Eldoret (Kenya) | Jinja (Uganda) | Kalinzu Forest Reserve (Uganda) | Kampala (Uganda) | Lake Bunyonyi (Uganda) | Lake Mburo National Park (Uganda) | Lake Nakuru National Park (Kenya) | Masai Mara (Kenya) | Nairobi (Kenya)
The following are Kenya & Uganda Gorilla Overland: Forests & Wildlife Spotting tour dates available from G Adventures. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
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Arrive at any time. Prepare for tomorrow's early morning by checking out the hotel bar with your newest friends. Travelling can take a lot out of you so sit back, fill those food and drink needs, and spend a chill night becoming familiar with your group and CEO.
Please make sure you have all of the necessary visas for this tour by the time of the welcome meeting. It is very important to read the visa section in our trip details to make sure you have the ones you will need, if any. Please note that not all nationalities are able to obtain a visa on arrival at the border.
Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Hit the road and journey through the Great Rift Valley today on the way to one of the most famous national parks in Africa and Kenya's premier wildlife reserve. Stretch those legs and take in your surroundings before heading on a late afternoon wildlife safari drive with excellent chances of seeing the "big five". This natural environment coupled with the park's varied wildlife provides for a spectacular safari experience.
Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride.
You are in one of the world's top safari destinations, known for its abundance of big cats - cheetahs, leopards and lions - as well as the two million wildebeest, Thomson's gazelles and zebra that migrate annually across the vast grasslands in search of water. Set off on safari with our driver/guide on a private concession near the reserve and keep your eyes and ears peeled for movement and memories. Watch elephants and giraffe grazing, photograph zebras and wildebeest and, with a little luck, you'll even spot animals feasting on a recent kill.
Grab those cameras and jump in the safari vehicle with your driver/guide to spot wildlife in the Masai Mara National Reserve. Listen to your guide describe the African bush as you traverse one of the world's top safari destinations. Masai Mara is known for its abundance of big cats and wildebeest (see if you can capture a picture of one)!
Please note: if you have pre-booked the Masai Mara Balloon Safari, today's likely the day for this activity! Your CEO will give you final confirmation when it will take place, as it is subject to change. You will miss the included morning wildlife safari drive with the group, but you will have a much better view from above!
Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride.
You are in one of the world's top safari destinations, known for its abundance of big cats - cheetahs, leopards and lions - as well as the two million wildebeest, Thomson's gazelles and zebra that migrate annually across the vast grasslands in search of water. Set off on safari with our driver/guide on a private concession near the reserve and keep your eyes and ears peeled for movement and memories. Watch elephants and giraffe grazing, photograph zebras and wildebeest and, with a little luck, you'll even spot animals feasting on a recent kill.
Awake to the sounds of the bush as your alarm clock before jumping in your 4x4 safari vehicle. Today, the group is heading to Lake Nakuru, known for harbouring flocks of pink flamingos and a rich variety of bird species. Before reaching the safari lodge inside Lake Nakuru National Park, you'll stop at the G Adventures-supported Ubuntu Cafe where you will meet up with the Lando, enjoy a meal, and have the opportunity to shop for locally and internationally sold products as memorable and impactful souvenirs.Later, the group will go on an afternoon wildlife drive through the area.
Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride.
On this trip, you'll experience the warmth of Ubuntu Cafe, where every meal you enjoy contributes to a circle of empowerment and supports the creation of impactful souvenirs you'll treasure forever. Your visit also extends support to Ubuntu School, championing the rights and education of children with special needs through therapeutic and vocational training programs.
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
Search for, buffalo, impalas, hyenas, and even lions and leopards on the wildlife safari drive in this renowned national park. Head to the shores of Lake Nakuru to see pelicans and cormorants. The park is also rich in other bird life, including grebes, white winged black terns, stilts, avocets, and ducks.
Another day, another chance to see more wildlife and live your African safari dream. After your morning safari drive around Lake Nakuru keeping your eyes wide open in search of buffalo, impala, and the elusive leopard. The group will bump along in the Lando sharing photos of your day on the road to Eldoret.
