East Africa In-Depth
Experience Overview
Experience East Africa like you never imagined on this 16-day tour that gets you close to the land, wildlife, and communities that make this part of the world so unique. Camp at the edge of Lake Nakuru National Park and learn about tribal life and customs by spending time with villagers. Your time isn't complete here without a safari drive (or five) and there are plenty of opportunities for that in this itinerary, including a gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and chimp trekking in Kibale National Park. Dream vacations are made of this.
Highlights
- Explore the Masai Mara National Reserve
- Visit a Samburu village
- Take in views of the Great Rift Valley
- Admire a family of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat
- Trek to see chimpanzees in Uganda
- Keep your eyes peeled for the plentiful elephant and hippo populations in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Trip Details
Product Code: 1963
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Budget
Transport: 7-seat 4x4 safari van, plane, private van, walking.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Classic
Tour Operator:
G Adventures
Supplier Code: DKKG
Starts: Nairobi, Kenya
Finishes: Kigali, Rwanda
Duration: 16 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Demanding
Includes
Activities
- Your G for Good Moment: Amani Ya Juu Lunch, Nairobi Your G for Good Moment: Nyamirambo Women's Centre, Local Lunch, Kigali Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Samburu village visit and wildlife safari drives
- Safari in Lake Nakuru National Park and Masai Mara National Reserve
- Guest farm stay near Kibale National Park
- Chimpanzee trek
- Bigodi Community lunch
- Queen Elizabeth National Park wildlife safari drives
- Guided gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Visit to Kigali Genocide Museum
- All national park fees and trekking permits
- Internal flight
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Standard hotel (3 nts), full-service camping (4 nts), simple furnished tents/rooms (8 nts).
- 15 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 10 dinners
Transport
- 7-seat 4x4 safari van, plane, private van, walking.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, certified driver/guide, camp crew, experienced gorilla trackers, local guides.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $9199 ($575 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi
Arrive at any time.
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Accommodation - The Landmark Suites Westlands
Day 2: Nairobi/Samburu National Reserve
Travel to Samburu National Reserve in time for an afternoon wildlife safari drive. Visit a Samburu village en route.
Depart Nairobi and drive north through the farmlands of the Kikuyu people, passing Mt Kenya, Africa's second highest mountain (5199m/17,060ft).
Just outside the national reserve, visit a local Samburu village. Similar in appearance to the Masai but less known, the Samburu are a proud warrior tribe. Watch traditional Samburu dancing, and learn about Samburu tribal life and customs. The walk within the village is run by Samburu tribesmen for the benefit of the community.
Continue to Samburu National Reserve, a wildlife haven to many species rarely found elsewhere.
Enjoy an afternoon wildlife safari drive in search of large elephant and big cat populations living within this wild part of Kenya.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride.Activity - Meet the locals in a traditional village in the Samburu area and learn more about their way of life. The Samburu people are related to but distinct from the Masai. They too are semi-nomadic who herd cattle, goat and occasionally camels. The men have more than one wife; each lives in her own hut within a family compound. Be sure to bring your camera and capture the beauty and colour of the layers of bead necklaces and bracelets, the red clay braids of the warriors, and the contrast of their bright cloth wraps against the African savanna.
Activity - Head out into the wilds of Samburu National Reserve in search of elephants, lions, as well as some of the more unique animals found only in this northern region of Kenya.Accommodation - Samburu Campsite
Day 3: Samburu National Reserve
Spend a full day on safari in search of Samburu's special five.
A full day wildlife safari drive to spot a group of animals only seen north of the equator, such as the beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, Grevy's zebra, the majestic reticulated giraffe, and the long-necked gerenuk, a graceful antelope that stands upright on its hind legs to feed on tall bushes.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Head out into the wilds of Samburu National Reserve in search of elephants, lions, as well as some of the more unique animals found only in this northern region of Kenya.Accommodation - Samburu Campsite
Day 4: Samburu National Reserve/Lake Nakuru National Park
Descend into the Great Rift Valley enjoying stunning views of the escarpment on the way.
Nakuru, meaning “dusty place” in the Maasai language, is a cheerful and vibrant agricultural town with a variety of colourful local markets.
