Gorillas & Masai Mara - Camping
Experience Overview
The Masai Mara, a vast grassland teeming with animals, has an astonishing amount of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs and, at certain times of the year, the wildebeest migration. Lake Nakuru National Park has an incredible variety of birds plus a healthy population of white and black rhinos while Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to hippos, elephants, buffalo, leopards and elusive tree-climbing lions plus a huge variety of birds. Murchison Falls is one of the most impressive national parks in Africa, renowned for scenic beauty, spectacular falls and abundant wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, Ugandan kobs (antelope), leopards, and more than 450 bird species. We also go trekking to see the playful nature of chimpanzees. But the trip highlight is undoubtedly an hour with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda. This close-up encounter is arguably the most sensational wildlife experience of them all.
Profile
— Accommodation: 1 Classic night (hotel), 13 Simple nights (full-service camping) — Travel by specialist overland vehicle, 4×4 and on foot — Some long drives on rough roads and early starts
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 1 Classic night (hotel), 13 Simple nights (full-service camping) — Travel by specialist overland vehicle, 4×4 and on foot — Some long drives on rough roads and early starts
Trip For You
This trip is graded Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate) with a Wildlife Rating of Four. For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page or our Wildlife Holidays page for more on our Wildlife Ratings. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
The moderate grading applies specifically to the gorilla trek and chimpanzee tracking. The rest of the itinerary is graded as leisurely in relation to the Activity Level only (however, this is not a leisurely trip in relation to the early starts and long drives).
Gorilla trek: Owing to the terrain and need to explore to find gorillas, the trek doesn’t always follow a path in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest; instead, the guides cut a route through the undergrowth. Expect a minimum of three hours of walking on irregular terrain, with the possibility of climbing up to 8,550ft (2,607m); steep ascents and descents over muddy slopes are the norm. Strong footwear is essential and we recommend hiring a local porter to help you carry your bag/camera equipment and provide a steady, supportive hand (porters are arranged and paid for locally on the day).
Transport is in a specialist overland vehicle with good visibility and 4×4 vehicles in the Masai Mara. There are several early mornings where we start before sunrise, especially to view the wildlife, and several long drives as this trip covers the highlights of three countries. Although the distances are not always very long, some of the roads are quite poor and bumpy, especially after the rainy season. We include breaks for toilet facilities, shopping, photos and meals. There are a few days where the journey time (including stops) can be more than seven hours and the longest drive can take approximately nine hours. The spectacular scenery and glimpses of village life make the journeys enjoyable, as do the chances to get to know your fellow travel companions.
Come prepared with a sense of adventure and a sense of humour and you’re sure to have the trip of a lifetime.
Certain areas in Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda are not recommended for travel on the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office website. Please note, we do not visit any of these areas on our itinerary and continually keep abreast of changes to FCDO advice.
Booking conditions
Please note, a minimum of £900 (or equivalent in booking currency) non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking to cover the cost of the gorilla permits. If for any reason we have to cancel the trip, you receive a full refund.
Eating Drinking
Virtually all meals are included and will be prepared for you by our chef and crew. They are adept at catering for large groups of hungry travellers!
Breakfasts usually include cereal, toast and hot food such as porridge or eggs. Lunches tend to feature a range of sandwich options plus a fruit selection. Dinners usually feature soup, a main (a mix of local and international cuisine) and dessert (typically fruit salad). All cooking equipment is loaded onto the overland vehicle and so our crew are ready to prepare food wherever we stop – don’t worry about going hungry on this trip! You also have time to stock up on snacks and drinks along the journey.
For meals not included, it would be a good idea to allow a further US$100 to cover these.
Transportation
Transport is in one of Exodus’ specialist overland vehicles. The vehicle seats 24 passengers but there is a maximum of 18 passengers on this itinerary. The seating is mostly forward facing and the windows are large and easy to open. People are expected to move around to permit everyone a chance to have a window seat. The vehicle carries all camping equipment and clean drinking water will be provided and can be accessed at all times. There is a six-plug 240V invertor that can recharge camera/phones/laptop batteries when the vehicle is being driven. For game viewing in the Masai Mara, we use smaller 4×4 vehicles.
Joining Instructions
Key Information
Start hotel: Hotel Boulevard, Harry Tuku Road, Nairobi, Kenya
Phone number: +254 72220 0755
+254 76220 0755
Recommended arrival time: Aim to arrive at the hotel this afternoon. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
Getting to your hotel
The start hotel is approximately 25 minutes’ drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:
Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Make your own way
You can reach the start hotel relatively easily using taxis or public transport. A cab from the airport costs US$25‐US$30 and should take about 25 minutes. On arrival at the hotel, please make the reception staff aware that you are part of an Exodus group and they will have more details on meeting with your leader and group
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to Kigali Airport (KGL) for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Weather Information
Although this part of East Africa lies in the tropics, the temperature depends more on altitude than on season. Kenya has temperatures of 18C-28C (64F-82F) in March and 15C-21C (59F-70F) in August. The long rains, during which we do not operate these tours, occur in April and May, and there are intermittent short rains between November and early December, though these normally have no great effect on the safari.
In western Uganda, the rainy season is also in April and May, with intermittent rains during November and December, and daytime temperatures of 15C-25C (59F-77F). Parts of Uganda are very wet and rain can fall at any time.
In Rwanda, the rainy season is also in April and May, with intermittent rains during November. December to February is quite dry, and June through October is the driest season. Temperatures do vary, in the southern parts of Rwanda the temperatures are 18C-30C (64F-86F), while in the northern part, temperatures are 12C-28C (54F-82F).
Spending Money
We recommend you take most of your money in US dollars cash – clean, unmarked notes dated no earlier than 2009. It is advisable to bring a mix of denominations including some small notes.
There are a great variety of souvenirs on sale. We encourage buying items that benefit the local economy and avoiding expensive shopping malls, where most of the money will go abroad or to large businesses.
Bargaining is the norm for much souvenir buying. Don’t accept the first price offered unless the shop or stall clearly works on fixed prices, but also remember you are probably much better off than most local people, so please do not generate ill-feeling by bargaining too hard. Similarly, you should not bargain for items that you have no intention of buying.
Optional excursions:
Nairobi
The excursions in Nairobi can only be done before the tour leader joins the group. Therefore, you need to book these through our local partners on +254 733 523 813.
— Karen Blixen Museum: US$14 per person — Giraffe Centre: US$12 per person — NNP animal orphanage: US$40 per person (entry only) — Safari walk: US$25 per person — Carnivore Restaurant: US$30-US$35 per person — Bomas: US$10 per person — National Museum: US$14 per person
Transfers to/from all of these excursions: Price will vary depending on the type of vehicle and the number of clients and may include waiting charges.
Masai Mara
— Masai village visit: US$20 — Sunrise hot-air balloon safari in Masai Mara, including champagne and a full-English breakfast in the bush.: Can be booked locally from US$495 per person. On rare occasions, typically during the high season between August and October, you may be asked to pay a US$50 cash deposit to secure your seat. This is refunded when you check in for your balloon flight.
Jinja
— Full-day rafting: US$140 per person — Half-day rafting: US$125 per person — Visit to the source of the White Nile: US$40
We suggest these excursions are paid for in cash.
