The decision has been made. The destination will be Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda. After some good advice on my first post, and reading through forums and guide books, I have chosen to go for new experiences in Uganda and Rwanda, rather than the typical beach vacation in Zanzibar. This will be the trip of my life, and I want it to be different.
In my first post I wasn’t mentioning Rwanda as an option. I had never considered Rwanda before, as I have never heard much about the country other than horrible genocide stories. But after I started planning my trip I have gotten a totally new look into this very interesting country. And I’m dying to see those gorillas in their natural habitat!
As I speak now, my plan is still very rough and needs more details. But here is what I have so far (please share your thoughts and suggestions about this itinerary):
1. Fly in to Nairobi and stay there for one or two nights.
2. Masai Mara. Suggestions for safari company? Self drive or go with a group? Are there any companies for backpackers? Please advice!
3. Lake Nakuru to see the flamingos. Is it worth it??
4. Kampala Uganda. Go there with truck from Nairobi? What have other backpackers done before?
5. Boat trip on the Nile. Rafting? Anyone here done that?
6. Rwanda. Here I really need help. I want to see nature and gorillas. I know nothing about the country, so please help me with suggestions.
Thanks!
Dear Tim Steve,
Please allow me to introduce to you, a vintage East Africa tour operator specializing in the niche market of Eco-tourism, cultural safaris, exotic safaris and incentive travel, we are located in Nairobi, Kenya.
Self drive safari is more private as you just need to hire a good car that can drive thro’ the African terrain and if you are courageous enough you only need the map and a compass although traveling with a group cut costs, if you are going to spend one or two nights in Nairobi, and if you let us know your travel dates we can fix you in a group doing the Flamingo circuit (Nairobi-Lake Nakuru-Masai Mara)
By hiring a good 4X4 vehicle you can drive yourself from Nairobi to Kampala and meet Gabriella our representative in Uganda and Rwanda. You can do Bwidi gorilla tracking in Uganda and permit per entry is $500 per pax or chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge located in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
In Rwanda all permits to visit the mountain gorillas and monkeys are booked through the Rwanda Tourism Board offices in Kigali or Musanze.
Please, for more information check our website http://www.lexxassafaris.com or reach us at info@lexassafaris.com
Hi Tim,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the blog!
I will be honest with you, I don’t know much about those parts of Africa. I’ve been to Kenya many years ago, and it was amazing! But I have never been to Uganda or Rwanda.
I saw the Flamingos, and it is very special, but since you have very limited time I think I’d probably prioritize something else. Unless you’re very interested in birds.
How about going to the Ngorogoro crater? That was one of my favorite places in Kenya!
I’ve heard a lot of people LOVED the Gorilla treks in Rwanda! It’s supposed to be completely different from other safari experiences. I would go for it!
I’m sorry I could not be of more help. Hopefully people with more experience and knowledge will leave a comment!
Thanks,
Hakon
Tim..
Lake Nakuru IS worth it. Make a day of it.. See the flamingoes and do some haggling at the markets in downtown Nakuru. Nakuru has become very touristy, so you’ll have options of where to eat. If you’re looking for cheap eats before Nakuru, you can save money by eating in Naivasha, where the food is cheap but good.