Circumnavigating Lake Victoria

Overview

To give an insight into the types of safari experiences we create, please view the sample itinerary below. It can either be treated as a standalone program, incorporated into a longer itinerary, or modified to match your particular interests and budget. Alternatively, you may wish for us to start with a blank canvas, to handcraft a personalised itinerary based on what you want and nothing more. Prices will fluctuate based on the time of year, length of stay, accommodation choices, number of participants and inclusions.

We pride ourselves in our ability to plan and execute every trip to perfection.

Itinerary

Meet your Travulous guide at your Nairobi hotel. After completing our arrival in country procedures, we depart for the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Covering an area of approximately 1,510 square km, the Maasai Mara is undoubtedly a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise, offering dazzling views across the rolling grasslands. Home to abundant wildlife, the national reserve is a kaleidoscope of colour and life, offering the best game and bird-viewing opportunities in the country. The Mara’s annual wildebeest migration, one of the natural wonders of the world, sees over 1.5 million animals arriving in July and departing in November.
Upon arrival at the Maasai Mara National Reserve, transfer to your accommodation. Spend the rest of your day at leisure enjoying its facilities.
Driving Time: 4:30 hours.
Meals: Dinner included, breakfast and lunch at own arrangement.
Overnight: Speak to us or browse the accommodation section below for inspiration. Your custom itinerary will contain full descriptions of your chosen properties.
Activities: Let's plan your safari! Contact us to learn about available activities.
After breakfast, you can enjoy your accommodation’s facilities, or explore the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Activities include hot air balloon safaris, game drives, walking safaris, Maasai culture and horseback safaris.
Flying across the plains of the Maasai Mara in a hot air balloon is a once in a lifetime adventure. During the early hours of the morning, we depart for the launch-site. Your pilot takes you through the important safety briefing, after which you climb into the basket and prepare to lift into the dawn. The flight lasts an hour, and each journey is unique as it’s dictated by the direction of the wind. After your basket returns to the plains of the Maasai Mara, you are served breakfast with a glass of bubbly in the middle of the Mara’s open rolling grasslands. After the flight, enjoy a morning and afternoon game drive.
All meals are served at your accommodation. Spend the evening relaxing, enjoying its facilities.
Driving Time: 0:00 hours (unless you choose a vehicle based activity in the Maasai Mara).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Speak to us or browse the accommodation section below for inspiration. Your custom itinerary will contain full descriptions of your chosen properties.
Activities: Let's plan your safari! Contact us to learn about available activities.
After breakfast, it is time to pack your vehicle and depart for the Serengeti National Park.
The Serengeti National Park is Tanzania’s jewel in the crown and best-known wildlife sanctuary. Called 'Siringet', by the Maasai people, meaning 'endless plains', this vast wilderness area is home to a spectacular array of wildlife. Apart from seeing the wildebeest and plains game that make up the Great Migration, you will also have an excellent chance of spotting the Big Five, comprised of lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino.
Upon arrival in the Serengeti, transfer to your accommodation. Spend the rest of your day at leisure enjoying your accommodation’s facilities.
Driving Time: 6:00 hours + 1 hour border crossing.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch at own arrangement.
Overnight: Speak to us or browse the accommodation section below for inspiration. Your custom itinerary will contain full descriptions of your chosen properties.
Activities: Let's plan your safari! Contact us to learn about available activities.
After breakfast, we transfer to the next property in the Serengeti National Park, more centrally located.
For the next two days you can enjoy your accommodation’s facilities, or explore the Serengeti National Park. Activities include hot air balloon safaris, game drives, walking safaris, Maasai culture, horseback safaris, and a visit to world famous Olduvai Gorge.
