Gorillas & East Africa Safari

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Carbon neutral

18 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

15 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Kigali, Rwanda

Ends

Arusha, Tanzania

Highlights

Seek out the rare mountain gorilla on a trek through Uganda's steamy forests and spend an unforgettable hour in their presence, with permits included in the price of the trip.

Explore the Serengeti National Park in depth with three 4WD safaris and two nights sleeping in a safari camp in the middle of this spectacular wildlife arena.

Learn about Rwanda's devastating history at the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, and see what life looks like today with a tour of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.

Meet members of the Ishasha community for a look at rural life in Uganda, visiting an organic farm and medicine garden and learn how human-wildlife conflict is being tackled with anti-crop raiding techniques

Get to know the diverse wildlife of Queen Elizabeth National Park on a series of 4WD safaris and an optional boat cruise around the lake.

Take a mind-blowing safari across the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater in an open roof 4WD for a chance to see the endangered black rhinoceros, plus lions, zebra and more.

Itinerary

Face to face with a silverback gorilla, standing at the edge of Ngorongoro’s volcanic crater, and sharing stories with Maasai elders—Gorillas & East Africa Safari is an 18-day wildlife trip through Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania that delivers the ultimate African adventure.

Track rare gorillas in their natural habitat, explore vibrant neighborhoods in Kigali, and discover the diversity of East African cultures, from the Hadzabe to villagers near Queen Elizabeth National Park. Every day offers breathtaking wildlife encounters and immersive local experiences, all at an easy pace.

What sets this tour package apart is its rare combination of primate trekking, game drives, and cultural immersion—making it the trip of a lifetime for those eager to see East Africa from every angle.

day 1 - Kigali

Welcome to Kigali, the capital of Rwanda since it gained independence in 1962. Most associate Rwanda with the horrific genocide that took place in 1994, but this is a country that has been striving to rebuild its economy for years and offers so much to the intrepid traveller. And though the past won't, and shouldn't, be forgotten, the future of Rwanda's tourism is looking bright thanks to its welcoming people, an abundance of lakes and the beautiful Virunga Mountains. Your adventure begins by meeting your fellow travellers and local leader at 6pm.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 2 - Musanze

After breakfast this morning, your tour leader will take you to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, which opened in 2004 to mark the 10th commemoration of the genocide against the Tutsi people. It serves as a museum detailing the history and consequences of Rwanda's genocide and a place for people to grieve for lost friends and family. This afternoon, you’ll drive to Musanze – the gateway to Volcanoes National Park, home to gorillas and golden monkeys.

This afternoon, you'll visit The Gorilla Doctors headquaters; the only organisation in the world dedicated to saving the mountain and eastern lowland (Grauer’s) gorilla species one gorilla patient at a time using veterinary medicine and science. They monitor the health of gorilla groups to ensure the early detection of disease and injury, and stage medical interventions when gorillas suffer from human-induced or life-threatening trauma or disease.

included:Kigali - Genocide Memorial Centre, Musanze - Visit to The Gorilla Doctors HQ

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

day 3 - Musanze

Today, you’ll visit the The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. This research centre leads the world in protecting and studying gorillas while helping communities build their conservation capabilities. Learn about Dian Fossey’s life and the conservation of endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda.

There are heaps of optional activities to do in Musanze, including Golden Monkey Trekking in the Virunga Mountains, the Mount Bisoke trek, or keep it chill with a canoe ride on the Mukungwa River. Maybe visit Redrocks Rwanda, where you’ll learn about the local banana beer production and be treated to some dancing, drumming and basket-weaving demonstrations.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 4 - Queen Elizabeth NP

Today, you’ll leave Rwanda as we cross the border into Uganda, making our way to Queen Elizabeth National Park. This park is home to 618 bird species, 10 species of primates - including chimpanzees, and 95 different types of mammals. The route to your accommodation may feel like an unofficial safari. Keep a look out for African elephants, buffalo, hippos, warthogs, Nile crocodiles, leopards, spotted hyenas, lions and chimpanzees. Tonight, stay in a simple safari lodge within the park overlooking the Kazinga Channel.

accommodation:Lodge

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 5 - Queen Elizabeth NP

Wake up for another exciting day in Queen Elizabeth National Park with another 4x4 Game Drive. Be on the lookout for any sightings you may have missed yesterday, and if you’re really lucky, you might be able to spot leopards or lions.
This afternoon, you have the opportunity to see the park from a different perspective with an optional cruise down the Kazinga Channel, linking Lake Edward to Lake George. You’ll be joined by local guides who will fill you in on everything you could want to know about the landscape and the animals who live within it – be on the lookout for hippos basking on the shore, as well as crocodiles, herds of elephants and abundant birdlife.

included:Queen Elizabeth National Park - 4x4 Game Drive

accommodation:Lodge

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

day 6 - Queen Elizabeth NP

This morning we make our way to Ishasha, the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Here you meet some local residents to learn more about rural life in Uganda. Visit a local organic farm, medicine garden and homestead and learn how its owner is tackling human-wildlife conflict with his anti-crop raiding techniques. You’ll also meet a local Mukiga woman who will share her story while showing you how to sort, pound and grind millet to make porridge and other Bakiga meals.

