Trip Info
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Normal 4x4 vehicle & air transfer
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Suitable for solo travelers and groups alike
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Extra pre and post tour accommodation can also be arranged at a cost
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Can start any day
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This tour starts in Entebbe, Uganda and ends in Zanzibar, Tanzania
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Mid-range, private tour
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All meals included
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English
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15
Overview
From trekking out in the forests of Uganda to capture a glimpse of the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, flying with a helicopter over the savannah lands of Masai Mara, and swimming next to the whale sharks in Zanzibar, we are confident that this magical and memorable holiday is one that is not to be missed. Day 1-3: Uganda, Kibale Forest National Park – you will track endangered Mountain Gorillas Day 4-7: Kenya, Masai Mara National Reserve This marvellous holiday is concluded by four days on the exotic spice island in Zanzibar.
Highlights
- Private tour
- Mid-range tour
- Can start any day
- Can be customized
- Suitable for solo travelers
- Minimum age of 15 years
- A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Itinerary
Today will be your arrival in Entebbe from your international flight Upon arrival, you shall be met by your driver at the international entry point where you shall clear customs and immigration. There will be a welcome sign with your names written on it for them to get your attention and contact you.
You are then transferred to your guesthouse in Entebge where you will spend the night on bed and breakfast basis.
Main Destination:
Entebbe (City, Uganda)
Accommodation:
The Guineafowl
- Mid-range guest housein Entebbe (City, Uganda)
Meals & Drinks:
- Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
- Drinks not included
This morning you are taken back to the airport to catch the first available Aerolink flight to Kihihi.
Here is a breathtaking plane ride that will fly you low over Uganda and give you wonderful impressions of the unique landscapes below.
By the time you’ll be arriving in Kihihi it will still be morning and your driver will be waiting for you to take you to Mahogany Springs Lodge which will take about 2 hours.
This means your accommodation facilities for the next 2 nights are fully inclusive of meals. This afternoon is free at leisure, you may wish to do nothing and take it easy or you could even add to the variety and opt for the forest walks, bird watching, village walks and so on which cost extra.
Main Destination:
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)
Hardest To VisitJanuary, February, July, August, December and May to September (This is when the tracking of the gorillas is easiest)
High Season: June- September: This is the period when there are limited permits for gorilla trekking.
Best WeatherJune to July and December to February (Less rainfall)
Wildlife in Bwindi Impenetrable NP
Gorilla, Chimpanzee, Elephant, White Rhino, Black Rhino, Lion, Giraffe, Leopard, Cheetah, Buffalo, Zebra, Wildebeest, Hippo
Accommodation:
Mahogany Springs Lodge
- Exclusive accommodation in and around Bwindi Impenetrable NP (Gorillas and Uganda) no fences
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- Drinks not included
Today is the big day itself. This stunning park will see you face one of the world’s most majestic and endangered species – the mountain gorilla.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest has both mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, and it is the only forest in the whole of Africa. It also hosts five other species of primate, 113 species of mammal, over 200 butterflies and 360 birds.
The gorillas you track are from one of the nine groups habituated to people’s presence, which means that the ap unfinisheds can spend a limited amount of time in the company of humans every day.
The time spent tracking the gorillas can range from 2 hours in the simplest scenario to 7 hours in the most complex. After tracking the gorillas, your group will be allowed one hour to spend with the gorillas in the forest. Meeting a mountain gorilla is one of those experiences that leave one overwhelmed and with feelings of the essence of life. This is a wonderful and unique chance to meet the ‘Gorillas in the Mist’ of Uganda at primates first hand.
Visit the lodge this afternoon and feel free to enjoy the breathtaking view.
Main Destination:
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)
Accommodation:
Mahogany Springs Lodge
- Exclusive accommodation in and around Bwindi Impenetrable NP (Gorillas and Uganda) no fences
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- Drinks not included
Today you take the Kihihi to Entebbe flight and then board another flight to Masai Mara.