Flying across the plains of the Serengeti in a hot air balloon is a once in a lifetime adventure. During the early hours of the morning, we depart for the launch-site. Your pilot takes you through the important safety briefing, after which you climb into the basket and prepare to lift into the dawn. The flight lasts an hour, and each journey is unique as it’s dictated by the direction of the wind. After your basket returns to the plains of the Serengeti, you are served breakfast with a glass of bubbly in the middle of the Serengeti’s open rolling grasslands. After the flight, enjoy a morning and afternoon game drive.
All meals are served at your accommodation. Spend the evenings relaxing, enjoying its facilities.
Driving Time: 4:00 hours.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Speak to us or browse the accommodation section below for inspiration. Your custom itinerary will contain full descriptions of your chosen properties.
Activities: Let's plan your safari! Contact us to learn about available activities.
After breakfast, it is time to pack your vehicle and depart for Mwanza.
The city of Mwanza is the major port on Lake Victoria and a center of economic activities in the region. The town’s harbor and busy streets make it a prosperous and busy place to explore. Mwanza is also the center of the Sukuma tribe, the largest tribe in Tanzania, who have inhabited and farmed the region for centuries. Cultural tourism programs to their local villages and farms can be arranged through the local cultural centers.
Upon arrival in Mwanza, transfer to your accommodation. Spend the rest of your day at leisure enjoying its facilities.
Driving Time: 5:30 hours.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch at own arrangement.
Overnight: Speak to us or browse the accommodation section below for inspiration. Your custom itinerary will contain full descriptions of your chosen properties.
Activities: Let's plan your safari! Contact us to learn about available activities.
After breakfast, it is time to pack your vehicle and depart for Rubondo Island National Park, via a speed boat from Muganza.
Launched in 2016, Rubondo Chimp Habituation is located on Rubondo Island in Lake Victoria. Rubondo became a sanctuary in the 1960s when elephants, giraffes and chimps were relocated to the island, in association with the Frankfurt Zoological Society. The population of 16 originally rescued zoo chimps has grown to 60+. Visitors can observe chimpanzees within relative close proximity of about 10-15 meters.
Upon arrival at Rubondo Island National Park, transfer to your accommodation. Spend the rest of your day at leisure enjoying its facilities.
Driving Time: 5:30 hours + 30 minute speed boat.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch at own arrangement.
Overnight: Speak to us or browse the accommodation section below for inspiration. Your custom itinerary will contain full descriptions of your chosen properties.
Activities: Let's plan your safari! Contact us to learn about available activities.
After breakfast, you can enjoy your accommodation’s facilities, or explore Rubondo Island National Park. Activities include game drives, chimp tracking, birding and boat trips.
The lush tropical forest is teeming with life, including chimpanzee, Colobus monkey, elephant, and over 300 bird species including fish eagle and African grey parrot. Alternatively, head out onto the water to enjoy bird watching along the shoreline or catch-and-release fishing in the deeper waters.
All meals are served at your accommodation. Spend the evening relaxing, enjoying its facilities.
Driving Time: 0:00 hours (unless you choose a vehicle based activity).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Speak to us or browse the accommodation section below for inspiration. Your custom itinerary will contain full descriptions of your chosen properties.
Activities: Let's plan your safari! Contact us to learn about available activities.
After breakfast, it is time to return to Muganza via speed boat. Upon arrival, pack your vehicle and depart for Lake Muhazi in Rwanda.
Lake Muhazi is a beautiful lake located in the eastern part of Rwanda.
Upon arrival at Lake Muhazi, transfer to your accommodation. Spend the rest of your day at leisure enjoying its facilities.
Driving Time: 6:00 hours + 1 hour border crossing + 30 minute speed boat.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch at own arrangement.
Overnight: Speak to us or browse the accommodation section below for inspiration. Your custom itinerary will contain full descriptions of your chosen properties.
Activities: Let's plan your safari! Contact us to learn about available activities.
After breakfast, you can enjoy your accommodation’s facilities, or explore Lake Muhazi and its surroundings.
