Gorillas, Chimps & Big 5 Safari Adventure
16 Days
Experience East Africa like you never imagined on this 16-day tour that gets you close to the land, wildlife, and communities that make this part of the world so unique. Camp at the edge of Lake Nakuru National Park and learn about tribal life and customs by spending time with villagers. Your time isn't complete here without a safari drive (or five) and there are plenty of opportunities for that in this itinerary, including a gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and chimp trekking in Kibale National Park. Dream vacations are made of this.
from NZD $10888pp
Home » 16 Day Gorillas, Chimps & Big 5 Safari Adventure
Itinerary Highlights
- Trek to see chimpanzees in Uganda
- Take in views of the Great Rift Valley
- Keep your eyes peeled for the plentiful elephant and hippo populations in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Nairobi
- Day 2: Nairobi/Samburu National Reserve
- Day 3: Samburu National Reserve
- Day 4: Samburu National Reserve/Lake Nakuru National Park
- Day 5: Lake Nakuru National Park
- Day 6: Lake Nakuru National Park/Masai Mara
- Day 7: Masai Mara
- Day 8: Masai Mara/Nairobi
- Day 9: Nairobi/Kampala
- Day 10: Kampala/Fort Portal
- Day 11: Kibale National Park
- Day 12: Kibale NP/Queen Elizabeth NP
- Day 13: Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Day 14: Queen Elizabeth NP/Bwindi Impenetrable NP
- Day 15: Gorilla Trekking
- Day 16: Bwindi/Kigali
Day 1: Nairobi
Arrive at any time.
Day 2: Nairobi/Samburu National Reserve
Travel to Samburu National Reserve in time for an afternoon wildlife safari drive. Visit a Samburu village en route.
Depart Nairobi and drive north through the farmlands of the Kikuyu people, passing Mt Kenya, Africa's second highest mountain (5199m/17,060ft).
Just outside the national reserve, visit a local Samburu village. Similar in appearance to the Masai but less known, the Samburu are a proud warrior tribe. Watch traditional Samburu dancing, and learn about Samburu tribal life and customs. The walk within the village is run by Samburu tribesmen for the benefit of the community.
Continue to Samburu National Reserve, a wildlife haven to many species rarely found elsewhere.
Enjoy an afternoon wildlife safari drive in search of large elephant and big cat populations living within this wild part of Kenya.
Day 3: Samburu National Reserve
Spend a full day on safari in search of Samburu's special five.
A full day wildlife safari drive to spot a group of animals only seen north of the equator, such as the beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, Grevy's zebra, the majestic reticulated giraffe, and the long-necked gerenuk, a graceful antelope that stands upright on its hind legs to feed on tall bushes.
Day 4: Samburu National Reserve/Lake Nakuru National Park
Descend into the Great Rift Valley enjoying stunning views of the escarpment on the way.
Nakuru, meaning “dusty place” in the Maasai language, is a cheerful and vibrant agricultural town with a variety of colourful local markets.
Camp outside the town at the edge of Lake Nakuru National Park, the area’s principal highlight and best natural attraction. Time and weather permitting, there may be an opportunity to visit a local tea farm and see how the tea is grown, picked and produced.
Day 5: Lake Nakuru National Park
Embark on a safari within Lake Nakuru National Park, in search of the elephant, buffalo, impala, and the elusive leopard.
Day 6: Lake Nakuru National Park/Masai Mara
Travel to the Masai Mara National Reserve. Search for the "big five" on an afternoon wildlife safari drive.
Depart for the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve. With its vast open plains and distinctive flat-topped acacia trees, no visit to Kenya would be complete without a visit to this reserve.
Arrive in the afternoon and get settled at the permanent tented camp, the base for exploring the Mara.
Head into the reserve for an afternoon wildlife safari drive.
Day 7: Masai Mara
Enjoy a day on safari. Opt to take to the skies on a balloon safari.
Rise early for a wildlife safari drive during the best time to spot animals and criss-cross the rolling hills of the African savannah. With a full day to explore the area, we can cover a lot of ground. If time allows, visit the Mara River area.
Opt to go for a balloon safari for a new perspective over the beautiful landscape.
Day 8: Masai Mara/Nairobi
Enjoy a final wildlife safari drive before the journey back to Nairobi.
Enjoy one last opportunity to spot the "big five".
Visit the G for Good supported Ubuntu Cafe for lunch, before heading back to Nairobi.
In Nairobi there's some time to buy local handicrafts or check out a bit of the city.
Day 9: Nairobi/Kampala
Travel from one bustling East African capital city to another. Relax in Kampala and await the second part of this epic adventure.
Day 10: Kampala/Fort Portal
Take the scenic route to Fort Portal at the edge of Kibale National Park. Spend the night on a guest farm listening to the sounds of monkeys and birds.
