Kenya & Uganda Gorilla Overland: Forests & Wildlife Spotting

G Adventures · 15 days

4.8

20 Reviews

Duration

15 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Demanding

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Now's the time to explore Africa on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Got Africa's incredible creatures on the brain? You'll have a chance to spot plenty on this 15-day overland adventure through Kenya and Uganda.

Includes

Activities

Your G for Good Moment: Café Ubuntu 3-Course Farm-to-Table Lunch, Maai Mahiu Your G for Good Moment: AidChild Cafe & Gallery, Kayabwe Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group, Nairobi Your Discover Moment: Jinja
Wildlife safari drives in Masai Mara National Reserve
Safari in Lake Nakuru National Park
Guided mountain gorilla trek in Bwindi with permits
Entrance and chimpanzee tracking in Kalinzu Forest Reserve
Tea plantation visit
Transfer from Jinja to Nairobi
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodation

Basic hotel (1 nt, single or twin-share), permanent tented camp (2 nts), participation camping (11 nts).

13 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 10 dinners

Transport

7-seat 4x4 safari van, Lando (overland adventure vehicle), minibuses, walking.

Group Leader

2 CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) throughout as head guide/cook and driver, certified safari guides/drivers, certified mountain gorilla trackers, local guides.

Highlights

Explore the Masai Mara National Reserve in 4x4 safari vans
Admire mountain gorillas in their natural habitat
Search for chimpanzees in Kalinzu Forest
Take your pick of outdoor activities in Jinja

Kenya & Uganda Gorilla Overland: Forests & Wildlife Spotting

Trip Details

Duration

15 days

Transportation

7-seat 4x4 safari van, Lando (overland adventure vehicle), minibuses, walking.

Guide Language

English

Starts

Nairobi, Kenya

Finishes

Nairobi, Kenya

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

18 - 39 Year Olds Only, Budget

Physical Rating

Demanding

Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi

Arrive at any time.

Prepare for tomorrow's early morning by checking out the hotel bar with your newest friends. Travelling can take a lot out of you so sit back, fill those food and drink needs, and spend a chill night becoming familiar with your group and CEO.

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Accommodation - The Heron Hotel Nairobi

Day 2: Nairobi/Masai Mara

Hit the road and journey through the Great Rift Valley today on the way to one of the most famous national parks in Africa and Kenya's premier wildlife reserve.

Stretch those legs and take in your surroundings before heading on a late afternoon wildlife safari drive with excellent chances of seeing the “big five”. This natural environment coupled with the park's varied wildlife provides for a spectacular safari experience.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride.Activity - Maasai Mara is one of the world’s top safari destinations, known for its abundance of big cats – cheetahs, leopards and lions – as well as the two million wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelles and zebra that migrate annually across the vast grasslands in search of water. Set off on safari with our driver/guide and keep your eyes and ears peeled for movement and memories. Watch elephants and giraffe grazing, photograph zebras and wildebeest and, with a little luck, you'll even spot animals feasting on a recent kill.Accommodation - Kenia Safari Tented Camp

Day 3: Masai Mara

Grab those cameras and jump in the safari vehicle with your driver/guide to spot wildlife in the Masai Mara National Reserve. Listen to your guide describe the African bush as you traverse one of the world's top safari destinations. Masai Mara is known for its abundance of big cats and wildebeest (see if you can capture a picture of one)!

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride.Activity - Maasai Mara is one of the world’s top safari destinations, known for its abundance of big cats – cheetahs, leopards and lions – as well as the two million wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelles and zebra that migrate annually across the vast grasslands in search of water. Set off on safari with our driver/guide and keep your eyes and ears peeled for movement and memories. Watch elephants and giraffe grazing, photograph zebras and wildebeest and, with a little luck, you'll even spot animals feasting on a recent kill.Accommodation - Kenia Safari Tented Camp

Day 4: Masai Mara/Lake Nakuru National Park

Awake to the sounds of the bush as your alarm clock before jumping in your 4x4 safari vehicle. Today, the group is heading to Lake Nakuru, known for harbouring flocks of pink flamingos and a rich variety of bird species.

Before reaching the safari lodge inside Lake Nakuru National Park, you'll stop at the G Adventures-supported Ubuntu Cafe where you will meet up with the Lando, enjoy a meal, and have the opportunity to shop for locally and internationally sold products as memorable and impactful souvenirs.