From mountain bike rides, kayaking and paddle boarding, to relaxing massages, yoga sessions or learning about Rwamagana’s communities, there are a great selection of activities on offer at Lake Muhazi. Navigate the serene and calm waters of Lake Muhazi on sit-on or sit-in kayaks or paddle boards. Alternatively, visit Umusambi Village, a beautifully restored wetland area, providing a sanctuary for over 50 endangered Grey Crowned Cranes saved from the illegal pet trade.
Return to your accommodation in time for dinner. Spend the evening relaxing at your accommodation.
Driving Time: 0:00 hours (unless you choose a vehicle based activity.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Speak to us or browse the accommodation section below for inspiration. Your custom itinerary will contain full descriptions of your chosen properties.
Activities: Let's plan your safari! Contact us to learn about available activities.
After breakfast, it is time to pack your vehicle and depart for Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
Volcanoes National Park is the name given to the Rwandan side of the Virunga Massif, which also encompasses Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in the DRC. According to the most recent census, the population of mountain gorillas has increased from 480 to 604 individuals in the Virunga Massif, and from 400 to 459 in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Rwanda has embarked on an ambitious project to expand Volcanoes National Park by roughly 23%, increasing its size by 37.4 square kilometers (3,740 hectares).
Upon arrival in Volcanoes National Park, transfer to your accommodation. Spend the rest of your day at leisure enjoying its facilities.
Driving Time: 4:00 hours.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch at own arrangement.
Overnight: Speak to us or browse the accommodation section below for inspiration. Your custom itinerary will contain full descriptions of your chosen properties.
Activities: Let's plan your safari! Contact us to learn about available activities.
After breakfast, you can enjoy your accommodation’s facilities, or go mountain gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park.
Mountain gorilla tracking starts with a transfer to Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing by park staff, before meeting the rangers who will guide you to your assigned mountain gorilla family. Gorilla tracking does not present a serious physical challenge to a reasonably fit adult, regardless of age, although the altitude and terrain can sometimes be demanding. Gorilla tracking can take from 2 to 6 hours, with the guides stopping frequently for people to rest.
All meals are served at your accommodation. Spend the rest of your afternoon at leisure, or take an optional tour of the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
Driving Time: 0:00 hours (unless you choose a vehicle based activity).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Speak to us or browse the accommodation section below for inspiration. Your custom itinerary will contain full descriptions of your chosen properties.
Activities: Let's plan your safari! Contact us to learn about available activities.
After breakfast, it is time to pack your vehicle and depart for Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda.
As Uganda’s smallest park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located at an altitude range of 2,227m to 4,127m. Although the park is relatively small in size, Mgahinga contains a dramatic, panoramic backdrop formed by the colossal sizes of three dormant volcanoes. Presently home to one habituated gorilla group, the park was declared a game sanctuary in 1930 and gazetted as a national park in 1991.
Upon arrival in Mgahinga National Park, transfer to your accommodation. Spend the rest of your day at leisure enjoying its facilities.
Driving Time: 1:30 hours + 1 hour border crossing.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch at own arrangement.
Overnight: Speak to us or browse the accommodation section below for inspiration. Your custom itinerary will contain full descriptions of your chosen properties.
Activities: Let's plan your safari! Contact us to learn about available activities.
After breakfast, you can enjoy your accommodation’s facilities, or go mountain gorilla tracking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Although the hike can be physically demanding, the beauty of the forest and its inhabitants is a fascinating and very rewarding experience. Gorilla tracking does not present a serious physical challenge to a reasonably fit adult, regardless of age, although the altitude and terrain can sometimes be demanding. Gorilla tracking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can take from 1 to 3 hours, with the guides stopping frequently for people to rest. Once the gorilla family has been found, your visit with these great apes lasts for one magical hour.