For the next three nights you will be in Masai Mara in the lodge.
Your adventure in the Masai Mara begins with a morning game drive across the golden plains, where you have excellent chances of spotting herds of zebra, impala, gazelle, and wildebeest grazing in the vast savanna. Keep an eye out for the Big Five—buffalo, rhino, elephant, lion, and leopard—as well as cheetahs resting under the shade. In the afternoon, continue exploring different parts of the reserve, observing wildlife interactions and possibly witnessing a thrilling predator hunt. As the sun sets, return to your lodge or camp, where you may have the option to embark on a night game drive. This is a rare opportunity to see nocturnal creatures like the elusive aardvark and honey badger.
Main Destination:
Greater Masai Mara Ecosystem (Kenya)
Accommodation:
Saruni Mara Camp
- Luxury lodgeinside Mara North Conservancy (Greater Masai Mara, Kenya)
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- Drinks not included
Begin your morning with a game drive, searching for herds of elephants and buffalo, along with lions lounging on the open plains. The Masai Mara is rich in wildlife, and you might even catch a glimpse of a leopard stealthily moving through the grass. After the morning safari, immerse yourself in Maasai culture with a visit to a local village. Experience traditional Maasai dances, learn about their way of life, and shop for handmade curios and beaded jewelry. In the afternoon, opt for a nature walk, guided by experienced trackers who will teach you about the Mara’s smaller flora and fauna. If you're feeling adventurous, join a special rhino-tracking excursion to locate the endangered black rhinoceros.
Main Destination:
Greater Masai Mara Ecosystem (Kenya)
Accommodation:
Saruni Mara Camp
- Luxury lodgeinside Mara North Conservancy (Greater Masai Mara, Kenya)
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- Drinks not included
An early morning game drive offers breathtaking views as the sun rises over the Mara, bathing the landscape in golden hues. Watch as predators like lions and cheetahs become active, stalking their prey before the midday heat sets in. You may also come across large elephant herds moving gracefully across the savanna. After a midday break at your lodge or camp, your afternoon drive will take you to different sections of the reserve, increasing your chances of encountering leopards resting in trees or hippos wallowing in the Mara River. For a truly unforgettable experience, consider a hot air balloon safari at dawn, offering a bird’s-eye view of the stunning landscapes below. Conclude your day with a relaxing evening by the campfire, listening to the distant roars of lions in the night.
Main Destination:
Greater Masai Mara Ecosystem (Kenya)
Accommodation:
Saruni Mara Camp
- Luxury lodgeinside Mara North Conservancy (Greater Masai Mara, Kenya)
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- Drinks not included
This day, dar start at 6 in the morning with a game drive then you will be driven to the airstrip to board the light aircraft flying to Nairobi. This is where you will catch a connecting flight to the sunny island of Zanzibar. You shall be picked on arrival in Zanzibar and taken to your booked accommodation where you will spend the next four nights. We have a wide selection of accommodation available on the island and we will guarantee that we will find accommodation that will meet your needs and preference; be it a simple beach house or a luxurious hotel.
Main Destination:
Zanzibar Island (Tanzania Beaches, Tanzania)
Accommodation:
Pongwe Beach Hotel
- Mid-range hotelon Zanzibar (Tanzania Beaches, Tanzania)
Meals & Drinks:
- Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
- Drinks not included
You will have the next three days in Zanzibar, where you can unwind at your own pace. Spend your morning on the island’s pristine beaches, feeling the soft white sand between your toes as you bask in the warm sun. The turquoise waters are perfect for swimming, and if you're feeling adventurous, take a short snorkeling trip to explore the vibrant coral reefs. In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely walk along the shoreline or indulge in a spa treatment with locally sourced spices and essential oils. As the sun sets, treat yourself to a seafood dinner at a beachside restaurant, enjoying the peaceful rhythm of the ocean waves.
