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18 to 35s Epic East Africa: Gorillas, Chimps and Safaris

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18 to 35s Epic East Africa: Gorillas, Chimps and Safaris

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Description

Tap into your adventurous side on this 19-day trip to Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya. Visit east Africa’s most abundant wildlife hotspots – track chimpanzees in Kalinzu Forest and gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, then spot lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, buffalo and more on safaris in the Maasai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. You’ll get a taste of local everyday life when you spend a night in a Maasai village, plus you’ll get your heart racing when you choose from activities like whitewater rafting and bungee jumping in the adrenaline hub of Jinja.

Trip Name
18 to 35s Epic East Africa: Gorillas, Chimps and Safaris
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
19
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Come face to face with rare mountain gorillas in the forests of Uganda with the help of expert rangers and trackers.
  • Venture into the Serengeti on a 4WD safari – a quintessential East African experience. Think vast plains spotted with thorn trees and huge herds of zebras and gazelles.
  • Trek in search of chimpanzees in Kalinzu Forest Reserve and spend an hour observing how they play, feed and communicate with each other.
  • Spend the night in a Maasai village in the remote Loita Hills region – be welcomed with traditional warrior song and dance, learn about life from community elders and maybe even learn to throw a spear.
  • Search for wildebeest, lions and leopards on a game drive in Maasai Mara National Reserve, then listen to the African wilderness come alive after sunset at your bush camp.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk., ROAD CONDITIONS AND INFRASTRUCTURE IN AFRICA: Roads in Africa are often in very poor condition, which makes it hard on our vehicles. Our vehicles are serviced regularly and are generally in good condition, but breakdowns can and do happen. Sometimes the going on this trip is quite tough, the distances covered fairly large and some of the roads and tracks are not exactly smooth or free from dust, but the rewards are exceptional. The travelling times indicated in our Essential Trip Information is just a rough guide and is dependent on various factors that may be outside our control, such as road conditions, weather and time spent at borders. DRIVE TIMES: The travel times listed in the day to day itinerary are a guide only. Please be aware that delays may occur and please be patient - it's all part of the experience afterall! Additionally, the travel times do not include time spent on game drives as these can vary with each departure.