All meals are served at your accommodation. Spend the evening relaxing, enjoying its facilities.
Driving Time: 0:00 hours (unless you choose a vehicle based activity in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Speak to us or browse the accommodation section below for inspiration. Your custom itinerary will contain full descriptions of your chosen properties.
Activities: Let's plan your safari! Contact us to learn about available activities.
After breakfast, we visit the Gahinga Batwa Village to experience the culture and history of one of Africa’s oldest tribes. After the visit, it is time to pack your vehicle and depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park.
As Uganda's second largest and most popular savannah parks, Queen Elizabeth National Park is the best place to see lions in the country. The park has one of the highest biodiversity ratings of any game park in Africa. Its ecosystems, which includes lakes and wetlands, sprawling savanna and forests, make it the ideal habitat for lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, 10 primate species including chimpanzees, and over 600 species of birds.
Upon arrival at Queen Elizabeth National Park, transfer to your accommodation. Spend the rest of your day at leisure enjoying its facilities.
Driving Time: 4:30 hours.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch at own arrangement.
Overnight: Speak to us or browse the accommodation section below for inspiration. Your custom itinerary will contain full descriptions of your chosen properties.
Activities: Let's plan your safari! Contact us to learn about available activities.
After breakfast, you can enjoy your accommodation’s facilities, or explore Queen Elizabeth National Park. Activities include game drives, boat cruises and bird watching.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to the Ishasha sector’s famous tree climbing lions, where when your guide shouts ‘lion’, you should definitely look up! It is also possible to see leopard, elephant, buffalo, jackal and various antelope species. Whilst on a Kazinga Channel boat cruise it is possible to spot elephant, hippo, buffalo, crocodile and water birds, along with storks, caimans, monitor lizards, fish eagles and weaver birds on a Kazinga Channel boat cruise.
All meals are served at your accommodation. Spend the evening relaxing, enjoying its facilities.
Driving Time: 0:00 hours (unless you choose a vehicle based activity in Queen Elizabeth National Park).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Speak to us or browse the accommodation section below for inspiration. Your custom itinerary will contain full descriptions of your chosen properties.
Activities: Let's plan your safari! Contact us to learn about available activities.
After breakfast, it is time to pack your vehicle and depart for Toro Semliki Wildlife Reserve.
Among one of the first protected areas to be gazetted in Uganda, Toro Semliki Wildlife Reserve was established as a game reserve in 1926. Situated between Lake Albert and the Rwenzori mountains, and boasting spectacular views of the Rift Valley escarpment, this magnificent wildlife reserve offers diverse landscapes comprised of woodland and savannah grasslands.
Upon arrival in Toro Semliki Wildlife Reserve, transfer to your accommodation. Spend the rest of your day at leisure enjoying its facilities.
Driving Time: 4:30 hours.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch at own arrangement.
Overnight: Speak to us or browse the accommodation section below for inspiration. Your custom itinerary will contain full descriptions of your chosen properties.
Activities: Let's plan your safari! Contact us to learn about available activities.
After breakfast, you can enjoy your accommodation’s facilities, or explore Toro Semliki Wildlife Reserve. Activities include game drives, primate walks, nature walks and boat rides.
Toro Semliki Wildlife Reserve is home to elephant (both savannah and forest), buffalo, hippo, Uganda kob, warthog, and waterbuck amongst others. Living in the woodlands are primates including chimps, baboons, and colobus monkeys. Birders will enjoy discovering Toro Semliki as there are in excess of 400 bird species present in the wildlife reserve, including falcon, barbet, hornbill and the shoebill, which typically can be spotted in the marshes of Lake Albert.
All meals are served at your accommodation. Spend the evening relaxing, enjoying its facilities.
