East African safari itinerary - Safari in the Masai Mara (Kenya) and track gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda) - two of the most popular East African safari destinations and activities.
This 7 night combination safari package combines a stay at Sanctuary Olonana in Kenya's Masai Mara with a stay at Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda - the perfect short East African safari for people with limited time.
Sanctuary Olonana (Kenya):
Sanctuary Olonana (Kenya):Sanctuary Olonana (Kenya) is an award-winning tented camp situated on a private stretch of the Mara River. It is also the stage for the greatest show on Earth - the wildebeest migration. From around July to October grunting herds of wildebeest and zebra cover the plains, often crossing the river between Tanzania and Kenya, attended by crocodile, lion and cheetah.
To give you an idea of prices, herewith rates for Sanctuary Olonana in the Masai Mara:
Game Package Rates:
Game Package Rates:
| Per person per night sharing, in USD | Length of stay | ||
| 2018 Dates | 1-3 Nights | 4-6 Nights | 7+ Nights |
| 1 November - 20 December 2018 (Low) | $350 | $263 | $245 |
| 21 December 2018 - 6 January 2019 | $875 | $788 | $744 |
| Per person per night sharing, in USD | Length of stay | ||
| 2019 Dates | 1-3 Nights | 4-6 Nights | 7+ Nights |
| 7 January - 31 March 2019 | $850 | $723 | $680 |
| 1 April - 31 May 2019 (Low) | $510 | $383 | $357 |
| 1 June - 30 June 2019 | $850 | $723 | $680 |
| 1 July - 30 September 2019 | $1140 | $1026 | $969 |
| 1 October - 31 October 2019 | $850 | $723 | $680 |
| 1 November - 20 December 2019 (Low) | $510 | $383 | $357 |
| 21 December - 5 January 2018 | $1140 | $1026 | $969 |
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp (Uganda):
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp (Uganda) is nestled deep inside Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southwest Uganda. This eight tent camp is one of the most remote and atmospheric in Africa.
Bwindi National Park is an area of awe-inspiring biodiversity with over 200 species of birds, butterflies and trees. But it is the elusive Mountain Gorilla that is the park's main star - and with half of the world's population living here, Bwindi offers adventurous travellers the chance of once-in-a-lifetime encounters with these elusive and endangered primates.
It's hard to fathom that such luxury and sophistication could be available in an area as remote as this. Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp is the ideal base for tracking and meeting the gorillas that live in Bwindi. Once in a while the gorillas even wander into the camp itself.
Bwindi National Park is an area of awe-inspiring biodiversity with over 200 species of birds, butterflies and trees. But it is the elusive Mountain Gorilla that is the park's main star - and with half of the world's population living here, Bwindi offers adventurous travellers the chance of once-in-a-lifetime encounters with these elusive and endangered primates.It's hard to fathom that such luxury and sophistication could be available in an area as remote as this. Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp is the ideal base for tracking and meeting the gorillas that live in Bwindi. Once in a while the gorillas even wander into the camp itself.
To give you an idea of prices, herewith rates for Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest:
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp Rates:
| Rates per person per night sharing, in USD | Length of stay | ||
| 2018 & 2019 |
1-3 Nights | 4-6 Nights | 7+ Nights |
| 1 November - 20 December 2018 | $380 | $266 | $247 |
| 21 December 2018 - 6 January 2019 | $635 | $603 | $572 |
| 7 January - 31 March 2019 | $550 | $495 | $413 |
| 1 April - 20 June 2019 | $395 | $277 | $257 |
| 21 June - 30 September 2019 | $690 | $656 | $621 |
| 1 October - 31 October 2019 | $550 | $495 | $413 |
| 1 November - 20 December 2019 | $395 | $277 | $257 |
| 21 December 2019 - 5 January 2020 | $690 | $656 | $621 |
Single supplement of 50% except in low season when you pay the per person rate above.
