Gorillas & Masai Mara - Camping Reverse

Name: Gorillas & Masai Mara - Camping Reverse
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.8 (9 reviews)

9 reviews

Activity

Wildlife

Overview

Marvel at the endangered mountain gorillas of Bwindi and spot magnificent safari animals in Kenya

Embark on the animal-watching adventure of a lifetime, visiting the wildlife hotspots of Uganda and Kenya. It starts in spectacular fashion, trekking through Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to spend time with a family of gorillas, then through Kalinzu Forest in search of chimpanzees. We then head to the Masai Mara in Kenya, home to lions, cheetahs and the Maasai people, who we meet to learn firsthand about their culture and traditions.

Key Information

Trip Code: WYUR
Ways to Travel: Guided Group
Countries: Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda
Carbon Footprint: 26kg CO2e per person per day

What's Included

1 Classic night (hotel), 13 Simple nights (full-service camping)
14 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 14 dinners
All transport and listed activities, including one chimp permit and one gorilla permit
Tour leader throughout
Group arrival and departure transfers available

Don't Forget To

Request a single room if required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas and vaccinations.

Highlights

Embark on an overland safari adventure with an expert tour leader
Trek through Bwindi to spend an unforgettable hour with mountain gorillas
Track a chimpanzee troop in Kalinzu Forest
Meet the Maasai people on an exploration of Tepesua village
Search for elephants, leopards, lions, rhinos and more on multiple game drives
Camp under the African sky – our crew take care of all the chores!

Itinerary

First Destination: Kigali
Next Destination: Nairobi

Accommodation:Beauséjour Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Dinner

Accommodation:Virunga Hotel & Campsite (or similar) – full-service camping
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Accommodation:Virunga Hotel & Campsite (or similar) – full-service camping
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Accommodation:Igongo Hotel Camping (or similar) – full-service camping
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Accommodation:Igongo Hotel Camping (or similar) – full-service camping
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Accommodation:Adrift Camp (or similar) – full-service camping
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Accommodation:Adrift Camp (or similar) – full-service camping
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Accommodation:Greenwood Resort camping (or similar) – full-service camping
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Accommodation:Lake Nakuru camping (or similar) – full-service camping
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Accommodation:Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp (or similar) – full-service camping
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Accommodation:Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp (or similar) – full-service camping
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Accommodation:Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp (or similar) – full-service camping
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Accommodation:Mountain Rock (or similar) – full-service
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Accommodation:Mountain Rock (or similar) – full-service
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast

First Destination: Kigali
Next Destination: Nairobi

The adventure begins in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.

Around 6pm say hello to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.

Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome by arranging a group dinner.

Want to explore further? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Accommodation: Beauséjour Hotel (or similar)

Accommodation:Beauséjour Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Dinner

Rwanda is a country widely remembered for the genocide of 1994, in which hundreds of thousands of people were killed. There is a moving museum in Kigali that covers this period, which we visit this morning. After lunch, we cross the border into Uganda and drive towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the home of wild mountain gorillas.

Accommodation:Virunga Hotel & Campsite (or similar) – full-service camping
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You will remember today for the rest of your life as we spend a full hour in the company of a family of mountain gorillas! Owing to the terrain and need to explore to find the gorillas, our trek doesn’t follow a path; instead, our guides cut a route through the undergrowth. After a safety briefing, we are assigned to a gorilla family group and begin our trek. Expect a minimum of three hours of walking on irregular terrain; steep ascents and descents over muddy slopes are the norm. Strong footwear is essential and we recommend hiring a local porter to help you carry your bag/camera equipment and provide a steady, supportive hand (porters are arranged and paid for locally on the day).

Seeing wild mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is an experience you will never forget. An adult male can weigh up to 430lb (195kg), a female up to 220lb (100kg), and a male can reach 5ft 7in (1.7m) tall. They are almost exclusively vegetarian and quite destructive eaters, which makes them unpopular with the farmers lower down the mountain as they have been known to wreck a whole field of crops just to eat one plant. For this reason, and poaching, the gorillas are very carefully protected. Gorillas are gentle creatures and are not known to attack unless very severely provoked.

The family groups we trek to see are habituated to human presence but to prevent over familiarisation our time with them is limited to one hour. If the permits for gorilla families close to where we stay are unavailable, there may be more permits for other areas of the park, although this will mean a longer drive to the start of the trek.

