Our Masai Mara and Gorilla tour will take you through Kenya and Uganda in just two weeks, showing you the stunning landscapes and exotic wildlife that is unique to these regions and Africa. We will take you to see these beautiful endangered gorilla´s for yourselves.

 

 

14 day Meet Masai Mara and Gorilla´s Africa Overland Tour

The Masai Mara Reserve in south-western Kenya and is a continuation of the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, over the border. It was named after the people who have made their homes in the area for centuries, the Masai. On this tour you’ll have the opportunity to meet the Masai, visit their villages and learn about their customs. Also the Masai Mara is home to a huge population of wildlife, including the big five and all major African cats. Here, you’ll be able to witness the annual migration of animals from the Serengeti Park, allowing it to offer the most coveted of all safaris in Africa.

Countries Visited

 

  • Kenya
  • Uganda

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please note all overland truck tours require a 35% deposit on booking.
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Trip Highlights

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Activity Pack Upgrade Includes:

The activity pack is a bolt on pack including what we consider to be the must to do activities on the trip. You do not have to purchase this at the time of booking, and all activities can be purchased locally as well, although this way you get to pre-book all of your activities and not have to worry about carrying a lot of cash on you throughout the journey.

  • Kenyan Parks Highlights Excursion
  • Queen Elizabeth National Park game drive
  • *The Gorilla Permit is compulsory payment, the cost is between US$520 and US$620

Photos

 

 

Day 1 Masai Mara National Reserve

We leave the capital and travel to the Masai Mara National Reserve. Today the tour enters this huge area of spectacular game viewing to photograph some of Africa’s most abundant wildlife. Famous for the annual migration of around 1.5 million wildebeest, the Masai Mara is also home to many other animals, including lions. Cultural interaction with Kenya’s native Masaai people completes our experience. *The Masai Mara Reserve excursion & game drive will be operated in safari type vehicles.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Activity Package: Kenyan Parks Highlights Excursion (Day 1 -3)

Day 2 Lake Naivasha

After an early morning game drive in the Mara, we depart towards Lake Naivasha for a relaxing day on the lakeshore. You can go hiking in the area and activities include game and bird watching. One of the more popular optional activities is to go game viewing from a bicycle. An alternative way to spend your afternoon is to take high tea at Elsamere, the former home of Joy Adamsson, best known for her autobiographical novel, Born Free. Optional Activities: Cycle hire, High Tea at Elsamere.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 3 Lake Nakuru

Today we will travel north to Lake Nakuru where we will spend the afternoon game driving. Originally created as a bird sanctuary, Lake Nakuru was upgraded to National Park status in 1968. White rhino inhabit the transitional savannah area surrounding the lake, with excellent photographic opportunities.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Included Activities: Hells Gate National Park, Game drive in Lake Nakuru NP

 

Day 4 Lake Nakuru – Kampala

Leaving Lake Nakuru very early, we head towards Uganda, briefly stopping for a photo at the equator. Later we arrive in Uganda’s capital and largest city, Kampala.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 5 Kampala / Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Although officially this day is set aside for everyone to explore Kampala, most people take an optional day trip to the Chimpanzee Sanctuary of Ngamba Island. This non-profit eco-friendly project was set up in 1998 to care for orphaned chimpanzees. Optional Activities: Ngamba Chimpanzee Excursion, Kampala Markets, Dinner Out.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

 

Day 6 Kampala – Lake Bunyoni

Lake Bunyonyi is a small but attractive lake with steep sides and abundant birdlife. Ringed by mountains, the lake is best known for its dense Otter population and stunning scenery. We make use of this beautiful spot to relax the night before the final drive to the gorillas.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 7/8 Gorillas (Lake Bunyoni)

The mountain gorilla is extremely endangered and while exact numbers vary it is widely assumed that there are only around 650 left. Visiting the gorillas is a great way to support their future on earth as the money spent on permits is used for their protection. An extremely important part of the future conservation of the remaining gorillas rests in the community development work – as local communities change their attitudes towards wildlife and start to protect rather than poach, the future of the mountain gorilla is assured.

 

As permits granting permission to visit the gorillas are extremely limited we require flexibility in both the tour itinerary and where we actually visit them. The home of the mountain gorillas is completely at odds with man-made borders and so their range encompasses Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo). Whenever possible we choose to make use of the National Park in Uganda, but this depends on the availability of permits.

Should we not obtain permits to visit the mountain gorillas in Uganda then we will inform all passengers beforehand that the tour will travel to Rwanda or DRC.

 

On your free day in Bunyoni you will have the opportunity to participate in certain optional activities. You can embark on a boat ride to the community of the Batwa (pygmies) who stay in the islands adjacent to the lake to observe their social lifestyle, behaviour and be entertained by their cultural performances. You can also go hiking or explore the area on a mountain bike.

Optional activities: Visit to the Batwa (Pygmies) tribe, mountain biking, nature walk, hiking.

Day 7

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Please note: Although there are 2 days allocated to Gorilla Trekking you will only spend one day on the trek. The other day are there to provide a large enough window in which to obtain permits and to allow the entire group to trek if there are more than 6 of you on the tour.