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Day 1
On arrival at JKIA and after clearing customs you will be met by a representative who will transfer you to Wilson Airport for your connection to the Masai Mara, one of Africa's greatest parks. Your Sanctuary Olonana guide will meet you at the airstrip. Drive to the camp (about 15 minutes) with game viewing en route, you may be rewarded with sightings of elephant, buffalo, giraffe and a host of other plains' game.On arrival relax and freshen up in your tent before lunch is served. The tents are very spacious and have floor to ceiling mosquito netting, en-suite bathrooms with hot showers, flush lavatories, solar lighting and large, river view verandahs. The main dining room and veranda commands a dramatic stretch of the Mara River providing the perfect setting for breakfast, afternoon tea and after dinner star gazing.
In the afternoon there is time to relax before enjoying one of the many activities offered at Sanctuary Olonana. Take a game viewing drive to experience the phenomenal wildlife or visit the adjacent Maasai village to learn about the local Maasai culture and get a feel for the Maasai pastoralist heritage.
As the afternoon activity comes to an end, drive to a specially chosen vantage point overlooking the Mara plains. Enjoy drinks as you take in the beauty of the rapid sunset coloring the acacia dotted plains and transforming the world in a matter of minutes. Sit by the log fire and discuss the day's adventures as waiters serve canapés, with the spectacular setting sun in the horizon. Return to the lodge in time for a well deserved dinner.
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Sanctuary Olonana
Day 2
This morning after breakfast at the camp venture out led by our expert guides to explore the Mara. The Mara is a fabulous place for seeing big cats and all of the big five, a variety of plains game and over 300 bird species. The plains offer a rich variety of food for the dominant predators: lion; leopard; hyena and cheetah. Elephants browse amongst the large herds of wildebeest and topi, eland and buffalo, Thomson's and Grant's gazelle. In the Mara River, hippos submerge to snort and grumble while crocodiles sunbathe, mouths agape, on the riverbanks. From around July to October, there's the greatest show on Earth - the wildebeest migration. Return to camp for lunch and then spend the afternoon at leisure.Relax by the pool or revitalise at our mini-spa which offers a range of treatments from facials to body massages. Sanctuary Olonana earned a Gold award from Ecotourism Kenya - you can visit the wetlands which cleanses waste water before returning it to the natural environment or take part in our tree planting initiative which offers an opportunity to purchase and plant an indigenous tree leaving a positive mark on a piece of Africa.
Mid-afternoon high tea will be served before your next activity. During your stay there are a variety of activities that can be booked on request such as a balloon safari. Float gently over the plains with a bird's eye view of the game below as the sun rises slowly over the horizon. After around one hour the balloon lands and nearby a full breakfast is served in the middle of the bush with glasses of bubbly to toast your flight!
Or an adventure on Lake Victoria. Take an early flight by light aircraft to the lake. Try fishing for the legendary giant Nile perch found in these waters as you explore the myriad of tiny islands or stop at a traditional fishing village and see how the villagers live from day to day before flying back to the Masai Mara.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Sanctuary Olonana
Day 3
Today you might like walk with our naturalist and learn about plants, trees, insects and even how to approach animals on foot, as your guide shows you how to spot animal signs which are everywhere but not that easily noticed. Or choose from one of the options above.On your last evening drive out into the bush where a private and secluded clearing has been prepared for an elegant dinner in the middle of the wilderness. The table setting is as sophisticated and elegant as found in the finest restaurants. Candles flicker in the darkness, throwing golden lights on the table cloth as smiling waiters serve a delicious dinner. After dinner retire to the warmth of the campfire where brandies and liqueurs are served as guests relax and absorb the peace and beauty of an African night.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Sanctuary Olonana
Day 4
Spend your morning game viewing in the Mara and return to camp for lunch.In the afternoon your guide will transfers you to the airstrip for the flight to Nairobi's Wilson Airport. On arrival you will be met by a representative and drive you the short distance to Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your flight to Entebbe, Uganda.
On arrival in Entebbe you will be met by a representative who will transfer you to your Entebbe/Kampala hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Overnight in Entebbe
Day 5
Day 5
This morning after breakfast you will be picked up and transferred to Kajjansi airstrip for your charter flight to Kayonza airstrip - Bwindi where a Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp guide will be at hand to meet and transfer to the lodge (approximately 40 minutes).Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp is located within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is the perfect base for a tracking experience as it offers luxury in the heart of the rainforest. Accommodation is in eight large en-suite 'tents' which have two queen-sized beds and a bathtub looking out onto the forest - ideal for soaking away aches and pains after a day searching for gorillas in the forest. The camp has a bar and dining cottage, as well as a raised natural platform for open-air dining. Guests can sit around the cozy campfire at night and enjoy Bwindi's crystal clear mountain sky.
