15 Day Masai Mara & Gorillas
15 Days
Embark on an unforgettable African odyssey, beginning in Kenya's Masai Mara National Park, tracing the Great Migration, and exploring the Great Rift Valley. Witness surreal pink flamingos at Lake Nakuru, cruise the Nile to Murchison Falls, and trek through Uganda's Budongo Forest for thrilling chimpanzee encounters. The highlight awaits in Bwindi National Park, where encounters with endangered mountain gorillas support vital conservation. From vibrant city life in Kampala to tranquil Lake Bunyoni, conclude with a memorable Gorilla trekking expedition, creating a seamless blend of adventure and wildlife preservation in the heart of Africa.
from USD $3538pp
Home » 15 Day Masai Mara & Gorillas
Itinerary Highlights
- Entering National Parks and see some amazing panoramic sceneries
- Chance to meet the endangered Mountain Gorilla species
- Driving through the Mara in search of animals such as elephants, black rhinos, buffalo, leopards, cheetahs, wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, hippos and crocodiles.
- Personal choice to camp and truly be embraced by nature
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1-2: Masai Mara National Reserve
- Day 3: Masai Mara Reserve to Lake Nakuru National Park
- Day 4: Lake Nakuru to Jinja
- Day 5: Jinja to Masindi - Murchinson Falls National Park
- Day 6: Masindi – Budongo Central Forest Reserve
- Day 7: Lake Masindi to Lake Kikorongo
- Day 8: Gorillas (Kampala to Lake Bunyonyi)
- Day 9: Gorillas (Lake Bunyonyi National Park to the starting point of the gorilla trek)
- Day 10: Gorillas (Lake Bunyonyi)
- Day 11: Lake Bunyonyi – Lake Mburo
- Day 12: Lake Mburo to Jinja
- Day 13: Jinja
- Day 14: Jinja to Eldoret
- Day 15: Eldoret to Nairobi
Day 1: Nairobi - Masai Mara National Reserve
We leave the capital of Nairobi and travel to the Masai Mara, world renowned for its endless plains of wild animals and spectacular beauty. The visit to the Masai Mara is operated in safari type vehicles and not the Nomad truck. For this reason, you are asked to pack a small overnight bag to travel with. You will need your towel, clothes, toiletries and camping essentials.
Day 2: Masai Mara National Reserve
The rolling grasslands of the Masai Mara offer ideal game viewing and photographic opportunities. Some of the animals that could be found here include elephant, black rhino, buffalo, leopard, cheetah, wildebeest, zebra and gazelle. Hippo and crocodile abound in the muddy brown waters of the rivers, which traverse this reserve. Today we will spend the entire day game driving through the Mara in search of all the animals.
Day 3: Masai Mara Reserve to Lake Nakuru National Park
This morning we bid the Mara farewell before heading to Lake Nakuru National Park where we will enjoy an afternoon game drive through the park. Lake Nakuru is home to large flocks of flamingos and pelicans as well as black & white rhino, leopard, lion and numerous buck. Originally created as a bird sanctuary, Lake Nakuru was upgraded to National Park status in 1968.
Day 4: Lake Nakuru to Jinja
This morning we cross the border into Uganda and make our our way to Jinja. Jinja is Uganda’s second largest city and most famous as the point where the Nile (officially the Victoria Nile) flows out of Lake Victoria and begins the 6695 kilometre journey to Egypt and the Mediterranean.
Day 5: Jinja to Masindi - Murchinson Falls National Park
After a quick stop in the city of Kampala, we head in the direction of The Murchison Falls National Park. Also referred to as the Kabaraga Falls, Murchison Falls is a waterfall found on the course of the great Nile and is located within the Murchison National Park. The park is recognized as one of the best National Parks in Uganda. After settling into our accommodation in Masindi, your guide will brief you on the activities for the following day.