Queen Elizabeth
— Kazinga Channel boat trip: US$30
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
— Mgahinga Hike: US$80 per person (depending on location of accommodation) — Forest walk: US$70 per person (depending on location of accommodation) — Birding walk: US$70 per person (depending on location of accommodation)
Tipping
If you feel your leader and crew performed well over the course of your trip, you may want to show your appreciation of their services. The sum you choose to give is entirely personal, but as a guide we suggest:
US$70-US$100 for your tour leaderUS$35-US$50 for each of the other three crew members on this trip.
It is also courteous to tip any extra guides/drivers, though certainly not compulsory. Shortly after arrival, the leader will suggest to the group they donate approximately US$30 per person towards a kitty. This money is then used for tipping local guides, hotel porters, drivers etc and will be distributed by the leader. Any money left at the end of the trip will be refunded to the group on an equal basis.
Highlights
— Embark on an overland safari adventure across three African countries — Trek through Bwindi to spend an unforgettable hour with mountain gorillas — Track a chimpanzee troop as they swing through Budongo Forest — Search for elephants, leopards, lions, rhinos and more on multiple game drives — Camp under the African sky – our crew take care of all the chores!
Trip Details
Product Code: 4270
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: vehicles.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: WYU
Starts: Nairobi, Kenya
Finishes: Nairobi, Kenya
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Unknown
Includes
— 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 13 dinners — All accommodation (see below) — All transport and listed activities — Tour leader throughout — One chimp permit and one gorilla permitAccommodation
Full-service campingOn this trip into the wilds of Africa, we embrace our adventurous spirit and spend 13 nights camping. It's a back-to-basics experience, but the camping is full-service, which means the tents are put up and taken down by our crew. We use two-person tents and provide mattresses and all other equipment you need (except a sleeping bag and pillow). East African campsites vary in terms of facilities – do not expect hot showers, flushing toilets or Western standards of cleanliness. Upgrades to a room are available at some locations – these can only be booked and paid for locally. In Nairobi, we stay in a small hotel. Worth knowing We have more than one accommodation option on some nights, which means that where we stay may differ to what is listed in the daily itinerary. The accommodation we select around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is dependent on the gate we are using to access the park.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $9,500 ($633 /day)
Itinerary
The adventure begins in Nairobi, the capital and largest city in Kenya. This evening’s welcome briefing is the perfect opportunity to meet your guide and get to know your fellow travellers. Accommodation: Boulevard Hotel (or similar)
After loading our things onto the vehicle, we depart Nairobi and travel approximately seven hours into the Masai Mara, a vast grassland teeming with life. Here wildebeest, gazelles, topis, zebras and buffalo abound in the rolling savannah, and never far away lay the predators: cheetahs, lions and hyenas. Between mid-August and late October, one of the greatest spectacles on Earth takes place in the Mara: the annual migration of thousands of wildebeest, gazelles and zebras trampling across the long grass. Nothing is guaranteed on safari, but with the help of our brilliant guides you should see and learn a huge amount about the Masai Mara wildlife as we drive through the park this afternoon. Accommodation: Mountain Rock Camp (or similar) – full-service camping - upgrades available
Enjoy a full-day game drive in the Masai Mara to increase our chances of encountering many of the wildlife species in the reserve. We find a quiet spot inside the park to enjoy lunch by our vehicle, looking out across the plains. There is also an optional hot-air balloon safari at sunrise, which includes champagne and breakfast. Accommodation: Mountain Rock Camp (or similar) – full-service camping - upgrades available
We depart the Masai Mara in the morning after breakfast and drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, one of the finest small parks in Kenya, where we have an afternoon game drive. The park is widely known for having an impressive population of black and white rhinos, which are relatively easy to spot in the open savannah. Fever trees line the park and are a well-known spot for leopards to laze in, while one of the most impressive sights is the vast flamingo population. Owing to flooding, the alkaline content of the lake has changed in recent years; as a result, the flamingos no longer tend to be found in such large numbers, but this can change depending on the rainfall. Accommodation: KWS Campsite (or similar) – full-service camping
This morning, we once again go in search of wildlife on a game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. After lunch inside the park, we have a journey of around three hours as we drive to Eldoret, one of the larger cities in Kenya, where we spend the night. Accommodation: Green Wood Campsite (or similar) – full-service camping - upgrades and wifi available
Today there is a drive of about 155mi (250km) to Jinja, which should take about eight hours, including a border crossing into Uganda. The crossing can be slow but we leave plenty of time for this and you’ll no doubt find the experience interesting! On the shores of Lake Victoria, Jinja is the adventure capital of Uganda. The area is most famous for grade IV and V white-water rafting excursions but there are plenty of other adrenaline-fuelled activities here. Accommodation: Adrift Camp (or similar) – full-service camping - upgrades and wifi available
Today is free to choose from a range of optional activities. White-water rafting in Jinja is considered to be among the best in the world, with a half- or full-day route that varies from quiet pools and forested islands to thunderous rapids and drops. There are several grade V rapids to navigate including Big Brother, Overtime and Silverback. If rafting doesn’t appeal, you can visit the source of the White Nile, one of the two major tributaries of the Nile. Accommodation: Adrift Camp (or similar) – full-service camping - upgrades and wifi available
We leave Jinja and drive to Murchison Falls National Park (six hours), the largest national park in Uganda, with rolling grasslands and wooded savannah. Tomorrow, we visit the top of the falls, where the river narrows from 165ft (50m) to crash through a 23ft (7m) gorge, falling 150ft (45m) to the rocks below. A truly impressive sight! Accommodation: Sambiya River Lodge (or similar) – full-service camping - upgrades and wifi available
We have an early morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park. We transfer by ferry to the north side of the Nile where we embark on our game drive. The area is home to elephants, giraffes, buffalo and Ugandan kobs, plus the predators: lions and leopards. After lunch, we travel by boat up the Nile, passing hippos and crocodiles, searching for elephants and waterbuck that come to the river to drink. The cruise lasts about three hours and we travel upstream to the bottom of the falls, stopping near the Devil’s Cauldron, the place where the water bursts through the narrow gorge and creates an outstanding rainbow. Accommodation: Sambiya River Lodge (or similar) – full-service camping - upgrades and wifi available
We depart early this morning for Budongo Forest, home to the largest number of chimpanzees in Uganda; we go on a trek in search of chimps and other wildlife. The walking is fairly easy due to the well-maintained trails and reasonably flat terrain. While trekking in the depths of the lush green forest, we are surrounded by bird song and hope to see velvet and colobus monkeys, wild pigs and, of course, chimpanzees. Once a chimp family is found, we have an hour with these fascinating creatures, to watch them interact and play with each other. Accommodation: Simba Safari Camp (or similar) – full-service camping - upgrades and wifi available
Today, we have a long drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP), which goes south along the eastern length of the Rwenzori Mountains, where we can see the glaciated peaks, weather permitting. We gently descend into the Great Rift Valley and QENP. The park resides in a fertile, equatorial area and has beautiful scenery. It is the most popular and accessible savannah reserve in Uganda. It is primarily associated with grassy savannah plains, but this impressive park also includes leafy rainforests, dense papyrus swamps and natural volcanic crater lakes. As a result, it has one of the highest biodiversity ratings of any game reserve in the world, including 95 recorded mammal species and more than 610 bird species. Accommodation: Simba Safari Camp (or similar) – full-service camping - upgrades and wifi available
