11 Day Masai Mara and Uganda Gorilla trekking

Safari Overview

11-day journey that seamlessly blends the raw wilderness of Kenya’s iconic savannahs with Uganda’s lush forests and endangered mountain gorillas. This thrilling safari takes you through Masai Mara’s predator-filled plains, the rhino sanctuary of Lake Nakuru, and the dramatic backdrops of Amboseli with Kilimanjaro in view. From Kenya, your adventure transitions to the “Pearl of Africa” where you explore the primate haven of Kibale, the scenic Queen Elizabeth National Park, and finally the ultimate highlight—Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to the rare mountain gorillas. Cap off your adventure with a serene retreat at Lake Bunyonyi and a walk through the wilds of Lake Mburo National Park.

Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, bird lover, photographer, or a curious traveler, this journey offers a rare mix of iconic African wildlife, stunning landscapes, and authentic local experiences.

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Tour Highlights

  • Masai Mara Game Reserve: Witness the spectacular wildlife and possibly the Great Migration. Spot lions, cheetahs, elephants, wildebeests, and crocodiles along the Mara River.
  • Lake Nakuru National Park: Explore one of Africa’s finest rhino sanctuaries, home to both black and white rhinos, pink flamingos, and unique landscapes.
  • Amboseli National Park: Enjoy panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro and encounter large elephant herds against the backdrop of Africa’s highest peak.
  • Kibale National Park: Discover the “Primate Capital of the World,” home to chimpanzees and 12 other primate species.
  • Queen Elizabeth National Park: Enjoy a scenic game drive and boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, teeming with hippos, elephants, buffaloes, and birds.
  • Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: Experience the life-changing moment of standing face-to-face with endangered mountain gorillas.
  • Lake Bunyonyi: Relax by one of Africa’s most beautiful lakes, surrounded by rolling hills and dotted with 29 picturesque islands.
  • Lake Mburo National Park: Enjoy a guided nature walk and game drive in a unique savannah park home to zebras, impalas, giraffes, and leopards.

Your Itinerary

Day 1–2: Arrival in Nairobi – Transfer to Masai Mara National Reserve

Your adventure begins with a warm welcome in Nairobi. After a briefing, embark on a scenic drive to the Masai Mara Game Reserve, journeying through the dramatic Rift Valley escarpment and rolling hills. Upon arrival, check in, enjoy lunch, and later head out for a relaxed evening game drive. Expect to see giraffes, zebras, elephants, and antelopes.

The following day, dedicate a full day to wildlife viewing. Begin with a sunrise game drive when predators are most active. Explore the savannah in search of lions, leopards, hyenas, cheetahs, and wildebeests. Enjoy a bush breakfast and packed lunch as you proceed to the Mara River to observe hippos and massive crocodiles. Sunset in the Mara is magical—perfect for photos and reflection.

Overnight: Mtiti Mara Camp or equivalent
Meals: Full Board

Day 3: Masai Mara – Lake Nakuru National Park

After breakfast, depart Masai Mara and drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, famously known as a sanctuary for black and white rhinos. Upon arrival, have lunch and embark on a thrilling afternoon game drive. Keep your eyes peeled for buffaloes, lions, waterbucks, pythons hanging from acacia trees, and elusive serval cats. Admire the Makalia Waterfalls and large flocks of pink flamingos along the shores.

Overnight: Lake Nakuru Lodge
Meals: Full Board

Day 4–5: Lake Nakuru – Amboseli National Park

Drive south toward Amboseli, known for its majestic views of Mount Kilimanjaro and iconic tuskers. En route, observe Maasai homesteads and expansive plains. Arrive in time for lunch, rest briefly, then head out for an evening game drive. Capture incredible images of elephants, giraffes, zebras, and the snow-capped mountain backdrop.

On day 5, start early for the best views of Kilimanjaro before clouds gather. Spend the day exploring Amboseli’s marshlands, where elephants bathe, buffaloes graze, and hundreds of bird species reside.

