11 days East Africa Primate and Wildlife Safari Holiday

The 11 Days Uganda Gorilla and Kenya Wildlife Safari is the perfect African adventure for travelers seeking an unforgettable combination of gorilla trekking and classic Big Five game drives. This exciting journey takes you to two iconic destinations: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda and Kenya’s legendary Masai Mara National Reserve. In Bwindi, one of the world’s top gorilla trekking destinations. Trek through the misty rainforest and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to encounter the endangered Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat. Home to over 550 gorillas, more than 18 habituated families, diverse primates and rich birdlife. Afterward, fly to Kenya and continue your safari adventure in the world-famous Masai Mara, known for its high concentration of wildlife and predators and Amboseli National Park, where elephant herds roam beneath majestic Mount Kilimanjaro.

 

Safari Highlight 

Day 1: Arrive in Kigali, meet and greet and transfer to your hotel

Day 2: Kigali city tour and scenic transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day 3: Gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi and transfer back toward Kigali

Day 4: Transfer back to Kigali and fly to Nairobi with transfer to a hotel.

Day 5: Drive to Masai Mara and engage in an afternoon game drive

Day 6: Full day of exploring Masai Mara

Day 7: Unlimited game drives and optional Maasai cultural visit

Day 8: Drive to Lake Naivasha and enjoy a relaxed boat cruise to Crescent Island

Day 9: Return to Kenya via Namanga and Transfer to Amboseli National Park

Day 10: Full Day Amboseli National Park

Day 11: Transfer to Nairobi where the safari ends

 

Detailed itinerary

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN KIGALI – WELCOME TO RWANDA

Your African safari journey begins with a warm welcome at Kigali International Airport. Our professional guide will meet you upon arrival and transfer you to your hotel in Kigali, where you can relax, enjoy a delicious meal and prepare for the incredible adventure ahead.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 2: KIGALI CITY TOUR AND TRANSFER TO BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK

Your day begins with a meaningful Kigali city tour, including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Museum, a powerful site that tells the story of Rwanda’s history and resilience. After the visit, you will embark on a scenic journey through Rwanda’s stunning countryside, famously known as the Land of a Thousand Hills. Enjoy beautiful landscapes, local villages and rolling green hills as you make your way toward Bwindi. After crossing the Katuna One-Stop Border, continue into Uganda and proceed to the southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park where the dramatic hills of the Kigezi Highlands and the thick rainforest landscape begin to unfold. Arrive at your lodge in time to relax, enjoy dinner and soak in the magical atmosphere of the rainforest.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 3: GORILLA TREKKING – THE ULTIMATE WILDLIFE ENCOUNTER

Today is the highlight of your primate experience, an unforgettable Mountain Gorilla Trekking adventure. After an early breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a briefing before entering the forest with experienced trackers and guides. The trek may take a few hours depending on the location of the gorilla family, but every step through the dense rainforest is rewarding. Once you find the gorillas, you will spend one magical hour observing them in their natural habitat, watching them feed, play and interact in a way that feels deeply personal and unforgettable. This is one of the most life-changing wildlife experiences on earth.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 4: TRANSFER TO KIGALI – FLY TO NAIROBI

After breakfast, transfer back to Kigali and fly to Nairobi, Kenya. Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your Nairobi hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.

Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast

DAY 5: DRIVE TO MASAI MARA – THE HEART OF AFRICAN SAFARI

After breakfast, depart Nairobi for the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s greatest safari destinations. As you travel, enjoy the changing landscapes from bustling towns to rolling countryside offering a glimpse into Kenya’s natural beauty and local life. Upon arrival in the Masai Mara, you will head out for an exciting afternoon game drive across the expansive savannah. Renowned for its high predator concentration, offering excellent chances to see lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, wildebeests and giraffes, all in one reserve. This first exploration introduces you to the rich wildlife and breathtaking scenery of the Mara plains, setting the stage for the incredible safari experiences that await.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 6:  DISCOVER THE TIMELESS WILDERNESS AND UNTAMED BEAUTY OF MARA

