12 Days Kenya Wildlife and Uganda Gorilla Safari

Kenya is one of the original safari destinations, and with good reason. The country is home to an astounding different animal species, including all of the iconic safari fauna—lions, giraffes, elephants and zebras among them and Trekking endangered Mountain gorillas in Uganda remains one of the most undisputed highlights of any visit in Africa a long side the wildebeest Migration which is one of the largest mass movement of wildlife from Serengeti to Masai Mara national reserve.

Safari highlights

• Game drives in Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara
• Visit the Masai in Loita hills
• Encounter with Mountain gorillas in Uganda
• Lake Bunyonyi relaxation

Detailed safari itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Jomo Kenyatta international airport

Upon arrival in Jomo Kenyatta international airport our guide will receive you and transfer you to your hotel in Nairobi for relaxation and overnight.

Day 2: Morning city tour and transfer to Lake Nakuru in the Afternoon

Today will be a long day of adventuring. After breakfast, you will visit David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and the Giraffe Centre. These conservation projects allow you to see the animals up close while learning more about them.  After lunch you will start your drive to Lake Nakuru (approximately 4-5 hours), The alkaline waters of Lake Nakuru once supported an extremely large colony of flamingos  and other wildlife like Rhinos and leopards can be seen in the park.

Day 3: Morning drive in Lake Nakuru and Afternoon transfer to Lake Naivasha

Head out on an early morning game drive around Lake Nakuru. Keep a lookout for the white rhinos that can often be found around the shores. Afterwards, encounter friendly locals on a village visit before moving on to Lake Naivasha (approx.: 2-3 hour drive). Lake Naivasha is a birdwatcher’s paradise with floating islands of papyrus reeds. Afternoon wind and storms can cause the lake to become suddenly rough and produce high waves. For this reason, the local Maasai christened the lake Nai’posha meaning ‘rough water’, which the British later misspelt as Naivasha.

Day 4: Lake Naivasha Crater Lake exploration

After breakfast, head towards Crater Lake and take part in a guided walk along one of the many trails. The waters of the lake draw a great range of game. Giraffes wander among the acacia, buffaloes wallow in the swamps and Colobus monkeys call from the treetops, while the lake’s large hippo population while away the day in the shallows. The walk takes 3 hours and we recommend you bring with you good sturdy foot wear. It is an easy walk. The afternoon is free to relax around the lodge and take advantage of the swimming pool.

Day 5: Drive from Lake Naivasha to Loita hills

Depart Lake Naivasha, making a short stop in Narok Continue to Loita Hills (approximately 5-6 hours), stopping for lunch en route. Today’s drive crosses the Great Rift Valley, Africa’s immense and spectacular great divide, and takes you into the remote region of Loita Hills. This is the home of the traditional Maasai people. Visit the Maasai, who are known for their vibrant red dress and elaborate jewellery, and gain an insight into the culture and ancient ways of this proud East African community.

Day 6: Drive from Loita hills to Masai Mara national reserve

Travel from Loita to Masai Mara (approximately 1-2 hours), The Masai Mara is the quintessential African experience, with sparse open plains, dramatic skies and some of the world’s most tremendous animals. Upon arrival you will head out for game drive through the wilderness of the Mara in search of the big five wildlife and later return to the lodge for relaxation.

Day 7: Full day game drives in Masai mara National reserve

Rise early and venture into the Masai Mara National Reserve for a full day of game driving (6hours). Explore this diverse environment and see a multitude of wildlife. Return to lodge for lunch by the side of the Mara River – a great chance to spot crocs and hippos. Relax during the heat of the day before setting off again in the afternoon, expecting to return to camp around sunset.  We’ll stop en-route for a picnic lunch.

Day 8: Drive back to Nairobi to connect your flight to Uganda

Cross the plains of the Mara and climb the Rift Valleys eastern wall past Mount Suswa on the return drive to Nairobi (approximately 6 hours) upon arrival you will be transferred to the airport to connect your flight to Entebbe, upon arrival you will be received by our guide in Uganda and transfer to the lodge for relaxation and overnight.

Day 9: Domestic flight from Entebbe to Kihihi airstrip

After early morning breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your domestic flight to Kihihi upon arrival you will received by our guide and transferred to the lodge for relaxation and overnight.

Day 10: Full day gorilla trekking experience

After morning breakfast fully dressed in your trekking gear you will be transferred to the park headquarters for a briefing by park rangers and after you will start your trek in to the rainforest to locate the gorillas and after locating the gorillas you will spend 1 hour with gorillas and later return to the lodge for relaxation and overnight.

Day 11: Drive to Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation

After Lazily breakfast you will drive to Lake Bunyonyi arriving in time for lunch and after lunch you will relax and take an evening boat cruise on the lake, you will Have chance to see local fishermen and enjoy classic sun set on the lake.

Day 12′: Drive back to Entebbe for your late evening departure flight

Depending on your flight you will depart Lake Bunyonyi for Entebbe via the Equator, upon arrival you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.

Trip includes

• Mountain gorilla permits
• Accommodation
• Domestic flights
• Park entrance fees
• Airport transfers
• Enroute meals and drinking water
• Vehicle, guide and fuel for the entire trip
• Visit to the Masai
• All activities indicated on your final itinerary

Trip excludes

• International flights
• East African tourist Visa
• Travel insurance
• Tips for guides and hotels
• post safari accommodation
• Alcoholic drinks
• Personal expenses like shopping and donations

When to book this safari package

We recommend 9 months to 1 year for proper planning and also securing gorilla permits for Uganda.

Best time to see wildlife in Kenya and trek Mountain gorillas in Uganda

Although it’s regarded as a year-round activity, the best time to visit Uganda for gorilla trekking is during the country’s two dry seasons: January and February and from June to September. And this perfectly fits with great wildlife viewing in Kenya and the wildebeest Migration.