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Mountain gorillas & the Big 5

Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya in 13 Days, 10 Nights in Destination

From

£ 5,439

£ 3,799

/person

-30%

Emma, Travel Expert

Emma
Travel crafter

Enjoy a unique adventure in search of the most striking African wildlife. Marvel at the gorillas in Uganda and the Big 5 in an authentic safari in the world-renowned Maasai Mara Reserve.

Trip Highlights

  1. map-pin-check-icon
    Kigali
  2. map-pin-check-icon
    Bwindi National Park
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    Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
  4. map-pin-check-icon
    Amboseli National Park
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    Diani
  6. map-pin-check-icon
    Maasai Mara National Reserve
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    Nairobi
  8. map-pin-check-icon
    Thomson Falls, Nyahururu.

Included

  1. All flights

  2. Accommodation

  3. All transfers

  4. Activities

  5. Some meals

Availability

  1. Departures available until December 2025

  2. Available Group tours

  3. Solo travelers from + £ 400

  4. Add up to 5 nights to your stay

  5. WHAT'S THIS?

Categories available

  1. charm included

  2. WHAT'S THIS?

Book with an expert:

+44 20 4571 6769

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Exoticca is fully ABTA and ATOL protected

Itinerary

Begin in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, before venturing into the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for gorilla trekking. Here, with the assistance of your guide, you’ll observe gorillas in their natural habitat. Fly to Nairobi to encounter the Big Five on a full-day game drive in the Maasai Mara Reserve. Conclude your trip at a resort in Nyahururu to relax after this amazing adventure.

1st Day: UK/Ireland - Night on board

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Arrive at your UK/Ireland departure airport ready to check-in for a flight to Kigali*. Night on board.

*If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

2nd Day: Kigali

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Upon arrival at Kanombe Airport in Kigali, your guide will greet you and transfer you to the hotel*. You'll then have some free time to relax after your journey. Overnight stay in Kigali.

*You will have the option to add early check-in on arrival in the next step of the booking process. To guarantee optional services, we recommend that you add them to your current booking, as they are subject to availability.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Gorillas City Centre Hote... or similar
tripadvisor rating

116 Reviews

See our full selection

3rd Day: Kigali - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

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Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you'll embark on a guided city tour of Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. The city, approximately one-third the size of Belgium, was administered by Belgium from 1919 under a League of Nations mandate until its independence in 1962. During the tour, you'll visit the Genocide Museum to learn about a tragic chapter in the history of the Tutsi and Hutu peoples. You'll also explore the Caplaki Crafts Center, a delightful experience where you can explore a vibrant array of handmade crafts and souvenirs, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region.

In the afternoon, you'll be transferred to the border of Uganda and proceed to your lodge near the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This national park is home to the Rushaga and Nkuringo gorillas, as well as numerous endemic bird species. Overnight stay in Bwindi.

Estimated transfer time and distance 5h, 340

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge... or similar
tripadvisor rating

55 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Kigali City Tour

Moderate

See more

4th Day: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

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Breakfast at the lodge. Depart in the early morning and head to the park office. Report at the departure point for a full briefing and to meet your gorilla trek guide.  The guides will have been identifying the position of each gorilla group and know which is the closest departure point to trek from. The hiking is through thick, verdant rainforest. With your guide and porter using a machete to clear a path and assist you up and down steep terrain, you’ll spend time with the gorillas in their natural habitat… an unforgettable experience! Overnight stay in Bwindi.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge... or similar
tripadvisor rating

55 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Gorilla Trekking Excursion

Challenging

See more

5th Day: Bwindi - Kigali - Nairobi

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Breakfast at the lodge. Drive back to Kigali and transfer to the airport to catch your flight to Nairobi.

Arrive at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel*. You have free time during the rest of the day to start exploring the dynamic capital of Kenya, known as "the Green City in the Sun." Overnight stay in Nairobi.

Note: You can upgrade your accommodation in Nairobi for an additional cost. This option is available in the next step of the booking process.

*You will have the option to add early check-in on arrival in the next step of the booking process. To guarantee optional services, we recommend that you add them to your current booking, as they are subject to availability.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Boulevard or similar
tripadvisor rating

122 Reviews

See our full selection

6th Day: Nairobi

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Breakfast at the hotel. You have a free day to relax or explore at your leisure. Nairobi is a vibrant city where you can really get acquainted with Kenya's diverse culture. This cosmopolitan capital is a great place to sample the delights of Kenyan cuisine so why not hit the local bars or cafes to soak up the atmosphere of the place? Make the most of your trip by taking part in one of our optional activities, either an optional tour to three museums* or an optional Coffee Farm Tour**. Overnight stay in Nairobi. 