Search for, buffalo, impalas, hyenas, and even lions and leopards on the wildlife safari drive in this renowned national park. Head to the shores of Lake Nakuru to see pelicans and cormorants. The park is also rich in other bird life, including grebes, white winged black terns, stilts, avocets, and ducks.
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
It's time to cross another country off of those travel lists as you cross the border from Kenya into Uganda. Drive along reminiscing on inside jokes and experiences from the trip before camping in Kampala (the country's capital) where you will arrive in the late afternoon.
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Even though you get to do something pretty awesome everyday you're going to cross the equator today in the Lando (which we think is a pretty cool thing to be able to add to a travel resume) and head off to Lake Bunyonyi. The name Bunyonyi means 'place of many little birds' and it is undoubtedly the loveliest lake in Uganda. It's winding shores encircle 29 islands and its surrounded by steep terraced hillsides that will have you wondering if you are somewhere in Asia. But the best part is that Lake Bunyonyi is a croc and hippo free lake (unlike many lakes in East Africa) so you can swim in its calm waters as much as you like... such bliss!
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
Today's the day that some of your dreams may just come true because you are going on a guided mountain gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (so insanely cool!) So get ready to embark on an unforgettable hike deep into the jungle through volcano forests alongside a park ranger to search for mountain gorillas. The treks can vary in length and difficulty so be prepared for a challenge, but know that if you spot these majestic creatures (we share 98% of our DNA with them) it will all be worth it. Note: Ugandan authorities are fiercely protective of this natural treasure, and currently permit only a maximum of eight people, per day, to visit a given gorilla family. The group will be split into different sub-groups for the trek, and depending on the number of travellers, different sub-groups may do their trek on different days.
Depending on the date of our permits, it's possible that the gorilla trek will take place on the second full day in Lake Bunyonyi.Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has four areas; Rushaga, Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ruhija. Depending on permit availability your group could be tracking gorillas from different areas of the park, it is all still part of Bwindi.
Take an unforgettable guided trek (1-6 hrs) deep into volcano forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a wildlife encounter of a lifetime, and meet a family of mountain gorillas. One of Africa's major highlights, a close encounter with these amazing animals is simply breathtaking. Get prepared before heading out: bring plenty of water and waterproof clothing (it can rain on only a few minutes' notice), and be sure to bring protective bags for cameras and film. Dress in layers with long sleeves and long pants to protect against stinging nettles found in the forests. The trek's often chilly, at first, until you start trekking. Note: Ugandan authorities are fiercely protective of this natural treasure, and currently permit only a maximum of eight people, per day, to visit a given gorilla family. The group will be split into different sub-groups for the trek, and depending on the number of travellers, different sub-groups may do their trek on different days. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has four areas; Rushaga, Buhoma, Nkuringo, and Ruhija. Depending on permit availability your group could be tracking gorillas from different areas of the park, it is all still part of Bwindi.
Let's give Lake Bunyonyi some love today. Explore this magical place as the morning mist rises off of the gently lapping waters. With tons of optional activities to choose from like, swimming, hiking, canoeing, bird watching, a motorboat tour of the lake, or a scenic drive across the border to Kigali, Rwanda, there's no time to be bored. Then relax together at the lodge in the evening talking about your group gorilla experiences.
Get out and do as much or as little as you'd like around Lake Bunyonyi.
Sit back, relax, and watch the Ugandan countryside slip past on today's journey to Kalinzu Forest Reserve further north in the country. The forest reserve is adjacent to Queen Elizabeth National Park and is characterized by open savannah, large area of swamp around Lake George, and the extensive Maramagambo Forest in the southeast. There's a lot of landscapes to experience so what are you waiting for? Get started!
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
You know that saying, "the early bird gets the worm" well in this case the early bird gets to see chimpanzees. Get up early for an included chimpanzee tracking excursion and explore the verdant Kalinzu Forest Reserve with a ranger while being on the lookout for these chimpanzee families. Afterwards, the group will visit a tea plantation before setting off to Lake Mburo. Once you arrive there you can choose to book an afternoon boat cruise on the lake, or explore the local area on foot.
