Day 1

Arrive in Kenya through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

Upon arrival and after entry visa clearance, you will be welcomed by our experienced driver guide who will transfer you to Giraffe Manor, an exclusive boutique hotel, set in 12 acres of private land within 140 acres of indigenous forest in the Langata suburb of Nairobi. The most fascinating thing about Giraffe Manor is its herd of resident Rothschild’s giraffe who may visit morning and evening, sometimes poking their long necks into the windows in the hope of a treat, before retreating to their forest sanctuary. You will be served to a welcome dinner where you will receive a full briefing of the entire safari before you retire to your comfortable bed.

Day 2

Breakfast with the Giraffe and Visit to the Elephant Orphanage

This morning, you’ll enjoy breakfast alongside the Rothschild giraffe who are the signature visitors of this rustic Manor. After breakfast, take a walk through the well-manicured grounds of the hotel to the Giraffe Center where you can continue learning about Giraffe and the conservation efforts underway in Africa to protect these beautiful creatures. Visit the nearby Kazuri beads factory and see how the former less-advantaged women are making world-class beads that have found their way to international market including USA. Later, proceed to David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and experience how rescued orphaned elephants are rehabilitated and cared for before they are reintroduced into the wild. You will be given an opportunity to adopt a calf if you would love to support the center’s work.  Return to the Giraffe Manor for dinner and overnight.

Day 3

Transfer to Sasaab Lodge

After breakfast, transfer to Wilson Airport and fly to Sasaab Lodge that is close to the Buffalo Springs and Samburu National Reserves. The lodge sits in a place of rich natural diversity with an astounding number of animals. Sasaab is a stunning blend of Moroccan and Swahili style, located in the heart of the African bush. You will be checked in a luxury private cottage designed to offer majestic views of the landscape. The airy room with four poster beds, enormous, open-air bathrooms and private plunge pools, make for a completely invigorating experience. While here, you will enjoy guided walks, game drives, stargazing and a visit to SpaSaab gives you world-class beauty treatments.

Day 4

Private Game Drives

Take morning and evening game drives that bring you closer to huge majestic elephant to lion, leopard and cheetah and the ‘Samburu Special Five’, the Beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Gerenuk antelope and Somali ostrich. Return from morning game drive and sit at your private veranda to enjoy remarkable views across the Laikipia Plateau toward the jagged peak of Mount Kenya. Evening game drives to the river naturally gives you an opportunity to watch herds of elephant that come to bathe. You will be treated to complementary sundowners as you watch the sun go down.

Day 5

Transfer to Solio Reserve

After breakfast, check out of Sasaab and drive to Solio Lodge is located on a private wildlife sanctuary, tucked in the valley between the lofty slopes of Mount Kenya and the peaks of the Aberdare Mountains, directly north of Nairobi. This intimate and luxurious lodge sits on the incredible 45,000-acre Solio Game Reserve; an internationally sanctuary recognized as the most successful private rhino breeding reserve in Kenya. At Salio lodge, you will be checked in a contemporary luxurious cottage with private deck and panoramic views of the nearby hills and Mount Kenya in the distance. Enjoy private lounge area with open fire for cooler evenings, as well as large en-suite bathroom with a double sink, bath and shower.

Day 6

Unlimited Activities

Morning and evening game drives, as well as walking safaris, bicycling safaris, horseback riding safaris, and fishing trips to Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains offer you an opportunity to enjoy a wide-range of wildlife, including leopard, lion, cheetah, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, warthog, and, most notoriously, both black and white rhino. This area is renowned for its successful rhino breeding programs and has been instrumental in trans-locating rhino to locations in Kenya and Uganda for their protection and conservation.

Day 7

Fly to Masai Mara Game Reserve

After breakfast, take a chartered flight to Masai Mara Game Reserve where you will be warmly welcomed by Sala’s Camp staff who will transfer you to the lodge and check you in. Sala’s Camp combines tradition with comfort and it is a model of understated, intimate luxury. Situated in the southern, wilder corner of Kenya’s mighty Masai Mara game reserve close to the confluence of the Sand and Keekorok Rivers, this tented camp is idyllic located in an area that attracts teeming wildlife and has wonderful views of the Serengeti National Park. This is one of the first camps in the Mara to witness the legendary annual migration of wildebeest, which thunders by from June to September each year. After checking in your room, return to the guest area for lunch and relax before an evening game drive.

Days 8 & 9

Game Drives in Masai Mara Game Reserve

Spend morning and evening on game drives exploring this vast savanna, woodlands and tree-fringed rivers of the Masai Mara. From the elusive leopards retrieving kills from acacia branches, to elephants protecting their young from opportunistic lions, hunting cheetahs and rich bird-list, you will be thrilled by Masai Mara. It is no doubt the most favored wildlife sighting area in the region.  If you plan your trip between July/August and November, you will be treated to the famous great migration.

Day 10

Fly to Nairobi and depart.

After relaxed breakfast, you will be transferred to the nearby airport for a flight to Nairobi. Have lunch and depending on you departing flight schedule, you can go a city tour, do the last shopping before transferring to the airport on time for your check in.

Day 1

Arrive in Uganda through Entebbe International Airport

Arrival in Uganda through Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by our drive guide who will transfer you to Kampala for an overnight at the magnificent Kampala Serena Hotel. It is an oasis of cool and green, within a peaceful neighborhood that hosts some of Uganda’s hallmark structures-like the Parliament. This five-star hotel boasts of 17 acres of beautifully manicured gardens and a sensational pond—that overlooks its Olympic size swimming pool. This and the other luxurious amenities of the hotel will reward you with the utmost comfort.  

Day 2

Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park.

After breakfast, drive to Kibale Forest National Park through Uganda’s western lush highlands decorated with tea, coffee and banana plantations. Your jaws will drop in awe as you marvel at breathtaking landscapes that sit in the shadows of Rwenzori, Africa’s third highest Mountain. You will be checked in at Ndali Lodge that sits on a beautiful crater lake rim and is 45 away from in Kibale Forest National park, famous home of the largest concentration of chimpanzees in Africa, as well as a bewildering variety of other primates, birds and butterflies. The Lodge is part of the 1000-acre farm with a Vanilla processing plant; while here, you can take a walk around, past alcohol brewing in oil drums, through banana plantations, vanilla plantations, coffee terraces, plots of cassava, groundnuts, sorghum and millet. Below the lodge, on the lake itself, is a sturdy jetty, set in the most tranquil and secluded spot and frequented by 5 different species of Kingfisher.

Day 3

Chimpanzee Trekking

Take an early breakfast and be transferred to the nearby briefing area where you will be welcomed by the park ranger guide. He will happily give you a detailed brief on dos and don’ts of chimpanzee tracking before leading you into the forest for a National Geographic moment with the 13 species of primates to whom the park is home: These include a mix of both old world and new world monkeys like baboons, Black-and-white Colobus Monkey, chimpanzees, Blue Monkey, Red-tailed Monkey, Grey-cheeked Mangabey and Bushbaby. The dense forest hosts a population of more than 1,000 wild chimpanzees. Your guide will draw your attention to an evocative pant-hoot call that marks your proximity to the delightful apes.  Spend a full hour watching them feed, socialize and rest before trekking back to Primate lodge for a hot lunch.

Later in the afternoon, drive to the nearby Bigodi Community for a signature swamp walk that has been featured on international media as the best community conservation model. The local guide will take you through a wetland sanctuary with more than 100 species of birds and primates including the red colobus, black-and-white colobus and other monkeys. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.  

Day 4

Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park through en route banana plantations, crater lakes with fascinating shapes and rolling hills. Proceed along the western Rift Valley that leads to Mweya Safari Lodge. This five star resort hovers on a peninsula protruding into the Kazinga Channel. At night, interesting guests including hippos and warthogs are usually seen grazing by your windows.

After lunch, you will be transferred to the nearby docking area for a relaxing boat cruise on Kazinga channel for great wildlife views including elephants, crocodiles, hippos, buffalos and hundreds of birds.

