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East Africa Gorilla & Safari Experience
16 days, Kigali to Nairobi
Itinerary
Day 1Kigali
Arrive at any time and transfer to the hotel.
If you arrive early, take some time to explore the city, known for its pleasant, friendly atmosphere. Kigali also has some interesting and historic sites outside of the city. If you want more time to explore, we recommend booking a pre-night.
Please remember that this is a developing area and as such, accommodations/service may not be of similar standard to which you are used to in your home country. There also can be differences in service levels between different countries in East Africa. As well, interruptions in electricity and water can be common and internet/wifi is often only available in large cities. We appreciate your patience and understanding as well as your sense of adventure.
A/C is not available in the accommodations used on this trip. In general is not a concern as it does cool down at night and depending on location fans or screened windows are available.
4x4 safari vehicles are used to better navigate rough roads but important to note that vehicles do not have A/C.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2Kigali/Volcanoes National Park
Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial and learn about the somber history of Rwanda. Later, embark on a community walk in the Nyamirambo township and enjoy a local lunch at the G Adventures-supported Nyamirambo Women's Centre. Travel to northern Rwanda in the afternoon to the lodge, located just outside the national park. The lodge provides stunning volcano views.
Volcanoes National Park borders Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. Five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains can be found here. The volcanoes and highlands of the park are covered in lush rainforest and bamboo (a favourite snack of the gorillas). While the most famous resident is the mountain gorilla, there’s plenty of other wildlife roaming around: buffaloes, bushbucks, golden monkeys, hyenas, numerous bird species, and some elephants call this place home.
Altitude note: Volcanoes NP - approx 2,000 m (6,550 ft)
Kigali Genocide Memorial Visit
Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, which serves as a permanent memorial to those who fell victim to the genocide in 1994. The centre opened on the tenth anniversary of the Rwandan Genocide, in April 2004, and was built on a site where more than 250,000 people are buried.
Please note that content at the Memorial Centre shows the harsh reality of the genocide.
4x4
Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Nyamirambo Women's Centre, Community Walk and Local Lunch
Today we visit a local women’s centre supported by G Adventures. Located in Nyamirambo, the largest and most vibrant township in Rwanda, the centre provides women and girls from a diverse range of backgrounds, the opportunity to support each other and succeed, through education and training programs. From here, we take a guided walk through the lively community, meeting some of the women who have benefitted from the centre's training programs, seeing their local businesses and initiatives and having a chance to share in their daily life. After the walk, enjoy lunch prepared by the women at the centre, allowing us to try local foods and popular dishes. After lunch, take some time to browse the centre's shop, which features handmade, high-quality crafts and clothes, made by some of the women. Proceeds from the meal, shop and walking tour help support the centre’s education and training programs.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 3Volcanoes National Park
Enjoy a trek into the national park with a ranger/guide to view a unique and endangered species — the golden monkey. Watch these playful and lively creatures in their natural habitat. After, visit the Karisoke Research Center, which was founded by Dr. Dian Fossey in 1967. Meet with a resident researcher and enjoy a tour to learn about their ongoing work in the protection of mountain gorillas. In the evening, expand your understanding of gorillas through an in-depth lecture from one of the head wardens of Volcanoes National Park.
Proper hiking attire must be worn – you will be trekking in a rainforest with lots of vegetation, undergrowth, nettles and normally a rather muddy terrain.
Only 1 hour is spent with the Golden Monkeys to ensure their protection and conservation.
Please note that if you are unwell with anything contagious, even a common cold, you may be denied any of the treks to ensure the safety of the golden monkeys. This is a national park regulation, and trekking permits will not be refunded if you are denied entrance due to illness.
The order of activities over Days 3 and 4 can change depending on permit scheduling.
4x4
Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.
