Kenya & Uganda Gorilla Adventure

Day 1: Nairobi - Lake Nakuru National Park (L,D)

Approximate Distance: 155 km
Estimated Travel Time: 5 hrs

The journey begins early with a brief welcome meeting in the morning (7am) before we travel north from Nairobi (approximately at 8am) through the Great Rift Valley stopping at Lake Nakuru National Park, home to a vast variety of birdlife, particularly hundreds of thousands of flamingoes. Search for white and black rhino, buffalo, impala, hyena, and even leopard on our afternoon game drive in this renowned game park.

Kenya's fourth largest town and the capital of the Rift Valley province, Nakuru, meaning “dusty place” in the Masai language, is a cheerful and vibrant agricultural town with a variety of coulourful local markets. We camp outside of the town itself and within the Lake Nakuru National Park, the area’s principal highlight and best natural attraction.

Lake Nakuru National Park began in 1961 as a small, protected territory, only encompassing the famous lake of the same name, and the surrounding mountainous vicinity. Now it has been extended to include a large part of the area’s grassland savannahs and woodland slopes, and covers an area of roughly 188 km sq.

Lake Nakuru itself is one of the Rift Valley soda lakes. The alkaline lake's abundance of algae attracts the large quantity of flamingos, estimated into the millions, which famously line the shore. The surface of the shallow lake is often hardly recognizable due to the continually shifting mass of pink. There are two types of flamingo species: the Lesser flamingo can be distinguished by its deep red carmine bill and pink plumage unlike the greater flamigo, which has a bill with a black tip. But flamingos are not the only avian attraction, also present are two large fish-eating birds, pelicans and cormorants. The park is rich in other birdlife, including grebes, white winged black, stilts, avocets, ducks, and in the European winter, the migrant waders.

The park has recently been enlarged partly to pro`vide the sanctuary for the black rhino. This undertaking has necessitated a fence - to keep out poachers rather than to restrict the movement of wildlife. The park now has more than 25 rhinos, one of the largest concentrations in the country, so the chances of spotting these survivors are better than in other parks. There are also a number of Rothschild's giraffe, again translocated for safety from western Kenya beginning in 1977. Numerous other mammals can be seen, including zebra, impala, gazelle, waterbuck, lion, warthog, bushbuck, many buffalo, and even at times leopard.

Days 2-3: Eldoret/Kampala (2B,2L,2D)

Approximate Distance: Day 2 - 156 km; Day 3 - 359 km
Estimated Travel Time: Day 2 - 5 hrs; Day 3 - 9 hrs

View varied landscapes as you cross over the Mau Mau Escarpment to Eldoret. Continue into Uganda and across the northern shores of Lake Victoria to camp in Kampala, Uganda's vibrant commercial centre.

With a population nearing 1,210,000, Kampala is the largest city in Uganda. It is located in the district of Kampala at 3,900 ft (1,189 m) above sea level. Before the arrival of the British, the Buganda King, the Kabaka, had chosen the area that was to become Kampala as one of his favorite hunting grounds. The area was made up of numerous rolling hills and lush wetlands. It was an ideal breeding ground for various antelopes - particularly the Impala. When the British arrived they called the area the Hills of the Impala.

The Baganda, eager to adopt foreign words into the local language, translated "hill of the Impala" into Luganda as "kasozi k' Impala" (pronounced "ka Impala" and eventually "ka mpala"). So whenever the Kabaka left his palace to go to hunt his favorite game, royal courtiers would say "the Kabaka has gone to Kampala to hunt" and thus name stuck.

Days 4-5: Queen Elizabeth National Park (2B,2L,2D)

Approximate Distance: 431 km
Estimated Travel Time: 9 hrs

Travel west towards Lake Edward to this famous park, with Uganda's largest wildlife populations. Here, enjoy a short nature hike around the area of our camp, and on day 5, embark on both morning and afternoon game drives, with hopes of catching glimpses of buffalo, hippo, elephant, lion, and the elusive leopard. For a different perspective, you may also opt for a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.

