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Kenya & Uganda Gorilla Overland: Forests & Wildlife Spotting

15 days, Nairobi to Nairobi

Now's the time to explore Africa on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Got Africa's incredible creatures on the brain? You'll have a chance to spot plenty on this 15-day overland adventure through Kenya and Uganda. Search for the "big five" in the Masai Mara, spot chimpanzees in the Kalinzu Forest, and join experienced trackers while travelling deep into the Ugandan forests for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spot endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. It's like watching your favourite animal documentary screening (or, let's be real, animal Instagram account) in real life.

15 days

Nairobi to Nairobi

From$3562USD
was $4749
Valid on Jun 21 2024
Trip Code: DKGN

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

Now's the time to explore Africa on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Got Africa's incredible creatures on the brain? You'll have a chance to spot plenty on this 15-day overland adventure through Kenya and Uganda. Search for the "big five" in the Masai Mara, spot chimpanzees in the Kalinzu Forest, and join experienced trackers while travelling deep into the Ugandan forests for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spot endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. It's like watching your favourite animal documentary screening (or, let's be real, animal Instagram account) in real life.

Is this tour for me?

Travel Style: 18-to-Thirtysomethings

Fast, fresh, and fun adventures that never slow down, made for young, budget-minded travellers.

Service Level: Camping

Camping most nights with some hotel/hostel stays to start and throughout; affordable public and private transport.

Physical Rating: 4 - Demanding

Some high-altitude hikes or more strenuous activities, but accessible to most healthy travellers.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 22, avg 20.

Age requirement: 18-39

Check Your Visa Requirements

Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

View our Entry Requirements tool

Alternative Trips

15 days

Nairobi to Nairobi

From$3562USD
was $4749
Valid on Jun 21 2024
Trip Code: DKGN

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

See how your trip uplifts communities

In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Trees for Days

Help us spread love around the world — with trees! Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 15

Ripple Score

Want to create ripples that change lives? The higher the Ripple Score percentage, the more money stays in the local communities you visit.

Ripple Score for this trip: 100

Map of the route for Kenya & Uganda Gorilla Overland: Forests & Wildlife Spotting

Places visited

Itinerary

Day 1Nairobi

Arrive at anytime.

Prepare for tomorrow’s early morning by checking out the hotel bar with your newest friends. Travelling can take a lot out of you so sit back, fill those food and drink needs, and spend a chill night becoming familiar with your group and CEO.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your First Night Out Moment Connect With New Friends| Your Welcome Moment Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

Day 2Nairobi/Masai Mara

Hit the road and journey through the Great Rift Valley today on the way to one of the most famous national parks in Africa and Kenya’s premier wildlife reserve.

Stretch those legs and take in your surroundings before heading on a late afternoon wildlife safari drive with excellent chances of seeing the “big five”. This natural environment coupled with the park’s varied wildlife provides for a spectacular safari experience.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 3Masai Mara

Grab those cameras and jump in the safari vehicle with your driver/guide to spot wildlife in the Masai Mara National Reserve. Listen to your guide describe the African bush as you traverse one of the world’s top safari destinations. Masai Mara is known for its abundance of big cats and wildebeest (see if you can capture a picture of one)!

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 4Masai Mara/Lake Nakuru National Park

Awake to the sounds of the bush as your alarm clock before breaking down camp and jumping in the Lando. Today, the group is heading to Lake Nakuru, known for harbouring flocks of pink flamingos and a rich variety of bird species.

Before reaching the safari lodge inside Lake Nakuru National Park, you’ll stop at the G Adventures-supported Ubuntu Cafe where you will enjoy a meal and have the opportunity to shop for locally and internationally sold products as memorable and impactful souvenirs.

Later, the group will go on an afternoon wildlife drive through the area.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your G for Good Moment Café Ubuntu Farm-to-Table Lunch

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 5Lake Nakuru National Park/Eldoret

Another day, another chance to see more wildlife and live your African safari dream. After your morning safari drive around Lake Nakuru keeping your eyes wide open in search of buffalo, impala, and the elusive leopard. The group will bump along in the Lando sharing photos of your day on the road to Eldoret.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 6Eldoret/Kampala

It’s time to cross another country off of those travel lists as you cross the border from Kenya into Uganda. Drive along reminiscing on inside jokes and experiences from the trip before camping in Kampala (the country's capital) where you will arrive in the late afternoon.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 7Kampala/Lake Bunyonyi

Even though you get to do something pretty awesome everyday you’re going to cross the equator today in the Lando (which we think is a pretty cool thing to be able to add to a travel resume) and head off to Lake Bunyonyi.

The name Bunyonyi means ‘place of many little birds’ and it is undoubtedly the loveliest lake in Uganda. It’s winding shores encircle 29 islands and its surrounded by steep terraced hillsides that will have you wondering if you are somewhere in Asia. But the best part is that Lake Bunyonyi is a croc and hippo free lake (unlike many lakes in East Africa) so you can swim in its calm waters as much as you like… such bliss!

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 8Gorilla Trek

Today’s the day that some of your dreams may just come true because you are going on a guided mountain gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (so insanely cool!) So get ready to embark on an unforgettable hike deep into the jungle through volcano forests alongside a park ranger to search for mountain gorillas. The treks can vary in length and difficulty so be prepared for a challenge, but know that if you spot these majestic creatures (we share 98% of our DNA with them) it will all be worth it.