Camp outside the town at the edge of Lake Nakuru National Park, the area's principal highlight and best natural attraction. Time and weather permitting, there may be an opportunity to visit a local tea farm and see how the tea is grown, picked and produced.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride.Accommodation - Nderit Campsite
Day 5: Lake Nakuru National Park
Embark on a safari within Lake Nakuru National Park, in search of buffalo, impala, and the elusive leopard.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Search for, buffalo, impalas, hyenas, and even lions and leopards on the wildlife safari drive in this renowned national park. Head to the shores of Lake Nakuru to see pelicans and cormorants. The park is also rich in other bird life, including grebes, white winged black terns, stilts, avocets, and ducks.Accommodation - Nderit Campsite
Day 6: Lake Nakuru National Park/Masai Mara
Travel to the Masai Mara National Reserve. Search for the "big five" on an afternoon wildlife safari drive.
Depart for the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve. With its vast open plains and distinctive flat-topped acacia trees, no visit to Kenya would be complete without a visit to this reserve.
Arrive in the afternoon and get settled at the permanent tented camp, the base for exploring the Mara.
Head into the reserve for an afternoon wildlife safari drive.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride.Activity - Maasai Mara is one of the world’s top safari destinations, known for its abundance of big cats – cheetahs, leopards and lions – as well as the two million wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelles and zebra that migrate annually across the vast grasslands in search of water. Set off on safari with our driver/guide and keep your eyes and ears peeled for movement and memories. Watch elephants and giraffe grazing, photograph zebras and wildebeest and, with a little luck, you'll even spot animals feasting on a recent kill.Accommodation - Kenia Safari Tented Camp
Day 7: Masai Mara
Enjoy a day on safari. Opt to take to the skies on a balloon safari.
Rise early for a wildlife safari drive during the best time to spot animals and criss-cross the rolling hills of the African savannah. With a full day to explore the area, we can cover a lot of ground. If time allows, visit the Mara River area.
Opt to go for a balloon safari for a new perspective over the beautiful landscape.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Maasai Mara is one of the world’s top safari destinations, known for its abundance of big cats – cheetahs, leopards and lions – as well as the two million wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelles and zebra that migrate annually across the vast grasslands in search of water. Set off on safari with our driver/guide and keep your eyes and ears peeled for movement and memories. Watch elephants and giraffe grazing, photograph zebras and wildebeest and, with a little luck, you'll even spot animals feasting on a recent kill.Accommodation - Kenia Safari Tented Camp
Day 8: Masai Mara/Nairobi
Enjoy a final wildlife safari drive before the journey back to Nairobi.
Enjoy one last opportunity to spot the "big five".
Visit the G for Good supported Amani ya Juu for lunch.
In Nairobi there's some time to buy local handicrafts or check out a bit of the city.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride.Activity - Maasai Mara is one of the world’s top safari destinations, known for its abundance of big cats – cheetahs, leopards and lions – as well as the two million wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelles and zebra that migrate annually across the vast grasslands in search of water. Set off on safari with our driver/guide and keep your eyes and ears peeled for movement and memories. Watch elephants and giraffe grazing, photograph zebras and wildebeest and, with a little luck, you'll even spot animals feasting on a recent kill.Activity - In the post-colonial era of East and Southern Africa, Kenya found itself as a refuge for many women who were seeking safety. As a result, a very special G Adventures for Good supported project, Amani ya Juu, was created. Amani ya Juu serves as a community where many of these women can learn entrepreneurship and engage in fair trade activities that allow them to create opportunities for themselves and their families. By creating unique handicrafts symbolic of their cultures, the women can express themselves and receive an impactful income, leading to economic independence. Here you’ll enjoy a locally sourced lunch prepared by women and youth of the community, engage in conversation to learn of their history, and build a greater connection with this incredible program.Accommodation - The Landmark Suites Westlands
Day 9: Nairobi/Kampala
Travel from one bustling East African capital city to another. Relax in Kampala and await the second part of this epic adventure.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Canary Hotel
Day 10: Kampala/Fort Portal
Take the scenic route to Fort Portal at the edge of Kibale National Park. Spend the night on a guest farm listening to the sounds of monkeys and birds.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Kluges Guest Farm
Day 11: Kibale National Park
Explore the evergreen rainforest and trek to spot chimps in the morning or afternoon. Enjoy a traditional lunch in the Bigodi Community.
