If you dare to dream about immersing yourself in the beauty of east Africa and all of the joys and tribulations it has to offer, then the incredible new Masai Mara safari has been created just for you. Beginning in the capital city of Kenya, Nairobi, this incredible journey takes you through the heartlands of Kenya and Uganda before crossing through the north of Rwanda and ending in the country's capital, Kigali. It is a safari of incredible wildlife, warm, friendly and resilient people and stunning natural scenery.

The Masai Mara is an area of incredible natural beauty and also home to a plethora of flora and fauna, making it one of the greatest natural wildlife theatres in the world. It is a great place to begin our safari and to get our first taste of game viewing African style. From here two of Kenya's Great Rift Valley lakes await - the freshwater Lake Naivasha and the alkaline Lake Nakuru. Camping on the shores of Lake Naivasha we quickly become aware of the immense numbers of hippos and variety of bird life that resides here. There are a great range of optional activities available here and time is set aside to enjoy these. Nearby Lake Nakuru forms the centrepiece of Lake Nakuru National Park, best known for the millions of flamingoes that carpet the lake with a soft pink colour. This park is excellent for white rhino sightings and is also home to the usual array of grazing animals. Gecko's is proud to support the work of the East Africa Mission Orphanage (EAMO) and we get to experience the daily life at this very special project. Sharing dinner with the children and spending time with them at school will provide us with many touching memories.

Uganda, often referred to as 'The Pearl of Africa', offers many treasured highlights and memories. Our exploration begins in Jinja, located at the point where the Victoria Nile River flows out of Lake Victoria. Here we have our chance to get our adrenalin fix by participating in some optional adventurous activities, but the more cautious amongst us can just explore some neighbouring villages and get a taste of Ugandan life. Our close relatives at the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary provide some interesting insights into our own human behaviour and the trip out to the island also incorporates some superb scenery. Queen Elizabeth National Park is a true wildlife haven that we explore in-depth on game drives and also on an awesome afternoon boat trip on the Kazinga Channel.

Leaving Uganda we then spend time with the majestic mountain gorillas on the slopes of Parc National des Volcans. Coming face to face with endangered gorillas in their own environment is a real privilege and gorilla trekking is an experience that will be indelibly etched in our minds. There is no real way to describe the intimacy of getting close to these giants - for many, it is a deeply moving experience. Quite simply trekking to visit mountain gorillas is one of those 'must do' things and Rwanda offers the best opportunity to achieve this. Unlike most other companies Gecko's pre-purchases gorilla permits from the Rwandan authorities to ensure that we are able to offer them for each departure. When you have paid the trip deposit and for the gorilla permit fee in full and have provided Gecko's with the necessary information, then your gorilla permit is guaranteed. Please note that the Rwandan government may revoke or change permit conditions at any time (including after purchase) without prior notice. Gecko's Adventures does not accept responsibility for loss of enjoyment or compensation resulting from any changes beyond our control. Our final stop is the Genocide Museum, a sobering but extremely moving experience where we learn of the recent atrocities in Rwanda, but also gain respect for the way the people have chosen to move forward.

Highlights

Masai Mara National Reserve

Lake Naivasha

East Africa Mission Orphanage

Lake Nakuru National Park

School Visit

Nile River

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Kazinga Channel Launch Trip

Gorilla Trekking Parc National des Volcans

Genocide Museum

Itinerary:

1 Nairobi2-3 Masai Mara National Reserve4 Lake Naivasha5 East Africa Mission Orphanage 6 Lake Nakuru National Park7 Kericho Tea Estates8-9 Jinja, Nile River, Uganda10 Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary11-12 Queen Elizabeth National Park13 Ruhengeri, Rwanda14 Gorilla Trekking, Parc National des Volcans15 Visit Genocide Museum. End in Kigali

Included: An experienced safari leader whilst on safari; local specialist guides join us for the Gorilla Trek; all park fees; one pre-purchased gorilla permit; 11 nights camping, 2 nights tented camp, 1 night budget hotel; transport by custom-built safari vehicle, boat and on foot.
Not Included: International flights, local payment, arrival and departure transfers, airport/departure taxes, visas, pre-tour or post-tour accommodation, all other meals, drinks, sleeping bag, pillow, all optional additional tours or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature, laundry and flights (unless specified).
Meals: Please allow an extra US$80 for meals not included.
Starts/Ends: Nairobi/Kigali
Notes: ? A non-refundable payment is due at time of booking to secure gorilla permit. Gecko's pre-purchases all gorilla permits to ensure that you will have a confirmed gorilla permit.
Trip Reference: GAMG