Accommodation:Virunga Hotel & Campsite (or similar) – full-service camping
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, we have a long drive (approximately six to seven hours) to Mbarara, the ideal location to track chimpanzees tomorrow. En route, we pass through villages and communities, with the chance to see how the local people live.

Accommodation:Igongo Hotel Camping (or similar) – full-service camping
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Journey deep into Kalinzu Forest for an unforgettable adventure tracking chimpanzees. On this three to four-hour experience, we’re joined by experienced guides, trekking through the forest and listening out for the chimps’ distinctive calls.

Other animals we might spot along the way include colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, olive baboons and plenty of bird species. The terrain can be steep and, at times, muddy; however, the chimpanzees typically stay on the flatter terrain.

Accommodation:Igongo Hotel Camping (or similar) – full-service camping
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today there is a drive (approximately seven hours) to Jinja. En route, we pass over the equator, where our tour leader can show us some fun experiments.

On the shores of Lake Victoria, Jinja is the adventure capital of Uganda. The area is most famous for grade IV and V white-water rafting excursions but there are plenty of other adrenaline-fuelled activities here.

Accommodation:Adrift Camp (or similar) – full-service camping
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is free to choose from a range of optional activities. White-water rafting in Jinja is among the best in the world, with a half- or full-day route that varies from quiet pools and forested islands to thunderous rapids and drops. There are several grade V rapids to navigate including Big Brother, Overtime and Silverback. If rafting doesn’t appeal, you can visit the source of the White Nile, one of the two major tributaries of the Nile.

Accommodation:Adrift Camp (or similar) – full-service camping
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We cross into Kenya today via the Malaba Border, transferring (7hr 30min) to the city of Eldoret, with the chance to see the diverse scenery and experience the climate change as we transition between countries. Arriving in Eldoret, we have the rest of the day free to relax.

Accommodation:Greenwood Resort camping (or similar) – full-service camping
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Bid farewell to Eldoret and transfer (five hours) to Lake Nakuru National Park. Along the way we can admire views of the Great Rift Valley, which looks particularly spectacular from the Church Rock viewpoint.

We get into the action with an afternoon game drive, the length of which depends on the movement and activity of the animals. On the floor of the Great Rift Valley, the park is home to a wide variety of animals, including lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras and buffalos.

Accommodation:Lake Nakuru camping (or similar) – full-service camping
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drive one-hour to Hell’s Gate National Park today, a compact park home to zebras, giraffes, leopards and plenty more. There’s also a Maasai cultural centre to visit, where we learn more about Maasai traditions. We take a game drive in the park, but there’s also the option of hiring bikes (paid locally) to explore on two wheels.

This afternoon, there’s free time to relax at the beach or hotel pool; alternatively, take a walk into the local villages.

Accommodation:Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp (or similar) – full-service camping
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lace up your boots for a three-hour hike to Crater Lake, with the chance to see plenty of birdlife en route. Hiking to the top of the hills for a magnificent view over the lake, we may also spot giraffes and zebras, who are also regular visitors.

Return to camp for lunch, then leave for Elsamere, the one-time home of naturalist and author Joy Adamson, who wrote the 1960 classic Born Free. The property is a museum to the Adamsons and there are plenty of photos of Elsa the lioness. Later, we enjoy high tea in the grounds, with a scenic lake as our backdrop.

Accommodation:Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp (or similar) – full-service camping
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We visit Lake Naivasha today, where we take a boat onto the waters to see the natural beauty and spot the abundant wildlife. We also head to a hippo pool, where we can see these magnificent creatures swimming.

Accommodation:Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp (or similar) – full-service camping
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we travel into the Masai Mara, stopping en route in the Loita Hills to visit the Maasai village of Tepesua, where the community is known for championing Maasai women’s health and education. On arrival, we are welcomed by a traditional warrior song and dance, before our host explains about Maasai warrior training and we take a walk in the village.

The Mara is a vast grassland teeming with life. Here wildebeest, gazelles, topis, zebras and buffalo abound in the rolling savannah, and never far away lay the predators: cheetahs, lions and hyenas. Between mid-August and late October, one of the greatest spectacles on Earth takes place in the Mara: the annual migration of thousands of wildebeest, gazelles and zebras trampling across the long grass. Nothing is guaranteed on safari, but with the help of our brilliant guides you should see and learn a huge amount about the Masai Mara wildlife as we drive through the park this afternoon.