Your day begins with a morning game drive, following the trails of the Masai Mara’s incredible wildlife. This adventure offers an excellent chance to encounter four of the Big Five: majestic African Elephants, regal lions patrolling their territories, the elusive African Leopard with its stealthy hunting skills, and the formidable Cape Buffalo roaming the grasslands. Beyond the Big Five, the plains are alive with a variety of other fascinating animals, including wildebeests, plains zebras, Masai giraffes and many more. Bird enthusiasts will also be delighted, as the Masai Mara hosts over 500 bird species. Expect to spot unique birds such as the secretary bird, sooty chat, Usambiro barbet and Swahili sparrow. After your morning drive, return to camp for lunch and relaxation before heading out for another exciting afternoon game drive. As evening falls, you will return to the lodge for dinner. If the skies are clear, you can marvel at the stars above and listen to the calls of the wild inhabitants of the reserve. Finally, retire to your bed to rest and reflect on a day immersed in the untamed beauty of the Mara.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 7: UNLIMITED GAME DRIVES AND OPTIONAL MAASAI CULTURAL VISIT

Wake up to the symphony of the Masai Mara, the calls of wild animals and the songs of birds greeting the morning. After breakfast, embark on a morning game drive, exploring a new sector of the Mara for fresh wildlife encounters. An optional afternoon game drive is available for those eager to continue their adventure. You may also choose to visit a Maasai community (optional, extra cost) for a cultural experience including traditional dances, warrior interactions and learning about Maasai lifestyle and their coexistence with wildlife for generations. If your trip coincides with the Wildebeest Migration, prepare for a truly spectacular experience. Witness thousands of wildebeests and zebras crossing the plains from the Serengeti and at the Mara River, marvel at the dramatic scenes of animals braving crocodile-infested waters, a vivid display of the struggle for survival in the wild.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 8: DRIVE TO LAKE NAIVASHA AND BOAT CRUISE TO CRESCENT ISLAND

After breakfast, check out and depart this incredible wilderness and proceed to Lake Naivasha, a serene freshwater lake famous for hippos, birdlife and stunning lakeside scenery. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing boat cruise across the lake to Crescent Island Game Sanctuary, a unique destination where you can enjoy guided walking experiences among wildlife. This is a refreshing change from vehicle safaris and offers wonderful photography opportunities in a peaceful environment.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 9: JOURNEY TO AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK AND AFTERNOON GAME DRIVE

After a delightful breakfast, check out of your lodge and embark on a scenic drive to Amboseli National Park. Upon arrival, have lunch and then immerse yourself in the park’s breathtaking landscapes on an afternoon game drive. Amboseli is world-renowned for its majestic elephant herds, wide-open plains and abundant wildlife, an experience that promises unforgettable safari memories.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 10:  FULL-DAY EXCLUSIVE GAME DRIVES IN AMBOSELI

Spend a full day exploring Amboseli’s stunning landscapes. On clear mornings, marvel at Mount Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped summit, Africa’s highest peak at 5,895 meters, providing a dramatic backdrop to your game drives. Enjoy uninterrupted, private drives through the park’s diverse habitats, encountering wildlife in intimate settings. From the giant elephant herds to elusive predators, today offers endless opportunities for incredible sightings and photography, all while enjoying the comfort and elegance of your luxury safari experience.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 11: RETURN TO NAIROBI – END OF SAFARI

Wake to the serene sounds of Amboseli from the calls of wildlife and birdsong welcoming the day. After a leisurely gourmet breakfast, check out and embark on a comfortable drive back to Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, concluding your unforgettable luxury safari adventure.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

 

Safari Inclusions

  • Full board accommodation at mentioned properties
  • Fees for the English professional safari driver guide
  • 4×4 Safari land cruiser
  • Gorilla trekking permit fees.
  • Park entry fees.
  • Regional Flight; Kigali (Rwanda) to Nairobi (Kenya)

 

Safari Exclusions

  • International and Domestic flights
  • Porters for trekking
  • Visa fees
  • Laundry services
  • Personal items
  • Gratuities & tips
  • Additional drinks and extras not mentioned