Day 5

Lion Monitoring Tracking and Game Drives

After breakfast, join the lion monitoring research team and drive to the park for an experiential tracking of lions, an experience that permits you to go off road (what the other cars are not allowed to do) to find the lions (and the other animals) and get very close to them. The Uganda Carnivore Project does research on Lions and other predators in Queen Elizabeth and this safari gives you an opportunity to join researchers on one of their outings. Part of the proceedings are used by Uganda Carnivore Project to educate the surrounding communities how to live in harmony and yet in close proximity to Lions and Leopards.

 Return to the lodge and relax, have lunch and later in the afternoon, take another game drive and crown the day with a sundowner.

Day 6

Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

 Take a relaxed breakfast, checkout of your room and drive to Ishasha sector, home to the famous tree-climbing lions. This is the second known population that climb trees as part of their day-to-day behavior (the other is found in Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania). Several theories have been advanced for this behavior of lions including a speculation that these lions climb trees to protect themselves against the biting tsetse flies. Others claim that they seek shelter in the tree branches from the heat.

After an experience with Lions, go to the nearby Ishasha Wilderness Camp for lunch and later exit Ishasha to Bwindi through the green villages of Kigezi, the scenery gradually changes from open savanna to mountain slopes covered in dense rain forest. You will be checked in at Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, a contemporary-yet-classic lodge that blends in sensitively with the dramatic African mountain landscape and, situated uniquely inside the national park, only minutes away from the start of your gorilla trekking adventure.

Day 7

First Mountain Gorilla Tracking Experience

This is a big day; you will have a rare encounter with gentle giant mountain gorilla. This is no doubt the absolute highlight of a tour to Africa for most visitors. It is a humbling experience to stand meters from the gentle giants as they eat rest, play and bond with their young ones. After a briefing by park authorities, you will embark on a forest trek lasting from one-five hours, depending on the location of the gorillas in the thick forest. There are 10 habituated gorilla families in the park. You will be blessed to encounter and spend time with one of the families that can be visited by a group of eight people per day! It comprises of members of different age brackets from newly born babies to Silverbacks that are over 20 years old. You will enjoy an exciting journey along forested slopes, bushes and bamboo before you ultimately reach the gorilla family. Coming face-to-face with a mountain gorilla is a truly awesome and emotional experience. You will return to the lodge where we will offer you a complementary body massage. Overnight at Mahogany Safari Lodge

Day 8

Second Day Mountain Gorilla Tracking Experience

Experience has shown that you can visit the same gorilla group twice on different days and get completely different experiences. Individual Mountain gorillas behave differently and same mountain gorilla can behalf differently on different days depending on moods. Some individuals are more active than others, some juveniles are more playful.

On the second day, after briefing, you will be led into the forest to track a different gorilla and you will agree with us that it is a different experience!

In the evening, we will take you on an optional community experience to visit some nearby homesteads. Some of these live with former forest people (pygmies) who were evicted from the forest to pave way for gorilla conservation. They will demonstrate to you how they used to hunt for survival. The experience is crowned with enthusiastic cultural dances. Overnight at Mahogany Safari Lodge.

Day 9

Fly to Entebbe and Depart

Today marks the end of your safari. After breakfast, your guide will transfer you to Kihihi airstrip that is 1.5hours away from Bwindi for a pre-arranged charter flight to Entebbe. You will be transferred to Boma Hotel for a day room to relax and refresh as you wait for your departing flight. Have a farewell meal complementary meal with our director before transferring to the airport.

Day 1

Arrive Arusha -Tanzania

Arrive in Arusha through Kilimanjaro International airport and be transferred to a Legendary Lodge. It is set in lush tropical gardens on a coffee farm just outside Arusha. It features twelve beautiful garden cottages, designed with a unique blend of African arts and crafts, combined with old, colonial-style luxury. You will be checked in your room. You’ll be pleased to relax at your veranda or main house as you take in views of the farm. Later, you will be treated to a welcome dinner where you will be briefed by our head guide about how your trip will unfold.

Day 2

Begin Trek (7,000′-9,500)

After breakfast, take a short drive to the edge of Kilimanjaro’s montane forests, where trekking begins. The trail winds up through mossy jungle where colobus monkeys dangle from branches. Hike alongside local naturalists and learn about the plants and animals that inhabit this ecosystem. Your camp will be set up when we arrive, with refreshments ready for you in the dining tent. (Altitude: 7,000′-9,500′, 3-6 hours hiking)

Day 3

Shira Plateau (11,300)

Begin the day with morning tea and hot water as delivered to your tent by your guides. After breakfast, continue the hike through the forest before crossing into the sub-alpine hagenia zone. Take your time, taking in the spectacular scenery while adapting to the altitude. (Altitude: 11,300′, 6-8 hours hiking)

Day 4

Moir Camp (13,100)

After breakfast, trek across the Shira Plateau, where you will find an ancient volcanic crater, and then follow the trail up the western slope of the Kibo crater rim. Here in the upper heather zone, the snowy summit looms above your camp, glowing in the late-afternoon light. (Altitude: 13,100′, 4-6 hours hiking)

Day 5

Lava Tower (14,300)

After breakfast, resume the trek along the crater rim, hiking slowly into the alpine zone, where rocks and scree harbor only the hardiest lichens and grasses. Camp at the base of Lava Tower, a volcanic plug that juts 300 feet into the air. (Altitude: 14,300′, 5-7 hours hiking)

Day 6

Arrow Glacier (15,700)

Today hike to the foot of the Western Breach and make a camp near Arrow Glacier at 15,700 feet. Then relax at camp and take in extraordinary views of the sunset high above the clouds. (Altitude: 15,700′, 2-3 hours hiking)

Day 7

Crater Camp (18,500)

Take on one of the most challenging parts of the trek; the Western Breach, a steep wall of rock that rises to the lip of the crater. Inside the inner crater, venture to the edge of the ash pit and explore the magnificent glacier and its natural ice sculptures. Then move to our camp, set high on the crater floor. (Altitude: 18,500′, 7-10 hours hiking)

Day 8

Summit: Uhuru Peak (10,500)

Rise with the sun and head for the summit, climbing 1,000 feet and arriving by 9:00 a.m. From our lofty perch 19,340 feet above Africa, take in the extraordinary views of sky and surrounding peaks. You’ll savor the moment, and then descend steeply via the Mweka Route. Stop for a lunch break at Barafu to allow your body’s batteries to recharge, before continuing to our camp where a well-earned feast awaits you. (Summit: Altitude: 19,340′, 1-2 hours hiking. Descent: 10,500′, 8-10 hours hiking)

Day 9

Transfer to Arusha

Hike into the rain forest and down to the Mweka Gate, a rapid descent of 4,500 feet. Drive back to Arusha for a celebratory dinner at Legendary Lodge and overnight.

Day 10

Transfer to the Airport and Depart

Have a relaxed breakfast, visit the nearby coffee plantations and return to the lodge for lunch. Depending on your departure schedules, you will be transferred to the airport in time for check in.

You can extend this trip by going on a 5 days Safari to Tarangire and Serengeti or add on Uganda Mountain gorilla experience.

Day 1

Arrive in Uganda through Entebbe International Airport

Arrive in Entebbe and transfer to Lake Victoria Serana Hotel. Styled to replicate a pastel-shaded Italian hillside village, Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa stands out among five star hotels in Uganda. It is situated amid terraced rose gardens above its own boating marina as sculpted from the sparkling waters of Lake Victoria, Africa’s biggest freshwater lake. It has well maintained gardens and a fully-fledged club house. In short, it is a very relaxing country hotel with all resort services.

 You will have uninterrupted time to relax before a group dinner later in the evening where you will have a full orientation to your tour.

Day 2

Mabamba Swampa and Boat Cruise to Ngamba Island

After breakfast, you will transfer to Mambaba swamp on the shores of Lake Victoria to search for the giant elusive shoebill. This prehistoric bird is easily seen in the morning while on its fishing mission. You will get an opportunity to watch it stalk prey for long periods and suddenly strike with a stunning speed. You will also sight a variety of other species including the swamp flycatcher, papyrus gonolek, malachite kingfisher, pied kingfisher, black-headed heron, black kite, African open-billed stork, African jacana, lesser jacana, winding cisticola, Veillot’s black weaver, grosbeak weaver, black-headed weaver and African marsh harrier.

