This Kenya & Uganda wildlife adventure is a nature lover’s dream tour combining gorilla and chimpanzee tracking in addition to incredible game drives!
Kenya and Uganda’s dramatic geography has resulted in a great range of natural habitats, harbouring a huge variety of wildlife. Both on and off the tourist routes, you’ll find warmth and openness, and an abundance of spectacular scenery from rolling savanna dotted with Maasai herds and wild animals to the dense forests full of primates swinging and birds singing. Spending time with these majestic, vulnerable creatures, is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Track the “Big 5” across the endless plains of Kenya’s Maasai Mara to the unique ecosystem of several incredible Rift Valley lakes. Your driver/guides are experts at tracking wildlife so keep your cameras handy. In Uganda, you will have the experience of a lifetime opportunity to spend an hour with the majestic Mountain Gorillas as well as chimpanzees.
Contact us for custom tour details! Please note that this is a Sample Itinerary and can be altered to best suit your travel needs.
Highlights
STARTS AT
USD per Person
THIS IS A CUSTOMIZABLE ITINERARY FOR GROUPS OF ALL SIZES.
DATES ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.
DAY 1: WELCOME TO NAIROBI, KENYA
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be transferred to your for a rest and overnight.
No meals included today.
Overnight: Tamarind Tree (or similar)
Meals: -/-/-
DAY 2: Lake Nakuru National Park – 160kms, 3hrs
After breakfast drive into the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park. Arrive at Lion Hill Lodge for lunch.
The most famous of the Great Rift Valley lakes, Lake Nakuru is renowned for its magnificent birdlife, especially the flamingos which seasonally flock there to be deemed ‘the greatest bird spectacle on earth’. Its alkaline waters, the pink-frosted shores and sky-mirrored waters of Lake Nakuru yield some of the most evocatively beautiful photo-images in Africa. This 188 square kilometre park is a paradise for those who are particularly interested in ornithology and also offers the opportunity to see both white and black rhinos, the rare Rothchild’s giraffe, large herds of cape buffalo, and an abundance of various plains game.
Sightings of leopard resting in the branches of acacia trees are very common images.
Overnight: Lion Hill Lodge or Similar (Standard Room)
Meals: B/L/D
DAY 3: Maasai Mara National Reserve – 300kms, 6.5hrs
After breakfast drive to Maasai Mara National Reserve – home to lion, elephant, cheetah, buffalo, zebra, antelope and giraffe. Arrive at Sentrim Mara Camp for lunch.
Teaming with wildlife, the Mara is famous for the large herds of elephant and buffalo that meander its plains; also for the fat pods of hippo that wallow in its mud-brown rivers. Other stars of the reserve include the distinctive Maasai giraffe, plum-coloured topi, Coke’s hartebeest, Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelle, zebra, impala, Kirk’s dik-dik, bushbuck, waterbuck, and red duiker. The Maasai Mara also boasts plentiful Nile crocodiles, monitor lizards, baboons, vervet monkeys, blue and red-tailed monkeys, nocturnal bush babies, and tree hyrax plus a plethora of resident and migratory birds.
Afternoon game drive.
Overnight: Sentrim Mara Camp or similar
Meals: B/L/D
DAY 4 & 5: Maasai Mara National Reserve
TWO DAYS with morning and afternoon game drives in this 1800-sq-km game reserve of rolling plains, woodlands and rivers that make up the Maasai Mara triangle – one of the world’s richest wildlife sanctuaries. The camp has spectacular views of the surrounding landscape of the wildlife and birdlife that inhabit the park.
Overnight: Sentrim Mara Camp or Similar
Meals: B/L/D
DAY 6: Lake Naivasha – 250km, 5.5hrs
This morning we proceed to Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake and the highest of the string of lakes that glitter down the vast trench of the Great Rift Valley. Towered over by the brooding bulk of Mount Longonot (2 776 m), and featuring a submerged volcanic island known as Crescent Island, this beautiful lake is best known for its high numbers of water birds.