Accommodation:Mountain Rock (or similar) – full-service
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a full-day game drive in the Masai Mara to increase our chances of encountering many of the wildlife species in the reserve. We find a quiet spot inside the park to enjoy lunch by our vehicle, looking out across the plains.

Accommodation:Mountain Rock (or similar) – full-service
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We depart after breakfast for Nairobi, travelling up through the Rift Valley escarpment and looking back on classic African views with acacia trees scattering the vast landscape. Our trip ends in the Kenyan capital, where we say a fond farewell to each other and begin our return journeys home.

Of course if you’d like to arrange more time to explore, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Meals included:Breakfast

Dates & Prices

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Accommodation

Full-service camping

On this trip into the wilds of Africa, we embrace our adventurous spirit and spend 13 nights camping. It’s a back-to-basics experience, but the camping is full-service, which means the tents are put up and taken down by our crew. We use two-person tents and provide mattresses and all other equipment you’ll need (except a sleeping bag and pillow). East African campsites vary in terms of facilities – do not expect hot showers, flushing toilets or Western standards of cleanliness. Upgrades to a room are available at some locations – these can only be booked and paid for locally. In Kigali, we stay in a small hotel.

Worth knowing

We have more than one accommodation option on some nights, which means that where we stay may differ to what is listed in the daily itinerary. The accommodation we select around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is dependent on the gate we are using to access the park.

Essential Information

This trip is graded Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate) with a Wildlife Rating of Four. For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page or our Wildlife Holidays page for more on our Wildlife Ratings. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.

The moderate grading applies specifically to the gorilla trek and chimpanzee tracking. The rest of the itinerary is graded as leisurely in relation to the Activity Level only (however, this is not a leisurely trip in relation to the early starts and long drives).

Gorilla trek: Owing to the terrain and need to explore to find gorillas, the trek doesn’t always follow a path in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park; instead, the guides cut a route through the undergrowth. Expect a minimum of three hours of hiking on irregular terrain, with the possibility of climbing up to 8,550ft (2,607m); steep ascents and descents over muddy slopes are the norm. Strong footwear is essential and we recommend hiring a local porter to help you carry your bag/camera equipment and provide a steady, supportive hand (porters are arranged and paid for locally on the day).

Journeys: Transport is in a specialist overland vehicle with good visibility and 4×4 vehicles in the Masai Mara. There are several early mornings where we start before sunrise, especially to view the wildlife, and several long drives. Although the distances are not always very long, some of the roads are quite poor and bumpy, especially after the rainy season. We include breaks for toilet facilities, shopping, photos and meals. There are a few days where the journey time (including stops) can be more than seven hours and the longest drive can take approximately nine hours. The spectacular scenery and glimpses of village life make the journeys enjoyable, as do the chances to get to know your travel companions. Come with a sense of adventure and fun and you’ll have the trip of a lifetime.

Travel restrictions: Certain areas in Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda are not recommended for travel on the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office website. Please note, we do not visit any of these areas on our itinerary and continually keep abreast of changes to FCDO advice.

Booking conditions: A minimum of £900 (or equivalent in booking currency) non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking to cover the cost of the gorilla permits. If for any reason we must cancel the trip, you receive a full refund.

Key Information

Start hotel: Beausejour Hotel, KN 5 Rd, Kigali, Rwanda
Telephone: +250 788 388 885
Recommended arrival time: Aim to arrive at the hotel this afternoon. Day 1’s welcome briefing is held around 6pm – this is the perfect opportunity to meet your guide and get to know your fellow travellers.
Airport: Kigali International Airport (KGL)

Getting to the hotel

The start hotel is approximately 20 minutes’ drive from the airport. We provide one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.

If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to Nairobi Airport (NBO) for those booked onto a chosen flight. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.

Kenya

Travellers from the UK, US and EU need an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) to enter Kenya. Please note, requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required eTAs/visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on entry requirements for their citizens. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/africa/kenya
Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/kenya
United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/kenya/entry-requirements
USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Kenya.html

You can apply for your eTA, which costs US$30, on the official website for the Kenyan government. You will need the following before you make your application:

Valid passport
Recent passport picture OR a selfie picture taken during application process
Contact details (home address, telephone, email)
Travel information and flight itinerary (arrival flight number, date of departure of initial flight in case of connecting flights)
Proof of booking for the hotel you will be staying at (if staying with friends, a letter of invitation is accepted)
Yellow fever vaccination certificate if coming from endemic countries (please check the World Health Organization website for the updated list of countries)
Credit/debit card information for payment, if applicable

Rwanda

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally need a visa to enter Rwanda. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Uganda

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally need a visa to enter Uganda. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

You can apply for your visa (or find out more information) at www.visas.immigration.go.ug. The decision taken on the application will be sent electronically through the email provided by the applicant. If approved, an approval letter will be sent as an attachment to the email provided. Print it out and present it together with a valid passport/travel document at the port of entry. The cost of a standard single-entry visit visa is US$50 and can be paid online.

