From CAD 5,494 Was CAD 6,105
Guarantee
Small Group
Average
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
A close encounter with gentle giants on a gorilla safari in Uganda is an extraordinary experience that will always stay with you. On this 16-day overland African camping adventure, you’ll roam the verdant plains, rainforests, papyrus-fringed lakes and acacia woodlands of Kenya and Uganda’s game parks, from Queen Elizabeth National Park to the Masai Mara Reserve. Spot lions, rhinos, antelopes, hippos, leopards and more in their natural habitats. If you’re looking for a trip that has it all when it comes to African wildlife, this is the trip for you! Take an adventure with a knowledgeable local leader and get the best chance to spot the Big Five, the Small Five, the Ugly Five and all your favourites from the Lion King!
Highlights
- Trek through Uganda's steamy forests to seek out rare mountain gorillas and spend an unforgettable hour in their presence with the help of expert rangers and trackers.
- Head out on an early evening game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, which is particularly famous for its rhino population.
- Spend a few days at your own pace in Jinja, which can be a relaxing riverside retreat or an adrenaline-pumping adventure capital, depending on your mood.
- Look out for lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes and more as an expert driver guide take you on a 4WD adventure through the incredible Masai Mara National Reserve for a full-day game drive.
- Meet the Maasai people known for their vibrant red dress and elaborate jewellery and gain an insight into the culture and ancient ways of this proud East African community.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Gorilla Doctors. Donations help them care for injured mountain and Grauer's gorillas – contributing to the long-term sustainability of gorilla populations.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3166
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Overland vehicle,4x4 Safari Vehicle
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Overland Expedition
Supplier Code: YXOG
Starts: Nairobi, Kenya
Finishes: Nairobi, Kenya
Duration: 16 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (15), Lunch (11), Dinner (14)Accommodation: Camping (with facilities) (13 nights),Hotel (1 night),Hotel with shared facilities (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 5494 (CAD 343 /day)
Itinerary
Jambo! Welcome to Kenya. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm in Nairobi. If you arrive early, why not head out and soak up the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the city. There are plenty of good bars and restaurants, as well as markets and shops packed with arts and crafts from the region. After the meeting tonight, maybe join your new travel companions for a welcome dinner and get to know each other.
Optional Activities:
- Nairobi - City Experience Urban Adventure (55 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Take in the spectacular views of the Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha and Elementaita on the drive north-west to Lake Nakuru National Park – situated in the heart of the Great Rift Valley. You’ll arrive in time for a short evening game drive along the shore of the lake. Lake Nakuru National Park is a small and compact area based around a lake that makes a great location for spotting wildlife. Along with the other members of the Big Five, Lake Nakuru is home to many rhinos and will therefore be the best chance to get a snap of these magnificent beasts.
Included Activities:
- Lake Nakuru - Overland Vehicle Game Drive
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Rise early, have some breakfast, break up camp and head out on an overland game drive as you leave the park. Eat lunch at the gate before driving northwest to Eldoret – one of Kenya's fastest-growing cities. Due to its high altitude, the town is an ideal training ground for middle and long-distance athletes and is home to some of Kenya's most famous runners. Tonight, enjoy a traditional dinner at your campsite located just outside Eldoret.
Included Activities:
- Lake Nakuru - Morning Overland Vehicle Game Drive
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll leave Kenya behind and cross the border into landlocked Uganda, travelling on to its capital city, Kampala. With a population of over 45 million, Uganda is a country of great cultural diversity and is one of the five countries that make up the East African Community. As today is a long travel day, take a break from setting up camp with a stay at a hotel tonight. After your long drive, sit down for a dinner prepared by the hotel before settling in for a good night’s rest.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel to Kalinzu Forest National Park today. Some of its inhabitants include chimpanzees, black and white colobuses, baboons, red-tailed monkeys, both blue and red duikers, bushbucks, waterbucks, giant forest hogs, buffalo and elephants. When you arrive, settle into your camp and perhaps stretch your legs and explore your surroundings with the rest of the group.
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, you have the option to take an excursion to see the chimpanzees of Kalinzu Forest. More closely related to humans than any other living creature, the chimpanzees are a delight to watch as they squabble and play in fruiting trees. You can also choose to soak in the sounds of the forest from the comfort of your tent. Later, take the short drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Once camp is set up, there's an option to take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel – well-known for pelicans, eagles and other birdlife, as well as a healthy population of hippos.
