ITINERARY
Day 1. Nairobi – Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast, we start our safari to Lake Nakuru National Park with a stopover at view point to gaze at the natural beauty of the great Rift valley from the advantage point where the escarpment begins.We will be at the park gate by 8:00am to start our game drives in good time with packed lunch, to ensure that we maximize sighting of all wildlife in this park.
This is the home of flamingos.The park is still home to four of the Big Five (you won't see elephants here) as well as a huge variety of bird life. Your full-day game drive in the park will showcase some of Kenya's most beautiful terrain while you spot large herds of buffalo, families of baboons, both black and white rhinoceros, and if lucky, lazy lions and leopards.
After enjoying our adventure game drives and snapping some photos, you'll will start your journey to Naivasha approximately two hours’ drive. You will arrive in good time to relax and refresh at the hotel.
Dinner and overnight at SAWELA LODGES (BLD)
Day 2. Lake Naivasha
Morning session
After a breakfast, you’ll drive to the shores of Lake Naivasha, for a boat ride and a visit to Crescent Island where you will enjoy up close interaction with giraffe, Buffalos, gazelles, Zebras and Wildebeests.
The lake and its surroundings are rich in natural bounty, and the fertile soils and water supply have made this one of Kenya’s prime agricultural regions. Much of the lake is surrounded by forests of the yellow barked Acacia Xanthophlea, known as the yellow fever tree.
While Naivasha is known as a world class birding destination. The waters of the lake draw a great range of game to these shores. Giraffes wander among the acacia, Buffalo wallow in the swamps and Colobus monkeys call from the treetops while the Lakes large hippo population sleeps the day out in the shallows.
Afternoon session
Your Half day game drive at the Hell’s gate National park will showcase some of Kenya’s most beautiful terrain while you spot large herds of buffalo, families of baboons, Warthog, Raptors, Rock hyraces and Spectacular scenery including the towering cliffs, water-gouged gorges, stark rock towers, scrub clad volcanoes and belching plumes of geothermal steam make it one of the most atmospheric Parks in Africa.
To crown our Naivasha Adventure experience we spare some time to visit the Geothermal Spa that offers a bouquet of adventure, spice comfort, luxury, and true Africa hospitality to ensure that you have a memorable visit.
Dinner and overnight at SAWELA LODGES (BLD)
Day 3. Lake Naivasha - Masai Mara Game Reserve
Depart Lake Naivasha in the morning at 0730hr and drive along the floor of the Rift Valley to Maasai Mara arriving at the camp in the afternoon for lunch. Afternoon game drives followed by dinner and overnight stay at Enkoro Mara Camp
Dinner and overnight at Enkoro Mara Camp (BLD)
Day 4. Maasai Mara Game Reserve
Full day spent exploring the park in search of the big 5 and other wildgame. Optional hot air balloon safari can be arranged at an extra cost.
The Mara offers wildlife in such variety and abundance that it is difficult to believe: over 450 species of animals have been recorded here. You will easily see lions, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, wildebeests, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, hyenas, jackals, wild dogs, buffalo, leopard, many kinds of antelopes and elephants. It is in the Mara that perhaps the most spectacular event of the natural world takes place. This is the annual migration of millions of wildebeest and zebras from the Serengeti (Tanzania) in search of water and pasture. Following on their heels are the predators of the savanna- lion, cheetah, wild dog, jackal, hyena and vultures
Dinner and overnight at Enkorok Mara Camp (BLD)
Day 5. Maasai Mara Game Reserve
This is a full day at your disposal. You may choose to relax at the hotel half day with afternoon game drive or vice-versa depending on whether you have sighted the BIG FIVE already.
Dinner and overnight at Enkorok Mara Camp (BLD)
PRICE INCLUDES
• Naivasha – Maasai Mara –Naivasha (Transport)
• 5 night accommodation on full board basis
• Extensive game drive as per itinerary
• Driver/Tour Guide Park fees
• Accommodation for 2 nights at ENKOROK MARA CAMP
• Transport on Tour Land cruiser with open roof for ease of game viewing.
• Use of the Lodge amenities
• Services of a professional English speaking driver/guide.
• ONE night accommodation in Nairobi before departure back home.
PRICE EXCLUDED
• Park entry fees ( Ksh.1000/- adult per night, Children 500/- per night)
• Extras such as beverages, laundry, telephone calls, souvenirs, gratuities to driver / Tour guide and / or camp staff, items of personal nature etc
• Activities such as visit to maasai’s cultural villages, balloon safaris, bush breakfast / dinner e.t.c
• All extras and activities not mentioned above.
• Change of itinerary
5 DAYS’ GORILLAS AND OTHER TOUR ACTIVITIES
Introduction
This trip will show you the best of what Uganda has to offer. Bwindi Forest features grassland savannah teeming with wildlife and is full of interesting endemic flora and fauna. All of this is on top of all main highlights like Gorilla tracking, Chimpanzee tracking and the boat safaris. And, as with all our mid-range trips, you will stay in an excellent array of comfortable lodges.
