Wildlife Treasures: Primates & the Big 5

Breakfast at the lodge. Depart for the papyrus-fringed shores of breathtaking Lake Naivasha today, stopping along the route to visit beautiful Thompson Falls in Nyahururu. Continue the 5.5-hour journey as you descend into the dramatic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley before arriving at the lodge at Lake Naivasha in time for lunch. Enjoy the remainder of the day enjoying some time at your leisure to relax, take an optional game drive at Lake Nakuru in the afternoon.* Dinner and overnight stay at Lake Naivasha.

* Optional Game Drive at Lake Nakuru: Take your lunch with you as you head out on an afternoon game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park with a picnic. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this soda lake is known for its large populations of flamingos and rhinos. 

Awaken to the sounds of nature and enjoy breakfast at the lodge. Afterwards, depart for the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, journeying along the floor of the Great Rift Valley and passing through the charming towns of Mai Mahiu and Narok, the latter of which is the Maasai capital. Arrive at the lodge/camp in time for lunch and soak up the breathtaking views of the surrounding savannah.

In the mid-afternoon, head off on a game drive in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, considered the world’s finest game viewing area! Keep your eyes peeled for the legendary Big Five: lions, rhinos, buffalos, elephants and leopards as you venture through the wild landscapes and watch in awe as the dramas of everyday life in the animal kingdom unfold before you! Head back to the lodge at sunset for dinner. Overnight stay in the Maasai Mara.

Breakfast at the lodge. Embark on an unforgettable day of wildlife-spotting as you set off on a full-day game-viewing drive with a packed lunch on the go. This extra time will allow you to greater explore the vast reserve and discover the spectacular and diverse landscapes of the Maasai Mara. Relish the opportunity of potentially spotting all of the Big Five and enjoy some of the best game-viewing on earth.

As this magical day draws to a close, return to the lodge and unwind at dinner as you retell the stories of today’s adventures! Overnight stay in the Maasai Mara.

Awake early for breakfast and enjoy your last moments in the Kenyan wilderness at your leisure or set off on an optional Hot Air Balloon Safari*, a morning game drive** or a visit to a local Maasai Village.*** At mid-morning it’s time to head back to Nairobi, arriving back in the capital in the afternoon. Get settled in at the hotel, ready to spend your final evening in Kenya at your leisure, perhaps shopping for souvenirs or indulging in the local cuisine in Nairobi’s many eateries. Overnight stay in Nairobi.

* Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari: Experience the majesty of the Maasai Mara from the sky on a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon safari. Ascend at dawn and experience the most unforgettable sunrise imaginable as the savannah and its wildlife spring to life in the soft morning light.

Please note: The optional Hot Air Balloon Safari is dependent on weather conditions at the destination and will be confirmed the day before. If the activity cannot go ahead, it will be refunded when you return from your trip.

** Optional Morning Game Drive in the Maasai Mara: Watch in awe as the savannah comes to life on this morning game drive. The wildlife of the Maasai Mara are particularly active during the morning so this is a great opportunity for spotting animals!

*** Optional Maasai Village visit: Discover the local culture with a visit to a Maasai Village. The Maasai people are known for their brilliant artisan crafts and colourful clothing.

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time*, transfer to the airport (usually 3/4 hours before your departure flight) for your flight to Entebbe. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel. A charming town, Entebbe is situated on the shore of Lake Victoria, Africa's largest lake. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, relaxing or exploring the town for a chance to experience the local culture. Overnight stay in Entebbe.

* You must check-out of your hotel room by 10am. 

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, you’ll make your way to Kibale Forest Park, taking in breathtaking views of lush landscapes and tea plantations lining the road. Along the journey, you’ll pass through lively towns, getting a glimpse of the vibrant local life and immersing yourself in the rich culture of Uganda. You also have the option to take an optional cooking class* in Kibale, where you'll learn to prepare delicious traditional dishes within a local community. Overnight stay in Kamwenge-Kabarole.

*Optional cooking class in Kibale: Enjoy the preparation of traditional dishes in a local community. You'll have the chance to visit a nearby market to select fresh ingredients for the meal, then join a local chef in peeling, chopping, and preparing all the ingredients. You'll also get to cook the meal on a traditional stove and monitor it until it's ready to be served. This hands-on experience not only allows you to immerse yourself in the local culinary traditions but also gives you insight into how the community views the nutritional value and significance of these dishes. It's a truly enriching experience!

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you will start the morning early and prepare for Chimpanzee trekking, where you will be transferred to the tracking point. Once there, you will receive an informative briefing on how to begin your search, after which a ranger will be assigned to guide you on your adventure. After a while, you’ll spot the chimpanzees, spend some time with them, and then leave the forest to return to the vehicle that will take you to the lodge. After trekking, you will head back to your accommodation for lunch. You will have the afternoon and evening free, with the option to participate in our optional activity, the Bigodi Swamp Walk*, which is rich in bird species, vegetation, and wildlife, allowing you to continue enjoying your experience. Overnight stay in Kamwenge-Kabarole.

