Overview

Embark on an unforgettable odyssey across the heart of Africa, where the allure of adventure begins in the revered wildlife sanctuary of Kenya. Our voyage traces the rolling expanses of the Masai Mara National Park, a realm famed for hosting the spectacle of the annual Great Migration. Immerse yourself in panoramic views as our journey takes us through the geological wonder of the Great Rift Valley, which stretches across the continent like a giant scar on the earth’s crust.

Next, we journey to Lake Nakuru National Park, a spectacle unto itself. As your eyes scan its vast landscape, expect them to be arrested by a sea of pink – a gathering of flamingos that blankets the lake’s surface, creating a stunning living mural.

From here, our path takes an aquatic turn as we traverse the mighty Nile, taking in the awe-inspiring grandeur of Murchison Falls, often hailed as the world’s most potent waterfall. As the thunderous roar of the cascading waters mesmerizes you, the scenery of towering mountains and ethereal crater lakes will steal your breath away.

Yet, the true gem of our voyage, the “Pearl of Africa”, is discovered amidst the verdant jungles of Bwindi National Park. Here, amidst a lush emerald paradise, comes your chance to encounter the noble mountain gorilla, a species teetering on the brink of extinction. Each encounter supports the conservation efforts for these magnificent creatures, turning your adventure into a journey of preservation.

After a farewell to the Kenyan plains, our journey arcs from Nairobi to the Masai Mara. The park’s sweeping grasslands offer unrivaled game viewing and photographic opportunities that will etch in your memories forever. We then traverse the border into Uganda, where urban adventures await in the vibrant city of Kampala or a chance to visit a chimpanzee sanctuary that thrives in harmony with the city.

From the hum of city life, we retreat to the tranquility of Murchison Falls National Park before venturing into the heart of Budongo Forest, home to East Africa’s largest Mahogany forest. Here, we join forces with a local chimp guide to lead us on a thrilling trek through the forest in search of Uganda’s most notable residents, the chimpanzees.

The climax of our journey lies in the serene beauty of Lake Bunyoni, where we prepare for the upcoming Gorilla trekking expedition. As we step into the realm of the mountain gorilla, the thrill of the adventure blends seamlessly with the fulfilment of contributing to the survival of this endangered species. Indeed, this African journey guarantees an unforgettable tableau of nature, adventure, and conservation.

Day 1 – Masai Mara National Reserve

We leave the capital of Nairobi and travel to the Masai Mara, world renowned for its endless plains of wild animals and spectacular beauty.  The visit to the Masai Mara is operated in safari type vehicles and not the Nomad truck. For this reason, you are asked to pack a small overnight bag to travel with. You will need your towel, clothes, toiletries and camping essentials.

Day 2 – Masai Mara National Reserve

The rolling grasslands of the Masai Mara offer ideal game viewing and photographic opportunities. Some of the animals that could be found here include elephant, black rhino, buffalo, leopard, cheetah, wildebeest, zebra and gazelle. Hippo and crocodile abound in the muddy brown waters of the rivers, which traverse this reserve. Today we will spend the entire day game driving through the Mara in search of all the animals.

Day 3 – Lake Nakuru National Park

This morning we bid the Mara farewell before heading to Lake Nakuru National Park where we will enjoy an afternoon game drive through the park. Lake Nakuru is home to large flocks of flamingos and pelicans as well as black & white rhino, leopard, lion and numerous buck. Originally created as a bird sanctuary, Lake Nakuru was upgraded to National Park status in 1968.

Day 4 – Jinja

This morning we cross the border into Uganda and make our our way to Jinja. Jinja is Uganda’s second largest city and most famous as the point where the Nile (officially the Victoria Nile) flows out of Lake Victoria and begins the 6695 kilometre journey to Egypt and the Mediterranean.                                        

Day 5 – Masindi – Murchison Falls National Park

After a quick stop in the city of Kampala, we head in the direction of The Murchison Falls National Park.   Also referred to as the Kabaraga Falls, Murchison Falls is a waterfall found on the course of the great Nile and is located within the Murchison National Park. The park is recognized as one of the best National Parks in Uganda. After settling into our accommodation in Masindi, your guide will brief you on the activities for the following day.   

Day 6 – Masindi – Budongo Central Forest Reserve

Budongo Forest is the biggest Mahogany forest found in the whole of East Africa and is home to the largest number of chimpanzees throughout Uganda. It is believed that there are between 600 – 700 chimpanzees in Budongo and this morning we will meet up with our chimp guide who will take us on our trek through the forest in search of the chimps.  We will also enjoy a boat cruise in the park. Note: As the Chimp trekking is limited

to 12 guests per trek, should there be more than 12 guests on a tour the trekking will be split between the morning and the afternoon. Therefore you may find that you will first do the game drive activity followed by the Chimp trekking or vice versa. Please allow for flexibility.

