Nothing will eclipse the reality of game drives to see wild animals roaming around Queen Elizabeth National Park and the famous Masai Mara. Take the opportunity to trek gorillas and chimpanzees in their own habitat - a truly unforgettable experience. Learn about the colourful Maasai tribe. Enjoy lake stays in Bunyonyi, Nakuru and Naivasha.
Highlights:
- Stand on the Equator - one foot in the northern hemisphere and one in the southern
- See athletic chimpanzees in the Kibale Forest
- Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Cruise on the Kazinga Chanel packed full of hippos & crocodiles
- Rwanda – land of a thousand hills with breath-taking natural beauty
- Trek to the mighty gorillas in the Virunga Mountains
- Swim, cruise, relax at Lake Bunyonyi
- Explore the Nile River and surrounds near Jinja
- Enjoy pure mountain air and unspoilt landscapes in the Kenyan Highlands
- Farm stay in Nakuru
- Game drives in Lake Nakuru National Park
- Visit ‘Elsamere’ and cruise on Lake Naivasha
- Game drives in the vast savannahs of the Masai Mara
- Visit and learn about the Maasai tribespeople
- Get up close to baby elephants at the David Sheldrick Animal Trust
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
- Important Information
Day 1: Entebbe - Kampala (UGANDA)
Jambo! Welcome to Africa. On arrival at Entebbe Airport you will be met and transferred to Kampala, Uganda's capital. The rest of the day is at leisure so you can relax after your flight. This evening you can dine at the hotel restaurant or go in to the city.
Day 2: Fort Portal (BLD)
Leaving Kampala in the morning, drive west to Fort Portal. This laidback town lies in the northern foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains in a heartland of lush tea-growing plantations.
Day 3: Fort Portal (BLD)
The Kibale Forest is 766km2 and largely comprises of rainforest where 60 mammal and 335 bird species reside, as well as many different insects and plants. There are 13 primate species, of which the chimpanzees are a star attraction. Today you will be driven deep into the forest to meet your guides who will escort you through the park to look for these fascinating primates in their natural habitat. Sometimes high up in trees, sometimes on the ground playing – wherever you find a chimpanzee community – you will be left in awe of their strong family ties and their amazing agility. The rest of the day is free to relax at the hotel, or explore the town & its surrounds.
Day 4: Queen Elizabeth National Park (BLD)
Your destination is Queen Elizabeth National Park which is especially scenic, with two lakes connected by a channel overlooked by a high peninsula. Arrive after lunch and take an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. It is well worth the trip to see the thousands of hippo, abundant bird life and busy fishing village. This evening we dine in the lodge’s scenic restaurant overnight the Kazinga.
Day 5: Kigali (BL)
Leave Queen Elizabeth National Park in the morning and drive through to Rwanda, crossing the border at Gatuna. Once in Rwanda drive to the capital city of Kigali. The hotel has a popular restaurant for you to sample this evening.
Day 6: Ruhengeri (BLD)
A sobering few hours will be spent at the Genocide Museum in the morning, followed by a visit to the carving and curio markets. In the afternoon you will drive through stunning scenery and steep-terraced farmland to Ruhengeri where you will be based for the next two days. The hotel has a lively rooftop bar and is only 5 minutes’ walk from the centre of town.
Day 7: Ruhengeri (BLD)
Free day to explore the town and surrounding areas. You might like to hike into The Volcanoes national Park to visit Diane Fossey’s graveside, a canoe trip down the Mukungwa River through rural Rwanda, or a visit to The Gorilla Museum set up by The Diane Fossey Fund.
Day 8: Kisoro (BLD)
A short drive this morning back into Uganda through the border at Cyanika. Afternoon at leisure to relax, have a look around the town and prepare your gear for the gorilla trek tomorrow.
