Gorillas & Game Parks


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Encounter rare wildlife in the heart of East Africa
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 Maasai 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!
4.8
352 reviewsStart: Nairobi, Kenya
End: Nairobi, Kenya
- Duration
- 16 days
- Group size
- 1 to 22
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Basix
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Overland, Wildlife
- 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
Why you'll love this trip
- 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 Maasai 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.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025
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.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Nairobi - City Experience Urban Adventure - USD45
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Unfortunately, petty crime has become common in Nairobi and recently arrived visitors to the capital can often make for tempting targets. Your trip leader will verse you in a few worthwhile precautions at the welcome meeting. Some top tips are to get local advice on where to walk, keep valuables in a neck wallet or money belt or leave them secure in your hotel, and to not leave belongings unattended on chairs or the floor. Stay aware even when inside, as thieves and pickpockets have been known to operate indoors as well. There's no need to be paranoid but appearing vigilant is a great deterrent to would-be thieves.
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.
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Lake Nakuru - Overland Vehicle Game Drive
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Your camp tonight is located inside the park and has flush toilets and showers. Accommodation upgrades and wi-fi are not available.
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. Tonight, enjoy a traditional dinner at your campsite located just outside Eldoret.
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Lake Nakuru - Morning Overland Vehicle Game Drive
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
Your camp tonight has basic facilities and wi-fi. Upgrades are possible, subject to availability.
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.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Your travel time today will be approximately 10 hours.
Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park today. 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.
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Queen Elizabeth National Park - Kazinga Channel boat cruise - USD30
Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours.
Your camp tonight has basic facilities and wi-fi. Upgrades are possible, subject to availability.
This morning, enjoy a leisurely overland vehicle game drive and look out for elephants, buffalo, Ugandan kobs and waterbucks. Later, take the short drive to Kalinzu Forest National Park. 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.
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Queen Elizabeth National Park - Overland Vehicle Game Drive
Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour.
Your camp tonight has basic facilities and wi-fi. Upgrades are possible, subject to availability.
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. Then, make your way to the southwest tip 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.
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Kalinzu Forest - Chimpanzee Trekking - USD205
Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
Chimpanzee trekking is offered as a pre-booked service which will guarantee you a place. If you would rather wait and try to get a better price by booking this locally on the ground, you’re welcome to, but keep in mind that this is a popular activity, and places are limited.
Your camp tonight has wi-fi. Accommodation upgrades are not available. There is also a zip-line and high-ropes course, neither of which have passed our safety assessments. We strongly advise you not to use them.
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.
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Bwindi National Park - Mountain Gorilla Permit & Trek
You’ll be provided with a walking stick and the option to hire a porter who can carry your day pack and assist you on the trek. It costs USD 20 to hire a porter, plus an optional tip.
Hiring a porter not only makes your trek easier but also encourages local communities to embrace gorilla conservation and tourism. Some porters are ex-poachers who now recognize the value of gorilla conservation practices.
Your camp tonight has wi-fi. Accommodation upgrades are not available.
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.
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Kisoro - Golden Monkey Trekking - USD160
- Kisoro - Rwanda Day Excursion - From - USD75
- Kisoro - Batwa Village Visit - USD35
- Kisoro - Coffee Farm Tour - USD35
Optional activities require additional transport costs of approximately USD 150 that can be shared between 5 travellers.
The Golden Monkeys Trek is offered as a pre-booked service, which guarantees you a place. If you would rather wait and try to get a better price by booking locally, you are welcome to, but keep in mind that this is a popular activity, and places are limited.
The Rwanda day excursion price depends on the number of travellers. The van costs USD 480 for up to 6 travellers, and entrance fees and tipping are additional costs.
Your camp tonight has wi-fi. Accommodation upgrades are not available.
For safety reasons we are currently not offering any activities in Parc National des Volcans.
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.
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
Your camp tonight has basic facilities and wi-fi. Upgrades are possible, subject to availability.
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.
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
Your camp tonight has wi-fi, flush toilets and showers. Upgrades are possible, subject to availability.
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.
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Jinja - River Nile whitewater rafting (full day) - USD140
- Jinja - Nile Boat Cruise - USD40
- Jinja - Source of River Nile tour - USD45
The Source of the Nile boat cruise requires a minimum of 4 travellers.
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.
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Kericho - Tea plantation visit
Your travel time today will be approximately 9 hours.
Your camp tonight is on the grounds of a hotel. Upgrades are possible, subject to availability.
This morning, drive to the famous Maasai 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 Maasai 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.
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Masai Mara National Reserve - 4x4 Game Drive
- Loita Hills - Maasai Village Visit
Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
Your camp tonight does not have wi-fi. Upgrades are possible, subject to availability, and should be paid for in Kenyan Shillings.