Overnight: A A Lodge
Meals: Full Board

Day 6: Amboseli – Nairobi – Entebbe (Uganda)

After an early breakfast, depart Amboseli and return to Nairobi. Board your flight to Uganda, where our driver-guide will pick you up at Entebbe International Airport. Transfer to your accommodation for relaxation and overnight rest.

Overnight: Hotel in Entebbe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7: Entebbe – Transfer to Kibale National Park

After breakfast, embark on a scenic 6.5-hour drive westward to Kibale Forest. The journey offers stunning views of tea plantations, lush forests, and crater lakes. Make stopovers for photography, lunch, and restroom breaks along the way. On arrival, check in to your lodge and relax or enjoy a nature walk in the forest.

Overnight: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
Meals: Full Board

Day 8: Chimpanzee Trekking – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Start the day early with a hearty breakfast before heading to the ranger station for a briefing. Carry essentials like water, snacks, hiking boots, a rain jacket, and a camera. Trek through Kibale's rainforest to find a habituated troop of chimpanzees, an exhilarating and educational experience.

After your trek and lunch, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park via scenic crater lakes. Watch the terrain shift from rainforest to savannah as you approach the park.

Overnight: Elephant Hab Lodge
Meals: Full Board

Day 9: Kazinga Channel Boat Safari – Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha

Start the morning with a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel. Watch hippos yawning, crocodiles basking, elephants drinking, and colorful birdlife soaring above. This 40-km channel connects Lake George and Lake Edward and is rich in biodiversity.

Later, drive south through the Ishasha sector, home to rare tree-climbing lions and herds of topis and buffaloes, before arriving in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Overnight: Lodge in Bwindi
Meals: Full Board

Day 10: Gorilla Trekking – Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Today is the highlight of your safari—gorilla trekking! After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing. With packed water, snacks, and gear, trek through dense forest to find a gorilla family. Once found, spend an awe-inspiring hour in their presence—watching them play, feed, and interact.

After your trek, you'll receive a certificate and continue to Lake Bunyonyi for a peaceful evening on the shores.

Overnight: BirdNest Resort
Meals: Full Board

Day 11: Lake Bunyonyi – Boat Tour – Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

After breakfast, take a boat tour on Lake Bunyonyi. Learn the history of its 29 islands, including the famous Punishment Island and Upside-Down Island. Later, transfer to Lake Mburo National Park, one of Uganda’s smallest yet richest parks in terms of biodiversity.

Enjoy a late afternoon game drive in search of zebras, giraffes, impalas, elands, and leopards.

Overnight: Rwakobo Rock
Meals: Full Board

Day 12: Nature Walk – Transfer to Entebbe for Departure

Start your final day with a guided morning nature walk. This close encounter allows you to track wildlife on foot and learn about plants, insects, and animal tracks from your ranger guide. After the walk, return for breakfast, check out, and drive to Entebbe via the Equator line for souvenirs and photos.

End your journey with drop-off at the airport or your preferred location.

What's Included?

  • Services of a professional English-speaking guide
  • All meals and accommodation as per itinerary
  • All national park and activity entrance fees
  • Bottled drinking water during drives
  • 4×4 customized safari vehicle with pop-up roof
  • Gorilla and chimpanzee tracking permits
  • Boat safaris and game drives as per program
  • Airport transfers

What's not Included?

  • International and domestic flights
  • Tourist visas for Kenya and Uganda
  • Tips and gratuities for guides and staff
  • Souvenirs and personal purchases
  • Optional/additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic drinks (wine, spirits, beer)

More of Kenya Tours

17 Day Kenya & Tanzania Classic Adventure
11 Day Masai Mara and Uganda Gorilla trekking
12 Day Masai Mara Amboseli Photo Safari
4 Day Masai Mara Exploration
9 Day Samburu Masai Mara Big 5 Wildlife Safari

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