Embark on an unforgettable East African adventure, where you’ll encounter majestic gorillas in misty forests, playful chimpanzees in lush canopies, rhinos along sparkling lakeshores, and the Big Five roaming the golden savannahs, all amidst breathtaking landscapes and vibrant local cultures.
Bookings close 45 days before departure
Encounter rare wildlife in the heart of East Africa
A close encounter with gentle giants on a gorilla safari in Uganda is an extraordinary experience that will always stay with you.
On this 16-day overland African camping adventure, you’ll roam the verdant plains, rainforests, papyrus-fringed lakes and acacia woodlands of Kenya and Uganda’s game parks, from Queen Elizabeth National Park to the Maasai Mara Reserve. Spot lions, rhinos, antelopes, hippos, leopards and more in their natural habitats.
If you’re looking for a trip that has it all when it comes to African wildlife, this is the trip for you! Take an adventure with a knowledgeable local leader and get the best chance to spot the Big Five, the Small Five, the Ugly Five and all your favourites from the Lion King!
HIGHLIGHTS
- Trek through Uganda’s steamy forests to seek out rare mountain gorillas and spend an unforgettable hour in their presence with the help of expert rangers and trackers.
- Head out on an early evening game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, which is particularly famous for its rhino population.
- Spend a few days at your own pace in Jinja, which can be a relaxing riverside retreat or an adrenaline-pumping adventure capital, depending on your mood.
- Look out for lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes and more as an expert driver guide take you on a 4WD adventure through the incredible Maasai Mara National Reserve for a full-day game drive.
- Meet the Maasai people known for their vibrant red dress and elaborate jewellery and gain an insight into the culture and ancient ways of this proud East African community.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Gorilla Doctors. Donations help them care for injured mountain and Grauer’s gorillas – contributing to the long-term sustainability of gorilla populations.
ITINERARY
Jambo! Welcome to Kenya. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm in Nairobi. If you arrive early, why not head out and soak up the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the city. There are plenty of good bars and restaurants, as well as markets and shops packed with arts and crafts from the region. After the meeting tonight, maybe join your new travel companions for a welcome dinner and get to know each other.
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Unfortunately, petty crime has become common in Nairobi and recently arrived visitors to the capital can often make for tempting targets. Your trip leader will verse you in a few worthwhile precautions at the welcome meeting. Some top tips are to get local advice on where to walk, keep valuables in a neck wallet or money belt or leave them secure in your hotel, and to not leave belongings unattended on chairs or the floor. Stay aware even when inside, as thieves and pickpockets have been known to operate indoors as well. There’s no need to be paranoid but appearing vigilant is a great deterrent to would-be thieves.
Take in the spectacular views of the Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha and Elementaita on the drive north-west to Lake Nakuru National Park – situated in the heart of the Great Rift Valley.
You’ll arrive in time for a short evening game drive along the shore of the lake. Lake Nakuru National Park is a small and compact area based around a lake that makes a great location for spotting wildlife.
Along with the other members of the Big Five, Lake Nakuru is home to many rhinos and will therefore be the best chance to get a snap of these magnificent beasts.
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Your camp tonight is located inside the park and has flush toilets and showers. Wi-fi is not available.
Rise early, have some breakfast, break up camp and head out on an overland game drive as you leave the park. Eat lunch at the gate before driving northwest to Eldoret – one of Kenya’s fastest-growing cities. Tonight, enjoy a traditional dinner at your campsite located just outside Eldoret.
Travel time today is approximately 6 hours.
Your camp has basic facilities and wi-fi.
Today, you’ll leave Kenya behind and cross the border into landlocked Uganda, travelling on to its capital city, Kampala. With a population of over 45 million, Uganda is a country of great cultural diversity and is one of the five countries that make up the East African Community.
As today is a long travel day, take a break from setting up camp with a stay at a hotel tonight. After your long drive, sit down for a dinner prepared by the hotel before settling in for a good night’s rest.
Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park today. Once camp is set up, there’s an option to take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel – well-known for pelicans, eagles and other birdlife, as well as a healthy population of hippos.
Travel time today is approximately 8 hours.
Your camp has basic facilities and wi-fi.
This morning, enjoy a leisurely overland vehicle game drive and look out for elephants, buffalo, Ugandan kobs and waterbucks. Later, take the short drive to Kalinzu Forest National Park.
Some of its inhabitants include chimpanzees, black and white colobuses, baboons, red-tailed monkeys, both blue and red duikers, bushbucks, waterbucks, giant forest hogs, buffalo and elephants.
When you arrive, settle into your camp and perhaps stretch your legs and explore your surroundings with the rest of the group.
Travel time today is approximately 1 hour.
Your camp has basic facilities and wi-fi.
This morning, you have the option to take an excursion to see the chimpanzees of Kalinzu Forest. More closely related to humans than any other living creature, the chimpanzees are a delight to watch as they squabble and play in fruiting trees. You can also choose to soak in the sounds of the forest from the comfort of your tent. Then, make your way to the southwest tip of Uganda, where the border touches Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. You’ll spend the night in Kisoro at a camp on the shore of Lake Mutanda, with views of the Virunga Mountain range. Tonight, relax and soak up the views, go for a swim off the small dock or go hunting for a glimpse of local weaver bird nests and African clawless otters.
Travel time today is approximately 7 hours.
Your camp has wi-fi. Zip-line and high-ropes activities are present but are not recommended for safety reasons.
Joined by a local ranger and gorilla trackers, you’ll climb through the rugged mountain terrain of Bwindi (translating to ‘dark’) Impenetrable National Park for the rare and exciting opportunity to encounter the gorilla families that live here.
No more than eight people per day can visit any one habituated family and visits are strictly controlled to minimise disturbance. The terrain here can be quite strenuous, but the sheer thrill of coming across a group of gorillas dominated by a great male silverback more than outweighs the difficulty.
Watch them eat, sleep, groom and play as the giant silverback surveys the scene and the smaller ones laze in the trees or play and be struck by the similarities between gorillas and humans.
You’ll be provided with a walking stick and the option to hire a porter who can carry your day pack and assist you on the trek. It costs USD 20 to hire a porter, plus an optional tip.
Hiring a porter not only makes your trek easier but also encourages local communities to embrace gorilla conservation and tourism. Some porters are ex-poachers who now recognize the value of gorilla conservation practices.
Your camp tonight has wi-fi.
If you didn’t get to complete your gorilla visit yesterday, you’ll head out today. With your free day, your leader will provide you with options and ideas on how you can spend your time in the area around Kisoro.
You can head out on more rainforest hikes to see monkeys, take some nature walks, or perhaps take a day excursion over the border to Rwanda to visit the genocide memorial, art museum and Nyamirambo women’s center. However, please ensure you have a Rwanda or East Africa visa.
Optional activities require additional transport costs of approximately USD 150 that can be shared between 5 travellers.
The Golden Monkeys Trek is offered as a pre-booked service, which guarantees you a place. If you would rather wait and try to get a better price by booking locally, you are welcome to, but keep in mind that this is a popular activity, and places are limited.
The Rwanda day excursion price depends on the number of travellers. The van costs USD 480 for up to 6 travellers, and entrance fees and tipping are additional costs.
Your camp tonight has wi-fi.
For safety reasons we are currently not offering any activities in Parc National des Volcans.
This morning, you’ll turn back towards the capital of Kampala and embark on a bit of a travel day. You’ll break up the journey at the pit-stop town of Mbarara for the night. There’s not much to do around Mbarara, so tonight’s a great opportunity to recharge, get stuck into a book or relax at the camp.
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
Your camp tonight has basic facilities and wi-fi.