 You will return to the Lake Victoria for lunch and take a luxury boat to Ngamba Island, a Chimpanzee sanctuary where orphaned chimpanzees are looked after. The sanctuary currently looks after 49 chimpanzees and while there, you will watch them feed and interact. After, you will cruise over the Equator before returning to Lake Victoria to relax at the marina, prior to dinner.

Day 3

Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park.

After breakfast, take the newly opened Southern Bypass road to avoid the city traffic and drive to Lake Mburo. Embark on a smooth drive along Kampala-Mbarara highway with a stopover at the Equator for a photo opportunity. Proceed to Lake Mburo where you will be checked in at Mihingo Safari Lodge. It is perched high on a rocky kopje, offering spectacular views over a vast savannah landscape. After check in, have lunch and relax before taking an evening game drive into Lake Mburo National for birding. The area has a rich list that includes Cattle Egret, Hamerkop, Hadada Ibis, Black Kite, Lizard Buzarrd, Bateleur, Long-crested Eagle, Grey Kestrel, Grey Crowned Crane, African Wattled Plover, Speckled Pigeon, Emeraled Spotted Wood Dove, Brown Parrot, Turacos, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Eastern Grey Plantain-eater, Cuchoos, White-browed Coucal, Blue-naped Mousebird, Kingfishers, Rollers, Hornbills, Barbets, Woodpeckers, Larks, Swallows, Cisticolas, Flycatchers, Babblers, Sunbirds, Shrikes, Black-headed Gonolek, Starlings, Weavers, Finches, Waxbills among others. You can pursue a night game drive to chance of sighting the elusive leopard.

Day 4

Full Day Birding in Lake Mburo

The Park is home to over 315 bird species. Today, spend a good time in the Swamps of Warukiri and Rwonyo birding in and around the park. Look out for Lappet-faced & African White-backed Vultures, Saddle-billed & Wooly-necked Storks, crested francolin, emerald-spotted wood dove, brown parrot, barefaced go-away bird, red-necked spurfowl, common quails, black-billed barbet, greenwood hoopoe, blue-napped mousebird, lilac-breasted roller, African-grey hornbill, Nubian woodpecker, trilling cisticola, bee-eaters, cheeky bronze-tailed starling and the majestic crowned crane. In the afternoon, take a boat safari to look out for the rare African finfoot, shoebill, African fish eagle, malachite and pied kingfishers.

Day 5

Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, you will be driven to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park through the escarpments of the western rift valley. Proceed through the green villages that lead you to Mahogany Springs, a luxury small lodge facing the dense Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Bwindi is home to half the world’s endangered mountain gorillas and great habitant for several bird species.  After lunch, relax and in the evening take a short trail into the forest to search for endemics such as Woodhouse’s Antpecker, Narrow-tailed Starling, Red-throated Alethe, Short-tailed Warbler, Blue-throated Brown Sunbird, Black Bee-eater, Grey-throated Tit-Flycatcher, plus Green Hylia, Bar-tailed Trogon, Thick-billed seedeater, Banded Prinia, Olive Pigeon, Yellow Steaked Greenbul, Olive Woodpecker, Grey-headed Sunbird, Black-billed Weaver.

Day 6

Mountain Gorilla Tracking

This is a big day; you will have a rare encounter with gentle giant mountain gorilla. This is no doubt the absolute highlight of a tour to Africa for most visitors. It is a humbling experience to stand meters from the gentle giants as they eat rest, play and bond with their young ones. After a briefing by park authorities, you will embark on a forest trek lasting between one-five hours, depending on the location of the gorillas—as they range spontaneously in the thick forest. There are 10 habituated gorilla families. You will spend time with one of the families that can be visited by a group of eight people per day! You will enjoy an exciting journey along forested slopes, bushes and bamboo before you eventually reach the gorilla family. Coming face-to-face with a mountain gorilla is a truly awesome and emotional experience. You will return to the lodge relax after. In the evening, you will go for a rewarding birding excursion in the forest.

Day 7

Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Today you take a relaxed breakfast, checkout and drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, a birdwatcher’s haven with over 600 bird species. Make an overnight stopover in Ishasha sector, home to the famous tree-climbing lions. This is the second known population that climbs trees as part of their day-to-day behavior (the other is found in Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania). Several theories have been advanced for this behavior of lions including a speculation that these lions climb trees to protect themselves against the biting tsetse flies. Others claim that they seek shelter in the tree branches from the heat.

 After the experience, proceed to the nearby Ishasha wilderness lodge, check in your room and have a hot lunch. In the evening, go out for birding to look out for Cassin’s Grey Flycatcher, African White-backed Vulture, Brown Snake Eagle, Wahlberg’s Eagle, Long-creasted Eagle, Helmeted Guineafowl, African Crake, Ring-necked Dove, White-browed Coucal, Little Swift, White-rumped Swift, African Palm Swift, Little Bee-eater, Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird, Spot-flanked Barbets, White-headed Barbet, Double-toothed Barbet, Flappet Lark, Sooty Chats, Brown-backed Scrub-Robin, Winding Cisticola, Tawny-flanked Prinia, Swamp flycatcher, Chin-spot Batis, Scarlet-chested Sunbird, Red-chested Sunbird, Common Fiscal, Grey-backed Fiscal, Black-headed Gonolek, Black-crowned Tchagra, Fork tailed Drongo, Starling, Weavers, Fan-tailed Widowbird, Red-billed Firefinch, Bronze Mannikin, Golden breasted Bunting….the list goes on.

Day 8

Full Day Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Boat Cruise

Take an early breakfast, checkout of Ishasha Wilderness Camp and go on a birding safari from Ishasha to the savannahs of the park and arrive at Mweya Safari Lodge. It hovers on a peninsula protruding into the Kazinga Channel. At night, interesting guests including hippos and warthogs are usually seen grazing by your windows.

After lunch, you will be transferred to the nearby docking area for boat cruise on Kazinga channel for two-hour boat cruise. It offers wonder views of hundreds of hippos, crocodile and great bird sightings including Pelicans, Green-backed Heron, Storks, African Spoonbill, Martial Eagle, Common button Quail, Kittlitz’s Plover, Senegal Plover, Wattled Plover, Larks, Yellow-throated Longclaw, Babblers, Sunbirds, Weavers and Widowbirds.

Day 9

Transfer to Kibale National Park

After relaxed breakfast, checkout and drive to Kibale that sits in the shadows of Rwenzori Mountains. While on the road, look out for African White- backed Vulture, Lizard Buzzard, Grey-headed Kingfisher, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, White-browed Robin Chat, Lesser Striped Swallow, Rufous-napped Lark, Flappet Lark, Yellow-throated Longclaw, Zitting Cisticola, African Blue Flycatcher, Babblers, Brown-backed Scrub-robin, Sooty Chat, Black-headed Gonolek, Grey-backed Shrike, Common Fiscal, Starlings, Pied Crow, Piapiac, Fork-tailed Drongo, Weavers.

On arrival at Kibale, you will be checked into Primate Lodge, a beautiful forest home located in the heart of Kibale rainforest National Park. It is within five minutes’ walk from the visitor information center—where the forest activities begin from.

The lodge sits in a pollution free environment and comprises of beautiful chalets with plenty of hot water.  From the comfort of your Luxury Cottage, you can unwind and listen to the chattering of the red-tailed monkeys in the dense branches. At night, you can enjoy the views of the forest and its nocturnal mammals like the bush baby—through large glass windows.

Day 10

Full Day Birding in Kibale National Park

Kibale is a prime birding spot with over 375 recorded bird species. Today, have an early breakfast and enter the forest, the main target is the Green-breasted Pitta, one of the 10 most sought birds of Uganda. Other species you might chance on today include red-chested owlet, purple-breasted sunbird, blue-breasted kingfisher, crowned eagle, little greenbul, black bee-eater, white-naped pigeon, scaly-breasted illadopsis, yellow-throated nicator, white-headed wood hoopoe, red-headed malimbe, yellow-spotted barbet, dusky-blue flycatcher, grey-throated flycatcher, grey-winged robin, crested flycatcher, blue-shouldered robin chat, yellow-spotted barbet, black-billed turaco, white-naped pigeon, red-chested flufftail and tiny sunbird.

