Uganda and Kenya Exposed

15 days - from $3395

Want to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, 'monkey around' with chimpanzees at Ngamba and check out some of Africa's best wildlife viewing at three of Kenya's diverse and captivating game parks? This safari offers all this, as we explore the heart of east Africa over two brilliant weeks.

Highlights

• Mountain Gorilla Trek
• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Gorilla Trekking - Bwindi Forest
• Lake Bunyoni
• Bushara Island
• Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
• Samburu National Reserve
• Thompson's Falls
• Lake Nakuru National Park
• Masai Mara National Reserve

Itinerary:

Day 1 Entebbe2 Kabale3 Bwindi Impenetrable Forest4 Gorilla Trekking (Bwindi - Uganda)5-6 Bushara Island Camp - Lake Bunyoni7-8 Entebbe - Chimpanzee Sanctuary - Kampala9 Private transfer Kampala - Narok - Masai Mara National Reserve10 Masai Mara National Reserve11 Lake Naivasha12 Lake Nakuru National Park - East Africa Mission Orphanage13-14 East Africa Mission Orphanage - Mt Kenya15 Nairobi

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 driver/guide (Days 1-8) and an experienced driver, safari guide and a camp cook (Days 9-15); local specialist guides join us for the gorilla trek; park fees and one confirmed gorilla permit; 4 nights budget hotels, 2 nights island camp, 2 nights tented bush camp, 2 nights bungalows, 4 nights camping; plane from Entebbe to Nairobi; transport in custom-built safari vehicle, motorboat 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 US$60 for additional meals not included.
Valid From: 11 Jan 08
Notes: The Gorilla Trek - We 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. This tour is a combination of two tours - 'Gorilla Express' and 'Kenya Unveiled'. The first week of this tour ('Gorilla Express') is escorted by a local leader throughout the Ugandan portion of the tour from our departure from Entebbe to our arrival back in Entebbe. For this Uganda sector we travel with a maximum of 14 clients, use small lodges and tented camps, and our vehicle takes us on our journey to see the mountain gorillas. For the rest of our journey we travel in custom-built safari vehicles. In Kenya we travel with a maximum of 24 clients. There are large opening windows, providing unrestricted game viewing and photographic opportunities, and on-board library we have reference books about the flora and fauna that you may encounter during your safari. The large dome tents (used in Kenya) 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. Please note there are no laundry services available whilst camping, but sometimes when we stay at a campsite for at least two consecutive nights, there may be the opportunity to do some hand-washing. 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 whilst in Kenya. A group flight is booked for the evening of Day 8 from Entebbe to Nairobi. Upon arrival in Nairobi you will be met by an East Africa Shuttle representative and transferred to the joining hotel to meet your Kenyan tour leader and other Gecko's travellers for the next part of your safari. If your flight is delayed or you are unable or locate your transfer - contact details are as follows. East Africa Shuttles - Transfer from Nairobi airport to hotel East Africa Shuttles have an office located upstairs in the arrival area at the airport. Ph 254 20 248 453 or 254 20 205 0285 Pan Afric Hotel - Accommodation in Nairobi Panafric Hotel Kenyatta Avenue Nairobi, Kenya 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: Entebbe to Nairobi
Trip Reference: GAUK