Day 7 – Lake Kikorongo

This morning we depart Masindi and transfer towards the edges of the Queen Elizabeth National Park.  Our accommodation for the night is nestled atop a hill overlooking Lake Kikorongo.

Day 8 – Gorillas (Lake Bunyonyi)

Crossing the Equator once more we travel south to the beautiful scenery of Lake Bunyonyi. With eager anticipation we prepare for the upcoming Gorilla trekking excursion and tonight we will receive a briefing on what to expect.                           

Day 9 – Gorillas (Lake Bunyonyi)

The mountain gorilla is extremely endangered and while exact numbers vary it is widely assumed that there are only around 650 left. Visiting the gorillas is a great way to support their future on earth as the money spent on permits is used for their protection. An extremely important part of the future conservation of the remaining gorillas rests in the community development work – as local communities change their attitudes towards wildlife and start to protect rather than poach, the future of the mountain gorilla is assured.

As permits granting permission to visit the gorillas are extremely limited we require flexibility in both the tour itinerary and where we actually visit them. The home of the mountain gorillas is completely at odds with man-made borders and so their range encompasses Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo). Whenever possible we choose to make use of the National Park in Uganda, but this depends on the availability of permits. Should we not obtain permits to visit the mountain gorillas in Uganda then we will inform all passengers beforehand that the tour will travel to Rwanda or DRC.

On your free day in Bunyonyi you will have the opportunity to participate in certain optional activities. You can also go hiking or explore the area on a mountain bike.

Day 10 – Gorillas (Lake Bunyonyi)

Although there are 2 days allocated to Gorilla Trekking you will only spend one day on the trek. The other days are there to provide a large enough window in which to obtain permits and to allow the entire group to trek if there are more than 6 of you on the tour.

Day 11 – Lake Mburo

We depart the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi for another of Uganda’s beautiful water bodies – Lake Mburo. Lake Mburo is situated in the Ankole sub-region of Uganda, near the town of Mbarara, and spans an area of approximately 260 square kilometers and is surrounded by rolling hills, open grasslands, and patches of woodland. With over 350 recorded bird species, Lake Mburo National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers. The park’s diverse ecosystems, which include acacia woodlands, savannahs, and wetlands, provide optimal habitats for numerous bird species, including the rare and odd looking shoebill stork.

Day 12 – Jinja

This morning we leave the Ankole region and set off on our return journey to Jinja. Jinja offers many exciting optional activities which are focussed around the waters of the Nile and these include rafting, kayaking and a variety of cruises on Africa’s largest river.  While those who may be less inclined to water sports can enjoy horse riding or a quadbike adventure on dry land.

Day 13 – Jinja

Jinja offers many optional activities for the adventurous and for the not so adventurous. Today you’ll have at your leisure, and your guide will assist you to plan for this day.

Day 14 – Kenya – Eldoret

Returning to Kenya we visit Eldoret, the country’s 5th largest city. The Great Rift Valley is still the dominant geographical feature of this region and the altitude at Eldoret is 2100 metres above sea level.

Day 15 – Nairobi

Returning to Nairobi this afternoon we reflect on many memories that we have gathered together and brace ourselves for a return to the busy streets of Nairobi. Your tour ends upon arrival in Nairobi.

  •   Crew2 Crew
  •   Max Passengers 20 Passengers Max
  •   Vehicle 20 Seater Vehicle
  •   Duration15 Days and 14 Nights
  •   From / ToNairobi to Nairobi
  •   Meals13 Breakfast  14 Lunch 13 Dinner
  •   Countries Kenya, Uganda

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Pre & Post Tour

Pre & Post Tour Accommodation

Nomad can book accommodation before and after your tour.

Pre Tour Accommodation - Nairobi

From R1,800
  Airport Transfer Available Sentrim Boulevard Hotel – Nairobi

Sentrim Boulevard Hotel is just 4.6 mi (7.4 km) from the airport and offers a shuttle (available 24 hours) one way. You can splash around at the outdoor pool, grab a bite to eat at the restaurant, or unwind with a drink at the bar/lounge. There's also a garden, and… … Read More

Post Tour Accommodation - Nairobi

From R1,800
  Airport Transfer Available Sentrim Boulevard Hotel – Nairobi

Sentrim Boulevard Hotel is just 4.6 mi (7.4 km) from the airport and offers a shuttle (available 24 hours) one way. You can splash around at the outdoor pool, grab a bite to eat at the restaurant, or unwind with a drink at the bar/lounge. There's also a garden, and… … Read More

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