Today you’ll continue your journey inland, travelling towards Jinja. The Jinja region is one of the highlights of any visit to Uganda – a riverside retreat at the source of the Nile that’s also the adventure capital of the country.
Tonight, you’ll camp at a scenic riverside site and enjoy a good night’s rest ready for tomorrow’s adventures.
Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
Your camp tonight has wi-fi, flush toilets and showers.
Located at the source of the Nile as it leaves Lake Victoria, Jinja is a place for the adventurer, the adrenaline junkie and the eco-traveller.
Enjoy a full free day here to explore at your own pace, with a bunch of optional activities to choose. Maybe get active with some whitewater rafting or float along the river on a kayak.
You can also opt for a boat cruise to the source of the Nile, to enjoy the river from a new perspective.
Farewell Uganda and begin the journey back to Kenya and Nairobi, stopping overnight at the town of Kericho – one of Kenya’s most popular towns due to its tranquil surroundings, blanketed by thick tea plantations and evergreens.
Sitting at the edge of the South-Western Mau National Reserve and is known for its vast tea estates. When you arrive, visit a tea plantation and learn about the tea farming process from the locals themselves.
Travel time today is approximately 9 hours.
Your camp is located on the grounds of a hotel.
This morning, drive to the famous Maasai Mara National Park. Stop in Loita Hills on the way, home of the traditional Maasai people, and visit Tepesua Village.
You’ll be welcomed by Maasai warriors through traditional song and dance. Meet your Maasai hosts and listen to a talk full of insights into the remarkable ancient culture. The Tepesua Community was formed with the aim of promoting education, empowering women (including widows and vulnerable women in the community) as well as promoting community development.
There are multiple projects that aim to educate boys and girls and support women’s development and empowerment, focusing especially on the village mamaas (widows). Learn how the community creates job opportunities for the youths in the village and meet the women who make eco-friendly handbags and backpacks to sell to visiting travellers and locals.
Travel on to the Maasai Mara – with sparse open plains, dramatic skies and the world’s most iconic animals living within its boundaries, this is the quintessential African experience. Explore this diverse environment and view a multitude of wildlife on an early evening 4WD game drive with expert local driver guides.
Travel time today is approximately 7 hours.
Your camp tonight does not have wi-fi.
This morning, maybe take an optional balloon ride over the Mara at sunrise. If you’ve pre-booked this activity, you’ll be picked up before dawn and driven to the launch site for a safety briefing from your pilot.
You’ll then glide through the skies, sometimes at tree height, for some amazing photo opportunities. After landing, you’ll be treated to a bush breakfast before meeting up with the rest of the group.
Today you’ll venture into the Maasai Mara National Reserve with expert local driver guides for a day-long 4WD safari. You’ll explore this diverse environment and most likely see a multitude of wildlife.
Return to the bustling metropolis of Nairobi today.
When you arrive, you’ll be dropped off at your finishing point hotel, where your trip ends. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent.
Travel time today is approximately 5 hours.
No accommodation is included tonight. Please do not book international flights departing before 10 pm today.
Join our fixed departure trip where you will travel with a small group of like minded people!
Would you like to experience this trip privately? Inquire on the availability now by filling the below form.
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Available PackagesSaturdayJuly 4, 2026SundayJuly 19, 2026OMR1,5992Available
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Available PackagesSaturdayAugust 22, 2026SundaySeptember 6, 2026OMR1,5994Available
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Group Discount Available Available PackagesSaturdayDecember 26, 2026SundayJanuary 10, 2027OMR1,8694Available
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INCLUSIONS
- Accommodation
- All transport mentioned
- Guides
- All activities mentioned
- Meals mentioned
- Entry fees
EXCLUSIONS
- Flights
- Visa (if required)
- Personal travel insurance
- Personal belongings insurance
- Meals except the mentioned in the itinerary.