Lunch is served at camp. In the afternoon you can just relax and take in the fresh air or take a forest walk, which is a nice way to warm up before the Gorilla tracking.
Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a spectacular place to visit. Birders come thousands of miles to see the more than 350 species that live within the area. There are also rare forest elephant, giant forest hog and eleven kinds of primates, such as red tailed and blue monkey, black and white colobus, baboons and chimpanzee. You can also find forest duiker antelopes and bush buck antelopes, and over 200 species of butterflies.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
Day 6
Day 6
Early breakfast this morning before a briefing from your guide. Tracking commences every morning from the park headquarters at 8.30 am. The gorillas we track belong to one of the 'habituated' family groups in Northern Bwindi. For several years each group has undergone an extremely delicate process that has gradually made them used to the presence of humans. Experienced guides will accompany the tracking, many of who have been involved in the habituation process themselves. Once the gorillas are located, the group will be allowed a maximum of one hour with them. Return to camp for dinner.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
Day 7
Day 7
Today relax at camp or visit a local village and meet the villagers to learn about their day to day lives. On this walk you can visit a honey production site, a traditional medicine man, a traditional blacksmith, a local school when in term and even attend a Batwa (Pygmy dance performance). The walk is organised with the local community as part of our community support.Or you could take a bird walk. Bwindi boast over 300 bird species, including 24 that are endemic to these highlands straddling Uganda, Rwanda and the Congo - the "Albertine Rift Endemics". There are also over 200 species of butterflies found in the park. A local expert will guide you on this fascinating walk. Lunch and dinner at the lodge. After dinner simply relax and sip a drink as you listen to folk tunes played on the traditional Bakiga guitar.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
Day 8
Day 8
Breakfast at the camp, before your transfer to Kayonza airstrip for your charter flight back to Kajjansi airstrip. Upon arrival you will be met by a representative who will transfer you to Entebbe International Airport.This package is based on scheduled flights Nairobi - Mara - Nairobi - Entebbe, and charter flights Kajjansi - Entebbe - Kajjansi (minimum two people per flight, prices may change based on number of guests).
Luggage is restricted to 15kg per person in a soft sided bag.
This is the perfect short East African safari for people with limited time.
Luggage is restricted to 15kg per person in a soft sided bag.
This is the perfect short East African safari for people with limited time.
Package includes:
Accommodation.
Three meals daily (depending on arrival and departure times).
Soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers.
Teas and coffees.
Refreshments while on game viewing drives.
Laundry.
Park fees.
Nature walk, Masai village visit, sundowners and game drives from Sanctuary Olonana.
Sundowners and bush meals (weather permitting).
One Gorilla permit per person (subject to change without notice).
Nature walk or a Batwa Pigmy village visit at Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp.
Transfers and airstrip transfers as stated in itinerary.
Package Excludes:
Items of a personal nature i.e. Gratuities; premium brand beverages; curios; telephone accounts etc.
Visas and travel insurances.
Bank charges.
Any other item not mentioned above.
All optional excursions or activities i.e. spa treatments.
Book this This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. now.Accommodation.
Three meals daily (depending on arrival and departure times).
Soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers.
Teas and coffees.
Refreshments while on game viewing drives.
Laundry.
Park fees.
Nature walk, Masai village visit, sundowners and game drives from Sanctuary Olonana.
Sundowners and bush meals (weather permitting).
One Gorilla permit per person (subject to change without notice).
Nature walk or a Batwa Pigmy village visit at Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp.
Transfers and airstrip transfers as stated in itinerary.
Package Excludes:
Items of a personal nature i.e. Gratuities; premium brand beverages; curios; telephone accounts etc.
Visas and travel insurances.
Bank charges.
Any other item not mentioned above.
All optional excursions or activities i.e. spa treatments.
Flights from Nairobi to Mara to Nairobi to Entebbe and from Entebbe to Kihihi airstrip back to Entebbe.
Balloon excursion and fishing excursion at Sanctuary Olonana.
Balloon excursion and fishing excursion at Sanctuary Olonana.