We explore QENP on a game drive this morning, searching for elephants, lions, buffalo, leopards, hyenas, jackals, topis, kobs, bush bucks and various others. In the afternoon, there is an optional boat trip of about two hours along the Kazinga Channel to view one of the largest concentrations of hippos in the world (reported to be about 30,000) and other game with excellent birding. The game drive continues in the afternoon for those who do not join the boat trip. Accommodation: Igongo Cultural Centre (or similar) – full-service camping - upgrades and wifi available
We have a final early morning game drive in QENP and depart after breakfast, heading for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a Unesco World Heritage site and home to mountain gorillas. The journey is 185mi (300km) and takes five to six hours, including stops. Accommodation: Virunga Hotel & Campsite (or similar) – full-service camping - upgrades and wifi available
You will probably remember today for the rest of your life as we spend a full hour in the company of a family of mountain gorillas! Owing to the terrain and need to explore to find the gorillas, our trek doesn’t follow a path; instead, our guides cut a route through the undergrowth. After a safety briefing, we are assigned to a gorilla family group and begin our trek. Expect a minimum of three hours of walking on irregular terrain; steep ascents and descents over muddy slopes are the norm. Strong footwear is essential and we recommend hiring a local porter to help you carry your bag/camera equipment and provide a steady, supportive hand (porters are arranged and paid for locally on the day). Seeing wild mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is an experience you will never forget. An adult male can weigh up to 430lb (195kg), a female up to 220lb (100kg), and a male can reach 5ft 7in (1.7m) tall. They are almost exclusively vegetarian and quite destructive eaters, which makes them unpopular with the farmers lower down the mountain as they have been known to wreck a whole field of crops just to eat one plant. For this reason, and poaching, the gorillas are very carefully protected. Gorillas are gentle creatures and are not known to attack unless very severely provoked. The family groups we trek to see are habituated to human presence but to prevent over familiarisation our time with them is limited to one hour. If the permits for gorilla families close to where we stay are unavailable, there may be more permits for other areas of the park, although this will mean a longer drive to the start of the trek. Accommodation: Virunga Hotel & Campsite (or similar) – full-service camping - upgrades and wifi available
We depart early in the morning and transfer to Kigali airport. Our trip comes to an end in the afternoon when we bid our group goodbye.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
Angela Beckwith - Traveled, June 2023
Magical Journey We travelled on the same trip as Angela, and agree with everything that she said. The wildlife sightings in the Masai Mara were excellent; the boat trip on the Kazinga Channel was every bit as good; the trip to the source of the Nile is fun; and then there is the big finale of the chimp and gorilla trekking, all making this a wonderful journey. Only one site, near Lake Nakuru, had poorer facilities, although as it had baboons and colobus monkeys in the camp while we were having lunch, we could happily overlook that. This is definitely a trip where you need to have the right mental attitude, and then just go for it. The trip notes say that you will remember the time with the gorillas for the rest of your life. That is not an exaggeration, but it could be applied to the rest of the trip as well. Most Inspirational Moment It has to be the time spent with the gorillas in Bwindi. You know that they could take you out with one swipe of their hand, but you never feel threatened. They are so chilled, and it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to be in their presence. The balloon trip over the Masai Mara is also worth it. It is just such a fantastic experience, and gives a different perspective (literally) on the animals and their life. The champagne breakfast after landing is great too! Thoughts on Group Leader Clara was an excellent guide. Her insights into the local situations were fascinating, and she was happy to share her knowledge, as well as ensuring that everything ran smoothly. She was always cheerful and helped make the group into a family. She also joined in the Whatsapp group for updates and messages, and has stayed in touch after the trip. Stoney, the driver was first class. The roads are very variable in quality, and some off-road driving was also required in the game parks. We never felt unsafe, even when there were some very tight turns and narrow gaps. Ken’s food was very good. You should not expect “cordon bleu” cooking in a camping safari. You hope for tasty and filling food, and we got that in abundance. The dietary requirements of some of the group (my wife and son are the “no-peppers” that Angela referred to) did not faze him at all, and there were no complaints. Finally, James was a great help to everyone in his roving role as general helper for everything. Advice for Potential Travellers As mentioned, you want to have the right approach for a trip like this, and our group definitely did. Although the trip is described as “full-service”, so that the crew put up and take down the tents, in practice, everyone chipped in to help, as it was more efficient and we could get on the move earlier, or get the camp up earlier. Early starts (5:30 a.m.?) are not a problem, as you have early nights as well – you just need to set your body clock to go with the daylight. It was worth hiring the porters for the gorilla trekking. We could have managed (just) without them, but they took away a stress that you don’t want interfering with such a memorable experience. The tents are not as large as on other Exodus trips (we have previously been on the Wildlife & Wilderness of Botswana) and so if you are sharing, there isn’t really room for two people plus their cases. However, just a little forethought is needed – what will I be wearing tomorrow? – and only take that and “night-stuff” to the tent. Leave the rest of the luggage on the truck overnight. Those who were not sharing had no problems. The lockers are slightly bigger than the trip notes suggest, and can be easily accessed during journeys, and throughout the evenings, as the crew stay with the truck. I suspect that our trek to see the gorillas was not as tough as some have had (based upon others’ reviews), although you do want to be reasonably fit. Still, it was not beyond me, as the oldest of the group (at 60), so most people should be fine. Laundry service is available at Jinja (“Adrift”) and Kisoro (“Virunga”) campsites, if you need to keep the luggage down. The upgrades, if you wanted to skip camping for a night or two, were basic chalets / rooms, but always clean, with hot showers, and very reasonably priced. (We upgraded for the nights before and after the gorilla trekking so that we were ready for the trek and in case we were shattered after it.) The trip notes do not mention the hotel in Kigali. We arrived there at about 14:30, so we had plenty of time for a re-pack (sleeping bag back into case) rest, shower, and an excellent dinner, before the 23:30 transfer to the airport for the flight home. Suggestions Make sure that you set up a WhatsApp group to share photos. I have pictures of me and my family with the gorillas thanks to the others in the group. Angela’s point about the connection at Heathrow is important. My daughter does have her case back now, but only because we had a longer connection to our flight than she did, and could wait for her baggage to come off and return it to her later. 4 hours is really the safe minimum connection for a domestic flight after coming off an Ethiopian Airlines flight.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/24/2023
Angela Beckwith - Traveled, June 2023
