Kenya to Rwanda: The Maasai Mara, Gorillas & Chimps - 14 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What are the age restrictions for this tour?

  The minimum age for this tour is 15 years, and the maximum age is 100 years.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 14 travelers, with an average of 8.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  The tour includes 13 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 8 dinners.

• What kind of accommodation can I expect on this trip?

  You can expect a mix of Hotels (3 nights), Lodges (2 nights), Safari Camp Cottages (2 nights), and Simple furnished tents/rooms (6 nights). In Uganda and Rwanda, hotel accommodation will be comfortable twin-share rooms, often with mosquito netting. Tented accommodation will be simple furnished tents on wooden platforms with shared bathroom facilities, large walk-in tents with mosquito-netting and two beds with provided linens. Please note, accommodations in developing areas may have interruptions in electricity and water.

• What is the physical rating of this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 4.

• Are international flights included in the trip price?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. You should contact your booking agent for details.

• Are there any health considerations or recommended vaccinations for this tour?

  It is recommended to contact your family physician or local travel clinic at least one month before departure for up-to-date health information. A basic first-aid kit and hand sanitizers are advised. A valid Yellow Fever Certificate is compulsory for Kenya and Uganda for all travelers, regardless of country of origin. Malaria is present in some regions, so preventative medication and insect repellent are recommended.

• Do I need to pay a departure tax?

  A departure tax of USD40 is usually included in most international air tickets.

• Is there an extra cost for solo travelers for accommodation?

  No, our group trips are designed for shared accommodation, and single travelers are paired with someone of the same sex. There is no single supplement for these group trips unless you have booked the 'My Own Room' option.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You will not be permitted to join the group without evidence of coverage for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation (minimum USD200,000). Personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage are also strongly recommended.

• What are the tipping guidelines on this trip?

  Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, part of your tour program, serving as an expression of appreciation. Guidelines suggest $3-4 USD per day for CEOs and drivers, $10-15 USD (full day) for certified safari/trekking guides in Uganda and Rwanda, 10% for restaurant/café servers, and $1 USD for every couple of hours for local guides.

• What optional activities are available on this trip?

  Optional activities include a Lake Nakuru afternoon safari drive, Masai Mara hot air balloon safari or morning wildlife drive, Bigodi Swamp Walk (20USD), Kazinga Channel Cruise (30USD), and porter hire for gorilla trekking (20USD).

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  The main highlights include safari through Lake Nakuru National Park for Big Five sightings, a visit to a Maasai village, a full-day safari in Maasai Mara National Park, chimpanzee trekking in Uganda, guided gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and a visit to the Kigali Genocide Museum.

• What modes of transportation will be used on this trip?

  Transportation includes 4x4 safari vehicles (7-seat Land Cruisers designed for wildlife viewing), private vans, walking, and an internal flight between Nairobi and Kampala. Expect long drives and potentially poor, bumpy road conditions in Africa.

• What are the safety and security considerations for this trip?

  Exercise caution in cities, especially at night, and use pre-arranged taxis. Abide by all National Park/reserve rules and guide instructions during trekking/safari. Refrain from photographing police stations, airports, military, or government buildings. Use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables, and leave expensive jewelry at home. Many hotels offer safety deposit boxes. Swimming and water-based activities are at your own risk unless accompanied by a guide.

• How much emergency money should I bring on this trip?

  It is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund for unforeseen circumstances.

• What is Planeterra and how does this tour support it?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit committed to helping local communities earn income from tourism by developing community-owned businesses. This tour includes a lunch at a G Adventures-supported community project, Amani Ya Juu, in Nairobi and another at the Nyamirambo Women's Centre in Kigali, which are Planeterra projects. You can also contribute to Planeterra's Dollar-a-day Program.

• Are there any specific rules regarding behavior on this trip?

  Illegal drugs will not be tolerated, and possessing or using them is against the law and puts the group at risk. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is also not permitted. Group leaders have the right to expel any member violating these rules.

• What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money while on this tour?

  Local currencies are Kenyan Shilling, Rwanda Franc, and Ugandan Shilling. US Dollars are the most widely accepted for exchange, but British Pounds and Euros may also be exchanged. Notes older than 2006 are not accepted. Larger USD notes ($50, $100) offer better rates but can be harder to change. Bring USD cash for visas at borders. Travellers’ cheques are not recommended. Visa/Plus system cards are most accepted at ATMs, but reliability can vary, and power outages can affect access. Credit cards are accepted in major cities but often incur a 5-10% fee. A combination of foreign currency and debit/credit cards is best; always bring more funds than you anticipate needing.

• What information is available for LGBTQ+ travelers?

  Our company prioritizes the safety and well-being of all travelers, including those identifying as LGBTQ+. You are encouraged to visit our LGBTQ+ page for useful resources and information to ensure comfort and safety throughout your trip.

• Are laundry facilities available during the trip?

  Some hotels offer laundry facilities for a charge. You may also need to do your own laundry, so bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap is suggested.

• Who will be leading the group on this tour?

  The group will be led by a CEO (Chief Experience Officer)/driver throughout, experienced gorilla trackers, local guides, and certified safari guides/drivers.

• What is included in the tour price?

  Included are G for Good Moments (Amani Ya Juu Lunch, Nyamirambo Women's Centre Local Lunch), a welcome meeting, Lake Nakuru sunset safari drive, Maasai Mara village visit and national park safari, full-day Maasai Mara National Park Safari, free time in Lake Nakuru National Park, guest farm stay near Kibale National Park, chimpanzee trek, Bigodi community lunch, Queen Elizabeth National Park wildlife safari drives, guided gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a visit to Kigali Genocide Museum, all national park fees and trekking permits, an internal flight between Nairobi and Kampala, and all transport between destinations and included activities.

