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Masai Mara Safari + Mountain Gorillas, Uganda
YRR7N

7 NIGHTS
FROM $3,013
International flights quoted separately
This holiday offers you the opportunity of trekking 2 to 4 hours to see rare Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, after first having enjoyed a thrilling Big-5 safari in the world famous Masai Mara National Park, renowned for its migratory wildlife. Accommodation varies from 3* to 5* but gorilla permits are limited, so you need to book early.
HIGHLIGHTS
Tracking Mountain Gorillas Bwindi Forest Uganda Mountain Gorilla Safari Kenya Safari Masai Mara Gorilla Permit
• Nairobi • Masai Mara Game Reserve asai Mara • Lions • Elephants
• Big-5 Game Drives • Kampala Uganda • Bwindi Impenetrable Forest • Tracking Mountain Gorillas
• Rain Forests • Monkeys
Day 1
You will be met at Nairobi Airport and transferred to your light aircraft flight to the Masai Mara National Park, named after the Masai people and the Mara River, which divides the park.
 
Masai Mara National Park is famous for its exceptional population of game and the annual migration of zebra and wildebeest from the adjoining Serengeti National Park. This phenomenon occurs every year from July to October, when game migrates along a circular route from the plains of the Serengeti to the Masai Mara and back again in search of fresh pastures, followed by hungry predators - most notably lions and hyena.
 
After checking in to your lodge, enjoy a late afternoon game drive in this magnificent wildlife sanctuary.
Days 2 To 3
Today is dedicated to game viewing on the open plains of the world famous Masai Mara National Park.
 
Nestled within the enormous Great Rift Valley, Masai Mara National Park is famous for its many prides of lions, packs of hyena and other predators - as well as huge herds of wildebeest, which number over one million, zebra and giraffe. All the Big Five can be seen here, as well as numerous other species including the Thomson's gazelle, topi, kongoni, impala, roan antelope and hippo. The nocturnal bat-eared fox, rarely found elsewhere in Kenya, also inhabits this park as well as the endangered cheetah and black rhino. Bird watching is also excellent with over 450 different species including the vulture, marabou stork, secretary bird, hornbill, crowned crane, ostrich, long-crested eagle and african pygmy-falcon.
 
Set off early each morning, when game viewing conditions are at their best, to view the abundant wildlife of the Masai Mara region. Return to the lodge to rest in the heat of the day, before setting off again in the late afternoon for another game drive.
Day 4
After a final early morning game drive, transfer to the airstrip for your light aircraft flight to Nairobi.
 
You will be met at Wilson Airport and transferred to your hotel in this bustling city.
Day 5
Transfer to Nairobi Airport for your onward flight.

Arrive at Entebbe Airport and transfer to your light aircraft flight to Bwindi. You will be met at the airstrip and transferred to your lodge situated near the entrance to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park - home to half the world's population of critically endangered mountain gorillas, and also a sanctuary for colobus monkeys and chimpanzees.
 
This dense equatorial jungle is accessible only on foot and features one of the richest ecosystems in Africa, including 120 species of mammals, 350 bird species including hornbills and turacos, 220 butterfly species, 27 frog species as well as chameleons, geckos and many other endangered species. It also boasts over 1,000 different flowering plants, ferns & trees.
 
Check into your lodge and enjoy the beautiful scenery of your remote forest surroundings.
 
 
Day 6
Rise early today to travel to the National Park entrance, where rangers will allocate you to a small group to track a troop of endangered Mountain Gorillas, accompanied by a guide.
 
You will be allocated according to your age and level of fitness, and could be required to walk 2- to 4-hours each way, tracking a family of these gigantic animals on foot and observing their behavior up close - a rare privilege indeed!
 
You must be over 15 years to track gorillas and sufficiently fit to walk for the period indicated. Ensure you arrange a packed lunch with the lodge and carry sufficient water (at least 2-3 bottles of 500ml). Warm weatherproof clothing is advised for the wet cool climate high in the mountains, including a rain poncho. You should wear long trousers, long sleeved tops, long socks (to tuck into your trousers), suitable walking boots and thick gloves to protect your hands from nettles and undergrowth. Also hat, sunscreen & mosquito repellant.
 
You can not be sick or have any infectious disease and no eating or drinking is permitted in the vicinity of the gorillas. Only one hour is allowed with the gorillas and you have to keep a distance of at least 5 metres. No touching the gorillas is allowed (although they may decide to touch you)! The maximum number of visitors allowed per day is 6-12 people per group and no flash photography is allowed.
Day 7
At leisure to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
 
Many optional excursions are available today including a guided walk in the rainforest, home to several endemic bird species, clouds of butterflies and rare plant life, offering excellent photographic opportunities. You can discover the traditions of the Batwa Pygmies, and learn about the indigenous people of Bwindi, or walk through the local village and learn about community projects, such as the Amagara project that assists local farmers and Bwindi Community Hospital, which started as a health clinic under a tree and now provides vital medical and educational services to over 60,000 people.
 
There is also the option to go gorilla tracking again (additional permit required & subject to availability).
 
Day 8
Transfer to the airstrip for your light aircraft flight to Entebbe Airport for your flight home.
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