Intrepid Travel
Gorillas & Game Parks
Gorillas & Game Parks
A close encounter with gentle giants on a gorilla safari in Uganda is an extraordinary experience that will always stay with you. On this 16-day overland African camping adventure, you’ll roam the verdant plains, rainforests, papyrus-fringed lakes and acacia woodlands of Kenya and Uganda’s game parks, from Queen Elizabeth National Park to the Masai Mara Reserve. Spot lions, rhinos, antelopes, hippos, leopards and more in their natural habitats. If you’re looking for a trip that has it all when it comes to African wildlife, this is the trip for you! Take an adventure with a knowledgeable local leader and get the best chance to spot the Big Five, the Small Five, the Ugly Five and all your favourites from the Lion King!
Activities
- Lake Nakuru – Overland Vehicle Game Drive
- Lake Nakuru – Morning Overland Vehicle Game Drive
- Queen Elizabeth National Park – Overland Vehicle Game Drive
- Bwindi National Park – Mountain Gorilla Permit & Trek
- Kericho – Tea plantation visit
- Masai Mara National Reserve – 4×4 Game Drive
- Loita Hills – Maasai Village Visit
- Masai Mara National Reserve – Full Day 4WD Safari
Highlights
- Trek through Uganda’s steamy forests to seek out rare mountain gorillas and spend an unforgettable hour in their presence with the help of expert rangers and trackers.
- Head out on an early evening game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, which is particularly famous for its rhino population.
- Spend a few days at your own pace in Jinja, which can be a relaxing riverside retreat or an adrenaline-pumping adventure capital, depending on your mood.
- Look out for lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes and more as an expert driver guide take you on a 4WD adventure through the incredible Masai Mara National Reserve for a full-day game drive.
- Meet the Maasai people known for their vibrant red dress and elaborate jewellery and gain an insight into the culture and ancient ways of this proud East African community.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Gorilla Doctors. Donations help them care for injured mountain and Grauer’s gorillas – contributing to the long-term sustainability of gorilla populations.
| Day 1 |
Welcome to Nairobi, safari capital and the largest city in Kenya. At one time a simple hydration spot for the Maasai, this high-energy East African city now strikes a balance between the cosmopolitan and the natural. In its adjacent Nairobi National Park, visitors will see lions, zebras, giraffes and rare black rhinos. Key stops in Nairobi include the Elephant and Rhino Nursery as well as the Giraffe Centre, where these beautiful creatures are rescued. In the city itself, tourists visit "Out of Africa" author Karen Blixen's museum and discover wonderful restaurants, shops, and nightlife. |
| Day 2 |
Lake Nakuru National Park is located in the heart of the Great Rift Valley. The Park encompasses the alkaline Lake Nakuru and has earned fame as the greatest bird spectacle in the world. The gathering of hundreds of thousands of greater and lesser pink flamingos. The massive flock of birds color the waters a delicate pink and feed on the abundant algae which thrives in the lake's shallow warm waters. Lake Nakuru is subject to fluctuation in depth and once in every 20 to 30 years it dries up completely, in which case the flamingos and pelican fly over the Managaai crater to the more remote waters of Lake Bogoria. Lake Nakuru National Park covers 78 square miles, most of which is the lake itself. Nakuru has also been declared a black rhino sanctuary and has a number of these endangered animals underguard. Other wildlife found here are leopards, buffalo, Rothschild's giraffes, waterbucks, reedbucks, hippos, baboons, pelicans, and cormorants. The acacia savannah which surrounds the lake is itself beautiful and provides an area particuarly delightful for game viewing. |
| Day 3 |
The town of Eldoret is located in western Kenya, eastern Africa, on the Uasin Gishu Plateau west of the Great Rift Valley. Situated at an elevation of 6,857 feet (2,090 m) above sea level, its healthful climate attracted many European settlers during the colonial period. It serves an agricultural area; chief crops are corn (maize), wheat, and pyrethum. |
| Day 4 |
Kampala, the bustling capital of Uganda, is a dynamic blend of tradition and modernity. Perched on rolling hills near the shores of Lake Victoria, the city offers a vibrant cultural scene, historic landmarks, and a growing culinary landscape. A visit to the Uganda Museum is a must for those seeking to explore the country’s rich history, with exhibits ranging from archaeology to cultural artifacts. Nearby, the Lubaga and Namirembe Cathedrals offer panoramic views of the city and serve as reminders of Uganda’s colonial past. Kampala’s thriving markets, such as Owino Market, provide an authentic local experience where visitors can browse everything from handmade crafts to fresh produce. For those interested in the city’s political history, a tour of the Kabaka's Palace on Mengo Hill offers insight into the Buganda Kingdom and its role in shaping Uganda’s identity. Don’t miss a visit to the Kasubi Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage site that serves as the burial grounds for Buganda kings and offers a glimpse into the spiritual traditions of the Baganda people. Kampala is also a city that knows how to entertain. Its nightlife is legendary, with vibrant clubs, bars, and live music venues offering everything from traditional Ugandan beats to international hits. Popular areas like Kabalagala and Kololo host a variety of restaurants and bars where you can sample local delicacies such as Luwombo, a slow-cooked stew wrapped in banana leaves . The city’s culinary scene is evolving, with a growing number of restaurants offering international cuisine, making Kampala a destination for food lovers as well. Fun fact: Kampala is often referred to as the "city of seven hills," and each hill tells a story of the city's cultural and political evolution. The original hills, including Nakasero, Mengo, and Namirembe, are home to important historical sites that trace Kampala's development from a small colonial town to Uganda's largest and most important city. |
| Day 5 |
