Uganda mountain Gorillas and Masai Mara safari 15 days

Expression of interest as this is a long way off but need to start planning! An amazing bucket list experience trekking to see the mountain Gorillas in Uganda... Yes you only get 1 hour or so with the Gorillas and permits are hugely expensive but its worth it, I can confirm its an amazing experience being up close and personal with these amazing animals

At the time of RSVP please email david@discoverytravel.com.au your name as passport and mobile number.

This is a camping trip but full service as have a driver, guide and cook to assist with setting up camp, cooking and all the rest of the days essentials, your assistance will be greatly appreciated though!

Mountain gorillas inhabit the rainforests of Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda on the high slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes and to track them and find them among the tangled vines and giant trees is a spine-tingling experience. Other highlights of this trip are the memorable countryside of Uganda, known as the “Pearl of Africa”, and searching for the “big five” in the Masai Mara. Lake Nakuru National Park is home to black and white rhino, flamingo and leopard, while Lake Naivasha harbours large pods of hippos.

Pricing will be in the region of aud$1200-1500 plus local payment of usd$1600 pricing will depend on numbers.

Itinerary may change but roughly as below:

KENYA
DAY 1: Nairobi (no meals)
Upon entering this beautiful east African country, you may be greeted with the words of “jambo” (hello) or “hakuna matata” (no problem) by the friendly locals. With a population of nearly 42 million and land area of more than 580 000 sq km Kenya is home to an abundance of animals and colourful tribes people, making it the perfect getaway for a once in a lifetime safari. Tonight we will stay in dorm rooms at the Kenya Comfort Hotel (or similar) with shared ablution facilities.

Masai Mara National Reserve
All members of the big five can be found in the Masai Mara National Reserve, a reserve that is a natural extension of the Serengeti plains in Tanzania. The Mara River serves as a natural border, and is crossed annually by hordes of zebra and wildebeest during the great migration from July to October, watching their every movement closely are the well-fed predators of this reserve.

DAY 2: Nairobi to Masai Mara (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Leaving the hustle and bustle of Nairobi we climb the escarpment to our first stop, a viewpoint overlooking a section of the spectacular Great Rift Valley. Descending into the Rift Valley, we enter Masai land where these habitual pastoralists are often seen tending their cattle from the side of the road. We pass through the town of Narok, and continue our drive possibly getting a glimpse of some wildlife along the way. We arrive at our tented campsite, Mara Springs Safari Camp (or similar) with shared ablution facilities.

DAY 3: Masai Mara (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
We depart shortly after sunrise on our game drive into the Masai Mara Reserve. The Masai Mara is well known as one of East Africa’s best National Reserves and is home to a wide variety of wildlife species. Most famous for the Annual Migration, that consists of the impressive herds of over 1 million wildebeest, zebra and Thomson’s gazelle that cross over from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania; the Masai Mara is most popular between July and October when these vast herds feast on the fresh grazing here.

Following these herbivores are Africa’s predators that are often seen at a kill during this period. We game drive through a section of the park in search of the ‘Big 5’- elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion & leopard; along with the many other species of animals, reptiles and birds who make call this wilderness home.

After our game drive, we have the option to visit one of the nearby Masai Manyatta’s – this is a traditional hamlet where the Masai still live in their traditional way. This evening we sit around the camp fire, and watch the sun set over this “Garden of Eden.” Tonight we will stay at Mara Spring Safari Tented Camp (or similar) same as last night.

DAY 4: Masai Mara to Eldoret (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Leaving the Masai Mara early, we head out of Masai Land pass through the scenic tea plantations of Kericho before descending the Rift Valley Plateau, on our way to Eldoret. Tonight we will set up our tents at Greenwoods Resort and Camp (or similar) with shared ablution facilities.

DAY 5: Eldoret to Kampala (Uganda) (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
This morning, we cross the border into Uganda where we overnight in the capital city, Kampala. Uganda is a small country of striking physical beauty. Its landscapes vary 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. The political instability that has haunted Uganda in the past has actually had the positive effect of leaving the country free of the over commercialism so common in other parts of Africa. Tonight we will camp at Red Chilli Hideaway (or similar) with shared ablution facilities.

UGANDA
The “Pearl of Africa’ as it is referred to by its people, is home to some of Africa’s major attractions. This country contains four of Africa’s seven great lakes, including Lake Victoria which is the second largest body of fresh water in the world. Lake Bunyonyi is one of these spectacular lakes with its mythical landscapes and hidden bays. The source of the Nile at Jinja allows you the opportunity to tame the mighty waters with some of the world’s best white water rafting. And to top it all, this breath-taking country has the largest population of primates anywhere in Africa.

DAYS 6 - 7: Kampala to Lake Bunyoni (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
After an early morning departure from Kampala we drive west into the depths of Uganda to our base at the tranquil Lake Bunyoni.

Lake Bunyoni, the deepest Crater Lake in Africa and home to a large and varied number of beautiful birds, 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, the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, or the Ruhengeri National Park in Rwanda.

