Masai Mara & Mountain Gorillas - Reverse

15 days - from $1716

If you to dare to dream about immersing yourself in the beauty of east Africa and all of the joys and tribulations it has to offer then this incredible new safari has been created just for you. Beginning in the capital city of Rwanda, Kigali, this incredible journey takes you through the north of Rwanda before crossing into the heartlands of Uganda and Kenya to end in the country's capital, Nairobi. It is a safari of incredible wildlife, warm, friendly and resilient people and stunning natural scenery.

We begin with the Genocide Museum, a sobering but extremely moving experience where we learn of the recent atrocities in Rwanda, but also gain respect for the way the people have chosen to move forward. We then spend time with the majestic mountain gorillas on the slopes of Parc National des Volcans. Coming face to face with endangered gorillas in their own environment is a real privilege and an experience that will be indelibly etched in our minds. There is no real way to describe the intimacy of getting close to these giants - for many, it is a deeply moving experience. Quite simply trekking to visit mountain gorillas is one of those 'must do' things and Rwanda offers the best opportunity to achieve this. Unlike most other companies we pre-purchases gorilla permits from the Rwandan authorities to ensure that we are able to offer them for each departure. When you have paid the trip deposit and for the gorilla permit fee in full and have provided us with the necessary information, then your gorilla permit trip is guaranteed. Please note that the Rwandan government may revoke or change permit conditions at any time (including after purchase) without prior notice. Gecko's Adventures does not accept responsibility for loss of enjoyment or compensation resulting from any changes beyond our control.

Uganda, often referred to as 'The Pearl of Africa', offers many treasured highlights and memories. Our exploration begins in Jinja, located at the point where the Victoria Nile River flows out of Lake Victoria. Here we have our chance to get our adrenalin fix by participating in some optional adventurous activities, but the more cautious amongst us can just explore some neighbouring villages and get a taste of Ugandan life. Our close relatives at the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary provide some interesting insights into our own human behaviour and the trip out to the island also incorporates some superb scenery. Queen Elizabeth National Park is a true wildlife haven that we explore in-depth on game drives and also on an awesome afternoon boat trip on the Kazinga Channel.

We are proud to support the work of the East Africa Mission Orphanage (EAMO) and we get to experience the daily life at this very special project. Sharing dinner with the children and spending time with them at school will provide us with many touching memories. From here two of Kenya's Great Rift Valley lakes await - the alkaline Lake Nakuru and the freshwater Lake Naivasha. Lake Nakuru forms the centrepiece of Lake Nakuru National Park, best known for the millions of flamingoes that carpet the lake with a soft pink colour. This park is excellent for white rhino sightings and is also home to the usual array of grazing animals. Camping on the shores of nearby Lake Naivasha we quickly become aware of the immense numbers of hippos and variety of bird life that resides here. There are a great range of optional activities available here and time is set aside to enjoy these. We finally reach the Masai Mara, an area of incredible natural beauty and also home to a plethora of flora and fauna, making it one of the greatest natural wildlife theatres in the world.

Highlights

• Genocide Memorial
• Gorilla Trekking Parc National des Volcans
• Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Kazinga Channel Launch Trip
• Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
• Nile River
• East Africa Mission Orphanage
• Lake Nakuru National Park
• School Visit
• Lake Naivasha
• Masai Mara National Reserve

Itinerary:

Day 1 Arrive in Kigali.2 Visit Genocide Museum. Travel to Ruhengeri.3 Gorilla Trekking, Parc National des Volcans4 Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Afternoon game drive.5 Morning game drive and afternoon launch cruise, Queen Elizabeth National Park.6 Travel to Entebbe. Afternoon at leisure.7 Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary then onto Jinja.8 Optional activities at Bujagali Falls, Jinja9 Travel to Kericho, Kenya. Visit tea estate.10 Drive to East Africa Mission Orphanage. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner with children.11 Full day game drive Lake Nakuru National Park12 School visit at orphanage. Travel to Lake Naivasha. Afternoon for optional activities.13 Optional activities Lake Naivasha. Drive to Masai Mara National Reserve14 Full day game drive Masai Mara National Reserve15 Drive to Nairobi. Tour ends upon arrival.

What's It Like?

Gecko's adventures offer authentic experiences and a genuine alternative to backpacking. Our trips are designed for younger travelers on a budget but do include the entrance fees to the 'must see' sights while not wasting your money on unnecessary frills. Itineraries utilize public transport and basic twin share accommodations in small locally owned hotels, the occasional multi-share, or simply floor space in a jungle or village hut. Many trips involve some physical activity, the occasional long traveling day and you will need to carry your own bags. On camping trips, meals are freshly prepared by our camp cook, but expect to put up and take down your tent, and assist with camp chores. On all trips we only use local tour leaders who are passionate about their homeland. This is travel, grassroots style - basic but rewarding.

Included: An experienced safari leader whilst on safari; local specialist guides join us for the Gorilla trek; all park fees; one pre-purchased gorilla permit; 11 nights camping, 2 nights tented camp, 1 night budget hotel; transport by custom-built safari vehicle, boat and on foot.
Not Included: International flights, local payment, arrival and departure transfers, airport/departure taxes, visas, pre-tour or post-tour accommodation, all other meals, drinks, sleeping bag, pillow, all optional additional tours or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature, laundry and flights (unless specified).
Meals: Please allow an extra US$80 for meals not included.
Valid From: 11 Jan 08
Notes: The Gorilla Trek - Gecko's Adventures pre-purchases all gorilla permits. Your gorilla permit MUST be pre-paid for and will be confirmed in your name once your trip deposit and gorilla permit money has been received and the trip is guaranteed to depart. This is the only way permits can be guaranteed. Once purchased the permits are non-refundable and non-transferable. We travel in a custom-built safari vehicle that can take a maximum of 24 clients. There are large opening windows, providing unrestricted game viewing and photographic opportunities, and on-board we have useful reference books about the flora and fauna that you may encounter during your safari. The large dome tents are spacious and quick to erect with the sides covered in mosquito netting and foam mattresses provided to enable you to sleep in comfort. A comfortable folding chair is also supplied for each passenger. In addition, all communal camping equipment is carried on board together with on-board cool boxes. You need to bring your own sleeping bag and it is also recommended that you bring a pillow or purchase one locally for added comfort. A special feature of the safari is that in addition to our safari guide and professional driver we have a camp cook who plans, budgets and prepares all included meals. Road Conditions and Infrastructure in Africa Roads in Africa are often in very poor condition, which makes it hard on vehicles. Our vehicles are serviced regularly and are generally in good condition, but breakdowns can and do happen. The infrastructure in Africa is not always what we are used to and travelling on their roads can sometimes be very bumpy experiences. The travelling times indicated in our Trip Notes 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.
Starts/Ends: Kigali to Nairobi
Trip Reference: GAMGR