Legends of East Africa: A Gorilla Trekking and Masai Mara Safari

We went for the animals, fell in love with the people.

A safari has been a dream of my husband’s and mine for years, but planning it seemed insurmountable, until Zicasso connected us with our agent and tour operator. Our agent made our dream trip come true, more stunningly than we could ever have hoped. Just as important, she made it easy for us.

From our first phone call with our agent, our confidence in her grew, increasing with each of several iterations of our itinerary. She listened to what we wanted. Because we mentioned loving “Out of Africa,” she booked us two days in Nairobi at the outset so we could visit the Karen Blixen Museum and stay at the hotel nearby. Our time in Nairobi also included visits to the elephant orphanage and a giraffe center, as well as a dinner with family friends. It also provided a chance to get our bearings after the long flight, before transitioning to the actual safari segment of our trip.

Our time in Tanzania began with some moving personal experiences in the village of Mto Wa Mbu, first at a school, ambitiously educating hundreds of eager young students in the face of ever-present resource constraints. Next, we visited three homes, where we were privileged to sponsor small solar electricity installations. These efforts are supported by the agency, in partnership with one of the camps; companies that invest ethically and generously in the people and country. These interactions added a measure of reality, texture, and reflection to what was otherwise a truly luxury safari trip. That day, the campaign motorcade of the president of Tanzania swept through the village while we watched. Our agent had alerted us that it might disrupt our schedule, which it did not. This was just one example of her excellent communication with us before, during, and after our trip.

Prior to leaving home, we wondered how we would connect with our guides and hosts along the way. We were amazed at how seamlessly we were able to make all the transfers. Everywhere we went, there was someone to meet us. Even the seemingly chaotic nature of the small airports didn’t faze us because there was invariably someone looking out for us. The one and only time we didn’t look for our greeter (though she was waiting and looking for us!), another airport employee took us under his wing until the right connection was made.

Every lodging our agent chose for us had its own vibe and all were well-appointed, hospitable, and memorable, with staff focused on our comfort and enjoyment. Our two nights at a tented camp near Ngorongoro Crater afforded an authentic camp environment in an ideal location close to the crater. After giving us an amazing first drive in the crater, our guide bypassed scores of picnickers and drove us to a secluded spot, where five staff members had set up a tent for a private lunch for us, complete with grilled meats and a full bar. Back at the camp that night we put four tables together for dinner with new friends, followed by singing and dancing by the staff. The manager and a few people on the staff stand out, along with the first of many Maasai escorts we met. 

Our second camp was in the Northern Serengeti, a newly-opened camp that our agent selected when a nearby camp wasn’t available. This “Plan B” earned an A-plus! The manager, some of the staff, and especially our dedicated server, as well as many others, took such great care to make our time there special. The chef there was a true talent. The food everywhere was delicious; here it was gourmet. On the third night of four, they upgraded us to the family tent (a fully-equipped, luxurious house). Everything they did seemed to be designed to surprise and delight us. (We joked to ourselves that they might be mistaking us for VIPs.) They welcomed us with song when we arrived and saw us off with more songs, hugs, and exchanges of WhatsApp contact information. 

One morning of our stay in the Northern Serengeti was dedicated to a thrilling hot-air balloon ride, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush. Our agent booked the region’s premier balloon company for our trip.

Our final accommodation was at the lodge in Eastern Serengeti, another delightful camp with welcoming staff, a great gathering space and bar, and delicious food. Our suite was incredible, with full views out into the bush and visits from many animals. Among many wonderful staff members there, the manager and two staff members made big impressions on us. While at this camp, we were treated to two special events, a sundowner out in the bush and, on our last night there, a private dinner under the stars with a cake, singing, and dancing for our anniversary. We ate with our guide in the light of lanterns hanging from trees, under the watchful eye of a spear-carrying Maasai guard and with the sounds of lions and hyenas all around us—magical.

Oh, I suppose I should mention that there were animals! We saw many lions, several cheetahs, a leopard in a tree guarding his kill from hyenas, countless elephants, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, impala, hippos, Pumbaa, baboons, gazelles, and birds of all kinds. Also, one fleeting view of a rhino. And a dramatic Mara River crossing of zebra and wildebeest threading their way through a phalanx of waiting crocodiles. The Great Migration didn’t disappoint. There were so many wildebeest that our guide joked that if anyone asked how many we saw, we should reply, “All of them!”

That guide was the magic man. Fredy was with us for almost our entire time in Tanzania, which meant that on two days he dropped us off at an airport before driving for many hours to meet us at the next destination. He holds an honored place among his peers for his deep knowledge of the land and animals, dedication to guests, sense of humor, infectious laugh and booming singing voice. When he was in the camp, everyone felt his presence. On drives, there were countless instances where he spotted a lion, leopard, or cheetah from a great distance, with no other trucks around. We were able to pull up closer than we thought possible, silently marveling at an animal, pride, or herd without company. Late one afternoon, he stood outside the truck and gave us a surprisingly comprehensive lecture on elephant dung. It turns out he was stalling while the lodge's team set up our sundowner close by! We had a good laugh over that, one of many. Leaving him on the last day felt like saying goodbye to a family member.

It is clear from speaking with staff at all the locations we stayed that our agent is well-known and respected there. They have affection for her and know that she insists on quality experiences for her clients. These strong connections are why she and the agency are equated with the top level of quality in safari planning and execution. We have already recommended her to friends and give an unqualified endorsement to anyone with a safari on their bucket list. Our recipe for a guaranteed amazing safari? Hire our agent and this agency.

