16 Day East Africa – Nairobi to Kigali Tour (Mixed Accommodation)

Day 1: Nairobi, Kenya

Day 1 of this tour has been included into the tour as an arrival day and there is nothing planned for this day besides for you arriving sometime today in Nairobi to start your tour tomorrow.

Here you will have the opportunity to meet your guide and fellow travellers and learn more about your tour. Consider joining the group for a local meal afterward. You will find the official meeting time and location on the notice posted in the lobby (or you can ask at the reception).

Accommodation: The Heron Portico or similar
Meals: No meals are included today
Optional Activities: Bomas of Kenya Tour, Karen Blixen Museum, National Museum, The Carnivore Restaurant, David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Visit

Day 2: Nairobi – Samburu Game Reserve, Kenya

In the afternoon, visit Samburu National Reserve for a wildlife safari drive. On the way, you will visit a Samburu village. As you depart Nairobi and drive north, you will pass the mountain of Mt Kenya (5199 meters/17,060 feet), Africa’s second-highest mountain.

Take a trip to one of the Samburu villages located outside the national reserve. In appearance similar to the Masai, the Samburu are a proud warrior tribe that is relatively unknown. You will be able to see traditional Samburu dancing and learn about the customs and lifestyle of the Samburu people. Local Samburu tribesmen conduct the walk within the village for the benefit of the community.

The next stop is Samburu National Reserve, a wildlife sanctuary home to many species that are not found anywhere else in the world. Experience a wildlife safari drive in this wild region of Kenya in search of large populations of elephants and big cats.

Accommodation: Samburu Campsite or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Route: Nairobi – Samburu Game Reserve
Included Highlight: Samburu Village Visit, Samburu National Reserve Wildlife Safari Drive
Distance: 365km km (7 – 8 hours travelling time )

Day 3: Samburu National Reserve , Kenya

Explore Samburu’s special five during a full day on safari. An entire day of wildlife safaris to search for animals that can only be encountered north of the equator, such as the beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, Grevy’s zebra, majestic reticulated giraffe, and long-necked gerenuks, graceful antelopes that feed on tall bushes while standing upright on their hind legs.

Accommodation: Samburu Campsite or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Samburu National Reserve Wildlife Safari Drive

Day 4: Samburu National Reserve – Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya

Experience stunning views of the escarpment as you descend into the Great Rift Valley. The Maasai language describes Nakuru as “dusty place” and describes it as a cheerful and vibrant agricultural town. Camping is available outside the town at the edge of Lake Nakuru National Park, one of the most popular natural attractions in the area. Weather and time permitting, the possibility of visiting a local tea farm to observe how the tea is grown, picked, and processed may be available.

Accommodation: Nderit Campsite or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Route: Samburu Game Reserve – Lake Nakuru National Park
Distance: 348k km (7 – 8 hours travelling time)

Day 5: Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya

Take a safari inside Lake Nakuru National Park and you will have the opportunity to see elephants, buffaloes, impalas, and the elusive leopard as you search for these creatures.

Accommodation: Nderit Campsite or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Lake Nakuru Wildlife Safari Drive

Day 6: Lake Nakuru National Park – Masai Mara, Kenya

You will have the opportunity to visit the Masai Mara National Reserve. Enjoy an afternoon wildlife safari drive in search of the “big five”. Embark on an excursion to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve. A visit to this reserve would not be complete without exploring its vast open plains and flat-topped acacia trees.

As soon as you arrive in the afternoon, you will be transferred to the permanent tented camp, the base from which you will explore the Mara. Take a wildlife safari drive in the afternoon in the reserve.

Accommodation: Kenia Campsite or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Route: Lake Nakuru National Park – Masai Mara
Included Highlights: Masai Mara Wildlife Safari Drive
Distance: 368 km (7 – 8 hours travelling time)

Day 7: Masai Mara, Kenya

Spend the day on safari. You may wish to consider a balloon safari as an alternative. You will be able to spot animals and crisscross the rolling hills of the African savannah when you rise early for a wildlife safari drive. It is possible to cover a lot of ground in a full day if we have the time to explore the area. Visit the area surrounding the Mara River if time permits.Experience the beautiful landscape from a new perspective by taking a balloon safari.

Please Note: In the event that you have pre-booked a Masai Mara Balloon Safari, your flight is scheduled for the morning. While you will not be able to join the group for the morning wildlife safari drive, you will be able to enjoy magnificent views from above.

Accommodation: Kenia Campsite or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Masai Mara Wildlife Safari Drive
Optional Activity: Masai Mara Balloon Safari

Day 8: Masai Mara -Nairobi, Kenya

The journey back to Nairobi will conclude with a wildlife safari drive. Take advantage of one last opportunity to see the “big five”. Take a break for lunch at the Ubuntu Cafe before returning to Nairobi. Nairobi offers some opportunities for purchasing local handicrafts and exploring the city.