Note: Ugandan authorities are fiercely protective of this natural treasure, and currently permit only a maximum of eight people, per day, to visit a given gorilla family. The group will be split into different sub-groups for the trek, and depending on the number of travellers, different sub-groups may do their trek on different days.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 9Lake Bunyonyi

Let’s give Lake Bunyonyi some love today. Explore this magical place as the morning mist rises off of the gently lapping waters. With tons of optional activities to choose from like, swimming, hiking, canoeing, bird watching, or a motorboat tour of the lake there’s no time to be bored. Then relax together at the lodge in the evening talking about your group gorilla experiences.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 10Lake Bunyonyi/Kalinzu Forest Reserve

Sit back, relax, and watch the Ugandan countryside slip past on today’s journey to Kalinzu Forest Reserve further north in the country.

The forest reserve is adjacent to Queen Elizabeth National Park and is characterized by open savannah, large area of swamp around Lake George, and the extensive Maramagambo Forest in the southeast. There’s a lot of landscapes to experience so what are you waiting for? Get started!

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 11Kalinzu Forest Reserve/Lake Mburo National Park

You know that saying, “the early bird gets the worm” well in this case the early bird gets to see chimpanzees. Get up early for an included chimpanzee tracking excursion and explore the verdant Kalinzu Forest Reserve with a ranger while being on the lookout for these chimpanzee families.

Afterwards, the group will visit tea plantation before setting off to Lake Mburo. Once you arrive there you can choose to book an afternoon boat cruise on the lake, or explore the local area on foot.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 12Lake Mburo National Park/Jinja

Head back across the equator today in the Lando; Uganda is one of the few countries in the world where you can cross this imaginary geographical line on land.

Observe how water swirls in opposite directions on either side of the equator and then stop to enjoy a meal at the G Adventures-supported AidChild Equation Café & Gallery. With full stomachs and even more full hearts the group will continue on to Jinja, the adventure capital of Uganda.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your G for Good Moment AidChild Cafe & Gallery

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 13Jinja

Get out there, get active, and have some fun! Explore Jinja today solo or with your group by participating in the plethora of outdoor and adventure activities they have to offer.

Choose to raft down the White Nile River, break a sweat mountain biking up and down the hills surrounding the town, or for a more laid back day check out the local market. Keep your eyes ready to spot monkeys and other wildlife that can wander to the outskirts of this town.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Discover Moment

Day 14Jinja/Eldoret

Today is a bit of a travel day but you won’t mind because you could use the rest. The group will be leaving Uganda and crossing over into Kenya and travel to Eldoret. Hang out together as a group and enjoy a nice evening camping under the stars.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 15Eldoret/Nairobi

After your adventurous experiences yesterday you’ll be glad to have a more low key travel day to replenish your energy before the journey home. So sit back and enjoy the ride as the group transfers through to the Kenyan countryside to Nairobi. We’re thinking naps, story time, and then maybe a mini dance party in the Lando to get you through the day. (Toto’s Africa song anyone?)

Tour ends on arrival in Nairobi. Not ready to leave Africa just yet? (Yeah, we don’t blame you) talk with your CEO about extending your adventure and get to know Kenya or beyond!

Meals included:

Breakfast
View full itinerary

What's Included

  • Your G for Good Moment: Café Ubuntu Farm-to-Table Lunch, Maai Mahiu
  • Your G for Good Moment: AidChild Cafe & Gallery, Kayabwe
  • Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
  • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group, Nairobi
  • Your Discover Moment: Jinja
  • Wildlife safari drives in Masai Mara National Reserve
  • Safari in Lake Nakuru National Park
  • Guided mountain gorilla trek in Bwindi with permits
  • Entrance and chimpanzee tracking in Kalinzu Forest Reserve
  • Tea plantation visit
  • Transfer from Jinja to Nairobi
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations

Basic hotel (1 nt, single or twin-share), permanent tented camp (2 nts), participation camping (11 nts).

Meals

13 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 10 dinners
Allow USD115-150 for meals not included.

Transportation

7-seat 4x4 safari van, Lando (overland adventure vehicle), minibuses, walking.

Staff & experts

2 CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) throughout as head guide/cook and driver, certified safari guides/drivers, certified mountain gorilla trackers, local guides.

Available extras (Add these to your tour when you book)

Jinja River Rafting - From $140.00

Looking for a change from wildlife to simply something wild? Wake up early and head out on the Nile River for a full-day navigating the whitewater. Enjoy an exciting day testing your paddling skills in the rapids while waves crash over into your eight-person raft. This activity is suitable for rafters of all experience levels. Enjoy an included meal and drinks with your group after conquering the rapids.

Masai Mara Balloon Safari - From $450.00

The adventure begins just before dawn and lasts an hour in the sky. Fly over the Mara River, plains, and forests of the Masai 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.

My Own Room - From $239.00

If you're travelling solo and would prefer to have your own private room throughout your trip, select this option during the online booking process.

Make it a private tour

Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.

Kenya & Uganda Gorilla Overland: Forests & Wildlife Spotting

| 15 days - Nairobi to Nairobi - from $3562 USD