Day 11

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park

Take an early breakfast and be transferred to the nearby briefing area where you will be welcomed by the park ranger guide. He will give you a detailed brief on dos and don’ts of chimp tracking before leading you into the forest for a lively adventure. Kibale Forest National Park harbours the greatest variety and concentration of primates found anywhere in East Africa. It has over 13 different species including the Black-and-white Colobus Monkey, Blue Monkey, Red-tailed Monkey, Grey-cheeked Mangabey and Bushbaby. The dense forest hosts a population of more than 1,000 wild chimpanzees. Your guide will draw your attention to an evocative pant-hoot call that marks your proximity to the delightful apes.  Spend a full hour watching them feed, socialize and rest before trekking back to your lodge for a hot lunch—made of fresh organic foods.

 Later in the afternoon, drive to the nearby Bigodi Community for a signature nature walk in the swamp. This two-hours experience is so revitalizing and has been repeatedly featured on international media as the best community conservation model. This includes BBC travel. The local guide will take you through a wetland sanctuary with more than 100 species of birds and primates including the red colobus, black-and-white colobus and other monkeys. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 12

Transfer to Masindi

After an early breakfast, take a long drive to Masindi. While on the way, look out for the Western banded Snake Eagle, Lizard Buzzard, Turacos, Kingfishers, Cuckoos, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Lesser Striped Swallows, Joyful Greenbul, Stonechat, Stonechat, Sunbirds, Common Fiscal, Starlings among others. Stop in Hoima for a delightful lunch before proceeding to Masindi where you will be checked in Masindi Hotel, Uganda’s oldest lodge. It was opened in 1923 and has maintained it’s finest.

Day 13

Birding in Budongo Forest
After early morning breakfast, drive to the Royal Mile and Busingiro areas in Budongo Forest to look out for the White-thighed Hornbill, Ituri Batis, Narina Trogon, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Purple-headed Starling, Dwarf Kingfisher, Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, a selection of Tinkerbirds and Barbets, Yellow-crested Woodpecker, Brown-eared Woodpecker, Yellowbill, Forest Flycatcher, Red-bellied Paradise Flycatcher, Chestnut-capped Flycatcher, Fraser’s Ant Thrush, Red- tailed Ant Thrush, Western Black-headed Oriole, Purple headed Starling, Purple Starling among others. You will not miss sighting primates including Blue Monkey, Red-tailed Monkey, Black-and-White Colobus Monkey. Proceed to Kaniyo Pabidi sector of the forest for overnight at Budongo Eco-Lodge, an eco-friendly camp cabins tucked at the heart of the forest.

Day 14

Birding at Kaniyo Pabidi and Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

After breakfast, get into the forest and look out for Sabine’s spine tail, Cassins spine tail(rare), Pygmy crakes, White spotted fluff Tail, Ituri Batis, Brown twin Spot, Cameroon Somber, Cassins hawk Eagle, Crowned Eagle, Yellow crested Woodpecker, Forest Robin, Little green Sunbird, Grey headed Sunbird, black-collared lovebird, brown twinspot, chocolate-backed, blue-breasted and African dwarf kingfishers.

 Return to Budongo Eco-Lodge for lunch, freshen up and drive to Murchison Falls National Park. Stopover at top of the falls to witness how the Nile River on its northward flow forces itself through two surviving volcanic rocks to form the world’s most powerful waterfall. Proceed to the ferry point and cross to Paraa Lodge, an affluent hotel with panoramic views of the Nile River. You will be checked in your room. It boasts of private balcony overlooking the Nile.

Day 15

Birding Murchison Falls National Park

Spend today in Uganda’s largest National Park, a natural home to 450 recorded bird species. Take an early game drive and look out for Red-throated Bee-eater, Africa Palm Swift, Palmnut Vulture, Western Banded Snake Eagle, Wattled Plover, Violet-backed Starling, Black-headed Batis, Northern Crombec, Black-billed Wooddove, Silverbird, Red-fronted Tinkerbird, Black-crowned Tchagra, Fox and Crocking Cisticola, Copper’s Sunbird, Northern Red Bishop, Pennant-winged Nightjar, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Senegal Thickknee, Yellow-billed Shrike, Rock Pratincole, African Darter, northern red bishop and African quail finch. During the game drives, you will not miss out on the big herds of elephants, antelopes, giraffes and hunting lions. A boat on the delta takes you to the elusive shoebill, swamp flycatcher, goliath heron. Return to the lodge for overnight.

Day 16

Private Boat Cruise on the Nile, fly to Entebbe and Depart

After breakfast, take a private boat to the bottom of the Murchison Falls and during the trip, look out for Red throated bee-eater and Pied King Fisher, African skimmer, fish eagle, malachite kingfishers. You will not miss giant hippos and crocodiles as they relax both in and out of the Nile Waters.

Return to the lodge for an early lunch and transfer to the airstrip for a flight into Entebbe International Airport in time for your departure check in.

Day 1

Arrive in Uganda

Arrive through Entebbe International Airport where after visa clearance you will be welcomed by our experienced driver guide who will transfer you to Emin Pasha, a boutique hotel in Kampala’s peaceful suburb of Nakasereo, sitting on two acres of peaceful park-life tropical gardens, offering you privacy and tranquility. You will be welcomed to a complimentary dinner where you will receive a detailed program briefing.

Day 2

Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park.

After breakfast, drive to Kibale Forest National Park through Uganda’s western lush highlands decorated with tea, coffee and banana plantations. You will have unobstructed views of Mountains of the Moon, Rwenzori (Uganda’s highest Mountain-5,109meters A.S.L). You will be checked in at Primate Lodge, right next door to the visitor information center where the forest activities begin. The lodge sits in a pollution free environment and comprises of beautiful chalets with plenty of hot water.  From the comfort of your Luxury Cottage, you can unwind and listen to the chattering of the red-tailed monkeys in the dense branches. At night, you can enjoy the views of the forest and its nocturnal mammals like the bush baby through large glass windows.

Day 3

Transfer to Kilembe and Hike to Sine Camp at 2580meters

Have an early breakfast and transfer to the trek start point at Kyanjuki (1620m), where you will meet mountain guides and armed park rangers who will give you a full trek briefing. Start the hike that winds through tall grassland and ferns, giving way to magnificent pristine forests. Many species of birds can be heard and seen in this quiet environment that nature has been generous to. You will cross several small streams and rivers and start climbing along a ridge. The trail leads you through tropical forests of huge fig trees that are occupied by several types of primates. There are chances of sighting troupes of black and white Colobus Monkeys and Blue Monkeys as they dash through the trees. Proceed into the bamboo zone at 2,800 meters, a haven with different bird species. Stop at Sine Camp (2580m) for an overnight in a wooden hut set between tall forest trees on a narrow ridge. While here, you can sit at your large verandah and enjoy the beauty of the Afro Montane forest—while beholding Enock’s Falls just 200m from the hut.

Day 4

Hike to Mutinda Camp at 3,680meters  

After breakfast, resume the hike on a trail that enters the bamboo zone and continues onto a steep moss—covered ridge about 200m in height. On exiting the bamboo forest, you’ll be welcomed by stunning views of the valleys and hills below, stretching as far as Lake George and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Go through the surreal mossy heather zone above 3,500 meters. It is regarded as Africa’s botanical big game” where you can find footprints of a rarely seen cat, the Rwenzori leopard. Marvel at the rainbow colors of endemic sunbirds probing flowers with their curved bills.

Stop at Kalalama Camp (3,150m), perched on a high ridge overlooking Kilembe for a short rest and continue along a rolling trail to Mutinda Camp for overnight. The camp overlooks the beautiful Mutinda Valley.

Day 5

Hike to Bugata Camp at 4,065 meters

Climb on top of the confluence between the Nyamwamba and Namusangi Valleys with a scenic trail that meanders along the hilltops giving you fantastic views of Lake Nusuranja from Plozza Rock. Trek along the valley floor, you will pass small bogs and giant lobelias and slop to Bugata Camp at 4,065m. The camp (4,065 metres) is situated above Lake Kopello with spectacular views of Namusangi, the valley of nine glacier lakes ringed by rugged peaks and ridges. The Camp has good facilities including solar lights, good toilets and bathrooms. Bugata is a place where a helicopter can land for any rescue. The area is covered with tussock grass, everlasting flowers, giant groundsel and Giant lobelia with many Red Forest Duiker which are a sub-species only found in the Rwenzori Mountains.