The prices of trekking permits fluctuate and may change without prior notice – currently they are priced from US$825, with transport ranging from U$53- U$120 per person, depending on the number of clients trekking. For the next 2 days we stay at Bunyonyi Overland Resort (or similar) where we will be camping with shared ablution facilities.

Trekking Procedures: The mountain gorilla (Gorilla Berengei), of which there are still only about 700 remaining, are one of our closest living relatives. A visit to these gentle giants in their natural environment is a unique and wonderful experience - one you’ll never forget. The park rangers monitor the gorillas on a daily basis and have a fairly good idea of where they are. However, they are free roaming animals, and their sighting cannot be guaranteed. As the gorillas share much of our DNA, anyone with even the slightest cold or transferable illness will not be permitted to trek. Trekking is also only open to people over 16 years old.

Due to the restrictions on the daily numbers of visitors to these incredible animals, we depart from our base in Bunyoni in small groups over 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 either Kisoro or in Rwanda. 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 (not including transfer time) and it can be quite strenuous, so a reasonable level of fitness is required.

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.

You needn’t feel like you’re exploiting these animals. The ever-growing number of tourists trekking them each day play a vital role in their survival. For years they have been ruthlessly hunted for their hands and heads, which have been sold as ashtrays and lampshades! In addition, large numbers have been killed whilst trying to stop poachers stealing the babies for sale to zoos, where they have never lived long. 100% of the gorilla permit cost is used to by the parks authorities to finance patrols that are instrumental in protecting the gorillas from poachers and their lethal snares and on promoting these wonderful animals.

DAY 8-9: Lake Bunyoni to Queen Elizabeth National Park Area (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
After marvelling at the experience of our gorilla encounters and enjoying the peaceful Lake Bunyoni, we travel off to Queen Elizabeth National Park. We enter Queen Elizabeth National Park on day 9 for a full day of game driving as this reserve is known for its herds of elephant. There is also an opportunity for you to take a cruise on the Kazinga channel, connecting Lakes George & Edward. We will stay outside of Quen Elizabeth National Park at Forest Hog Camp (or similar) where we will set up our tents with shared ablution facilities.

DAY 10: Queen Elizabeth National Park area to Kampala (Breakfast / Lunch)
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! Tonight we will camp at the Red Chili Hideaway (or similar) with shared ablution facilities.

DAY 11: Kampala to Jinja (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
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. Tonight we will camp at Adrift Uganda (or similar) with shared ablution facilties.

DAY 12: Jinja to Nakuru (Kenya) (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Departing early, we head back to Kenya, stopping for lunch and supplies en route. We overnight outside Nakuru. 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. Tonight we camp at Punda Milias Tented camp (or similar) with shared ablution facilities.

DAY 13: Lake Nakuru National Park (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
This morning we begin our exploration of the Lake Nakuru National Park - famous for the thousands of lesser and greater flamingos that flock to this soda lake’s edge. The numbers vary depending on the water level, and when it’s low, the lake almost turns pink. A truly spectacular sight! The park was established as a sanctuary for black and white rhino, which are often seen. We spend the day searching for these pre-historic looking beasts as well as the elusive leopard, encountering buffalo, giraffe, various antelope and the occasional hippo along the way. After our game drive, we head to our campsite, arriving in the late afternoon. Tonight we stay at Punda Milias tented camp (or similar) again with shared ablution facilities.

DAY 14: Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
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. Tonight we camp at Fish Eagle Camp (or similar) with shared ablution facilities.

Optional Activity: Elsamere
Optional Activity: Boat Ride to Crescent Island Game Sanctuary
Optional Activity: Bike ride around Hell’s Gate National Park

DAY 15: Lake Naivasha to Nairobi (Breakfast)
After breakfast, we head back to Nairobi usually arriving by late morning, or early afternoon. On arrival, we exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!

The rest of the day is yours at leisure to enjoy some of the many options available in this bustling city; visit The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where you can view the orphaned baby Elephants at feeding time, or head to the Giraffe Centre in Langata, if you haven’t had your fill of game viewing, then Nairobi National Park offers some great day trips or if you haven’t quite got all those souvenirs you wanted, take a “Matatu” to the local curio markets. This evening why not try the fair on offer at the famous Carnivores restaurant.

Once deposits are paid no refunds but will update policy once confirmed!

IFull details to be advised!

This is an international travel trip and travel insurance with unlimited medical cover, including existing conditions and insolvency is compulsory.

By RSVP this meetup you agree to and are bound by the terms and conditions of Aussie Explorers which can be found here:
https://www.meetup.com/Aussie-Explorers/

Aussie Explorers organisers and leaders accept no liability during this meetup, leaders try to ensure the safety and well-being of members at all times however as this is a weekend away travelling, exploring different areas and hiking in the great outdoors accidents happen, please take responsibility for your own safety and your belongings. Deposits are non-refundable, final price is subject to currency fluctuation.