Gorillas & Game Parks Safari

Leaving the buzzing Nairobi behind, climb the nearby escarpment to the first of many viewpoints where you can admire the Great African Rift Valley. Descend into the land of the Massai as you make your way to Acacia Camp.

Spend the day driving through the Masai Mara’s pristine landscape, keeping your eyes peeled for the Big 5. Explore this natural wonderland as you view the abundance of game against a backdrop of rolling hills and far-stretching plains. Return to a crackling camp fire and share stories of the day’s sightings.

Depart early the next morning and wave goodbye to the Masai Mara to head back to civilisation. At Nakuru, refuel and prepare for the next leg of you adventure.

Cross the border into the small, yet striking, country of Uganda. Admire the richness of this landscape that remains as yet largely unaffected by mass tourism. Arrive at the capital, Kampala, where you’ll spend the night.

Leave Kampala early as you head west, deeper into Uganda, and arrive at Lake Bunyoni, the deepest crater lake in Africa. This will be your base from which you can choose to do the gorilla trek. The nature of the trek depends on the availability of permits and the location of the gorillas, and will take place either in Mgahinga or Bwindi National Parks in Uganda, the Virunga National Park in the DRC, or at Ruhengeri National Park in Rwanda.

On the day of your hike you may have to do plenty of walking through the dense foliage searching for the gorillas. When you do find a group of these animals, it will be absolutely worth the trek. Spend an hour admiring their behaviour in the dense and beautiful rain forest that they call home.

On days when you aren’t trekking gorillas, head to the nearby Lake Bunyoni or visit the local village. Other activities include hiking in the surrounding hills, canoe trips, bird-watching walks or visits to the local markets of Kibale.

Head back to Kampala and stop for a one-foot-on-each-hemisphere photo opportunity. A quiet day gives you the chance to make the most of Kampala’s night life in the evening.

Choose to spend the day relaxing or head out for a dose of adventure at Jinja where you can go white-water rafting, or quad biking, or volunteer at a community project. For something more sedate, but no less memorable, make your way to Ngamba Island where you can visit the Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Regroup and relax on the banks of the Nile as evening sets in.

Head back over the Kenyan border where you’ll spend the night in Nakuru, Kenya’s fourth largest town and the capital of the Rift Valley Province.

Begin your exploration of Lake Nakuru National Park the following morning. As the park is a sanctuary for black and white rhino, spend the day searching for these and other amazing African wildlife like leopard, buffalo and even the occasional hippo.

Travel southeast and arrive at Lake Naivasha, the highest of the Rift Valley lakes. You’ll be overwhelmed by the abundant bird life, the most magnificent being the African fish eagle with its regal cry. Enjoy optional excursions in the afternoon, including a boat ride to the Crescent Island Game Sanctuary or a bike ride around Hell’s Gate National Park.

After breakfast, head back to Nairobi where your tour comes to an end.