Main Destination:
Zanzibar Island (Tanzania Beaches, Tanzania)
Accommodation:
Pongwe Beach Hotel
- Mid-range hotelon Zanzibar (Tanzania Beaches, Tanzania)
Meals & Drinks:
- Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
- Drinks not included
After a refreshing breakfast, set off on a journey through Zanzibar’s rich history with a guided tour of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through the narrow alleys lined with ancient buildings, visit the House of Wonders, and explore the old slave market for a glimpse into the island’s past. Next, head to the Spice Plantation, where you can see, smell, and taste Zanzibar’s famous spices like cloves, cinnamon, and vanilla. In the afternoon, take a boat ride to Prison Island, home to giant Aldabra tortoises and a fascinating historical prison. After a day of exploration, unwind at your beachfront resort, watching the sunset paint the sky in breathtaking colors.
Main Destination:
Zanzibar Island (Tanzania Beaches, Tanzania)
Accommodation:
Pongwe Beach Hotel
- Mid-range hotelon Zanzibar (Tanzania Beaches, Tanzania)
Meals & Drinks:
- Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
- Drinks not included
Start your day with an exciting visit to Jozani Forest, home to the rare Zanzibar red colobus monkeys. Wander through the lush greenery, spotting exotic bird species and other small wildlife. Later, head to the coast for an unforgettable dolphin-watching tour, where you may have the chance to see these playful creatures in their natural habitat. If you're up for an adrenaline rush, try kite surfing, sea kayaking, or windsurfing along the island’s breezy shores. Alternatively, explore the stunning coral reef with a scuba diving or snorkeling adventure, where you might spot green turtles, vibrant fish, and even whale sharks, depending on the season. End your day with a sunset dhow cruise, sipping on fresh coconut water as the sky turns shades of pink and gold.
Main Destination:
Zanzibar Island (Tanzania Beaches, Tanzania)
Accommodation:
Pongwe Beach Hotel
- Mid-range hotelon Zanzibar (Tanzania Beaches, Tanzania)
Meals & Drinks:
- Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
- Drinks not included
Unfortunately the time has come for your ‘Gorillas, Masai Mara and Zanzibar’ experience to come to an end. After your last morning meal in your hotel, you will be transferred back to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport – ZNZ to begin your journey back home.
Main Destination:
Zanzibar Island (Tanzania Beaches, Tanzania)
Accommodation:
No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
- Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
- Drinks not included
End of tour
- Extra accommodation can also be arranged for any client at an extra cost.
- You will be dropped off at the airport.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- • Park fees (For non-residents)
- • Gorilla permits (One per person, non-resident)
- • All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
- • All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
- • A professional driver/guide
- • All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
- • All flights during the tour
- • All Taxes/VAT
- • Roundtrip airport transfer
- • Foods (These had been outlined in detail in the day-by-day regime segment)
Cost Excludes
- • International flights (From/to home)
- • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- • Tips (No tip expected)
- • Tangible and intangible souvenirs (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa costs, etc.)
- • The increase in taxes and or in fees charged on parks directly reflects the governments actions.
- • Some meals (as indicated in the day by day section)
- • Drinks
FAQs
One of the most captivating activities in the 11-day Gorillas, Masai Mara & Zanzibar tour is the gorilla trekking. Gorilla trekking is conducted in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda or in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, here you go for a hike with the help of trackers who take you to a gorilla family that has beenPolicy And Student Regulationsopted for habituation. The trek lasts between 2 and 6 hours, owing to the group ability to change location, but entails moderate effort.
When you locate the gorillas, you will be able to spend a full hour observing these animals in the wild and documenting their activities such as how they feed, how they play and other activities they embark on. And watching these large animals which sometimes appear to mimic human emotion and affection is a very moving activity. Expect high humidity levels and rough terracing as you follow its tough slopes to eventually be rewarded with views of mountain gorillas in the wild.