Golden Monkey Trek
Embark on a trek in Volcanoes National Park to view a species even more endangered than the mountain gorilla – the golden monkey. It is only in Rwanda where this interesting species has been successfully habituated. Look (and listen) for these lively and curious creatures that like to chatter – they are often only seen high up in the trees, but, with luck, hikers may have a close encounter. Golden monkeys mainly live in the lower parts of the bamboo forests; they are not as socially “tight” as gorillas and chimpanzees, and the number in the habituated troupe can vary on any given day between 20 and 80.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Mountain Gorilla Conservation Experience
Founded 50 years ago by Dian Fossey, the Karisoke Research Center in Rwanda is considered the world’s best hope for the survival of endangered mountain gorillas. Meet one of the resident researchers at the centre for a tour of the facility and to learn about their work in the protection and conservation of mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Thanks to the work Karisoke does, the mountain gorillas of this region are the only species of great ape to have increased in number in recent decades. Between 1967 and 1983, Dian Fossey received over 16 grants from National Geographic and was featured many times in the pages of National Geographic magazine.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Mountain Gorilla Conservation Sundowner Experience
Deepen your understanding of the world of gorillas through an in-depth lecture. Listen as one of the head wardens of Volcanoes National Park discusses topics including the history and behaviour of gorillas, threats to the animals, conservation activities, as well as the potential benefits of tourism.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 4Volcanoes National Park
Depart early and transfer to the national park to meet the park ranger/guide for orientation. Embark on a gorilla trek, which can vary in length and difficulty, depending on the location of the gorilla family that's being visited. Spend an hour observing these beautiful and endangered creatures. After, return to the lodge for lunch then visit a local village to catch a glimpse of daily rural life.
Approximately 800 mountain gorillas exist globally in the wild today. They are found in Rwanda, DRC, and Uganda. In DRC and Rwanda, gorillas live in similar ecosystems/areas. The gorilla species found in these three areas are called highland gorillas.
In Rwanda there are ten habituated gorilla families that are open to visits – the visit to a gorilla family is done once per day, with a maximum 8 trekkers per group and the duration of a visit is limited to one (1) hour with the gorilla family. The time spent with them is limited due to conservation considerations and to minimize impact on the day-to-day life of the gorilla family you are visiting. It is important to be well prepared for the trek — you never know if your total trek will be short or long. The total duration of a trek can vary and be anything between 4 and 9 hrs in length depending on the location of the gorillas, which are constantly moving. You will mainly walk where there are no paths apart from the occasional buffalo or elephant trail.
Touching the gorillas is not allowed (although in some cases they may touch you). Making loud noises or sudden movements is also not allowed. You should attempt to keep a distance of 7m from the gorillas, however the gorillas themselves are unaware of this and will often get very close, in which case you should try to slowly move away. At all times you must abide by the instructions of the trackers and rangers.
Please note that porters are available at approx. $10USD per person. The porters are all hired from local villages and not only can carry your day pack, but assist you with a welcome hand over difficult spots. Regardless of your fitness level, we highly recommend hiring a porter as some tracks can be very muddy and elevation can affect even the most fit person. It also provides employment and supports the local community.
Mountain gorillas share 98% of our DNA and are prone to catching human illnesses. Please note that if you are unwell with anything contagious, even a common cold, you may be denied any of the treks to ensure the safety of the gorillas. This is a national park regulation, and trekking permits will not be refunded if you are denied entrance due to illness.
Proper hiking attire must be worn – you will be trekking in a rainforest with lots of vegetation, undergrowth, nettles and normally a rather muddy terrain. Minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years old.
Please note that depending on the size of our group and when permits are confirmed, we may be split into 2 trekking groups and you may be trekking with non-G travellers.
Gorilla Trekking
Depart early and transfer to the national park to meet the park ranger/guide for orientation. Embark on the trek, which can vary in length and difficulty, depending on the location of the gorilla family that's being visited. Spend an hour observing these beautiful and endangered creatures. Trek back and return to the hotel with the remainder of the afternoon to yourself.
4x4
Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.
Iby'iwacu Village Visit
Visit a small farming village where the locals have put a stop to poaching and put their focus on sheep farming. Meet the local people and get a first hand look at rural life in this area.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 5Volcanoes National Park/Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, cross into Uganda, arriving at the Queen Elizabeth National Park area in the late afternoon.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is characterized by open savannah, large areas of swamp around Lake George, the extensive Maramagambo Forest in the southeast, and the forested Kyambura Gorge along the border with Kyambura Game Reserve.
There is little accommodation inside the national park that fits our upgraded service level. Most of the mid-range lodges are adjacent to the park but it can often take approx. an hour to reach the park gates due to poor road logistics and conditions. For this reason there is a lot of driving to get to/from activities within the national park area.
4x4
Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.