 

Day 9/10 Queen Elizabeth National Park

Leaving Lake Bunyoni, we venture to the Queen Elizabeth National Park, where we will spend the next 2 nights. Many game species can be found in this wetland park as well as the (elsewhere elusive) giant forest hog and the legendary tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha Sector. We will enjoy an included 4×4 game drive on day 10 through the NP. Optional Activities: Kasinga Channel Sunset Cruise, Chimpanzee trekking at Lake George

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activity Package: Game Drive

 

Day 11/12 Jinja

Jinja is Uganda’s second largest city and more famous as the point where the Nile (officially the Victoria Nile) flows out of Lake Victoria and begins the 6695 kilometre journey to Egypt and the Mediterranean. Optional Activities: White Water Rafting.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Day 11 only), Dinner

 

Day 13 Kenya – Eldoret

Returning to Kenya we visit Eldoret, the country’s 5th largest city. The Great Rift Valley is still the dominant geographical feature of this region and the altitude at Eldoret is 2100 metres above sea level.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 14 Nairobi

Returning to Nairobi, the largest city in the East Africa region, there’s an optional dinner, where we can swap stories and exchange contact details. Optional Activities: Meal out in Nairobi.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

 

NB: The itinerary is flexible and can be changed without notice in order to accommodate the best possible viewing of the Gorillas. The Permit price to visit the Gorillas can also change without notice.

 

Accommodation

On our camping tours you will be staying in two-man dome tents. We supply a mattress and you supply your own sleeping bag.

Food and Meals

Included are three hearty meals a day, (unless otherwise specified). Vegetarians are easily catered for and they’re always impressed by our varied menu. Our guides can produce miracles on a camp-stove. Special dietary requirements can be catered for, but only by special request. In East Africa it is more difficult to cater to certain requirements.

Trip Frequently Asked Questions

Ages
The Africa Overland Truck Tours are open to all ages and nationalities.
Health
All people who join an adventure tour need to be in good health. Medical facilities are not always available. If you have a specific medical condition it is compulsory for you to advise us before departure.
Malaria
Malaria is a real concern in many areas of Africa, especially during the rainy season. Our advice is simple, prevent getting bitten by using an insect repellent and use an effective prophylactic. Speak to your doctor before selecting your Malaria medication.
Vaccinations
Please ensure you have the relevant vaccinations. Proof of innoculation is required on certain tours. The best is to contact your GP.
Currency, money and banking
This is covered comprehensively in the pre-departure dossier. South African Rand and Credit Cards work in Southern Africa. In East Africa (incl. Zimbabwe and Zambia) USD cash is best
Age
Passengers under the age of 18 must have signed permission from a parent or guardian. Passengers over the age of 65 require a medical clearance certificate from their doctor stating they are fit enough to travel.
What to bring?
A sense of fun and a flexible attitude! A full checklist of essential items is included in the pre-departure info document.
What leave home?
Your watch, cellphone, laptop, work, stress, concept of time, pre-conceptions about anything and any attitude that is not pure adventure.
Changes to routes/schedules
Although we will do our best at all times to ensure that the tour remains on schedule we want to make it very clear that this is not always possible. There is always something unexpected on a tour, sometimes the truck gets stuck in mud, or sand, sometimes it rains… Anything can happen, but nothing that a good sense of humour cannot overcome.
Do I need to have a travel insurance?
Yes! Make sure your insurance covers being airlifted in case of serious illness/injury as good hospital facilities are often a long way from where our tours travel. Free credit card insurance is often insufficient, so a separate policy is recommended. As travel insurance is compulsory, you will be asked for the policy number before being allowed to board our vehicle.
How many people are on the tour?
The average number of passengers on a tour is 18. On the camping tours there is a maximum of 24 and minimum of 4. On the Accommodated tour the minimum is 4 and the maximum is 18. The maximum number on Gorillas, Serengeti and Masai Mara tours is 18. Single Supplements are limited to 4 per tour on all tours.
Do I have to help with the camp chores?
Of course not, but you will not make many friends! On our tours our guides do most of the work. On a camping tour your participation in camp chores is limited: taking turns to assist with washing-up duties, putting up and taking down your tent and loading your bags. On some of our accommodated tours we include a camp assistant.
Who is responsible for my visas?
You are responsible for your own visas. Please check the itinerary of your tour carefully and if you need a multiple entry visa be sure to get one. Your passport needs to be valid for 6 months after your departure date from Africa and you must have at least 3-4 blank pages available. Some countries will not allow you to enter without 2 blank pages in your passport
Is there a single accommodation option?
All of our tours are priced on twin share accommodation. The single supplement is not compulsory on our camping tours but if you want your own tent you need to pay the single supplement. If you are booking one of our accommodated tours alone you have to pay the single supplement. There are a maximum of 4 single supplements available on all tours.
Terms and conditions
All travellers will be required to sign our indemnity form on departure. Any person refusing to do so will not be allowed on the tour.

 

Price in GBP

  • 14 days (no activity pack) £569
  • 14 days (with activity pack) £899

 *The Gorilla Permit is a compulsory payment, the cost is between US$520 and US$620.