This afternoon we will take a boat trip to Crescent Island, now preserved as wildlife sanctuary, where we’ll walk among giraffe, wildebeests, zebra, and impala.
giraffes
Overnight: Fish Eagle Inn* or Similar
Meals: B/L/D
DAY 7: Flight Nairobi to Entebbe
Early breakfast and drive to Nairobi for 11.40 hrs flight to Entebbe. On the shores of gorgeous Lake Victoria, Entebbe is an attractive, lush town that served as the capital city during the early years of the British protectorate. Today it’s the relaxed pace of life and nearby natural attractions that give the city its charm rather than any notable colonial relics.
Upon arrival at the Entebbe Int’l Airport, you will be met and transferred to Cassia Lodge for overnight (Lunch and dinner not included)
Overnight: Cassia Lodge or similar
Meals: B/-/-
DAY 8: Kibale Forest Reserve – 6 – 7 hrs drive
After breakfast drive to Kibale Forest Reserve in Western Uganda, through a very scenic route through tea plantations and dense forests. Arrive at Kibale Forest Lodge outside the town of Fort Portal for lunch.
Kibale Forest Reserve is a 795-sq-km national park located just outside Fort Portal and made up of dense tropical rainforest, within which dwell enormous numbers of primates. Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight: Kibale Forest Lodge or similar
Meals: B/-/-
DAY 9: Kibale Forest Reserve – Chimps
Today, either full-day chimpanzee habituation experience (MUST be booked in advance) OR normal trek……
There are 4950 chimpanzees within Uganda, Kibale Forest alone has the most with almost 1500 Chimpanzees.
Normal Trek; after breakfast, you are transferred to the park headquarters for registration, enter the forest in search of the cheeky chimpanzees, return to the lodge for lunch. Afternoon guided swamp walk.
Habituation (Full Day); an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the Kanyanchu Visitor’s Centre to attend the morning briefing on Chimpanzee Habituation. From here, you depart with a researcher and ranger (could be 2 or more, max clients allowed 6 pax) will lead you through the forest as they search for the troop of chimpanzees. On sighting the chimps, you will spend time with them, following them up to their nests and etc. You will have packed lunches, and the return to the lodge will be late in the afternoon at approx… 1800 hours (extra cost for habituation)
Accommodation: Kibale Forest Lodge or similar
Meals: B/L/D
DAY 10: Queen Elizabeth National Park – 4 hrs drive
After breakfast, you will drive southwards via Kasese, brief stop at the Equator crossing. Proceed cutting across the Queen Elizabeth National Park to the southern tip of the park, Ishasha sector.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is understandably Uganda’s most popular tourist destination. The park’s diverse ecosystems, which include sprawling savanna, shady, humid forests, sparkling lakes and fertile wetlands, make it the ideal habitat for classic big game, ten primate species including chimpanzees and over 600 species of birds.
Set against the backdrop of the jagged Rwenzori Mountains, the park’s magnificent vistas include dozens of enormous craters carved dramatically into rolling green hills, panoramic views of the Kazinga Channel with its banks lined with hippos, buffalo and elephants, and the endless Ishasha plains, whose fig trees hide lions ready to pounce on herds of unsuspecting Uganda kob.
Check in for lunch at The Bush Lodge. Late afternoon game drives in search of the famous tree-climbing lions……
Morning game drive in the park, teeming with plains game including elephants, warthogs, Uganda kob, buffalos, lions, leopards and hippos.
Lunch at the lodge. Afternoon safari cruise on the Kazinga Channel. From the boat you will be able to see hippos, buffalos, elephants and lots of birds.
Accommodation: The Bush Lodge or similar
Meals: B/L/D
DAY 12 & 13: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Reserve – Gorillas
Morning breakfast at the lodge and have another game drive in search of the Elephants, birds and other wildlife.
Check out and drive through the park, arriving at Buhoma sector of the Impenetrable Forest in time for lunch at Mutanda Lake Resort. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the Rift Valley. Its mist-covered hillsides are blanketed by one of Uganda’s oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests, which dates back over 25,000 years and contains almost 400 species of plants. More famously, this “impenetrable forest” also protects an estimated 400 mountain gorillas – roughly half of the world’s population, including several habituated groups, which can be tracked.
