Including

• • Domestic flights Addis Ababa- Gonder, Gonder-Addis Ababa, Nairobi-Masai Mara, Masai Mara – Entebbe, Entebbe –Kihihi, Kihihi – Entebbe
  • Professional English speaking Guide
  • Overnights as per itinerary or equivalent
  • Full board
  • Drinking water, 1 litre per day
  • National park fees
  • Transfers
  • Safari Game Package at the Masai Mara (2 gamedrives a day with up to 7 guests per landcruiser, guaranteed window seat)
  • Gorilla Tracking at Bwindi National park
  • Gorilla Permit

Excluding

• • International flights
  • Optional activities
  • Travel insurance
  • Excluded meals and drinks
  • Visa costs for Ethiopia and Kenya
  • Tips

1st day: Welcome to Ethiopia!

You are starting your big Africa trip in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In the morning you will fly from here to Gonder, where you will be picked up by your guide and drive to the Simien Mountain National Park (about 2 hours’ drive). Overnight at Semien Lodge.

2nd day: The Gelada baboons in the Simien mountains

Today you will discover the Simien Mountains by foot in order to observe the Gelada baboons. The endangered animals are endemic to Ethiopia and are only found here. They are also called bleeding-heart monkey because of their red mark on the chest. Enjoy the great surroundings and views from the Simien mountains. Overnight at Semien Lodge.

3rd day: Simien mountains, the Bearded Vulture and the Waliya Ibex

The Simien mountains are also the home of many birds like the Bearded Vulture. Watch him as he floats through the sky and lurks his prey. Afterwards you will drive to Chenek, a mountain village at about 3,600 meters altitude. From here you will hike to Buahit Peak, which offers breath-taking views of the other side of the Simien Mountains. On the way you might spot the rare Walia ibex. The hike is about 3-4 hours. In the early evening you will be brought back to your lodge. Overnight at Semien Lodge.

4th day: Ethiopian culture in Gonder

After breakfast you will return to Gonder. Together with your guide you visit the castles and fortresses from the 17th century. Fasil Ghebbi Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will also visit the famous church of Debre Birhan Silassie, which is considered one of the most beautiful churches in Ethiopia with its imposing and unique murals from 1694. Overnight at Goha Hotel.

5th day: Exploring Addis Ababa

In the morning you fly from Gonder to Addis Ababa. The rest of the day you have time to explore Addis Ababa on your own. In the evening you are invited to experience the Ethiopian culture in a traditional restaurant. Ethiopian food is served, traditional dances are performed, and you can join a typical Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Afterwards you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Nairobi.  Arrived in the Kenyan capital, you will be transferred to your city hotel. Overnight at Troy Hotel.

6th day: Flight to the Masai Mara

After breakfast you will be taken to Wilson Airport in Nairobi. With a small plane you fly straight into the Masai Mara. The view from the plane over the wide plains and gentle hills is incredible! The Masai Mara, together with the Serengeti, is a vast wildlife sanctuary where herds of zebra, wildebeest, topis and Thomson gazelles roam. Wide savannas, decorated with umbrella acacias, as far as the eye can see. Lions, cheetahs and leopards live here all year round. At the legendary Mara River, huge Nile crocodiles sunbathe while hippos splash around.. Your safari guide will pick you up from the runway and bring you to your camp, the Mara Big Five Camp. In the afternoon you go on game drive to explore the Masai Mara.

7th and 8th day: Masai Mara

Two full days of game drives are on program! Let the seemingly not ending vastness impact you. Enjoy Kenya’s park with the highest animal abundance, unique in its biodiversity. You will spend the night again at Mara Big Five Camp. A safari day ends best at the campfire!

9th day: Flight to Entebbe

Today you will depart from the Masai Mara and travel by plane directly to Entebbe, Uganda. You are expected at the airport, after about a 20 minute drive you will reach your accommodation. Overnight at the Airport Gusethouse.

10th day: Transfer flight to Bwindi National Park

After breakfast, you will be transferred back to the airport to fly with a Cessna Caravan from Entebbe to Kihihi. With a clear view you can admire Uganda’s lush landscape. After just 2 hours flying time you reach the Kihihi airfield. A 4×4 off-road vehicle awaits you and takes you across a rocky, winding track to your lodge in Buhoma (approximately 2 hours’ drive), located at the southern edge of Bwindi Forest at 1160 m altitude. Overnight at Mahogany Springs Lodge.

11th day: Gorilla Tracking

Perhaps the most popular track on the African continent leads you today to the endangered mountain gorillas in the misty rainforests in Bwindi National Park. Eye to eye with the silverback – such an encounter with animals is a unique, unforgettable experience even for well-travelled travellers. From your accommodation, it is about a 20-minute walk to the meeting point, where you will be briefed at 8:00 by local rangers of the UWA for gorilla tracking. Please note our “Gorilla Knigge”. In any case, depending on the position of the gorilla family, you should prepare for a three to six-hour hike through the rainforest with a water bottle, packed lunch, long trousers and sturdy shoes. After the return to the tracking starting point you will be brought back to your accommodation. Overnight at Mahogany Springs Lodge.

12th day: Back to Entebbe

In the morning you are leaving the rainforest and you will be taken back to the airport at Kihihi. The Cessna will take you to Entebbe from where you can start your journey back home or your alternative program.