Day 6

Hike to Butawu Camp at 3,975m

Today, you climb to the top of Bamwanjara Pass (4,450m) where the trail has several long flat bogs. The area is covered by everlasting flowers and Giant lobelia, whose nectar provides food source for the Scarlet-tufted Malachite Sunbird. It is endemic to the Rwenzori Mountains. The trek gives you spectacular views of the glacial lakes far below in the valley and excellent views of all the main snow-capped peaks. Stop at a small shelter for rest and enjoy the scenery before resuming to a steep walk down to Kacholpe Lakes. Tonight you will sleep at Butawu Camp (3,974m) that is set on a ridge high above Butawu River which flows down from Scott Elliott Pass through Kitandara Lakes. It has excellent views of the snow-capped Mt Baker. Tonight you will have a restful tonight at a slightly lower altitude.

Day 7

Hike to Margherita Camp at 4,460m

Today you will have an easy climb of about 330m as you trek along the ridge before crossing several wet areas and small rivers coming from Mt Baker to join Butawu River. The walk up Scott Elliott Pass is enjoyable as you trek up the ridge of Mt Stanley to Margherita Camp. It sits on top of the Pass and boasts of endearing views of Lake Bujuku, Mt Baker and high glaciers on Mt Stanley, Lake Kitandara and Weismann Peak to the south. The camp is sheltered with a ring of high rocks, an original camp used by the Italian Prince Luigi Amadeo di Savoia, Duke of the Abruzzi, who between June and July 1906 climbed the mountains, opening a new page in the history of mountaineering and exploration in Africa. Some of the peaks still have the names which the Duke chose to honor the Italian Kingdom and Queen Margherita – hence naming this camp Margherita Camp.

Day 8

Hike to Margherita Peak at 5,109 meters

Wake up early at 3am and set off after tea/coffee accompanied by an energy giving snack. Ascend to the Stanley Glacier before sunrise. After one and a half hours of steep climb walking on hard rock, reach Elena hut (4,540m) where you stop for a freshening rest and proceed to the peak. Today you conquer the ultimate challenge taking the last lap to 5,109 meters to Margherita Peak. The climb up Margherita glacier is steep and requires some high level of fitness. As you get to the top of the glacier, take a steep icy stairway towards the summit which you scale step by step, gulping air deeply. Go beyond a ridge joining Alexandra (5,091 meters) and Margherita peaks where you scramble over frozen boulders to the summit that is marked with a white metallic billboard welcoming you to Uganda’s highest point. You will be overwhelmed with intense joy that will wash away the entire fatigue. While here, clouds clear to reveal a panorama more complex and striking. You will be surrounded by glaciers and rocky peaks. You will be able to glare south down the Albertine rift valley to Lake George and west into DRC.

 After jubilations, descend to Butawu Camp at 3,974 meters to sleep.

Day 9

Slope to Bugata Camp

After breakfast, trek down to Kitandara Hut at 4,025m, where the trail drops a little more to pass just above the Kachope Lakes at 3,975m, and then over Bamwanjara Pass (4,450m) which is steep. As you cross, you might sight hyrax sitting at the entrance to their rock shelter. You will finally drop to Bugata Camp for overnight.

Day 10

Slope to Trekkers Hostel

After breakfast, decend through the Namusangi Valley across open moorland and large areas of tussock grass and walk past waterfalls, eventually reaching Mutinda Cave. It has fantastic views of the Mutinda Peaks directly above.  Continue to Kalalama Camp that is hinged on a high ridge overlooking the Kilembe Valley. From here, you will descend through the bamboo forest to the Rangers Post. After debriefing, procced to the Elephant Plains where you will be given a complementary massage before your dinner and overnight.

Day 11

Transfer to Entebbe and Depart

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Entebbe through Kampala. You will arrive at the airport in time to check in for your departing flight. Thank you for exploring snow on the Equator with us!

You can extend this trip for 6 Days Chimpanzees, tree-climbing lions and mountain gorilla safari.

Day 1

Arrive Arusha -Tanzania

Arrive in Arusha through Kilimanjaro International airport and be transferred to a Legendary Lodge. It is set in lush tropical gardens on a coffee farm just outside Arusha, featuring twelve beautiful garden cottages, designed with a unique blend of African arts and crafts, combined with old, colonial-style luxury. You will be checked in your room with great views. You’ll be pleased to relax at your veranda or main house. Later, you will be treated to a welcome dinner where you will be briefed by our head guide about how your trip will unfold

Day 2

Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park.

After breakfast, drive to Kibale Forest National Park through Uganda’s western lush highlands decorated with tea, coffee and banana plantations. You will have unobstructed views of Mountains of the Moon, Rwenzori (Uganda’s highest Mountain-5,109meters A.S.L). You will be checked in at Primate Lodge, right next door to the visitor information center where the forest activities begin. The lodge sits in a pollution free environment and comprises of beautiful chalets with plenty of hot water.  From the comfort of your Luxury Cottage, you can unwind and listen to the chattering of the red-tailed monkeys in the dense branches. At night, you can enjoy the views of the forest and its nocturnal mammals like the bush baby through large glass windows.

Day 3

Chimpanzee Trekking

Take an early breakfast and be transferred to the nearby briefing area where you will be welcomed by the park ranger guide. He will happily give you a detailed brief on dos and don’ts of chimpanzee tracking before leading you into the forest for a National Geographic moment with the 13 species of primates to whom the park is home: These include a mix of both old world and new world monkeys like baboons, Black-and-white Colobus Monkey, chimpanzees, Blue Monkey, Red-tailed Monkey, Grey-cheeked Mangabey and Bushbaby. The dense forest hosts a population of more than 1,000 wild chimpanzees. You will follow barely visible footpaths through the untamed forest to track have an up-close of these playful primates, man’s closest relatives. At some point, your guide will draw your attention to an evocative pant-hoot call that marks your proximity to the delightful apes.  Spend a full hour watching them feed, socialize and rest before trekking back to your lodge for a hot lunch.

Later in the afternoon, you will be driven to the nearby Bigodi Community for a signature swamp walk. The experience that offers a terrific opportunity to feel the pulse of nature has been featured on international media as one of the best community conservation models in Africa. The local guide will take you through a wetland sanctuary with more than 100 species of birds and primates including the red colobus, black-and-white colobus and other monkeys. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 4

Transfer to Rubona, Rwenzori Foothills.

After breakfast, drive through green villages dotted with banana plantations. Along the way, you will bypass men pushing weighty bunches of bananas on bicycles to the market. You will spend the night at Equator Snow Lodge. It sits on the foothills of Mount Rwenzori in Rubona with stunning scenic wonders of the bubbling Mubuku River. The lodge is hooked around ancient trees from where the sounds of birds create a masterpiece and harmony. You can choose to relax at a cozy fireplace for warmth during the chilly evening or be in your intriguing cottage that is built out of rocks. From either settings, you will hear roars of the nearby river as it speeds past rocks that have been eroded from the top of the mountain. As you retire to bed, a gaze through the large sky windows of your cottage will bring you closer to nature. Equator lodge is a perfect place for you to relax as you take short hikes to the Rwenzoris and village walks.

Day 5

Ruboni Hill Walk
Depart early in the morning to hike up Ruboni Hill. Enjoy scenic views of the River Mubuku as well as Baker and Portal Peaks as you ascend. On reaching the summit of this hill which sits at 2,300-meters above sea level, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the Mountains of the Moon and the glorious snow-capped Margherita Peak. Return to Equator Snow Lodge for dinner and relaxation.

Day 6

Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park through Kasese and stop at the Equator, proceed to Mweya Safari Lodge. This lavish colonial styled lodge hovers on a peninsula protruding into the Kazinga Channel. At night, interesting guests including hippos and warthogs are usually seen grazing by your windows.

