20 Days Masai Mara – Serengeti & Uganda Gorilla Safari

20 Days Masai Mara – Serengeti & Uganda Gorilla Safari

Safari Overview

This 20-day Grand East Africa Odyssey is the ultimate adventure, spanning the most legendary landscapes of Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. This intricately crafted journey combines the Big Three of African safaris: the world-renowned Great Migration in the Masai Mara and Serengeti, the high-octane white water rafting at the source of the Nile, and the life-changing encounter with Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi.

From the volcanic calderas of Ngorongoro to the primate-rich rainforests of Kibale, you will experience a diverse tapestry of ecosystems, cultures, and wildlife sightings that few travelers ever see in a single trip.

 

Safari Highlights

  • Uganda: Gorilla tracking in Bwindi, Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, and Rafting at the Source of the Nile.
  • Kenya: Big Five sightings at Ol Pejeta Conservancy and the Great Migration in the Masai Mara.
  • Tanzania: Deep exploration of Northern and Central Serengeti plus the Ngorongoro Crater floor.
  • Cultural Immersion: Visit the Tooro Kingdom Palace, Amabere Caves, and the Equator.

 

Detailed Safari Itinerary

Day 1–2: Arrival & The Nile Adventure (Jinja)

Upon arrival at Entebbe, you’ll transfer to Kampala. The next day features a high-energy trip to Jinja, the source of the world’s longest river, for an exhilarating white water rafting experience.

  • Accommodation: Cassia Lodge / Kazi Beach Resort
  • Meal Plan: Full Board

 

Day 3–4: Primates of Kibale Forest

Travel west to Fort Portal, in the shadow of the Rwenzori Mountains. You will track chimpanzees in Kibale, the primate capital of the world, and visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a birdwatcher’s paradise home to the Great Blue Turaco.

  • Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp
  • Meal Plan: Full Board

 

Day 5–6: Craters & Savannahs of Queen Elizabeth Park

Explore the Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru caves and hike the explosion craters before entering Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy game drives to spot lions and leopards, followed by a Kazinga Channel boat cruise featuring the world’s highest concentration of hippos.

  • Accommodation: Kasenyi Safari Camp
  • Meal Plan: Full Board

 

Day 7–8: The Gorilla Encounter (Bwindi)

Drive through the Switzerland of Africa to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. On Day 8, embark on your Gorilla Trek, a 2–7 hour journey through dense rainforest to spend a transformative hour with a mountain gorilla family.

  • Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Camp
  • Meal Plan: Full Board

 

Day 9–10: Zebras of Lake Mburo & Return to Entebbe

Visit Lake Mburo, the best place in Uganda to see Zebras and Elands. Enjoy a safari walk and a boat ride before returning to Entebbe via the Equator line.

  • Meal Plan: Full Board

 

Day 11–12: Mount Kenya & Ol Pejeta to Naivasha

Fly or drive to Kenya’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a sanctuary for Rhinos and Chimpanzees. Continue to Lake Naivasha for a boat ride or a nature walk on Crescent Island.

  • Accommodation: Serena Sweetwaters / Lake Naivasha Country Club
  • Meal Plan: Full Board

 

Day 13–15: The Great Migration (Masai Mara)

Enter the world-famous Masai Mara. Spend two full days trailing the migrating herds (seasonal) and searching for the Big Five Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, and Rhino, led by expert Maasai guides.

  • Accommodation: Ashnil Mara / Base Camp Masai Mara
  • Meal Plan: Full Board

 

Day 16–17: Northern Serengeti (Tanzania)

Cross the Isebania border into the Northern Serengeti. This area is prime for witnessing Mara River crossings (June–October). Search for big cats and massive Nile crocodiles.

  • Accommodation: Ole Serai Luxury Camp / Mara Kati Kati
  • Meal Plan: Full Board

 

Day 18–19: Central Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater

Explore the Seronera Valley (Central Serengeti) before descending 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater. This self-contained ecosystem offers some of the best wildlife viewing on the planet, including the rare Black Rhino.

  • Accommodation: Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge
  • Meal Plan: Full Board

 

Day 20: Departure from Arusha

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before transferring to Arusha Airport for your flight home, concluding your 20-day East African odyssey.

 

Tour Inclusions & Exclusions

Category Inclusions (What is Included) Exclusions (What is NOT Included)
Permits 1 Gorilla Permit & 1 Chimp Permit International Airfares
Transport 4×4 Safari Vehicle (Pop-up roof) & Fuel Entry Visas (Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania)
Staff Professional English-speaking Guide Tips & Gratuities (Guides, Rangers, Staff)
Accommodation Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Porter for Gorilla Trekking
National Parks All Park entrance fees & Activity fees Personal Travel/Medical Insurance
Refreshments Bottled drinking water throughout safari Expenses of personal nature (Laundry, Drinks)

 

Quick Facts

  • Regions Covered: Uganda (West/Southwest), Kenya (Central/Mara), Tanzania (Northern Circuit).
  • Key Wildlife: Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, The Big Five, Wildebeest Migration.
  • Best Time to Visit: June to October for the Great Migration and dry-season trekking.
  • Traveler Tip: This East Africa Combined Safari requires a Yellow Fever certificate and an East African Tourist Visa for seamless border crossings.
  • Insight: We recommend this itinerary as the definitive Bucket List trip for travelers wanting to see the absolute best of East Africa in 20 days.