Amazing Wildlife, Amazing People What an incredible trip. The scenery, the wildlife viewing and the people all combine to make a fabulous itinerary. We were incredibly lucky with the wildlife from the very start, with the Big 5 achieved between the Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru, along with five cheetah, lions, baby giraffe, elephants, zebra and so much more. We were incredibly lucky with the boat trip in Queen Elizabeth NP, getting to spend time watching two herds of elephants, both with babies, come down to the water’s edge to drink. The whitewater rafting in Jinja was intense but absolutely brilliant and the safety was top notch. There are options on the rafting for how intense you want the experience – our group did the highest class available and spent a fair bit of time in the water, but it was such a fun activity. The chimp trekking in Budongo was on relatively easy paths, with only the last 5-10mins being properly ‘off-track’. The chimps stayed up in the trees, however we still had a great viewing, with a young chimp playing around and giving some fabulous poses and facial experiences. Beware of the chimps throwing things down at you – they are surprisingly accurate with their aim! The gorilla trekking is everything you imagine and more. It is impossible to predict how far or how hard your walk will be, so go prepared for a tough hike. Our group had around an hour of reasonable hiking on established tracks, followed by around 30-40 mins of full scrambling up and down a steep ravine as the gorillas moved away in search of a different food source. Once the gorillas had re-settled, we were able to spend the hour with the whole family, from the massive silverback to the playful adolescents and the relaxing females. The trackers are awesome and the gorillas showed no signs of being even remotely bothered by our presence, coming up towards us and playing / posing for photos near by. As other reviewers have previously mentioned, there are lots of early mornings, but you soon adjust and, as this is when the wildlife is most active, it is definitely worth it. The campsites were generally of a very good standard. We had a slight issue with very late and loud music at the Jinja camp (take earplugs), and one campsite did not have working showers when we were there, but as this was one night only it really did not have a big impact. Most of the facilities were good and some were excellent (lovely hot showers), but really this trip is not about the accommodation – with good food (thanks Ken!) and great company, you really do not need luxury and the experience of waking up to the sounds of baboons and hyena made everything worthwhile. The Exodus tents and mattresses are good quality and well cared for, and there were plenty of opportunities for upgrades if you wanted a break from camping. Most Inspirational Moment There were so many. Helping to rescue a lost/abandoned baby elephant in the Masai Mara (big shout out to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for their prompt action) was such a privilege. Watching a cheetah run flat out across the plains, demonstrating just how fast and graceful they are. And of course, the hour spent with the gorillas in Bwindi - what an experience. The gentle giants were so relaxed, whilst the young adolescent gorillas were playful and cheeky. It truly is an extraordinarily honour to get to spend time with these amazing family groups. Thoughts on Group Leader Clara was amazing - so full of knowledge and passion for the region, she took the time to speak to us about a different local topic each day and enhanced our understanding of the local customs and history. She was always smiling and helpful, and so caring, especially when some of us were feeling unwell or needed a bit of extra help. Stony the driver is a legend - how he navigates some of the roads in the truck is a true talent. The truck is well taken care of, and we always felt safe throughout the trip, even on some of the very bumpy roads. He also did a fabulous job of navigating the safari drives when we used the truck, and finding us great view points to watch the various animals. Ken's cooking was amazing - the variety of soups and mains he managed to conjure up were fabulous, and he went out of his way to cater for all the dietary requirements of the group (veggie, no-peppers etc). Nothing was ever wasted and all the food was tasty and exactly what we needed after a long day of adventure. James, our overall helper, was a joy. His ability to put up and take down tents in the blink of an eye was amazing and nothing was ever too much trouble. He was always there to help with the cooking, cleaning, dealing with stiff truck windows, and just being an overall help throughout the trip. Advice for Potential Travellers Just go! It is completely worth it. My whole group agreed that the Nairobi-Kigali direction was our preference - building up to the gorillas at the end of the trip and sharing that experience with people you have just spent two weeks bonding with, was incredibly special. Proper hiking boots for the gorilla trekking are a must. The group will be split into eight for the gorillas, so you may be split or joined by other people if you are not an even 8 or 16 people. We hired three porters for our group of eight (20USD per porter) and these guys were invaluable in helping with bags and some of the steep scrambling we had to do to reach our gorilla family. The money goes to supporting the local community and, by association, the protection of the gorillas. Get the combined East Africa Visa, as this saves a lot of hassle at the border crossings into Uganda and Rwanda. It is the same cost as getting the visas separately, and is worth it for the ease. USD notes need to be flawless - even the slightest pen mark or nick/tear in the note will be rejected in Uganda, so make sure you check your notes before leaving the exchange bureau. Exchange places and ATM availability was fine for local currency, which you will need for the snack stops and small souvenirs, and many of the campsites have bars with reasonably priced beer. Suggestions Ethiopia Airlines from Addis Ababa to Heathrow has daily issues with baggage - so be aware if you have a connection from Heathrow (coach or plane) that you need to allow for plenty of time. Our flight was half an hour late, and then all of our bags took 1hr 45mins from landing to getting to the baggage carousel, which meant one of our group who had an ongoing flight connection had to abandon their checked baggage in order to make what should have been a reasonable 3hr connection. The baggage enquiries people at Heathrow told us this was a daily occurrence due to the Ethiopia Airlines overloading the baggage crates with oversized and overweight bags - so just something to be aware of. Overall, the trip was absolutely fabulous and I can only encourage everyone to go and experience it for themselves.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/28/2023
Natalie Scollick - Traveled, January 2023
Brilliant trip but......... An amazing trip with so many memorable moments, seeing all the big cats, black and a white rhino, herds off elephants and the boat trip along the Nile. Crossing the Ugandan border was an experience in itself with so many checks and the officers wanting “gifts” from us. The campsites are not what you might expect and quite often the showers were cold water and only one to share between you. Unfortunately most of the group and staff became ill in the second week of the trip, this really dampened the spirts of everyone and it was hard with everyone feeling bad. The food was not too my liking so I stuck to peanut butter sandwiches but Wilson did try his hardest to keep me fed but I will say that everyone else seemed to enjoy his cooking. We were a mixed group of ages but it was great how we all got on so well together as this could make or break a trip. The 4 guys that took care of us were amazing and so helpful and friendly. Really loved this trip but be prepared to rough it and definitely get a porter for the Gorilla trek as believe me you will need one. Most Inspirational Moment There are so many on this trip but I suppose seeing the mountain gorillas was something I will never forget. To get so close to them and they not be worried that you are standing around them. They had young also that were very playful which was great to witness. Second would be the balloon ride over the Masai Mari, although it was very foggy it was still amazing but expensive. The champagne breakfast was the best, amazing what they prepared for us. Thoughts on Group Leader Jacob and his team were amazing. Jacob's knowledge about all the wildlife and history and culture was second to none. Whenever we had issues he was always there to listen and take onboard what we had to say. On many a time he sorted out the accommodations for us and most of us had illness while this trip and he helped us through it. Advice for Potential Travellers Do not underestimate this trip, it's early starts and long days. The truck can be uncomfortable at times mainly due to the roads not being up to the standard we are used too. I would also say do the trip in reverse and see the Gorillas first as by the end of the trip we were all exhausted and a few of us were unwell. The lockers are small so no big bags and I would take lots of little packing bags as it can get a bit chaotic when everyone is trying to get to their stuff. Also take wet wipes just in case......
