This 7-Day Uganda Gorillas and Masai Mara National Park Safari takes you to two top safari countries in East Africa, Uganda and Kenya. The safari combines mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda with classic wildlife viewing in Kenya. It starts in Uganda and ends in Nairobi, making travel smooth and well planned.
In Uganda, you will visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking is the main activity here and can take several hours, depending on where the gorillas are found. In Kenya, you will explore Masai Mara National Park, known for the Big Five animals and the wildebeest migration.
Day 1: Arrival in Uganda, the Pearl of Africa
On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by your driver guide. After a short introduction, you will be driven to your lodge or hotel in Kampala.
Depending on your arrival time, you will have lunch at the hotel. If time allows, you may take an optional city tour around Kampala. This can include short visits to local markets and important city landmarks. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel.
Day 2: Road Trip to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After an early breakfast, check out of the hotel and begin the long drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda. The journey takes about eleven hours and passes through several towns and countryside areas.
You will stop at the Equator for photos and a short break. Lunch will be served at Igongo Cultural Center before continuing to Bwindi. On arrival, check in at your lodge near the park, enjoy dinner, and rest for the night.
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Cultural Experience
Wake up early for breakfast and drive to the park headquarters for a gorilla trekking briefing. Rangers will explain the rules and assign you to a gorilla family. Each group has a maximum of eight people.
The trek into the forest can take between two and seven hours, depending on the movement of the gorillas. When you find them, you will spend one hour observing them as they feed, rest, and interact. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch.
In the evening, take part in a Batwa cultural experience. You will learn about their forest lifestyle, enjoy traditional dances, and see how they lived in the forest. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the lodge.
Day 4: Fly to Kenya and Transfer to Masai Mara
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kisoro Airstrip or Kihihi Airstrip for a flight to Kenya. Depending on flight schedules, you will land in Nairobi or near Masai Mara.
On arrival, you will be met by a company representative and driven to your lodge near Masai Mara National Park. Lunch will be served at the lodge. Spend the evening relaxing and enjoying the park surroundings. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the lodge.
Day 5 and Day 6: Masai Mara Exploration
These two days are spent exploring Masai Mara National Park through morning and afternoon game drives. You have high chances of seeing the Big Five animals, including elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, and rhinos.
Other animals commonly seen include zebras, giraffes, hyenas, and many bird species. Between July and October, you may witness the wildebeest migration, where large herds move between Masai Mara and Serengeti. Crocodiles and hippos are often seen in the rivers during this time.
An optional hot air balloon safari can be arranged for a different view of the park. All meals and overnight stays will be at the lodge.
Day 7: Return to Nairobi and Departure
After breakfast, check out of the lodge and drive back to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.
On arrival, you will be dropped off for your international flight back home. This marks the end of your 7-Day Uganda Gorillas and Masai Mara National Park Safari, combining primate trekking and classic African wildlife viewing in one trip.