Gorillas & Big Five Safari Adventure
Overview
Gorillas in the mist, migration on the plains
This 15-night safari blends East Africa’s most iconic wildlife experiences into one seamless journey. In Uganda, trek through Bwindi’s emerald forests to meet mountain gorillas, follow chimpanzees through Kyambura Gorge, and explore Queen Elizabeth National Park’s savannah and waterways. Then fly into Kenya to witness the drama of the Great Migration from the Masai Mara before concluding in Lewa, where Big Five encounters meet pioneering conservation. Crafted for adventurous travellers, this itinerary balances untamed wilderness with refined lodges, rare primate encounters with predator-rich plains – a journey that captures the soul of East Africa.
Highlights
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi’s misty mountains
- Wild chimpanzee encounters in Kyambura Gorge
- Witness the Great Migration from Cottar’s 1920s Camp
- Big Five safari and walking adventures at Lewa Wilderness
Destinations
Kenya | Uganda
Itinerary Overview
Experiences off the beaten track.
Crafted for the bold + discerning.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 1
Day 1
Arrive
Entebbe
Check-in
Hotel No. 5
Accommodation
Hotel No. 5
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 2–4
Day 2–4
Transfer to
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Check-in
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Fly into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Your base for three nights is Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, perched high on a ridge with sweeping views across the forest canopy and Virunga Volcanoes. From here, embark on guided treks into the rainforest for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with a gorilla family – an experience both humbling and unforgettable.
Accommodation
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge offers stone cottages warmed by open fires, each decorated with Ugandan artwork and cosy furnishings. With panoramic views, personal butler service, and a conservation ethos, it pairs rugged remoteness with refined comfort.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 5–7
Day 5–7
Arrive
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Check-in
Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Continue to the Great Rift Valley, where Queen Elizabeth National Park offers rich biodiversity. Kyambura Gorge Lodge overlooks the savannah plains, volcanic craters, and the famed “Valley of the Apes.” This is your base for chimpanzee trekking, game drives, and boat safaris along the Kazinga Channel.
Accommodation
Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Once a coffee store, Kyambura Gorge Lodge has been reimagined into a stylish eco-lodge with Afro-chic bandas, each with private verandas. The lodge supports vital conservation initiatives, making it a stay that is both inspiring and impactful.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 8
Day 8
Arrive
Entebbe
Check-in
Hotel No. 5
Return to Entebbe for a restful overnight before crossing into Kenya.
Accommodation
Hotel No. 5
Hotel No. 5 is a chic, contemporary boutique hotel with spacious rooms, leafy courtyards, and a spa. Its modern comforts and warm service create a welcoming atmosphere, ideal for easing into your East African adventure.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 9–11
Day 9–11
Arrive
Masai Mara National Reserve
Check-in
Cottar’s 1920s Camp
Fly into Kenya’s legendary Masai Mara, where endless savannahs set the stage for the Great Migration. Your base, Cottar’s 1920s Camp, combines vintage safari elegance with a deep-rooted commitment to conservation. Here, game drives, walking safaris, and Maasai cultural experiences immerse you in the magic of East Africa’s most iconic reserve.
Accommodation
Cottar’s 1920s Camp
Cottar’s 1920s Camp recalls the golden era of safari. With canvas tents adorned with antique furnishings, brass fittings, and private verandas, it merges nostalgia with modern luxury and award-winning guiding.
This award-winning five-star hotel delivers a refined stopover experience. Spacious, soundproofed rooms feature plush bedding and deep soaking tubs, while attentive service anticipates every need. Facilities include a heated indoor pool, a wellness spa, and curated dining at Quills Restaurant, making it a destination in its own right for discerning travellers in transit.
Itinerary Breakdown
Days 12–15
Days 12–15
Arrive
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
Check-in
Lewa Wilderness
Conclude your journey in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and global model for conservation. Lewa Wilderness, one of Kenya’s oldest family-owned lodges, balances comfort with authenticity, offering access to diverse wildlife and unique safari activities.
Accommodation
Lewa Wilderness
Lewa Wilderness combines rustic charm with timeless hospitality. Stone cottages and hillside rooms open onto sweeping views, while family-style hosting creates a sense of belonging in this pioneering conservancy.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 16
Day 16
After a final morning safari on Lewa’s wildlife-rich plains, you’ll transfer to Nairobi for your onward journey home – carrying with you memories of gorillas in the mist, chimps in the gorge, and the timeless drama of the East African plains.
YOUR NEXT JOURNEY
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