Optional Activities:
- Kalinzu Forest - Chimpanzee Trekking (205 USD)
- Queen Elizabeth National Park - Kazinga Channel boat cruise (30 USD)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, drive out of the Queen Elizabeth National Park on your way to the southwest tip of Uganda. On this short game drive, cross your fingers and look out for elephants, buffalo, Ugandan kobs and waterbucks. Arrive at the corner of Uganda, where the border touches Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. You’ll spend the night in Kisoro at a camp on the shore of Lake Mutanda, with views of the Virunga Mountain range. Tonight, relax and soak up the views, go for a swim off the small dock or go hunting for a glimpse of local weaver bird nests and African clawless otters.
Included Activities:
- Queen Elizabeth National Park - Overland Vehicle Game Drive
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Joined by a local ranger and gorilla trackers, you’ll climb through the rugged mountain terrain of Bwindi (translating to ‘dark’) Impenetrable National Park for the rare and exciting opportunity to encounter the gorilla families that live here. No more than eight people per day can visit any one habituated family and visits are strictly controlled to minimise disturbance. The terrain here can be quite strenuous, but the sheer thrill of coming across a group of gorillas dominated by a great male silverback more than outweighs the difficulty. Watch them eat, sleep, groom and play as the giant silverback surveys the scene and the smaller ones laze in the trees or play and be struck by the similarities between gorillas and humans.
Included Activities:
- Bwindi National Park - Mountain Gorilla Permit & Trek
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
If you didn’t get to complete your gorilla visit yesterday, you’ll head out today. With your free day, your leader will provide you with options and ideas on how you can spend your time in the area around Kisoro. You can head out on more rainforest hikes to see monkeys, take some nature walks, or perhaps take a day excursion over the border to Rwanda to visit the genocide memorial, art museum and Nyamirambo women’s center. However, please ensure you have a Rwanda or East Africa visa.
Optional Activities:
- Kisoro - Golden Monkey Trekking (160 USD)
- Kisoro - Rwanda Day Excursion - From (75 USD)
- Kisoro - Batwa Village Visit (35 USD)
- Kisoro - Coffee Farm Tour (35 USD)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, you’ll turn back towards the capital of Kampala and embark on a bit of a travel day. You’ll break up the journey at the pit-stop town of Mbarara for the night. There’s not much to do around Mbarara, so tonight’s a great opportunity to recharge, get stuck into a book or relax at the camp.
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you'll continue your journey inland, travelling towards Jinja. The Jinja region is one of the highlights of any visit to Uganda – a riverside retreat at the source of the Nile that’s also the adventure capital of the country. Tonight, you’ll camp at a scenic riverside site and enjoy a good night’s rest ready for tomorrow's adventures.
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Located at the source of the Nile as it leaves Lake Victoria, Jinja is a place for the adventurer, the adrenaline junkie and the eco-traveller. Enjoy a full free day here to explore at your own pace, with a bunch of optional activities to choose. Maybe get active with some whitewater rafting or float along the river on a kayak. You can also opt for a boat cruise to the source of the Nile, to enjoy the river from a new perspective.
Optional Activities:
- Jinja - River Nile whitewater rafting (full day) (140 USD)
- Jinja - Nile Boat Cruise (40 USD)
- Jinja - Source of River Nile tour (45 USD)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Farewell Uganda and begin the journey back to Kenya and Nairobi, stopping overnight at the town of Kericho – one of Kenya’s most popular towns due to its tranquil surroundings, blanketed by thick tea plantations and evergreens. Sitting at the edge of the South-Western Mau National Reserve and is known for its vast tea estates. When you arrive, visit a tea plantation and learn about the tea farming process from the locals themselves.
Included Activities:
- Kericho - Tea plantation visit
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, drive to the famous Masai Mara National Park. Stop in Loita Hills on the way, home of the traditional Maasai people, and visit Tepesua Village. You’ll be welcomed by Maasai warriors through traditional song and dance. Meet your Maasai hosts and listen to a talk full of insights into the remarkable ancient culture. The Tepesua Community was formed with the aim of promoting education, empowering women (including widows and vulnerable women in the community) as well as promoting community development. There are multiple projects that aim to educate boys and girls and support women’s development and empowerment, focusing especially on the village mamaas (widows). Learn how the community creates job opportunities for the youths in the village and meet the women who make eco-friendly handbags and backpacks to sell to visiting travellers and locals. Travel on to the Masai Mara – with sparse open plains, dramatic skies and the world's most iconic animals living within its boundaries, this is the quintessential African experience. Explore this diverse environment and view a multitude of wildlife on an early evening 4WD game drive with expert local driver guides.