Day 1 - Entebbe
Ki kati! Welcome to Uganda. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm in Entebbe, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. Located near Kampala on the shores of Lake Victoria, Entebbe has a relaxed vibe. If you arrive early, maybe stretch your legs with a stroll through Entebbe Botanical Garden or shop for souvenirs at Entebbe Craft Village. After the meeting tonight, why not head out for dinner and get to know your new travel buddies?
Day 2 - Jinja
Today, begin your journey from Entebbe to Jinja. One of the highlights of any visit to Uganda, Jinja is a riverside retreat at the source of the Nile and is considered the adventure capital of the country. When you arrive, settle into your accommodation or relax on the banks of the nearby Nile River. If you’re keen to start exploring right away, maybe head to the Jinja Farmer’s Market and try some fresh jackfruit or local snacks. Tonight, your leader can show you where the best spots are to grab some dinner with your group.
Day 3 - Jinja
Jinja is the place for adventurers, adrenaline junkies and eco-travellers, and you’ll enjoy a full free day here to explore at your own pace. Maybe get active with some whitewater rafting or hire a bike to see Jinja on two wheels. You can also opt for a boat cruise along the source of the Nile, to enjoy the river from a new perspective.
Day 4 - Fort Portal
Head out in search of some rolex (chapati rolled around an egg omelette, usually with added vegetables) to start the day. This is a popular street food in Uganda and is even more delicious than it sounds! You’ve got a long travel day ahead of you, so make sure you have your favourite playlists, podcasts or some travel games queued up for the drive. Travel to Fort Portal, where you’ll spend the night. When you arrive, settle into your accommodation and relax – you’ve got an exciting day of wildlife encounters ahead of you tomorrow.
Day 5 - Queen Elizabeth National Park - Kalinzu Forest
Begin your journey to Kalinzu Forest this morning. On the way, you’ll go on a safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to elephants, buffalo, antelope and so much more. This afternoon, led by expert trackers, you’ll set off into the dense rainforest of Kalinzu in search of chimpanzees. This hike can be challenging at times, with muddy paths and thick vegetation, but the reward of seeing these amazing creatures in their natural habitat is well worth it. Watch as they play, feed and communicate with each other in the trees high above. Later, return to your accommodation for a free evening. Maybe grab a drink or two with your new friends and toast to the incredible day of adventure.
Day 6 - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Continue your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Take in the scenery as you pass rolling green hills, tea plantations and crater lakes, or simply relax with a book or chat with your group. You’ll also pass through a local village where you’ll have the chance to stop for lunch and coffee. Maybe get to know the Batooro and Bakiiga communities that live here with an optional local village visit, then carry on to Bwindi. When you arrive, settle in and prepare for what will be one of the highlights of your trip tomorrow – gorilla trekking!
Day 7 - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
This morning, join a local guide and experienced trackers as you climb through the rugged, mountainous terrain of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in search of mountain gorillas. Your first glimpse of these creatures will be a truly beautiful moment, and visits are strictly controlled to minimise disturbance. Tracking gorillas is not an easy feat (it's called Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a reason!). It can be wet, muddy, strenuous and uncomfortable, but the indescribable feeling of coming across a group of gorillas is worth the effort. Spend a mesmerising hour with the gorillas as they eat, sleep, groom and play as the male silverback watches over them. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the lush wilderness of the rainforest, then return to camp where you can freshen up with a hot shower. In the afternoon, you’ll also have the chance to go on an optional visit to the Batwa community to learn about their forest heritage. Tonight, enjoy a hearty dinner by the crackling fire.
Day 8 - Lake Mburo
Say goodbye to Bwindi and begin the journey to Lake Mburo. This is Uganda’s smallest savanna park, but it packs a punch with its variety of landscapes, from woodlands and rolling hills to wetlands and lakes. This afternoon, you’ll have the option to join a safari, where you might spot zebras, hippos, buffalo and even impalas.
Day 9 - Entebbe
Rise early and begin the drive back to Entebbe, stopping for a game drive in Lake Mburo along the way. You might spot herds of zebras (there are more than 5000 in this national park!), impalas or hippos. After, you’ll continue to Entebbe, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 10 - Nairobi
Today, you’ll be transferred to Entebbe Airport for your flight to Nairobi. You’ll have a second welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your new leader and the travellers joining you for the next leg of your trip. After the meeting, maybe head out for an optional dinner with your new fellow travellers.
Day 11 - Loita Hills