This part of the park is famous for its tree climbing lions, so be on the look out as you make the game drive towards our ecolodge in the northern sector of the park frequented by herds of elephants, buffaloes and antelopes!

included:Ishasha - Community Tourism Project Visit, Queen Elizabeth National Park - 4x4 Game Drive

accommodation:Lodge

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 7 - Kisoro

Today, drive out of the Queen Elizabeth National Park on your way to the southwest tip of Uganda (approximately 6 hours). The journey is like a game drive in itself, with the chance to spot zebras, antelopes, baboons and monkeys out the window. When you arrive at the corner of Uganda, where the border touches Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, you’ll be based in Kisoro, which provides access to seven different gorilla groups located in Mgahinga, Nkuringo, Rushaga and Nshongi.

accommodation:Lodge

meals:1 Breakfast

day 8 - Kisoro (Gorilla Trek)

Join a local guide and trackers as you climb through the rugged, mountainous terrain of Bwindi National Park in search of mountain gorillas. A quick lock of eyes with these creatures is a truly primal moment and visits are strictly controlled to minimise disturbance. Make no mistake, tracking gorillas is no walk in the park – it's called Bwinidi Impenetrable National Park for a reason. It can be wet, muddy, strenuous and uncomfortable, but the indescribable elation at coming across a group of gorillas is worth the effort. Spend a mesmerising hour with the gorillas as they eat, sleep, groom and play as the male silverback watches over them, then return to the lodge for dinner and to reflect on this incredible experience.

included:Bwindi National Park - Mountain Gorilla Permit & Trek

accommodation:Lodge

meals:1 Breakfast

day 9 - Nairobi

After breakfast this morning, make the journey back to Kigali. You'll be dropped off at Kigali Airport for your short flight to Nairobi this evening.
When you arrive at Nairobi Airport, you'll be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Check in, freshen up and get a good night's rest before meeting your group in the morning.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 10 - Maasai Mara National Reserve

Transfer from Nairobi to the famous Maasai Mara – one of the best game reserves in Africa. On the way, you'll stop in Loita Hills – a remote region home to the traditional Maasai people. This is one of the key places where the Maasai people still practice their traditional way of life, with little influence from the Western world. Visit the Tepesua Village, known for championing Maasai women’s health and education. Maasai Warriors will welcome you here by way of traditional song and dance. Meet your hosts and attend a talk full of insights into this remarkable and ancient culture. Take a walk to the community village, which was founded for widows who can never remarry and lost their cows due to drought. The village offers support, safety and economic growth through the Tepesua Widows Income Project. Here, the women make handicrafts and sew handbags using sustainable materials as well as washable sanitary pads and backpacks to sell to visitors and locals. Learn about village life and be shown around a traditional Maasai home and its cattle enclosures. Continue to the outskirts of the Maasai Mara, where your permanent tented camp can be found.

included:Loita Hills - Maasai Village Visit

accommodation:Permanent Tented Camp

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 11 - Maasai Mara National Reserve

This morning, you have the option to take part in a hot air balloon ride and bush breakfast, giving you a rare chance to see the open plains at sunrise, teeming with wildlife. After, explore the Maasai Mara in 4WD safari vehicles with game drives in the morning and the afternoon today to give you the best chance to spot the Big Five. This is the quintessential African experience, and with sparse open plains and some of the world's most impressive animals, you won't soon forget this one. Keep your eyes peeled for wildebeest, lions, leopards, antelope and giraffes along the way.

included:Maasai Mara National Reserve - Full Day 4WD Safari

accommodation:Permanent Tented Camp

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 12 - Lake Victoria

Get ready for a long travel day as you journey toward the Kenya-Tanzania border and make your way to the magnificent Lake Victoria. This vast lake is the main source of the Nile, the longest river in the world, and spans the shores of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. On arrival, unwind with a lakeside dinner while you ponder the magnitude of the world’s largest tropical lake.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 13 - Serengeti National Park

