KENYA WILDERNESS AND GORILLAS

10-Day Ultimate African Safari

Can you imagine being able to see all the sights that the African wildlife has to offer? From the majestic Silverback Gorillas in Uganda, to the glorious savannah Elephants, to the wild big cats of the Masai Mara, plus so much more – this ultimate African safari tour covers it all. You’ll have the chance to visit one of the most famous national reserves, Masai Mara National Reserve, travel to Samburu National Reserve to witness the Samburu leopards, and wildlife only known to this national reserve, such as the Grevy’s Zebra, Beisa Oryx, and Reticulated Giraffe. Stepping into Uganda territory, this tour will fly you in to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for you to be able to spot the Silverback Gorillas, an endangered and spectacular species on this planet.

For an intimate and personalised experience book with Kannagara safaris today.

CUISINE

During your safari our team we will be doing everything we can to tailor your culinary needs. We will design and inform you of all the meal options during your visit. This includes full board options at our camps and lodges, and various restaurant options. Enjoy hearty main meals, salads, desserts and a range of delicious foods and we will inform you of all your choices on route.

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Welcome to Africa

Touchdown Kenya! Karibu and welcome to Africa. Here’s your time to fulfill your African safari dream! From Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to your hotel, renew your senses surrounding you as you get a feel of the husle and bustle of Nairobi city. Take the day (if time permits) to explore the closest national parks; Nairobi National Park or Giraffe Park. Alternately you can opt to relax the day away at your hotel, resting and unwinding from your travels.

Day 2 – The Gem of Kenya – Masai Mara

It’s time to make your way to the famous Masai Mara National Reserve, to witness some of the most beautiful animal species on earth. As you travel from Nairobi to Masai Mara, take in your surroundings as you shift away from the city into the suburbs, further inward and closer to your destination. You’ll be traveling through escarpment views with some splendid views of the Great Rift Valley, so keep your cameras prepped and ready for some astounding views of this valley as you make your trip. Imagine the stunning blue sky floating with clouds, meeting the horizon and further down to lush and expansive views of grassland all around you. These views are not to be missed!

You’ll reach in time for a late lunch, and after settling into your luxury tented camp, it’ll be time to dive straight into your first African safari! As you get into your vehicle, stay prepared to spot anything and everything out in the wild, keeping your eyes peeled to be able to spot any one animal.

Today is also the day you’ll be able to have your first sight of a typical African savannah sunset, the glow of the pink and orange and the Acacia trees silhouetted against a setting sky to make for the perfect end to the day.

Finally, as you make your way back to the camp, the sky will turn into nightfall and let your breath be taken away by the night sky sparkling with stars; a view unlike no other. Having finished a long trip, plus a wonderful game drive, it’s time to retreat back to the rooms after a delicious dinner and rest. Tomorrow is another day in the wild, with new sightings and new experiences.

Day 3 – A Noteworthy Full-Day Safari in Masai Mara

Full-day safaris can be long and fairly tiring, but they are well worth the day given the chance to be able to spot the plentiful amount of animals in and around the national reserve.

You’ll first wake up bright and early to the sounds of the bird calls of the wild, an enriching experience that you won’t forget any time soon. A quick and light breakfast will further take you closer to your full – day safari, and before you know it the jeep will be roaring through the plainlands, seeking out the next wild experience for you. Early mornings are great opportunities to be able to spot some of the animals that you may not see at any other time; especially the noctural animals that may retreat back into their homes after a night kill, such as the leopard or a serval cat. Let’s not forget it’s such a beautiful sight to be able to see a truly beautiful African sunrise out on the savannah plains, the glowing red African sun glowing as it emerges over the horizon. This is one picturesque view we are certain you won’t forget.

Throughout the day, you’ll have the opportunity to be able to see all sorts of animals in their natural territory. If you’re fortunate, you might be able to see a big cat out on a hunt, or maybe even elephants out by the riverside catching a quick bath. Whichever animal species you see and whatever experience you may have, this is solely just for you, as no one can ever predict what will happen in the wild, and no two separate guests can have the same encounters.

Allow yourself to make the most of these experiences in the Masai Mara, from your wildlife sightings, to your savannah landscapes, to the sheer joy you have from being out in the Masai Mara.

Day 4 – Lake Nakuru

Lake Nakuru. Imagine lush marshlands, the spread of the lake, and the pink plumage of the flamingoes all in your vision. There’s nothing quite like it, and this will be your stopover point today. Head out from Masai Mara after an early morning breakfast, making your way through typical African territory complimented by the warmth of the sun and the soothing roads. As you reach Lake Nakuru, be prepared to be rewarded by a glorious sight in front of you, the shades of pink and blue a pleasing sight to your eyes. You might even have the chance to spot a rare black rhino or the elusive leopard on your game drive here if you’re lucky enough, hence keep your eyes peeled for some unique sightings as well.

Relax into your lodge for the night with another set of stars to keep you company and the day well spent. A cozy campfire and delicious food will prepare you for a good night’s rest, preparing you for tomorrow’s venture to Samburu National Reserve.