Border Crossing (Rwanda - Uganda)
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 6Queen Elizabeth National Park
Explore the lush Kalinzu Forest Reserve with a ranger on a trek in search of chimpanzees who call this protected area home. This afternoon drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a wildlife drive with possible sightings of buffalo, elephants, giant forest hogs, hyenas, leopards, lions, and warthogs.
The order of activities over Days 6 and 7 can change depending on chimp permit scheduling.
Proper hiking attire must be worn – there are trails but we can at times go off trail, to search out chimps. Vegetation and be thick with undergrowth, nettles and often in muddy terrain.
At all times you must abide by the instructions of the trackers and rangers.
Please note that if you are unwell with anything contagious, even a common cold, you may be denied any of the treks to ensure the safety of the chimps. This is a national forest regulation, and trekking permits will not be refunded if you are denied entrance due to illness.
4x4
Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.
Chimpanzee Trek
Embark on a chimpanzee trek through lush Kalinzu Forest Reserve. Hike along trails through this protected reserve with an expert local guide to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Learn about their habits, social activities and family groups as well as efforts put in place to protect them. At last count the total number of chimpanzees within the reserve is approximately 240 but only 2 groups of roughly 70 are accessible to researchers and visitors. The hike also offers a diverse range of flora and fauna, keep an eye out for birds, butterflies and other primates such as the Blue, Vervet and Colobus Monkeys.
Queen Elizabeth National Park Wildlife Safari Drive
Enjoy a wildlife safari drive inside Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park is home to Uganda's largest wildlife populations. Keep an eye out for buffalo, elephants, hippos, hyenas, lions, warthogs, and the elusive leopards.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 7Queen Elizabeth National Park
Embark on a morning wildlife safari drive for more wildlife viewing inside the park. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel to view birds, hippos, and, with a bit of luck, elephants or big cats.
Queen Elizabeth National Park Wildlife Safari Drive
Enjoy a wildlife safari drive inside Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park is home to Uganda's largest wildlife populations. Keep an eye out for buffalo, elephants, hippos, hyenas, lions, warthogs, and the elusive leopards.
Kazinga Channel Cruise
Take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a waterway inside Queen Elizabeth National Park that connects Lake George and Lake Edward. Look out for a variety of wildlife who are drawn to the channel shores. Spot birds, crocodiles, hippos, and reptiles.
4x4
Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 8Queen Elizabeth National Park/Entebbe
After breakfast, head to Entebbe with a stop at the Equator and a visit to a royal drum maker's workshop.
4x4
Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.
Equator Visit
Enjoy a fun stop at the equator and watch a demonstration on how water swirls in opposite directions in the northern and southern hemispheres. Uganda is one of the few countries in the world where the imaginary line that divides the earth into two can be crossed.
Drum Makers Workshop
Visit a traditional drum making workshop for a demonstration on how the drums are made using animal hides and woods. After the demo, it’s time for a short musical presentation.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 9Entebbe/Nairobi
Catch a flight from Entebbe to Nairobi and transfer to our hotel.
After your flight, transfer to the hotel. Take some time to explore Nairobi before meeting your group back at the hotel for a second orientation meeting. Here, you will meet your Kenyan CEO for this duration of the tour, and new travellers that may join you for the rest of your journey.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Airport Transfer
Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle.
Free Time
Take some time to explore Nairobi before meeting your Kenyan CEO at the orientation meeting.
Welcome Meeting
Meet fellow travellers and learn more details about the upcoming itinerary from the CEO.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 10Nairobi/Masai Mara
Travel to our comfortable tented camp located in the heart of the wildlife reserve. Enjoy a wildlife safari drive this evening, then settle back at the camp and enjoy views overlooking the plains of the wildlife reserve.
After breakfast, we depart for the world famous Masai Mara Game Reserve. With its vast open plains and flat-topped acacia trees, no visit to Kenya would be complete without a visit here. In the afternoon, we will arrive in the area, and get settled at our safari camp, our base for our time here. Then we’ll make our way into the reserve for an afternoon wildlife viewing drive, with excellent chances of seeing the Big Five: buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, and rhino.
The road in and back out of the park is very rough and very bumpy but once you catch a glimpse of the stunning wildlife, it is worth a bit of discomfort.
Safari Vehicle
Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride.
