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Starting in Nairobi, you drive west into Uganda where you'll visit the source of the Nile before continuing on to the highlight of your overland adventure: tracking the mountain gorillas on foot in the impenetrable forests of Bwindi. After the excitement of your gorilla encounter you'll have plenty of time to relax and enjoy the activities and beauty of Jinja, Lake Bunyoni, Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha on your way back to Nairobi.
Please note that Visas are the responsibility of the traveller and that the Whichway Adventure Company will not be held responsible for clients being denied entry should they not be in the possession of the relevant visas.
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| DAYS 1 - 2: Kenya - Lake Nakuru/Eldoret Camp |
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You depart Nairobi and head for Lake Nakuru. You will have lunch at Lake Nakuru before taking an afternoon game drive. Game driving has been very successful here in the past. Numerous animals are found here, but the shallow soda lake is particularly known for its birdlife. Westward from the Rift Valley, you pass through verdant tea plantations, as you head towards the town of Eldoret on the banks of the Naiberi River.
Lake Nakuru: Lake Nakuru was declared a National Park in 1961. It is a small park (10km x 25km) and is beautiful, with lots of acacia trees. Lake Nakuru is a soda lake and often has flocks of flamingoes. The park has 400 species of birds and a population of around 50 black rhinos and around 23 white rhino. Nakuru means “place of waterbuck”. There are also a small number of lions and leopards in the park.
In the afternoon on the second day it is possible to visit the local Cheese and Textile factories. There is no charge for the visit, but a small purchase is appreciated as thanks. At the campsite there is a short guided walk that you can arrange. Colobus and Sykes monkeys can usually be seen in addition to the area’s amazing birdlife. Today you cross the Equator. |
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Meals: FB
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Location: Lake Nakuru National Park,
Kenya
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| DAY 5: Lake Bunyoni Camp |
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You set off en route to southwest Uganda. This region is home to roughly half of the 600 Gorillas remaining in the world. You spend the night in anticipation and finalizing your preparations for the next few days of trekking. |
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Meals: FB
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Location: Lake Bunyoni,
Uganda
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| DAYS 6 - 8 : Bwindi NP Camp |
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An early start sees you enter the dense Bwindi forest. Your trek through the forest is an unforgettable experience. At times the trekking can be demanding and the day long as you search for the elusive gorillas. Experienced local guides lead you through thick jungle, tracking where the gorillas will have nested overnight.
Gorillas are extremely sociable and interactive primates, groups, normally numbering between 12 and 20 individuals. Most people’s impression upon their first sighting of a 300kg silverback is a mixture of incredulity and awe. At close quarters the gorilla seems almost human in its mannerisms.
This is quite possibly one of the most thrilling and evocative experiences that Africa has to offer, and certainly one that will remain an enduring memory of your travels.
Do not be fooled by the short number of kilometres on this dossier, because the roads here can be TERRIBLE, and sometimes you cannot even get to Bwindi in the vehicle! If this is the case, then you will take 4x4’s to Bwindi NP. Be ready to get a shaken about in the back of the vehicle on the bumps!
The Gorilla Excursion
There is a maximum of around 6 people per group allowed in to visit the Gorillas at any one time. You will be accompanied by a Park Ranger and occasional armed guards (they are there to protect the Gorillas). How the group will be split to go on the trek depends on how the permits were issued (sometimes per your list, sometimes alphabetically).
Departure is VERY early in the morning. The local guides will walk with you. The trek could be anywhere from 30 minutes to 8 hours in duration – it depends where the Gorillas are. Once you find them you will be allowed to stay with them for one hour before you return to camp.
Human diseases can infect the Gorillas, especially colds, so if you have a cold you will NOT be allowed to visit the Gorillas. If you pull out before departing on the trek then you will be refunded your permit fee. If the Park Ranger finds out you have a cold while on the hike then he will send you back and you will receive NO REFUND. You are not allowed to touch the Gorillas although it is possible that they may touch you. If this happens please do not panic, and follow the instructions of the Park Rangers. Gorillas are generally very gentle beings. No flash photography or eating is allowed around the Gorillas.
What do you need for the trek?
- Good hiking shoes, preferably boots to protect ankles from twisting on uneven paths
- Day pack/small rucksack for carrying everything
- A large water bottle – if you end up walking for a few hours you will need lots of drinking water
- Camera (no flash allowed), spare film and batteries
- Long Pants (the ants that live in the forest can bite) and good socks
- Lightweight raincoat/warm fleece, in case you get cold.
While you are waiting your turn to go to visit the Gorillas, there are a number of hikes a |
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Meals: FB
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Location: Bwindi National Park,
Uganda
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| DAY 9: Lake Bunyoni Camp |
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You return to Lake Bunyoni today for some rest and relaxation after the excitement of the last few days.
Lake Bunyoni
Lake Bunyoni is reputed to be one of the deepest lakes in Africa. There are no fish in the lake, but it does contain a large population of freshwater crayfish. The surrounding hills are the home of the Bakiga people who are cultivators by tradition. The lake has no bilharzia, no crocodiles, no hippos, and due to its altitude, malaria is rather scarce. Bunyoni means "the place of little birds", and it definitely deserves the name! Mt Muhavura is 4127m high, and can be seen on a clear day. |
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Meals: FB
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Location: Lake Bunyoni,
Uganda
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| DAYS 10 - 11: Jinja Camp |
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A long day's drive brings you back to Jinja where you can enjoy all the optional activities on offer. One of the best activities is the rafting on the Nile, the longest river in Africa.
Optional Activities: Rafting, River boarding, Village Walks, Bungee Jumping and Quadbiking. |
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Meals: FB
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Location: Jinja,
Uganda
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| DAYS 12 - 13: Kenya - Lake Naivasha Camp |
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Today you re-enter Kenya and travel to Lake Naivasha, the 'sunshine lake'. Here the option is available to do an overnight trip to the Masai Mara National Park, or to remain behind, and go cycling in Hell’s Gate National Park.
There are lots of activities here. You can arrange to be collected by a local operator who will take you to the Masai Mara. If you do this, then you will be dropped off in Nairobi the next day. Other options include hiring a bicycle and taking a game ride around Hell’s Gate NP. There are no large predators here. You can also go to Elsamere, the home of George and Joy Adamson (the author of the book, Born Free) where you can have high tea on the lawn. They also show a video about the Adamson’s and their lions. |
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Meals: FB
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Location: Lake Naivasha,
Kenya
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| DAY 14: Nairobi: Tour Ends |
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After a relaxing breakfast you make your way back to Nairobi for the end of your adventure. Although your tour has ended, groups like to go out for supper to one of the excellent local restaurants.
Optional Activities: Dinner at Carnivore |
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Meals: HB
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Location: Nairobi,
Kenya
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