James Gifford - Kenya & Uganda Photographic Safari - 11 day itinerary

Shared vehicle game drives are available from Rekero in the morning, afternoon or as a full day option. The game drives can be tailored to your particular interest but, for enhanced flexibility, booking a private vehicle is recommended. On the other hand, you can take the day off, sit back and listen to the bush chorus as you read a book or relax in camp enjoying the views from the deck.

For those keen to get in some early morning game viewing or maximise their time watching game, our camp chef can prepare a delicious packed breakfast or lunch. Leave camp with the rising sun and enjoy a packed breakfast or lunch to maximise your game-viewing time.

Balloon safaris are a romantic and iconic way of experiencing the wilderness of East Africa, as you fly silently over the plains teeming with herds of wildlife in the early morning. Typically, a balloon safari begins around 6 am and lasts for around 1 hour. Balloon safaris (additional cost) take off from designated sites and are followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush - a fitting end to a memorable flight in the wild. (At an additional cost)

At Rekero you are just 50 meters away from one of the regular wildebeest migration crossing points, where the herds of zebra and wildebeest cross the Talek River. Families with children of 5 years can stay in our two airy family tents with full en-suite facilities. Families have a personal game-viewing vehicle and highly-skilled guide complete with amazing bush-wise facts, anecdotes and stories that will keep the kids entertained for hours.

Game drives happen twice per day: in the morning and again in the late afternoon. We can also stay out late to spot nocturnal animals and venture off-road. Our vehicles are seven-seaters with open sides or five-seaters with roofs that open so you can stand for a better view. All vehicles are fitted with power points and fridges, so we can comfortably cruise around the bush all day.

A night safari gives guests the opportunity to spot animals that spend the day snoozing. Our vehicles are equipped with special spotlights that give you the thrilling experience of watching predators as they stalk their prey.

There’s nothing like a walking safari for learning about the Mara ecosystem. A passionate and specially trained Asilia guide will lead a walk through the savannah, pausing to explain bird and animal behaviour, and how all the small things work together, from termites to dung beetles. (additional cost)

This is one of the most exciting activities Asilia has to offer and is perfect for those who want an intimate safari experience. Set out on a walking safari in the afternoon and spend a night fly camping in a remote part of the conservancy. We’ll cook dinner over a campfire under the stars and the sounds of the bush will lull you to sleep. We return to the main camp the next morning. (additional cost)

Asilia can organise a trip to a nearby Maasai village, where you can meet our neighbours and learn about Maasai life. We take great care to plan these trips with sensitivity and respect for the local communities. (additional cost)

Our guides are great with kids. Many of them are parents themselves and love taking children on safari. They can teach them bush skills such as how to track animals, while telling Maasai folktales and stories about life in the Mara. We can plan games or visit a local school to meet future pen pals and learn more about Maasai culture.

You won’t regret the early start when you find yourself sailing over the Mara plains as the sun peeks over the horizon. A hot-air balloon ride offers an incredible vantage point. From above, follow the river and glide over a confusion of wildebeest, journey of giraffes or dazzle of zebras. Balloon rides are at an additional cost and are subject to weather conditions. (additional cost)

Naboisho is home to one of Asilia’s specially modified photographic vehicles. The open vehicle allows keen amateurs and professional photographers alike to shoot at eye level with wildlife. It is equipped with all the gear to ensure award-winning shots — from beanbags and camera rests to 360° swivel seats. You can read more about the vehicle here. Please enquire to ensure availability of the vehicle and confirm any additional fees. (additional cost)

Due to the high concentration of wildlife, many research programmes are conducted in the Mara Naboisho Conservancy. Researchers sometimes visit camp and spend an evening with guests sharing their findings and experiences of working in the bush.

Mountain gorillas are wild animals and, as such, sightings cannot be guaranteed. However viewing success rates are over 90%. Once sighted, visitors are allowed an hour with the gorillas. Overnighting in Bwindi is required the night before tracking due to your early morning start. As tracking can sometimes take a full day, a second nights accommodation is also highly recommended. Ideally 2 to 3 nights are suggested to enjoy this region.

Gorilla tracking timings and conditions vary tremendously as the gorillas move continuously through the rain forest. It is good to be prepared and remember the weather can change with very little warning. The terrain is often steep and through areas where there are no marked paths. It can be VERY strenuous – it may be just a couple of hours but it can also be for a full day of up to 8 hours or more of hiking in hot, high altitude conditions – please be prepared for this by being as fit as possible!

This walk provides guests with an opportunity to support the local community whilst enjoying visiting various interesting places as you follow a walking trail through the village. Highlights include the traditional healer, banana brewery and Mukono Primary school where you may interact with the children.

This can be undertaken with a Uganda Wildlife Authority guide to allow you to hike along the trails and enjoy the forest flora and fauna. A popular choice is the 3-4 hour hike to the waterfall. Get lost in the ancient forests of Bwindi with an experienced guide on hand. These forests also provide great bird watching opportunities.