Please note: Currently, the single-entry visa is only valid for three months from the issue data. Please ensure your visa is valid for your travel dates.

Virtually all meals are included and are prepared for you by our chef and crew. They are adept at catering for large groups of hungry travellers!

Breakfasts usually include cereal, toast and hot food such as porridge or eggs. Lunches tend to feature a range of sandwich options plus a fruit selection. Dinners usually feature soup, a main (a mix of local and international cuisine) and dessert (typically fruit salad). All cooking equipment is loaded onto the overland vehicle and so our crew are ready to prepare food wherever we stop – don’t worry about going hungry on this trip! You also have time to stock up on snacks and drinks along the journey.

For meals not included, it would be a good idea to allow a further US$100 to cover these.

Although this part of East Africa lies in the tropics, the temperature depends more on altitude than on season. Kenya has temperatures of 18C-28C (64F-82F) in March and 15C-21C (59F-70F) in August. The long rains, during which we do not operate these tours, occur in April and May, and there are intermittent short rains between November and early December, though these normally have no great effect on the safari.

In western Uganda, the rainy season is also in April and May, with intermittent rains during November and December, and daytime temperatures of 15C-25C (59F-77F). Parts of Uganda are very wet and rain can fall at any time.

In Rwanda, the rainy season is also in April and May, with intermittent rains during November. December to February is quite dry, and June through October is the driest season. Temperatures do vary, in the southern parts of Rwanda the temperatures are 18C-30C (64F-86F), while in the northern part, temperatures are 12C-28C (54F-82F).

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

Reviews

Add new review

Abigail Turnbull

Added October 2022

Amazing adventure!

Something you can’t plan with any trip is your group or the wild animals. I’m happy to say that both were amazing. As lucky as we were to see up close and personal all the wonderful Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Lions, Leopards and so much more… Not forgetting the humble Warthog. This was greatly enhanced by fabulous tour leaders, drivers and chefs. We we’re always well looked after. Jacob our guide was knowledgeable, approachable and made absolutely sure we wouldn’t get eaten at night. Our chefs excelled themselves and turned out delicious food in interesting makeshift kitchens. Our driver was a stone cold legend, keeping us safe in long and challenging journeys. If I had one criticism it is simply that a final night in Nairobi prior to flying home would have been welcomed into the schedule. This would allow the group to settle and reorganise after a long camping trip as opposed to a long drive and flight straight out where goodbye’s were rushed.

Most Inspirational Moment

Although the Gorillas were majestic the chimpanzees were so much fun! Literally running through the forrest and being surrounded by the loud calls was such a moment in time. The whole day was an adventure. Come with a sense of spirit!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wonderful! Kept us all in line with a smile. Easy to talk too and knew what he was about!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Come with a sense of fun. Enjoy the long travel days with your group and make it part of the enjoyment. Be grateful for every wild encounter and take binoculars. If your not a bird watcher before you might be by the end of the trip!

Suggestions

👍🏻🦒🦍🦛🦁

Audrey Morgan

Added February 2020

Gorillas and Masai Mara

Saw the most incredible wildlife, expert and professional team in Gilbert, Albert, Stoney and James and a wonderful road trip across E. Africa.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to mention but the Gorillas next to us was special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gilbert was professional, fun, accommodating and a joy to travel with.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just do it. The best trip yet!

Paul Daly

Added October 2019

An African Adventure

Long travel days, early mornings, tough tracking terrain, beautiful scenery, very changable weather, history lessons, amazing animal sightings, upset tummies, Masai and Batwa villages, hot and cold showers, trucks in ditches, border crossings, picnic lunches, and sooooooo much more

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many memorable moments from the Rwandan Genocide Memorial which was heartbreaking, the silent power of the Gorilla family we tracked, seeing a leopard ( 3 actually ), black and white rhino, jumping and spear throwing with the Masai, speaking with Helen who rescues young girls from FGM.....