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/27/2023
Simon Knight - Traveled, August 2019
Amazing wildlife viewings Amazing overall itinerary. Saw the big 5 in the Masai Mara in the first two days including iconic wildebeest migration crossing the Mara River. Followed by chimp trekking and gorilla trekking in Uganda which were amazing. The gorilla trekking in particular was superbly organised. Some long travel days but absolutely necessary to get between National Parks. Good safari truck and amazing food all cooked from local produce. Most Inspirational Moment Seeing the Silverback gorilla so close Thoughts on Group Leader Gilbert was excellent. The other three members of the crew, Stoney, Albert and James, were also excellent. Advice for Potential Travellers Take a light weight inflatable mattress if you need that little extra padding, we took an adjustable walking pole each for the gorilla trekking and found them very useful although even more so was the porter who guided you over the worst bits of the mud and held you up when you started slipping. Go with an open mind about early morning starts and long journey times as they are all necessary and the holiday was unforgettable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/05/2019
Taryn Cooper - Traveled, September 2019
Incredible wildlife experience Be prepared for a number of long overland journeys (you will become very familiar with the truck), but the Exodus team made it as smooth and enjoyable as possible and the wildlife experiences we had made it all so so worth it! Most Inspirational Moment I was fully expecting to be blown away by the Gorillas (and they did not disappoint !) but as someone who has done safari before, I was not expecting the spectacular sightings that we had at the Masai Mara! We had a mind blowing first few days! So many big cats in such close proximity - including the ever elusive leopard ! ?? We also saw wildebeest crossing and a kill which was bittersweet. Seeing the chimps in their natural habitat carrying on their business was also awe inspiring . When they start calling to each other and drumming the trees, it’s really quite intimidating but in the best possible way. Thoughts on Group Leader Gilbert was our Group leader and I thought he was fantastic! As well as being incredibly witty and good humoured throughout the trip, Gilbert was always explaining local culture, history, knowledge of the wildlife etc. I always felt very well informed and in safe hands! A very knowledgeable guy! Incredibly patient with a big group of big personalities! He and the broader team had a great bond and worked so well together! Advice for Potential Travellers The only consideration I would raise with potential travellers is around the camping. For me, I’m not a regular camper and so was a little out of my comfort zone at times. In saying that, whilst not all camps had hot water all the time, all of the campsites were lovely and indeed, I think my favourite nights were in the wild / unfenced camps. Truly an experience! I don’t at all regret the camping option as it was great fun but I did very much take advantage of the upgrade options, which were a nice break for a city girl at times (but i still felt part of the group and experience). I also thought upgrade prices were generally reasonable. Tents were clean and the team were very efficient with taking them up and down, but for a single traveller, I’d consider single supplement next time just due to personal space. In saying that, a number of single travellers and couples alike stayed in dual occupancy tents for the whole trip and loved it, so just personal choice. It’s nice to have the option of both though . Suggestions Beyond the above, I would like to commend the whole Exodus ground team (Gilbert, “Stoney”, Albert and James). They work so hard and so well together and were a pleasure to be around. Food is incredible and you will not go hungry! ?? I always had seconds (and sometimes thirds!). There are some very long drives but there’s no other way of covering the distance otherwise. Well worth it overall though and I think the itinerary was well balanced. Can see how it’s been refined over time!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/26/2019
Andy Stroud - Traveled, June 2019
A great adventure This trip is great for adventure, photography and wildlife. Be prepared for long bumpy journeys on the truck but driving through the towns and villages is interesting to. Most Inspirational Moment Getting so close to mountain gorillas was an unforgettable experience. We were very lucky with all the wildlife we say. The hot air balloon safari was amazing to, watching the sunrise and seeing so much wildlife. Thoughts on Group Leader Our tour guide (Gilbert) was very passionate knowledgeable and about the history and wildlife. He was also very helpful with any problems that came up like sorting out get peoples luggage back to them after the airlines lost them. He was always smiling and laughing with us all. Advice for Potential Travellers On the truck there are two uk plug sockets by each set of seats so don't worry about charging things. I'd highly recommend doing the hot air balloon safari, you will not regret it. Also there optional upgrades at some of the campsites. At Lake Bunyonyi campsite I upgraded to a tent with a bed and a balcony with views overlooking the river at a very reasonable price. I definitely recommend this. Suggestions The other people in are crew were great to. Our chef (Albert) made us delicious meals and made us laugh so much. Our driver (stone cold) was a really good driver and kept us safe on the roads, it must be an exhausting job but he was always happy. Charlie was helping out with everything, always smiling and great company.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/23/2019
Jim Best - Traveled, May 2019
Oh My Freaking God I Want to Move to Africa. I have been fortunate to travel a lot. These countries were my 51st, 52nd and 53rd but this was the best time of my life. This was my 7th small group trip. I have never felt more grateful in my life—and it is all owed to this wonderful staff, Gilbert (our guide), Stoney (our driver), Albert (our cook) and Charles (his helper). I moderately injured my low back while rafting in Jinja and was very worried that if it worsened (from camping or the bumpy dirt roads) I would not be able to do the Chimp or Gorilla treks. The staff did everything in their power to help me through this and I’m very thankful for that; the injury never worsened and I was able to do everything that the agenda entailed. The safari portion of our trip was extraordinary, particularly in the Mara and Lake Nakuru. The boat safari in Murchison was also amazing as we saw everything in such a different ecosystem. The highlights: five lionesses in a tree, two leopards, a monster of a crocodile, a wildebeest stampede, a hippo and a family of warthogs at our campsite in Murchison, hordes of playful baby baboons, a pack of zebras hilariously chasing an territory-invading jackal and virtually every other large African mammal except the cheetah. A few other animal experiences to mention: —There are 1,388 species of birds in East Africa. I’m not a birder or anything but I was constantly in awe of the gorgeous, highly varied plumage patterns of these majestic creatures. —The chimps in the Budongo Forest were outrageous. We hoped to just see a few eating in the treetops. We saw that and about twenty minutes into our viewing session a highly-orchestrated colobus monkey hunt began with screeching, screaming and yelling. Chimps rapidly descended all around us, ran across the forest floor and ascended other trees nearby. The rangers claimed they killed three colobus. While we collectively only had one picture of a chimp eating his prey, it was an exhilarating, albeit terrifying and somewhat sad, experience. —I figured the chimps had stolen the show. But the gorillas responded. Extraordinary experience…we had no clue how close they were going to get. They say it’s a seven meter distance that we need to maintain, but not if the gorillas decide they want to play with you… One of the gorillas (an impish three year old boy) sprinted to me, stuck his head between my knees and patted the sides of my thighs in rapid succession. He then just lied there. No one got any of it on film because the silverback, Bweza, was waking right towards me as his son was pulling this stunt and everyone had to shuffle away quickly… Bweza was no more than two meters away from me before we could all pull back. It was terrifying but that early lesson taught us that these gorillas are extremely habituated and thus, totally harmless; I suspect Bweza was simply wanting to keep his playful toddler in check. Later on during the viewing hour, the same three yr old pirouetted three or four times right at our feet. It was adorable. That was followed by several minutes of wrestling with his same-aged cousin. One of the great memories of my life. Most importantly, our crew made the trip. Gilbert, our leader, was outstanding. Solid knowledge of the animals. He has degrees in tourism and social anthropology and it really shows. He not only has a good understanding of the countries we visited but the continent and the world as a whole. His education led to a bunch of really interesting conversations that I enjoyed. Very well organized, kind and funny as well. A great trip leader. Albert was our chef and did a damn good job prepping tasty meals for us. Most importantly though, he was ALWAYS in a good mood and lifted the spirits of our group constantly. I’ll never forget the guy. Stoney, our driver, was a great great guy. Sincere, kind and very hard working. He navigated some tough roads and kept us on time. I had several great conversations with him about all kinds of topics … mostly his family, his childhood and Kenya’s hopes for the future. Another guy with a big heart I’ll never forget. Lastly, Charles, the helper, was just a damn hard worker. For a first timer, he really seemed to contribute a lot. Always dived in when he was needed. Again, what a great trip. I’m elated that I was able to do this with such a wonderful group of people. Thanks Exodus! Most Inspirational Moment I should also mention that the people in Kenya and Uganda were wonderful. I’ve never seen so much road-side waving in my travels. It’s nice to feel wanted as a tourist and everyone we met along the way was very welcoming. Thoughts on Group Leader The best I've ever had. Advice for Potential Travellers Bring a small lock for the lockers. A large lock won't fit in the hole provided.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/13/2019