Opt to venture deep into the wetlands to spot more wildlife on a guided walk through the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Embark on a chimp trek with a park ranger/guide. See more than just chimpanzees in their natural environment. Learn about the ecosystem and keep an eye out for other animals. Although chimp sightings are not guaranteed, visitors stand a good chance of hearing and seeing our distant cousins as they are not bothered by humans watching their daily behaviour.Activity - Sit down to a traditional buffet-style lunch prepared with fresh, organic local ingredients. Guests dine in a grass thatched hut and learn about Bigodi dining etiquette. Your local hosts describes how the ingredients used in the dishes are grown, harvested and prepared.Accommodation - Kluges Guest Farm
Day 12: Kibale NP/Queen Elizabeth NP
Continue on to Queen Elizabeth NP, stopping at the equator. Head out on a wildlife safari drive in the afternoon. Keep your eyes peeled for warthogs, elephants, buffalo, five different species of primates, and hippos.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is characterized by open savannah, large areas of swamp around Lake George, the extensive Maramagambo Forest in the southeast, and the forested Kyambura Gorge along the border with Kyambura Game Reserve.
Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Enjoy a wildlife safari drive inside Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park is home to Uganda's largest wildlife populations. Keep an eye out for buffalo, elephants, hippos, hyenas, lions, warthogs, and the elusive leopards.Accommodation - Simba Safari Camp
Day 13: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Take an early morning wildlife safari drive and enjoy lunch inside the park. Opt for an evening cruise along the Kazinga Channel.
Enjoy a wildlife safari drive with possible sightings of buffaloes, waterbucks, warthogs, lions, leopards, hyenas, giant forest hogs, and elephants.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Enjoy a wildlife safari drive inside Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park is home to Uganda's largest wildlife populations. Keep an eye out for buffalo, elephants, hippos, hyenas, lions, warthogs, and the elusive leopards.Free_time - Don't waste a minute— start exploring.Accommodation - Simba Safari Camp
Day 14: Queen Elizabeth NP/Bwindi Impenetrable NP
Enjoy the scenic drive south, with views of forests, volcanoes and lakes. Spend the night on the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Rushaga Gorilla Camp
Day 15: Gorilla Trekking
Rise early for the tour's main highlight – gorilla trekking!
Head into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to meet the park ranger/guide for orientation. Embark on the trek, which can vary in length and difficulty, depending on the location of the gorilla family that's being visited. Spend 1 hr (max) observing these beautiful and endangered creatures, a truly privileged experience. Trek back and return to town. Enjoy free time in the afternoon.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Take an unforgettable guided trek (1-6 hrs) deep into volcano forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a wildlife encounter of a lifetime, and meet a family of mountain gorillas. One of Africa's major highlights, a close encounter with these amazing animals is simply breathtaking.
Get prepared before heading out: bring plenty of water and waterproof clothing (it can rain on only a few minutes’ notice), and be sure to bring protective bags for cameras and film. Dress in layers with long sleeves and long pants to protect against stinging nettles found in the forests. The trek’s often chilly, at first, until you start trekking.
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.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has four areas; Rushaga, Buhoma, Nkuringo, and Ruhija. Depending on permit availability your group could be tracking gorillas from different areas of the park, it is all still part of Bwindi.Free_time - Depending on when you get back from your gorilla trek, you may have some time to explore more of the area.Accommodation - Rushaga Gorilla Camp
Day 16: Bwindi/Kigali
Cross the border into Rwanda, then head to the capital city, Kigali. Visit the genocide museum to learn more about the dark history of this fascinating country. Enjoy lunch at the G Adventures supported Nyamirambo Women's Centre.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, which serves as a permanent memorial to those who fell victim to the genocide in 1994. The centre opened on the tenth anniversary of the Rwandan Genocide, in April 2004, and was built on a site where more than 250,000 people are buried.