Later, the group will go on an afternoon wildlife drive through the area.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride.Activity - On this trip, you'll experience the warmth of Ubuntu Cafe, where every meal you enjoy contributes to a circle of empowerment and supports the creation of impactful souvenirs you'll treasure forever. Your visit also extends support to Ubuntu School, championing the rights and education of children with special needs through therapeutic and vocational training programs.Transport - Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!Activity - Search for, buffalo, impalas, hyenas, and even lions and leopards on the wildlife safari drive in this renowned national park. Head to the shores of Lake Nakuru to see pelicans and cormorants. The park is also rich in other bird life, including grebes, white winged black terns, stilts, avocets, and ducks.Accommodation - Nderit Campsite

Day 5: Lake Nakuru National Park/Eldoret

Another day, another chance to see more wildlife and live your African safari dream. After your morning safari drive around Lake Nakuru keeping your eyes wide open in search of buffalo, impala, and the elusive leopard. The group will bump along in the Lando sharing photos of your day on the road to Eldoret.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Search for, buffalo, impalas, hyenas, and even lions and leopards on the wildlife safari drive in this renowned national park. Head to the shores of Lake Nakuru to see pelicans and cormorants. The park is also rich in other bird life, including grebes, white winged black terns, stilts, avocets, and ducks.Transport - Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!Accommodation - Greenwoods Resort and Campsite

Day 6: Eldoret/Kampala

It's time to cross another country off of those travel lists as you cross the border from Kenya into Uganda. Drive along reminiscing on inside jokes and experiences from the trip before camping in Kampala (the country's capital) where you will arrive in the late afternoon.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!Activity - Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.Accommodation - Red Chilli Hideaway

Day 7: Kampala/Lake Bunyonyi

Even though you get to do something pretty awesome everyday you're going to cross the equator today in the Lando (which we think is a pretty cool thing to be able to add to a travel resume) and head off to Lake Bunyonyi.

The name Bunyonyi means ‘place of many little birds' and it is undoubtedly the loveliest lake in Uganda. It's winding shores encircle 29 islands and its surrounded by steep terraced hillsides that will have you wondering if you are somewhere in Asia. But the best part is that Lake Bunyonyi is a croc and hippo free lake (unlike many lakes in East Africa) so you can swim in its calm waters as much as you like… such bliss!

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!Accommodation - Bunyonyi Overland Resort

Day 8: Gorilla Trek

Today's the day that some of your dreams may just come true because you are going on a guided mountain gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (so insanely cool!) So get ready to embark on an unforgettable hike deep into the jungle through volcano forests alongside a park ranger to search for mountain gorillas. The treks can vary in length and difficulty so be prepared for a challenge, but know that if you spot these majestic creatures (we share 98% of our DNA with them) it will all be worth it.

Note: Ugandan authorities are fiercely protective of this natural treasure, and currently permit only a maximum of eight people, per day, to visit a given gorilla family. The group will be split into different sub-groups for the trek, and depending on the number of travellers, different sub-groups may do their trek on different days.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Take an unforgettable guided trek (1-6 hrs) deep into volcano forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a wildlife encounter of a lifetime, and meet a family of mountain gorillas. One of Africa's major highlights, a close encounter with these amazing animals is simply breathtaking. Get prepared before heading out: bring plenty of water and waterproof clothing (it can rain on only a few minutes’ notice), and be sure to bring protective bags for cameras and film. Dress in layers with long sleeves and long pants to protect against stinging nettles found in the forests. The trek’s often chilly, at first, until you start trekking. Note: Ugandan authorities are fiercely protective of this natural treasure, and currently permit only a maximum of eight people, per day, to visit a given gorilla family. The group will be split into different sub-groups for the trek, and depending on the number of travellers, different sub-groups may do their trek on different days. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has four areas; Rushaga, Buhoma, Nkuringo, and Ruhija. Depending on permit availability your group could be tracking gorillas from different areas of the park, it is all still part of Bwindi.Accommodation - Bunyonyi Overland Resort

Day 9: Lake Bunyonyi

Let's give Lake Bunyonyi some love today. Explore this magical place as the morning mist rises off of the gently lapping waters. With tons of optional activities to choose from like, swimming, hiking, canoeing, bird watching, a motorboat tour of the lake, or a scenic drive across the border to Kigali, Rwanda, there's no time to be bored. Then relax together at the lodge in the evening talking about your group gorilla experiences.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Get out and do as much or as little as you'd like around Lake Bunyonyi.Accommodation - Bunyonyi Overland Resort

Day 10: Lake Bunyonyi/Kalinzu Forest Reserve

Sit back, relax, and watch the Ugandan countryside slip past on today's journey to Kalinzu Forest Reserve further north in the country.