Maasai Mara Wildlife Safari Drive
Maasai Mara is one of the world’s top safari destinations, known for its abundance of big cats – cheetahs, leopards and lions – as well as the two million wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelles and zebra that migrate annually across the vast grasslands in search of water. Set off on safari with our driver/guide and keep your eyes and ears peeled for movement and memories. Watch elephants and giraffe grazing, photograph zebras and wildebeest and, with a little luck, you'll even spot animals feasting on a recent kill.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 11Masai Mara
Enjoy an early morning wildlife safari drive. The day continues with more wildlife viewing as you cross the rolling hills of the African savannah. Also enjoy a late afternoon/evening wildlife safari drive.
Safari Vehicle
Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride.
Maasai Mara Wildlife Safari Drive
Maasai Mara is one of the world’s top safari destinations, known for its abundance of big cats – cheetahs, leopards and lions – as well as the two million wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelles and zebra that migrate annually across the vast grasslands in search of water. Set off on safari with our driver/guide and keep your eyes and ears peeled for movement and memories. Watch elephants and giraffe grazing, photograph zebras and wildebeest and, with a little luck, you'll even spot animals feasting on a recent kill.
Free Time
In the evenings, settle back at the camp with a cool drink and enjoy sweeping views of the plains of the wildlife reserve.
Optional Activities - Day 11 HideShow
Maasai Village Visit
Experience the rare opportunity to visit a Maasai village. Step inside a hut made of cow dung and sticks, let your eyes adjust to the dark, and imagine living in such a small space. Admire the exquisite beaded necklaces, bracelets, and earrings worn by both the men and women. Marvel at the athletic ability of the young men who jump and bob in greeting. Learn about the traditions of these nomadic people, who seek sustenance from both the blood and milk of their cows. Have your camera ready for some fantastic photo opportunities.
Maasai Mara Balloon Safari
The adventure begins just before dawn and lasts an hour in the sky. Fly over the Mara River, plains, and forests of the Maasai Mara. Toast your return to earth with a champagne breakfast, cooked wherever you land.
Please note that single passengers can book on this activity, the balloon will require a minimum of two passengers to take flight. In the rare case that this minimum is not reached by the time of your flight, passengers will be refunded for this activity.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 12Masai Mara/Lake Nakuru National Park
Depart early to a G Adventures for Good supported project, Ubuntu Café – an initiative that trains and creates local jobs for women. Tour the craft centre and farm, then sit down to a delicious farm-to-table lunch. Continue to our safari lodge, inside the Lake Nakuru National Park. Enjoy a late afternoon wildlife safari drive, paying special attention to the rare rhinos who make this area their home. Gain a deeper understanding of the issues surrounding poaching and rhino conservation during a lecture by an accredited speaker from the Kenya Wildlife Service.
After breakfast, we embark to Lake Nakuru National Park for a hot lunch and an afternoon safari wildlife safari drive in search of the resident black and white rhino, buffalo, impala, and the elusive leopard.
Today is a very long driving day but we do break it up with a wonderful visit and lunch at the Ubuntu Cafe.
Safari Vehicle
Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Café Ubuntu and Ubuntu Made
In the rural settlement of Maai Mahiu is the very special G Adventures for Good supported project, Ubuntu Café. A true social enterprise in the heart of Kenya, this initiative empowers the community, creating over 400 sustainable local jobs for mothers of children with disabilities, and supporting pediatric health and education programs in the region. Enjoy a guided tour of the centre and meet some of the mothers who work here creating handicrafts. Learn how the lives of these "mamas" have been impacted and, in turn, their communities empowered through this G Adventures-supported initiative. Then, sit down to a delicious, organic farm-to-table lunch. Enjoy the real tastes of quality coffee, breakfast tacos, soup, salad, freshly made pizzas, curry dishes,and burritos.
Your G for Good Moment: Café Ubuntu 3-Course Farm-to-Table Lunch
In the rural settlement of Maai Mahiu is the very special G Adventures for Good supported project, Ubuntu Café. A true social enterprise in the heart of Kenya, this initiative empowers the community, creating over 400 sustainable local jobs for mothers of children with disabilities, and supporting pediatric health and education programs in the region. Enjoy a delicious, organic farm-to-table lunch with tastes of quality coffee, breakfast tacos, soup, salad, freshly made pizzas, curry dishes and burritos.
