10-Day Kenya Masai Mara and Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari
Day 1: Drive to the Masai Mara – Visit a Maasai Village
You will be warmly welcomed at the airport or hotel by your private guide. After a short briefing, step into your private Land Cruiser and head through the Great Rift Valley as you make your way to the world-famous Masai Mara.
Before checking into your lodge or camp, visit a traditional Maasai village (Manyatta). This cultural experience offers a glimpse into the rich traditions, dress, and daily life of the Maasai people. Witness traditional dances, learn about their customs, and explore their hand-built homes. It’s a fascinating introduction to the land you’re about to explore.
Driving Time: 4 hours
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive in Masai Mara
After an early breakfast, set off on a full-day game drive inside the Masai Mara National Reserve. This park is one of Africa’s best safari destinations, known for its incredible density of wildlife and rolling savannah landscapes. Expect to encounter lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and leopards.
You’ll also have a chance to see cheetahs hunting on the open plains and hippos wallowing in the Mara River. Depending on the season, you may even witness the Great Migration. Lunch will be served picnic-style in the bush, before continuing your wildlife adventure into the afternoon.
Day 3: Hot Air Balloon over the Masai Mara and Safari Game Drive
Begin your second day in the Maasai Mara with an unforgettable sunrise hot air balloon ride, floating over the vast savannah as the first light reveals herds of wildlife below. After landing, enjoy a bush breakfast before returning to your lodge.
Later in the afternoon, head back into the reserve for a game drive. As the heat of the day fades, animals become more active, offering prime chances to spot predators and grazing herds. End the day with a golden sunset over the Mara — the perfect close to an extraordinary day.
Day 4: Return to Nairobi for Departure for Uganda
After breakfast, depart Maasai Mara and begin your drive back to Nairobi, arriving in time for your short flight to Uganda.
Driving Time: 4-5 hours
Once you arrive in Uganda, you will be greeted by a private driver who will take you to the lodge to relax before your Wild Uganda safari adventure begins.
Day 5: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park via the Equator
Your guide will meet you after breakfast. After a short briefing, you’ll begin your drive toward western Uganda. Along the way, stop at the Equator for photos and a quick look through local craft stalls.
As you approach Queen Elizabeth National Park, keep your eyes open for wildlife along the way; you can often spot elephants or antelope even before you arrive. The lodge itself sits right on the park’s border, and it often receives special visitors — elephants and other animals that wander close to the grounds.
Driving Time: 7 hours
Day 6: Game Drive and Boat Safari at Kazinga Channel
Start your morning with a game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s premier wildlife destinations. The park is home to an incredible variety of animals, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, and elusive leopards often seen lounging in the shade.
In the afternoon, set off on a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, home to one of the world’s largest hippo populations. You’ll glide past massive pods of hippos, crocodiles basking on the banks, and large herds of animals coming to drink. Few places in Africa offer such consistent and close-up encounters with wildlife.
In the evening, rest in your lodge or continue with a sunset game drive.
Day 7: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kalinzu Forest
This morning, head for a chimpanzee trekking experience at Kalinzu Forest. With the help of experienced local guides, you’ll track a chimp group and, once found, spend up to one hour observing their behavior in the wild. It’s a raw, unfiltered wildlife experience that gives real insight into how these primates live.
After, embark on a scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Driving Time: 5 hours
Day 8: Gorilla Trekking at Bwindi Forest
Today you’ll trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. After a short briefing, set off with your guide into the forest to track one of the habituated gorilla families. Once located, you’ll spend one unforgettable hour observing them up close — playing, moving through the trees, and interacting with each other in their natural environment.
After the trek, continue your adventure to Lake Bunyonyi, one of the most breathtaking and peaceful places in Uganda.
Driving Time: 1-2 hours
Day 9: Islands of Lake Bunyonyi and Night Safari at Lake Mburo
Start your day at Lake Bunyonyi, one of the most beautiful and serene spots in Uganda. Surrounded by terraced hills and dotted with 29 small islands, this lake is Africa’s second deepest — and completely free of crocodiles and hippos, making it ideal for a peaceful experience. Here you will embark on a boat adventure to explore some of these islands, taking in the stunning scenery and getting a glimpse of local life along the lakeshore.
After, head to Lake Mburo National Park.
Driving Time: 3-4 hours
Upon arrival, you’ll check in at your lodge, and if you wish, you can also go on a night game drive to see the park in the dark for a chance to catch leopards hunting..
Day 10: Walking Safari at Lake Mburo National Park
Begin the day with a guided walking safari, led by an armed ranger — a unique way to get closer to the animals in Lake Mburo National Park. The park is one of the best places in Uganda to see large herds of zebras and the striking Rothschild’s giraffe. You may also encounter topis, elands, and other antelope species, along with a wide variety of birdlife.
After the walk, you’ll begin the drive back to Entebbe. Along the way, you’ll stop at the Equator for photos and a chance to pick up some local crafts. You’re expected to arrive in Entebbe by early evening.
Driving Time: 5 hours
Private Safari Cost
The price of each safari depends on the number of travelers, trip duration, and accommodation type. Below you can see approximate prices for each category.
Budget Friendly
For 2: $3,980 per person
For 4: $3,420 per person
Mid Range
For 2: $4,650 per person
For 4: $3,750 per person
Luxury Safari
For 2: $5,990 per person
For 4: $4,860 per person