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 Maasai 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.
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Masai Mara National Reserve - Full Day 4WD Safari
- Masai Mara National Reserve - Balloon ride (from price) - USD470
An optional balloon ride over the Mara at sunrise is offered as a pre-booked service, which guarantees you a place. If you would rather wait and try to get a better price by booking this locally on the ground, you are welcome to—but keep in mind that this is a popular activity, and places are limited.
You'll be picked up before dawn and taken to the launch site for a safety briefing with your pilot. As the sun rises, you'll drift through the sky, sometimes floating at tree level, offering incredible photo opportunities. At other times, you'll soar higher, taking in sweeping views of the vast plains and the early morning movements of the wildlife below. After landing, enjoy a bush breakfast before returning to camp to rejoin your group.
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.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
No accommodation is provided tonight, but we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
It's important not to book any outgoing international flights departing before 10 pm today.
Inclusions and activities
15 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 14 dinners
Overland Vehicle, 4WD Safari Vehicle
Camping (with facilities) (13 nights), Hotel (1 night), Hotel with shared facilities (1 night)
- 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 4WD Safari
- Nairobi - City Experience Urban Adventure - USD45
- Queen Elizabeth National Park - Kazinga Channel boat cruise - USD30
- Kalinzu Forest - Chimpanzee Trekking - USD205
- Kisoro - Golden Monkey Trekking - USD160
- 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) - USD470
This trip generates 16 kg of CO2-e per person per day
Learn more about our climate commitment.
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.
Before you book you should know
- No two journeys in Africa are identical. There will be many early starts either to make use of the better safari time or to beat the morning traffic on long travel days. Be prepared for travel times to be longer or shorter than advised. Weather and road conditions can change things significantly, so embrace the detours, shortcuts, and unforgettable moments along the way.
- 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 a participatory overland camping trip. That means you’ll be travelling with a group in a purpose-built vehicle, visiting remote communities, setting up your tent, helping out with camp chores, occasionally roughing it in the bush with no facilities, and getting the best possible views of iconic African wildlife. For more info on this style of travel, see our Africa overland page at intrepidtravel.com/africa/overland.
- This itinerary offers an optional second gorilla trek. If you're interested, we highly recommend that you book at least three weeks in advance to secure the permit. You’re also welcome to wait and arrange the permit locally, but they are limited and availability can’t be guaranteed. Please speak to your booking agent for more details.
- As this is part of a combination trip, some of your fellow travellers may have been travelling together prior to the start of this trip or might be continuing after. If you have more time to explore in East Africa, you may want to check out our Gorillas, Game Parks & Beaches tour.
Accommodation on this trip is mainly in two-person canvas dome tents with camping mattresses supplied.
The type and variety of accommodation are determined by conditions on each of our routes. Each route is different - on some, we use a mixture of campsites and wild camps; on others, we also use hotels. In Africa, it's not usually practical to camp when staying in towns and cities, so we use hotel accommodations and eat out in local restaurants.
There may be the occasional night stop when we stay on the grounds of a hotel or at a campsite, which may also have rooms/cabins available. In this case, there may be a choice of camping or upgrading to a room. Rooms cost approximately USD 40-100 per room per night for a twin room and cannot be pre-booked. Standards of these rooms vary greatly, and we recommend viewing the room before purchasing the night's accommodation. The day-by-day itinerary advises when upgrades may be possible (subject to availability).
Keep in mind that if we are staying in dormitory accommodation, you may have to share with other passengers or be split into same-sex rooms.
Campsites do have facilities, but they usually aren't to the same standard you would find in Western countries. For example, the bathroom facilities can be very basic. Toilet paper is rarely provided, and shower facilities can be as simple as a hose pipe spurting out cold water. Wild camps have no facilities at all.
At times, there may be spare tents in the vehicles. Unfortunately, these cannot be used without the purchase of a single supplement. This is to ensure the tents avoid wear and tear or are clean and ready for the customers arriving on the next section of the trip.
Hillpark Hotel
Lower Hill Rd
Upper Hill
Nairobi
0100
KENYA
Description
Hillpark Hotel, features an outdoor heated swimming pool, a restaurant and a bar. Guests can enjoy the convenience of a 24-hour front desk reception, room service, gym and complimentary WiFi. Rooms are equipped with a coffee making facilities and a flat screen TV.
Instructions
If you have pre-booked a transfer please look out for our representative holding an Intrepid board with your name at the arrival terminal. If you fail to see our representative, please call +254 733 523 813 and our reservations team in Kenya will be able to assist. If you are making your own way to the hotel, there is a taxi stand outside the airport building. A taxi should cost approximately US$25-30, and can be paid in Kenyan Shillings or US dollars.
Dates and prices
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.
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.
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