IMPORTANT INFO
Min. group size: 1 pax/ Max. group size: 12 pax
Gender group: mixed
Arrival: Please book flights that land no later than 1 pm on day 1. The meeting point is at the following hotel: Hillpark Hotel, Lower Hill Rd Upper Hill Nairobi 0100 KENYA.
Taxis are available from the airport. A taxi should cost approximately US$25-30, and can be paid in Kenyan Shillings or US dollars. Hillpark Hotel, features an outdoor heated swimming pool, a restaurant and a bar. Guests can enjoy the convenience of a 24-hour front desk reception, room service, gym and complimentary WiFi. Rooms are equipped with a coffee making facilities and a flat screen TV.
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Departure: It’s important not to book any outgoing international flights departing before 10 pm today.
No two journeys in Africa are identical. There will be many early starts either to make use of the better safari time or to beat the morning traffic on long travel days. Be prepared for travel times to be longer or shorter than advised. Weather and road conditions can change things significantly, so embrace the detours, shortcuts, and unforgettable moments along the way.
This is a participatory overland camping trip. That means you’ll be travelling with a group in a purpose-built vehicle, visiting remote communities, setting up your tent, helping out with camp chores, occasionally roughing it in the bush with no facilities, and getting the best possible views of iconic African wildlife. For more info on this style of travel, see our Africa overland page at intrepidtravel.com/africa/overland.
Accommodation: The type and variety of accommodation are determined by conditions on each of our routes. Each route is different – on some, we use a mixture of campsites and wild camps; on others, we also use hotels. In Africa, it’s not usually practical to camp when staying in towns and cities, so we use hotel accommodations and eat out in local restaurants.
There may be the occasional night stop when we stay on the grounds of a hotel or at a campsite, which may also have rooms/cabins available. In this case, there may be a choice of camping or upgrading to a room. Rooms cost approximately USD 40-100 per room per night for a twin room and cannot be pre-booked. Standards of these rooms vary greatly, and we recommend viewing the room before purchasing the night’s accommodation.
Keep in mind that if we are staying in dormitory accommodation, you may have to share with other passengers or be split into same-sex rooms.
Campsites do have facilities, but they usually aren’t to the same standard you would find in Western countries. For example, the bathroom facilities can be very basic. Toilet paper is rarely provided, and shower facilities can be as simple as a hose pipe spurting out cold water. Wild camps have no facilities at all.
Note that accommodation is automatically shared in double occupancy. If you book with an even number of guests, you will be sharing the room with your travel companion. If you book solo, you will share with another guest (might be of opposite gender). If you prefer to stay alone in your room, please purchase the single supplement if available.
Unfortunately, petty crime has become common in Nairobi and recently arrived visitors to the capital can often make for tempting targets. Your trip leader will verse you in a few worthwhile precautions at the welcome meeting. Some top tips are to get local advice on where to walk, keep valuables in a neck wallet or money belt or leave them secure in your hotel, and to not leave belongings unattended on chairs or the floor. Stay aware even when inside, as thieves and pickpockets have been known to operate indoors as well. There’s no need to be paranoid but appearing vigilant is a great deterrent to would-be thieves.
Tracking gorillas in the dense forest can sometimes be wet, muddy and uncomfortable. The terrain is by no means easy either, so it can be strenuous and often humid. But the sheer thrill of coming across a habituated group of gorillas, dominated by a great male silverback, more than outweighs any difficulty. You need to be prepared and fit enough to walk up to four hours – up and down hills. A top tip is to pack some gardening gloves to assist in any uphill climbs. See https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/gorilla-trekking for more information.
This itinerary offers an optional second gorilla trek. If you’re interested, we highly recommend that you book at least three weeks in advance to secure the permit. You’re also welcome to wait and arrange the permit locally, but they are limited and availability can’t be guaranteed. Please speak to your booking agent for more details.