Please note prices above exclude the gorilla permit which is mandatory if you intend on seeing the gorillas. This needs to be booked and paid for up front. You can opt out of this but this means you will not be able to see the mountain gorillas and may not be up to get a permit en route as they sell out well ahead.

Included

  • All transport by Adventure Vehicle
  • All Accommodation (Camping and hostels)
  • All Camping Equipment
  • Support 24/7 with 2 driver guides per vehicle
  • Detailed predeparture packs covering all essential need to know deails
  • Support information covering Visas
  • All activities as per itinerary (not including activity pack activities).
  • Services of a tour guide
  • Most meals: B x 13 L x 13 D x 12
  • Side Trips as per Itinerary

Activity Package. When booked with Activity pack we include:

  • Kenyan Parks Highlights Excursion
  • Queen Elizabeth National Park game drive

 

*The Gorilla Permit is compulsory payment, the cost is between US$605 and US$705

Excluded

  • Flights to and from Africa
  •  Pre and post accommodation
  •  Visas
  •  Travel Insurance
  • Gorilla permit costs

Dates

Please contact us with your travel plans, there are set departures twice per month we will check availability for you.

2014

  • Departing Nairobi:01-Jan-14 Arriving Nairobi: 14-Jan-14
  • Departing Nairobi: 15-Jan-14 Arriving Nairobi: 28-Jan-14
  • Departing Nairobi: 29-Jan-14 Arriving Nairobi: 11-Feb-14
  • Departing Nairobi: 05-Feb-14 Arriving Nairobi: 18-Feb-14
  • Departing Nairobi: 12-Feb-14 Arriving Nairobi: 25-Feb-14
  • Departing Nairobi: 26-Feb-14 Arriving Nairobi: 11-Mar-14
  • Departing Nairobi: 12-Mar-14 Arriving Nairobi: 25-Mar-14
  • Departing Nairobi: 19-Mar-14 Arriving Nairobi: 01-Apr-14
  • Departing Nairobi: 26-Mar-14 Arriving Nairobi: 08-Apr-14
  • Departing Nairobi: 09-Apr-14 Arriving Nairobi: 22-Apr-14
  • Departing Nairobi: 23-Apr-14 Arriving Nairobi: 06-May-14
  • Departing Nairobi: 30-Apr-14 Arriving Nairobi: 13-May-14
  • Departing Nairobi: 07-May-14 Arriving Nairobi: 20-May-14
  • Departing Nairobi: 21-May-14 Arriving Nairobi; 03-Jun-14
  • Departing Nairobi: 04-Jun-14 Arriving Nairobi: 17-Jun-14
  • Departing Nairobi: 11-Jun-14 Arriving Nairobi: 24-Jun-14
  • Departing Nairobi: 18-Jun-14 Arriving Nairobi: 01-Jul-14
  • Departing Nairobi: 02-Jul-14 Arriving Nairobi: 15-Jul-14
  • Departing Nairobi: 16-Jul-14 Arriving Nairobi: 29-Jul-14
  • Departing Nairobi: 23-Jul-14 Arriving Nairobi: 05-Aug-14
  • Departing Nairobi: 30-Jul-14 Arriving Nairobi: 12-Aug-14
  • Departing Nairobi: 13-Aug-14 Arriving Nairobi: 26-Aug-14
  • Departing Nairobi: 27-Aug-14 Arriving Nairobi: 09-Sep-14
  • Departing Nairobi: 03-Sep-14 Arriving Nairobi: 16-Sep-14
  • Departing Nairobi: 10-Sep-14 Arriving Nairobi: 23-Sep-14
  • Departing Nairobi: 24-Sep-14 Arriving Nairobi: 07-Oct-14
  • Departing Nairobi: 08-Oct-14 Arriving Nairobi: 21-Oct-14
  • Departing Nairobi: 15-Oct-14 Arriving Nairobi: 28-Oct-14
  • Departing Nairobi: 22-Oct-14 Arriving Nairobi: 04-Nov-14
  • Departing Nairobi: 05-Nov-14 Arriving Nairobi: 18-Nov-14
  • Departing Nairobi: 19-Nov-14 Arriving Nairobi: 02-Dec-14
  • Departing Nairobi: 26-Nov-14 Arriving Nairobi: 09-Dec-14
  • Departing Nairobi: 03-Dec-14 Arriving Nairobi: 16-Dec-14
  • Departing Nairobi: 17-Dec-14 Arriving Nairobi: 30-Dec-14
  • Departing Nairobi: 31-Dec-14 Arriving Nairobi: 13-Jan-15

 

 

Trip Combos

Did you know we can help you plan an epic adventure? You can combine this trip with the following trips to extend you travels.  

“We had a nice group of travellers, made some new friends. Special thanks to the crew: Godfree for his wonderful meals, Chris for his help, and Thabani, our guide. Hope too see you again on a other trip somewhere in Africa.!  See more reviews here.”
Marte B
” I just wanted to let you know that we had an outstanding time!! more reviews here.”
Chavi
” The places we visited, the camp sites, the food, but most of all the people on this trip made it an unforgettable adventure!! See more reviews here.”
Eduard