Safari Overview

This 8-day cross-border expedition captures the very best of East Africa, combining the mist-shrouded jungles of Uganda with the golden savannahs of Kenya. Your journey begins with the endangered mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a place so lush it’s known as the Switzerland of Africa.

The adventure then shifts to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve, home to the Great Migration. Here, you will witness the raw power of nature as millions of wildebeest and zebras brave crocodile-infested rivers, all while tracking the Big Five (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, and Rhino).

Safari Highlights

• Gorilla Trekking: A face-to-face encounter with Uganda’s gentle giants in Bwindi.
• The Great Migration: Witness the instinct-led movement of millions of animals across the Mara River.
• Equator Crossing: Stand in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres simultaneously.
• Cultural Immersion: Discover the vibrant traditions of the Maasai and Ugandan communities.
• Dual-Country Experience: A seamless journey from the primates of Uganda to the predators of Kenya.

 

Detailed Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe & Transfer to Kampala

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport (EBB), you will be met by your safari guide and transferred to your resort in Kampala. This short drive offers your first glimpse of the Pearl of Africa and the bustling capital city.

• Accommodation: Kazi Beach Resort
• Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 2: The Journey to the Switzerland of Africa (Bwindi)

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Travel Note: This is an approximately 8–9 hour drive. To ensure your comfort, we break the journey with a stop at the Equator Line for photos and lunch in Mbarara City. The final leg takes you through the terraced Kigezi highlands, offering some of the most breathtaking views in Africa.

• Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Camp
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Report to the park headquarters at 7:00 AM for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) staff. Accompanied by expert trackers, you will enter the dense rain forest in search of a habituated gorilla family. The trek can take between 2 and 7 hours, depending on the gorillas’ movement. Spend a magical one hour observing them before returning for your trekking certificate.

• Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Camp
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 4: Return to Entebbe via the Equator

Enjoy an early morning safari walk in the park before beginning the journey back to Entebbe. We will make another stop at the Equator for last-minute souvenir shopping and a leg-stretch.

• Accommodation: Kazi Beach Resort
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 5: Fly to the Masai Mara, Kenya

Transfer to Entebbe Airport for your flight to the Masai Mara (typically via a connection or direct bush flight). Upon landing in the Mara, a Kenyan guide will meet you and transfer you to your luxury camp for an evening game drive.

• Accommodation: Ashnil Mara Luxury Camp
• Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner

 

Day 6: The Great Migration & Full-Day Game Drive

Spend a full day exploring the Mara’s vast plains. Depending on the season (July–October), your focus will be on the Great Migration. Witness the dramatic river crossings and the extraordinary density of lions, cheetahs, and leopards that follow the herds.

• Accommodation: Ashnil Mara Luxury Camp
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 7: Following the Herds across the Mara River

Another day dedicated to the wonders of the Mara. We follow the migration patterns to the Mara River, looking for the massive Nile crocodiles and hippos that inhabit the waters. A picnic lunch in the wild allows for maximum time in the field.

• Accommodation: Ashnil Mara Luxury Camp
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 8: Masai Mara to Nairobi – Final Farewell

Enjoy an optional sunrise game drive before returning for breakfast. We begin the drive to Nairobi with a brief stop at Narok Town. You will arrive in Nairobi in the late evening, transferred directly to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for your departure flight.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

 

Tour Inclusions & Exclusions

Category	Inclusions (What is Included)	Exclusions (What is NOT Included)
Permits & Fees	1 Gorilla Permit & all National Park entrance fees	International airfare & Uganda/Kenya Visas
Transport	4×4 Safari Vehicle with pop-up roof & fuel	Porters for gorilla trekking (highly recommended)
Staff	Professional English-speaking driver-guide	Tips and gratuities for guides, rangers, & staff
Accommodation	Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)	Meals not specified (e.g., final dinner in Nairobi)
Activities	All game drives, community tours, & Equator stop	Optional activities & personal expenses (Laundry)
Refreshments	Bottled mineral water throughout the safari	Alcoholic & soft drinks at the lodges
Health	Local guide assistance	Personal Travel & Medical Insurance

 

Quick Facts

• Destinations: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda) and Masai Mara (Kenya).
• Key Wildlife: Mountain Gorillas, Wildebeest Migration, the Big Five.
• Logistics: This tour starts in Entebbe, Uganda, and ends in Nairobi, Kenya.
• Best Time to Visit: July to October (to witness the Great Migration) or December to February (for birding and primates).