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking Day (BLD)
You will be picked up early in the morning and taken to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park entrance. From here you will be split into groups of 8 with a guide and park rangers, then begin your hike in the rain forest to see the magnificent mountain gorillas. Expect to trek between 1 – 5 hours through thick forest with overhanging vines, moss covered trees and Giant Lobelias that thrive in the tropical climate. Depending on where the gorillas are, you may have to go off the track and climb steeply through thick bush. After all the effort of your climb, you will be overawed when you finally come across a family of gorillas. There are less than 900 mountain gorillas in the world and nothing could be more of a privilege than to spend an hour watching them as they go about their daily routine of feeding, playing, cleaning and resting in their own territory. An unforgettable experience! After the trek you will be taken to Lake Bunyonyi.
Day 10: Lake Bunyoyni (BLD)
The Lake is reputed to be one of the deepest in Africa and is fantastic for swimming in. The surrounding hills are the home of the Bakiga people who are cultivators by tradition. Spend the morning visiting a local school then back to the truck for lunch, followed by a leisurely afternoon boat cruise around the islands.
Day 11: Jinja (BLD)
It is a reasonably long drive through to Jinja where you will spend the next few nights. The luxuriant vegetation covering the river banks, and the diversity of bird life attracted by the multitude of fish, complete a stunning vista as you sip a cold drink in the camp bar overlooking the Nile River.
Day 12: Jinja (BL)
Free day. Mountain Biking, Quad Biking, Horse Riding, Village Walks, Birding and Fishing on the Nile are just some of the optional activities available for you to do here.
Day 13: Kenyan Highlands (BLD)
Today cross into Kenya where you will stay up in the highlands just outside of Eldoret. The river camp is a laid-back resort with a pool, shady gardens and a very vibrant bar with unique furnishings.
Day 14: Nakuru (BLD)
This morning drive through the very picturesque Eldama Ravine to Nakuru, located in the Rift Valley. Accommodation is in self-contained cottages on a working farm with beautiful gardens and excellent facilities. You can spend the afternoon going on a farm walk and/or visit the Kenana knitters’ project.
Day 15: Lake Nakuru (BLD)
Today enter Lake Nakuru National Park and spend the day game driving. This compact park is packed with wildlife. The soda lake has over 400 species of birdlife - an ornithologist’s paradise. It is also home to both the black and white rhino, and where some scenes from the movie "Out of Africa" were filmed.
Day 16: Lake Naivasha (BLD)
This afternoon arrive at Lake Naivasha and take a boat ride on the lake viewing hippos, fish eagles and birdlife before arriving at Elsamere, the former home of the late Joy & George Adamson. Joy became world famous for her pioneering conservation work and relationship with the lioness Elsa, as told in her bestselling book and subsequent film, Born Free. After a video presentation on the life of the Adamsons, savour a delicious afternoon tea in the garden.
Day 17: Masai Mara (BLD)
Today drive into the Masai Mara stopping along the way for lunch. As you get closer to the park you will see herds of goats & cows wandering in a cloud of dust the vast plains, dutifully watched by their Maasai owners. Enter the main gate by mid-afternoon and drive through to Sekenani Camp, each tent is situated on a raised platform with ensuite bathroom complete with a full length bathtub!
Day 18: Masai Mara (BLD)
Spend the day game driving around the park through vast herds of zebra, wildebeest and antelope. Hopefully we will also spot some of The Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant & buffalo). The Masai Mara is quite simply one of the greatest wildlife attractions in the world and at this time of year (July to Oct) we should see the migration which is spectacular. Stop at the Mara River for a short guided walk and see what animals might be around the river at the time. In the afternoon visit a Maasai village to meet the locals and learn about some of their age-old customs and the way they live their semi-nomadic lifestyle.
Day 19: Nairobi (BL)
Today journey through the Rift Valley and up the escarpment where a stop is made for photo opportunities, before continuing on to Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. Tonight you might like to eat in the famous Carnivores Restaurant which is located in the grounds of our hotel.