After lunch, you will be transferred to the nearby docking area for boat cruise on Kazinga channel for great wildlife views including elephants, crocodiles, hippos, buffalos and hundreds of birds.,

Day 7

Game Drives in Serengeti National Park

Morning and afternoon game drives offer you incredible sightings of the densest wildlife populations including the big five (lions, elephants, Cape buffalos, leopards and rhinos), supplemented by a variety of birds, and big mammals like cheetahs, a fleet of Thomson’s gazelles, giraffe, warthog, dik dik, bushbuck, waterbuck, eland, impala, and topi. If you plan your trip around November and December or through early July, you will be treated to the legendary annual migration as vast herds of wildebeest and zebras embark on their yearly crossing from Kenya’s Masai Mara.

Day 8

First Mountain Gorilla Tracking Experience

This is a big day; you will have a rare encounter with gentle giant mountain gorillas. This is no doubt the absolute highlight of a tour to Africa for most visitors. It is a humbling experience to stand meters from the gentle giants as they eat rest, play and bond with their young ones. After a briefing by park authorities, you will embark on a forest trek lasting from one to five hours, depending on the location of the gorillas in the thick forest. There are 10 habituated gorilla families in the park. You will be blessed to encounter and spend time with one of the families that can be visited by a group of eight people per day! It comprises of members of different age brackets from newly born babies to Silverbacks that are over 20 years old. You will enjoy an exciting journey along forested slopes, bushes and bamboo before you eventually reach the gorilla family. Coming face-to-face with a mountain gorilla is a truly awesome and emotional experience. You will return to the lodge where we will offer you a complementary body massage. Overnight at Mahogany Safari Lodge (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 9

Second Day Mountain Gorilla Tracking Experience

Experience has shown that you can visit the same gorilla group twice on different days and get completely different experiences. Individual Mountain gorillas behave differently and same mountain gorilla can behalf differently on different days depending on moods. Some individuals are more active than others, some juveniles are more playful.

On the second day, after briefing, you will be led into the forest to track a different gorilla and you will agree with us that it is a different experience!

In the evening, we will take you on an optional community experience to visit some nearby homesteads. Some of these live with former forest people (pygmies) who were evicted from the forest to pave way for gorilla conservation. They will demonstrate to you how they used to hunt for survival. The experience is crowned with enthusiastic cultural dances. Overnight at Mahogany Safari Lodge.

Day 10

Transfer to Kihehi, fly to Entebbe and Depart.

Have a relaxed breakfast, checkout and be transferred to Kihihi airstrip which is one and half hour’s drive away for a chartered flight to Entebbe International Airport. If your flight is later in the evening, we will arrange a day-room at Boma Hotel and later be transferred to airport in time for check in of your departing flight.

Day 1

Arrive Arusha -Tanzania

Arrive in Arusha through Kilimanjaro International airport and be transferred to Arusha Coffee Lodge. It is set in lush tropical gardens on a coffee farm just outside Arusha, lying on the gently rolling foothills that cascade down from the ever-present Mount Meru, hidden amongst one of Tanzania’s largest coffee plantations, a perfect haven for relaxation either before or after any East African safari. You will be checked into your room where you can relax at your veranda or that of the main house. Later, you will be treated to a welcome dinner—where you will be briefed by our head guide about how your trip will unfold.

Day 2

Transfer to Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, checkout of your room and drive to Tarangire National Park, a wild landscape with open grasslands, acacia trees and the Tarangire River. You will be checked in your room at Olivers Camp, an eco-friendly lodge with direct access to the dense concentration of wildlife in this remote region. The lodge organizes walking safaris and fly camping. You will be treated to a welcome lunch before going on an afternoon game drive in search for giraffes, waterbucks, wildebeest, zebras, elephants, hartebeest, gazelles and birds the including the giant martial eagle.

Day 3

Abundant Game Viewing in Tarangire National Park

You will have a guided morning and afternoon game drive destined for abundant wildlife choices. The day will be crowned with a complementary wild sundowner before the dinner and night game drive. This latter experience is a first class ticket to spotting nocturnal animals including African wildcat and the elusive leopard. You are also likely to encounter lions and hyenas as they hunt for their dinner! Overnight at Olivers Camp.

Day 4

Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater

Checkout of the Olivers Camp after breakfast and cross the Great Rift Valley where the Ngorongoro Conservation Area sits. As you enter the Ngorongoro, you will be welcomed by Maasai “enkangs” (homesteads), brace yourself for a thrilling cultural and wildlife experience in this natural ring of Ngorongoro Crater, a 2,000-foot- deep caldera that offers a fascinating miniature of East African wildlife; including buffalo, flamingos, lions and leopards.

Later in the day, you will check in at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, an elegant getaway that is perched on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, giving unmatched views.

Day 5

Game Drives in Ngorongoro Crater

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater and explore a natural wildlife haven. Many of these animals live their whole life at the bottom of this intact caldera. Watch Zebra, wildebeest, and gazelle mingle together, while herds of buffalo, elephants and rhino roam around. Catch up with the hippos as they lounge in the water holes where the lions position themselves to ambush preys. Get closer to the lake and watch the Flamingos as they feed and play.  In the evening, visit a Maasai village and learn about the tribe’s charming cultural traditions; nomadic lifestyle and how they co-exist with wildlife. Meals and overnight at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

Day 6

Transfer to Serengeti National Park

Checkout and drive to Serengeti, boundless vast plains, where lions, hyenas and leopards roam. You will be welcomed at Sayari Camp and be checked into your room with dramatic views over the northern plains. In the evening visit a Masai family for a cultural experience led by a local guide who will introduce to you to the Masai traditions and practices before returning to camp for dinner and overnight. Sayari Camp is renowned for extraordinary wildlife sightings and supreme comfort. Set on the unspoiled plains of the Northern Serengeti, close to the famous Lamai Wedge, Sayari gives you easy access to the Mara River and multiple river crossing points in the Serengeti National Park. While here, relax in your extra-comfortable hillside suite after a day on safari, or take a dip in a glorious rim-flow swimming pool.

Day 7

Game Drives in Serengeti National Park

Take morning and evening game drives exploring the Serengeti plains in your private safari vehicle and enjoy this day on the great migration safari. Witness over one million wildebeests and thousands of zebra cross river Mara into Serengeti in a stampede as they avoid open jaws of mean large crocodiles. The open plains are infested by hungry predators including lions and leopards. After this thriller, you will be treated to a sundowner as you watch African skies go dim.

Day 8

Transfer to Grumeti Reserve

After breakfast, you will be transferred to western Serengeti where you will be welcomed by the Singita Faru Faru staff. Built on a gently sloping hill, Singita Faru Faru Lodge is positioned on the renowned migratory route, easily offering the unexpected encounters.  Arrive in time for a lunch, featuring a wine tasting in the lodge’s temperature-controlled cellar. An experienced sommelier will guide you through a variety of wine styles, years and cultivars to find wines most suited to your individual taste. Spend the afternoon relaxing in the spa or you may wish to head out on a game drive before dinner.

Day 9

Full Day Game Drives in Grumeti Reserve

 Morning and evening game drives in the vast plains the private Singita conservancy give you exclusive wildlife encounters. You also witness the great migration privately. With such close proximity to the river and plains— enjoy the unique opportunity to experience a very close connection with the wilderness. End the day with another sundowner before your return the lodge for dinner and overnight at Singita Faru Faru.

Day 10

Depart Serengeti and Fly to Kigali

After a relaxed breakfast, take a last game drive through Serengeti and return for lunch and later transfer to the airport for a flight to Kigali.

On arrival in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, check in at the Kigali Serena Hotel, a relaxed yet elegant five-star hotel that has everything a business traveler needs and wants: Resplendent rooms, extensive tropical gardens, relaxed and lavish menu, cozy spa and health club, a palatial swimming pool… It is ideally located on one of Kigali’s most charming and serene neighborhoods. Serena is built around a polished granite atrium that showcases the very best of Rwanda’s cultural art. On arrival, you will receive a full briefing of your safari from our guide. After this brief starter, you will be left alone to relax in your room or enjoy the hotel’s inviting amenities, most of which are free of crowds.

