Gorillas, Chimps and Game Parks

A close encounter with the gentle gorillas of the Rwandan rainforest is an extraordinary African experience that will stay with you a lifetime - and it's just one of the many wildlife spottings this unforgettable African overland adventure has to offer. Roam the verdant plains, rainforest, papyrus-fringed lakes and acacia woodlands of Kenya and Uganda to spot lions, rhinos, chimpanzees, antelope, hippos, leopards, flamingos and more in their natural habitats. Winston Churchill famously dubbed this beautiful countryside the Pearl of Africa, and you'll quickly understand why.

Meet Rwanda's noble mountain gorillas, Track playful chimps in Kibale Forest, Help out the Kariandusi School Trust Project, Spot a shy antelope in acacia woodland, Experience peaceful wilderness in Lake Mburo National Park, Cruise into hippo heaven in the Kazinga Channel, Marvel at swirling rapids near Bujagali Falls, Spot the Big Five in the remarkable Queen Elizabeth National Park, Search out hippos in the Kazinga Channel.

Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1 Nairobi-
Get ready for an animal-spotting adventure. For those who arrive early, be sure to visit the National Museum of Kenya.

Day 2 Lake Nakuru-
Lake Nakuru is a favourite spot with birdlife. Listen out for the chatter of black and white colobus monkeys in the treetops above.

Days 3-4 Eldoret/ Kampala-
Meet local children and their families at the Kariandusi School Trust Project. Lend a hand with a learning or construction project. Rise early for a dawn safari and perhaps spy an endangered rhino. Cross the border into Uganda to camp near Kampala.

Days 5-6 Kibale Forest National Park-
Walk with the chimps in equatorial rainforest

Day 7 Queen Elizabeth National Park-
Set between the Great Rift Valley lakes of Edward and George, the Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to a wide array of wildlife. Embark on game drives to try to spot elephants, lions, buffaloes and antelope. Cruise the Kazinga Channel where pelicans and fish eagles soar and hippos wallow.

Day 8 Lake Bunyonyi-
Hiring a traditional dugout canoe and gliding across the lake's surface is a fun way to enjoy the amazing scenery.

Days 9-11 Gorilla Trek-
Cross over the border into Rwanda and make camp at Ruhengeri, gateway to our gorilla adventure. Accompanied by a guide and trackers, hike through rugged terrain to come face-to-face with a family of rare mountain gorillas - the sight of these gentle mountain giants is unforgettable. Head out on rainforest hikes to glimpse some of the forest's other inhabitants.

Day 12 Lake Mburo-
Back over the border in Uganda head to Lake Mburo, home to the large eland antelopes. Discover plenty of other magnificent animals on walking safaris through this secluded park.

Days 13-14 Jinja-
Visit Bujagali Falls, one of the many sources of the Nile. Then take time out to shop for souvenirs or perhaps try white-water rafting.

Days 15-16 Eldoret/ Nairobi-
Pass through Eldoret once more on the way back to the busy streets of Nairobi, where the adventure ends.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Hotel (1 nt), participatory camping (14 nts)

Departure Dates, Options & Prices

Prices from GBP £730 plus trip kitty USD $1120

Please note: this trip has an increased non-refundable deposit of GBP500. The increased deposit is due to a large portions of this itinerary requiring non-refundable advance purchase.

Allow USD $160 for meals not included.