Gorillas & Wildlife

Day 1 : Entebbe > Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

On arrival at Entebbe International Airport you will be welcomed by an andBeyond representative and checked in for your flight to Kihihi Airstrip. From here, transfer by road to Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Days 2 & 3 : Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

An ancient rain forest, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest extends over a series of steep ridges in the Virunga Volcanoes mountain range. Declared a World Heritage Site due to its ecological uniqueness and biological diversity, the forest is home to roughly half of the world’s total gorilla population. With terrain that varies from swamp and bamboo forest to dense thicket, this beautiful area poses both challenges and rewards for anyone interested in an intimate glimpse of the life of these fascinating primates.

The gorillas you will track belong to one of the ‘habituated’ family groups in northern Bwindi. Experienced guides accompany the tracking, many of whom have been involved in the habituation process themselves. One population of mountain gorillas inhabits the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. A census in 2011 recorded over 400 gorillas here.

Day 4 : Bwindi Impenetrable Forest > Entebbe > Nairobi

Return to Entebbe for your flight to Nairobi, then transfer to Hemingways Nairobi.

Day 5 : Nairobi > Masai Mara Game Reserve

This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to the Masai Mara, and transfer to andBeyond Bateleur Camp. The Masai Mara is Kenya’s most renowned game park and legendary for great sightings of wildlife year-round. Spend two nights at the intimate and vintage safari style of Bateleur Camp overlooking where the final scene in Out of Africa was filmed. Enjoy game drives with expert guides in open 4×4 vehicles with guaranteed “window seats” and uninterrupted views.

Day 6 : Masai Mara Game Reserve

Take thrilling morning and afternoon game drives to spot the Big Five. Enjoy views of the Mara from the pool and lounge area at camp. The migratory wildebeest, zebra, kongoni and topi join abundant elephant, hippo, buffalo, giraffe, lion and cheetah. Leopard and serval are frequently encountered, while endangered black rhino can be found in the dense bush thickets.

Day 7 : Masai Mara Game Reserve > Serengeti National Park

Today fly to the Serengeti, undoubtedly one of the world’s most celebrated wilderness areas. Spend three nights at andBeyond Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp, andBeyond Kleins Camp or andBeyond Serengeti Under Canvas.

Days 8 & 9 : Serengeti National Park

Every day is different, with twice-daily or full day safari depending on the season. Head out after breakfast and return for lunch and siesta at camp and then a late afternoon safari ending in sundowners under African skies; or go on a full-day migration safari with a hearty picnic lunch, returning to camp to relax in the evening. A balloon safari (optional) over the Serengeti is a highly recommended option. With no fences or man-made barriers, huge numbers of wildlife move freely throughout this area, constantly recreating an ageless natural cycle. The magnificent Serengeti is famed for its vast tree-less grasslands, allowing for excellent wildlife sightings.

Day 10 : Serengeti  > Manyara >  Ngorongoro Crater

Fly to Manyara Airstrip and transfer to Ngorongoro Crater to spend two nights at Entamanu Ngorongoro, an intimate lodge on a high point of the crater rim, set against a backdrop of wild, elemental highlands.

Day 11 : Ngorongoro Crater

Spend the day in the Ngorongoro Crater – this ancient volcano shelters more than 30,000 protected animals. Stop for a picnic on the Crater floor – surrounded by some of Africa’s most iconic scenery, as well as masses of wildlife, the appetite is sharpened and the taste buds awakened. Continue on your wildlife adventure after lunch, returning to the lodge in the afternoon.

Day 12 : Ngorongoro Crater > Manyara > Kilimanjaro

Transfer to Manyara Airstrip for your light aircraft transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport where arrangements end.