8 Days of Uganda Gorilla Trekking and Kenya Safari

Safari Overview

Summary

An unforgettable 8-day safari adventure, blending scenic landscapes, wildlife adventure, and cultural experiences. Begin in Amboseli National Park, where the snow-capped beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro crowns your game drives among huge herds of elephants, lions, and zebras. Stay at luxurious lodges like Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, and opt for a sunrise hot air balloon ride or a Maasai Village visit for cultural insights.

Next, fly to the famous Maasai Mara, Kenya’s top destination. Game drives through the vast plains teeming with the Big Five where you may witness dramatic predator-prey interactions. Stay at premium safari luxury camps like Sarova Mara Game Camp, and enhance your experience with a balloon safari or a cultural visit.

The climax unfolds in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to endangered mountain gorillas. Trek through lush rainforests for a life-changing hour with these gentle giants. Unwind at Buhoma Lodge, nestled in the misty forest.

Seamless flights and transfers ensure comfort, while expert guides enrich your every moment. From Kilimanjaro’s backdrop to Mara, the heart of wildlife, and Bwindi’s primal beauty, this safari promises an unparalleled adventure experience — book now to witness Earth’s most amazing wonders.

Accommodation Options

• Amboseli: Amboseli Sopa Lodge/ Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge or Ol Tukai Lodge
• Masai Mara: Zebra Plains Mara Camp or Basecamp Maasai Mara / Ashnil Mara Camp or Sarova Mara Game Camp or Mara Serena Safari Lodge
• Bwindi: Buhoma Lodge/Mahogany Springs

Activities: Game viewing, photography, nature walks, sightseeing, birding, gorilla trekking, and cultural visits.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi – Transfer to Amboseli (Approx 4 hrs)

Pick up from your Nairobi Hotel or Airport on arrival and drive to Amboseli National Park which is famous for its scenery with a backdrop of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, which dominates the landscape, and open plains. Arriving with a short game drive en- route to camp/lodge, check in, have lunch, and have a short rest. Another game drive is at 4 p.m.

Overnight Amboseli Sopa Lodge/ Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge or Ol Tukai Lodge

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Amboseli – Full Day

After breakfast, head out with picnic lunch boxes for a full day in the park. Explore Amboseli with unlimited game drives, watch the animals from the observation hill, and if lucky to see Mount Kilimanjaro reveal itself, make sure to take a photo.

Optional activities: Hot air balloon ride, Maasai Village Visit, & guided nature walks

Overnight: Amboseli Sopa Lodge/ Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge or Ol Tukai Lodge /

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Amboseli– Transfer to Maasai Mara, By Flight

After breakfast at the lodge, you will be transferred to the airstrip for a flight to Mara which departs Amboseli at 08:10am to arrive in Maasai Mara at 11:00am. The flight can some times connect via Nairobi, however, most times it is a direct flight. The Camp driver will be waiting to welcome you. Have a short introductory game drive en route to the camp for check-in. Have lunch and relax before an afternoon shared game drive.

Overnight: Zebra Plains Mara Camp or Basecamp Maasai Mara / Ashnil Mara Camp or Sarova Mara Game Camp or Mara Serena Safari Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 4 & 5: Maasai Mara – Full Day

Embark on extensive game drives in the Mara Reserve. If you’re looking to see Big Cats, the Masai Mara National Reserve is an excellent place to spot them. The Mara has been called the Kingdom of Lions and these powerful hunters dominate these grasslands. Cheetahs are also common in the Mara, as are hyenas and smaller predators such as jackals. You’ll have an excellent opportunity to spot them by enjoying game drives across the Mara plains.

Later, you’ll return to the lodge/camp to relax and enjoy dinner.

Alternatively, have morning and evening game drives in the park and spend part of the day at the camp.

Optional Activities: a visit to Maasai Village ($30 per person) & Balloon ride ($480 per person)

Overnight: Zebra Plains Mara Camp or Basecamp Maasai Mara / Ashnil Mara Camp or Sarova Mara Game Camp or Mara Serena Safari Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Maasai Mara- Transfer to Entebbe – to Bwindi, by Air

Have breakfast then be transferred to the airstrip for a flight to Entebbe departing Mara at 8.45 a.m. to arrive in Kisumu at 9.50 a.m. The flight has a short stop in Kisumu for immigration purposes. Depart Kisumu for Entebbe at 10.30a.m. to arrive in Entebbe at 11.30 a.m. You will connect with a flight to Bwindi departing at 12.45 p.m. Arrive in Kihihi Aistrip at 1.55 p.m. and be picked by lodge’s guide and transfer you to Bwindi, Buhoma section. The day is spent on leisure or guided community walks.

Overnight: Buhoma Lodge/Mahogany Springs

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7: Trekking Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi National Park

Another highlight of your safari: a meeting with the gentle giants of Bwindi! Hikers will love tracking in the beautiful ecosystem of the park. It is difficult to foresee how many hours you will hike; it may take 3 to 8 hours. Expect to walk a long distance in steep and muddy conditions, sometimes with rain overhead, before you encounter any gorilla. But it will be worthwhile as you observe them closely while they eat, play and rest. A unique and unforgettable experience! You will carry packed lunch on this day.

Note: For conservation purposes, time spent with the gorillas is limited to one hour. The ranger guide always briefs you on how to behave with these giant apes. After trekking, return to the lodge for relaxation.

Overnight: Buhoma Lodge/Mahogany Springs

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Transfer to Entebbe – to Nairobi – Departure

Today marks the end of your amazing adventure. After breakfast, you will be transffered to the Airstrip for a morning flight at 0945 hrs arriving Entebbe 1125 hrs to connect with your afternoon flight to Nairobi. Depending on your flight back home, you may connect from JKIA, or spend the night in Nairobi (at extra cost)

Meal: Breakfast & lunch.

Notes

• Accommodation is subject to availability

Inclusive of;

• All government taxes/VAT
• Park entry fees to all mentioned parks
• 7- nights accommodation and meals as stated in the itinerary.
• Private game drives in a 4/4 customized Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof to facilitate game viewing and photography
• Services of professional tour driver/guide (s)
• 1 Gorilla permit per person
• Local flights: Amboseli- Maasai Mara – Bwindi via Entebbe – Entebbe
• All transfers
• Bottled mineral water
• Game drives as mentioned in the itinerary
• And other day excursions as described in the itinerary

Exclusions

• International flights from and to home
• Tips & porterage
• Visa fees (if applicable)
• Travel Insurance
• Other personal items (toiletries etc)
• Optional Activities: a visit to Maasai Village ($30 per person) and balloon ride ($480 per person)
• Anything not mentioned in the Inclusions and itinerary