Gorillas and Kenyan Game Parks Safari

This Gorillas and Kenyan Game Parks Safari travels to the rain forests of Uganda inhabited by the endangered mountain gorillas of Africa.

Coming into close contact with these beautiful primates in their natural habitats either in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo or Rwanda can be a life changing experience. You will be given the opportunity to track the gorillas and find them among the tangled vines and giant trees.

Other highlights of this trip are the spectacular countryside of Uganda, known as the 'Pearl of Africa', and coming across Africa's Big 5 animals on the plains of the famous Masai Mara, amongst other remarkable species.

Lake Nakuru National Park is home to the endangered black and white rhino, leopard and is well known for its vast population of flamingos, while Lake Naivasha harbours large pods of hippo amongst an array of beautiful water birds.

An incredibly scenic and special safari experience encountering the rare African mountain gorillas, as well as exploring the spectacular Masai Mara!

 DAY 1:  Nairobi to Masai Mara – Kenya (L / D)

This Gorillas and Kenyan Game Parks Safari departs from Kenya's capital, Nairobi, in the morning; travelling up the Escarpment and stopping at a viewpoint to admire the vistas over the spectacular Great Rift Valley.

We then descend to the floor of the Rift Valley in Kenya entering Masai country, where these habitual pastoralists are frequently seen tending their cattle on the roadside. 

Driving south through the town of Narok, we may sight some wildlife along the way to our first overnight campsite. In the late afternoon we arrive at our safari camp overlooking the Meguarra Hills and a meandering stream that forms a natural border with the Masai Mara National Reserve.

DAY 2:  Masai Mara – Kenya (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Departing shortly after sunrise we embark on a game drive in the Masai Mara Reserve. Kenya's Masai Mara is well known as one of East Africa’s best Game Parks and is home to a wide variety of wildlife species.

The Mara Reserve is most famous for the Annual Wildebeest Migration, also called the Great Migration. This wildlife spectacle occurs when impressive herds of over 1 million wildebeest, zebra and Thomson’s gazelle stampede across the open plains from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to Masai Mara in Kenya. 

Masai Mara is particularly popular between July and October when these huge herds of herbivores search for fresh grazing. These grazers in turn attract Africa’s predators, often seen at kill during the migration. Our game drive takes us through a section of the Mara Park in search of Africa's ‘Big Five’ - elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion & leopard; along with the many other species of animals, reptiles and birds inhabiting this wilderness area.

After our game drive in Masai Mara, we have the option of visiting one of the nearby Masai Manyatta’s – traditional hamlets where the Masai Tribe still live in their customary way. In the evening we relax around the camp fire, watching the sun set over this African “Garden of Eden”.

The Masai Mara Reserve covers 1510 sq km of incredible wide-open landscapes and fertile riverine woodland following the looping meanders of the Mara and Talek rivers. Wherever you go in the Masai Mara you will see an abundance of wildlife! The ultimate wildlife action here is without a doubt the annual wildebeest migration when millions of these grazers move north from the Serengeti Park in search of lusher grass before turning south again in October.

Hot-air balloon trips are an entirely outstanding way of seeing the savannah plains and the wildlife of Masai Mara after which you come back down for a beautiful champagne breakfast. These scenic balloon trips can be arranged upon booking.

DAY 3:  Masai Mara to Kisumu – Kenya (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

In the early morning we leave the Masai Mara Game Reserve, passing through the scenic tea plantations of Kericho before dipping off the Rift Valley Plateau.

We travel to Kenya's harbour town, Kisumu, located on the banks of Lake Victoria, the largest of Africa's lakes. Here we stock up on supplies and rest for the night.

DAY 4: Kisumu to Kampala – Uganda (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Crossing the border from Kenya we travel into the striking African country of Uganda.  

We stay in the capital city, Kampala, for our first night in Uganda. Uganda is a small country, covering diverse terrains. Habitats vary from fertile areas of greenery in the northern area around the shores of Lake Victoria to the snow-capped Ruwenzori Mountain peaks in the west and the captivating semi-desert region in the north of Uganda. 