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gilbert was an excellent all rounder with vast local, national and historical knowledge. All information was given clearly and our nightly meetings to tell of the plans for the following day often ended in stories about previous trips, historical figures and African culture. The other members of the team were super too. The driver, Stony, was unreal and Albert and James, the chefs, made sure nobody went hungry. If you are lucky enough to have this team looking after your group, you'll have a fantastic trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Please, please, please, don't underestimate the level of difficulty involved in the Gorilla trek. The trip notes do not adequately reflect the gradient of the slopes, the neccessity of a porter, or the toughness of the terrain. Having said that, its an amazing day and a once in a lifetime experience. I'd absolutely recommend doing the reverse trip. Get the gorilla trek done in the first few days and then you can enjoy the wonders of Lake Nakuru and the Masai Mara in comfort.

Suggestions

Just go!! Don't overthink it and just go. It is a great trip with so many different things to see and do. One thing to avoid however is the optional trip to the source of the White Nile. A huge disappointment for the money that was paid. Be prepared for medical problems like reactions to malaria pills, upset tummies, sunburn, and frankly, a roll of toilet paper in your bag could very well be your best friend.

Stuart Robinson

Added October 2019

A very good holiday

A very good but exhausting holiday with long truck journeys, heavy rain, early wet mornings but with magnificent sightings of all of East Africa's animals. The crew were exceptional with each member doing their job diligently and were a great help to us travellers. The following day's program were clearly explained each evening with questions asked and answered. Although I had no regrets about going on this holiday, I was just grateful that I did the reverse journey as I'm not sure that I would appreciate a six hour trek to see the gorillas at the end of the holiday - at 67, I'm not sure that I would have made it. Overall, I'm glad that I went.

Most Inspirational Moment

The sightings of the gorillas - I could literary touch one - and we were privileged to see three leopards in Uganda and Kenya.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gilbert was an excellent group leader, giving clear instructions to the group each evening and providing a talk on many relevant subjects displaying a deep knowledge of local current affairs, African culture and history. He always had time to answer any queries and resolve any problems that occurred.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The gorilla trek could be a problem for travellers who have fitness problems. The first trek took six hours up and down hills in hot weather. I booked a second gorilla trek which only took two to three hours as the animals were located near one of the gorilla centres - however, this was just as arduous due to the steep terrain, the thick vegetation and the slippery, muddy conditions. But, for me, it was worth it.

Sanjukta Dey

Added September 2019

Why Gorilla and Masai Mara Reverse Camping is Better.

This is a trip that's worth every single buck. I'll list the pros and cons though. Pros: Gorilla tracking is physically demanding. So is waking up very early every morning, travelling long distances and camping. Wildlife in Masai Mara is fantastic, no other national parks measure up to it in terms of sightings during this trip. When at the beginning of the trip energy level is high, better to do the gorilla tracking etc. Then in the end of the trip be rewarded by extraordinary wildlife viewing in Masai Mara. The crew was really great (except one) but Albert (chef) requires special mention because he was funny, kind and fed us amazing food. Stoney (driver) was very helpful and was always helpful with information. Cons: In some camping sites there is no Wi-Fi or internet, if we were informed before could tell our family not to worry if they didn't hear from us on certain dates. The truck was too old and dusty, some of the windows were difficult to open and close. We even had a breakdown close to Lake Bunyoni and that was only the beginning of the trip! Although Gilbert arranged alternative for reaching the campsite soon. On the days of long drive, why we stopped for lunch (sandwiches) which required preps and thus wasted time is beyond my understanding. There were days when we were given packed lunches (when went on game drives). Why couldn't the same be done which would have saved time and effort of the crew? Especially as bread in Uganda was horrible. The water pump was the most inconvenient thing ever! After a certain level it required one hand to hold the bottle, one to hold the neck of the pump and another to actually pump water! I've only two and one of crew member who was basically Man Friday, got annoyed because I was asking for help. He also tried to sell me wildlife photos (I'm a photojournalist and was travelling with pro cameras) but I didn't encourage him.