Driving Time: 0:00 hours (unless you choose a vehicle based activity in Semliki Wildlife Reserve).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Speak to us or browse the accommodation section below for inspiration. Your custom itinerary will contain full descriptions of your chosen properties.
Activities: Let's plan your safari! Contact us to learn about available activities.
After breakfast, it is time to pack your vehicle and depart for Murchison Falls National Park.
Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest National Park. Bisected by the Victoria Nile River, Murchison Falls National Park is where Ernest Hemingway's aircraft crashed in 1954 whilst on a sightseeing trip. The park is also the location where the 1951 Oscar nominated movie 'The African Queen', starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn, was filmed. The park is home to an abundance of wildlife and the famous Murchison Falls, known locally as Kabalega or Kabarega Falls.
Upon arrival at Murchison Falls National Park, transfer to your accommodation. Spend the rest of your day at leisure enjoying its facilities.
Driving Time: 6:30 hours.
Meals: Dinner included, breakfast and lunch at own arrangement.
Overnight: Speak to us or browse the accommodation section below for inspiration. Your custom itinerary will contain full descriptions of your chosen properties.
Activities: Let's plan your safari! Contact us to learn about available activities.
After breakfast, you can enjoy your accommodation’s facilities, or explore Murchison Falls National Park. Activities include game drives, boat cruises, bird watching, and hiking to the top of the falls.
Murchison Falls National Park is home to a range of wildlife including lion, leopard, hyena, elephant, hippo, buffalo, giraffe, hartebeest, chimpanzee and over 460 bird species. An alternative activity, is a scenic boat trip to the base of Murchison Falls, where the mighty Nile River thunders its way through a 6 meter gap forming a 45 meter high waterfall, before flowing into Lake Albert. The boat ride typically last for 3 - 4 hours and stops very close to the 'devil's cauldron', an ideal spot to take pictures of the majestic falls.
All meals are served at your accommodation. Spend the evening relaxing, enjoying its facilities.
Driving Time: 0:00 hours (unless you choose a vehicle based activity in Murchison Falls National Park).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Speak to us or browse the accommodation section below for inspiration. Your custom itinerary will contain full descriptions of your chosen properties.
Activities: Let's plan your safari! Contact us to learn about available activities.
After breakfast, it is time to pack your vehicle and depart for Soroti.
Upon arrival in Soroti, transfer to your accommodation. Spend the rest of your day at leisure enjoying its facilities.
Driving Time: 5:30 hours.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch at own arrangement.
Overnight: Speak to us or browse the accommodation section below for inspiration. Your custom itinerary will contain full descriptions of your chosen properties.
Activities: Let's plan your safari! Contact us to learn about available activities.
After breakfast, it is time to pack your vehicle and depart for Mount Elgon National Park.
Widely believed to have once been Africa’s tallest mountain, and that over time erosion reduced its height, Mount Elgon is one of Uganda’s oldest landscape features. Erupting around 24 million years ago, Mount Elgon’s extinct volcano boasts the largest volcanic base in the world. Located on the border with Kenya, Mount Elgon stands proudly at 4,321 metres, with its highest point located on the Ugandan side of the mountain.
Upon arrival in Mount Elgon National Park, transfer to your accommodation. Spend the rest of your day at leisure enjoying its facilities.
Driving Time: 2:30 hours.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch at own arrangement.
Overnight: Speak to us or browse the accommodation section below for inspiration. Your custom itinerary will contain full descriptions of your chosen properties.
Activities: Let's plan your safari! Contact us to learn about available activities.
After breakfast, you can enjoy your accommodation’s facilities, or explore Mount Elgon National Park. Activities include hiking, biking, birding, and cultural encounters.
Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2003, Mount Elgon is East Africa’s fourth highest peak. Its higher altitudes provide the flora and fauna with a welcome relief from the hot plains below. More than 300 bird species can be spotted in Mount Elgon National Park, including the endangered Lammergeyer. Other wildlife to be found here include elephant, buffalo, leopard, blue monkey, hyena and aardvark, amongst others.