Lake Nakuru Wildlife Safari Drive
Search for, buffalo, impalas, hyenas, and even lions and leopards on the wildlife safari drive in this renowned national park. Head to the shores of Lake Nakuru to see pelicans and cormorants. The park is also rich in other bird life, including grebes, white winged black terns, stilts, avocets, and ducks.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Kenya Wildlife Service Conservation Talk
Gain a deeper understanding of the issues surrounding poaching and Elephant conservation during a lecture by an accredited speaker from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). The major topics will be Elephants, martial Eagles & Pangolins and how they conduct animal census. The KWS strives to sustainably conserve and develop Kenya’s wildlife and its habitats, as well as create programs to enable communities living in wildlife areas to benefit from wildlife revenue. National Geographic has supported many research projects working jointly with KWS researchers in the field. The chairman of the KWS is renowned conservationist Walter Raria Kaipaton.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 13Lake Nakuru National Park/Amboseli National Park
After a morning wildlife safari drive venture south to famed Amboseli National Park located at the foot of Africa's highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. The snow-capped peak of the mountain dominates every aspect of the park, providing the ultimate photo backdrop.
Lake Nakuru Wildlife Safari Drive
Search for, buffalo, impalas, hyenas, and even lions and leopards on the wildlife safari drive in this renowned national park. Head to the shores of Lake Nakuru to see pelicans and cormorants. The park is also rich in other bird life, including grebes, white winged black terns, stilts, avocets, and ducks.
Safari Vehicle
Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 14Amboseli National Park
Enjoy morning and afternoon games drives today. During your down time relax at camp, enjoying views of Mt Kilimanjaro and game who visit the camps watering holes.
Amboseli Wildlife Safari Drive
Charge up your camera batteries and get ready to document the drama of Amboseli. Big sky. Big mountain. Big elephants. Visit with some of the 1,500 African elephants that roam the park. Look for other wildlife and meet the resident Maasai along the journey. Marvel in the beauty of Mt Kilimanjaro, the world’s highest free-standing mountain, as it reigns over the landscape of this uniquely African location.
Safari Vehicle
Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 15Amboseli National Park/Nairobi
Enjoy the stunning African sunrise on our last wildlife safari drive, before departing back to Kenya's capital.
Rise early for a final morning wildlife safari drive, enjoying the African sun as it rises over the savannah of the Amboseli plain. Return to Nairobi in the late afternoon and opt to join the CEO in a farewell dinner.
Amboseli Wildlife Safari Drive
Charge up your camera batteries and get ready to document the drama of Amboseli. Big sky. Big mountain. Big elephants. Visit with some of the 1,500 African elephants that roam the park. Look for other wildlife and meet the resident Maasai along the journey. Marvel in the beauty of Mt Kilimanjaro, the world’s highest free-standing mountain, as it reigns over the landscape of this uniquely African location.
Safari Vehicle
Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 16Nairobi
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Optional Activities - Day 16 HideShow
The Carnivore Restaurant
130USD per personFeast on a range of familiar and exotic meats roasted over an open flame barbecue pit. Ever wanted to try ostrich or crocodile? Here's your chance to do so (at a world-renowned restaurant, at that). Price includes the price of a meal (without a beverage) and hotel pick-up.
National Museum
53--3USD per personTake a stroll through this museum to get a better understanding of Kenya's rich heritage through a range of cultural and natural-history exhibits. Learn more about the region's bird population at the Birds of East Africa exhibit, a huge gallery of at least 900 stuffed specimens. Get a refreshing take on Kenyan history counterpoint to colonial historiographies at the Historia Ya Kenya display. Entrance fee and hotel pick-up included.
Bomas of Kenya Tour
120USD per personThis tour gives you a glimpse into the life of 42 different tribes of the country that make up Kenya's rich culture. Get a better understanding of village life by visiting homesteads and enjoy a display and sounds of folk dances performed. Entrance fee and hotel pick-up included.
Karen Blixen Museum
34-75USD per personConverted from the former home of pioneer coffee farmer and acclaimed writer Karen Blixen, this museum provides visitors insight into life of a Danish settler in pre-Independence Kenya. Take a walk through the home, and magnificent gardens that provide a stunning view of the Ngong hills. Hotel pick-up and entrance fee included.
Railway Museum
6-34USD per personAdjacent to the Nairobi railway station, this museum contains exhibits from the East African Railways opened in 1971.