Enjoy a chimpanzee tracking excursion through the scenic Kalinzu Forest Reserve. Trek along the ridges and valleys of the Rift Valley escarpment to visit chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Follow forest trails, which offer amazing views over the Rwenzori Mountains, Lake Edward, the Kazinga Channel, and the Congo. The Kalinzu Forest Reserve is steeped in mystery and rich with local legends. Learn about the folklore and uses of the forest from a local guide.
Walk through a tea plantation with a local guide. View multiple varietals of tea, and learn about the process of growing tea plants from the harvesting stage to what goes into making the best cup of tea.
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
Head back across the equator today in the Lando; Uganda is one of the few countries in the world where you can cross this imaginary geographical line on land. Observe how water swirls in opposite directions on either side of the equator and then stop to enjoy a meal at the G Adventures-supported AidChild Equation Cafe & Gallery. With full stomachs and even more full hearts the group will continue on to Jinja, the adventure capital of Uganda.
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
Make a stop at AidChild's Equation Cafe and Gallery, located at the equator. Surrounded by paintings and other crafts made by local artists, you'll enjoy a meal made with traditional Ugandan ingredients, with a modern twist. Your lunch here directly supports AidChild, a non-profit that provides support, medical care and education to children and youth living with HIV in Uganda.
Get out there, get active, and have some fun! Explore Jinja today solo or with your group by participating in the plethora of outdoor and adventure activities they have to offer. Choose to raft down the White Nile River, break a sweat mountain biking up and down the hills surrounding the town, or for a more laid back day check out the local market. Keep your eyes ready to spot monkeys and other wildlife that can wander to the outskirts of this town.
Pre-book your rafting adrenaline rush on the checkout page to include the Jinja River Rafting optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Get out and enjoy the adrenaline capital of Uganda.
Today is a bit of a travel day but you won't mind because you could use the rest. The group will be leaving Uganda and crossing over into Kenya and travel to Eldoret. Hang out together as a group and enjoy a nice evening camping under the stars.
This is an overnight stop in between two long driving days.
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
After your adventurous experiences yesterday you'll be glad to have a more low key travel day to replenish your energy before the journey home. So sit back and enjoy the ride as the group transfers through to the Kenyan countryside to Nairobi. We're thinking naps, story time, and then maybe a mini dance party in the Lando to get you through the day. (Toto's Africa song anyone?) Tour ends on arrival in Nairobi. Not ready to leave Africa just yet? (Yeah, we don't blame you) talk with your CEO about extending your adventure and get to know Kenya or beyond!
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
Select a destination below to to view the hotel(s) included by G Adventures in their Kenya & Uganda Gorilla Overland: Forests & Wildlife Spotting tour:
Eldoret, Kenya
Bujagali
Jinja, Uganda
Kabale, Uganda
Rubirizi, Uganda
Kalinzu Forest Reserve, Uganda
13-23 Bukasa Hill View Road
Butabika
Kampala, Uganda
Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda
Masai Mara, Kenya
Jakaya Kikwete Road, opp. Provincial police Headquarters, Nairobi
(We are next to SDA Maxwell church)
Nairobi, Kenya
Nakuru, Kenya
G Adventures is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Kenya & Uganda Gorilla Overland: Forests & Wildlife Spotting tour:
Max 22, avg 20.
