Premium Uganda, Rwanda & Kenya

13 Days | Discover incredible wildlife and resilient culture in Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya

4.4 out of 5 based on 5 reviews submitted.
Wildlife
From
NZD $19,545

Wild dreams come true on a 13-day Premium journey through Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. Enter the world of rare mountain gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and spend a day tracking and observing these endearing creatures. See sombre reminders of Kigali’s devastating past, watch local life play out on the streets and witness a beautiful country that's continuously striving to move forward. Explore the vast plains of the Masai Mara from the comfort of four-wheel drive Landcruisers, with an expert local leader at the helm, meet Maasai warriors and learn about their way of life. This unforgettable journey is sure to stay etched on your mind forever.

Trip overview

Map of Premium Uganda, Rwanda & Kenya including Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda
Start
Kigali, Rwanda
Finish
Nairobi, Kenya
Theme
Wildlife
Destinations
Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Premium
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
YGPKC
This trip generates 45 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.
Premium accommodationOur best 4-star accommodation and the highest level of service
Premium experiencesAll must-see locations plus authentic experiences exclusive to Premium
Premium knowledgeTrips led by our most experienced and highest-rated local leaders

Why you'll love this trip
  • With your gorilla permit included in the price of the trip, spend a day through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to get close to Uganda's rare mountain gorillas for an unforgettable hour. There’s also a chance to do a second trek that can be booked on request at an additional cost. Please refer to the itinerary for more details.
  • Get close to nature with two fantastic Feature Stays – a gorilla lodge in in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and a safari camp with easy access to the Masai Mara Game Reserve.
  • Join an intimate fireside chat with a field veterinarian from The Gorilla Doctors and discover how they are saving the species one gorilla patient at a time.
  • Visit a local Maasai community known for championing Maasai women’s health and education. During this Exclusive Experience, you’ll be welcomed by traditional Maasai warrior song and dance and learn about this remarkable and ancient culture.
  • Enjoy Exclusive Experiences as you visit Elsamere Conservation Centre to learn the story of Elsa and their conservation trust over a high tea lunch, then spot hippos and unique birdlife on a boat trip on Lake Naivasha.

Is this trip right for you?
  • Tracking gorillas in the dense forest can sometimes be wet, humid, muddy and uncomfortable. The terrain is by no means easy either, so it can be pretty strenuous walking. You need to be prepared and fit enough to walk up to 4 hours up and down hills (perhaps pack some gardening gloves to assist in any up-hill climbs). But the sheer thrill of coming across a habituated group of gorillas, dominated by a great male silverback, more than outweighs any difficulty.
  • The gorilla trek is a shared activity. You may be split into different groups according to fitness level, and be accompanied by other travellers on your trek. However there will only be a maximum of 8 people per gorilla family, plus a local Uganda Wildlife Ranger, and trackers.
  • Purpose-built 4WD Safari Landcruisers are used for the duration of the trip.
  • As the early bird catches the worm, the early camper sights the animals. There will be many some starts either to make use of the better safari time or to beat the morning traffic on long travel days.
  • There's a long drive from Lake Mburo to Bwindi (approximately 6 hours) with plenty stops to rest and take photos, the journey will be just as beautiful as the destination.

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Itinerary

Map of Premium Uganda, Rwanda & Kenya including Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda

Inclusions

Meals

12 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners

Transport

4WD vehicles, Plane, Boat, Private Vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nights), Eco-Lodge (3 nights), Lodge (3 nights), Permanent Tented Camp (3 nights)

Premium Inclusions
  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
  • Luggage transfer
  • Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
  • 24/7 on-ground support
Activities
  • Kigali - Welcome Dinner
  • Kigali - Genocide Memorial Centre
  • Kigali - City Tour
  • Kigali - Local Food Lunch
  • Kigali - Kimironko Market Visit
  • Kigali - Ntarama Church Guided Tour
  • Bwindi - Gorilla Doctors Veterinarian Educational Talk
  • Bwindi National Park - Mountain Gorilla Permit & Trek
  • Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - Buniga Batwa Cultural Trail
  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer
  • Nairobi - Welcome Dinner
  • Lake Naivasha - Boat trip
  • Lake Naivasha - Elsamere Conservation Centre
  • Loita Hills - Cultural talk and village visit
  • Masai Mara - Sundowner and snacks
  • Masai Mara - Full Day 4x4 Game Drive
  • Masai Mara - Afternoon 4x4 Game Drive
Optional activities
  • Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - Nombe Forest Pocket (5-6hrs) - USD120
  • Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - Trek To The Top of The World (2-3hrs) - USD50
  • Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - Coffee Tour & Lake Mutanda Canoe (6-7hrs) - USD120
  • Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - Gorilla Buffer Zone Walk (2-3hrs) - USD50
  • Nairobi - City Experience Urban Adventure - USD55
  • Masai Mara National Reserve - Balloon ride (from price) - USD625
  • Masai Mara - Half Day Game Drive - USD80
  • Masai Mara National Reserve - Guided Walking Safari - USD30

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. This trip requires a higher non-refundable deposit (AUD1000, USD1000, EUR800, NZD1250, GBP650, CAD1000, ZAR8000, CHF900) in order to secure the included gorilla permit. Please note that we need to confirm availability of a gorilla permit if you are booking within 45 days of departure. The additional deposit paid at time of booking will be credited to the final balance of your booking.
2. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
4. Depending on the departure date, we may use other luxury camps for our Feature Stay in Kenya, including Zebra Plains, Mara Engai, Amani Mara or Fig Tree Camp.
5. This trip finishes after lunch in Nairobi on Day 13. Please do not book any flights out of Nairobi International Airport (JKIA) until after 8pm this evening. A departure transfer can be booked for an additional cost.
6. An optional sunrise balloon ride in the Masai Mara is possible on this itinerary. Please see the itinerary above for full details of this activity. As the balloon only holds 16 people, places are limited and we recommend you book in advance. Please inquire when booking your trip to book this optional activity.
7. Please note that the Gorilla Permit included is only valid for one day on Day 4. For those who are interested for a second trek, please consult your booking agent about purchasing the second Gorilla Permit.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.4 out of 5 based on 5 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Sheridan · Traveled August 2024
Review submitted 19 Aug 2024

Frances · Traveled June 2024
Review submitted 15 Jul 2024

Andrew · Traveled August 2022
Review submitted 17 Sep 2022

Michaella · Traveled June 2022
Review submitted 10 Jun 2022

Andrew · Traveled February 2022
Review submitted 12 Feb 2022
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