Most Inspirational Moment

Of course the highlight was watching the gorillas up close. However that wasn't all for me. Watching all wildlife in their habitat is a joyful experience. Visiting new countries, learning about their culture, cruising near Murchison Falls and Lake Victoria, hot air balloon in Masai Mara. All unforgettable experiences!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gilbert our group leader was very knowledgeable and proud of his culture, which was wonderful. He tried to solve any issue intelligently and swiftly. If it was possible, he tried his level best to get it done.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Those who an to buy additional gorilla permit must know that both happens in two different areas of the Virunga Massif. One in Bwindi and another in Mhinga (sorry about the spelling). The second one has more slope and physically exhausting. Bwindi has heavier growth and thus clear sighting maybe a problem. Unless very sure about being able to handle the climbs and physical exhaustion on two consecutive days, pause before buying the second permit. If someone plans to buy tea, try some in Uganda (my parents are loving it) but Kenyan coffee is better. Locals sell souvenirs in some places (but not outside Masai Mara), they are much cheaper than the souvenir shop they stop in. They sell some of the same stuff at double the price. DO NOT forget insect repellent, they will feast on you no matter what! I forgot my anti malaria pills, so Gilbert took me to a pharmacy in Uganda, where bought weekly tablet pack.

Suggestions

If I had to do this trip again, would still choose the reverse camping. Although now that Exodus Travels don't do gorilla tracking in Rwanda, it didn't make much sense to me. Perhaps they will replan the itinerary in future?

Ross Bishop

Added January 2019

A myriad of wildlife in the heart of Africa

This trip packs in a huge variety of wildlife experiences over a great distance in three scenic and friendly East African countries.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many highlights. For this trip, the Masai Mara provided the greatest inspiration. Our group was so fortunate to see multiple close up lion sightings, a leopard up a tree and a successful cheetah hunt amongst many other animals. The Mara is totally worthy of its global fame as a premier game reserve. On this occasion, our good fortune in Kenya just pipped the excellent gorilla and chimp tracking days in Uganda.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our Kenyan team, consisting of the tour leader driver, chef and camp assistant worked so hard evrry day and did so in cheerful spirit that made them a pleasure to be around.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for long drives on bumpy roads, particularly in Uganda. The gorrila tracking involves difficult underfoot conditions and the length of the hike to see the gorillas can't really be predicted in advance. No one in our group opted for the Kazinga Channel boat trip, this didn't matter as the included boat trip at Murchison Falls was outstanding, particularly for birds. Temperatures are generally moderate in this part of the world due to altitude, but Murchison Falls is lower and was therefore hot.

Suggestions

I've been lucky enough to go on a few African safaris over the years and this one was definately the best. Anyone put off by camping should be assured that the tents are fairly spacious, the camping mats are comfortable and that showers are reasonable at the majority of the campsites.

Alan Long

Added November 2017

A voyage of discovery.

Having been on many trips of discovery with Exodus, I had never been on one that offered so much. The itinerary was exactly right. The starting point is Rwanda were we met our leader for the tour Jacob, as usual a friendly face after a long flight out from the UK. After a nights rest, the next day we visited the Museum to the genocide which took place in the mid nineties, the museum has graphic pictures of this terrible time in Rwanda`s history. A reminder of how the west turned it`s back on the suffering of a whole group of people. Onto our first highlight, the mountain Gorillas. After a long trek up into the foothills of the Parc National des Volcans we met our first Gorillas after about an hour of walking through mud and clothes clawing undergrowth and overhead vine. This first encounter was unbelievable, such gentle creatures given the size of the alpha males. We spent an hour with them and they just carried on eating/ playing and sleeping as if we were not there. On into Uganda, no problems with crossing the border and onto Lake Bunyonyi. With the lake there are opportunities to take boat rides on the lake or hire canoes for a leisurely paddle. On through Uganda with it`s abundance of wildlife, mammals and bird life.We had our first encounters with the real wildlife in all their natural environment. Adrenalin seekers will love Jinja as the site we stay Adrift, were you can do white water rafting on the Nile or perhaps bungee jumping.Or you can just take a stroll around the local are to veiw the many and varied bird life. On into Kenya, this is when they asked to see our Yellow fever certificate, other than that it again was straight forward. Due to adverse weather we had miss the village camp, however not to worry, onto the Masai Mara. Arriving at lunch time we enjoyed yet another great lunch prepared as always by Wilson and Ester. We then had a half day taster into the game park. Nothing could have prepared me for what I was about to encounter. All you ever see on TV was there in front of you in all it`s splendour, to many to list. The next and last full day of the tour(excluding travel days) you again go into the park for a full day`s game drive. Amazing experience, so well organised and lead by the team, from the leader through the driver and cooks who took so much care of us. Thank you .

