Safari Overview
Embark on our all-inclusive 8-day gorilla and great migration safari, a unique East African holiday combo. On this Uganda-Kenya safari, expect to be thrilled by mountain gorilla trekking adventures and the Maasai Mara migration. Your vacation starts with jungle adventures in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to enjoy up close and personal encounter with a group of mountain gorillas.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is Uganda’s top destination to find mountain gorillas and accounts for over 459 of these large apes. The park is comprised of 4 regions including Ruhija, Buhoma, Nkuringo, and Rushaga region –the areas where gorilla treks begin from.
The Great Migration safari will be experienced in Kenya’s premier Masai Mara National Reserve with an expert. It is during the migration season (July to September) when you can observe millions of the wildebeest move in search of pasture and water. The most magical of this world’s spectacles is the Mara River crossing. Besides wildebeest encounters, the Maasai Mara is also most popular for its enriching Big 5 game viewing experiences.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Pick up & drive to the hotel in Entebbe
Today is a special day dedicated for you to fly up to Entebbe International Airport (EBB). It is at the EBB where you will be transferred by car to the pre-booked accommodation in the beautiful Entebbe which lies not far from the scenic Lake Victoria.
Day 2: Entebbe to Bwindi via Mbarara route
After you have enjoyed breakfast, meet the safari expert to take you through your itinerary giving you highlight of what your day will be like. Have your luggage safely packed in a 4×4 safari vehicle and then board ready to begin the 8-9 hours’ drive journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Appreciate the charming countryside and expect to make a stopover at the Equator crossing then continue to Bwindi National Park.
Day 3: Enjoy Bwindi mountain gorilla trekking adventure
Wake up early morning to enjoy breakfast and after, meet the driver guide who will transfer you to the region/area where you will get briefed. At the briefing center, you will get to learn about the gorilla trekking rules which include respecting the social distance of 8-10 meters away from a group of gorillas. The park official will also allocate gorilla groups and ranger guides to visitors then the actual trekking will commence at 8:00 am. The entire gorilla trek will take about 2-6 hours which includes an hour for up close and personal encounter with a group of gorillas.
After the gorilla trek, a certificate will be provided to everyone who successfully completes the trek. Later, you will connect back to your lodge to relax. You will have an afternoon visit to the Batwa community where you will have a great moment with the Batwa pygmies.
Day 4: Drive to Entebbe & depart for Nairobi
After you have had a delicious breakfast, you will be transferred to Entebbe by road or by flight. The flights save the long hours you could have spent driving from Bwindi National Park to Entebbe.
Day 5: Pick up & drive to Maasai Mara Reserve
Following an early morning cup of tea/coffee, you will be expected to depart from Nairobi for Masai Mara Reserve. Access to Maasai Mara takes about 6 hours and your road trip comes with spectacular views of the countryside. On arrival, you will check in your lodge early and settle for the rest of the afternoon as you wait for the next activities the following day.
Day 6: The Great Migration Experience
Depart from your safari camp or lodge for an unforgettable game-viewing experience which includes the Great Migration. Wind through the savanna wilderness to enriching wildlife habitats where you stand a chance to come across wildebeest and many other grazers. The most thrilling highlight of the migration is the Mara crossing.
Day 7: Game drive & Maasai village
Enjoy a hefty breakfast and after, you will be picked up by a safari expert at your respective lodges. Leave the lodge for a sunrise game drive. Today’s game drive takes you through one of the best game tracks to encounter the Big 5 game, wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, antelope families and multiple bird species.
After the game drive, return to have a delicious lunch break at camp or lodge. Have some time to chill at the lodge and later you will end the day with the cultural experience in the Maasai village.
Day 8: Depart for Nairobi
Enjoy a hefty breakfast at leisure and you will meet with a safari expert. Today, expect nothing more than driving back to Nairobi city which is about 6 hours’ drive. Arrive at Nairobi capital early for you to be dropped off at the hotel or airport.
End of safari