Phill Dixon - Traveled, May 2019
If I could do it again I wouldn't hesitate If you could gurantee the same team, group and even half the wildlife encounters I’d book it up tomorrow. We were very lucky with both the wildlife and to have such an enthusiastic and fun group of guides and guests – which made the trip all the better. The locations are stunning – in two days in the Masai Mara we saw the big 5 and had an epic balloon ride at sunrise. Then we were off to Lake Nakuru and the rhinos and flamingos took centre stage, with the smiles getting wider as the wildlife encounters got better. Sleeping within 300m of a waterfall in Nakuru was a highlight and despite being the most basic, was my favourite campsite – hearing lions and hyeenas calling in the night while sat around a campfire checking out all the stars. At Jinja even novice rafters got to experience the thrill of white water and again the provided photos and videos had us all laughing and reliving the day. The Adrift campsite was also brand new and had great facilities. So the experiences built, Murchison has impressive waterfalls and the boat trip was a good way to get out of the heat of the day. Gorilla tracking in Budongo again had us being lucky, being in the middle of chimps hunting, a once in a lifetime opportunity and not something to be expected, but if you get to experience time with the enigmatic chimps you cannot be disappointed. Queen Elizabeth has less diversity of wildlife but still provided lots of Elephants and on the river you see birds and elephants everywhere. Lastly the gorillas – I did two treks and they were both different but magical experiences. The first involved a long trek but we were surrounded by a group and followed them, experiencing interactions with several different family members. This would be a tough trek if you are not physically fit and used to walking up hills. The second trek involved spending an unforgettable hour with Xmas, the largest silverback in Bwindi and his 1 and 2 year old babies. We could not see other members of the family and the trek was shorter and easier, but a very close and magical encounter – when a baby gorilla looks at you from less than 7m you get a sense of how special and priveledged your time with them is. You are also given certificates to help remember your time with these beautiful animals The trip to the genocide museum was a very poignant reminder of what Rwanda has been through as well. Some facts – the trip involves a lot of early starts and quite a bit of travelling. Your reward is the trip of a lifetime. The truck is large and spacious but keep things in the lockers or that room fills up quickly. You will need to be able to walk up steep hills for the gorillas, but the team takes things slowly and chooses the best path for the group. Campsites often had showers, toilets and a bar so have some dollars for these. A lot of Ugandan service stations and almost all of Rwanda wanted local currency. Some things to note – the Rwandan border was the most difficult to cross, with a problem getting our taxi across taking 2hrs but providing a great side adventure – a sense of humour about delays and acknowledging that you may be asked seeminglystupid questions is par for the course. Get some snacks and drinks before crossing as there is nothing on the Rwandan security zone. The Exodus team were fantastic throughout, working hard to fix any problems ( airline lost bags), keep our trip moving smoothly and provide fun and share jokes over Albert’s fantastic cooking ( his cooking may expand your waistline). Gilbert was the charismatic tour leader with lots of local stories and knowledge, Stoney the unflappable driver who always made time to help, Albert the fantastic chef with all the catchphrases and a personality larger than life, and Charles the youngest and ever smiling and helpful team member eager to greet and hear of our days adventures. A good team feels like family not a crew, these guys felt like family and helped knit the group together. I feel exceptionally lucky to have been on this trip, I’ve travelled a lot and this will remain a trip to remember. If I could do the same or similar trip with the group and crew I would book it tomorrow, if you promised me half the wildlife too I’d still jump at the chance. Thanks Exodus for another epic adventure.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/06/2019
violeta maftei - Traveled, June 2019
Mind-blowing experience WYU190630 Just returned from my first African wild adventure and i m still day dreaming of it! Couldn’t have asked for a better crew team members and better group. Absolutely awed day in day out. This being my first experience camping and group travelling i must say it has been a blast! Do not let the camping put you off! It is a great experience and i loved every minute of it! Most Inspirational Moment From day one, every day was memorable! And just when i thought that nothing could top seeing the big five, here comes chimpanzee trekking, mountain gorilla trekking, the scenery all around were absolute breathtaking. Totally totally would recommend this trip to anyone who's ready for adventure. Thoughts on Group Leader Our tour guide Gilbert together with chef Albert, driver Stony and all around helper Charlie made our experience a memorable one. I could not have asked for a better crew! They were awesome and their hard work must be acknowledged. Absolutely stunned with Gilbert's knowledge in terms of culture, nature, wildlife; and throughout the trip he always kept us informed, always smiling laughing and ready to listen to everything we had to say. Driver Stony, hat down! His many years of experience definitely had a say and he kept us safe throughout the journey. 100% confidence is his skills. Chef Albert looked after our stomach affairs! The whole group were astonished how he always managed to come up with the most delicious dishes even when camping. Healthy and freshly cooked food, always a bonus. Charlie the man does it all! Advice for Potential Travellers Pack a sense of adventure and a big smile and you'll have the holiday of a lifetime! I was nervous when i booked this trip as was travelling alone, and never done this sort of trip before, but words cannot express how amazing the trip was and how well the group and crew members integrated from day one! Be prepared for long drives on bumpy roads sometimes. Its part of the adventure package!:) Suggestions When we had to say goodbyes we cried....No one wanted the trip to end... I've created what am hopping to be lifelong friendships and its amazing!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/09/2019
David Gruber - Traveled, November 2018
A great trip but..... We took the trip over the Christmas period and it was a good one, the crew (Jacob, Stoney, Silvia and Dolly) were all excellent and could not be faulted. The organisation was good, the driving excellent, (how Stoney gets that truck along some of those roads is unbelievable) and the food was good and plentiful. There were 11 of us on the trip and we all got on very well which is a good thing if you are stuck on a truck for 2 weeks. Do not worry about charging batteries as the truck has a plug by each seat which can be used anytime whilst the truck is moving. The White Water Rafting Option in Jinja was excellent and the safety precautions couldn’t be faulted, you are almost guaranteed to be thrown out at least once but we all felt perfectly safe when we were. The campsites were in some cases very basic with no water in the toilets and cold or no showers but they were adequate and in others there were options for upgrades to rooms if required. On day 8 the trip notes stated a visit to the top of the falls, what they did not say is that it involved a boat trip and then a trek along an uneven trek and a climb up several steps of uneven height, which was a bit testing for some people, although I see that this might have changed now but you might want to check. The big but is that on our trip both the Chimps and Gorillas were unco-operative and people thinking of doing the trip need to be aware that there is no guarantee of seeing either. On our trip some of us trekked 5 miles along tracks and off track just to see 1 Chimp and for the Gorillas we left camp at 4.45am and drove for 3.5 hours to the start point and then split into 2 groups, the moderately hard trek group took 7 hours of hard trekking up and down steep slippery and overgrown hills there and back to see the Gorillas who were up in the trees and not all that easy to see, the easier trek group took 10 hours and 4 of our group needed stretchering out with exhaustion which cost them between $200-$300 dollars each. We then all had another 3.5 hour drive back to camp getting back between 20.30 & 22.30 hours, much to the relief of Jacob our guide. Although this is what happened on our trip, we were told that that was not the norm but….. Most Inspirational Moment Seeing the animals were amazing, especially the big cats in Kenya and it only took us 36 hours to see the 'big five', plus many others, ranging in size from Mongoose to Elephants. Advice for Potential Travellers If you do this trip, make sure you are really fit, for us the Leisurely/Moderate 2 rating in the trip notes was very misleading, a lot of the roads are really rough and can be very uncomfortable and the Chimp and Gorilla treks were probably 4 & 5 respectively. For the Gorillas, make sure you take good boots, a lot of water, money and do hire a porter as they can be indispensable. Make sure you take earplugs as you might have to share sites with other less considerate campers and with early starts most mornings (7am & earlier departures) you do need your sleep. As long as you are aware of the above and are willing to 'rough it' at times then you will
