that are equipped with modern amenities, including Wi-Fi access, a safe, a TV, a mini, bar, a tea/coffee maker, and a private bathroom. Guests can enjoy food from an a la carte menu at the onsite restaurant. Additional facilities and services include an outdoor swimming pool, a meeting space, a fitness centre, and a spa.
Images Credit: Marriott/Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe
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Buhoma Lodge - Chalet
FB: Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
Nestled at the gateway to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Buhoma Lodge is one of only two lodges set within the national park.
This Africa inspired lodge is renowned for its warm welcome, attentive service and homely ambience. Constructed using sustainable materials, the elevated central lounge, bar and dining area (serving delicious multi-course meals) offers a cosy spot to unwind with uninterrupted views over the forest. The crackling fireplace adds a mystical atmosphere to cooler evenings.
Tranquil and cosy, the ten spacious eco-friendly wooden chalets offer a private escape. Fall asleep to the sounds of the forest and awaken to chattering birds and monkeys as day breaks.
Images Credit: Buhoma Lodge
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Gorilla Trekking
Encountering mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience, however trekking to see them can be physically demanding. A trek in Uganda can last anywhere from 2 to 6+ hours and in certain sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park it can take even longer if the gorilla group has moved deeper into the forest. The terrain can be challenging, involving navigating muddy, steep hills and dense foliage. Once a gorilla family is located visitors are allowed to spend a maximum of one hour observing them from a safe distance.
Permit Cost (subject to change without notice): US$800 per person per trek (minimum age 15 years and above). Only a specific number of permits are issued each day (8 per gorilla family per day) therefore it is essential to book well in advance.
Porters are available to help carry backpacks and cameras, as well as helping you with our footing along your hike (additional cost)
Note: The sighting of mountain gorillas can never be guaranteed however the expert trackers and guides are highly skilled at locating these magnificent creatures.
Luggage on internal flights
Luggage on internal flights is restricted to 15kg per person (including hand luggage) and it is a requirement that bags are soft-sided. This is due to compartments in light aircraft being small and of an irregular shape, making soft-side/flexible luggage essential.
Kenya: Travellers are required to obtain an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) prior to arrival.
NB: This can take up to 7 days to process, please allow sufficient time as delays in processing can occur.
Visa and entry requirements can change without prior notice and it is the traveller's responsibility to secure necessary visas for all countries travelling to. Prior to travel, ensure you verify the latest entry requirements for each country on your itinerary by consulting with your local embassy/consulate, or your travel agent/broker.
Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. All featured tour itineraries and offers may be subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are available in some destinations for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.
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