The political instability in Uganda over the past has inadvertently sheltered the country from the negative impacts of rampant commercialisation. The current administration has devoted considerable efforts and funds to restoring Uganda to its former position as one of Africa's most prosperous and alluring travel destinations. Uganda's appeal for tourists lies in its being less affected by commercialisation than other African countries, making it an interesting and unique country to visit.

DAY 5 - 8: Kampala to Lake Bunyoni – Uganda (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

On day five we depart from Kampala early in the morning heading west into the heart of beautiful Uganda.

Our next overnight base is located at the picturesque Lake Bunyoni, “place of many little birds”. Around 200 bird species have been recorded at this tranquil lake dotted with islands. 

From Lake Bunyoni we have the option of participating in exciting Gorilla Trekking excursions. The gorilla treks take place in the Magahinga or Bwindi National Parks (Uganda), Virunga National Park (Democratic Republic of Congo), or Ruhengeri National Park (Rwanda); depending on the availability of gorilla trekking permits.

The prices of the gorilla trekking permits change, sometimes without prior notice. The price is currently at US$500 depending on which National Park we are gorilla trekking in. The gorilla permit fee is used to help conserve these endangered animals. A local transport and handling fee is charged, at between US$65 and US$70 per person (this includes the return transfer and booking fee with the Wildlife Authority).

When gorilla trekking takes place in the DRC or Rwanda, we will also need to pay for the additional visa for either country, as well as renewing our Ugandan visa when we re-enter the country. The trip leader will advise at the pre-departure meeting as to where the permits have been secured, and will assist with the online visa application for Rwanda en-route if needed. Please take these costs into account when budgeting for the gorilla trekking excursions.

We also advise budgeting a little extra for tipping the local guides and game rangers. Please budget accordingly as payment for the trekking permit must be made in US$ cash at the pre-departure meeting.

Gorilla Trekking Procedures:

With only about 700 mountain gorillas remaining, gorilla trekking is an extraordinary opportunity to encounter these gentle primates in the wild. On these unforgettable treks we get to watch the mountain gorilla (Gorilla Gorilla Berengei), one of our closest living relatives, in its natural habitat – a rare and unique wildlife experience! The gorillas are monitored on a daily basis giving the rangers a good idea of where to find these endangered primates at any given time. This said, sightings of the mountain gorillas cannot be guaranteed, as they are still free roaming wild animals.

These mountain gorillas share much of our DNA, therefore anyone with even the mildest cold or any transferable disease will not be permitted on the gorilla treks. There is an age restriction of a minimum of 16 years of age for trekking. The number of daily visitors allowed on the gorilla treks is limited, thus we depart from our Lake Bunyoni base in small groups over the next 3 to 4 days, depending on the size of our group. 

From Bunyoni we wind our way through some of the most spectacular scenery in Africa, travelling to Kisoro town, our next overnight base. (If we are gorilla trekking in Rwanda our overnight stay will be in Ruhengeri). The next morning, we pack a picnic lunch and transfer to a ranger’s station, the starting point for our trek.

The rangers lead you through cultivated lands and onwards into the dense rain forest in search of a family of gorillas. Gorilla trekking can take anything from 45 minutes to 8 hours depending on how easy the gorillas are to locate. Trekking can be fairly strenuous; therefore it is necessary for participants to be reasonably fit.

We get to spend a maximum of one hour with the mountain gorillas, to ensure that the animals do not get too accustomed to humans and to protect them from any of our diseases. The visit allows for ample time to observe the gorillas from close range and take photographs of them. Your ranger will be able to give you the background on the particular gorilla family that you encounter.  When your visit comes to an end you trek back through the rain forest to the meeting point, from where you are transferred back to our Lake Bunyoni base.

The increase in daily gorilla trekking plays a vital role in the conservation of these endangered mountain gorillas.

After years of being ruthlessly hunted for their hands and heads, to be sold as ashtrays and lampshades, tourism is helping to ensure the survival of this threatened species. Large numbers have also been killed while attempting to stop poachers from stealing baby gorillas to sell to zoos, where their lifespan is never long.