The 1,978 sq. km 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.

Over 95 mammal species has been recorded in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Ten primate species are present, including chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkey, spotted hyena, Defassa waterbuck, and vervet, blue, red-tailed, black-and-white colobus and olive baboon, the elusive semi-aquatic sitatunga antelope in papyrus swamps around Lake George. Buffaloes are present but are primarily restricted to Maramagambo forest. The park’s elephants display affinities with the smaller and slightly hairier forest-dwelling race of elephant found in the Congo. The Ishasha and Mweya form a sanctuary for the tree-climbing lions.

More than 606 bird species have been recognized as existing in the park, which believed to be the highest total of any national park in Africa, if not the world. The bird list includes virtually every water-bird species resident in Uganda. The park is a sanctuary to the rare and most sought-for shoebill. Other key species include: the African fish Eagle, martial eagle, and papyrus gonolek. Along the Kazinga Channel one is able to watch for resident African Mourning Dove, Swamp flycatcher, black-headed gonolek, grey-capped warbler, grey-headed kingfisher and Brimstone Canary.

Days 6-9: Gorillas/Lake Bunyonyi (4B,4L,4D)

Approximate Distance: 201 km
Estimated Travel Time: 6 hrs

We travel south through gorgeous countryside to Lake Bunyonyi, our base for several days in the area. Our time in this lush, magical, mountainous region of Uganda is spent between enjoying the area of Lake Bunyonyi and many activities that it has to offer, and an unforgettable guided trek deep into the forest-sloped volcanoes for a wild encounter of a family of mountain gorillas (Gorilla Permits Included). Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the home to approximately half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas, the world's most endangered ape. One of Africa's major highlights, a close encounter with these amazing animals is simply breathtaking.

A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a true African jungle, so named because of the dense undergrowth, vines and other vegetation, which make it almost 'impenetrable'. It is both mysterious and awesome. Bwindi’s biggest claim to fame is the fact that it is sanctuary to approximately half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas (over 300 of a total population of 600).

Ugandan authorities are fiercely protective of this natural treasure and currently permit only a maximum of 8 people per day to visit a given gorilla family. As such, the group will be split into different sub-groups for the trek, and depending on the amount of travellers there are total, different sub-groups may do their trek on different days. In the morning of your trek, you will drive in smaller vehicles to park office and meet with your local mountain guides and porters, who can carry your personal items and assist you during the trek. The guides will brief you on the etiquette of gorilla trekking, after which, you set off into the forest. The trek can take from one to six hours and can exceed altitudes of 2500m. The terrain is rough and at times muddy and slippery. It is very important to bring along plenty of water. It can rain in a few minutes notice; hence waterproof clothing is essential along with protective bags for your camera and film.

Without doubt, your first impression of the dense jungle will be its almost audible silence. Jungle creatures are very, very shy, but, as you pick your way along the trail, through the dense undergrowth, you'll realize that the jungle is alive. Thousands of living organisms are discreetly watching and waiting as you pass through their home and, from time to time, the complete tranquility will be shattered by a darting forest bird or group of chattering monkeys leaping through the stands of ancient trees, disturbing the secretive residents and setting up a chain reaction. Now, the ever-wary jungle comes to colourful and noisy life for a moment, until silence reigns again. As you walk among the shadows of the leafy canopy, this rainforest reveals the smells and sounds of Africa, just as it has been for centuries. Your guide will take you along river trails with delightful waterfalls, up steep slopes and into forest clearings in search of these gentle giants. Although the hike is physically demanding the beauty of the forest and surrounding scenery make the trekking worthwhile. Once the gorillas are located all fatigue is forgotten, as the experience is often described as being the most profound natural history experience in the world.

Approximately 98% of the gorilla treks are successful but there is no guarantee that you will see the gorillas.

For the rest of your time in the area, you will have the chance to go swimming, fishing, or caneoing on the lake ; visit the local community ; or rent a mountain bike to explore the area, among other activities offered by the camp where we stay. The area of Lake Bunyonyi is extremely peaceful and is a nature lover's paradise.

