Gorilla Trekking & Big 5 Safari
This Gorilla Trekking & Big 5 Safari is more than a holiday—it’s a transformational experience. The quiet intensity of a gorilla’s gaze, the charge of a lion across the plains, the stillness of the bush at night—each moment is a story you’ll carry forever. You’ll not only witness the wonders of East Africa but also contribute to vital conservation efforts that ensure these incredible places and creatures endure for generations to come.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Africa or a seasoned safari enthusiast, this itinerary offers a unique blend of adventure, luxury, and soul-stirring encounters that few experiences in the world can match.
Itinerary Highlights at a Glance
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Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: Two treks into the misty jungle for face-to-face encounters with mountain gorillas.
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Visit to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust: Meet rescued elephant and rhino calves, and learn about wildlife conservation.
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Private safari in Solio Game Reserve: Spot black and white rhinos, big cats, and other wildlife in a tranquil and uncrowded setting.
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Explore Samburu’s unique wildlife: Seek out the rare Samburu Special Five, as well as elephants, lions, and leopards.
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Cultural immersion: Learn about the traditions and customs of the Samburu people.
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Fly camping under the stars: Spend a night in the bush with only the sounds of nature around you.
What’s Included
This Gorilla Trekking & Big 5 Safari includes everything you need for a seamless and immersive experience:
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All regional flights and ground transfers as outlined in the itinerary
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Full support from your dedicated travel designer from start to finish
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All park and conservation fees to ensure your contribution to wildlife preservation
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All scheduled activities, including:
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Gorilla permits for two treks in Bwindi
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Entry to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
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Game drives in Solio and Samburu
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Walking safaris and camel riding at Sasaab
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Optional fly camping experience
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Luxury accommodations with all meals, drinks, and in-camp experiences included
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Days 1-2: Entebbe:
Begin your journey with a night in Entebbe, this tropical lakeside city is a more relaxed stopover destination than Kampala, and because it is home to Uganda’s main international airport, it is an excellent base for exploring the rest of the country.
Accommodation:
- Protea Entebbe (1 night)
Days 2-5: Bwindi:
Take a small charter flight from Entebbe to the Bwindi to begin your Gorilla Trekking adventure in Uganda. Bwindi is ‘the’ place to see Uganda’s famous population of around 350 mountain gorillas, but it is also a hidden home for other primate species such as black-and-white colobus, L’Hoest’s, red-tailed, blue, and vervet monkeys. There are also 79 mammal species to keep you company, including duiker, elephant, bushbuck, bush pig, giant forest hog, and several small cat species. It is a very diverse region of Uganda, and with a guide, you will have time to explore the flora and fauna, as well as various species of birds, butterflies, and other larger mammals, and possibly visit local communities on the park’s outskirts.
Accommodation:
- Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge (3 nights)
Days 5-6: Nairobi:
Take a flight from Bwindi to Nairobi via Entebbe. On arrival transfer to your hotel in Nairobi where youre booked on a bed and breakfast basis for your overnight stay.
Accommodation:
- Hemingways Nairobi (1 night)
Days 6-9: Nairobi – Solio:
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and drive to The Daphine Sheldrick Rhino and Elephant Orphanage, which is open to visitors between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m., when the orphans arrive for their midday mud bath and feeding. Thereafter, transfer to Nairobi Wilson airport for your flight to Nanyuki. On arrival transfer from Nanyuki airport to Solio Reserve where you will spend the next three nights.
Solio Private Reserve is located in the lush foothills of the Aberdares, close to Mount Kenya, and is the best place in Kenya to see Black Rhino and other types of game. Your travel designer will be able to provide you with information on the activities available in this area of Kenya.
Accommodation:
- Solio Lodge (3 nights)
Days 9-12: Samburu:
Fly to Samburu to begin your safari’s third leg. In the Samburu region, you can enjoy breathtaking wildlife and fascinating cultural encounters with the local Samburu tribes. Take bush walks in between your daily safari game drives (some at night), visits to local Samburu villages, camel-back riding, evenings of sundowners, gourmet food, and campfire stories, all while staying in the tranquil and sumptuous luxury of your lodge.
Accommodation:
- Sasaab Lodge (3 nights)
Days 12: Departure:
Transfer from your lodge to Samburu airstrip and board your light aircraft flight from Samburu to Nairobi. Transfer from Wilson Airport to Nairobi International Airport for your flight home.