All meals are served at your accommodation. Spend the evening relaxing, enjoying its facilities.
Driving Time: 0:00 hours (unless you choose a vehicle based activity in Mount Elgon National Park).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Speak to us or browse the accommodation section below for inspiration. Your custom itinerary will contain full descriptions of your chosen properties.
Activities: Let's plan your safari! Contact us to learn about available activities.
After breakfast, it is time to pack your vehicle and depart for Saiwa Swamp National Park.
As one of Kenya’s smallest parks, Saiwa Swamp National Park is a sanctuary for nature lovers and keen birders. With its varied landscapes comprised of woodlands, riverine forest and tropical wetlands, the national park is, with more than 370 species, classified as an important birding area. The park’s habitat is also home to the endangered Sitatunga antelope and the elusive De Brazza monkey.
Upon arrival in Saiwa Swamp National Park, transfer to your accommodation. Spend the rest of your day at leisure enjoying its facilities.
Driving Time: 3:30 hours + 1 hour border crossing.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch at own arrangement.
Overnight: Speak to us or browse the accommodation section below for inspiration. Your custom itinerary will contain full descriptions of your chosen properties.
Activities: Let's plan your safari! Contact us to learn about available activities.
After breakfast, you can enjoy your accommodation’s facilities, or explore Saiwa Swamp National Park. Activities include
All meals are served at your accommodation. Spend the evening relaxing, enjoying its facilities.
Driving Time: 0:00 hours (unless you choose a vehicle based activity in Saiwa Samp National Park).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Speak to us or browse the accommodation section below for inspiration. Your custom itinerary will contain full descriptions of your chosen properties.
Activities: Let's plan your safari! Contact us to learn about available activities.
After breakfast, it is time to pack your vehicle and depart for Lake Nakuru National Park.
As one of Kenya’s most famous soda lakes, Lake Nakuru National Park was established in 1960 to protect its bird life. Boasting an abundance of wildlife and spectacular landscapes, the park is home to Kenya’s largest population of rhino. Lake Nakuru National Park is famous for its colourful flamingos, and although they are not as plentiful as they used to be, due to rising water levels from flooding, they are still a spectacular sight for visitors to enjoy.
Upon arrival at Lake Nakuru National Park, transfer to your accommodation. Spend the rest of your day at leisure enjoying its facilities.
Driving Time: 5:00 hours.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch at own arrangement.
Overnight: Speak to us or browse the accommodation section below for inspiration. Your custom itinerary will contain full descriptions of your chosen properties.
Activities: Let's plan your safari! Contact us to learn about available activities.
After breakfast, you can enjoy your accommodation’s facilities, or explore Lake Nakuru National Park. Activities include game drives, birdwatching and photographic safaris.
In excess of 50 mammal species are to be found in Lake Nakuru National Park, with wildlife enthusiasts enjoying plenty of opportunities to spot lion, leopard, buffalo, black and white rhino, giraffe, zebra, eland, waterbuck, colobus monkey, hyena and African wild dog. There are an abundance of bird species to be discovered in this delightfully scenic national park, including fish eagles, pelicans and flamingos.
All meals are served at your accommodation. Spend the evening relaxing, enjoying its facilities.
Driving Time: 0:00 hours (unless you choose a vehicle based activity in Lake Nakuru National Park).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Speak to us or browse the accommodation section below for inspiration. Your custom itinerary will contain full descriptions of your chosen properties.
Activities: Let's plan your safari! Contact us to learn about available activities.
After breakfast, pack your vehicle and depart for Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, for your onward travel arrangements.
Alternatively, consider extending this trip by adding one of our Extension Ideas (see below) to this program.
Driving Time: 3:30 hours.
Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner at own arrangement.