Itinerary
Day 1: Travel from Busia to Kampala
Day 2: Travel from Kampala to Bwindi Forest National Park
Day 3: Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Forest
Day 4: Travel to Lake Bunyonyi and Boat Cruise on L. Bunyonyi
Day 5: Travel from L. Bunyonyi to Jinja
Day 6: Visiting the Source of River Nile and Travel back to Busia
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Travel from Busia to Kampala
You will be picked up from Busia by a representative of Trailblazer Safaris who will drive you to Kampala the Capital City of Uganda. The route is incredibly scenic, passing through forests including Busitema and Mabira and the lush green countryside which characterizes so much of Uganda.
You will be staying at a wonderful Hotel, within the Kampala City. You can spend the late afternoon relaxing at the lodge, from which there is a lovely view of the City.
Accommodation Includes; Dinner for Mid-range Accommodation
Day 6: Travel from Masai mara – Busia – Kampala
After breakfast we depart to Narok to catch up with your transfer car to Busia.(B)
You will be picked up from Busia by a representative of Trailblazer Safaris who will drive you to Kampala the Capital City of Uganda. The route is incredibly scenic, passing through forests including Busitema and Mabira and the lush green countryside which characterizes so much of Uganda.
You will be staying at a wonderful Hotel, within the Kampala City. You can spend the late afternoon relaxing at the lodge, from which there is a lovely view of the City.
Accommodation Includes; Dinner & Breakfast at Onomo Hotel, Uganda (BD)
Day 7: Travel from Kampala to Bwindi Forest National Park
You will be picked up from your hotel by a representative of Trailblazer Safaris who will drive you to Bwindi Forest in Kibale western Uganda. The route is also incredibly scenic, passing through Masaka and Mbarara Cities and the lush green countryside.The last hour of the journey will take you through dense forest and sounds of the wild.
You will be staying at a wonderful lodge, just within the Bwind Forest National Park. You can spend the late afternoon relaxing at the lodge, from which there is a lovely view of the forest and its wildlife.
Accommodation Includes; Lunch and dinner at Bweza Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga (BLD)
Day 8: Gorilla tracking
Wake up early morning and prepare yourself for an encounter with one of Bwindi’s gentle giants: the rare mountain gorilla. For most people this is the absolute highlight of their tour in Uganda.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest boasts both mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. It also hosts five other species of primate, 113 species of mammal, over 200 butterflies and 360 birds. On the route to the gorillas, your guide will point out signs of previous gorilla activity, including dung, nests and chewed bamboo shoots.
The time taken to track can be as few as 2 hours to as many as 7 hours. Your track will be an exciting journey along forested slopes, entwined vines, bushes and bamboo before you eventually reach the gorilla family. Once the gorillas have been located, your group will be allowed a maximum of one hour with them. Coming face-to-face with a mountain gorilla is a truly humbling and emotional experience. This is a fantastic and privileged opportunity to get up close and personal with Uganda’s very own Giant gorillas.
You will then return to your lodge after tracking
Accommodation Includes; Breakfast, Lunch and dinner Bweza Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga (BLD)
Day 9: Travel to Lake Bunyonyi and Boat Cruise on L. Bunyonyi
Wake up early morning and prepare to set off immediately to Lake Bunyonyi to Do the Boat Cruise and see the beautiful scenery on the lake. Then check in your lodge as organized by Africa Safaris Adventure where you can have your dinner and overnight too.
Accommodation Includes; Breakfast, Lunch and dinner Arcadia Lodge, L. Bunyonyi (LD)
Day 10: Travel from Lake Bunyonyi to Jinja
After an early breakfast at the lodge, you will drive from L. Bunyonyi to Jinja, stopping at the equator for the requisite snapshot and a bit of souvenir shopping. Then check in your Hotel in Jinja as organized by Africa Safaris Adventure where you can have your dinner and overnight too.
Accommodation Includes;Lunch and dinner Nile Village Hotel (BLD)
Day 11: Travel back to Busia
After an early breakfast at the Hotel, you will drive to Busia to catch up with your transfer car back to Nairobi Kenya arriving late in the evening.
Dinner and over night at Meridian Hotel, Nairobi Kenya (BD)
Itinerary Includes
• Accommodation and Meals
• Park / gate entries fees for all tour activities mentioned in the itinerary
• Gorilla permits
• Clean drinking water while travelling in the car during activities for the entire Safari
• 5 Days Ground transport in a comfortable 4x4 Land Cruiser with a professional Driver
Itinerary excludes
• International flights
• Soft drinks or alcoholic drinks at the hotels
• Travel and Health insurance
• Visa fees (if applicable)
• Money for tips
TRAVEL GUIDE: What to bring for the trip? (Optional)
General
• Daypack (A relatively small backpack for carrying during day activities)
• High SPF sunscreen (Uganda is on the equator!).
• Flashlight/torch.
• Insect repellent.
• Spare or rechargeable batteries (these are difficult to find once you are in the Parks).
• Waterproof bags to protect equipment.
• Electric plug adaptors for 240 volts AC 50 Hz. UK-style square-pin plugs are used.
• Some people find contact lenses uncomfortable in Uganda because of the dust – you may find it more comfortable to wear glasses while on the road.
• Antiseptic hand wash.
Clothing
• Good walking boots/shoes.
• Sandals or other light shoes.
• Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
• Lighter clothing for Kampala and the savannah, with layers for the cooler evenings.
• Warm clothing for mountainous regions, including thermal layers and a fleece.
• Sun hat/cap.
• Uganda is a conservative country, and visitors should dress respectfully. Avoid short skirts and short shorts.
