Sanctuary Cats and Gorillas Safari
This safari mixes the pampering and luxury the Sanctuary Retreats properties offer with the adventure and thrill of your ultimate wildlife experiences. Your safari will take in the magnificent rhino in Laikipia in a private conservation area with the Big Cats of the Mara in Kenya before heading to Uganda for gorilla trekking in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Whilst this safari can be tailored for those on a lower budget, we highly recommend this itinerary with these chosen properties for the pure indulgence and luxury the Sanctuary Retreats brand brings to your safari experience. You will mix the excitement and adventure of nature watching with pampering and relaxation.
Laikipia – Ol Pejeta Conservancy
On arrival in Nairobi, we will whisk you straight to a connecting flight up to Nanyuki, north of Nairobi – a short flight of around 45 minutes. You can go by car if you prefer but this will take closer to four hours to get you there. If your flight does not connect we will overnight you in a lovely Nairobi hotel and get you to Ol Pejeta early the next day.
Ol Pejeta is just a 30 minute drive from Nanyuki in your purpose built 4x4 safari vehicle. The moment you pass through the conservancy gates you will start to see the wonderful wildlife in the conservancy. It is the centre for rhino conservation in Kenya so you will be lucky enough to encounter both black and white rhino during your stay, and more famously it is the home to the last of the Northern white rhino, a stark reminder why it is so important to support such conservancies looking after these magnificent endangered beasts.
Lion prides also have territories passing through the conservancy so are a regular spot as are the plentiful elephant and giraffe.
Your stay here will include tailored game drives, usually early morning and late afternoon, mixed with the luxury and pampering you will experience in between your wildlife encounters and first class gourmet dining.
Three nights at Sanctuary Tambarare - Full Board with drinks
Masai Mara National Park
After an early breakfast, head back to the air strip for your direct flight to the Mara. You will be met and transferred to camp which is situated in the Mara Triangle bordering the main National Game Reserve.
You will be treated to both morning and evening game drives in this magnificent park again tailored to your requirements. As you have plenty of time here you can also take a long days' trip into the far reaches of the Masai Mara seeking out multiple lion prides and the cheetah who roam the plains. During the migration season it is also great to travel further afield to the crossing areas which usually will mean a full day out on safari.
Again you will have access to the Spa and you will find the tranquil environment along the river incredibly relaxing in between your game drives. The only interruption here is the occasional grumbling from the nearby hippo pods along the river.
Three nights at Sanctuary Olonana - Full Board with drinks
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
An early breakfast again, but with the added excitement of your next journey in the the neighbouring country of Uganda. You will be taken to the local airstrip where you will head off on your flight to Entebbe direct from the Mara. A quick connection will have you landing at the airport near to Bwindi. A really interesting drive up to the mountains will have you there in an hour or so.
Check into your lodge, relax and enjoy the spa and a great meal ready for a good sleep to get you prepared for your next busy day.
An early morning will have you setting off before 8am with a packed lunch and breakfast. You will be taken to the gorilla trekking station where you will be matched with the trek ahead of you. Treks have varying difficulties and durations so if you have any preference let us know when we arrange this for you. We recommend you hire a porter as it provides essential local employment as well as helping you out dealing with the heat, humidity and ascent of the trek into the mountains. Your porter will carry your rucksack with food and drink and any extra layers, plus is also there to give you an occasional shove up a steep slope should you require it. We have found over the years that whilst we have good intentions, we do always very much appreciate this towards the top of the climb!
You will get around an hour with the gorilla family once you have found them and your guide will steer you through how to behave and interact with the gorillas – truly an experience of a lifetime.
On return to your lodge you will be able to relax in the spa and enjoy an early evening around the firepit for pre dinner drinks, swapping stories with fellow guests before your superbly crafted evening meal.
Two nights at Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp - Full Board with drinks
On your last morning, after breakfast you will be transported back to the local airport for your onwards journey or connecting flight back to Entebbe.
We highly recommend a further cultural and wildlife trip within Uganda for those of you who have time. Alternatively, for those seeking further relaxation a flight over to Zanzibar for a few nights staying at Baraza.
What's Included
- International flights
- Domestic flights and transfers
- Driver/Guide for safari experiences
- 8 nights full board accommodation of your choosing with drinks
- All National Park fees and entrance fees for activities detailed
- Gorilla Trek permit
Price Information
Prices start from £7750pp/€9050pp/$10195pp