This biologically diverse region also provides shelter to a further 120 mammals, including several primate species such as baboons and chimpanzees, as well as elephants and antelopes. There are around 350 species of birds hosted in this forest, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics.
Afternoon at leisure to prepare for next day’s gorilla trek.
Accommodation: Mutanda Lake Resort or similar
Meals: B/L/D
DAY 13: DEPARTURE DAY
Breakfast and drive back to Entebbe airport for your departure flight (10-12 hours)
(Option to fly from Bwindi to Entebbe: Add US$400.00 per person – You will be transferred to Kihihi airstrip for your morning schedule flight at 0945 hours to Entebbe, upon arrival at 1125 hours, met and assisted to connect your onward flight).
Thanks for travelling with Finisterra!
Tour Exclusions
IMPORTANT NOTES
PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change. Although we always do our best to stick to the itinerary, due to the ever-changing nature of Mother Nature, activities, hotels, and visits are subject to change due to forces beyond our control.
GORILLA PERMITS
Gorilla permits and chimps permits are confirmed via payment of full amount to Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), who confirm the permits on first come first served basis, subject to availability at the time of payment.
NB:
a) Gorilla Permits based on current Government Park Tariffs. Park fees are subject to change without prior notice.
b) Gorilla permits are non-refundable – must be paid in full at time of booking
FLIGHTS: Please do not purchase your flights until your trip is confirmed.
PASSPORTS: Must be valid for at least 6 months upon return date to your home country. Proper documentation is the responsibility of each traveller.
VISAS & VACCINATIONS: Responsibility of the traveller.
Date: Custom Departure available upon request
Prices per participant based on Double / Twin accommodation (pricing may vary depending on season)
*Please note, the hotels and routing of this tour can be altered to best suit your needs. Pricing is based on 2 travellers (and will be reduced with more travellers).
Travel Insurance
Cancellation, Travel, Flight, and Health insurance are required and are the responsibility of the participant to research and secure the appropriate coverage. Click HERE for a Travel Insurance Quote or please email nicola@finisterra.ca for a quote.
Check with your local travel agent /insurance provider/health plan for advice about traveling overseas.
Waiver Form
All participants will be required to sign a Waiver Form prior to departure.
Please note that these are just sample hotels and all accommodation is subject to change. We can upgrade hotels for an additional fee.
Nairobi – Tamarind Hotel
Lake Nakuru – Lion Hill Lodge
Maasai Mara – Sentrim Mara Camp
Lake Naivasha – Fish Eagle Inn
Kibale Forest – Kibale Forest Lodge
Queen Elizabeth National Park – The Bush Lodge
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Reserve – Mutanda Lake Resort
Please Note that these are just sample hotels and can be upgraded to best suit your needs.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Even though we wish you a flawless trip, things can happen, especially nowadays. Make sure you are prepared with a Travel Insurance policy that is right for you. Finisterra recommends Manulife Insurance or John Hancock Please feel free to ask us about Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance, Cancel for Any Reason Policies, Travel Medical Insurance, or any other questions you may have.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR CANADIANS
Travel with confidence knowing that you’re covered with Manulife Insurance.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR AMERICANS – JOHN HANCOCK
Explore the world, stress-free, when you book travel insurance with John Hancock International.
WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
At Finisterra Travel we help you discover, push personal boundaries, and explore the unknown.
We are super passionate about sustainable, transformational, and adventure travel. Definitely not “armchair travellers”, we have firsthand experience of where you’ll be heading.No one wants to feel like a tourist which is why when we plan a custom travel experience for you, we strive to make your adventure as authentic as possible. We offer an array of Small Group Adventures & Custom Trips, and have something for every type of traveller.
Our unique itineraries are designed to best showcase some of our favourite destinations around Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, North America, and Europe. All itineraries are fully-customizable.Not your typical online travel agency, nor are we quite a tour operator, we are international travel designers with a flair for unique experiences. We’d love to hear from you!
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