Please note that content at the Memorial Centre shows the harsh reality of the genocide.Activity - Located in Nyamirambo, the largest and most vibrant township in Rwanda, the centre provides women and girls from a diverse range of backgrounds, the opportunity to support each other and succeed, through education and training programs. Enjoy lunch prepared by women employed at the centre, allowing us to try local foods and popular dishes. After lunch, take some time to browse the centre's shop, which features handmade, high-quality crafts and clothes, made by some of the women at the shop, as well as other women's cooperatives throughout Rwanda. Proceeds from the meal and shop help support the centre’s education and training programs, including a community library.Activity - Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Natasha C. - Traveled, November 2023
Honestly, I had a great time on this tour. I say 9/10 because there is always room for improvement
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/09/2023
Renee C. - Traveled, December 2023
The camping with good with me but I would recommend the National Geo for some family. We had brought sleeping bags since we couldn't rent them on this section. All camping sites supplied sheets and blankets - no sleeping bag was needed. A number of people were confused about this. ( I asked before I left Canada)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/09/2023
Rahel B. - Traveled, October 2023
Only because my friends enjoy hotel/lodges, not camping. so because of that I cannot recommend G Adventures. So nothing wrong with G Adventures, just a different type of travelers, enjoying other things.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/18/2023
Susanne D. - Traveled, October 2023
As primarily a single female traveler, it allows me to feel safe while traveling in countries I would normally not feel comfortable navigating on my own.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/18/2023
Lily B. - Traveled, October 2023
it's such an easy and fun way to travel, all the logistics are taken care of and you get to go to places that might be a little tricky to get to solo.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/04/2023
Pamela M. - Traveled, August 2023
I am an experienced guest and travel agent and book with G Adventures exclusively when I can. The way they give back to the communities. The CEO that I have worked with. It is a Canadian company of which I am proud. The experience is accessible to almost every travelers needs.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/16/2023
Marilyn S. - Traveled, August 2023
We found the accommodation in Kenya terrible. Pup tents with leaks and torn zippers.. poor mattresses. .washroom far away from tents and some in bad condition. The food was repetitious every day...and sometimes pretty poor.. felt like a refuge camp. .
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/16/2023
Andrew M. - Traveled, August 2023
The camping part of the trip in Kenya was below par. on 2 occasions my tent had a rip in it. The first lodge in Uganda was a trek to my room . it is not good when you are feeling ill .
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/16/2023
Gail G. - Traveled, August 2023
I personally loved travelling with G Adventures but this tour was less than acceptable for some. I knew it was camping (which means sleeping on the ground and having to trot off to find the toilettes and such) but for some it was a shamefully despicable. I would recommend that in future that those signed up be seriously questioned as to their suitability to take this style of travel. Because of their unhappiness (although they loved the animals), they made everyone else miserable including the CEO. (He tried as well as some others of the group to appease, to fruition).
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/16/2023
Lisa C. - Traveled, August 2023
G is good value for money. They also include support of locals.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/09/2023
Michael H. - Traveled, August 2023
The trips are well constructed and fit for purpose.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/26/2023
Allyson R. - Traveled, August 2023
The tours are well organized and affordable
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/19/2023
Katherine P. - Traveled, July 2023
Everything was well planned and executed. CEIs, drivers and cook were friendly and good at their jobs.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/19/2023
Daniel R. - Traveled, July 2023
Some really great memories and experiences!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/19/2023
Sherraine E. - Traveled, July 2023
I've been with G Adventures before. Great service so far.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/12/2023
Richard P. - Traveled, July 2023
Very organized. Love the local tour guides and small groups.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/12/2023
Dolores F. - Traveled, July 2023
The first part was excellent in Kenya. Our guides and drivers could not be more helpful. Our chef was also amazing. The second part in Uganda was great but our guides were not as good as our first guides.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/12/2023
Liam F. - Traveled, July 2023
Good trip but on the second half of the trip the optional activities should be included especially the boat safari, as these are not really optional activities.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/12/2023
Raymond D. - Traveled, July 2023
There was a few minor issues with the vans on the second half of the tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/05/2023
Lisa F. - Traveled, August 2023
There was a few things that occurred during the trip that I thought were very negative and spoilt the trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/05/2023
Amy P. - Traveled, July 2023
The trip was incredible. The cost per person to do this alone would have been double. Rose in Kenya made our trip the best!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/29/2023
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