The forest reserve is adjacent to Queen Elizabeth National Park and is characterized by open savannah, large area of swamp around Lake George, and the extensive Maramagambo Forest in the southeast. There's a lot of landscapes to experience so what are you waiting for? Get started!

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!Accommodation - Craters Campsite & Country Lodge

Day 11: Kalinzu Forest Reserve/Lake Mburo National Park

You know that saying, “the early bird gets the worm” well in this case the early bird gets to see chimpanzees. Get up early for an included chimpanzee tracking excursion and explore the verdant Kalinzu Forest Reserve with a ranger while being on the lookout for these chimpanzee families.

Afterwards, the group will visit a tea plantation before setting off to Lake Mburo. Once you arrive there you can choose to book an afternoon boat cruise on the lake, or explore the local area on foot.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Enjoy a chimpanzee tracking excursion through the scenic Kalinzu Forest Reserve. Trek along the ridges and valleys of the Rift Valley escarpment to visit chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Follow forest trails, which offer amazing views over the Rwenzori Mountains, Lake Edward, the Kazinga Channel, and the Congo. The Kalinzu Forest Reserve is steeped in mystery and rich with local legends. Learn about the folklore and uses of the forest from a local guide.Activity - Walk through a tea plantation with a local guide. View multiple varietals of tea, and learn about the process of growing tea plants from the harvesting stage to what goes into making the best cup of tea.Transport - Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!Accommodation - Leopard Rest Camp

Day 12: Lake Mburo National Park/Jinja

Head back across the equator today in the Lando; Uganda is one of the few countries in the world where you can cross this imaginary geographical line on land.

Observe how water swirls in opposite directions on either side of the equator and then stop to enjoy a meal at the G Adventures-supported AidChild Equation Café & Gallery. With full stomachs and even more full hearts the group will continue on to Jinja, the adventure capital of Uganda.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!Activity - Make a stop at AidChild’s Equation Café and Gallery, located at the equator. Surrounded by paintings and other crafts made by local artists, you'll enjoy a meal made with traditional Ugandan ingredients, with a modern twist. Your lunch here directly supports AidChild, a non-profit that provides support, medical care and education to children and youth living with HIV in Uganda.Accommodation - Nile River Explorers River Camp

Day 13: Jinja

Get out there, get active, and have some fun! Explore Jinja today solo or with your group by participating in the plethora of outdoor and adventure activities they have to offer.

Choose to raft down the White Nile River, break a sweat mountain biking up and down the hills surrounding the town, or for a more laid back day check out the local market. Keep your eyes ready to spot monkeys and other wildlife that can wander to the outskirts of this town.
Pre-book your rafting adrenaline rush on the checkout page to include the Jinja River Rafting optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Get out and enjoy the adrenaline capital of Uganda.Accommodation - Nile River Explorers River Camp

Day 14: Jinja/Eldoret

Today is a bit of a travel day but you won't mind because you could use the rest. The group will be leaving Uganda and crossing over into Kenya and travel to Eldoret. Hang out together as a group and enjoy a nice evening camping under the stars.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!Activity - Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.Accommodation - Greenwoods Resort and Campsite

Day 15: Eldoret/Nairobi

After your adventurous experiences yesterday you'll be glad to have a more low key travel day to replenish your energy before the journey home. So sit back and enjoy the ride as the group transfers through to the Kenyan countryside to Nairobi. We're thinking naps, story time, and then maybe a mini dance party in the Lando to get you through the day. (Toto's Africa song anyone?)

Tour ends on arrival in Nairobi. Not ready to leave Africa just yet? (Yeah, we don't blame you) talk with your CEO about extending your adventure and get to know Kenya or beyond!

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

From
AUD $6499

AUD $5,199

(Tour only)

Offer ends 09 May, 2026 Per Person Standard

Duration: 15 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Demanding

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 08 May 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

5.0

Marike S.

Traveled, December 2023

12/29/2023

I have done two G Adventures trips so far and I met very kind people and saw amazing animals and landscapes. It was a beautiful experience and for me, it was a very convenient way to find people (about my age) who are excited about similar things. Travelling was easy and camping was fun

5.0

Elodie C.

Traveled, December 2023

12/29/2023

The highlights of the trip were out of this world. The gorilla experience was the best day of my life, but the long drives were really exhausting and there was no actual time to be on your own or do some physical activities.

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990

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