11 Days Plains And Mountain Gorilla Trekking Safari

Attend the most incredible natural events on the planet; movement by millions of wildebeest, accompanied by large numbers of zebra, Grant’s gazelle, Thompson’s gazelle, elands and impalas across the greater Masai Mara-Serengeti ecosystem. Unlike a normal gorilla trek, maximize time spent with Mountain Gorilla by participating in a full day Gorilla Habituation Experience in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

  • Overview
  • Itinerary
  • Price
  • Before You Go

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1

Arrival and Fly to Maasai Mara

Day 2

Maasai Mara-Wildbeest Migration

Day 3

Maasai Mara-Wildbeest Migration

Day 4

Hot Air Baloon And Maasai Boma

Day 5

Fly To Entebbe-Uganda

Day 6

Fly To Bwindi Forest National Park

Day 7

Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Day 8

Gorilla Habituation

Day 9

Batwa Experience

Day 10

Leisure Day

Day 11

Departure

Day 1

Arrival and Fly to Maasai Mara

Depends on your arrival time, our driver guide will meet you at the Jomo Kenyatta International airport and transferring to the Willison airport for your flight to the Mara. Arrive in time for lunch, and then spend the afternoon exploring the Masai Mara’s vast wilderness on a game drive. A campfire and delicious dinner await you on return to Sanctuary Olonana

Dinner
Day 2

Maasai Mara-Wildbeest Migration

Wake before the dawn for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness a Maasai Mara sunrise. After a quick cup of coffee, then head out with a picnic lunch to the Mara River, hoping to see a dramatic river crossing or two. During the season (July through October) expect to witness the wildebeests and zebras of the Great Migration streaming over the river in great numbers. It is quite some sight to see the massed herds take a leap of faith into the Mara or Talek rivers with the Nile crocs lying in wait for them. A campfire and delicious dinner await you on return to camp in the evening.

BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 3

Maasai Mara-Wildbeest Migration

Since the movements of the Wildebeest Migration can be unpredictable, you will go for another full day game drive here in the Maasai Mara to increase your chances of witnessing the famous river crossing. Each year the entire herd must attempt the treacherous crossing of the Mara River, where they contend not only with strong currents, but also with the always hungry Nile crocodiles who call the river home. It takes a lot of patience and more than a little luck, but witnessing the dramatic river crossing is a bucket list worthy item.

BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 4

Hot Air Baloon And Maasai Boma

For a particularly memorable and unforgettable experience, enjoy a surreal journey in a Hot Air Balloon over the Masai Mara plains, culminating in a Champagne breakfast. At 04:30AM you will drive to the launch site. Depending on the weather conditions, you can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while you watch the balloons being prepared for take-off. Your pilot will give a safety briefing as well as explain what you can expect during the flight. The balloon crew will assist as you clamber into your balloon basket for take-off just before sunrise, at about 6:30AM. As you rise the Maasai Mara plains opens up before your eyes to feast on the golden sunrise, enchanting sceneries, plains-game below as the winds gently blows the basket deeper into the reserve. The pilot is at hand pointing out at the wildlife below with plenty of photographic opportunities unfolding. Soar silently with 360 degrees of spectacular savannah lasting approximately one hour, depending on wind conditions. Continue with a breakfast set up on the picturesque savannah plains of the Mara, typically under the shade of a single balanite tree. Sit down to a full bush breakfast in the Kenyan style, complete with eggs-to-order, sausages, fresh juices, fruits, cereals and, of course, sparkling wine. After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely game drive back to your lodge. After lunch, you’ll visit a maasai boma. Arguably the most iconic tribal group in all of Africa, the Maasai, who populate vast areas of Southern areas of Kenya are the dominant ethnic group surrounding the Masai Mara. This nomadic, warrior tribe which once held vast swathes of pre-colonial Kenya, still retain many of their traditions as they live largely untouched by modern day civilization, in areas surrounding Masai Mara.

BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 5

Fly To Entebbe-Uganda

Today, take breakfast overlooking the plains before flying to Nairobi. Our driver will be waiting to take you to the International Airport for your flight to Uganda. Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you’ll be assisted with your luggage and after transferred to Lake Victoria Serena Hotel for overnight stay .  Go for one-hour spa treatment for you to fully relax after your flight to Uganda.

BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 6

Fly To Bwindi Forest National Park

After breakfast, you will drive to Entebbe airport for your small scenic flight to the Kihihi airstrip . Upon touch down you will be transferred to Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge for a leisurely evening .

BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 7

Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Today, trek through the park’s dense vegetation; Vehicles have never penetrated this forest, and the going can be challenging with steep ascents and tangled trails. Trekking through dense forest with steep slopes means that participants do need to be physically fit however gorilla trekking groups are assigned on fitness levels, so you can request a shorter or longer hike dependent on your preferences. In a group of 8, you will set off in the jungle and your guides use their experience, knowledge of the gorillas’ habits and information from the previous day to locate them. Once you have found the gorillas, you will be allowed to spend an hour with them. Keep your camera in silence and observe a 10 meters’ distance from the gorillas and keep your mask on at all times. It worth the slight physical discomforts, though, for the reward of a face-to-face encounter with one of the most endangered animals on the planet. Observe their subtle social interactions and remarkable behaviors closely resembling our own. Relax at the lodge after your lifetime changing experience back .

BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 8

Gorilla Habituation

Have you wondered how often tourists get within two feet of a 600 pounds’ mountain gorilla without getting any harm? That intimidating giant beast could rip your arms out of their sockets in a flash.The Mountain gorilla habituation process involves spending time with a gorilla group every day and gradually winning over their trust. Researchers mimic their behavior, pretending to eat the same food as they do at the same time, grunting, and even beating one’s chest.  To become accustomed to the presence of humans, each gorilla group undergoes a lengthy habituation process of between 3-5 years, managed by a team of expert researchers, conservationists, trackers and rangers. Park rangers start the habituation process by spending a short period of time with the gorillas each day, maintaining a specific distance at the limit of the gorillas’ comfort zone. Every few months they gradually increase the time and reduce the distance until they are certain that the gorillas are ready for tourists to visit them. After your breakfast, you will drive to Rushaga where you are to have your Gorilla Habituation Experience. You will not get as close as yesterday. Perhaps the gorillas initially bound off to a hiding place; maybe they park themselves amid the thickest vegetation, or guard their infant fervently. What you do have now is time, allow the gorillas to settle. Find your own hideout and wait. As the initial shock subsides, the gorillas emerge. You stay tucked into the forest, silently watching the troop, recognize individuals and notice distinguishing features, a part of the research process. Gestures are shared as you watch in awe, interpreting the communication. Over four hours you become invisible. From the hideout, you enjoy a complete insight into gorilla behavior, one that is normally only reserved for qualified researchers. With four hours you do not just admire an entire troop of gorillas in their natural habitat, but come closer to understanding the world of the greatest apes on earth.Later on, head back to your hotel for meals and relaxation.

 

BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 9

Batwa Experience

Known as the “Keepers of the Forest” the enchanting Batwa pygmies of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are a hunter-gatherer tribe that has lived side-by-side with the wildlife of this ancient park for thousands of years. Strap on your hiking boots for this full-day adventure and as it kick-starts with a 3-hour hike through the forest to a Batwa settlement with the help of a Batwa guide. Hear ancient legends and traditional songs and after a warm welcome, your 1-hour cultural immersion begins. Enjoy a lively music performance, learn about the Batwa’s fascinating way of life; from religion to their food gathering and hunting techniques, and interact with the tribesmen.

Afterwards, you will then fly to Entebbe and check in at Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa.

BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 10

Leisure Day

Set out from the boat landing for a romantic sunset picnic cruise on Lake Victoria or pamper yourself with an Andean hot stone therapy or deep tissue back massage at the Maisha Mind Body & Spirit Spa.

Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort &Spa

 

BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 11

Departure

After breakfast, relax at the lodge. Later, you will be transferred to the airport for your departing flight.

 

Breakfast

Prices are in USD, per person, based on double occupancy

USD 30,300
per person based on two people

Tour Includes

Two gorilla permits of $800 each
AMREF Flying Doctor Insurance: A Flying doctor Insurance to Air transfers you before dark from the nearest airstrip to hospital during Emergency
4X4 Custom built – Toyota Land cruiser: Pop-up Roof, Opening Sliding windows, Seat Belts, Heavy duty wheels, and Extra Fuel tanks. Refrigerator for cooling drinks, one pair of binoculars per couple, Eco-friendly Trash Bag. Wi-Fi onboard during the safari, Charging Outlets type Plug G for charging Cameras and smartphones.
All park entrance fees to include government taxes mentioned in the itinerary
High-end accommodations and all meals ((As specified in the day-by-day section)
Soft drinks, Coffee/tea and Water during game drives
A bottle of champagne
Daily valet laundry service.
Complimentary return airport transfers in case you desire after the trip
VIP Lounge access at the airport
Local Flights mentioned in the itinerary
Expert trip planning
24x7 support during your trip
Covid-19 whilst on the safari
Hot air balloon
A Gorilla permit of $1500

