Tour Overview

This 12-day Uganda and Kenya safari combines primate trekking adventures with classic African wildlife experiences across two iconic destinations. The journey takes you through Uganda’s rich primate habitats—home to mountain gorillas and chimpanzees—before continuing to Kenya’s world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve for unmatched big game viewing.

You will explore Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking, Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee tracking, and Queen Elizabeth National Park for game drives and a Kazinga Channel boat cruise. The adventure then transitions to Kenya, where you experience the vast savannahs of Maasai Mara, known for the Big Five and seasonal wildebeest migration. The safari begins in Kigali, Rwanda and ends in Kenya, offering a seamless cross-border East African expedition.

Tour Summary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 2: Gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Forest
Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha sector
Day 4: Game drive and Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Day 5: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Day 6: Chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi Wetland walk
Day 7: Transfer to Kigali for flight to Nairobi, Kenya
Day 8: Transfer to Maasai Mara National Reserve
Day 9: Full day game drive in Maasai Mara
Day 10: Morning and afternoon game drives in Maasai Mara
Day 11: Maasai cultural village visit and wildlife viewing
Day 12: Return to Nairobi and departure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by your safari guide who will brief you about the journey ahead. You then begin a scenic drive through Rwanda’s rolling hills, often called the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” heading toward the Uganda border. After border clearance, continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Arrive in the evening, check in at your lodge, and relax in preparation for the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi Forest

After an early breakfast, you proceed to the park headquarters for briefing on gorilla trekking guidelines. You then enter the dense rainforest with experienced ranger guides to search for a habituated gorilla family. The trek may take several hours depending on their movement, but the experience is highly rewarding. Once located, you spend one unforgettable hour observing their behavior, feeding patterns, and family interactions. Return to your lodge for rest and reflection after this once-in-a-lifetime encounter.

Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha Sector

After breakfast, depart Bwindi and drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through the scenic Ishasha sector. This area is famous for its rare tree-climbing lions resting in fig trees. You may enjoy a game drive en route, spotting elephants, antelopes, and buffaloes. Continue north into the park and arrive at your lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation.

Day 4: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Begin the day with a morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains, where you may encounter lions, elephants, hyenas, Uganda kobs, and other wildlife species. After lunch, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. This area hosts one of the highest concentrations of hippos in Africa, along with crocodiles and abundant birdlife. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast, travel to Kibale Forest National Park, known as the primate capital of the world. The journey passes through lush countryside, tea plantations, and scenic crater lakes. Arrive in Fort Portal region and continue to your lodge near the forest. Spend the evening relaxing in preparation for chimpanzee trekking the following day.

Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Walk

After an early breakfast, head to Kibale Forest for chimpanzee trekking. Accompanied by experienced guides, you track chimpanzees through dense rainforest and observe them in their natural habitat for one hour. Later, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided nature walk, where you may spot monkeys, birds, and other primates. This community-based conservation area offers rich cultural and ecological insights.

Day 7: Transfer to Kigali and Flight to Nairobi, Kenya

After breakfast, depart Kibale and drive back to Kigali, Rwanda. Upon arrival, you proceed to Kigali International Airport for your flight to Nairobi, Kenya. On arrival, you will be met by your Kenyan safari guide and transferred to your hotel for overnight stay, preparing for the Maasai Mara safari experience.

Day 8: Transfer to Maasai Mara National Reserve

After breakfast, depart Nairobi and drive through the Great Rift Valley toward Maasai Mara National Reserve. Arrive in time for lunch and an afternoon game drive. The Mara offers stunning savannah landscapes and abundant wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, and zebras. Return to your lodge or camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 9: Full Day Game Drive in Maasai Mara

Spend a full day exploring Maasai Mara with morning and afternoon game drives. The reserve is famous for the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—as well as seasonal wildebeest migration. Enjoy picnic lunch inside the park while continuing wildlife viewing across the vast plains.

Day 10: Morning and Afternoon Game Drives in Maasai Mara

Another full day in Maasai Mara allows deeper exploration of different wildlife zones. Search for predators hunting in the early hours and explore river areas where hippos and crocodiles gather. Optional hot air balloon safari can be arranged for a sunrise aerial view of the plains.

Day 11: Maasai Cultural Village Visit and Wildlife Viewing

Begin the day with a relaxed morning game drive, followed by a visit to a Maasai village. Here, you learn about traditional Maasai customs, dances, and lifestyle. This cultural interaction adds depth to your safari experience, blending wildlife with human heritage. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 12: Return to Nairobi and Departure

After breakfast, depart Maasai Mara and drive back to Nairobi. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight. This marks the end of your 12 Days Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking with Kenya Safari.

End of Safari