Mountain Gorilla | Uganda | Africa
FROM: USD $1,635 pp

Trek through lush jungle in search of mountain gorillas. Experience the beauty of Uganda, visit Kenya's Great Rift Valley Lakes and spot game on the plains of the Masai Mara on this popular 15 day overland safari.

Inclusions
Itinerary
Prices & Dates
Campsites
COVID SAFE GUIDE
Reviews

Trip Highlights

Masai Mara - search for all of Africa's iconic Big Five and other species in one of Kenya's finest wildlife reserves
Great Rift Valley - gaze in awe at the spectacular scenery of the Great Rift Valley, home to incredible landscapes, shimmering lakes and wonderful wildlife
Lake Nukuru - explore the biodiverse Lake Nakuru National Park, which is home to large population of both black and white rhinos
The Equator Crossing - stop for a “one foot in each hemisphere” photo opportunity
Lake Naivasha - search for the rare African Fish Eagle on the highest of the Rift Valley lakes and join optional excursions including a bike ride
Gorilla Trekking - spot endangered mountain gorillas on an optional guided trek into the dense jungle of Uganda
Lake Bunyoni - relax on the shore of the deepest crater lake in Africa and see a myriad of bird life whilst waiting for your gorilla trek
Kampala - discover the charismatic Ugandan capital independently

Included

13 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 13 dinners
Arrival transfer from Nairobi Airport on day 1
A fully equipped overland truck for transportation and game drives
All camping fees and appropriate equipment
1st night dormitory accommodation at Kenya Comfort Hotel and 13 nights camping. Tents and sleeping mats provided
Park entry - Lake Naivasha NP. Park entry and game drives - Lake Nakuru NP, Masai Mara
Services of 3 person crew (leader, driver, cook)
All road taxes and tolls

Not Included

Gorilla Permit and transfer fee: Please note that Gorillas often move across the border, between the national parks in Rwanda and Uganda, therefore itineraries often have to be changed at short notice in order to track the Gorillas in whichever National Park they have migrated to. For this reason the cost of the Gorilla Permit and relevant transfers varies, as do the applicable visa costs, dependent upon which country we need to travel into. Permits are subject to availability and need to be booked in advance.
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
Optional activities
Local Payment: $700pp, paid in USD.
International flights and visas
Sleeping bag - please bring your own
Entrance Fees: Gorilla Permit & transfer fee approx USD$805pp, paid in USD

Itinerary

Day 1

Nairobi

Saturday. Welcome to Nairobi! We’ll be there to collect you at Nairobi Airport and transfer you to the Kenya Comfort Hotel. Tonight you will stay in shared dorms. There will be a pre departure meeting at 17.00.
Overnight: Nairobi

Days 2-3

Masai Mara

Nairobi - Masai Mara. Heading west from Nairobi on day 2, we reach possibly Kenya’s most famous natural attraction - the Masai Mara National Reserve. The Kenyan section of the wildly beautiful Serengeti Plains teems with wildlife. The highlight of the Mara is no doubt the annual wildebeest migration, when millions of these beasts plus zebra and Thomson’s gazelle stray north from the Serengeti in neighbouring Tanzania in search of lush grass on the savannah plains. Elephant, lion, cheetah, giraffe and a multitude of hooved herbivores also inhabit the reserve. A game drive through the Mara on day 3 gives us the chance to spot the Big Five. During our stay we can also opt to visit a local Masai tribe.
Overnight: Masai Mara  |  Breakfast x 1, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2

Day 4

Eldoret

Masai Mara - Eldoret. Leaving the Masai Mara early on day 4, we head out of Masai Land and pass through the scenic tea plantations of Kericho before descending the Rift Valley Plateau, on our way to Eldoret - our stop for the night.
Overnight: Eldoret  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Kampala

Eldoret - Kampala (Uganda). This morning we cross the border into Uganda, a small country of striking beauty, with landscapes varying from the fertile green areas around the northern shores of Lake Victoria to the snow-capped Ruwenzori Mountains in the west and the semi-desert region in the north. We reach Kampala, the capital city, where we stop for the night.
Overnight: Kampala  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 6-9

Lake Bunyoni & Gorilla Trekking

Kampala - Lake Bunyoni. After an early morning departure from Kampala we drive west into the depths of Uganda to our base at the tranquil Lake Bunyoni, the deepest Crater Lake in Africa and home to a large and varied number of beautiful birds, which is the base from which the optional Gorilla trek takes place. Dependant on where trekking permits are available, we trek in the Magahinga or Bwindi National Parks in Uganda

We depart from our base in Bunyoni in small groups over 3-4 days, depending on the group size. We wind our way through arguably some of the most picturesque scenery in Africa en-route to the National Park. Dependant on where permits are available, we may spend a night in Kisoro en route. The following morning, after packing our picnic lunch, we are transferred to a ranger’s station where the trek commences. Your rangers will lead you through the cultivated lands and then into the dense rain forest and on to a gorilla family. Trekking can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 8 hours and it can be quite strenuous. To ensure the gorillas do not get too used to the presence of humans and because they share many of our genes (and therefore able to catch our diseases), the maximum time permitted to spend with them is 1 hour. You will have plenty of time to watch their activity and to take photographs. The rangers will be able to provide you with a background to the family you are visiting. Once your hour is up, you trek back out of the rain forest to your meeting point where you will be transferred back to the Lake Bunyoni campsite.

