Best of KENYA PLUS GORILLAS
our classic safari
the go-to trip for that once-in-a-lifetime African adventure
12 days/any time of year
For first time safari-goers, choosing the right trip can be a challenge. Where to visit, what time of year to go, what camps and lodges to consider, and what type of safari vehicles to choose can make all the difference. That’s why we’ve designed the trip that we would have wanted to go on for our first visit. A twelve-day safari deep into the heart of Kenya, visiting two distinctly different safari eco-systems. Then it’s on to Uganda, via Rwanda, for a few days of gorilla and golden monkey trekking in the volcanic mountains of the Virungas.
Experience has shown us that after visiting Africa for the first time, most people immediately start thinking about coming back. But if you only have one shot at it, and you’re looking for a classic safari experience that ticks all the boxes and gets all the details just right, this is the trip for you.
Day 1: Arrive Nairobi
Upon arrival at Nairobi’s international airport, we will be met by our Kenyan travel host and brought to the Ololo Safari Lodge, within Nairobi National Park. Members of our group are free to relax and rest for the afternoon at this luxury camp, visit the on-site farm or take our first game drive into the national park. It’s usually our best opportunity to see the critically endangered rhinoceros.
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BLD — Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 2-4: Masai Mara
A quick bush flight from Nairobi takes us to the Masai Mara where we will spend the next three days on game drives through this famous reserve. Enjoy breakfast on the plains, surrounded by wildlife before returning to camp for an afternoon siesta followed by the day’s second exciting outing into the park. The Mara is the world’s top location for viewing a multitude of large mammals, including lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, hippo, rhino and much more. The Mara is contiguous with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and was named in honor of the Masai people as their ancestral home. A visit to the local Masai village is often a highlight for our guests.
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Days 5-7: Samburu
After an early breakfast, we fly to Samburu National Reserve in north/central Kenya. Our accommodation is at Elephant Bedroom, a luxury camp set beside the Ewaso Nyiro River and nestled among the spectacular scenery of the region. Settle in for another three days of game drives and don’t be surprised if the local elephants meander through camp while you’re relaxing in your private plunge pool. Samburu is home to several key species not present in the south, including the long-necked gerenuk antelope, the Somali ostrich and the endangered Grevy’s zebra, among others.
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Day 8: Flight to Rwanda
Today we fly from Samburu to Nairobi and on to Kigali, Rwanda where we spend the night at the Hotel des Mille Collines.
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Day 9: Arrive Uganda
Today we will transfer to Kisoro, Uganda where we will meet the local villagers before spending the night at Mutanda Lake Resort. The lodge is perched on a peninsula in the shadow of the Virunga Mountains, and offers comfortable accommodation combined with “the most beautiful views on planet earth.”
In the evening we will prepare for our gorilla trek. We will visit the Nyakagenzi family — a group of 9 gorillas including several silverbacks as well as infants.
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Day 10: Gorillas
There are just over 1000 Mountain Gorillas left in the wild. This will surely be a trip highlight to meet the
Nyakagezi family that inhabit the forests of Mgahinga National Park. This is one of the most picturesque spots in the world to view and photograph these critically endangered primates. Uganda’s Forests are not only famous for their spectacular gorilla families, but also for bird life and other forest primates.
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Day 11: Golden Monkeys
Today the subject of our trek is another fascinating and endangered primate species — the golden monkey. Mgahinga National Park and the Virunga Mountains are home to the last breeding population of these monkeys. Alternate cultural activites also an option.
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Day 12: Kigali and Onward
Our African adventure comes to an end today as we transfer to Kigali airport in Rwanda for our flight back to Nairobi and then our onward international flights home.
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THE CAMPS
TANGULIA MARA
MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE
Tangulia Mara is the only camp in the Mara not only operated by, but owned by the Maasai people. Trackers are among the best in Kenya and this camp is regularly featured on the BBC series “Big Cat Diary” due to its excellent lion activity. Perched on a leafy hill on the edge of the National Reserve, Tangulia Mara overlooks a clay lick that attracts a never-ending procession of wildlife to the nutrient-rich clay. It’s not uncommon to watch from your tent as a dozen giraffe graze alongside elephant, baboon and zebra. The seven classic safari-style tents are built on wooden decks and are all ensuite. Bathrooms are plumbed with hot and cold running water and all tents have a veranda with a view of the salt lick.
Shaded by doum palm trees, there’s an easy elegance about Elephant Bedroom that gives the sense of an earlier time of exotic travel. A spacious dining and lounge tent is a great place to meet and have a drink, read a book or listen to stories of the day’s adventures. All guest tents are set on wood platforms, with walk-in showers and upscale design touches reflecting the local Samburu tribespeople. Each tent also has a small, private plunge pool. The camp itself is set along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, a prime location inside picturesque Samburu National Reserve. Elephants regularly stroll past on their way to the river. Vervet monkeys are also common regulars and guests need to be vigilant about locking the doors on their tents to avoid any primate thievery. Situated in the north of Kenya, Samburu’s red-hued clay landscapes, and unique species make it a perfect accompaniment and contrast to the Masai Mara.
ELEPHANT BEDROOM
SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE
MUTANDA LAKE RESORT
MGAHINGA NATIONAL PARK
The lush, volcanic mountains of Uganda provide a completely different experience than the open savannas of Kenya. Mutanda Lake Resort is idyllically situated to take advantage of all the spectacular scenery. Comfortable cottages are raised on wooden platforms, each with its own porch. This is the perfect base to explore the realm of the silverback. In addition to the famed local apes, colorful birds and chameleons are common around the lodge. And the lake provides all sorts of activities from swimming to island hopping in a canoe.