- Sabi Sands Game Reserve

12-Day Gorillas, Rhinos and the Special Five

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Add a big tick to your bucket list with an exhilarating gorilla trek in Virunga National Park and an exploration of the mesmerising tropical rainforest environment. After a brief stop in the cosmopolitan capital of Nairobi, head up to the Laikipia region in Central Kenya for some easy-breezy game viewin. Get to grips with the Samburu, Kenya’s rugged, desert wilderness and spend your time dodging animals, not tourists, on game drives, walks and even camel safaris!

Tour Summary

You'll go to Rwanda, & Kenya

You'll visit Kigali, Virunga, Nairobi, Laikipia NP & Samburu NR

This tour starts in Kigali & ends in Nairobi - Getting there

Tour Features

Luxury tour

This luxury tour uses lodges and tented camps.

Private tour

This tour will be run exclusively for you. Transfers and game drives at private camps will be shared.

Can start any day

If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.

Can be customized

You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.

Suitable for solo travelers

Solo travelers can book this private tour.

Minimum age of 15 years

The minimum age for this tour is 15 years.

Activities & Transportation

Activities: game drives, evening/night game drives, gorilla trekking, walking safaris (with an armed guide) & nature hikes/walks

Game drives: open-sided 4x4 vehicle

Getting around: open-sided 4x4 vehicle, normal 4x4 vehicle & air transfer

This operator can help select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself help

A transfer from and back to the airport is included

Accommodation & Meals

Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost

Day	Accommodation	Meals
1	Kigali Serena Hotel Luxury hotel in or near Kigali (Rwanda)	Breakfast Included
2-4	Mikeno Lodge Luxury lodge bordering Virunga (Congo (DRC)) without fences	All Meals Included
5	The Emakoko Luxury lodge inside Nairobi NP (Kenya)	All Meals Included
6-8	Solio Lodge Luxury+ lodge inside Solio Ranch (Laikipia, Kenya)	All Meals Included
9-11	Sasaab Camp Luxury tented camp just outside Samburu NR (Kenya)	All Meals Included
12	End of tour (No accommodation)	Breakfast & Lunch Included

Next:Day by Day

Arrival

(See Getting there for more details)

You'll be collected from the airport.
Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Day 1 Indulge in some five-star pampering at Kigali Serena Hotel

You will be driven from the airport to this large, modern hotel in central Kigali which lies just 10 kilometres from Kigali International Airport. It's a large hotel, popular for weddings and conferences (held fortunately in a large stand-alone conference and events centre). The rooms are quiet though, so take some down time, enjoy the varied cuisine at the restaurants, wander around the lush gardens and laze around the pool. And do visit the blissful spa. If you're simply overnighting, you'll probably only have time to enjoy the food, the pool and maybe a treatment at the spa. For families with young children, there's also a baby pool. Staying a little longer? Explore Kigali (ask for advice at reception), visit the sobering Kigali Genocide Memorial and admire the bright artworks at the Inema Gallery.

Main Destination:	Kigali (Rwanda)
Accommodation:	Kigali Serena Hotel Luxury hotel located in or near Kigali
Meals & Drinks:	Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 2-4 Trek in search of gorillas from Mikeno Lodge

Not only is Virunga National Park a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s also one of the most bewitchingly beautiful national parks on the continent, home to snow-capped mountains and glistening glaciers, active volcanoes and endless jungles. And now, there’s another reason to visit; Mikeno Lodge, a rather luxurious hideaway in the grounds of the park’s headquarters. 12 Congolese-chic bungalows boast ensuite bathrooms, hot water and epic fireplaces to fight off the ubiquitous mists and a terrific team of staff who will do just about anything for you. Gorilla treks are one of the main activities and they are, of course, superb in every way. The departure point for most treks is from Bukima Camp (about an hour’s drive away) and all depart bright and early in the morning. But there’s plenty more on offer too; tours of the gorilla orphanage, park headquarters and anti-poaching units can be arranged, as can chimpanzee treks and hikes to the top of the magnificent Nyiragongo Volcano.

Main Destination:	Virunga National Park (Congo (DRC))
Accommodation:	Mikeno Lodge Luxury lodge bordering Virunga without fences
Meals & Drinks:	All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 5 The pleasure of a safari on the edge of Nairobi

Clear customs in Nairobi and within 45 minutes you can be out in the bush amongst a myriad of birdlife and the Big Five. Positioned on the edge of Nairobi National Park, surrounded by acacia trees, the Emakoko is a firm favourite with those not quite ready to face civilisation after their holiday. Unpretentious and simple but with all the comforts hosts Anthony and Emma go out of their way to make sure you are looked after. With easy game viewing on your doorstep and a host of activities available this is a gem of lodge. What is going to surprise you is the quality of wildlife to be found in Nairobi National Park. Game drives are lead by knowledgable staff as well as excursions available to the nearby David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and shops for that that last minute gift. The great location of the lodge means that it is perfect for hiking, an experienced guide can be arranged to accompany you and impart their knowledge of the fauna and flora as you go.