Day 5 – Spectacular Samburu National Reserve

The rolling plains stretch out at Samburu National Reserve to faraway mountains, with the animals humbly traversing through the grasslands; a rewarding sight for any wildlife lover. This is your next stop as a part of the ultimate African safari, and a chance to spot four animals known only to Samburu; the Reticulated Giraffe, Beisa Oryx, Grevy’s Zebra, and the Somali Ostrich.

Fun fact: Did you know that Samburu National Reserve is one of the spots where the authors of the award-winning book and film ‘Born Free’ raised Elsa the lioness?

As you approach Samburu, take in the gate entrance greeting you to this national park, and be prepared for another wonderful afternoon game drive. Your guide will have a packed picnic lunch for you, and you will be able to enjoy an appetizing meal in the midst of the bush (a wonderful experience indeed!) before making your way for your safari in Samburu.

Will you see a herd of elephants amongst the dusty plains? Or the Samburu leopard looking out for her next kill? You’ll only be able to see for yourself what Samburu has to offer as your jeep makes it’s way through the grasslands.

Day 6 – Samburu Full Day

Similar to your experience in Masai Mara, you’ll have the chance today to make your way for a full-day safari in Samburu. By now you’ll have gotten accustomed to your morning call from the birds singing, the tranquility of the wilderness, and the early mornings. Are you wondering how you’re going to manage without it? It’s a tough call; but you’ll be back. Everyone leaves Africa with a piece of it and an ache to return to experience more.

Absorb your surroundings and your sightings on your game drive today, from the rolling grasslands, to the different animals you see, to the anticipation as your vehicle sits in silence waiting for an animal to make movement. That waiting moment; there’s nothing like it, for that’s the time where you hold your breath, not daring to make a sound as you keep your eyes rooted to the one spot where you think an animal may be. Sometimes you’re rewarded with a sight of a lion yawning or peering back at you with it’s golden eyes; sometimes they may go into hiding. This unexpectedness is the appeal of the African safari, and we hope you thoroughly enjoy it.

As you end your day in Samburu National Reserve, allow yourself to feel whatever it is that you’re feeling, as it’s time to bid goodbye to the African savannahs. But there is still more to look forward to – tomorrow you make your way to Uganda, and onwards to Bwindi National Park to see the breathtaking silverback gorillas.

Day 7 – Back to Nairobi & Fly to Bwindi via Kampala

Pack your bags! You’re off to Nairobi, all your memories intact and bags set in the vehicle. As you drive away from the reserve, notice the changing scenes from the plainlands, to the dusty terrains, and back to city. As you approach the airport, let yourself go through the routine procedures, with your mind already drifting towards being able to see the gorillas in their natural territory.

You’ll arrive in Kampala by evening and check in to a comfortable hotel to let yourself relax and get some good rest before the big day tomorrow. From one city to the next, notice the contrast of Nairobi and Kampala, and dine in some homely and appetizing food before drifitng off to sleep in the coziness of your room.

Day 8 – Approaching Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Big day today! You’re about to reach Bwindi National Park.

As you fly out from Kampala and into the national park, take a look at the landscape below you, and notice once again the changing scenery from city to the dry African plainlands in between, to finally the lush and green rainforests below you. Nothing can prepare you for this scene as you come in closer.

Upon landing in Bwindi, you’ll be taken to a luxury hotel to spend the rest of your day, where you can opt to take a nature trail, relax at the hotel itself, and enjoy some cultural performances later in the day. It’ll be tough to contain your excitement to see the gorillas, we know! – but you’re almost there.

Being back in the wild allows you to be able to appreciate the starry night sky. Will you be able to go back home and not see this? Well, you’ll be back sometime in the future, that much we are sure of. We hope tonight you get some rest for the following day’s trek into the rainforest, and contain your excitement as you sleep off to the sounds of the wild.

Day 9 – Gorilla Trek

It’s finally here!

You’re going to be trekking for a couple of hours today, so make sure you’ve got all the gear you need for the day, from hiking shoes, to plenty of water, to your cameras. Imagine going through dense vegetation and nothing but the trees surrounding you, with the songs of the birds known to Uganda. Your guide will explain the various plants and animals as you make this trek, giving you lots to learn and opportunity to stop and appreciate the nature around you.

Then out of the blue, you’ll see one gorilla, or maybe a family. They’ll be eating away, in their own space, and you’ll be able to witness this breathtaking scene. Is there anything in the world more fascinating than seeing their animals in their home terrain? Especially ones as striking as the mountain gorillas? We don’t think so.

You’ll have about an hour with the gorillas, just watching them, appreciating them, and feeling your whole life take a turn as you spend more time with them. Maybe on your trek back you’ll finally let go of everything you’ve been holding on to, as you appreciate the beauty of our planet.

It’s also the last day of your African safari, and once you get back to the hotel, you’ll have to pack up your bags, with a trace of sadness at having to leave, but also possibly the warm knowledge that you’re
heading back home.

Day 10 – Fly back to Kampala and Home

Bid adios to Bwindi National Park today as you get to the airstrip and watch the rainforest slowly fade away as you climb higher into the skies, making your way back to Kampala. We hope that you’ll enjoy this trip and we look forward to welcoming you back to travel to Africa again with Kannagara Safaris!