Most Inspirational Moment

This is not an easy choice, but it has to be the Gorillas, so human like.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jacob, I have been on may trips with Exodus and all the leaders are excellent. Jacob`s leadership and ability to adapt to required changes puts him at the very top of the top leaders.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you want to visit Africa and this appeals to you then do the same trip(reverse) it seemed to us who travelled together the best itinerary. Gorillas first then working your way though to the Masai Mara to end your trip.

Jo Carr

Added August 2014

Gorillas and Masai Mara (reverse)departing July 27th

This turned out to be the trip of a lifetime so far. Every day brought fresh highlights and the holiday just got better as we progressed. Each of the 3 countries visited are so beautiful and the people so warm and friendly that you won't want to leave. Of course, the wildlife is a real highlight - especially spending time with the serene mountain gorillas.

Most Inspirational Moment

Lots of them! Hearing the gorillas before we could actually see them and then having the privilege of spending time with them; Listening to a family of elephants communicating with each other and protecting their young; Silently floating over the Masai Mara in the ballon and watching the sunrise; The exhilaration of white water rafting on the Nile

Thoughts on Group Leader

Often is a wonderful leader and well supported by the fantastic team of Odoyo, Wilson and Alex. We were like a happy family - lots of shared laughter. Often was always happy to share his knowledge and got the balance just right when it came to giving us necessary information.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't bother taking lots of low denomination dollar notes - you are actually better off with a supply of $50 bills as you get a better exchange rate in the banks the higher the note - just take a few $10 and $20s for porters, tipping etc. It's very easy to change money in to local currency as you go - we took the leader's advice on how much to change and he got it about right. It's easier to have the local currency in bars etc or you'll pay a bit more in dollars. The balloon flight, though expensive, really was a wonderful experience so go for it if you can. Having to transit through Addis is a real bore - we got held airside on the way out which meant no access to food of drink for nearly 6 hours - if this happens to you insist on being allowed through, we weren't vocal enough. Having said that our return was much better and we were directed to the departure lounge so were able to browse the shops and drink etc. Maybe the outward journey was a one off but I would advise you to make sure you have a book and something available to drink just in case. Ethiopian Airlines were very good.

Suggestions

The reverse itinerary was great so don't be put off if you think it's not the norm. Each national park we visited seemed to get better and better and seeing the gorillas at the beginning was such an awesome way to begin the trip. If you are thinking of booking - do it!!

Anonymous .

Added August 2011

GORILLAS & MASAI MARA

DEFINITELY DO THIS TRIP !! Absolutely brilliant, if you love wildlife and east african culture I would recommend this trip, if this is your first east african trip it is a must. Wonderful people and wildlife in 3 beautiful countries and you get to go to the fabulous masai mara on your first few days, also to Lake Nakuru with the Rhino's and flamingoes. Across into Uganda where it is more lush and green then Kenya where we stayed at Lake Bunyonyi and visited a childrens Orphanage run by Crystal - Loving Hearts Helping Hands - this was amazing and the walk up to this is lovely, gets you out of breath but the guy who took us stops frequently for everyone. The nature walk at Lake Mburo was really good and we needed a good walk by this time after sitting in the overland vehicle, the Ranger who took us was really informative. Then onward into Rwanda and Ruhengeri where we trekked the fabulous gorillas.