Included Activities:
- Masai Mara National Reserve - 4x4 Game Drive
- Loita Hills - Maasai Village Visit
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, maybe take an optional balloon ride over the Mara at sunrise. If you’ve pre-booked this activity, you’ll be picked up before dawn and driven to the launch site for a safety briefing from your pilot. You’ll then glide through the skies, sometimes at tree height, for some amazing photo opportunities. After landing, you'll be treated to a bush breakfast before meeting up with the rest of the group. Today you’ll venture into the Masai Mara National Reserve with expert local driver guides for a day-long 4WD safari. You'll explore this diverse environment and most likely see a multitude of wildlife.
Included Activities:
- Masai Mara National Reserve - Full Day 4x4 Game Drive
Optional Activities:
- Masai Mara National Reserve - Balloon ride (from price) (625 USD)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Return to the bustling metropolis of Nairobi today. When you arrive, you'll be dropped off at your finishing point hotel, where your trip ends. If you'd like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent.
Similar Experiences
Uganda Overland: Gorillas & Chimps
9 Days from CAD 3,999
Gorillas, Game Parks & Beaches
27 Days from CAD 7,695
Beaches, Game Parks & Gorillas
27 Days from CAD 7,695
Chimps & Gorillas of Uganda
11 Days from CAD 6,240
National Parks
12 Days from CAD 4,899
National Parks
14 Days from CAD 4,899
Premium East Africa in Depth
21 Days from CAD 21,130
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Rabia - Traveled, March 2024
I embarked on the Gorilla trekking with intrepid , the whole 16 days adventure did not disappoint. The team leader was enthusiastic , empathetic and completely knowledgeable of the trip which was advantageous in us making the most of each min, hour and day. The whole trip was priceless, as a cohesive group we continually laughed from morning to bed time , even early starts of 4am didn't deter that. I am in my 50s at times challenging it was so doable , the continued support and encouragement from each other and our leader had a massive impact I would highly anyone to just go for it , take yourself out of your comfort zone you'll never look back. I have travelled extensively for most of my life but going with intrepid it gave me more confidence as a women in her 50s that I can continually travel for many many more years with support, reassurance and that's priceless
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/01/2024
Katherine - Traveled, March 2024
This was one of the most wholesome and rewarding experiences I've ever done. We had an amazing crew to guide us through an incredibly eventful 16 days packed full of wildlife sightings and local culture - even the long drives were made easy and fun due to the comradery of the group.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/01/2024
Aine - Traveled, March 2024
Zach, Nicki and Sam were the dream team and really made our trip. Seeing the gorillas up close was a once in a lifetime experience and something I will remember forever. The game drives were amazing and we saw so much wildlife!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/18/2024
Nicola (Nikki) - Traveled, March 2024
This is a fabulous trip, and would like to thank Zach, Nic and Sam for being such an awesome team. The information provided (aside from some of the additional excursion costs) were accurate, with many varied experiences, lots of fabulous wildlife and a great group of fellow travellers.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/17/2024
Bronwyn - Traveled, February 2024
Was the most amazing holiday ever. The crew was extremely professional, helpful and friendly. The animals, scenery and landscapes mind blowing. And I have become firm friends with my fellow travellers . Gine it 10 out of 10 and highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/03/2024
Avalon - Traveled, February 2024
This trip was amazing! I absolutely loved the trip and the leaders we had - Mambo , Sandie and John were all very sociable and have made great friends with them all. The gorillas was the highlight and such an incredible experience and would definitely do again. The equipment used for camping was great and I was very happy with the truck, the tents and the mattresses. I would highly recommend the trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/24/2024
Michael - Traveled, February 2024
Awesome trip, but there are some long driving days and you are constantly on the go. The gorillas and game parks make it all worth while.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/18/2024
Sarah - Traveled, February 2024
If gorilla trekking is on your bucket list, this is the trip for you. We had amazing wildlife experiences and learnt so much about Ugandan and Kenyan culture. Mambo, Sandie and John were amazing and we could not have asked for a better team!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/18/2024
Michelle - Traveled, February 2024
This was an excellent way to see East Africa. I would definitely recommend this trip. At all times we felt safe & we were able to explore places we may not have been able to. Our tour leader, cook & driver were excellent we were one big family.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/18/2024
Avalon - Traveled, February 2024
This trip was amazing! I absolutely loved the trip and the leaders we had - Mambo , Sandie and John were all very sociable and have made great friends with them all. The gorillas was the highlight and such an incredible experience and would definitely do again. The equipment used for camping was great and I was very happy with the truck, the tents and the mattresses. I would highly recommend the trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/24/2024