Day 20: Nairobi Departure (B)
You will be transferred to Nairobi Airport today.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- 19 nights accommodation as indicated
- Meals as indicated (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner)
- Sightseeing as indicated
- Services of experienced driver/guide plus camp/cook assistant
- Fully equipped safari vehicle, with camping/cooking equipment
- All road tolls, vehicle taxes, National Park entry fees
- Airport transfers on Days 1 & 20 between the hours of 6.00am and 6.00pm only
TOUR EXCLUSIONS:
- International airfares
- Gorilla trekking Permit (US$850 per person, includes booking fee & transport)
- Chimpanzee trekking permit (US$285 per person, includes booking fee)
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Entry Visa to all countries
- Items of a personal nature (e.g. drinks, souvenirs)
- Gratuities/Tipping
- Any other optional activities you choose to take
Accommodation based on the following or similar
Kampala
Silver Springs Hotel
Fort Portal
Mountains of the Moon Hotel
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Mweya Lodge
Kigali
Chez Lando Hotel
Ruhengeri
The Pastoral Centre of our Lady Fatima Hotel
Kisoro
Ikoro Hotel
Lake Bunyoyni
Bunyonyi Overland Resort – ensuite room
Jinja
Nile Porch – permanent tent with ensuite
Kenyan Highlands
Naiberi River Camp – ensuite room
Nakuru
Kembu Farm Cottages
Lake Naivasha
Fish Eagle Lodge
Masai Mara
Sekenani Camp – permanent tent with ensuite
Nairobi
Tamarind Tree Hotel
Gorilla & Chimpanzee permit costs are subject to change at any time.
GORILLA TREKKING: A good level of fitness is required. You need to be sure-footed and be able to walk up rough terrain for up to 4 hours. The treks start at around 1500 metres above sea-level and can go up over 2500 metres so the effects of the high altitude often slows trekkers up. The trek will go at the pace of the slowest walker, stop for regular breathers, and at no time will you be made to rush. Walking sticks are provided. If you would like a porter to carry your day-pack, this is possible for a fee of approximately US$10.
- These safaris are designed for travellers aged 40+
- The average age group is 55-65 years of age. If you have a sense of adventure, get on with people from all walks of life, don't mind getting a bit dusty during the day, and have a reasonable level of fitness and health then you are perfectly suited to our safaris!
- If you are travelling solo and would like to twin share with same gender, we will endeavour to find you a room mate.
- If you are aged 75+ we will require a Medical Certificate confirming your fitness for the safari.
- Coach seats for up to 18 guests
- Air bag suspension
- Roll up PVC sides for unencumbered views
- Open air bench seat behind cab for game viewing
- Secure safe for money and passports
- 250 litre water tank providing free safe drinking water
- Cool boxes to keep food chilled
- Camp stools
- Charging facilities for NZ or UK plugs
- PA system
The Safari Company are are renowned for providing wholesome tasty meals using fresh ingredients. We cook outside on charcoal and gas BBQs. Meals are served buffet-style on a main table and we have camp stools to sit on.
Most days we include 3 meals (specified in itinerary):
B - Breakfast (cereal, fresh fruit, toast, tea, coffee along with cooked options eg. eggs, bacon, sausage)
L - Lunch (cold meat, salad, bread, fruit, juice)
D - Dinner (vegetable soup, meat & vegetables, eg. bbq, curry, stew)
ACCOMMODATION:
Safaris feature a variety of accommodation including upmarket lodges, first class hotels, unique cottages/chalets, permanent tents with ensuites.
Bush camping is only on our Southern Explorer safari. Roomy dome tents high enough to stand up in and a 50mm mattress. You will bring your own sleeping bag.
Getting onboard the truck is via steepish steps but once on-board you are rewarded with fantastic views and the sweet sounds and smells of Africa. On our Eastern safaris there is the opportunity to sit up above the cab in the open air.
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.