Day 11: Kibale National Park
Explore the evergreen rainforest and trek to spot chimps in the morning or afternoon. Enjoy a traditional lunch in the Bigodi Community.
Opt to venture deep into the wetlands to spot more wildlife on a guided walk through the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary
Day 12: Kibale NP/Queen Elizabeth NP
Continue on to Queen Elizabeth NP, stopping at the equator. Head out on a wildlife safari drive in the afternoon. Keep your eyes peeled for warthogs, elephants, buffalo, five different species of primates, and hippos.
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.
Day 13: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Take an early morning wildlife safari drive and enjoy lunch inside the park. Opt for an evening cruise along the Kazinga Channel.
Enjoy a wildlife safari drive with possible sightings of buffaloes, waterbucks, warthogs, lions, leopards, hyenas, giant forest hogs, and elephants.
Day 14: Queen Elizabeth NP/Bwindi Impenetrable NP
Enjoy the scenic drive south, with views of forests, volcanoes and lakes. Spend the night on the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Day 15: Gorilla Trekking
Rise early for the tour's main highlight – gorilla trekking!
Head into Bwindi Impenetrable 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 1 hr (max) observing these beautiful and endangered creatures, a truly privileged experience. Trek back and return to town. Enjoy free time in the afternoon.
Day 16: Bwindi/Kigali
Cross the border into Rwanda, then head to the capital city, Kigali. Visit the genocide museum to learn more about the dark history of this fascinating country. Enjoy lunch at the G Adventures supported Nyamirambo Women's Centre. Tour ends on arrival at hotel.
Dates | From | Special Offer |
---|---|---|
20 Dec 2024 - 04 Jan 2025 | NZD $12088pp | Contact us |
03 Jan 2025 - 18 Jan 2025 | NZD $10888pp | Contact us |
17 Jan 2025 - 01 Feb 2025 | NZD $10888pp | Contact us |
28 Feb 2025 - 15 Mar 2025 | NZD $11488pp | Contact us |
07 Mar 2025 - 22 Mar 2025 | NZD $10888pp | Contact us |
06 Jun 2025 - 21 Jun 2025 | NZD $12088pp | Contact us |
13 Jun 2025 - 28 Jun 2025 | NZD $12088pp | Contact us |
04 Jul 2025 - 19 Jul 2025 | NZD $12388pp | Contact us |
18 Jul 2025 - 02 Aug 2025 | NZD $12388pp | Contact us |
25 Jul 2025 - 09 Aug 2025 | NZD $12388pp | Contact us |
01 Aug 2025 - 16 Aug 2025 | NZD $12388pp | Contact us |
29 Aug 2025 - 13 Sep 2025 | NZD $12388pp | Contact us |
05 Sep 2025 - 20 Sep 2025 | NZD $12088pp | Contact us |
12 Sep 2025 - 27 Sep 2025 | NZD $12088pp | Contact us |
19 Sep 2025 - 04 Oct 2025 | NZD $12088pp | Contact us |
26 Sep 2025 - 11 Oct 2025 | NZD $12088pp | Contact us |
28 Nov 2025 - 13 Dec 2025 | NZD $12088pp | Contact us |
12 Dec 2025 - 27 Dec 2025 | NZD $12088pp | Contact us |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Suggested Accommodation
City | Accommodation |
---|---|
Nairobi | Heron Portico Hotel or similar |
Samburu | Samburu Campsite or similar |
Lake Nakuru | Nderit Campsite or similar |
Masai Mara | Kenia Campsite or similar |
Kampala | Forest Cottages or similar |
Fort Portal | Kluges Guest Farm or similar |
Queen Elizabeth National Park | The Bush Lodge or similar |
Bwindi National Park | Rushaga Gorilla Camp or similar |
Whats included?
- Your G for Good Moment: Café Ubuntu Farm-to-Table Lunch, Maai Mahiu
- Your G for Good Moment: Nyamirambo Women's Centre, Local Lunch, Kigali
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Samburu village visit and wildlife safari drives
- Safari in Lake Nakuru National Park and Masai Mara National Reserve
- Guest farm stay near Kibale National Park
- Chimpanzee trek
- Bigodi Community lunch
- Queen Elizabeth National Park wildlife safari drives
- Guided gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Visit to Kigali Genocide Museum
- All national park fees and trekking permits
- Internal flight
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
What’s not included?
- International Airfares
- Airport entrance/departure taxes
- Passport, visa and immigration fees
- Additional hotel nights
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Travel Protection Plan
- Gratuities
- Any items not mentioned as included
- Masai Mara Balloon Safari - From AUD$673.00
Notes
- **Please note Park Fees and Gorilla Permits are subject to change without warning.