Please note: Gorilla permits need to be purchased in advance, please ask your reservations consultant or visit our Gorilla trekking travel guide.
Overnight: Lake Bunyoni  |  Breakfast x 4, Lunch x 4, Dinner x 4

Day 10

Kampala

Lake Bunyoni - Kampala. After marvelling at the experience of our gorilla encounters and enjoying the peaceful Lake Bunyoni, we begin our drive back to Kampala. We cross the Equator for the second time and stop for the classic “one foot in each hemisphere” photo opportunity. We overnight in Kampala and have the opportunity to sample its night life!
Overnight: Kampala  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11

Jinja

Kampala - Jinja. Today we have the option of visiting the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary or heading to Jinja for a selection of adventure activities including white water rafting at the source of the White Nile, quad biking or visiting a volunteer and community project. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the banks of the river, or ticking off the wide variety of water birds in this area.
Overnight: Jinja  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 12-13

Lake Nakuru

Jinja - Lake Nakuru (Kenya). Departing early, we head back to Kenya and spend the night outside Nakuru at a lovely campsite on a local farm. Nakuru is Kenya’s 4th largest town and capital of the Rift Valley Province and lies adjacent to the small but wildlife rich Lake Nakuru National Park.

Lake Nakuru National Park is home to a veritable array of wildlife. The park supports a population of black rhino, lion, leopard, zebra, antelope and giraffe not to mention millions of pink flamingos. The lake itself is a shallow soda lake. The following morning we begin our exploration of the national park and after our game drive, we head back to camp.
Overnight: Lake Nakuru  |  Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2

Day 14

Lake Naivasha

Lake Nakuru - Lake Naivasha. Lake Naivasha, is home to a multitude of bird life, the most magnificent being the African Fish Eagle with his regal cry. At 1880 m, this is the highest of the Rift Valley lakes. We spend the day enjoying optional excursions like Elsamere (former home to Joy & George Adamson of Born Free fame), a boat ride to the Crescent Island Game Sanctuary or a bike ride around Hell’s Gate National Park.
Overnight: Lake Naivasha  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15

Nairobi

Saturday. Naivasha - Nairobi. After breakfast today, we head back to Nairobi. On arrival we bid farewell to members of the group.
Breakfast

GORILLA TREKKING PERMITS

Please note: Uganda Gorilla trekking permits need to be purchased in advance, and are subject to availability. Due to the limited availability of the trekking permits, we are unable to guarantee your permit upon receipt of payment. Should we be unable to obtain your permit you will receive a full refund. Please click here for further details on Gorilla permits.

Prices & Dates

Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 6 persons. Prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a tent. Solo travellers will be matched up and share a tent with another solo traveller of the same gender.

Local payment - $700pp, paid in USD.

Please note that this is payable locally on day 1 of your trip in the currency specified.

Christmas departure - book early!
Christmas Departure
New Year's departure, book early!
New Year's Departure
Available
Contact us to book
Not Available
2022
Twin Share
Single Room
USD $1,915
N/A
USD $1,915
N/A
USD $1,915
N/A
USD $1,915
N/A
USD $1,805
N/A
USD $1,805
N/A
USD $1,805
N/A
17 Dec - 31 Dec Christmas departure - book early!
Christmas departure - book early!
USD $1,915
N/A
31 Dec - 14 Jan New Year's departure, book early!
New Year's departure, book early!
USD $1,915
N/A
2023
Twin Share
Single Room
USD $1,635
N/A
USD $1,805
N/A

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

Kenya Comfort Hotel, Nairobi

Our Category: Standard   |   Regional Category: 3 Star Hotel

Comfortable dormitory accommodation in central Nairobi (upgrades available on request). The Kenya Comfort Hotel also features an outdoor pool, restaurant serving a good array of local and international dishes as well as a fully stocked bar - perfect for relaxing before or after your epic overland adventure.

Naiberi River Campsite & Resort, Eldoret

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: Campsite

Camp by the river Naiberi at this vintage resort 16km from Eldoret, which also offers spacious dorms, log cabins, and executive rooms built into the valley slopes. During the day, admire the wildlife, with a variety of local nature trails offering the chance to encounter over 250 bird species. At night, venture down to the famous cave restaurant and enjoy a meal within the stone walls, believed to have once housed members of the ancient Sirikwa tribe. Other amenities include an outdoor pool and extensive bar selection.

Red Chilli Hideaway, Kampala

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: Campsite

Located on a purpose-built, 5-acre site in a peaceful suburb, the Red Chilli Hideaway offers affordable accommodation ranging from a campsite which we use for our overland safaris to private ensuite rooms for upgrades. Settle down for the day at the Hideaway's saltwater pool, self-catering kitchen, or restaurant & bar. The camp supports sustainable tourism and operates the Steve Willis Memorial Fund, whose proceeds go to providing clean drinking water in the Murchison Falls region.