Travel insurance is mandatory for all our travellers and must be taken out within a reasonable time after booking. It is not included in the price of the trip. Your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses and emergency repatriation with a recommended minimum coverage of US$200,000 for each of the categories of cover. We also strongly recommend it covers cancellation, curtailment, personal liability and loss of luggage and personal effects. You must provide your travel insurance policy number and the insurance company’s 24-hour emergency contact number on the first day of your trip; you will not be able to join the trip without these details. If you have travel insurance connected to your credit card or bank account please ensure you have details of the participating insurer, the insurance policy number and emergency contact number with you rather than the bank’s name and credit card details.
Prices vary depending on the specific date. Please refer to the departures for the correct price.
Prices start from 1599 OMR per person
Cancellation policy:
- Up to 60 days prior to departure: the booking is 100% refundable except for the 0.3% non-refundable booking fee
- Between 59 days to 31 days prior to departure: the booking is 50% refundable except for the 0.3% non-refundable booking fee
- Between 30 days and 1 day as well as no show: the booking is 100% non-refundable.
EXTRA ACTIVITIES
You can book the following extra activities upon arrival:
- Nairobi – City Experience Urban Adventure – USD45
- Queen Elizabeth National Park – Kazinga Channel boat cruise – USD30
- Kalinzu Forest – Chimpanzee Trekking – USD205
- Kisoro – Golden Monkey Trekking – USD160
- Kisoro – Rwanda Day Excursion – From – USD75
- Kisoro – Batwa Village Visit – USD35
- Kisoro – Coffee Farm Tour – USD35
- Jinja – River Nile whitewater rafting (full day) – USD140
- Jinja – Nile Boat Cruise – USD40
- Jinja – Source of River Nile tour – USD45
- Maasai Mara National Reserve – Balloon Safari (from price) – USD470
FLIGHT INFO
There are many direct flights from GCC cities to Nairobi. Here are some examples:
- UAE: Emirates, Kenya Airways, flydubai (Dubai → Nairobi)
- Qatar: Qatar Airways (Doha → Nairobi)
- Oman: Salam Air (Muscat → Nairobi)
- Bahrain: Gulf Air (Bahrain → Nairobi)
- Saudi Arabia: Saudia (Jeddah → Nairobi) and Flynas (Riyadh → Nairobi)
VISA INFO
Visa Information
This trip includes two countries: Kenya and Uganda. If you select the optional activity, you can also visit Rwanda.
We highly recommend obtaining the East African Tourist Visa, which allows you to visit all three countries with a single document.
You should apply through Kenya, as it will be your port of entry.
Kenya (East African Tourist Visa)
What it is:
A single visa valid for Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda for tourism.
Allows multiple entries over a period of up to 90 days.
Eligibility:
GCC citizens can apply, along with citizens of most other countries.
Passport requirement:
Must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
Payment:
Paid online via credit/debit card as part of the eVisa application on official government portals.
Application Link:
East African Tourist Visa — Kenya eVisa official page
On the portal, select the East African Tourist Visa option.
Follow the steps to register, fill in your details, and pay online.
Vaccinations
Yellow Fever – MANDATORY for all travelers entering Uganda and Rwanda, including GCC citizens:
Must present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate on entry.
Vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before travel to be valid.
If absent, Uganda may require vaccination upon arrival at your expense or deny entry.
This journey travels through Kenya and Uganda, exploring East Africa’s most iconic wildlife reserves, landscapes and cultural regions.
No. Rwanda is not included in the itinerary. There is an optional day excursion to Rwanda from southwestern Uganda, subject to having the correct visa. Overnight stays and core activities do not take place in Rwanda.
Yes. The itinerary includes mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of the most exclusive wildlife experiences in the world.
Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding, involving hiking through dense forest and uneven terrain. A moderate fitness level is recommended, and porters are available to assist.
Accommodation is a mix of hotels and well-equipped campsites, often in stunning natural settings. Most camps have basic facilities, and some offer wi-fi.
Expect extraordinary wildlife encounters, including lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, hippos, giraffes, chimpanzees and a wide variety of birdlife.