Your G for Good Moment: Cafe Ubuntu 3-Course Farm-to-Table Lunch, Maai MahiuYour G for Good Moment: AidChild Cafe & Gallery, KayabweYour First Night Out Moment: Connect With New FriendsYour Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group, NairobiYour Discover Moment: Jinja. Wildlife safari drives in Masai Mara National Reserve. Safari in Lake Nakuru National Park. Guided mountain gorilla trek in Bwindi with permits. Entrance and chimpanzee tracking in Kalinzu Forest Reserve. Tea plantation visit. Transfer from Jinja to Nairobi. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Explore the Masai Mara National Reserve in 4x4 safari vans, admire mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, search for chimpanzees in Kalinzu Forest, take your pick of outdoor activities in Jinja
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
G Adventures is offering the following optional activities at an additional cost, subject to availability:
Nairobi- The Carnivore Restaurant (130USD per person)- Bomas of Kenya Tour (120USD per person)- Railway Museum (6-34USD per person)- National Museum (53--3USD per person)- Karen Blixen Museum (34-75USD per person)Masai Mara- Maasai Mara Balloon SafariLake Bunyonyi- Swimming- Canoe Rental (10USD per person)- Day Trip to Kigali- Nature Walk (5USD per person)- Motorboat Tour of Lake Bunyonyi (40USD per person)- Bird Watching Walk (10USD per person)Kalinzu Forest Reserve- Kansenene Hill Hike (8USD per person)- Local Coffee Tour (12USD per person)Lake Mburo- Lake Mburo Boat Safari (30USD per person)Lake Mburo National Park- Nature Walk (25USD per person)Jinja- Nile River Kayaking (140-160USD per person)- Quad Biking (105USD per person)- Nile River Sunset Cruise (30USD per person)- Bungee Jumping (145USD per person)- Jinja River Rafting (140USD per person)Mabira Forest- Mabira Forest Mountain Biking (55USD per person)
The Masai Mara portion of the trip is run in private 7-seat 4x4 safari vans. With sliding windows and a large pop-up roofs, these vans are designed for wildlife viewing. If there is a large group, additional vehicles will be used, and the group will be split up. Road conditions can run the full range of conditions from new to very poor, and during dry seasons, the roads can become very dusty. This style of travel is by no means luxurious, but the seats are comfortable and having our own private vehicles allow us the flexibility of making stops when needed, and to stay and watch that crouching lion prepare for an attack. For the remainder of the tour, we use our custom built 24 seat overland adventure vehicle (OAV) named the Lando, to criss-cross through East Africa for most of this trip. The Lando allows the entire group, including your CEO, to travel together, and because of its height, is great for wildlife viewing and for enjoying the scenic landscape. Road conditions can run the full gamut from new to being in very poor condition. This style of travel is by no means luxury but it allows us the flexibility of making stops when needed, and reaching some out-of-the way parts in Africa where the traditional safari crowd would not dare to go. Here’s a quick look at the unique features of the well-equipped G Adventures overland adventure vehicle (OAV): - Storage for your main luggage is accessible from inside the vehicle- Day packs can be stored at your feet or on the luggage shelf above- Onboard safety box for valuables - Front viewing windows and large sliding windows, both great for wildlife viewing- Reclining seats - Fully equipped mobile kitchen- Access to a 250L tank of drinking water- Air-conditioning- Charging station, when available in camp (South African plug - 220-240V)- USB charging ports for every traveller at their seatPlease note that our Landos do not have on-board bathrooms. This is not a physically demanding journey; however, travelling can be difficult, with long drives and poor road conditions at times. Please take note of the travel times and distances in the above itinerary, and consider that this is often on poor quality, bumpy roads. Despite this, most clients feel that the diversity of the African landscape, culture and wildlife are all well worth the experience.In addition to the overland adventure vehicle (OAV), in Uganda for the gorilla trek, we split the group into smaller vans in order to arrive in a more timely manner to the trail heads of the park.
Basic hotel (1 nt, single or twin-share), permanent tented camp (2 nts), participation camping (11 nts).
