Masai Mara & Mountain Gorillas - Reverse

15 days - from $2215

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

• The children of East Africa Mission Orphanage
• Lake Naivasha's hippos
• Game drives in the Masai Mara
• Masai Mara's mammal migrations
• Tented camp stays
• The flamingos of Lake Nakuru
• Gorilla trekking in Parc National des Volcans
• Kigali's Genocide Memorial - a monument to the courage and resilience of the Rwandan people
• Ride the Nile at Jinja
• Drink waragi – Ugandan banana gin
• Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park's diverse habitats
• Get cheeky with chimps, Ngamba Island

Itinerary:

Day 1: Kigali2: Kigali - Ruhengeri3: Parc National des Volcans (Gorilla Trek) - Kisoro4-5: Queen Elizabeth National Park6: Queen Elizabeth National Park - Entebbe7: Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary - Jinja8: Jinja - Nile River9: Kericho - Kenyan Highlands10: Kericho - East Africa Mission Orphanage11: Lake Nakuru National Park - East Africa Mission Orphanage12: East Africa Mission Orphanage - Lake Naivasha13-14: Lake Naivasha - Masai Mara National Reserve15: Masai Mara National Reserve - 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:

• Gecko’s experienced English-speaking local safari leader, professional driver, and camp cook who will prepare all included meals.

• Gecko’s specialist English-speaking local site guide on Gorilla trek.

• Transport in a custom-built safari vehicle with large opening windows for unrestricted game viewing (maximum of just 24 clients).

• 11 nights camping in large dome tents, with mosquito netting and a foam mattress provided. Camp sites include: in the shadow of the volcanoes that are home to mountain gorillas; on the edge of the Kazinga Channel; at Bujagali Falls; on a tea plantation; at a 'bush camp' on the farmland of the East Africa Mission Orphanage; and on the bank of Lake Naivasha.

• 2 nights in a tented bush camp located on Masai Mara park boundary.

• 1 day in Lake Nakuru National Park, 1 day in Parc National des Volcans, 2 days in the Masai Mara National Reserve and 2 days in Queen Elizabeth National Park (including all park entrance fees, where applicable).

• Gorilla trek in Parc National des Volcans, including one pre-purchased gorilla trekking permit.

• Game drives in the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.

• Dinner and time in the classroom with the children of the East Africa Mission Orphanage.

• Boat trip to Ngamba Island on Lake Victoria to visit a chimpanzee sanctuary.

• Boat trip on the Kazinga Channel.

• Visit to the Genocide Memorial in Kigali.

• Free time to explore Lake Naivasha.

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).