Main Destination:	Nairobi (Kenya)
Accommodation:	The Emakoko Luxury lodge located inside Nairobi NP
Meals & Drinks:	All meals included All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)

Day 6-8 A small, intimate and stylish lodge with dramatic views over Mount kenya

Just North of Nairobi between Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountain's tucked in a 45,000 acre wildlife sanctuary a heightened and intimate wildlife experience awaits you at Solio Lodge. A cluster of fever trees surrounds a traditional thatch structure, built with care and affection for the space it occupies, but without sacrificing on modernity. The limited number of guests means that there is exclusivity without pompous ceremony and what better way to experience one the the last great sanctuaries in Kenya. Between night and day game drives, nature walks, helicopter flips, fishing and horse riding think of Solio as your own intimate all inclusive safari experience. Spot leopard, lion, both black and white rhino in what can only be described as a wildlife sanctuary where these animals are given the safety and space to thrive. There is also a spa service that you can indulge in an in-room massage after a days game drive out in the bush.

Main Destination:	Laikipia National Park (Laikipia, Kenya)
Best Time to Visit June to September (Dry season) High Season June to October and December to March Best Weather Jun to Sep and Dec to Feb (Less rain) Wildlife in Laikipia National Park (Laikipia, Kenya) Elephant Common Giraffe Common White Rhino Common Black Rhino Common Lion Common Zebra Abundant Buffalo Common Wildebeest Common Hippo Common Hyena Common Leopard Occasional Cheetah Occasional Wild Dog Occasional
Accommodation:	Solio Lodge Luxury+ lodge located inside Solio Ranch
Meals & Drinks:	All meals included All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)

Day 9-11 Kenyan hospitality, Moroccan style and global appeal at Sasaab Camp

Not all safari camps are of the canvas and game driving variety and Sasaab is definitely one of them. Well, there’s a little bit of canvas around and you can certainly game drive in the striking wild lands of the Samburu and Buffalo Springs reserves, but that’s just the beginning; there’s also camel rides, spa treatments and walking safaris at this Moroccan-inspired retreat. As the only tourist initiative in the area, ties with the local Samburu are strong and $50 from each stay is donated to the 600 families in the Westgate Community Conservancy. As the only lodge for miles around, activities at Sasaab are unique and private. Explore the exquisite Samburu Reserve on four wheels, two legs (your own) or four legs on a camel. Visits to the local Samburu community are wonderful and varied; stop off at the market, visit the school, play football with the kids or even have dinner. Fly camping guides is another not-to-be-missed opportunity and can even be done for more than one night.

Main Destination:	Samburu National Reserve (Kenya)
Best Time to Visit June to September and January to February High Season December to March and July to October (Busy) Best Weather June and December (Cool and fresh after rain) Wildlife in Samburu National Reserve (Kenya) Elephant Abundant Giraffe Common Zebra Common Hippo Common Leopard Occasional Buffalo Occasional Hyena Occasional Lion Rare Cheetah Rare White Rhino None Black Rhino None Wildebeest None Wild Dog Rare to none
Accommodation:	Sasaab Camp Luxury tented camp located just outside Samburu NR
Meals & Drinks:	All meals included All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)

Day 12 End in Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

You will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.

Main Destination:	Nairobi Airport (Kenya)
Accommodation:	No accommodation
Meals & Drinks:	Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Non-alcoholic drinks

End of tour

(See Getting there for more details)

You'll be collected from the airport.
Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Next: Rates

Important to Know

Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour must be paid in US dollars (USD). The ZAR rates shown are converted for information purposes only. Disclaimer
This tour accepts children who are 15 years and older.
Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. Flights may cost more, depending on travel dates. If so, your quote will reflect this.

Rates Per Person

Inclusions

Rates Per Person

AUD

USD

ZAR

EUR

GBP

Start dates	Solo 1 room	2+ people Sharing rooms
Jan 1, 2020 - May 22, 2020	$11569	$7674
May 23, 2020 - Sep 21, 2020	$13158	$9404
Sep 22, 2020 - Dec 5, 2020	$11569	$7749
Dec 6, 2020 - Dec 31, 2020	$12496	$9931