*Optional Kenya National Museum, Bomas of Kenya & Kazuri Beads Tour: Begin at the Kenya National Museum to view and understand the collections & exhibitions on East African heritage & history. Continue to Bomas, Kenya's cultural centre, depicting ethnic groups in their traditional villages. Various dance groups perform daily in the afternoon. Enjoy lunch at Bomas. Finally, head to Kazuri for a bead workshop. Kazuri was founded by two Kenyan women, which today comprises a large workforce of mostly single mothers, skilled in the making of handmade jewellery.

**Coffee Farm Tour: Discover the beautiful Fairview Coffee Estate, in the heart of Kenya’s Central Highlands. Since the early 1900s, Fairview Estate’s fertile soils have produced high quality coffee through the use of holistic production methods that take sustainability very seriously. Be introduced to the concept of coffee tourism, experience a tour around the coffee farm, and learn about the Fairview Estate coffee brand and its production.

Important: Both activities cannot be done simultaneously, please choose just one of the two.

Note: You can upgrade your accommodation in Nairobi for an additional cost. This option is available in the next step of the booking process.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Boulevard or similar
tripadvisor rating

122 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

Optional
Visit to the National Museum, Bomas & Kazuri Beads

Moderate

See more
Optional
Coffee Farm Tour

Moderate

See more

7th Day: Nairobi - Maasai Mara National Reserve

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Breakfast at the hotel. Set off early this morning for the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve. Ascend to the edge of the Great Rift Valley passing through the charming towns of Mai Mahiu and Narok, the latter of which is the Maasai capital. Arrive at the lodge in time for lunch and soak up the breathtaking views of the surrounding savannah. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure, either enjoying the facilities at the lodge or making the most of your surroundings. We recommend an optional game drive* to encounter African wildlife first hand! Dinner and overnight stay in Maasai Mara National Reserve.

*Maasai Mara National Reserve Afternoon Game Drive: 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 drama of everyday life in the animal kingdom unfold before you!

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Mara Kimana Camp or similar
tripadvisor rating

82 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

Optional
Maasai Mara National Reserve Afternoon Game Drive

Light

See more

8th Day: Maasai Mara National Reserve

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Breakfast at the hotel. Embark on an unforgettable day of wildlife-spotting as you set off on a full day game viewing drive at Maasai Mara National Reserve with packed lunch. This extra time will allow you to further explore the vast reserve and discover the spectacular and diverse landscapes of the Maasai Mara. See if you can spot the Big Five as you enjoy some of the best game-viewing on earth and enjoy an authentic Kenyan safari experience! 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 National Reserve.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Mara Kimana Camp or similar
tripadvisor rating

82 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Full day game viewing drive at Maasai Mara National Reserve with packed lunch

Light

See more

9th Day: Maasai Mara National Reserve - Nyahururu

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Breakfast at the hotel. Early in the morning, depart to Nyahururu. The town derives its name from the Maasai word for waterfall or place of storms. The epic drive will take you via the shores of Lake Naivasha, part of the Great Rift Valley. Stop on-route with the option for lunch (not included) and some time at leisure to enjoy the stunning natural landscape. We recommend an optional Crescent Island visit to walk among the wildlife*. Arrive at the resort later that evening and enjoy dinner. Overnight stay in Nyahururu. 

*Optional Boat Safari to Crescent Island: Walk among the animals of Crescent Island. Visit the Island Sanctuary and enjoy the rare chance to literally walk alongside the animals. The island sanctuary isn't home to any predators, so you can safely wander alongside zebras, giraffes, and wildebeest.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
The Panari Resort Nyahuru... or similar
tripadvisor rating

235 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

Optional
Boat safari to Crescent Island

Active

See more

10th Day: Nyahururu

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Breakfast at the resort. Today, spend all day at your own leisure enjoying your epic surroundings and making the most of the resort facilities which include a steam room, sauna, gym and swimming pool. If you’re up for more adventure, you can take part in our optional visit to Thompson Falls & Hippo Pools* or hike up Marmanet Forest**? Dinner and overnight stay in Nyahururu.