*Optional Bigodi Swamp Walk: Embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Uganda's natural beauty. Explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a haven brimming with diverse bird species, lush vegetation, and vibrant wildlife. This experience not only immerses you in nature but also supports local tourism initiatives that promote social and economic development in the area. As a community-driven endeavor, all proceeds are reinvested to uplift the indigenous people of the region. Enjoy an interpretive tour along enchanting boardwalks, where you'll have the opportunity to encounter various primate species and discover the unique animals that call this area home. Let the wonders of Uganda inspire you!

Breakfast at the hotel. Today will be an exciting day for you to continue discovering the wonders of Uganda. In the morning, you will head to Bwindi Impenetrable, where your guide will share the diverse landscapes and features of the journey. As you traverse the winding hills of this region, you will admire the majestic peaks of the three Virunga mountains and the terraces that farmers use to control soil erosion.

Before checking in at the lodge in Bwindi, you will have the option to participate in our optional activity Coffee Experience*, where you can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee and learn about its entire production process alongside the local community. If you choose not to join the activity, you will arrive at the lodge in the afternoon, where you can enjoy some free time to rest and relax. Overnight stay in Kisoro, Rushaga.

*Optional Coffee Experience: During this authentic experience, you will visit a local homestead and their farm to explore the entire coffee journey, from nursery to planting, care, and harvesting. Discover the fascinating story of coffee, from seed to cup, with the majestic Mt. Muhabura, Mt. Gahinga, and Mt. Sabinyo as your backdrop. The volcanic soils, reliable climate, and high altitude create ideal conditions for exceptional coffee flavor and aroma. Learn about the origins of coffee and how local farmers cultivate their plantations organically, covering planting, growth, and harvesting. Afterward, you’ll be guided through the local drying process and roasting, where you can acquire traditional skills and craft your own delicious cup of Arabica coffee.

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, you’re all set for an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure. Your guide will take you from the lodge to the orientation point in the Rushaga sector, where you’ll receive a detailed briefing about the hike. You'll enjoy a traditional dance, followed by important information from the ranger about what to expect and what to bring.

Once the briefing is complete, you’ll be assigned a gorilla family along with a ranger guide and security personnel. The trek begins as you follow the ranger, who stays in constant contact with the trackers in the forest. When the trackers let the ranger know they’re close to the gorilla family, you’ll leave your hiking sticks behind to avoid startling them and put on a mask to help protect their habitat. When you find the gorilla family, you’ll have an hour to observe them up close. After this incredible experience, you’ll head back out of the forest, where you’ll receive your gorilla trekking certificate. Finally, you’ll return to the lodge with your guide. If you prefer to continue the adventure, we recommend our optional activity, the Canoeing Experience* on Lake Mulehe. Overnight stay in Kisoro-Rushaga.

*Optional Canoeing Experience: Embark on an unforgettable canoeing adventure on the serene waters of Lake Mulehe. As you glide through the shimmering lake, you'll have the opportunity to explore the enchanting islands dotting the landscape, each offering its own unique beauty. Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of birdwatching, where you can observe a variety of stunning bird species in their natural habitat. Along the way, you'll also have the chance to meet and interact with the welcoming local communities, gaining insight into their rich culture and way of life. 

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, you will embark on an exciting journey to Bwindi, heading to Lake Mburo National Park. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to stroll among the locals, immersing yourself in their culture as you observe their daily activities.

Upon arriving at Lake Mburo National Park, you will check in at the lodge, where you will be welcomed with a refreshing drink and a hot or cold towel, depending on the weather. Take this moment to relax; if your itinerary allows, you can also enjoy a delicious lunch before venturing out on an exciting afternoon safari.

Your attentive and experienced guide will assist you in spotting the park's diverse flora and fauna, dedicating time for you to observe and photograph the wonders that nature has to offer. After the safari, you will return to the lodge, where you can unwind and reflect on a day filled with adventures and discoveries. Overnight stay in Kiruhura, Nyabushozi.

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, you’ll set off for an exciting early game drive in Lake Mburo. With your guide’s keen eye, you’ll have the opportunity to spot the morning’s wildlife, including hyenas, leopards, giraffes, various antelope species, and buffalo. After the thrill of the safari, you’ll return to the lodge to relax.

Later in the afternoon, you’ll be taken to the shores of Lake Mburo, where you can board a boat for a leisurely cruise on the water. As you drift along, keep an eye out for hippos lounging in the sun and other fascinating aquatic species that may appear along the way. Overnight stay in Kiruhura, Nyabushozi.

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, set out on an exhilarating game drive. Later, you'll leave the park and continue on to Entebbe Airport. Along the journey, you’ll stop at the equator, a perfect spot for capturing memorable photos and exploring charming craft shops filled with unique souvenirs.

If time allows, you’ll also have the opportunity to visit the royal drum makers, where you can immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage and significance of various drum types. As your adventure draws to a close, you’ll arrive at the airport, where your guide will bid you a fond farewell before you embark on your flight back home.