Optional Activity Ziwa Rhino Walk
Day 6: Masindi – Budongo Central Forest Reserve
Budongo Forest is the biggest Mahogany forest found in the whole of East Africa and is home to the largest number of chimpanzees throughout Uganda. It is believed that there are between 600 – 700 chimpanzees in Budongo and this morning we will meet up with our chimp guide who will take us on our trek through the forest in search of the chimps. We will also enjoy a boat cruise in the park.
Note: As the Chimp trekking is limited to 12 guests per trek, should there be more than 12 guests on a tour the trekking will be split between the morning and the afternoon. Therefore you may find that you will first do the game drive activity followed by the Chimp trekking or vice versa. Please allow for flexibility.
Day 7: Lake Masindi to Lake Kikorongo
This morning we depart Masindi and transfer towards the edges of the Queen Elizabeth National Park. Our accommodation for the night is nestled atop a hill overlooking Lake Kikorongo.
Day 8: Gorillas (Kampala to Lake Bunyonyi)
Crossing the Equator once more we travel south to the beautiful scenery of Lake Bunyonyi. With eager anticipation we prepare for the upcoming Gorilla trekking excursion and tonight we will receive a briefing on what to expect.
Day 9: Gorillas (Lake Bunyonyi National Park to the starting point of the gorilla trek)
The mountain gorilla is extremely endangered and while exact numbers vary it is widely assumed that there are only around 650 left. Visiting the gorillas is a great way to support their future on earth as the money spent on permits is used for their protection. An extremely important part of the future conservation of the remaining gorillas rests in the community development work – as local communities change their attitudes towards wildlife and start to protect rather than poach, the future of the mountain gorilla is assured.
As permits granting permission to visit the gorillas are extremely limited we require flexibility in both the tour itinerary and where we actually visit them. The home of the mountain gorillas is completely at odds with man-made borders and so their range encompasses Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo). Whenever possible we choose to make use of the National Park in Uganda, but this depends on the availability of permits. Should we not obtain permits to visit the mountain gorillas in Uganda then we will inform all passengers beforehand that the tour will travel to Rwanda or DRC.
On your free day in Bunyonyi you will have the opportunity to participate in certain optional activities. You can also go hiking or explore the area on a mountain bike.
Optional Activity Gorilla Trekking, Pygmy visit, Rwanda day tour
Day 10: Gorillas (Lake Bunyonyi)
Although there are 2 days allocated to Gorilla Trekking you will only spend one day on the trek. The other days are there to provide a large enough window in which to obtain permits and to allow the entire group to trek if there are more than 6 of you on the tour.
Optional Activity Gorilla Trekking, Pygmy visit, Rwanda day tour
Day 11: Lake Bunyonyi – Lake Mburo
We depart the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi for another of Uganda’s beautiful water bodies – Lake Mburo. Lake Mburo is situated in the Ankole sub-region of Uganda, near the town of Mbarara, and spans an area of approximately 260 square kilometers and is surrounded by rolling hills, open grasslands, and patches of woodland. With over 350 recorded bird species, Lake Mburo National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers. The park's diverse ecosystems, which include acacia woodlands, savannahs, and wetlands, provide optimal habitats for numerous bird species, including the rare and odd looking shoebill stork.
Day 12: Lake Mburo to Jinja
This morning we leave the Ankole region and set off on our return journey to Jinja. Jinja offers many exciting optional activities which are focused around the waters of the Nile and these include rafting, kayaking and a variety of cruises on Africa’s largest river. While those who may be less inclined to water sports can enjoy horse riding or a quadbike adventure on dry land.
Optional Activity: Quad biking, kayaking, rafting (time dependent, could happen the following day)
Day 13: Jinja
Jinja offers many optional activities for the adventurous and for the not so adventurous. Today you’ll have at your leisure, and your guide will assist you to plan for this day.
Optional Activity: Quad biking, kayaking, river rafting, source of the Nile Cruise
Day 14: Jinja to Eldoret
Returning to Kenya we visit Eldoret, the country’s 5th largest city. The Great Rift Valley is still the dominant geographical feature of this region and the altitude at Eldoret is 2100 metres above sea level.