Reviews

Travellers have rated this tour as 4.64 out of 5 based on 14 recent reviews

1  |  2

We have traveled 2 Africa twice with On the Go Tours and totally enjoyed the experience both times , we had great food and great leaders

• Submitted 12 Aug 2019
Tour
Guide
Country

Wildlife was amazing, great time though we won’t miss the long travel days on the truck. Campsites were good, equipment was good. Good range of optional activities. Food was good, thanks to our chef Wyclef. Our guide Hesbon was extremely patient and accommodating to many demands. Highly recommended, our group size of 13 was great, more would have felt cramped given time in transit.

• Submitted 10 Jul 2019
Tour
Guide
Country

This tour was fantastic. There are long days of driving. I found the trek challenging although we had one of the longer treks but totally worth it. Our crew of Mwongi, Nick and Jarod could not have been better. I definitely would recommend this trip.

• Submitted 24 Sep 2018
Tour
Guide
Country

I had an amazing time on this tour, thanks largely to our excellent guide Godfrey. He was very patient with everyone's questions and requests and was very informative about the areas we travelled through. I feel the tour offered great value for money, however there were a few extras that would have been handy to know about before the tour to budget for such as the optional upgrades along the way.

I was very pleased with the food offered being a vegetarian. Overall I highly rate this tour and was one of the best travel experiences of my life.

• Submitted 30 Jun 2018
Tour
Guide
Country

Wow!!!! This trip was an adventure of a lifetime. Seeing the gorillas up so close and personal was incredible. Visiting the beautiful lakes of Navaisha, Nakuru, Bunyonyi and Victoria was fascinating. Our game drive through the Maasai Mara was brilliant and we saw the Big 5 in about half an hour! Our guides for all game drives were fantastic!! However our crew Mwangi, Jared and Nick were the most hospitable, caring and friendly bunch of guys I have had the pleasure of traveling with. They really made the trip what is was AMAZING! Thank you On The Go Tours once again for providing quality touring and mind blowing experiences. I'm just about to book my next one!

• Submitted 14 Jun 2018
Tour
Guide
Country

Very friendly, approachable, humorous, and helpful. He was knowledgeable about the country and we learnt a lot about history and culture. Would definitely recommend Frederick, Peter and Saris as the dream team. Anyone that gets them will be well looked after.

• Submitted 24 Nov 2017
Tour
Guide
Country

Linda was lovely, warm and approachable but relatively new to the job I believe so some of her info could have been a bit more definitive. Tom was a great driver and always felt we were in good hands. John was an excellent cook - good variety, very attentive to cleanliness - always on time and committed to us. Maybe an extra night in the Mara would ease the long drives and give some more game driving or leisure time. Thank you

• Submitted 15 Aug 2017
Tour
Guide
Country

Such an amazing trip. Very well organised. Met some lovely people who will be friends for life. Thanks for making it a special trip to remember

• Submitted 26 Jul 2017
Tour
Guide
Country

My wife and I absolutely loved both the tour and the crew we had. I enjoyed every bit of the experience from the the accommodations, the excursions, our crew and the group the shared the experience with us. The only thing i regret is not being able to extend our trip to continue on with the rest of the group. On behalf of my wife and myself i would like to thank you for the awesome experiences.

• Submitted 23 Jun 2017
Tour
Guide
Country

Fantastic! Great group and tour. Mackenzie, Tom and Mwai were brilliant. Great, fresh meals, good driving even on very rough "roads" and good instruction. You need to very carefully read your trip notes to get the best out of this tour. Also apply for the (new?) East African visa which lets you into Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda on a multi-entry basis. There are a lot of early starts and long drives on this tour. There was only one real relaxing day but I'm so glad I went. The gorillas were amazing as was the rest of the wildlife. All the locals we met were very friendly and obliging - even if it cost you a dollar!

• Submitted 07 Mar 2017
Tour
Guide
Country
1  |  2

In Brief

Range
Trip Type
Starts
Nairobi
Ends
Nairobi
Departs
Saturdays
Group Size
Min 6 / Max 30
Hotel Rating
Camping
Local Payment
$700pp, paid in USD.
Tour Guide
Yes - escorted by a tour leader
Meals
Breakfast: 13, Lunch: 13, Dinner: 13
Visiting
Eldoret, Kampala, Nairobi, Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha
Countries
Masai Mara tribespeople standing in a row wearing colourful clothes
Rhino standing in front of a flock of flamingos at a water hole at Lake Nakuru

Extra Tour Info

Tourist Visas
Visa requirements for Africa and info on getting your visa
Spotting Africa's Big 5
Our guide to the best places to see the BIG 5
The Great Migration
The best places and times to see the great migration
Gorilla Trekking
Close encounters with these gentle giants of the jungle
About Overland Safaris
Information on travelling in Africa on an overland safari
Updated
26th October 2021

We have traveled 2 Africa twice with On the Go Tours and totally enjoyed the experience both times , we had great food and great leaders

Troy Clifford
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