Tour Overview
This 14-day Uganda and Kenya safari is thoughtfully arranged to follow a smooth and logical route, starting with wildlife viewing in Murchison Falls National Park, continuing to chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, and ending Uganda’s primate experience with gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The journey then transitions through Kigali, Rwanda, before flying to Kenya for an exciting Big Five safari in Maasai Mara National Reserve.
This itinerary offers a perfect blend of savannah wildlife, rainforest primates, cultural encounters including the Batwa experience, and breathtaking landscapes across East Africa.
Tour Summary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Day 3: Game drive and Nile boat cruise
Day 4: Visit Top of the Falls and transfer to Kibale Forest
Day 5: Chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi Wetland walk
Day 6: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 7: Gorilla trekking and Batwa cultural experience
Day 8: Transfer to Kigali
Day 9: Flight to Nairobi and transfer to Maasai Mara
Day 10: Full day game drive in Maasai Mara
Day 11: Morning and afternoon game drives
Day 12: Maasai cultural experience
Day 13: Optional activities or game drive
Day 14: Return to Nairobi and departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by your safari guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may relax or enjoy views of Lake Victoria. A short briefing about your safari will be provided before dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
After breakfast, begin your journey north to Murchison Falls National Park. En route, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino tracking experience on foot, the only place in Uganda to see rhinos in the wild. Continue to the park and visit the Top of the Falls, where the Nile forces through a narrow gorge and plunges down with a powerful roar. Proceed to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Game Drive and Nile Boat Cruise
Start the day with an early morning game drive on the northern plains of Murchison Falls National Park. Look out for lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and various antelope species. After lunch, enjoy a boat cruise along the Nile River to the base of the falls. Along the way, you will see hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species. Return to your lodge in the evening.
Day 4: Visit Top of the Falls and Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
After breakfast, enjoy another visit or final views of Murchison Falls before beginning your transfer to Kibale Forest National Park. The drive takes you through scenic countryside, local villages, and the Albertine Rift landscapes. Arrive in the Fort Portal area in the evening, check in at your lodge, and relax.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Walk
After an early breakfast, head to Kibale Forest headquarters for a briefing before starting your chimpanzee trekking experience. Guided by experts, you will track chimpanzees through the forest and observe them in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a nature walk rich in birdlife and primates, while learning about local community conservation efforts. Return to your lodge for dinner.
Day 6: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, depart Kibale and travel south to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The journey offers beautiful views of rolling hills, terraced farms, and rural landscapes. Arrive in the afternoon or evening, check in at your lodge, and prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure.
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Cultural Experience
After an early breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking. You will then enter the dense forest with ranger guides in search of a habituated gorilla family. The trek can take several hours, but once the gorillas are found, you will spend one hour observing them.
In the afternoon, enjoy a Batwa cultural experience where you learn about the traditions, music, and forest lifestyle of this indigenous community. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 8: Transfer to Kigali
After breakfast, depart Bwindi and cross into Rwanda. Enjoy scenic views of the rolling hills and countryside as you drive to Kigali. Upon arrival, you may visit local markets or relax at your hotel before your flight the next day.
Day 9: Flight to Nairobi and Transfer to Maasai Mara National Reserve
After breakfast, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your flight to Nairobi. Upon arrival, meet your Kenyan guide and proceed to Maasai Mara National Reserve. Arrive in time for an evening game drive and enjoy your first wildlife sightings.
Day 10: Full Day Game Drive in Maasai Mara
Spend the day exploring Maasai Mara with morning and afternoon game drives. The reserve is home to the Big Five and offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park as you explore different areas.
Day 11: Morning and Afternoon Game Drives
Begin the day with an early morning game drive when predators are most active. Return to the lodge for breakfast and relaxation, followed by another game drive in the afternoon to explore more of the reserve.
Day 12: Maasai Cultural Experience
After breakfast, visit a Maasai village and learn about their traditional way of life, customs, and culture. Engage in cultural dances and interact with the community. Later, enjoy a relaxed afternoon or optional game drive.
Day 13: Optional Activities or Game Drive
This day is flexible for additional game drives, an optional hot air balloon safari, or relaxation at the lodge. It allows you to fully experience Maasai Mara at your own pace.
Day 14: Return to Nairobi and Departure
After breakfast, depart Maasai Mara and drive back to Nairobi. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your safari.
End of Safari
