Lake Nakuru, Uganda & Gorillas (Accommodated) - 14 days
Lake Nakuru, Uganda & Gorillas (Accommodated) - 14 days
Lake Nakuru, Uganda & Gorillas (Accommodated) - 14 days
14 Days Starting and ending in Nairobi, Kenya
Visiting: Lake Nakuru National Park, Eldoret, Kampala, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi National Park, Jinja, Nairobi
Tour operator:
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
18-75
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a thrilling 14-day adventure through Kenya and Uganda, exploring the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife of East Africa. Begin your journey in Nairobi, descending into the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park for a game drive in search of lions, rhinos, and flamingos. Cross the Equator to Eldoret, then venture into Uganda's lush landscapes, including Queen Elizabeth National Park for chimpanzee trekking. The highlight awaits in Bwindi National Park, where you'll trek through steamy jungles to encounter endangered mountain gorillas. Relax by the serene Lake Bunyonyi and enjoy leisure activities in Jinja, the source of the Nile. Conclude your journey back in Nairobi, enriched by unforgettable wildlife encounters and cultural experiences. This small group safari tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, with comfortable accommodations and expert guides ensuring a memorable African experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi
Location: Lake Nakuru National Park
Accommodation Name: Lake Nakuru National Park
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Nairobi - Lake Nakuru National Park. We leave Nairobi this morning and descend into the Great Rift Valley, home to some of Africa's most dramatic scenery. We stop at a lookout point to enjoy the view before arriving in Lake Nakuru National Park. Although small by African standards, this Kenyan reserve is home to all manner of wildlife, including lion, rhino, buffalo and leopard, not to mention the great flocks of flamingos which gather at the famous soda lake itself. We enjoy an included game drive in specialized safari vehicles in order to spot some of this wildlife for ourselves.
Please note: The pre-departure meeting is held at 18:00 on the evening prior to departure. The tour departs at 08:00 on Day 1 so please arrive in Nairobi the day before your tour. Refer to the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes for more information. We can book accommodation and transfers on request.
Day 2: Eldoret
Location: Eldoret
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lake Nakuru National Park - Eldoret. Departing Nakuru this morning we journey to Eldoret, Kenya's fifth largest town and a region increasingly important to the country's economy. On our journey today we will cross the Equator, travelling from the Southern Hemisphere to the Northern Hemisphere. We will stop to enjoy some time and photo opportunities at the Equator itself. Arriving at our camp on the outskirts of Eldoret, there is time for you to admire the nearby Sirikwa holes, primitive dwellings believed to have belonged to an ancient tribe.
Day 3: Kampala
Location: Kampala
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Eldoret - Kampala (Uganda). Wave goodbye to Kenya for now as we cross into Uganda, a country once described by Sir Winston Churchill as the 'Pearl of Africa'. On our drive to Kampala you will see lush rolling hills, tribal villages and growing towns and cities. Tonight we stay in the country's capital, Kampala.
Day 4: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Name: lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kampala - Queen Elizabeth National Park. Departing Kampala, we cross the Equator again and pass through fertile green hills, tangled forests and rugged mountain ranges to the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Originally Named Kazinga National Park on its inception in 1952, the reserve was renamed in 1954 after a visit by the newly crowned British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. Our first evening here is free for you to take a walk in the lush surroundings, who knows what wildlife you may spot! The reserve is home to elephant, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, chimpanzee and much more. Encouragingly, reports from the Uganda Wildlife Authority suggest that wildlife populations in the reserve are increasing, thanks to effective protection. This is largely down to your tourism money!
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Name: lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we are heading into Queen Elizabeth National Park, admiring the mountain views and stopping whenever we see something of interest. As well as the charismatic larger animals, the reserve is home to more than 500 bird species. Reaching Kyambura Gorge we head out on foot in search of chimpanzees. The rangers will have a good idea of where they are and the trek can vary in length from less than an hour to several. Chimps tend to stay in the treetops so you may have to crane your neck for a view of our closest relatives.
Please note: Chimpanzee Trek permits are issued by the wildlife authority in groups of up to 8 people per group. Depending on our group size, we may trek on the afternoon of day 4, morning or afternoon of day 5, or morning of day 6.
Day 6-8: Bwindi National Park
Location: Bwindi National Park
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Queen Elizabeth National Park - Lake Bunyonyi. On day 6 we drive to Lake Bunyonyi, dotted with scenic islands and surrounded by lush forest and rolling hills. Over the next three days everyone in the group will enjoy their mountain gorilla trek, but we will split into smaller groups in order to avoid disturbing the gorillas. On the days when you are not trekking, you are free to take a boat trip to some of Lake Bunyonyi's islands, go bird-watching, visit a local village or hire canoes to paddle on the lake.
On the day of your trek, we will hike for anywhere between 30 minutes and 6 or 7 hours into Bwindi National Park (or occasionally Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, this will be made clear to you in advance), depending on the location of the gorillas. A decent level of fitness is required as we trek through the steamy jungle. Your guide will know the location of the nearest gorilla family.