Day 10: Lake Mburo National Park (B,L,D)

Approximate Distance: 230 km
Estimated Travel Time: 5.30 hrs

A scenic journey takes us to Lake Mburo National park, to continue our nature and wildlife encounters in one of Uganda's most precious locations. After arriving to the park and having lunch, we continue for a game drive passing through the acacia woodland in search of the diverse resident wildlife. If time allows, you can even go for a nature walk or take a boat trip on one of the lakes, with hopes of spotting hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of waterbirds. We finish the day camping on the shores of the lake listening to the sounds of the African wilderness.

Lake Mburo National Park is a nature lover's paradise, as the park consists of open plains, forested woodland, and five lakes. It is the best place in the country to see the gigantic eland antelope and has about 68 different species of mammals. The common ones are zebra, impala, buffalo, topi, not to leave out the rare sightings of roan antelope, as well as sitatunga antelope and red, black and yellow papyrus gonalek. Leopard, hyenas and jackals are all predators of this region.

The lake is rich with a diversity of animal and plant species which can only be viewed clearly if you take a boat trip. The crocodiles, hippopotamuses and birds like Pelicans, Black crake, Heron, cormorant, fish eagle, you may also sight the rare Shoebill Stork and all these will furnish your visit with pride.

Days 11-12: Jinja (2B,2L,2D)

Approximate Distance: 283 km
Estimated Travel Time: 7 hrs

Head south to the shores of Lake Victoria and renowned as the “Source of the Nile”, Jinja is fast becoming the thrill-seeker's capital of Africa. Spend a full day rafting or kayaking down the Nile River, mountain biking in the Mabira Forest, volunteering with a local project, or just enjoying the relaxed vibe of Jinja.

Jinja, the second largest commercial centre in Uganda, was established in 1901. Lying in the south east of Uganda, 87 km north east of Kampala, it is located on the shores of Lake Victoria near to the source of the White Nile. The city is the chief town of Jinja District, and is considered the capital of the Kingdom of Busoga.

The resident population of Jinja is approximately 106,000 with the majority being Bantu in origin. Lusoga and Luganda are the main local languages.

North of Jinja is Bujagali Falls, which is located downriver from Owen Falls Dam. Bujagali Falls is a world-class spot for kayaking and white water rafting, and also a popular weekend picnic area for local Ugandans. However, the falls are under threat from the construction of a proposed new 250 MW hydroelectric facility.

Days 13-14: Eldoret/Nairobi (2B,2L,D)

Approximate Distance: Day 13 - 281 km; Day 13 - 8 hrs
Estimated Travel Time: Day 14 - 310 km; Day 14 - 7 hrs

Cross over into Kenya and continue through the Rift Valley and on towards Nairobi.

The name Nairobi is derived from the Masai word for cool waters, which the Masai people gave to a water hole known as Ewaso Nyirobi. In modern times, the sprawling, cosmopolitan city of Nairobi combines the first-world glamour of reflecting-glass skyscraper buildings with abject developing-world poverty. It originated in 1899 from a handful of shacks that marked the end of the railhead during the building of the Uganda railway. Due to big game hunting bringing tourists from Britain, the city expanded dramatically in the early 1900’s. A large number of British nationals settled in the area, prompting more growth and this angered both the Masai and Kikuyu people, as they were losing hunting ground due to the expansion of the city limits. The friction increased and, eventually led to the Mau Mau uprising, which saw Jomo Kenyatta, the future president jailed. Kenya was granted independence from Britain in 1963, with Nairobi as the capital.

Apart from being Kenya’s capital and the main centre of government and commerce, Nairobi is the most significant city in East Africa and an important player on the pan-African stage. It is the diplomatic base for many counties in Africa, with its broad spectrum of international embassies and headquarters for the United Nations, multi-national companies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and press correspondents. It’s also the center of the growing safari business of East Africa.