East Africa In-Depth - 16 Days

There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.

Depart Nairobi and drive north through the farmlands of the Kikuyu people, passing Mt Kenya, Africa's second highest mountain (5199m/17,060ft).

Just outside the national reserve, visit a local Samburu village. Similar in appearance to the Masai but less known, the Samburu are a proud warrior tribe. Watch traditional Samburu dancing, and learn about Samburu tribal life and customs. The walk within the village is run by Samburu tribesmen for the benefit of the community.

Continue to Samburu National Reserve, a wildlife haven to many species rarely found elsewhere.

Enjoy an afternoon wildlife safari drive in search of large elephant and big cat populations living within this wild part of Kenya.

A full day wildlife safari drive to spot a group of animals only seen north of the equator, such as the beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, Grevy's zebra, the majestic reticulated giraffe, and the long-necked gerenuk, a graceful antelope that stands upright on its hind legs to feed on tall bushes.

Nakuru, meaning “dusty place” in the Maasai language, is a cheerful and vibrant agricultural town with a variety of colourful local markets.

Camp outside the town at the edge of Lake Nakuru National Park, the area’s principal highlight and best natural attraction. Time and weather permitting, there may be an opportunity to visit a local tea farm and see how the tea is grown, picked and produced.

Embark on a safari within Lake Nakuru National Park, in search of buffalo, impala, and the elusive leopard.

Depart for the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve. With its vast open plains and distinctive flat-topped acacia trees, no visit to Kenya would be complete without a visit to this reserve.

Arrive in the afternoon and get settled at the permanent tented camp, the base for exploring the Mara.

Head into the reserve for an afternoon wildlife safari drive.

Rise early for a wildlife safari drive during the best time to spot animals and criss-cross the rolling hills of the African savannah. With a full day to explore the area, we can cover a lot of ground. If time allows, visit the Mara River area.

Opt to go for a balloon safari for a new perspective over the beautiful landscape.

Enjoy one last opportunity to spot the "big five".

Visit the G for Good supported Amani ya Juu for lunch.

In Nairobi there's some time to buy local handicrafts or check out a bit of the city.

Travel from one bustling East African capital city to another. Relax in Kampala and await the second part of this epic adventure.

Take the scenic route to Fort Portal at the edge of Kibale National Park. Spend the night on a guest farm listening to the sounds of monkeys and birds.

Opt to venture deep into the wetlands to spot more wildlife on a guided walk through the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is characterized by open savannah, large areas of swamp around Lake George, the extensive Maramagambo Forest in the southeast, and the forested Kyambura Gorge along the border with Kyambura Game Reserve.

Enjoy a wildlife safari drive with possible sightings of buffaloes, waterbucks, warthogs, lions, leopards, hyenas, giant forest hogs, and elephants.

Enjoy the scenic drive south, with views of forests, volcanoes and lakes. Spend the night on the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Head into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to meet the park ranger/guide for orientation. Embark on the trek, which can vary in length and difficulty, depending on the location of the gorilla family that's being visited. Spend 1 hr (max) observing these beautiful and endangered creatures, a truly privileged experience. Trek back and return to town. Enjoy free time in the afternoon.

Cross the border into Rwanda, then head to the capital city, Kigali. Visit the genocide museum to learn more about the dark history of this fascinating country. Enjoy lunch at the the tour operator supported Nyamirambo Women's Centre.