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/22/2018
Elizabeth Eagles - Traveled, September 2018
Simply Unforgettable Well where do we begin. This was simply an incredible holiday and our very first safari. The crew of four; Boniface aka Stony the driver; Ken head chef; Raymond aka Dolly head chef in training and Patrick our tour leader were all terrific, great fun and very hard working guys. They know their stuff an/5/18d helped make our holiday. The trip covers a tremendous amount of miles around 1300 miles in total. Yes there are a few early starts the earliest being around 4.30am to hit the road around 5am but when getting up a little earlier than normal to go and visit the mountain gorillas the early morning start pails into insignifance. The whole itinary is brilliant. We were exceptionally lucky to have seen the big five (elephant, rhino, leopard, lion, buffalo) and so what more could you ask for especially as this was our very first safari trip. The various stop overs were very good with some terrific campsites with options to upgrade to rooms or hotels along the way. The time spent trekking to see the mountain gorillas can vary we trekked for around two hours which went very quickly but do be prepared for a hilly walk and make sure you have the right footwear and waterproofs as you can come across some small brooks and it could be muddy if the rain comes, we were very lucky as the rain came once we returned back to the start. For sure this experience is likely to remain with you for ever. It does mention in the trip notes that helping out whilst not complusary, we believe it can go a really long way to get to know the crew and other members of the group you’re travelling with which adds to the fun around the campfires. The food was fantastic and plentiful each day and the variety was excellent. We thought the trip was really well planned and when things didn’t go quite to plan such as the overland truck breaking down at no stage did we feel concerned and our safety was the crews main concern. Everything was done to resolve the issue in a timely manner. We would highly recommend this trip to anyone with a love for animals you get to see so much it’s hard to put into words. Truly incredible and prividged to see these amazing animals in their own habitat. Most Inspirational Moment Again this is hard to put into words but two things come to mind. Spending an hour with the mountain gorillas has to be up there, they are such incredible creatures. Seeing the silverback and various mums with their 5 month old and 8 month old babies was mesmerising. In addition to this, continuing our game drive with Stony and Patrick as we decided on one occasion not attend a boat trip in the hope of seeing maybe more cats only to come face to face with an amazing bull elephant. This experience was both scary and incredible and again we felt hugely privileged to be in such close proximity to these beautiful wild elephants. Thoughts on Group Leader Fantastic! Patrick was very knowledgeable had a great sense of humour and made us feel safe at all times. Each evening Patrick would say the words ‘something about tomorrow’ which is when we were given the plans for the following day. Everything was clear, Patrick was very approachable and kept us updated if plans changed throughout the holiday. Advice for Potential Travellers Go with an open mind, be prepared to get stuck in, make sure you have the right footwear and a lightweight raincoat just in case as the weather can change quickly. There may be some early starts but equally there are plenty of opportunities for down time. Don’t let the early starts put you off. This trip has been very well thought out and worth every penny. Suggestions Both early on in the booking and late on we were also able to make some slight changes to flights adding a few days at the beginning and the end of the trip. All changes were made without any issues and the teams were all very accommodating. We would have absolutely no hesitation booking with Exodus again and hope to do so again very soon.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/23/2018
Christopher Barton - Traveled, June 2018
Truly wonderful trip This was our third camping trip with Exodus and this is almost becoming our preferred trip type – being cheaper doesn’t hurt either. We were amazed at the shear number of animals we saw in Kenya and Uganda long before we got to the Gorilla area. We saw the big five, and mostly with babies!, great scenery, wonderful lakes and rivers. Game drives were varied not only in the nature of the country visited but also sometimes in the ‘bus’ sometimes in 4X4s and sometimes by boat. There were some longish drives but with lots to look at, stops for snacks and toilets, and time to charge cameras etc for the next stop. We felt very well looked after the whole time, and guided through formalities of border crossings etc. We were a smallish group of nine which meant we had lots of space, and we got on well. Most Inspirational Moment I guess it has to be the gorillas - being so close and watching while they just got on with their lives. The babies were adorable and the silverback huge, but they seemed very peaceful. Thoughts on Group Leader Jacob was really great, as were the other members of the team - KFC, Stonecold & Dolly. They looked after us really well and bought great calm and humour to the whole trip. In many ways they made it possible for us to have the great time we had. Advice for Potential Travellers I considered taking my walking gaiters but decided against it - almost the first thing Jacob said was "I hope you all brought you gaiters for the gorilla trek"! In fact we did well using two pairs of socks with the long pair on the outside and trousers tucked into them. It worked out fine. Do use a porter for the gorilla trek, it makes life a lot easier just having your bag carried, and the occasional hand up, but it also brings much needed employment to the local community. Suggestions We would highly recommend this trip - Go prepared for some early mornings, some laughs, some drives but mostly some amazing sightings.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/15/2018
simon cappin - Traveled, October 2017
Gorillas and Masai Mara This trip is an absolute must for any animal lover.The diversity of fauna that we saw in 2 weeks was absolutely incredible.The gorillas were absolutely adorable and it was fascinating seeing them so relaxed in a really beautiful setting.The rafting on the White Nile was absolutely increible and I would recommend this to anyone who is not scared of the water and is a confident swimmer as the likelihood of coming out is very high.I came out twice !!The Masai Mara was absolutely stunning and within a few hours had seen leopard,lions and cheetahs.The setting itself is also very dramatic.Our guide was absolutely brilliant.He had a great sense of humour and constantly had us in hysterics during the trip with his banter.The food was excellent and I am sure I have put on weight. Most Inspirational Moment Seeing gorillas so relaxed in the wild Thoughts on Group Leader Overall absolutely brilliant.Enthusiastic,very informative,caring and had a brilliant sense of humour Advice for Potential Travellers If you have time in Narobi visit the giraffe sanctuary and elephant orphanage
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/24/2017
Roma Fernandopulle - Traveled, September 2017
An unforgettable experience! The highlight was the Gorillas, but the whole trip was an experience never to be forgotten. We saw the big 5 in the Masai Mara and other animals in their natural habitat that you only ever see on the television. I can also now identify exotic birds I never knew existed! And we had a hippo join us at the campsite for dinner! The trip was made more memorable through the wonderful Exodus team of Jacob – our guide, Boniface – our amazing driver, Godfrey – our wonderful chef & Esther -his assistant, who was learning the ropes & always smiling. Most Inspirational Moment Looking into the eyes of a Silver-back gorilla. I didn't think that we'd get so close to them, they brush passed you as they walk by. Just watching them interact with each other - grooming, playing and feeding, was amazing. The hour we had in their company flew by and was truly unforgettable. Thoughts on Group Leader Jacob was our tour leader and he was excellent. He was very knowledgeable about where we were travelling, always full of good advice and very patient & professional. Seat rotation was suggested for the truck and all worked smoothly. My wristwatch broke in Doha on the way to Nairobi and he was very helpful in ensuring that I could buy a replacement at the earliest opportunity and so stay on time. Advice for Potential Travellers Travel with an open mind, be prepared for anything & you'll have an amazing unforgettable experience. Take advantage of hiring a porter for the gorilla trek, as he will be invaluable in helping you. I was a little apprehensive about the camping since I've not done any before but it was fine. The group were all well travelled and we all gelled together, helping out with the washing and air-drying of plates! Suggestions If you're undecided, my advice is to GO! Go with the flow, join in and you'll have a fabulous unforgettable time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/27/2017
