Safari Overview
This 14-day Wild Uganda & Kenya Safari is a definitive East African odyssey. Combining the Pearl of Africa with the Home of the Safari, this journey offers a massive range of adventure: from white-water rafting at the Source of the Nile to tracking Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi and witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Masai Mara.
Throughout these two weeks, you will traverse diverse ecosystems including tropical rainforests, volcanic crater lakes, and the endless savannahs of the Mara. Whether you are seeking the Big Five, the Great Apes, or the elusive Shoebill bird, this intricately crafted journey delivers a lifetime of memories.
Safari Highlights
- The Nile & Jinja: High-adrenaline white-water rafting at the source of the world’s longest river.
- Primate Double-Header: Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale and Gorilla trekking in Bwindi.
- The Great Migration: Experience the world-famous wildebeest crossing in Kenya’s Masai Mara.
- Diverse Wildlife: Tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth Park and Zebras in Lake Mburo.
- Birding Paradise: Search for the prehistoric Shoebill Stork in Mabamba Swamp.
Detailed Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe for a restful evening.
- Accommodation: Cassia Lodge / Kazi Beach Resort
- Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: White-Water Rafting at the Source of the Nile
Travel east to Jinja for a full-day white-water rafting adventure on the Nile. Navigate the legendary rapids with expert guides, then explore Jinja town for local crafts before returning to Kampala.
- Accommodation: Cassia Lodge / Kazi Beach Resort
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Drive to the Primate Capital (Kibale Forest)
Embark on a 5-hour drive to Fort Portal. The journey takes you through lush tea estates with the Rwenzori Mountains providing a dramatic backdrop.
- Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Enter the Kibale rainforest to find wild chimpanzees and up to 10 other primate species. In the afternoon, visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-led initiative famous for the Great Blue Turaco.
- Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Crater Lakes & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth Park
Visit the cultural Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru caves and hike the surrounding explosion craters. After visiting the Tooro Kingdom Palace, enjoy a scenic 2-hour drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Accommodation: Kasenyi Safari Camp
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Savannah Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Explore the Kasenyi plains for lions, leopards, and elephants. In the afternoon, board a boat on the Kazinga Channel, home to one of the world’s highest concentrations of hippos and diverse water birds.
- Accommodation: Kasenyi Safari Camp
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: The Switzerland of Africa (Transfer to Bwindi)
Drive through the Kigezi Highlands, characterized by steep terraced hills and winding roads, arriving at the edge of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
- Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Camp
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest
The pinnacle of your Ugandan journey: encounter the Mountain Gorillas. After a park briefing, you will trek into the dense jungle to spend a life-changing hour with a gorilla family.
- Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Camp
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Zebras & Boat Trip at Lake Mburo
Drive to Lake Mburo National Park, the best place in Uganda to see Zebras and Impalas. Enjoy an afternoon boat ride to see hippos and crocodiles against the backdrop of acacia savannah.
- Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Safari Walk & Return to Entebbe
Experience a unique walking safari to see wildlife on foot. Later, depart for Entebbe with a stop-over at the Equator for photographs and experiments.
- Accommodation: Cassia Lodge / Kazi Beach Resort
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11: Flight to the Masai Mara (Kenya)
Board a scheduled flight from Entebbe to the Masai Mara. Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive in Kenya’s most iconic wildlife reserve.
- Accommodation: Ashnil Mara Luxury Camp
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12 – 13: The Great Migration Experience
Two full days dedicated to exploring the Mara. Depending on the season, you will focus on the Mara River crossings or the vast herds of the wildebeest migration. Expect high-density predator action including lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.
- Accommodation: Ashnil Mara Luxury Camp
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 14: Return to Entebbe via Nairobi
Enjoy a final early morning game drive before departing for Nairobi and your flight back to Entebbe. Depending on your schedule, visit the Mabamba Swamp for the Shoebill or Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Tour Inclusions & Exclusions
| Category | Inclusions (What is Included) | Exclusions (What is NOT Included) |
| Permits | 1 Gorilla Permit & 1 Chimpanzee Permit | International long-haul airfares |
| Flights | Flight from Entebbe to Masai Mara | Entry Visas (Uganda & Kenya) |
| Transport | 4×4 Safari Vehicle with pop-up roof & fuel | Porter fees for Gorilla trekking |
| Accommodation | Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) | Personal Travel & Medical Insurance |
| Activities | Rafting, Boat cruises, Game drives, Nature walks | Tips and Gratuities |
| Staff | Professional English-speaking Guide | Items of personal nature (Laundry, Drinks) |
Quick Facts
- Core Experience: Cross-border safari combining Uganda’s primates and Kenya’s big game.
- Top Species: Mountain Gorilla, Chimpanzee, Wildebeest, Shoebill Stork, Lion.
- Recommended Packing: Jungle boots for Bwindi, light breathable layers for the Mara, and a high-quality camera.
- Booking Insight: This Grand Tour is highly popular; it is recommended to book 6-10 months in advance to secure both Gorilla permits and luxury Mara camps.
- Sustainability: This tour supports both the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the local communities in the Mara North conservancies.
