Wild Horizons: Nairobi, Masai Mara & Bwindi

Nairobi

A private transfer between your hotel and the airport in Nairobi is provided.. A Flying Doctors emergency evacuation insurance policy is included for all guests, covering the cost of an evacuation flight to Nairobi for treatment in the event of serious illness or injury. Medical treatment costs are not covered. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for full coverage.

Accommodation: Fairmont Norfolk Hotel (B) (Fairmont Room), Nairobi

Nairobi, Masai Mara

A private transfer between your hotel and the airport in Nairobi is provided.. Sit back and relax during this short, scenic flight from Nairobi to Masai Mara today. Approximate flight duration is 45 minutes. Please note, strict luggage restrictions apply to this flight: 1) Maximum weight allowance of 32 lbs (15 kg) is permitted per person. 2) Baggage must be soft-shelled. 3) Additional baggage allowance can be arranged at additional cost, please speak to your Destination Expert for more information.. A shared transfer between the lodge and the airstrip is provided for your onward flight.. This afternoon, head out on an exciting game drive with your guide, keeping your eyes peeled for giraffes. Giraffes usually inhabit savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands. They prefer areas with plenty of acacia trees, an important food source, and can browse at heights that most other herbivores cannot reach. While adults are nearly invulnerable to predation, lions, leopards, spotted hyenas and wild dogs prey on baby calves. Giraffes commonly gather together to eat or socialize for a few hours and then roam off to graze separately. Males establish social hierarchies through "neckings," which are combat bouts where the neck is used as a weapon. Based on these displays, dominant males gain mating rights to females, who then bear the sole responsibility for raising their young.

Accommodation: Kichwa Tembo (AI) (Superior Tent Package (1-3 Nights)), Nairobi

Masai Mara

Today you will set out on an early morning game drive with your expert guide. The Masai Mara is home to a diverse range of animals. The park is home to the Big Five (Lion, Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo and Leopard) and numerous other species including Thomson's and Grant's Gazelles, Impalas, Topics, Hartebeest, Zebra and Masai Giraffe. It's also home to over 450 species of birdlife; among them are vultures, marabou storks, secretary birds, hornbills, crowned cranes, ostriches, long-crested eagles and African pygmy-falcons.. Your expert guide will meet you at your lodge for an afternoon game viewing drive in and around the Masai Mara, today focusing on lions. Typically found in the savanna and grasslands, lions live on average between 10 and 14 years, and are unusually social compared to other cats. A pride of lions consists of related females, their offspring and a small number of adult males. Groups of female lions typically hunt together, while the highly distinctive male lion is easily recognized by its mane and large face; one of the most widely recognized animal symbols in human culture.

Accommodation: Kichwa Tembo (AI) (Superior Tent Package (1-3 Nights)), Masai Mara

Masai Mara

Today you'll set out early on your morning game drive with your guide. The Masai Mara is most famous for its exceptional population of game and the annual migration of zebra, Thomson's gazelle and the wildebeest. Sightings of these incredible herds cannot be guaranteed as the herds follow their food source, but your chances of sightings are best as the herds move north into Masai Mara from the Serengeti, from July to October.. Head out in the afternoon on a game drive across the beautiful Masai Mara. As the sun descends and the plains begin to cool, wildlife emerges from the shelter of shade and becomes more active. See if you can spot a herd of elephants as they approach watering holes and rivers to cool down with a drink and mud bath. The largest living land animal on Earth, elephants live – on average – between 50 to 70 years. African elephants are the largest of their species, and with any luck, will be seen firsthand during your exploration of the Masai Mara.

Accommodation: Kichwa Tembo (AI) (Superior Tent Package (1-3 Nights)), Masai Mara

Masai Mara, Entebbe

A shared transfer between the lodge and the airstrip is provided for your onward flight.. Board a flight with service from Masai Mara to Entebbe (Uganda). Your flight includes a border crossing at the Kisumu airport.. A private transfer between the airport and your hotel in Entebbe is provided.

Accommodation: Hotel Number 5 (B) (Luxury Apartment), Masai Mara

Entebbe, Bwindi

A private transfer between the airport and your hotel in Entebbe is provided.. Board a flight in Entebbe with service to Bwindi. The flight duration is approximately one hour and 30 minutes. The flight has a luggage weight restriction of 15kgs/32 pounds total for your luggage, for both your carry-on and checked luggage. In some cases a purse or backpack is not considered carry-on and will not be weighed as part of your weight restriction; however, this is not always the case so please pack lightly.. A private transfer between the airstrip and your accommodation in Bwindi is provided.. Welcome to Mahogany Springs Lodge, a tranquil retreat in Uganda’s Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Overlooking the Munyanga River, this boutique lodge offers stunning valley views, privacy, and comfort, just a two-minute drive from the park entrance. After settling in, embark on a thrilling gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This biodiverse rainforest offers an intimate, awe-inspiring encounter with endangered mountain gorillas as you navigate dense foliage to observe them in their natural habitat. As evening falls, unwind by the bonfire or on the terrace with a classic cocktail, reflecting on your wildlife encounters as the sounds of the jungle surround you. The lodge’s cozy lounge spaces with panoramic views and personalized service, offer a serene space to relax and take in the forest’s beauty. In this hidden world of Bwindi, wildlife encounters are intimate and rarely shared with many, offering a truly unique and memorable experience.