General Info

Tailor-made

4 Countries

Duration: 28 days

Lodges/Camps: 4>5*

Escorted or Un-escorted

Fitness: Demanding

Your money: protected

Travel Notes: see below

Highlights

LAKE NAKURU NP

QUEEN ELIZABETH NP

Click on the text links above to watch the videos in full screen mode

Accommodations

When it comes to choosing accommodations in East Africa, we can suggest a wide range of properties. View a sample of some of our favourite hotels, lodges and camps below:

If you have an alternative property in mind, contact us as we contract with a large variety of accommodation providers.

Map

Extension Ideas

**SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS**

Visit world famous safari highlights including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and the Gorillas

**BEHIND THE SCENES**

Gain unique insights into Wildlife Conservation, Educational Experiences and History & Traditions

**BEACH DESTINATIONS**

Round-off your safari in East Africa with a great choice of world-class Indian Ocean beach destinations

**WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES**

Visit a wildlife sanctuary and learn about the incredible work they do to safeguard Africa’s wildlife

Driving

Due to the distances we travel whilst on safari, long driving days will sometimes be required to explore off-the-beaten track destinations. We spend a minimum of 2 nights in each destination, giving our customers time to relax, enjoy the property facilities and participate in activities.
On the days where long drives are required, we leave at 8am, drive for 2-3 hours, stop for a 2 hour lunch-break, and continue for another 2-3 hours in the afternoon before reaching our destination.

Alternatively, this itinerary can also be operated as a fly-in safari, where you travel between destinations in a small aircraft instead of by vehicle.

Travel Notes

KENYA
Kenya is a year-round destination with a diverse climate influenced by its vast size, varying altitudes, and coastal areas. Picking the 'best time' will depend on your interests, where you are travelling to and for what purpose. While generally tropical, Kenya is broadly divided into dry and wet seasons.
The approximate seasons are: short dry season - January to mid-March long wet season - mid-March to May; long dry season - June to October and short wet season - October to December. These are generalised weather patterns, and regional variations can be significant. During the rainy seasons, the landscape is lush and green with fewer tourists around.
UGANDA
Uganda is a year-round destination with temperature fluctuations mainly determined by altitude and the presence of lakes. Rain is commonplace in parts of Uganda. While generally tropical, Uganda is broadly divided into dry and wet seasons. The driest months are typically June to October and December to February. The wettest months tend to be from March to May and October to November.
Rainfall patterns can be unpredictable and localised showers can occur at any time, especially in the high-altitude and forested areas of the country. Although the dry months can be more popular for gorilla trekking, the wetter months offer excellent birding opportunities, calving in national parks and fewer tourists.
RWANDA
Rwanda has a year-round tropical highland climate. Temperatures remain relatively consistent throughout the year, though these can vary significantly by location and altitude. Rain is commonplace in Rwanda. The driest months are typically June to mid-September and December to February. The wettest months tend to be from March to May and October to November.
Rainfall patterns can be unpredictable and localised showers can occur at any time, especially in the high-altitude areas like Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks.
TANZANIA
Tanzania is a year-round destination with a diverse climate influenced by its vast size, varying altitudes, and proximity to the Indian Ocean. Picking the 'best time' will depend on your interests, where you are travelling to and for what purpose. While generally tropical, Tanzania is broadly divided into dry and wet seasons.

