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Gorillas & Game Parks

16 Days | Encounter rare wildlife in the heart of East Africa

4.8 out of 5 based on 206 reviews submitted.
Overland
Wildlife
From
GBP £2,588
View dates and book

A close encounter with gentle giants on a gorilla safari in Uganda is an extraordinary experience that will always stay with you – and it's just one of the many wildlife sightings this unforgettable trip. 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, chimps, antelopes, hippos, leopards and more in their natural habitats. The staggeringly beautiful African landscape will provide memories that last a lifetime.

Trip overview

Map of Gorillas & Game Parks including Kenya and Uganda
Start
Nairobi, Kenya
Finish
Nairobi, Kenya
Theme
Overland, Wildlife
Destinations
Uganda, Kenya
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
Basix
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 22
Trip code
YXOG
This trip generates 43 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.

Why you'll love this trip
  • With permits included in your trip, take a 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.

Is this trip right for you?
  • Tracking gorillas in the dense forest can sometimes be wet, muddy and uncomfortable. The terrain is by no means easy either, so it can be strenuous and often humid. But the sheer thrill of coming across a habituated group of gorillas, dominated by a great male silverback, more than outweighs any difficulty. You need to be prepared and fit enough to walk up to four hours – up and down hills. A top tip is to pack some gardening gloves to assist in any uphill climbs. See https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/gorilla-trekking for more information.
  • This is an overland trip. That means you’ll be travelling with a group in a purpose-built vehicle, visiting remote communities, setting up your own tent, occasionally roughing it in the bush with no facilities, and getting the best possible views of the Big Five. While the trucks don’t have air conditioning, they do have sliding windows which let in the breeze and make it even easier to take spectacular snaps of the local wildlife. The drive days can be long, but it’s as much about the journey as the destination, and half the fun is the camaraderie. For more info on this style of travel, see our Africa overland page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/africa/overland
  • This trip is predominantly a camping experience, giving you access to more remote destinations at close proximity, and the joy of experiencing the elements.
  • This is a participatory trip – a fancy way of saying you’re not just along for the ride, but you are part of a team! Be prepared to roll up your sleeves and help out with camp activities like food prep and washing up. It’s all about giving your new travel mates a hand, and everyone knows there’s nothing worse than trying to put up a tent on your own!
  • As the early bird catches the worm, so the early camper sights the animals. There will be many early starts either to make better use of the safari time or to beat the morning traffic on long travel days.

Itinerary

Map of Gorillas & Game Parks including Kenya and Uganda

Inclusions

Meals

15 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 14 dinners

Transport

Overland vehicle, 4x4 Safari Vehicle

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (13 nights), Hotel (1 night), Hotel with shared facilities (1 night)

Activities
  • Lake Nakuru - Overland Vehicle Game Drive
  • Lake Nakuru - Morning Overland Vehicle Game Drive
  • Queen Elizabeth National Park - Overland Vehicle Game Drive
  • Bwindi National Park - Mountain Gorilla Permit & Trek
  • Kericho - Tea plantation visit
  • Masai Mara National Reserve - 4x4 Game Drive
  • Loita Hills - Maasai Village Visit
  • Masai Mara National Reserve - Full Day 4x4 Game Drive
Add on activities
  • Nairobi - City Experience Urban Adventure - USD55
  • Kalinzu Forest - Chimp trek - USD130
  • Queen Elizabeth National Park - Kazinga Channel boat cruise - USD30
  • Kisoro - Trek With Golden Monkeys Permit & Guide (from price) - USD100
  • Kisoro - Lake & Famstead Bicycle Tour - USD50
  • Kisoro - Rwanda Day Excursion - From - USD75
  • Kisoro - Batwa Village Visit - USD35
  • Kisoro - Coffee Farm Tour - USD35
  • Jinja - River Nile whitewater rafting (full day) - USD140
  • Jinja - Nile Boat Cruise - USD40
  • Jinja - Source of River Nile tour - USD45
  • Masai Mara National Reserve - Balloon ride (from price) - USD500

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1.This trip requires a higher non-refundable deposit (AUD 1000, USD 1000, EUR 800, NZD 1250, GBP 650, CAD 1000, ZAR 8000, CHF 900) 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 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.
3. This trip finishes upon arrival in Nairobi on Day 16. Please do not book any flights until after 10 pm this evening.
4.Some governments currently have increased foreign travel advice around security in place for Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda. Please check your government’s foreign travel advice before departure and ensure your travel insurance covers all destinations and activities on your itinerary.

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

4.8 out of 5 based on 206 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.

Filter by rating

Tatjana · Traveled February 2024
Review submitted 03 Mar 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.
Review submitted 03 Mar 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.
Review submitted 18 Feb 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.
Review submitted 18 Feb 2024

Bruce · Traveled February 2024
Well what a trip. African safari ticked and done with great delight. Awesome experiences inspiring scenery and amazing locals made this trip outstanding all with the assistance of a fabulous crew throughout Thanks Mumbo John and Sandy Safari 2024
Review submitted 18 Feb 2024
Gorillas & Game Parks
From
GBP £2,588