Day 11

Kigali City Tour and transfer to Kinigi Town
After breakfast, visit the Kigali Genocide memorial museum, one of the museums that were established to commemorate the victims of the 1994 Rwanda genocide. This is the final resting place for more than 250,000 victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi tribe in Rwanda. It honors the memory of the more than one million Rwandans killed in 1994. This dark tour will make you appreciate how this relatively small country has quickly recovered from its painful history. This recovery has been facilitated by education and peace-building.

After this enlightening tour, go for lunch at Hotel Des Mille Collines, that was featured in the Hollywood movie ’Hotel Rwanda’ in 2004. After lunch, drive on a smooth road that meanders through the rolling hills to Kinigi Town, gateway to the Virunga Mountains. You will be checked in at the luxurious Bisate Lodge. It is located in the natural amphitheater of an eroded volcanic cone. The area has dramatic views of the peaks of the volcanoes Bisoke, Karisimbi and Mikeno rearing up through the Afro-alpine forests of nearby Volcanoes National Park. Each of the six en-suite rooms here maximize comfort, warmth and views while retaining environmental principles and reflecting the culture of surrounding rural Rwanda.

Days 12

Mountain Gorilla Trekking

The Parc National des Volcans is heart of Rwandan ecosystem, also part of the Virunga region which is shared between Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This region is the only habitat to the few surviving mountain gorillas left in the world. Make a short drive to park’s headquarters this morning where you’ll meet your gorilla trekking guides. Ranger guides to be exact. They will give you a brief talk on the procedures and etiquette of gorilla tracking before you set off to the dense rain forest. In an effort to give you an 80% probability of seeing these majestic primates, a team of trackers will be in the forest ahead of your departure. Their task is identifying where the gorillas were seen the night before and pursuing them to a point/climax—where you will be able to connect. Although the hike can be physically demanding, the beauty of the forest and surrounding scenery makes the effort worthwhile in addition to the ultimate reward of getting a close-up with the gorillas; a profoundly moving wildlife encounter. Return to the lodge and relax as you watch the sun burry itself over the horizons; Virunga volcanoes.

Day 13

Golden Monkey Trekking, Transfer to Kigali Depart
Have an early breakfast and return to the park headquarters where you will meet the park guide ahead of a guided trek to the forest—to observe rare golden monkeys. These old world monkeys are active throughout the day and mostly live in the bamboo zone of this mountainous park, not so far from its foot. A golden monkey trek operates similarly to the early morning gorilla treks. Groups are limited to eight travelers, and once you meet up with the golden monkeys, you will have one hour to spend with them and return to the lodge for lunch, refresh and transfer to the airport for your departing flight.

Day 1

Arrive Arusha -Tanzania

Arrive in Arusha through Kilimanjaro International airport and be transferred to Arusha Coffee Lodge. It is set in lush tropical gardens on a coffee farm just outside Arusha, lying on the gently rolling foothills that cascade down from the ever-present Mount Meru, hidden amongst one of Tanzania’s largest coffee plantations, a perfect haven for relaxation either before or after any East African safari. You will be checked into your room where you can relax at your veranda or that of the main house. Later, you will be treated to a welcome dinner—where you will be briefed by our head guide about how your trip will unfold.

Day 2

Transfer to Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, checkout of your room and drive to Tarangire National Park, a wild landscape painted with open grasslands, acacia trees and the Tarangire River. You will be checked in your room at Olivers Camp, an eco-friendly lodge with direct access to the dense concentration of wildlife in this remote region. The lodge organizes walking safaris and fly camping. You will be treated to a welcome lunch before going on an afternoon game drive in search of giraffes, waterbucks, zebras and elephants, hartebeest, gazelles and birds including the giant martial eagle.

Day 3

Abundant Game Viewing in Tarangire National Park

You will have a guided morning and afternoon game drive destined for abundant wildlife choices. The day will be crowned with a complementary wild sundowner before the dinner and night game drive. This latter experience is a first class ticket to spotting nocturnal animals including African wildcat and the elusive leopard. You are also likely to encounter lions and hyenas as they hunt for their dinner! Overnight at Olivers Camp.

Day 4

Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater

Checkout of the Olivers Camp after breakfast and cross the Great Rift Valley where the Ngorongoro Conservation Area sits. As you enter the Ngorongoro, you will be welcomed by Maasai “enkangs” (homesteads), brace yourself for a thrilling cultural and wildlife experience in this natural ring of Ngorongoro Crater, a 2,000-foot- deep caldera that offers a fascinating miniature of East African wildlife; including buffalos, flamingos, lions and leopards.

Later in the day, you will check in at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, an elegant getaway that is perched on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, giving unmatched views.

Day 5

Game Drives in Ngorongoro Crater

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater and explore a natural wildlife haven. Many of these animals live their whole life at the bottom of this intact caldera. Watch Zebras, wildebeest, and gazelle mingle together, while herds of buffalos, elephants and rhinos roam around. Catch up with the hippos as they lounge in the water holes where the lions position themselves to ambush preys. Get closer to the lake and watch the Flamingos as they feed and play.  In the evening, visit a Maasai village and learn about the tribe’s charming cultural traditions; nomadic lifestyle and how they co-exist with wildlife. Meals and overnight at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

Day 6

Transfer to Serengeti National Park

Checkout and drive to Serengeti, boundless vast plains, where lions, hyenas and leopards roam. You will be checked in at Asilia Dunia, a permanent tented camp strategically located in central Serengeti; in the popular Moru Kopjes and Serenora. This area offers fantastic game viewing all year around. Have lunch and go for an evening game drive that will be crowned with a sundowner cocktail before returning to the lodge for dinner.

Days 7&8

Game Drives in Serengeti National Park

Morning and afternoon game drives offer you incredible sightings of the densest wildlife populations including the big five (lions, elephants, Cape buffalos, leopards and rhinos), supplemented by a variety of birds, and big mammals like cheetahs, a fleet of Thomson’s gazelles, giraffe, warthog, dik dik, bushbuck, waterbuck, eland, impala, and topi. If you plan your trip around November and December or through early July, you will be treated to the legendary annual migration as vast herds of wildebeest and zebras embark on their yearly crossing from Kenya’s Masai Mara.  Meals and overnight at Asilia Dunia Camp.

Days 9-11

Transfer to Zanzibar

Have a relaxed evening and take a last game drive and transfer to the airstrip for a flight to Zanzibar. Upon your arrival at Zanzibar International Airport, you will be welcomed by our experienced local guide. You will be transferred to Matemwe Lodge, a beachfront hotel perched on an outcrop overlooking a shallow, coral-fringed lagoon on the peaceful northeastern coast of Zanzibar Island. It is such a blissful location offering an unbeatable island escape and a relaxing atmosphere for your comfort.

Each of its 12 chic bungalows has a private sea-facing veranda, within walking distance from lush gardens. Don’t hesitate to get your feet up and relax, soak up the sun and explore this beautiful island. You will take a forest tour, explore the Indian Ocean with abundance of water sports and excursions, go scuba diving or snorkeling, or simply soak up the heat of the African sun on the pristine white sand beaches and enjoy endless cocktails.

Day 12

Transfer and Depart

Have a relaxed breakfast and depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Zanzibar International Airport in time for check in and departure.

Day 1

Arrive in Kigali, Rwanda 
Arrive in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, check in at the Kigali Serena Hotel, a relaxed yet elegant five-star hotel that has everything a business traveler needs and wants: Resplendent rooms, extensive tropical gardens, relaxed and lavish menu, cozy spa and health club, a palatial swimming pool… It is ideally located on one of Kigali’s most charming and serene neighborhoods. Serena is built around a polished granite atrium that showcases the very best of Rwanda’s cultural art. On arrival, you will receive a full briefing of your safari from our guide. After this brief starter, you will be left alone to relax in your room or enjoy the hotel’s inviting amenities, most of which are free of crowds.

Day 2

Kigali City Tour and transfer to Lake Kivu
After breakfast, visit the Kigali Genocide memorial museum, one of the museums that were established to commemorate the victims of the 1994 Rwanda genocide. This is the final resting place for more than 250,000 victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi tribe in Rwanda. It honors the memory of the more than one million Rwandans killed in 1994. It takes a lot of strength and courage to experience this dark tour, but it is worth it. Its history and exhibits such as bones of the victims is well presented. You will leave feeling shaken, saddened and better informed about how this relatively small country has quickly recovered from its painful history.