This was our first adventure into Africa. Zicasso's travel agent and the team put together the perfect itinerary. It provided an excellent overview of various African cultures and, of course, exposure to all the wildlife and scenery that Africa offers. This included gorilla trekking in Rwanda and 10 days on safari at three different bush camps. Prior to heading home, we relaxed in the island paradise of Seychelles.

Our travel agent handled all the details, including reservations, transportation, and communications. In addition to a printed itinerary, she provided a phone application that allowed us to access our itinerary at any time. The application included emergency contacts, airline e-tickets, and detailed information pertaining to each location we stayed.

In addition, our travel agent set us up with our local hosts to meet us at each destination, handle baggage, and provide necessary transportation. This made our adventures relaxing and completely stress-free. We can't say enough about her expertise and services. Her attention to detail and knowledge of the African continent is beyond compare. We highly recommend her when planning your African adventure.

We just loved our African safari.

The trip went smoothly and was well executed, thanks to our guide. It was because of him that the experience was enjoyable, as he was very knowledgeable and resourceful, and had his own network. He was very patient with me and always encouraging. There are not enough words to describe how grateful I am to him for dealing with me for 19 days. 

Starting with receiving me at Entebbe International Airport, he gave me a friendly assurance that I would have a smooth and secure adventure. He kept me very safe and in a few days, I was able to trust him with all my belongings and my life. This was very important for somebody who does not live in Uganda and Rwanda, and was here for just a few days to learn and explore these two beautiful countries.

Let's do a breakdown of each of the places I went to:

Entebbe: I can't comment too much about this place because I only arrived at the airport and stayed at the guest house. The staff and the guest house were nice as I tried to get settled after a long plane ride and prepare myself for the adventures ahead.

Murchison National Falls Park: I won't forget this experience. I saw the wildlife as it is and enjoyed it so much. There are not enough words to describe the beauty of this beautiful savannah and the species that inhabit it. I fell in love with the giraffes, almost got charged by an elephant, and was very lucky to see a hyena, a leopard, and two lionesses in one day. I learned so much about Murchison Falls that I did not know, including that it is the world's most powerful waterfall, and I felt honored to see it in front of me during an afternoon boat ride.

Kampala: Kampala is very congested, but it was nice to see what the capital city was like and I somehow enjoyed visiting the Gaddafi mosque.

Jinja: I will never forget the day I saw the origin of the Nile River. That feeling cannot be replaced. I am proud of myself for celebrating the Nile River by doing bungee jumping, tube river riding, horseback riding, and whitewater riding. I'm so proud of myself for bungee jumping for the first time in my life, and over the Nile River.

Sipi Falls: This is a hidden secret that not many tourists know about and must be seen. These three waterfalls are just one long Sipi Falls flowing in Mt Elgon… breathtaking. The hike was very challenging, but necessary to appreciate the beauty of Sipi Falls. I really enjoyed my time with a nice couple who showed how they process coffee beans and also appreciated the Kapchorwa community for showing me their dance performance in their ancestral mountain cave. The hotel in the Sipi Falls area was not really a resort. They have more work to do to make this a very tourist-friendly accommodation. However, I did not complain much as it was all part of the experience. Therefore, I just made my stay for those two nights the way I could, knowing this was the best accommodation in the Sipi Falls area.

Kibale National Park: It was an honor to cross the equator more than once. My stay at the lodge in Kibale National Park was amazing. I enjoyed my stay and really loved the friendly staff who took care of me. I will not forget my experience of seeing the chimpanzees in the wild at the Kibale National Park. We were told we were very lucky to see all the chimpanzees sitting on the ground before they all headed up in the trees. To see the chimpanzees up close, a few feet from you, and lock your eyes with theirs is an experience you won't forget.

Queen Elizabeth National Park: Again, I crossed the equator at least three times during this experience. It's a different savannah that you appreciate in its own way. I was very lucky that with the help of our guide's contact, I was able to see, in an open spot, two lionesses with three baby cubs. I enjoyed my afternoon boat ride, surprisingly, in the Kazinga Channel, especially with the tourists I was riding the boat with.

Bwindi Forest: I enjoyed my 12km walk into the windy forest and into the Buhoma community to get to a car to drive me to my hotel. The next day, seeing the gorilla after trekking a very steep slope was an unforgettable experience. It was thanks to the porter who helped me trek these challenging slopes that I was able to see a gorilla community that I will never forget. I did enjoy my small amount of time in the Batwa community.

Volcanoes National Park: I enjoyed my stay at our hotel in Volcanoes National Park, as the staff were very friendly and made sure I was warm at night. The next day, I enjoyed my not-too-hard trek to see the golden monkey before heading to Kigali.

Overall, it was a beautiful adventure and I don't think I would have planned it any other way. I do wish I were able to see Kidepo National Park, as I was told multiple times how beautiful that park is.

Thank you so much for helping me organize this wonderful adventure, especially since this was my first African adventure.

This was a trip of a lifetime. Every single aspect was beyond my expectations. Zicasso's travel expert from the tour company helped to create an adventure beyond adventures. She was meticulous and once we arrived in Africa, all plans and executions were impeccable. I will definitely utilize her for all future trips and refer her to others. She really gets to know her clients and specializes in creating an environment based upon her clients' personalities and ambitions.

The trip lived up to all of our expectations. Having never been to the UAE and Kenya, we relied very heavily on Zicasso's trip coordinator to develop our itinerary, scheduling, accommodations, etc. She worked very hard to understand our expectations and put together a plan that I would rate five stars!