Tour Excludes

Covid-19 Test upon arrival at the airport
Tips for Guides, Rangers and hotel staff
Other personal expenses like souvenirs, alcoholic drinks and cigars
All kinds of hard drinks
Activities not included in the program
Medical Insurance

Getting Here

Most major European and African airlines—including Kenya Airways—fly into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, which is Kenya’s main airport. Kenya Airways also flies nonstop from the U.S (New York). The fastest routes to Nairobi are usually two nonstop legs routed through London or another European city such as Amsterdam, Frankfurt or Paris. Other possible connections are available through the Middle East, Qatar and Dubai; and via Asia, Kenya Airways has flights between Nairobi and Bangkok, Hanoi, Hong Kong and Guangzhou in China.

 Airports in Kenya:

  • Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Nairobi.
  • Moi International Airport, Mombasa.
  • Wilson Airport, Nairobi.

Passport and Visa

To enter Kenya a valid passport and must be valid for six months after the return of your journey and should also have sufficient blank visa pages for entry and exit stamps. Please note that it is the guest’s sole responsibility to acquire the appropriate valid travel documents. If you do not have the proper documentation, you may be denied boarding or entry without a refund. You can apply for your e-Visa online fast and safely – anywhere and anytime and get it within 48 hours www.evisa.go.ke. You must produce a printed copy of the e-visa at check-in or you won’t be allowed to travel. The e-visa is valid for 90 days from the date of approval – not from the date of arrival in Kenya – which can take up to seven days.

Vaccination

A Yellow vaccination certificate is required ONLY if you are travelling from The CDC and WHO each provide a current list of all affected countries. If vaccination for yellow fever is necessary, you must carry an International Certificate of Vaccination provided by your physician; you may be denied entry without it. If your physician advises against receiving the vaccination because of your personal medical history, he or she can provide you with the necessary documentation for the country/countries you are visiting.

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/117/kenya, each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad.

COVID Test requirements for arriving passengers

Passengers must have a negative PCR based Covid-19 certificate carried out within 96 hours prior to the departure date. The mandatory Ministry of Health Travellers Health Surveillance online Form must be filled out and submitted prior to travel. The online form should be accessed from the Ministry of Health website: https://ears.health.go.ke/airline_registration/. After submitting the travel surveillance form, Passengers are advised to download the QR code. Passengers will be required to display the received QR codes to port health officials on arrival for them to be allowed to proceed to arrival immigration. Arriving passengers will be required to undergo a 14-day quarantine except if they are coming from the exempted countries. COVID rules and regulations are subject to change from time to time. Get in touch with us for accurate new rules before travel.

Getting around in Kenya

The entry point into Kenya is usually via the capital city, Nairobi. Most safari and domestic flights leave from Wilson Airport, 6 km south of the city. Some parks are easy to get to by road, whereas others are best accessed by air.

Climate

The cost is always hot with an average daytime temperature of 27-31 degrees centigrade whilst the average daytime temperature in Nairobi is 21-26 degrees centigrade. Temperatures elsewhere depend on altitude. July and August mark the Kenya winter. Typically, January-February is dry, March-May is wet, June-September is dry, and October-December is wet.

Time

GMT +3 all year-round. Kenya maintains an almost constant 12 hours of daylight, sun-up and sun-down being at around 6.30 and 18.45 daily, and varying only by 30 minutes during the year.

Currency

Kenya has a cash-based economy. Cash transactions can be made in U.S. dollars or local currency (Kenyan Shillings), U.S. dollars should be recently issued bills in smaller denominations. Access to ATM machines is available in Nairobi but limited in rural areas. All major international cards are accepted.

Language

English (official), Kiswahili (national), multiple ethnic language (Bantu, Cushitic and Nilotic language group).

Electricity:  220-220 volts, with standard 13-amp square three-pin plugs

Telephone:  International telephone code +254

Read more