Jessica - Traveled, February 2024
Fantastic trip - we saw an incredible amount of wildlife on the game drives, the cultural experiences were great, and out group leader’s positivity and planning helped create a great group dynamic.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/18/2024
Alex - Traveled, February 2024
The Gorillas and Game Parks trip was one of the best tours I have ever been on. I went on this trip with the sole purpose of seeing the gorillas but everyday was excellent and I have come away with so many amazing memories and experiences that I will treasure for life. I would like to thank the crew, Patrick, Tim and Francis as they were instrumental in making the trip as special as it was to me. They were an excellent team, working seamlessly behind the scenes to ensure we had the best time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/21/2024
Kevin - Traveled, December 2023
Brilliant, well organised trip which takes you to places in Kenya and Uganda you would perhaps not visit on your own.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/14/2024
Ellen - Traveled, March 2024
This trip was incredible, so many memorable wildlife encounters, especially the Chimps, Gorillas and Golden Monkeys! This is the third intrepid trip I have done and the best so far! I felt so lucky to have Dolly as our guide, he was absolutely fantastic. So kind and patient and really looked after us all. Everything was well organized and went smoothly. It was really special to be on a trip with the first female overland truck driver (Becky is amazing!). There is a lot of long drives but they're worth it and the truck is very comfy!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/02/2024
Geordie - Traveled, December 2023
True to the title, the gorillas and game parks (particularly Maasai Mara) were huge highlights on this trip. The drive days were long and quite numerous, but quickly forgotten. An incredible, once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/16/2024
Darcey - Traveled, December 2023
Gorillas and Game parks, just wow. Despite not being able to get to the chimpanzees due to travel restrictions, we had the most extraordinary time in Uganda and Kenya. Uganda is beautiful, and not just its gorillas, albeit trekking with them is one of the most incredible things I have done in my life. The food, drives and comradely was lovely, and made the trip that more perfect. Kenya was full of culture and game parks, our time with the Masai memorable and the Masai Mara incredible. If you want to read about my trip with intrepid from Cape Town to Gorillas (made up of 4 trips), head to www.Darceymae.com (the password is: thankyou) or my instagram: @darceymae__ and feel free to send me any messages!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/15/2024
Kevin - Traveled, December 2023
Brilliant, well organised trip which takes you to places in Kenya and Uganda you would perhaps not visit on your own.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/14/2024
Kevvin - Traveled, December 2023
Meeting the local villages, the safari game drive and last but not least the gorilla trek is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Everyone should do it and get outdoors!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/07/2024
Holly - Traveled, December 2023
If you love the outdoors, wildlife and don’t mind long drives, this trip is for you! The tents provided are easy to set up and are of great quality that can withstand harsh weather conditions, but you more than often also have the option to upgrade to hotel rooms, dorms or glamping tents which are quite nice in most places. After the gorilla trek, I got a massage at the hotel we were camping at and it was exactly what I needed (expect sore muscles from your trekking, it is a tough, muddy & steep trek but all that is forgotten when you see the gorillas! So don’t let the intensity deter you from missing out on this experience because it couldn’t be more worth it!). The white water rafting and balloon ride seem expensive but you certainly get your moneys worth! They will spoil you with food and for the ballon ride the bottomless breakfast with the backdrop of the wild animals in the National park is just spectacular. Be sure to include these in your budget because they were a highlight for me (especially when they flipped our raft on the Nile. I know it sounds scary but there are so many safety people there that it’s just fun! - face your fears like I did.) Just a word of warning, DO get your visas when you book, you will forget about them and it’s a long process because the Kenyan website is trash. The government says you don’t need one anymore after 1st Jan 2024 but they still checked our visas at the boarder on the 2nd. I’m just skeptical because we had such issues with the visa.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/07/2024
Aoife - Traveled, December 2023
We had the dream team of our guide Darlene, cook Eve and driver Dan. They each brought good humour, friendliness and professionalism to the trip. There were so many highlights in this trip: amazing wildlife at Lake Nakauru and the Masai Mara, the trek to see the gorillas where we got up close, hot air balloon and champagne breakfast, the stay at the Masai village and white water rafting on the Nile. I highly recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/17/2023
Share a personalized trip brochure!
Why book with us?
Best Rate Guarantee
Mytours.Travel makes sure you always have the best available rate
Best Selection
The best operators from around the world
Trusted Payments
Secure payments with Stripe
Expert Advice
Our expert agents will assist you in booking the perfect experience