Accommodation: The Heron Portico or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Route: Masai Mara – Nairobi
Included Highlights: Masai Mara Wildlife Safari Drive, Amani 3 Course lunch
Optional Activity: The Carnivore Restaurant
Distance: 245 km (5.5 – 6.5 hours travelling time)

Day 9: Nairobi – Kampala, Uganda

A journey through the vibrant capital cities of East Africa will take you from one to another. In Kampala, you can relax and await the second part of this epic journey.

Accommodation: Forest Cottages or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Route: Nairobi – Entebbe (1h30m travelling time by plane) – Kampala
Distance: 50 km (1.5 -2 hours)

Day 10: Kampala – Fort Portal, Uganda

Explore Kibale National Park by taking a scenic route to Fort Portal. Listen to the sounds of monkeys and birds while spending the night on a guest farm. The accommodation in Fort Portal consists of simple tents furnished with basic amenities and shared bathrooms

Accommodation: Kluges Guest Farm or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 297 km (4 – 6 hours travelling time)

Day 11: Kibale National Park, Uganda

Take a morning or afternoon trek to spot chimpanzees in the evergreen rainforest. In the Bigodi Community, you can enjoy a traditional lunch. Explore the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary on a guided walk to spot more wildlife.

Accommodation: Kluges Guest Farm or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Route: Kibale National Park – Bigodi
Included Highlights: Chimpanzee Trek, Bigodi Community Lunch
Optional Activity: Bigodi Swamp Walk
Distance: Kibale National Park (1 – 2 hours), Kibale National Park – Bigodi (1 -1.5 hours)

Day 12: Kibale National Park – Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

After visiting the equator, continue on your journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park. In the afternoon, take a safari drive to see wildlife. Among the animals you can observe are warthogs, elephants, buffalo, five species of primates, and hippos.

Located along the border with Kyambura Game Reserve, Queen Elizabeth National Park is noted for its open savannah landscapes, large swamp areas around Lake George, extended Maramagambo Forest, and the densely forested Kyambura Gorge.

Accommodation: Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Route: Kibale National Park – Queen Elizabeth National Park
Included Highlights: Queen Elizabeth National Park Wildlife Safari Drive
Distance: 115 km (3 hours  travelling time)

Day 13: Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

Visit the park for lunch after an early morning wildlife safari drive. The Kazinga Channel can be explored on an evening cruise. An exciting wildlife safari drives, where buffaloes, waterbucks, warthogs, lions, leopards, hyenas, giant forest hogs, and elephants may be seen.

Accommodation: Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Route: Kibale National Park – Queen Elizabeth National Park
Included Highlights: Queen Elizabeth National Park Wildlife Safari Drive
Optional Activity: Kazinga Channel Cruise

Day 14: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

Take in the breathtaking views of forests, volcanoes, and lakes as you drive south. During the night, you will be able to spend time in the National Park of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Camp or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Route: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Distance: 200 km (5 – 6 hours)

Day 15: Gorilla Trekking, Uganda

Gorilla trekking is the main highlight of the tour, so get up early!

We will meet the park ranger/guide at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for orientation. It is possible for the length and difficulty of the trek to vary, depending on the location of the gorilla family you are visiting. You will have the opportunity to observe these beautiful and endangered animals for one hour (maximum). In order to return to town, you must trek back. In the afternoon, you will have free time.

Meet a family of mountain gorillas during an unforgettable guided trek (1-6 hours) deep into the volcano forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. An encounter with these incredible animals is one of the highlights of a trip to Africa.

Don’t forget to prepare before heading out: bring plenty of water and waterproof clothing (it can rain at a moment’s notice), and be sure to bring protective bags for your camera and film. Protect yourself against stinging nettles by wearing long sleeves and long pants. Once you begin the trek, it is often chilly.

Ugandan authorities are fiercely protective of this natural treasure, allowing no more than eight visitors per day to visit any given gorilla family. Depending on the number of travellers, the group will be divided into different sub-groups for the trek.

Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Camp or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Included Highlight: Mountain Gorilla Trek
Optional Activity: Porter Hire
Distance: Gorilla Trek (1 – 6 hours)

Day 16: Bwindi – Kigali, Uganda

Travel to Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, after crossing the border. To gain a deeper understanding of this fascinating country’s dark history, visit the genocide museum. Take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy lunch at the Nyamirambo Women’s Center. Upon arrival at the hotel, the tour will come to an end.

Meals: Breakfast. Lunch
Included Highlight: Kigali Genocide Memorial Visit, Nyamirambo Women’s Centre, Local Lunc

Onward Travel Plans

Due to circumstances beyond our control while on tour (such as border crossings, traffic, breakdowns and delays, etc), the end time on the last day cannot be guaranteed. Therefore we strongly recommend you stay the night and fly out the next day. Please consult with your booking consultant.