Gorilla Trekking
Spend an hour in the company of a family of mountain gorillas
Trek in search of gorillas in the forests of Uganda. Encounter these iconic primates, whose very existence is under threat, then fly north to the open plains of Kenya’s Masai Mara. Here, spends several days on safari, in search of the wide array of wildlife that inhabits this famous region.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
1
Batwa Communities
Meet the hunter-gatherer Batwa people – the original inhabitants of the forest
Masai Mara Safari
Explore the plains of the Masai Mara, home to a proliferation of East African wildlife.
Prides of Lions
Encounter the iconic lion prides of the Mara as they stalk their prey.
Why we like it
This trip combines one of Africa’s most enthralling wildlife experiences with one of the continent’s greatest wildlife destinations. Time spent with mountain gorillas is unlike any other wildlife encounter, whilst the riches of the Masai Mara deliver a safari filled with excitement, intrigue and variety.
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Day 1
Entebbe
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Day 2
Entebbe - Bwindi (Gorilla Forest Camp)
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Days 3-5
Bwindi (Gorilla Forest Camp)
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Day 6
Bwindi - Entebbe - Masai Mara (Offbeat Mara Camp)
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Days 7-9
Masai Mara (Offbeat Mara Camp)
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Day 10
Masai Mara - Nairobi
Day 1
Entebbe
Arrive in Entebbe on your international flight and stay overnight.
Day 2
Entebbe - Bwindi (Gorilla Forest Camp)
Fly by light aircraft to Kihihi airstrip and then transfer by 4×4 to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, staying at Gorilla Forest Camp.
Days 3-5
Bwindi (Gorilla Forest Camp)
On your first morning, trek into the forest to spend time with a family of habituated mountain gorillas. Accompanied by trackers and rangers, you will have an hour with the family as they play, forage and groom. Afterwards, spend time exploring the forest and surrounding area. Options include birding, guided walks, visits to local communities and the chance to spend time with the Batwa people.
Day 6
Bwindi - Entebbe - Masai Mara (Offbeat Mara Camp)
Drive back to Kihihi and then fly to Entebbe, connecting with your onward flight to the Masai Mara. Transfer from the airstrip to the Mara North Conservancy, staying at Offbeat Mara Camp.
Days 7-9
Masai Mara (Offbeat Mara Camp)
Explore the wild conservancy landscape, in search of leopards, cheetahs and lions. During migration season, watch as the terrain is flooded with waves of zebras and wildebeests.
Day 10
Masai Mara - Nairobi
Fly back to Nairobi and depart on your international flight.
More Details
Gorilla Trekking
Head out early to meet your rangers for a briefing, before stepping into the park to search for one of the gorilla families that inhabit the forest. Trek across the hills they call home, through dense jungle, with the rangers clearing the way.
The mud, sweat (and sometimes tears) are worth it. Coming face to face with the gorillas is like no other wildlife experience out there. It is important to remember that every gorilla group is different and every trek is different. Your first may be a relaxed affair, with some of the young playing; however a second trek may be a much more thrilling experience, with the silverback displaying his strength.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Covered in thick tropical rainforest and often shrouded in mist, Bwindi provides a perfect habitat for mountain gorillas. Spread over a series of steep ridges and valleys it looks the part and having survived the last ice age, is considered one of the most diverse forests in Africa.
The birding here is big and colourful, the forest dark and inviting and the sense of adventure palpable. Options include guided walks, visits to local communities and the chance to spend time with the Batwa people, the original inhabitants of the forest.
Masai Mara Safari
After time spent exploring the impenetrable depths of Uganda’s forests, escape to the open plains and endless vistas of the Masai Mara. Here, dense jungle is replaced by fertile grasslands, meandering rivers and the occasional sun-baked kopje.
The search for primates is forgotten, as vast numbers of animals and numerous species thrive across this exciting safari landscape. Over the course of several days, explore on game drives that set out at dawn and dusk, when predators are at their most active. The Mara’s big cats are some of its most iconic residents and expect to encounter large prides as they stalk for prey.
A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From £6,925 Per person
When to travel
Uganda in January
From December until the end of February the weather is typically drier, although showers are still very possible. This is the hottest time of year and can feel very tropical. However, the altitude means that temperatures remain manageable and still drop quickly at night.
Uganda in February
From December until the end of February the weather is typically drier, although showers are still very possible. This is the hottest time of year and can feel very tropical. However, the altitude means that temperatures remain manageable and still drop quickly at night.
Uganda in March
The long rains begin in March and last until May. During this time, road travel can be a challenge and delays are frequent. However, gorilla trekking continues unaffected, although you should expect to get wet and muddy.
Uganda in April
The long rains begin in March and last until May. During this time, road travel can be a challenge and delays are frequent. However, gorilla trekking continues unaffected, although you should expect to get wet and muddy.
Uganda in May
The long rains begin in March and last until May. During this time, road travel can be a challenge and delays are frequent. However, gorilla trekking continues unaffected, although you should expect to get wet and muddy.
Uganda in June
The coolest and driest time of year is between June and early September. This is one of the most popular times to visit, although both mornings and evenings can be very chilly at higher altitudes.
Uganda in July
The coolest and driest time of year is between June and early September. This is one of the most popular times to visit, although both mornings and evenings can be very chilly at higher altitudes.
Uganda in August
The coolest and driest time of year is between June and early September. This is one of the most popular times to visit, although both mornings and evenings can be very chilly at higher altitudes.
Uganda in September
The short rains arrive in late September and continue until November. However, travel is still possible and the overcast skies can make for some fantastic photographs.
Uganda in October
The short rains arrive in late September and continue until November. However, travel is still possible and the overcast skies can make for some fantastic photographs.
Uganda in November
The short rains arrive in late September and continue until November. However, travel is still possible and the overcast skies can make for some fantastic photographs.
Uganda in December
From December until the end of February the weather is typically drier, although showers are still very possible. This is the hottest time of year and can feel very tropical. However, the altitude means that temperatures remain manageable and still drop quickly at night.
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Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
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