13 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 10 dinners
As mentioned above, most of the meals on this tour are included in the tour price.All included meals will be prepared from fresh local produce. The majority of the shopping for foodstuffs will be done before the trip departs, and fresh goods, such as meats, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, will be bought en route during the trip from supermarkets, local shops and markets. Please note that even though our cooks will try their utmost to provide you with a varied and interesting meals, the choices might be somewhat limited, based on what is available on the local market.Breakfasts will generally consist of breads and cereals, if time allows a warm breakfast may be prepared. Many lunches will be provided en-route and will be light meals such as sandwiches and/or salads. All evening meals will be freshly-prepared hot meals, and will consist of a variety of continental and local dishes. Your CEOs will do all the meal preparation and lead the way here, but will prepare a duty schedule for ensuring a fair, rotating participation from you and your group members in the meal preparation and dish washing duties. Vegetarian meals and other dietary requirements need to be specified prior to arrival. Please note all bottled drinking water will be at your own expense.
2 CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) throughout as head guide/cook and driver, certified safari guides/drivers, certified mountain gorilla trackers, local guides.
On this journey, you will be accompanied on your trip by 2 crew members - a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and a CEO driver.The Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will be the group manager and leader. He/she organizes the trip, and will be there to assist you when needed. He/she will take care of the small things so you can concentrate on enjoying your adventure. All of our CEOs in Southern and East Africa are experienced group leaders, with a broad knowledge base of the region’s history, cultures, and wildlife. Your leader will be from either Southern or East Africa depending on which part of the tour you are on. All of our overland adventure vehicle (OAV) drivers are experienced in the routes travelled, and highly skilled in dealing with different terrains. All of our cooks will organize and lead the meal preparation, and have experience in cooking a variety of local and international dishes for large groups.In the Masai Mara your CEO will be joined by certified safari guides. All of our driver/guides are experienced in the routes travelled, and highly skilled in dealing with different terrains, and spotting wildlife.In Uganda, during the actual gorilla trek we use an experienced and certified local mountain guide, expert gorilla trackers, and armed guards to accompany you for your safety.We also use local guides for some included activities where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting.
No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details. In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
7-seat 4x4 safari van, Lando (overland adventure vehicle), minibuses, walking.
Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.
Additional Items:o Sleeping bag (required)Cold Weather:o Long-sleeved shirts or sweatero Scarfo Warm gloveso Warm hato Warm layerso Warm waterproof jacketDocuments:o Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)o Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)o Passport (required) (With photocopies)o Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)o Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)Essentials:o Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)o Binoculars (optional)o Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)o Cash, credit and debit cardso Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)o Ear plugso First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)o Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)o Fleece top/sweatero Footwearo Hato Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)o Locks for bagso Long pants/jeanso Moneybelto Outlet adaptero Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)o Reusable water bottleo Shirts/t-shirtso Sleepwearo Small travel towelo Sunglasseso Swimwearo Watch and alarm clocko Waterproof backpack covero Windproof rain jacketGorillas:o Gardening gloves (Highly recommended for gorilla trekking)o Neutral coloured clothing (Your clothes will likely get very muddy - therefore take old clothing for the gorilla trekking. No bright colours should be worn. Greens, khaki and similar neutral clothes are recommended)Health & Safety:o Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)o Hand sanitizero Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)Hiking/Trekking:o Gloveso Hato Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoeso Hiking pants (Convertible/Zip-off and quick dry recommended)o Snacks (Protein bars, chocolate, dried fruits, candies, energy sweets)o Socks (Trekking socks - woollen or synthetic, not cotton)o Thermal base layer (Woollen or synthetic, not cotton)o Walking poles (Highly recommended)Warm Weather:o Sandals/flip-flopso Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)o Sturdy water shoes/sandalso Sun hat/bandanao SwimwearNote: The climate in East Africa varies between the dry and rainy season. Please ensure you bring a windproof rain jacket if you are travelling between April & May, October & November.
The climate in East Africa varies between the dry and rainy season. Please ensure you bring a windproof rain jacket if you are travelling between April & May, October & November.
Hand washing of clothes can be done at most of the campsites. We recommend you bring a non polluting/biodegradable soap, as well as a roll of simple string to act as a drying line for your clothes. If you arrive in the late afternoon, or if there is poor weather, it may not be possible for your clothes to completely dry. Your start/end hotel in Nairobi also has a laundry service for a fee.
Camping: Camping most nights with some hotel/hostel stays to start and throughout; affordable public and private transport.