Enjoy a relaxed morning, taking in the magnificent views of Lake Victoria in the morning light. Travel to Serengeti National Park, renowned for its incredible wildlife and vast, open landscapes. After passing through the park gate, experience the greatest commute possible as we slowly make our way to our permanent tented camp via the 'scenic safari route.' Along the way, stop to take photos of the abundant wildlife and stunning views. Tonight, you'll have a true African safari experience – with your comfortable safari camp set right in the heart of the Serengeti. After dinner, gather around the campfire to share stories, then fall asleep to the sounds of the wild.

included:Serengeti National Park - 4WD Safari

accommodation:Permanent Tented Camp

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 14 - Serengeti National Park

Wake to another glorious day in the Serengeti National Park. Start the day with an early morning 4WD safari to spot the wildlife when they're at their most active. Then, return to camp for a relaxed brunch. This afternoon, head off again for another drive through the park. Return to camp for dinner and another night under the Serengeti's stars.

included:Serengeti National Park - Afternoon 4WD Safari, Serengeti National Park - Morning 4WD Safari

accommodation:Permanent Tented Camp

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 15 - Karatu

Enjoy a final game drive through the Serengeti National Park this morning as you exit your camp inside the park and make your way to the park gate. From here, drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation area, where you'll hop in the park's 4WD jeeps and descend to the crater floor. The jeeps have an open roof, and the animals here are less wary of humans and vehicles, which makes watching them up close easier. Take in the spectacular views from the crater's rim as you make your way to the bottom, where animals roam the lakes, rivers, woodlands and hills. Keep an eye out for wildebeest, lion, zebra, cheetah, buffalo, gazelle, endangered black rhino and the colourfully dressed Maasai people who often water their cattle at the lake here. This afternoon, leave the Ngorongoro Crater and drive to Karatu – a small town on its outskirts and your base for the next two nights.

included:Ngorongoro Crater - 4x4 Game Drive, Serengeti National Park - Morning 4WD Safari

accommodation:Lodge

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 16 - Karatu

After breakfast, make your way towards Lake Eyasi, a vast seasonal soda lake, stopping at a scenic viewpoint to take in the magnificent views across its shimmering waters. The area surrounding Lake Eyasi has been home to the Hadzabe people for more than 10,000 years and is one of the few places in Africa where traditional tribal life continues with little modern influence. Today’s visit to the Hadzabe lands offers fascinating insight into this ancient culture and a chance to learn about their way of life. Meet community members and take part in daily activities such as hunting, gathering, and traditional dance, while learning about their unique ‘click’ language — believed to be one of the oldest still spoken today. Return to your lodge in Karatu later in the day to relax and unwind.

included:Lake Eyasi - Hadzabe Bushmen Visit, Lake Eyasi - Soda Lake View Point

accommodation:Lodge

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 17 - Arusha

Today is a free day to relax or choose from the various optional activities available from your base in Karatu. You might like to head to a local coffee plantation or take a game drive in Lake Manyara National Park. Maybe opt for a hike through the Ngorongoro Reserve Forest to Elephant Caves accompanied by an expert local guide and armed ranger. This is the perfect way to stretch your legs after a few days of travel. You'll hike through the Ngorongoro rainforest as your local guide explains the ins and outs of the area and points out interesting animal tracks and footprints. Marvel at the wild landscape and spot the varied birdlife as you walk. In the afternoon, you’ll head to Arusha, where you spend your last night.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

day 18 - Arusha / Nairobi

Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast today. A departure transfer to either Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) can be booked at an additional expense. Alternatively, you can continue with your crew to finish in Nairobi.

meals:1 Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights), Lodge (7 nights), Permanent Tented Camp (4 nights)

Meals

17 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 10 Dinners

Transport

4WD Open Safari Vehicle, Private 4WD Vehicle, Plane

Guide

An expert tour leader

Included Activities

Kigali - Genocide Memorial CentreMusanze - Visit to The Gorilla Doctors HQQueen Elizabeth National Park - 4x4 Game DriveIshasha - Community Tourism Project VisitBwindi National Park - Mountain Gorilla Permit & TrekLoita Hills - Maasai Village VisitMaasai Mara National Reserve - Full Day 4WD SafariSerengeti National Park - 4WD SafariSerengeti National Park - Afternoon 4WD SafariSerengeti National Park - Morning 4WD SafariNgorongoro Crater - 4x4 Game DriveLake Eyasi - Hadzabe Bushmen VisitLake Eyasi - Soda Lake View Point

What's Excluded

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