*Optional visit to Thomson Falls & Hippo Pools: Thomson falls, named after the father of Joseph Thomson, the first European explorer to reach the majestic location, is a 243 feet waterfall on the Ewaso Ng’iro river in Central Rift Valley at 7,740 feet in elevation that drains from the Aberdare Range. You have the option to either enjoy the sight of the falls from a viewpoint, or, if feeling more daring, you can hike to the bottom of the falls for a closer look. Next, make your way to Hippo pools, one of the best spots to watch hippos interact in their natural habitat. We recommend going at the very early hours of the morning or at dusk to get a glimpse of the magnificent animal.

**Optional hike to Marmanet Forest: Marmanet Forest, comprising 4500 hectares of surface area, forms part of the migration route popularly known as the elephant corridor, located at the intersection of Rumuruti and South Marmanet forests. This unique area is used by elephants to forage and access the farm lands neighbouring the forest during harvest seasons, typically in October and November. It is also the location where mother elephants go to deliver their calves. A fire tower to monitor forest fires doubles as a viewpoint for visitors to relish in the scenic view.

Important: This activity can be booked directly at the destination and it takes place very early morning.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
The Panari Resort Nyahuru... or similar
tripadvisor rating

235 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

Optional
Visit to Thomson Falls & Hippo Pools

Active

See more

11th Day: Nyahururu - Nairobi

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Breakfast at the resort. Around mid-morning it’s time to enjoy a leisurely drive back to Nairobi, arriving in the capital in the afternoon. Settle 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.

Note: You can upgrade your accommodation in Nairobi for an additional cost. This option is available in the next step of the booking process.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Boulevard or similar
tripadvisor rating

122 Reviews

See our full selection

12th Day: Nairobi - Night on board

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Breakfast at the hotel*. Transfer to the airport at the indicated time for your flight back to UK/Ireland. Night on board. 

*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

13th Day: UK/Ireland

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Arrive back in UK/Ireland, filled with amazing memories of your unforgettable journey through Kenya!

Select a day to go to next step

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November 2024
December 2024
January 2025
February 2025

Categories Available:

charm

From £ 3,799

Selected

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    Accommodation: 10 Nights

    Included activities

    Included

    Kigali City Tour

    Included activity for day 3 in Kigali

    During the tour, you'll visit the Genocide Museum to learn about a tragic chapter in the history of the Tutsi and Hutu people. You'll also explore the Caplaki Crafts Center.

    Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: 08:00 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Moderate

    more information
    Included

    Gorilla Trekking Excursion

    Included activity for day 4 in Bwindi National Park

    Set off an exciting gorilla-tracking excursion! Accompanied by an expert guide, head into the magical Bwindi forest, until you reach your assigned family of mountain gorillas. Watch in awe as these majestic animals go about their daily lives.

    Duration 06:00h Approx. Pick up time: 07:00 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Challenging

    Children under 15 years are not allowed to do the excursion.

    more information
    Included

    Full day game viewing drive at Maasai Mara National Reserve with packed lunch

    Included activity for day 8 in Maasai Mara National Reserve

    Get ready for an unforgettable experience as you embark on a full-day game-viewing drive with a lunch on the go so you don’t miss any second of the action provided by the Big Five or the beauty of the Maasai Mara landscapes.

    Duration 08:00h Approx. Pick up time: 07:00 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Light

    more information

    Available Activities

    Activities are subject to availability. The price for each optional activity will be shown in the next step of the booking process.
    Optional

    Visit to the National Museum, Bomas & Kazuri Beads

    Suggested activity for day 6 in Nairobi

    This 3 part activity starts off by indulging in exhibitions on East African heritage. Next, you will head to Bomas to watch dance groups perform in their native villages before heading to Kazuri to take part in a bead workshop.

    Duration 05:00h Approx. Pick up time: 10:00 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Moderate

    Can't be combined with the Coffee Farm Tour.

    more information
    Optional

    Coffee Farm Tour

    Suggested activity for day 6 in Nairobi

    The Fairview Coffee Estate is where you want to go to learn about all things coffee related. You will familiarize yourself with coffee tourism, take a tour around the coffee farm and learn about the brand and its production.

    Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: 08:30 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Moderate

    Can't be combined with the Museum, Bomas & Kazuri Beads Visit.

    more information
    Optional

    Maasai Mara National Reserve Afternoon Game Drive

    Suggested activity for day 7 in Maasai Mara National Reserve

    Enjoy an afternoon game drive to discover the varied wildlife of the Maasai Mara, famed for its population of lions, cheetahs, and leopards and for its role as the destination of the annual Great Migration!

