Kenya & Uganda Gorilla Overland: Forests & Wildlife Spotting
Experience Overview
Now's the time to explore Africa on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Got Africa's incredible creatures on the brain? You'll have a chance to spot plenty on this 15-day overland adventure through Kenya and Uganda. Search for the "big five" in the Masai Mara, spot chimpanzees in the Kalinzu Forest, and join experienced trackers while travelling deep into the Ugandan forests for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spot endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. It's like watching your favourite animal documentary screening (or, let's be real, animal Instagram account) in real life.
Highlights
- Explore the Masai Mara National Reserve in 4x4 safari vans
- Admire mountain gorillas in their natural habitat
- Search for chimpanzees in Kalinzu Forest
- Take your pick of outdoor activities in Jinja
Trip Details
Product Code: 1958
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: 7-seat 4x4 safari van, Lando (overland adventure vehicle), minibuses, walking.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
18 - 35 Year Olds Only
Tour Operator:
G Adventures
Supplier Code: DKGN
Starts: Nairobi, Kenya
Finishes: Nairobi, Kenya
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Demanding
Includes
Activities
- Your G for Good Moment: Café Ubuntu 3-Course 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).
- 13 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 10 dinners
Transport
- 7-seat 4x4 safari van, Lando (overland adventure vehicle), minibuses, walking.
Group Leader
- 2 CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) throughout as head guide/cook and driver, certified safari guides/drivers, certified mountain gorilla trackers, local guides.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $4,994 ($333 /day)
Itinerary
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.
Day 2: Nairobi/Masai Mara
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.
Day 3: Masai Mara
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)!
Day 4: Masai Mara/Lake Nakuru National Park
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.
Day 5: Lake Nakuru National Park/Eldoret
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.
Day 6: Eldoret/Kampala
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.
Day 7: Kampala/Lake Bunyonyi
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!
Day 8: Gorilla Trek
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.
Day 9: Lake Bunyonyi
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.
Day 10: Lake Bunyonyi/Kalinzu Forest Reserve
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!
Day 11: Kalinzu Forest Reserve/Lake Mburo National Park
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.
Day 12: Lake Mburo National Park/Jinja
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.
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.
Day 14: Jinja/Eldoret
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.
Day 15: Eldoret/Nairobi
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!
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Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Marike S. - Traveled, December 2023
I have done two G Adventures trips so far and I met very kind people and saw amazing animals and landscapes. It was a beautiful experience and for me, it was a very convenient way to find people (about my age) who are excited about similar things. Travelling was easy and camping was fun
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/29/2023
Elodie C. - Traveled, December 2023
The highlights of the trip were out of this world. The gorilla experience was the best day of my life, but the long drives were really exhausting and there was no actual time to be on your own or do some physical activities.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/29/2023
Tessa G. - Traveled, December 2023
I love travelling with G! Always conscious of impact both on locals and on nature and wildlife.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/29/2023
Lewis S. - Traveled, December 2023
Such well organized trips with amazing variety and are trips made to make you feel safe travelling whilst making lots of friends along the way
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/29/2023
Daniel W. - Traveled, December 2023
Tours are run efficiently by local professional guides, variety of trips to choose from, excellent value for money.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/15/2023
Julia L. - Traveled, November 2023
Our CEO, Berven Pamire!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/01/2023
Ella H. - Traveled, November 2023
Excellent value, great itinerary and fab CEOs.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/01/2023
Shelby E. - Traveled, November 2023
I've been on a bunch of tours and I have generally been happy with my experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/01/2023
Edward B. - Traveled, November 2023
Easy, reliable
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/01/2023
Hei In L. - Traveled, November 2023
The CEOs are very knowledgeable and passionate about their jobs - activities are wonderful but the long drives across several days makes a bit exhausting. The tents are also of poor quality making it hard to camp under rain.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/01/2023
Sarah B. - Traveled, November 2023
the CEOs & the type of group personality that the trips attract
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/01/2023
Maximilian D. - Traveled, November 2023
Depending on the friend who is Asking the Long Travels could be very hard for some
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/24/2023
Jessica J. - Traveled, November 2023
It was my third Trip and as you can see I would do this again and again with G
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/24/2023
Holly C. - Traveled, November 2023
It was a great way to learn and experience many things and meet wonderful people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/24/2023
Rachael H. - Traveled, October 2023
Our CEOs were THE BEST human beings I have ever come across!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/24/2023
Teresa F. - Traveled, October 2023
Seeing the gorillas
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/17/2023
Sibylle V. - Traveled, October 2023
Good trip. Fitted a lot in, however sometimes too fast. Good that transport and accommodation. included, however a breakdown of money paid would be good to see. Also, unsure how beneficial this type of tourism actually is for the local communities. The Gorilla Trekking was a disappointing experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/17/2023
Meghann S. - Traveled, October 2023
It was a great two weeks but isn't for the faint hearted. it's adventure filled and is a busy schedule
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/10/2023
Lor‡nd I. - Traveled, September 2023
Had a great time on the tour! It was amazing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/06/2023
çgota I. - Traveled, September 2023
The tour allowed me to get to places easily and share unique experiences with like minded people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/06/2023
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