Accommodation: Mahogany Springs Lodge (BLD) (Superior Suite), Entebbe

Bwindi

Your private vehicle and expert guide will be at your disposal today.. For one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences of a lifetime, early this morning put on your hiking boots and head deep into the steamy jungles covering the peaks of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in pursuit of the rare mountain gorillas. The park is known to be one of the best places on the planet to see these fascinating primates. Your seasoned park guides search for the resident gorilla families and help you interpret local flora and fauna as you make your way through this pristine reserve. After hiking through the mesmerizing wilds of Bwindi you will be rewarded with a truly hypnotizing encounter with the gorillas. From a safe distance, spend an hour observing them in their habitat and feel a true connection with the natural world. The tracking may take between 5 and 8 hours, depending on the current conditions and location of the gorillas. In the evening, return for dinner and overnight at your lodge. Please note that only persons age 15 and over are allowed to track the gorillas.. Embark on an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure through the dense forests of Bwindi! The terrain varies from well-marked trails to steep, muddy, and uneven paths, so a moderate to high level of fitness is key to making the most of this thrilling experience. Since the exact trekking location is determined on the day of your excursion, your journey could be a short and relatively easy walk or a more demanding hike through the wilderness—either way, the reward of encountering these magnificent primates in their natural environment is worth every step. To prepare, we recommend building stamina with regular walks, hikes, or stair climbing in the weeks leading up to your trip. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good traction are a must, as the trails can be slippery. Long pants, a lightweight long-sleeved shirt, and gardening gloves help protect against scratches and insect bites, while a waterproof jacket comes in handy for Bwindi’s ever-changing weather. Leg gaiters are recommended to keep mud and debris out of your boots (some lodges provide them, but having your own ensures you're prepared for all hikes). Pack a small daypack with essentials like water, energy snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a waterproof cover for your gear. For the best viewing experience, a pair of binoculars will enhance your chances of spotting gorillas and other incredible wildlife. If you're bringing a camera, a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens is ideal for capturing the moment in the dimly lit rainforest while maintaining a comfortable distance from the gorillas. Hiring a porter is highly recommended—they’ll carry your bag, assist you on challenging sections of the trail, and enhance your overall trekking experience. If you have any health or mobility concerns or would like to arrange a porter in advance, your Destination Expert is happy to assist. To ensure the well-being of the gorillas, all trekkers must be in good health—anyone showing flu-like symptoms will not be permitted to participate, as these primates are highly susceptible to human illnesses. When you finally come face-to-face with a gorilla family, wearing a face mask is required to minimize any risk of disease transmission, helping to protect them for generations to come. With the right preparation and a spirit of adventure, you'll embark on a truly extraordinary journey, contributing to the conservation of one of the world’s most awe-inspiring creatures!

Accommodation: Mahogany Springs Lodge (BLD) (Superior Suite), Bwindi

Bwindi

Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture with a community walk around your lodge, nestled in the stunning Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This enchanting region has been home to resilient tribes for centuries. As you explore, you’ll have the opportunity to meet the local people, engage with a traditional healer, and perhaps discover the fascinating process of alcohol brewing. Depending on the time of year, you may also visit a nearby school and interact with eager children who are excited to meet international visitors. These hands-on experiences offer an authentic and unforgettable insight into the heart of Africa and its people. Please note that this activity may incur an extra charge.. Bwindi’s highlands and lush valleys make it one of East Africa’s most rewarding birdwatching destinations. This region is a haven for bird enthusiasts, home to over 350 species, including an impressive 23 Albertine Rift endemics rarely found elsewhere. Wake up to the melodic calls of the Ruwenzori batis and the dazzling flashes of sunbirds in the morning light. Scan the treetops for the striking black bee-eater or the vibrant bar-tailed trogon, and listen for the distinctive chatter of the elusive grauer’s broadbill. Even as you relax, the sights and sounds of Bwindi’s birdlife are all around you—offering a rich and immersive experience that makes every moment a discovery.

Accommodation: Mahogany Springs Lodge (BLD) (Superior Suite), Bwindi

Bwindi, Entebbe

A private transfer between the airstrip and your accommodation in Bwindi is provided.. Board a flight in Bwindi with service to Entebbe. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. The flight has a luggage weight restriction of 15kgs/32 pounds total for your luggage, for both your carry-on and checked luggage. In some cases a purse or backpack is not considered carry-on and will not be weighed as part of your weight restriction; however, this is not always the case so please pack lightly.