The entire cost of the gorilla trekking permits is used by the National Park authorities to protect the gorillas. The gorilla permit fee is used to fund patrolling, key to protecting the gorillas from poachers and deadly snares, as well as to promote awareness of these unique animals.

Lake Bunyoni:

Lake Bunyoni, a nature lover’s delight, is the deepest Crater Lake in Africa. There are a number of activities for you to enjoy at Lake Bunyoni, while you wait for your turn to go gorilla trekking. These activities include: hiking in the hills of this beautiful area, canoeing on the lake or going on a bird watching walk in this birding paradise.

Or you can experience the local culture by visiting a nearby village or church or exploring the local markets of Kabale. You could also choose to take it easy, simply relaxing on the tranquil shores of Lake Bunyoni or taking a dip in its clean waters.

DAY 9: Lake Bunyoni to Kampala – Uganda (B / L / D)

After the unforgettable gorilla trekking experience and soaking up the serenity of Lake Bunyoni, we start driving back to Kampala.

We then cross the Equator for the second time on our African camping safari and stop to capture the must-have "one foot in each hemisphere" classic photo. We overnight in Kampala and have the option of sampling the nightlife.

DAY 10: Kampala to Jinja – Uganda (B / L / D)

Today you have a choice between visiting the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary or transferring to Jinja for activities.

In Jinja the selection of adventure activities includes that of white water rafting at the source of the White Nile, quad biking or volunteering at a community project. In the afternoon you can relax on the riverbanks spotting many of the wide variety of water birds found in this area.

DAY 11: Jinja to Nakuru – Kenya (B / L/ D)

With Uganda, the 'Pearl of Africa', behind us we return to neighbouring Kenya, pausing along the way for supplies and lunch.

Back in Kenya we sleep at a lovely campsite on a farm just outside of Nakuru, one of the country's largest towns and the capital of the Rift Valley Province.

The town of Nakuru is located next to the compact and wildlife-rich Lake Nakuru National Park.

DAY 12: Lake Nakuru National Park to Lake Naivasha – Kenya (B / L/ D)

This morning we stock up on supplies in Nakuru Town before exploring the Lake Nakuru National Park. This Kenyan game park is famous for the thousands of lesser and greater flamingos that flock to the edge of its soda lake.

The size of the flamingo flocks at Nakuru vary depending on the level of the water. This is a spectacular sight with the lake almost turning pink when the water is low.

We spend the day looking for the frequently sighted black and white rhino. The Nakuru Park was established as a sanctuary for the resident rhino species. We also search for the more elusive leopard, seeing giraffe, buffalo, antelope species and sometimes hippos too.

After our game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, we head to Lake Naivasha arriving in the late afternoon.

DAY 13: Lake Naivasha – Kenya (B / L / D)

On day 13 we travel to the highest of the Rift Valley lakes, Lake Naivasha, at 1880 m. Lake Naivasha is home to a multitude of birds, among them the African Fish Eagle with his regal cry. 

Today we participate in optional excursions near Lake Naivasha, such as visiting Elsamere (former home to Joy & George Adamson of Born Free fame), taking a boat ride to the Crescent Island Game Sanctuary or a bike ride around Hell’s Gate National Park.

DAY 14: Lake Naivasha to Nairobi – Kenya (B)

On day 14 of this affordable African Safari Adventure we share breakfast and return to the camp in Nairobi, arriving in the capital of Kenya by the early afternoon.

Here we bid farewell to the friends and travel companions from our Gorillas and Kenyan Game Parks Safari of a lifetime and part ways.

Please Note:

This Budget African Safari begins in Nairobi, Kenya, and travels into Uganda before heading back to Kenya and ending in Nairobi

The Gorillas and Kenyan Game Parks Safari departs from Nairobi in Kenya early on Sunday morning. Should you wish to explore Nairobi, an earlier arrival is recommended. Accommodation can be booked through African Budget Safaris. 

This itinerary should be used as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending on road & weather conditions, political situations and group decisions.

All prices & Local Payments are subject to change. Due to Tourism Laws in some of the countries we visit, there may be a truck and crew change during the safari trip.

For booking purposes please notify African Budget Safaris as soon as possible should you choose not to go Mountain Gorilla Trekking.