• What are the main highlights of this tour?

  This trip offers safari drives through the Great Rift Valley and Lake Nakuru for Big Five sightings, gorilla and chimp trekking in their natural habitat, a cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and opportunities to soak up vast East African landscapes. You will also share lunch with women running a local craft initiative and visit the Kigali Genocide Museum.

• What kind of accommodation can I expect on this trip?

  Accommodation includes Hotels (3 nights), Lodges (2 nights), Safari Camp Cottages (2 nights), and Simple furnished tents/rooms (6 nights). In Uganda and Rwanda, hotel accommodation will be comfortable twin-share rooms with mosquito netting. Tented accommodation will be on wooden platforms with shared bathroom facilities, large walk-in tents, mosquito-netting, two beds, and provided linens. Please note that standards may differ from your home country, and power/water interruptions can occur.

• What meals are included during the tour?

  The tour includes 13 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 8 dinners.

• What types of transportation are used on this trip?

  Transportation primarily includes private 7-seat 4x4 safari vehicles with sliding windows and pop-up roofs for wildlife viewing, private vans, walking, and an internal flight between Nairobi and Kampala. Roads can be rough and travel days long, but vehicles are regularly serviced.

• How large will the group be for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 14 travelers, with an average of 8.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You must have coverage for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum of USD200,000. It's also recommended to cover personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and lost luggage.

• Are international flights included in the tour price?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. You should confirm flight details and baggage allowances with your airline.

• Are there any health considerations I should be aware of before traveling?

  It is recommended to consult your physician or a travel clinic at least one month before departure for up-to-date health information and recommended inoculations. A valid Yellow Fever Certificate is compulsory for travelers to Kenya and Uganda, regardless of country of origin. Malaria is present in some regions, so speak to your doctor about preventative medication and use insect repellent.

• Do I need to pay a departure tax?

  A USD40 departure tax is usually included in most international air tickets.

• What is the policy for solo travelers regarding accommodation?

  Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation without a single supplement. Solo travelers are paired in twin or multi-share rooms with someone of the same sex.

• Should I tip on this trip, and if so, what are the guidelines?

  Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, expression of appreciation. Guidelines are: G CEOs and drivers: $3-4 USD each per day worked; Trekking Guides in Uganda and Rwanda: $10-15 USD (full day); Restaurant/Café servers: 10% of the bill; Local guides: $1 USD for every couple of hours.

• What optional activities are available during the tour?

  Optional activities include an afternoon safari drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, a hot air balloon safari over Masai Mara or a morning Masai Mara wildlife safari drive, a Bigodi Swamp Walk (20USD per person), a Kazinga Channel Cruise (30USD per person), and porter hire for gorilla trekking (20USD per person).

• What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money while on this tour?

  Local currencies are Kenyan Shilling, Rwanda Franc, and Ugandan Shilling. USD is the most widely accepted foreign currency; bring enough cash for drinks/snacks and souvenirs. Note that USD notes older than 2006 are not accepted. Traveler's cheques are not recommended. Visa/Plus system debit cards are most widely accepted, with Mastercard/Cirrus less common. Credit cards are accepted in major cities but not widely, often with a 5-10% fee. Power outages and ATMs running out of cash can occur, so do not rely solely on cards.

• What are the general safety and security considerations for this trip?

  Exercise caution in cities, especially at night, and use pre-arranged taxis. During trekking and safaris, always abide by National Park rules and guide instructions. Refrain from taking photos of police stations, airports, bus stations, border crossings, army barracks/personnel, or government buildings. Use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables and leave expensive jewelry at home. Hotel safety deposit boxes are recommended. Your group leader may amend the itinerary for safety.

• Are there any specific rules I should be aware of for this trip?

  Illegal drugs will not be tolerated, and the exploitation of people in the sex trade is strictly against company philosophy. CEOs have the right to expel any group member found with drugs or utilizing paid sex workers.

• Can I do laundry during the trip?

  Some hotels offer laundry facilities for a charge. We suggest bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap if you plan to do your own laundry.

• Who will be leading the group?

  The group will be led by a CEO (Chief Experience Officer)/driver throughout, with experienced gorilla trackers, local guides, and certified safari guides/drivers assisting.

• What is Planeterra and how is it involved with the tour?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps local communities earn income from tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses. The tour operator is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of donations go directly to projects. This tour includes a 'G for Good Moment' at Amani Ya Juu in Nairobi and a local lunch at Nyamirambo Women's Centre in Kigali, which are Planeterra-supported initiatives.

• What are the joining instructions for the tour?

  Refer to your tour voucher, G Account, or the tour operator App for joining hotel details. An airport arrival transfer can be pre-booked. Upon arrival at the hotel, check for a note from your CEO regarding the Welcome Meeting, usually between 5pm-7pm on day 1. If arriving late, your CEO will leave instructions at reception.

• Who should I contact in case of an emergency during the trip?

  For dire needs, first call the local representative (Nairobi, Kenya: +254 727 208 832; Rwanda: Robert: +250 784 744 586). If unable to reach them, contact the 24-hour Sales team: Toll-free North America: 1 888 800 4100; UK: 0344 272 0000; Germany: 0800 365 1000; Australia: 1 300 796 618; New Zealand: 0800 333 307; Outside these regions: +1 416 260 0999.

• What should LGBTQ+ travelers know about safety and travel on this trip?

  The tour operator prioritizes the safety and well-being of all travelers, including those identifying as LGBTQ+. They encourage visiting their dedicated LGBTQ+ page for useful resources and information to ensure comfort and safety throughout the trip.