After this enlightening tour, go for lunch at Hotel Des Mille Collines, that was featured in the Hollywood movie ’Hotel Rwanda’ in 2004. After lunch, depart Kigali and drive west, to Lake Kivu through the green rolling hills with fertile farms. After two and half hours’ drive, arrive at Lake Kivu Serena that sits on the shores of the Lake Kivu. It is a yogi still attraction in a convent quiet setting that boasts of pristine beaches. The welcoming open-plan lobby gives a private stretch of beach reserved exclusively to the hotel guests. Enjoy the sundowner as the Africa sun brightens Kivu waters.

Day 3

Hike to the Top of Mt Nyiragongo

After breakfast, drive to Goma, Congo’s border, and after visa entry processing, proceed to Kibatsi where you will pick a ranger guide who will brief you and lead you on the Nyiragongo hike.  Nyiragongo is a conical active volcano that rises to 3,470 metres above sea level. It takes between four to six hours to hike it, passing through the volcano’s forested lower slopes, which are home to a variety of animals, including chimpanzees and numerous birds – all of which are slowly returning after previous eruptions.

Spend a night at Nyirangongo’s Summit Shelters (huts). This out-of-the-way vintage point will reward you with wonderful views of fiery lava bubbling, boiling and glowing in the darkness at the crater rim. You will also see a full moon adding drama to the vast plains below.

Day 4

Full Day at Nyiragongo’s summit
Spend the entire day at Nyiragongo´s summit and discover the volcanic activity of the lava lake. Explore the structure and volcanic wonders of the surrounding caldera. Relax at your room verandah after meals. Overnight at Nyirangongo Summit Shelters

Day 5

Second full day at Nyiragongo´s caldera rim
An extra day gives you an opportunity to be on the rim of Nyiragongo´s summit caldera. Explore and photograph the activity of the lava lake and surrounding landscape during different times of the day and night. Overnight at Nyirangongo Summit Shelters

Day 6

Descend from Nyiragongo – Goma Volcano Observatory
After breakfast, descend from Nyiragongo´s summit back to the Kibatsi patrol post from where our guide will drive you to Virunga National park en route a number of small settlements and towns. You will stay at Mikeno Lodge, a boutique accommodation with 12 cottages built out of solid lava stone and natural thatch. It sits at the heart of Virunga National Park, overlooking a section of the forest with trees than are over 18ft high, roughly three times the height of average humans. Large open fires in each room help keeps the chill at bay. The wooden verandas outside each room, main bar and seating area are the perfect place to watch the Colobus and Blue monkeys leaping in the trees above.

Day 7

Mountain Gorilla Tracking in Virunga National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage, Virunga National Park is Africa’s oldest national park with a size of 7800 square kilometres (3000 square miles) includes forests, savannahs, lava plains, swamps, erosion valleys, active volcanoes and the glacial peaks of Rwenzori Mountains. It is also the only park in the world to have populations of three great ape species – the chimpanzee, the lowland gorilla and the mountain gorilla. As you wander through the shadowy forests, you might find the Okapi, a beautiful and rare animal that looks quite like giraffes but is closely related to zebras. The forest walk also offers an exciting opportunity of comparing forest elephants to savannah elephants. Other pleasant surprises include large colonies of hippos, numerous rare birds and even lion.

Our main focus today is the endangered mountain gorillas. After an early breakfast, you will drive to the park offices which are one hour away from the lodge. This is where you will meet the park rangers who will give you a short briefing and lead the spirited search for Mountain Gorillas through the thick forest. You will walk in the shadow of Mt Mikeno, the second mountain in the Virunga Massive, a high-altitude landscape which spreads across Uganda, Rwanda and Congo.

Once you find the gorilla group, spend one hour watching them feed, play and nurse their young ones. This is regarded as the most thrilling wildlife encounters. Return to Mikeno Lodge for a relaxed evening.

Day 8

Return to Kigali and Departure

Have breakfast at leisure and drive to Goma to process your entry into Rwanda.  Transfer to Kigali for Lunch and depending on the schedule of your departure flight, you will be dropped off at airport early in time for check in.

Day 1

Arrive in Kigali, Rwanda 
Arrive in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, check in at the Kigali Serena Hotel, a relaxed yet elegant five-star hotel that has everything a business traveler needs and wants: Resplendent rooms, extensive tropical gardens, relaxed and lavish menu, cozy spa and health club, a palatial swimming pool… It is ideally located on one of Kigali’s most charming and serene neighborhoods. Serena is built around a polished granite atrium that showcases the very best of Rwanda’s cultural art. On arrival, you will receive a full briefing of your safari from our guide. After this brief starter, you will be left alone to relax in your room or enjoy the hotel’s inviting amenities, most of which are free of crowds.

Day 2

Kigali City Tour and transfer to Lake Kivu
After breakfast, visit the Kigali Genocide memorial museum, one of the museums that were established to commemorate the victims of the 1994 Rwanda genocide. This is the final resting place for more than 250,000 victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi tribe in Rwanda. It honors the memory of the more than one million Rwandans killed in 1994. It takes a lot of strength and courage to experience this dark tour, but it is worth it. Its history and exhibits such as bones of the victims is well presented. You will leave feeling shaken, saddened and better informed about how this relatively small country has quickly recovered from its painful history.

After this enlightening tour, go for lunch at Hotel Des Mille Collines, that was featured in the Hollywood movie ’Hotel Rwanda’ in 2004. After lunch, depart Kigali and drive west, to Lake Kivu through the green rolling hills with fertile farms. After two and half hours’ drive, arrive at Lake Kivu Serena that sits on the shores of the Lake Kivu. It is a yogi still attraction in a convent quiet setting that boasts of pristine beaches. The welcoming open-plan lobby gives a private stretch of beach reserved exclusively to the hotel guests. Enjoy the sundowner as the Africa sun brightens Kivu waters.

Day 3

Transfer to Virunga National Park

After breakfast, drive to Goma, Congo’s border, and after visa entry processing, proceed to Kibatsi and drive through a number of small settlements and towns that lead you to the forest where you will be welcomed by Mikeno Lodge, a boutique accommodation with 12 cottages built out of solid lava stone and natural thatch. It sits at the heart of Virunga National Park, overlooking a section of the forest with trees than are over 18ft high, roughly three times the height of average humans. Large open fires in each room help keeps the chill at bay. The wooden verandas outside each room, main bar and seating area are the perfect place to watch the Colobus and Blue monkeys leaping in the trees above.

Day 4

Mountain Gorilla Tracking in Virunga National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage, Virunga National Park is Africa’s oldest national park with a size of 7800 square kilometres (3000 square miles) includes forests, savannahs, lava plains, swamps, erosion valleys, active volcanoes and the glacial peaks of Rwenzori Mountains. It is also the only park in the world to have populations of three great ape species – the chimpanzee, the lowland gorilla and the mountain gorilla. As you wander through the shadowy forests, you might find the Okapi, a beautiful and rare animal that looks quite like giraffes but is closely related to zebras. The forest walk also offers an exciting opportunity of comparing forest elephants to savannah elephants. Other pleasant surprises include large colonies of hippos, numerous rare birds and even lion.

Our main focus today is the endangered mountain gorillas. After an early breakfast, you will drive to the park offices which are one hour away from the lodge. This is where you will meet the park rangers who will give you a short briefing and lead the spirited search for Mountain Gorillas through the thick forest. You will walk in the shadow of Mt Mikeno, the second mountain in the Virunga Massive, a high-altitude landscape which spreads across Uganda, Rwanda and Congo.

Once you find the gorilla group, spend one hour watching them feed, play and nurse their young ones. This is regarded as the most thrilling wildlife encounters. Return to Mikeno Lodge for a relaxed evening.

Day 5

Return to Kigali and Departure

Have breakfast at leisure and drive to Goma to process your entry into Rwanda.  Transfer to Kigali for Lunch and depending on the schedule of your departure flight, you will be dropped off at airport early in time for check in.