Encounter Africa’s legendary wildlife, from the “big five” to endangered Mountain Gorillas, on a thrilling adventure into the wilds of Kenya and Uganda. Trek into the Ugandan jungle and come face-to-face with a family of Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat. Then travel through Rwanda and fly to Kenya for safari in world-famous national parks. Track elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, buffalos, zebras, giraffes, and an array of birds. Along the way, learn about local the history and cultural of these fascinating countries in Eastern Africa. The 10-Day Uganda And Kenya: Gorilla & Big 5 Safari includes excellent value-for-money accommodation, private transfers and your own guide.
Summary
Day 1: Land at Entebbe
Day 2: Lake Mburo – boat safari and game drive
Day 3: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Day 4: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Day 5: Kigali/Nairobi
Day 6: Lake Nakuru National Park
Day 7: Lake Nakuru National Park/Masai Mara
Day 8: Masai Mara
Day 9: Masai Mara
Day 10: Nairobi
Details
Day 1: Land at Entebbe
Welcome to Uganda. Your unforgettable journey begins at Entebbe International Airport where you will transfer to The Boma Hotel for an overnight stay.
This modern midrange hotel in Entebbe is an ideal spot to rest after a long-haul flight and to get yourself ready for your gorilla-trekking adventure.
There’s plenty to see and do in the beautiful city of Entebbe which is situated on the shore of Lake Victoria. You can visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens to admire the black-and-white colobus monkeys and see the rainforest zone, which was the location used in the filming of the original 1940 Hollywood classic, Tarzan.
You can tour Jane Goodall Institute’s Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary or enjoy a leisurely sunset boat cruise on Lake Victoria.
Other Accommodation Options:
- 2 Friends Beach Hotel – Midrange
- Airport Guest House – Budget
- Hotel No. 5 – Luxury
- Lake Victoria Serena Resort and Spa – Luxury
Meals Include:
- Dinner
Day 2: Lake Mburo – boat safari and game drive
After breakfast at around 7:30am, our driver guide will pick you up from the hotel and make your way to Lake Mburo National Park (approximately 270km, 3 hours).
The flora of Lake Mburo National Park is acacia woodland, different to most other parks in East Africa, which means its fauna is also different to other reserves. It is the best place in the country to see the Zebras and huge eland antelopes and has about 68 different species of mammals including impalas, buffalo, leopards, buffalos, and hyenas.
There are 5 lakes inside the park which are home to hippos, Nile crocodiles and a variety of waterbirds. This small park is less well-known among tourists so it is much quieter than some of the more famous East African parks.
On arrival you will check into the lodge and shortly set out to experience the park. Drive through the game trails and enjoy the beautiful savannah as you observe a range of animals. After the game drive you will go for the boat ride on Lake Mburo.
Accommodation Options:
- Mihingo Lodge – Luxury
- Rwakobo Rock – Midrange
- Eagles Nest Mburo – Budget
Meals Include:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 3: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Today you will have an early game morning walk in Lake Mburo National Park that offers a beautiful experience in the savannah, giving you up-close views of several animals and enjoy the beautiful scenery! After that, you will have breakfast, check out of the lodge and make you way towards Bwindi Impenetrable forest (approx. 3-4 hours).
Famous for its remarkable biodiversity, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site that is home to many endangered species including roughly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
The afternoon is free to check out some of the local sights. You can opt for a village visit that takes you to Mikozi Village. Here you will become familiar with the Ugandan countryside, visit the local markets and speak with a traditional Ugandan healer before returning to your lodge in Rushaga area of Bwindi.
Accommodation Options:
- Gorilla Heights Lodge – Luxury
- Mutanda Lake Resort – Midrange
- Gorilla Safari Lodge – Midrange
- Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge – Budget
Meals Include:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 4: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Today you venture into to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest on foot in search of the mountain gorillas. There is a maximum group size of 8 on each gorilla visit and few gorilla trekking permits are available each day. Visits to gorillas are strictly controlled to limit the possibility of disturbance or transmission of disease to the endangered primates.
Mountain gorilla trekking in the dense forest of Bwindi can sometimes be wet, muddy and uncomfortable and may reach altitudes of almost 2000m above sea level.
The landscape is by no means easy either, so it can be pretty difficulty and often humid, but the sheer thrill in coming across a family of wild gorillas, dominated by a great male silverback, more than outweighs any difficulty.
You need to be prepared and fit enough for a hike of 2 to 6 hours – up and down hill. You can usually get very close to the gorillas, which are calm and gentle, and watching their movements is like seeing a mirror image of yourself.