Day 15: Eldoret to Nairobi
Returning to Nairobi this afternoon we reflect on many memories that we have gathered together and brace ourselves for a return to the busy streets of Nairobi. Your tour ends upon arrival in Nairobi.
Dates | From | Special Offer |
---|---|---|
07 Dec 2024 - 21 Dec 2024 | USD $3538pp | Contact us |
21 Dec 2024 - 04 Jan 2025 | USD $3538pp | Contact us |
04 Jan 2025 - 18 Jan 2025 | USD $4056pp | Contact us |
18 Jan 2025 - 01 Feb 2025 | USD $4056pp | Contact us |
15 Feb 2025 - 01 Mar 2025 | USD $4056pp | Contact us |
01 Mar 2025 - 15 Mar 2025 | USD $4056pp | Contact us |
29 Mar 2025 - 12 Apr 2025 | USD $4056pp | Contact us |
12 Apr 2025 - 26 Apr 2025 | USD $4056pp | Contact us |
10 May 2025 - 24 May 2025 | USD $4056pp | Contact us |
24 May 2025 - 07 Jun 2025 | USD $4056pp | Contact us |
21 Jun 2025 - 05 Jul 2025 | USD $4056pp | Contact us |
05 Jul 2025 - 19 Jul 2025 | USD $4056pp | Contact us |
02 Aug 2025 - 16 Aug 2025 | USD $4056pp | Contact us |
16 Aug 2025 - 30 Aug 2025 | USD $4056pp | Contact us |
13 Sep 2025 - 27 Sep 2025 | USD $4056pp | Contact us |
27 Sep 2025 - 11 Oct 2025 | USD $4056pp | Contact us |
25 Oct 2025 - 08 Nov 2025 | USD $4056pp | Contact us |
08 Nov 2025 - 22 Nov 2025 | USD $4056pp | Contact us |
06 Dec 2025 - 20 Dec 2025 | USD $4056pp | Contact us |
20 Dec 2025 - 03 Jan 2026 | USD $4056pp | Contact us |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Suggested Accommodation
City | Accommodation |
---|---|
Masai Mara | Kenia Safari Camp or similar |
Lake Nakuru | Waterbuck Hotel or similar |
Jinja | Adrift Overland Camp or similar |
Masindi | Kabalega Resort or similar |
Lake Kikorongo | Simba Safari Camp or similar |
Lake Bunyonyi | Lake Bunyonyi Overland Resort or similar |
Lake Mburo | Leopard Rest Camp or similar |
Eldoret | Naiberi River Camp or similar |
Whats included?
- Accommodation as specified (or similar)
- Meals as specified
- Qualified crew
- Filtered water
- Transport in a customised overland safari truck
- Scheduled activities as per itinerary
- Entrance fees to National Parks
What’s not included?
- Air transportation
- Passport, visa and immigration fees
- Airport entrance/departure taxes
- Travel Insurance
- Bwindi - Gorilla trekking, Pygmy visit, Rwanda day tour
- Gorilla permit
- Jinja - Quad biking, kayaking, rafting
- Sleeping bag and Pillow for camping (self provide)
- Alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities
- Any items not listed as included
Notes
- Maximum Number of Passengers 20
- Gorilla permit: The cost of a permit to visit the Gorillas is currently USD850 – USD950 per person. Rates may change closer to departure. These will be pre-invoiced and are non-refundable.
- Accommodation: Please note: Lodges & hotels are subject to change due to availability. This tour also offers a camping option - please contact us for details.
- Group Size: Maximum of 20 passengers.
- Arrival/ Departure: We recommend to arrive 1 day before your tour is due to depart. This will avoid any unforeseen problems as departure time on day 1 is 7am. We also highly recommend that you book your flights to depart the day after the tour officially ends to allow for delays and changes. The first and last day of the tour are full travel days.
- Entrance fees to National Parks: These are USD200pp for travelling from 1 April 2024. Please note these are non-refundable. Rates may change.