The approximate seasons are: short dry season - mid-January to February; long wet season - mid-March to May; long dry season - June to October and short wet season - November to mid-January. These are generalised weather patterns, and regional variations can be significant. During the rainy seasons, the landscape is lush and green with fewer tourists around.
KENYA
All foreign nationals will require a Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) for entry to Kenya. Please check with your local Kenyan Embassy or our travel team for further information. ETAs can not be obtained, on arrival, at any port of entry. The Kenyan government has introduced an online eTA application system for issuing eTAs in advance of travel. Travellers should carry a printed copy of their eTA to present to immigration officials.
UGANDA
Most foreign nationals require a visa for entry to Uganda. Please check with your local Ugandan Embassy or our travel team for further information. Tourist visas can no longer be obtained, on arrival, at any port of entry. The Ugandan government has introduced an online ‘e-visa’ application system for obtaining tourist visas in advance of travel. Travellers should carry a printed copy of their visa to present to immigration officials.
RWANDA
All foreign nationals require a visa for entry to Rwanda. Please check with your local Rwandan Embassy or our travel team for further information. Tourist visas can be obtained, on arrival, for all travellers at all ports of entry. Visitors from the African Union, the Commonwealth of Nations and Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie are waived visa fees for visits up to 30 days. For travellers of other nationalities, a visa fee is payable. The Rwandan government has introduced an online ‘e-visa’ application system for obtaining tourist visas in advance of travel. Travellers who choose to arrange their visa prior to arrival should carry a printed copy of their visa to present to immigration officials.
TANZANIA
Most foreign nationals will require a visa for entry to Tanzania. Please check with your local Tanzanian Embassy or our travel team for further information. Tourist visit visas can often be obtained, on arrival, at most ports of entry. The Tanzanian government has introduced an online 'e-visa' application system for obtaining visas in advance of travel. Travellers who require a visa prior to arrival should carry a printed copy of their visa to present to immigration officials.
KENYA
Kiswahili and English are the official languages of Kenya. Kiswahili is spoken by most Kenyans, with English fluency varying outside of major towns and cities. There are over 65 languages spoken throughout Kenya, which mainly belong to the various Bantu and Nilotic tribal populations.
UGANDA
English and Kiswahili are the official languages of Uganda. There are over 40 languages spoken throughout Uganda, with Luganda being the most geographically spread language.
RWANDA
The official languages of Rwanda are Kinyarwanda, English, French and Swahili. Nearly all Rwandans speak Kinyarwanda. English and French are widely spoken in tourist areas, with varying degrees of fluency.
TANZANIA
Kiswahili and English are the official languages of Tanzania. Kiswahili is spoken by most Tanzanians and Zanzibaris, with English fluency varying outside of major towns and tourist areas. In Zanzibar, many residents also speak Arabic. There are 126 languages spoken throughout Tanzania, making it one of the most linguistically diverse countries in East Africa.
KENYA
The local currency is the Kenyan shilling, which divides into 100 cents. US dollars are often acceptedin hotels and at tourist attractions; local currency is required for dining in restaurants, tipping and small purchases. Some vendors will only accept USD dated 2013, or newer. Hotels in tourist areas generally accept credit cards; however, surcharges are commonplace. Remote lodges often accept cash only. Access to cash machines is available in most major towns, and exchanging currency can be done in banks and foreign exchange bureaus.
UGANDA
The local currency is the Ugandan shilling. US dollars are widely accepted in hotels and at tourist attractions; local currency is required for dining in restaurants, tipping and small purchases. Some vendors will only accept USD dated 2013, or newer. Larger hotels in tourist areas may accept credit cards; however, surcharges are commonplace. The national parks are cash-free and only card payments are accepted. Primate tracking permits must be purchased well in advance from UWA in Kampala. Access to cash machines is available at the airport, in major towns, and exchanging currency can be done in banks and foreign exchange bureaus.
RWANDA
The local currency is the Rwandan franc, which divides into 100 centimes. US dollars are widely accepted in hotels and at tourist attractions; local currency is required for dining in restaurants, tipping and small purchases. Some vendors will only accept USD dated 2013, or newer. Few places accept credit cards outside of the major hotels. The national parks are cash-free and only card payments are accepted. Access to cash machines is available at the airport and in major towns (Kigali, Musanze and Rubavu), and exchanging currency can be done in banks and foreign exchange bureaus.
TANZANIA
The local currency is the Tanzanian shilling, which divides into 100 senti. US dollars are widely accepted in hotels and at tourist attractions; local currency is required for dining in restaurants, tipping and small purchases. Some vendors will only accept USD dated 2013, or newer. Larger hotels in tourist areas may accept credit cards; however, surcharges are commonplace. Do not rely on using credit cards other than as a backup. Remote lodges often accept cash only. Access to cash machines is limited outside of major towns and cities. Exchanging currency can be done in banks and foreign exchange bureaus.
KENYA
Kenya has three international airports; Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi (NBO), Moi International Airport in Mombasa (MBA) and Moi International Airport in Eldoret (EDL).
UGANDA
Entebbe International Airport (EBB) is the primary airport serving Uganda.
RWANDA
Kigali International Airport (KGL) is the primary airport serving Rwanda.
TANZANIA
Tanzania has several international and regional airports. The main airports are Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam (DAR), Kilimanjaro International Airport in Kilimanjaro (JRO) and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar (ZNZ).