Once you encounter one of the gorilla families, your time with the gorillas will last one unforgettable hour. Afterwards retire to your lodge and soak up the incredible views.
Optional Activity:
Tulambule offers you the opportunity to undertake the unique Gorilla Habituation Experience instead of the gorilla trekking of Rushaga Sector of Bwindi.
During this special adventure you will join a group of researchers to experience how a gorilla family is habituated. Participants are allowed to stay with the gorilla family for no less than 4 hours and the excursion is undertaken in a group of only 4 people. It is a special look at the habituation of gorillas.
Day 5: Kigali/Nairobi
After breakfast, you depart the Bwindi and begin a very scenic drive to cross over the border into Kigali (approximately 4 hours). After arriving at the capital of Rwanda, you will connect Kigali International Airport for the regional flight to Nairobi.
You will be collected from the airport for a short transfer to your hotel for relaxation. If you arrive early, you could spend the afternoon browsing the artistic and cultural displays at Nairobi Gallery, or lounging by the pool at your hotel.
Accommodations: Sarova Panafric Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: Lake Nakuru National Park
Today, you will depart early for Lake Nakuru. This Kenya game park is known for hosting flocks of pink flamingos and a rich variety of bird species. Arrive at your safari lodge inside Lake Nakuru National Park in time for lunch, and seek out the resident white and black rhinos on a late afternoon wildlife drive.
Accommodations Options:
- The Cliff – Luxury
- Sarova Woodlands – Luxury
- Lake Nakuru Lodge – Midrange
- Flamingo Hill Camp – Midrange
- Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge – Midrange
Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 7: Lake Nakuru National Park/Masai Mara
Set out on morning and afternoon safaris through the picturesque park, searching for rhinos, buffalo, impalas, lions, leopards, and more; and drive along the salty shores of Lake Nakuru to discover a mind-boggling variety of birds.
After that, you embark on a 4 hour drive across the Great Rift Valley to the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve and settle into your comfortable lodge or camp. Head out for a late afternoon safari through vast, acacia-dotted plains, driving past throngs of wildebeest, zebra, and giraffes; and keep an eye out for lions, elephants, and the rest of the African “big five.” In the evening, relax at the camp/lodge and enjoy scenic views of the rolling plains.
Accommodations Options:
- Mara Serena Lodge – Luxury
- Mara Leisure Camp – Luxury
- Ashnil Mara Camp – Luxury
- Jambo Mara Lodge- Midrange
- Mara Sopa Lodge – Midrange
- Base Camp Masai Mara – Midrange
Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 8: Masai Mara
Go out on an early morning safari to track the animals that traversed the savanna during the night. View ungulates like Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelles, topi and eland antelopes—as well as their stealthy predators—at one of their most active times of the day.
Continue your exploration on a late afternoon safari, discovering the timeless landscapes of Masai Mara National Reserve.
Day 9: Masai Mara
The morning is yours to do as you wish. You may like to sit back with a cup of coffee on your private deck, keeping an eye out for animals in the Mara, or forgo a sleep-in in favour of an early morning game drive or walking safari. If you would like to see the Masai Mara from another perspective, a sunrise hot air balloon safari is a truly unforgettable experience.
Balloon rides can be booked ahead of time or on the ground if and the suppliers are committed conservationists, with part of the profits from every balloon flight going straight to worthy conservation projects within the park.
You will be picked up before dawn and glide through the sunrise, sometimes at tree height, making the most of the amazing photo opportunities. Sometimes you will ascend to get an overview of the enormity of the Mara plains and the early-morning movements of the teeming animal herds.
In the afternoon, regroup for another exciting 4×4 game drive in the park or visit a Masai Village to learn about the Masai People, the ancestral inhabitants of the land.
Day 9: Masai Mara/Nairobi
Witness a breathtaking sunrise over the savanna during your final safari in Masai Mara, and head back to Nairobi for your onward travel arrangements. Safer Travels!
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
End of 10 Days Uganda Gorillas & Kenya Big 5 Safari
What’s Included
- Accommodation
- Meals: 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners
- Transport: 7-seat 4×4 safari vehicle, hiking, boat, plane
- Arrival transfer
- Uganda Rwanda border crossing fees
- All national park entrance fees
- Mountain gorilla trek with permits
- Wildlife safari drives in Masai Mara National Reserve, and Lake Nakuru National Park
- Internal flight
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
What’s Not Included
- Airfare to and from destination
- Minimum medical and emergency evacuation insurance
- Trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance
- Visas
- Any activity not described in What’s Included
- Meals on your own
- Gratuities