Depart Nairobi this morning, stopping in Narok along the way for some food shopping. Today's drive crosses the Great Rift Valley – Africa's huge divide – to the remote region of Loita Hills. This is the home of the Maasai people. When you arrive, you’ll grab some lunch and then visit the Maasai, known for their dazzling red dress and elaborate jewellery. Gain an insight into the culture and ancient ways of this proud East African community. A local elder will deliver a fascinating talk, and you'll be shown around a traditional Maasai home and see where the resident cattle are kept.
Day 12 - Maasai Mara National Reserve
Travel from Loita Hilla to the Maasai Mara National Reserve today. The Maasai Mara is one of those classic African experiences – wide open plains, perfect blue skies and some of the world's great wild animals. After setting up camp, sit down to some lunch. Then, it's time to jump aboard your 4WD and go for a safari through the wilderness of the Mara.
Day 13 - Maasai Mara National Reserve
Adventure into the reserve for a full-day 4WD safari. You'll explore this diverse environment and most likely see a lots of different wildlife like lions, elephants, leopards and rhino. If you’re up for an early start, an optional balloon ride over the Mara at sunrise is highly recommended. If you have pre-booked this activity, you’ll be picked up before sunrise and driven to the launch site for a safety briefing from your pilot. Then, glide through the dawn, sometimes at tree height, which provides amazing photo opportunities. Sometimes you’ll ascend, getting an overview of the enormity of the plains and the early morning movements of the teeming herds. After landing, you'll be treated to a bush breakfast, then return to your campsite to meet up with your group.
Day 14 - Musoma
Travel towards the Kenya-Tanzania border and to the shores of Lake Victoria. This is not only Africa's biggest lake – it's the largest tropical lake in the world. It shares its shores with Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. You'll arrive in the late afternoon, with time to chill out lakeside with a cold drink at sunset. Make the most of the ATM and local market to stock up for your next three days of adventures in the wilderness. You’ll be camping on the shores of the lake tonight, at one of its least visited campgrounds on the outskirts of a small town called Musoma, far from the tourist track.
Day 15 - Serengeti National Park
Today, you’ll travel from Lake Victoria to the gate of Serengeti National Park on a smooth road. Stop for a picnic lunch on the way, then enter the Serengeti and start your overland vehicle safari on the way to your campsite. These plains – green after rain and brown and burnt in the dry season – are home to thousands of hoofed animals and fierce predators, so see how many you can spot! Your campsite is right in the action, within the park itself, so listen out for the sounds of nocturnal animals as you drift off to sleep tonight.
Day 16 - Serengeti National Park
Embark on a full-day 4WD safari adventure in the Serengeti. Spend the day venturing out in search of rhinos, leopards, lions, hippos, elephants, impalas and zebras. You'll return to your campsite in time for dinner. There's the option of an early-morning balloon ride here too, so if you didn't take one in the Mara, today's your chance!
Day 17 - Karatu
Rise and shine for a final chance to spot Serengeti wildlife as you make your way out of the park this morning. At the Naabi gate, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater. This vast, impressively intact volcanic crater is home to some 30,000 animals. Among these are endangered black rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, impalas, zebras and hippos. The crater floor is great for wildlife viewing all year round and the photo-ops here are next level. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the crater before heading back out on safari all afternoon. After, travel on to Karatu town, arriving at camp for a freshly prepared dinner with your group.
Day 18 - Arusha
Take it easy this morning with a relaxed breakfast at camp. Maybe set off for Mto Wa Mbu for an optional guided village walk or take a bike ride around the farming areas, spotting milling machines, local homes and farmlands. Mto Wa Mbu offers a snapshot of small-town East African life. Then, hit the road to Arusha where you'll spend your final night together.
Day 19 - Arusha
Your adventure comes to an end this morning, but that doesn’t mean you can’t continue to explore East Africa. A departure transfer can be booked at an additional expense, to either Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK). Alternatively, you can join the overland truck and travel back to Kenya to finish your trip in Nairobi at around 5 pm. If you need to organise additional accommodation, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
10-09-202628-09-2026AUD $ 8,936-
05-11-202623-11-2026AUD $ 10,725-
04-02-202722-02-2027AUD $ 9,130-
03-06-202721-06-2027AUD $ 9,130-
01-07-202719-07-2027AUD $ 9,585-
05-08-202723-08-2027AUD $ 9,585-
19-08-202706-09-2027AUD $ 9,585-
09-09-202727-09-2027AUD $ 9,585-
07-10-202725-10-2027AUD $ 9,585-
04-11-202722-11-2027AUD $ 9,585-
02-12-202720-12-2027AUD $ 9,585-
03-02-202821-02-2028AUD $ 9,585-
01-06-202819-06-2028AUD $ 9,585-
29-06-202817-07-2028AUD $ 9,585-
03-08-202821-08-2028AUD $ 10,065-
17-08-202804-09-2028AUD $ 10,065-
07-09-202825-09-2028AUD $ 10,065-
05-10-202823-10-2028AUD $ 10,065-
02-11-202820-11-2028AUD $ 10,065-
30-11-202818-12-2028AUD $ 10,065-

Accommodation

Guesthouse (2 nights), Permanent Tent (with shared facilities) (2 nights), Cottage (1 night), Lodge (3 nights), Permanent Tent (with ensuite) (1 night), Hotel (2 nights), Camping (with facilities) (5 nights), Camping (with basic facilities) (2 nights)

Transport

4WD Private Vehicle, Overland vehicle

Map

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