Once we have located the gorillas, you will spend around an hour watching from a safe distance. Keep quiet, keep low to the ground and follow all the instructions of your guide - this is for your safety and for the welfare of the mountain gorillas. You are welcome to take photos, as long as there is no flash.
One of the world's most endangered creatures, mountain gorillas are heavily protected, with around 1,000 animals now living in the rainforests of central Africa. Numbers have increased remarkably due to effective protection in recent years - keep your eyes peeled for the giant silverback alpha male, and some of the adorable youngsters that represent the future of their species.
When it is time to leave the gorillas, we trek back to Lake Bunyonyi, where you can reflect on what is sure to be the highlight of your African adventure. The rest of your time here is at leisure, whilst the rest of our group completes their trek.
Day 9: Kampala
Location: Kampala
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lake Bunyonyi - Kampala. Leaving the mountain gorillas and Lake Bunyonyi behind, we return to Kampala, skirting around the northern edge of Lake Victoria. There is time this evening for you to head into the city and explore, meet the locals or try some of the local cuisine if you wish.
Day 10: Jinja
Location: Jinja
Accommodation Name: campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kampala - Jinja. It's a short drive today as we make our way to Jinja, a city in southern Uganda on the banks of Lake Victoria, source of the River Nile. From here, the river flows for 5,584km, through 11 countries. It enters the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt, having provided life to millions and millions of people and animals on its journey!
Our campsite is beside the Nile, and there are numerous optional activities you can enjoy. Quad biking, white water rafting, Nile cruises, fishing trips and mountain biking are some of the options. You also have the opportunity to visit a local school initiative. Lend a hand with some painting, plastering or other labour to help improve the local schools around Jinja.
Day 11-12: Jinja
Location: Jinja
Accommodation Name: campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The next two days are completely free for you to unwind by the Nile. Enjoy some of the optional activities available, go for a long walk beside the river or simply relax at the campsite with a good book - the choice is yours!
Day 13: Eldoret
Location: Eldoret
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Jinja - Eldoret (Kenya). Say goodbye to Jinja as we cross the border back into Kenya and return to Eldoret. Our final evening is spent around the campfire, sharing our favourite memories from the last two weeks, and exchanging contact details with the rest of the group!
Day 14: Nairobi
Location: Nairobi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Eldoret - Nairobi. We complete our drive south through Kenya, arriving back in Nairobi in the late afternoon. Here our tour arrangements come to an end.
What's Included
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Meals
13 breakfasts, 13 lunches, and 13 dinners are included.
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Accommodation
13 nights simple twin share accommodation is provided.
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Tour Crew
The tour is escorted by a licensed 2-person crew.
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Transportation
Transportation is provided in a 24-seater overland truck with camping and cooking equipment.
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Road Tolls and Taxes
All road tolls and vehicle taxes are covered.
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Lake Nakuru National Park Game Drive
A game drive in specialized safari vehicles at Lake Nakuru National Park is included.
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Queen Elizabeth National Park Chimpanzee Trekking
Chimpanzee trekking with expert guides in Queen Elizabeth National Park is included, subject to payment of permits.
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Bwindi National Park Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking with expert guides in Bwindi National Park is included, subject to payment of permits.
What's Not Included
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International Flights and Visas
International flights and visas are not included.
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Tipping
Tipping is not included and is an entirely personal gesture.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities are not included and prices are listed in the Trip Notes.
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Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are not included but can be booked on request.
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Gorilla & Chimpanzee Permit
A non-refundable Gorilla & Chimpanzee Permit costing USD $935 per person is not included and must be paid at the time of booking in addition to the deposit.
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Local Payment
A local payment of US$175 per person, paid on arrival in USD, is not included.
Age Policy
18 and over. Anyone over 65 to complete a Tour Suitability Form.Maximum age 75.Â
Mode of Transport
Travel in a 24-seater overland truck equipped with camping and cooking gear, ensuring a seamless journey through the breathtaking terrains of Kenya and Uganda.
Accommodation
Enjoy 13 nights of simple twin share accommodation, providing a comfortable base as you explore the stunning landscapes and wildlife of Kenya and Uganda.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park?
During the game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including lions, rhinos, buffalo, leopards, and large flocks of flamingos at the soda lake.
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What activities are available at Lake Bunyonyi when not trekking to see gorillas?
When not trekking to see gorillas at Lake Bunyonyi, you can take a boat trip to the lake's islands, go bird-watching, visit a local village, or hire canoes to paddle on the lake.
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What should I expect during the gorilla trek in Bwindi National Park?
During the gorilla trek in Bwindi National Park, you will hike for 30 minutes to 6 or 7 hours depending on the gorillas' location. Once located, you will spend about an hour observing them from a safe distance, following the guide's instructions for safety and the gorillas' welfare.
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What optional activities are available in Jinja?
In Jinja, you can enjoy optional activities such as quad biking, white water rafting, Nile cruises, fishing trips, mountain biking, or visiting a local school initiative to help with painting and plastering.
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What is the age policy for this tour?
The age policy for this tour is 18 and over. Anyone over 65 must complete a Tour Suitability Form, and the maximum age is 75.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.