    Duration 03:00h Approx. Pick up time: 16:00 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Light

    more information
    Optional

    Boat safari to Crescent Island

    Suggested activity for day 9 in Lake Naivasha

    See the families of hippos and other fascinating wildlife, as you wander across this tranquil peninsula, exploring this biodiverse area on foot!

    Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: 15:00 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Active

    more information

    Show more

    The price includes

    • Departures from main UK/Ireland airports.
    • International flights: UK/Ireland - Kigali, Nairobi - UK/Ireland.
    • Internal Flights: Kigali - Nairobi*.
      more information
    • 10 nights in Charm and Superior category hotels and lodges.
      See hotels included
    • 10 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 4 dinners.
    • Transfers and Safari with an English-speaking guide.
    • Game drive and park entry fees.
      See itinerary
    • All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
    • Kenya: Unlimited mineral water during the safari using reusable bottles.**
      more information
    • ATOL Protection.
    • Gorilla permits included.
    • Transfers & safaris in a mini-van in Kenya and 4x4 in Uganda.

    Not included

    Drinks, tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included.

    *Documentation of the internal flights will either be available in the "My bookings" section in your "Customer Area" 14 days before your trip or delivered to you on arrival at your destination. It is essential to fill in the passport information correctly for each passenger in the given boxes at the end of the reservations process.

    Kenya:
    **Travelers must bring their own refillable water bottles. Although there will be 500 ml reusable bottles for sale with a price of USD 10 each, the proceeds from which will be donated to entities dedicated to nature conservation.

    Roads in Kenya can be quite bumpy and are not in great condition, particularly those found in the country’s national parks. People who suffer from back problems should consider this before participating in a trip of this nature.

    Kenya: The safari takes place in a vehicle with space for seven passengers, with one passenger seated next to the driver. 

    The luggage compartment of these vehicles is limited, so for the safety and comfort of all, each person may only carry one soft duffel bag of maximum 10kg.

    The rest of the luggage can be left in the Nairobi hotel storage room at no extra cost. It will be identified with a tag and will be collected on return from the safari.

    **Kindly ensure that you bring your own refillable water bottles; 500ml reusable bottles will be available for purchase at 10$ per bottle which will be donated to a conservation cause.

    Uganda: The minimum age requirement for the Gorilla Tracking Excursion is 15 years of age. Unfortunately, children under these ages are not permitted to participate in these excursions.

    This trip is not suitable for a person with reduced mobility due to the nature of the excursions and the terrain. However, please note that this tour can be taken privately. To take part in the private tour it is required that the person with reduced mobility is accompanied by a dedicated person at all times, to assist in any necessary situations, such as getting in and out of the transport vehicle, on excursions, and so on.

  • Rwanda
  • Uganda
  • Kenya
    • Entry requirements

      Valid passport with a validity of at least 6 months from the date of entry into Rwanda.

    • Visa

      Visa required to enter Rwanda. 30-day tourist visas are available on arrival for £20 or $30. You can pay in cash.

    • Currency

      Rwandan Frac.

    • Language

      Kinyarwanda, French, English, and Swahili.

    • Electricity

      Type C and J, 230V 50Hz.

    • Health

      Please consult your doctor regarding the vaccination against yellow fever and malaria prophylaxis. Travellers over 60 years must consult their doctor as the Yellow Fever vaccine can have serious side effects.

    • Time zone

      UTC +2.

    • Other useful information

      According to Rwandan law, any person on Rwandan territory must have health insurance. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance.

    • Tourist Office website

      http://gov.rw/for-visitors/visit-rwanda/

    Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline’s website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.

    Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same, or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.

    In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or cancelled without prior notice.

    If you have reduced mobility, require the use of a wheelchair, or you would prefer this tour to be a private experience for you and your group, you must contact our Experts at +44 20 8068 3176 before booking to ensure that your needs can be met.

    While on the road, it is highly unlikely that the vehicle will be equipped with wifi or bathroom facilities, though rest stops will be made for long trips. We recommend purchasing a new SIM card at the airport or placing an e-SIM before travel to guarantee internet connection.

    When booking a triple room, note that these accommodations are not larger than a double room, but will include either one double or two single beds and a sofa bed/rollaway.

    The Foreign & Commonwealth Office offer up-to-date travel advice by visiting www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

    Pay in installments

    Pay only 60% today to reserve your trip.

    Rest is paid in instalments according to your departure date.

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