Karen Lim - Traveled, August 2017
Wonderful! A wonderful once-in-a-lifetime experience! Most Inspirational Moment Seeing the gorillas up close - we were told to stay at least 7 metres from them but sometimes we were much closer. That one hour went by like a flash! I also loved the white water rafting - I hadn't intended to do it but wanted to seize the opportunity of trying out some of the best rafting in the world. I did not feel at all scared and would definitely do it again. The Masai Mara was amazing - seeing animals I had only previously seen in books, and birds I had never seen before. Thoughts on Group Leader Jacob was great! He was always cheerful, informative, knowledgeable, helpful, patient, cracking jokes and teasing members of our group and the rest of the team. The rest of the team were also sound - Boniface (Stonecold) the driver who handled our enormous truck with great skill, Godfrey the cook who turned out delicious meals with very basic cooking facilities and Esther the assistant who was always ready to help with a smile. Advice for Potential Travellers Read the trip notes and the other reviews. Go with a bit of patience and forbearance - do not expect Western standards in anything. Suggestions I was a bit apprehensive about the camping aspect and the gorilla trek and I was fine. The camping worked out well and the gorilla trek was very manageable (with the help of porters). I can honestly say that I did not have any bad moments on this trip. Our group was varied in age but we all got along very well and there was much laughter and good times.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/18/2017
David Simpson - Traveled, August 2017
Great wildlife viewing with a top class crew Some of my best ever wildlife viewing, seeing all the big 5 (including my first ever clear views of leopards) plus much else including spectacular birds, chimpanzees and of course the amazing mountain gorillas. Very well looked after by leader Jacob, the best ever driver Stone Cold, Godfrey the cook and the hardworking trainee Ester, all of whom not just kept us safe, healthy and happy, but were great company. Most Inspirational Moment Seeing the fabulous mountain gorillas, who didn't seem to have read that they were meant to keep 8 m distance! Couldn't believe how close and active they were. The optional hot air balloon ride in the Maasai Mara was also well worth doing, as was chimpanzee tracking which hadn't been mentioned as an option in the trip notes. Thoughts on Group Leader Jacob was knowledgable, worked hard to make sure we all had a good experience, and had a good sense of humour too. Advice for Potential Travellers Be prepared for plenty of early starts and long drives, but the experiences along the way make it all worth it. Being on time for the morning starts, and being ready to help load/unload the truck etc (though not required) makes it all run more smoothly. Suggestions The region is really beautiful, and always has plenty to see even on the long journeys. The camping is fine, the people along the way friendly, and you'll find Rwandan streets far cleaner than those in the UK!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/02/2017
Patricia Carr - Traveled, September 2017
Best wildlife experience ever The whole trip was fantastic with all the wildlife sightings. The big 5 in the Masai Mara plus the birdlife was unforgettable. Every country visited had something special, but of course the highlight were the gorillas. All that Thoughts on Group Leader Jacob was the best, always smiling, making sure everybody was ok. Advice for Potential Travellers Go with an open mind about the camping side of the trip, just go and enjoy the whole package. You just have to go with the flow, it's an experience of a lifetime.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/16/2017
Huw Thomas - Traveled, July 2017
We had a fantastic expedition We took the trip starting in Nairobi. We had a fantastic time seeing cheetahs, leopards, lions, giraffes, elephants, rhinoceros and many more, we saw it all. We finished with the gorillas. The experience was unbelievable. We got closer to them and for longer than we ever expected. Our trip was made even better by the fantastic Exodus team. Jacob was our team leader and he was very ably supported by Stony the driver, Godfrey the chef and Ester the assistant. This team set the atmosphere and we embraced and enjoyed it all. What a great trip. Most Inspirational Moment Being with the gorillas. Thoughts on Group Leader Jacob was exceptional. He exuded confidence and always had a smile. Nothing was too much nor too difficult. The 16 strong expedition had an enhanced experience because of his leadership. Advice for Potential Travellers Embrace the enthusiasm and good humour of your team. They set the tone, all you have to do is enjoy all the fantastic experiences. Suggestions The trek to the gorillas is challenging but very manageable. Hire a porter, the $10 plus tip will be the best money you will ever spend. They not only carry your bags but support you over the rough terrain. Don't be put off by reviewers who suggest that you need to be super fit to cope.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/23/2017
Celia Thomas - Traveled, August 2017
An amazing trip This memorable trip was made special by the excellent leader Jacob and his team Stonecold, the wonderful driver, Godfrey the chef and assistant Esther. Whilst the journeys were often very long we had plenty of stops. The trip was filled with humour and fun. The group ages were from 42 to 69, we were at the upper end. For us the key was having a go. We were encouraged to try white water rafting and not only did we manage to do it , it was an excellent experience. Upgrades to cabins were available at most campsites. We saw so much on safari , big 5 , countless birds and much more. Our skille driver ensured we got the best photos. Most Inspirational Moment Of course the gorilla encounter was a thrill, never to be forgotten. Though we were told to keep a distance between us and the gorillas but this was quite relaxed as they came towards us. The white water rafting was exhilarating. Very professionally organised with safety at its core. Thoughts on Group Leader Jacob was an excellent team leader. He had a great sense of humour which helped set the tone for the group. He was knowledgeable and patient answering even the most simple questions with a smile. He has a nothing is too much trouble attitude and was very professional. Advice for Potential Travellers As for the gorilla trekking, we asked to be in the easy group and ended up walking further than the moderate group. The gorillas are not always where they are supposed to be! Take plenty to read for the long journeys. There is not always amazing scenary. Go with an open mind , don't expect luxury and you will be very pleasantly surprised. Suggestions If you are undecided as to whether to go, I would say GO ! We were 16 in our well travelled group and we all agreed it was one of the best trips we've done.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/25/2017
Kathryn Summers - Traveled, June 2017
A Brilliant Experience An excellant trip, my first into Africa. Now my compass is set for more. A mixed age range group, 24 thru 72 but we gelled well. Our leader Jacob was full of knowledge. A very happy and fun person to be around. He was backed by a brilliant team. Albert, our cook. Stonecold, (Boniface) our driver and Dolly (Raymond) our assistant. We were fed well, driven very safely, and Dolly, learning the ropes, accompanied us on some excursions. Most Inspirational Moment Spending time with the Mountain Gorillas. Wow, you can get closer if the Silverback is happy with it. I was just a few feet away from adolescents. Then, Seeing a Lioness, just languishing up in a tree. Magic. Then, The Balloon ride over the Mara. Spotting Giraffe, Lion and Elephant to name a few. Then, slip sliding across the mud to witness the migration of Wildebeest across the Mara River. Thoughts on Group Leader Jacob is brilliant. Very knowledgable of his country, Kenya, and of the surrounding areas. He ensured we understood the protocol at the borders for a smooth move on. This does also mean some early morning departures, but, Jacob is correct in doing this. We all agreed with him, even offering an earlier start 1 day! Jacob is fun and has stories to tell. Advice for Potential Travellers Do ensure your kit bag meets the size requirements for the lockers. They are actually quite wide tho. Take a small 'down pack' bag, or use one of your dri sacks for the tenting. Some of the accommodation involves steps. You don't really want to carry your whole kit down there! Suggestions Just Enjoy
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/27/2017
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