Wildlife tourism in particular is diametrically different from the gorilla trekking activity. In Masai Mara you will be doing morning and afternoon game drives driving across the vast land to view the Giants five, lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, and rhino as well as the migratory wild beasts such as wildebeest, zebras, and other antelopes. This is due to the open nature of the land that helps in early recognition of predators such as the cheetahs and the hyenas.
On the other hand, there is gorilla trekking adventure which is a ground activity that is conducted in the forest and it involves tracking a single group of gorillas. While on a Masai Mara safari, you spend most of your time moving around in a car and get to see wildlife, gorilla trekking is all about moving around physically, something that gives one an opportunity to get close to these endangered primates. Altogether, both of these experiences offer a balanced view of the African scenery characterized by wildlife.
Zanzibar can therefore provide a perfect cultural and relaxing side-trip to your safari escapade. While in Zanzibar, guests can relax on the island with nice white sandy beaches or take a dip in the clear blue waters of the Indian ocean. For more activities, you may take a guided tour to Stone Town, a part of the culture site that belong to the United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organization UNESCO known for its historical buildings, close sharp winding streets, and various spice markets.
Jozani Forest is also home to the unique and endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkeys; for marine enthusiasts, swimming/snorkeling /diving on the coral gardens is superb. Tourists interested in extreme activities can engage in Kite surfing, Sea kayaking while those that have interest in exploring can go on a boat cruise to observe dolphins. Spice Plantation tours are also very popular, which is the best way to get to learn about Zanzibar’s spice trade. If you expect any form of relaxation, beach, or even if you want a contrasting experience after the gorilla trekking and the Masai mara safari, Zanzibar fits the bill to a T.
When planning to travel for this type of tour, one has to pack to be ready for anything because of the changes in climate and kind of activities. When for gorilla trekking, one should wear thick socks, long sleeved clothes, rain coat, gardening gloves for holding onto plants when passing through the tricky terrain and a bag that can carry items like water, some snacks and a camera.
For the Masai Mara safari, travelling clothes that are lightweight and in neutral colors for game viewing are most appropriate together with hat, sunglasses, and binoculars. The mornings are usually cool, so it is advisable to wear a thin jacket.
The climate in Zanzibar is tropical and warm, so light and loose fitting clothing, beach wear and sun block are best suited. When visiting crowded places such as cultural or religious center , remember to dress modestly to avoid offending the people of the community. Beach and proper ocean wears include waterproof sandals or water shoes. Thus, having a combination of both adventure and relaxation equipment means you are ready for every part of it.
Though there are several easygoing days in Masai Mara and Zanzibar, Gorilla trekking will demand moderate physical activity. The trek physically involves a lot of walking on slopes at times steep, through different terrains and we trek in humid forest. Participants should expect that the process of encountering the gorillas may take a few hours of trekking into the forest.
As mentioned above, there are various levels of gorilla trekking and the available guides consider the physical fitness of travelers. If you have any physical conditions which you feel could be a hindrance to trekking then it is advisable that you consult so that you can be given a trekking programme suits your physique. The game drives in Masai Mara and the beach activities in Zanzibar though involves the adventurous experiences that one has to undergo through are not very strenuous requiring intensive energy.
The best time to book the 11-Day Gorillas, Masai Mara & Zanzibar tour depends on its interest in wildlife and climatic conditions. The best time for gorilla tracking is during the dry seasons, and these are from June to September and from December to February. These months have low levels of precipitation, and this greatly reduces the chances of having to step through muddy terrains while on the trekking trails.
For the Masai Mara safari, the Great Migration happens from July to October; this is when millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River which is a lovers sight in the wild. But overall, game viewing in Masai Mara is incredibly possible throughout the year.
The sunshine year-round destination has the best climatic conditions for outdoor activities for most of the months from June to October and December to February due to the remaining months of March to May and November are considered rainy seasons. This will give you the best experience when you make your booking depending on these peak wildlife and weather conditions.
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