Queen Elizabeth National Park, nestled in southwestern Uganda, is a sprawling treasure trove of wildlife and natural beauty. Named in honor of Queen Elizabeth II during her visit in 1954, this park spans over 1,978 square kilometers and is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, including savannahs, wetlands, and forests. The park’s dramatic landscapes are punctuated by the meandering Kazinga Channel, which offers spectacular boat safaris where you can witness a plethora of wildlife congregating by the water, including hippos, elephants, and crocodiles. Embark on an unforgettable adventure with a game drive through the park’s varied habitats. The Ishasha sector, in particular, is famous for its tree-climbing lions, an extraordinary behavior observed in this area. Bird enthusiasts will also be delighted by the park’s impressive avian diversity, which includes the rare shoebill stork and numerous other bird species. The park’s location near the Rwenzori Mountains adds a stunning backdrop of misty peaks to your wildlife viewing experience. Beyond the wildlife, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers cultural and historical experiences. Engage with local communities to learn about the traditional lifestyles of the Bakonzo people and their rich heritage. Explore the ancient volcanic formations of the park, such as the Crater Lakes, which were formed by the eruptions of long-extinct volcanoes. A fun fact about Queen Elizabeth National Park is that it’s home to the famous tree-climbing lions, which have been known to climb the branches of fig trees to escape the heat and avoid pests. This unique behavior is a highlight for many visitors and adds to the park’s allure. Whether you’re seeking thrilling wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, or cultural insights, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a rich and varied experience that will captivate every traveler. |
| Day 6 |
Queen Elizabeth National Park, nestled in southwestern Uganda, is a sprawling treasure trove of wildlife and natural beauty. Named in honor of Queen Elizabeth II during her visit in 1954, this park spans over 1,978 square kilometers and is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, including savannahs, wetlands, and forests. The park’s dramatic landscapes are punctuated by the meandering Kazinga Channel, which offers spectacular boat safaris where you can witness a plethora of wildlife congregating by the water, including hippos, elephants, and crocodiles. Embark on an unforgettable adventure with a game drive through the park’s varied habitats. The Ishasha sector, in particular, is famous for its tree-climbing lions, an extraordinary behavior observed in this area. Bird enthusiasts will also be delighted by the park’s impressive avian diversity, which includes the rare shoebill stork and numerous other bird species. The park’s location near the Rwenzori Mountains adds a stunning backdrop of misty peaks to your wildlife viewing experience. Beyond the wildlife, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers cultural and historical experiences. Engage with local communities to learn about the traditional lifestyles of the Bakonzo people and their rich heritage. Explore the ancient volcanic formations of the park, such as the Crater Lakes, which were formed by the eruptions of long-extinct volcanoes. A fun fact about Queen Elizabeth National Park is that it’s home to the famous tree-climbing lions, which have been known to climb the branches of fig trees to escape the heat and avoid pests. This unique behavior is a highlight for many visitors and adds to the park’s allure. Whether you’re seeking thrilling wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, or cultural insights, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a rich and varied experience that will captivate every traveler. |
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| Day 14 |
One of Africa's most popular game reserves, Maasai Mara is located in Narok, Kenya, near the border of Tanzania. Named in honor of the Maasai people, this park is populated with wildlife including elephants, lions, zebras, and leopards. |
| Day 15 |
One of Africa's most popular game reserves, Maasai Mara is located in Narok, Kenya, near the border of Tanzania. Named in honor of the Maasai people, this park is populated with wildlife including elephants, lions, zebras, and leopards. |
| Day 16 |
Welcome to Nairobi, safari capital and the largest city in Kenya. At one time a simple hydration spot for the Maasai, this high-energy East African city now strikes a balance between the cosmopolitan and the natural. In its adjacent Nairobi National Park, visitors will see lions, zebras, giraffes and rare black rhinos. Key stops in Nairobi include the Elephant and Rhino Nursery as well as the Giraffe Centre, where these beautiful creatures are rescued. In the city itself, tourists visit "Out of Africa" author Karen Blixen's museum and discover wonderful restaurants, shops, and nightlife. |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
05/03/25 - 05/17/25 |
Starting At $4,895 |
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|
05/31/25 - 06/15/25 |
Starting At $4,161 |
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|
06/07/25 - 06/22/25 |
Starting At $3,308 |
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|
06/14/25 - 06/28/25 |
Starting At $5,090 |
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|
07/05/25 - 08/16/25 |
Starting At $5,285 |
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|
08/23/25 - 09/07/25 |
Starting At $5,440 |
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|
08/30/25 - 09/06/25 |
Starting At $5,021 |
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|
09/13/25 - 09/28/25 |
Starting At $5,285 |
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|
09/20/25 - 10/11/25 |
Starting At $5,090 |
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|
10/25/25 - 12/06/25 |
Starting At $4,895 |
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|
12/13/25 - 12/27/25 |
Starting At $5,090 |
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|
01/24/26 - 06/06/26 |
Starting At $5,140 |
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|
06/13/26 - 06/27/26 |
Starting At $5,345 |
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|
07/04/26 - 09/12/26 |
Starting At $5,550 |
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|
09/19/26 - 12/26/26 |
Starting At $5,345 |
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|
01/23/27 - 12/25/27 |
Starting At $5,140 |
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Offer subject to availability and change without notice. Some restrictions may apply.