Most Inspirational Moment

The absolute ultimate part of this trip for me was the visit to the Gorillas, I was in the group who visited the Bwenge group of gorillas - there was the Silverback and 5 females and 5 young. The 3 month old baby with her mother was amazing and there were 2 youngsters age 2 and 3 who were very close less than 1 metre at times just looking us in the eyes with not a care in the world!! I also loved the masai mara where we saw many lions, 1 lioness with a fresh kill of wildebeest we could hear her ripping off the rump she was so enjoying! Also we came across a cheetah under a small bush which was fabulous, the leopard was being elusive so didn't see that but we were so lucky to see elephants, hyena, 3 males lions together, zebra, wildebeest aplenty, buffalo, giraffe. Also waving at the children along the road and through the towns and villages was fab, in Rwanda it was the thumbs up to the children! Also the orphanage was amazing for me - playing football with the children, we sat in class and watched them doing their numbers and then they did some dancing for us and made us have a go too - they are brilliant dancers even the little ones, put us to shame!! I also took lots of pens and paper and I bought a football from a supermarket in Uganda for the children - they loved it and the teachers really appreciated the paper and pens for them.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Emias was very funny and a great and lovely guy, he is from Zimbabwe. He kept us informed of the plans for the day ahead, whilst we were having dinner each evening he gave us a talk about the next morning and day plans. Nothing was too much trouble and he brought a great vibe to the whole group. We also had Leo our Chef who cooked some lovely food, pork chops, an array of vegetables, freshly made lasagne was gorgeous, chicken, pasta, rice potatoes etc. There was cooked breakfast most mornings along with cereal and toast. I don't think anyone was allowed time to get hungry as they fed us so well - definitely no losing weight on this trip! We also had Francis who was co-driver and helped set up tents etc - he was quieter at first but came out of his shell and is a fab funny guy too. They really made the trip even better with their banter and jokes.The one thing I would say is that when we were travelling through towns and villages is that they didn't really tell us about the area or where we were or the fact that for example it was a big tea growing area made famous by Brooke Bond etc (one of my fellow travellers told us that), it is a bit difficult as its a sizeable truck and only one of the guys sits in the main part of the truck with us at the front, we asked some questions whilst travelling along here and there but not everyone could hear - so it's swings and roundabouts.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ah yes, I would take some travel toilet roll, some of the campsites tend to run out, they provide a stack of it on the vehicle at the start but it soon runs out. Some toilets are holes in the ground but they are inside a small toilet block usually. Also we stop for the proper toilets pretty frequently and along the road now and then and use the 'Bush Toilets' which is quite fun sometimes trying to find a suitable bush to hide behind!! Take a shower whenever they are available as a couple of camp sites (Lake Mburo) were yuk so go with the wet wipes there, but we weren't away from a place where you wouldn't have a shower for more than 1 nite. Some of them were literally a dribble and either cold or lukewarm but better than nothing. Take plenty of memory card of course and batteries you can charge up on the vehicle maximum 6 plug holes (3 pin) but there was usually plenty room for everyone to do theirs at some point in the day. Plenty mosquito spray goes without saying really, I only got 2 bites but I did cover up in the evenings and my room mate Bridget and I sprayed our tent lots - so much that we were like children 1 night as we got the giggles with inhaling it by accident - but it was very funny!!! When you do the trek up to the gorillas definitely wear gardening gloves, I did on the way up but on the way down I took them off as my hands were too hot but I caught my hand on a prickly plant and I now have a rash on both hands which is so itchy and is taking a while to get rid of. Remember to take enough money to cover the tips for the guys who look after you, £75 dollars is enough for this. I spent approx £400 - depends if you like buying from the craft shops like I did! Oh yes and some antibacterial gel is a must. Although it says pack light I could have taken a few more bits of clothing, gives you room to take home presents anyway!!

Suggestions

Erm, well I went on an overland trip with 17 other travellers who were all really nice people, we had some good chats about everything and what we had seen and done that day, some of the guys went in some great coffee shops too. You can buy a tshirt which says which gorilla group you tracked which is a fab momento. I shared my tent room with Bridget who I'd never met before and we got on really well, if you're a single traveller don't worry as everyone just mingles along and chats, you're all there to enjoy the trip so like minded people. You can wander around Kigali without bother, Kampala in Uganda was different though - I wandered down the street in the town on my own whilst the others went to the coffee shop and I felt a little intimidated/uneasy so turned around and ventured back to the vehicle, you'll probably be fine but as a red head and being very fair I sort of stand out in Africa! I would this trip again tomorrow it is so fabulous - words don't do it justice but you will really enjoy this trip if you do it - NOW GO AND BOOK IT OR YOU WILL REGRET IT!!!

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Gorillas & Masai Mara - Camping Reverse

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Overview

Marvel at the endangered mountain gorillas of Bwindi and spot magnificent safari animals in Kenya

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Full-service camping

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Kenya

Rwanda

Uganda

Reviews

Amazing adventure!

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

Gorillas and Masai Mara

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

An African Adventure

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

A very good holiday

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Why Gorilla and Masai Mara Reverse Camping is Better.

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

A myriad of wildlife in the heart of Africa

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

A voyage of discovery.

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Gorillas and Masai Mara (reverse)departing July 27th

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

GORILLAS & MASAI MARA

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

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