Which lodge is near the Rushaga gorilla trekking starting point
How Local Communities Benefit from Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Kenya and Uganda Safari Itinerary. East Africa offers some of the most captivating wildlife experiences on the planet, and combining the best of Kenya and Uganda into a single safari is the ultimate bucket-list journey. In Kenya, the vast savannas and acacia-dotted landscapes teem with iconic wildlife: lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalos collectively known as the Big Five. Uganda, often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” offers something uniquely different: immersive treks through misty rainforests in search of chimpanzees and the endangered mountain gorilla, a profound and emotional encounter that few experiences can rival.
This multi-country safari blends thrilling game drives in Kenya’s most famous national parks with intimate primate treks in Uganda’s lush forests. Over the course of 12 days, you’ll witness the thundering hooves of wildebeests, the quiet presence of gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and the mischievous chatter of chimps in Kibale Forest. This itinerary is ideal for wildlife lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers who want to experience Africa’s full diversity in one epic journey.
Highlights
- Track endangered mountain gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, Uganda’s primate capital
- Big 5 game drives in Kenya’s Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru
- Optional visit to a Maasai village for cultural interaction
- Scenic drive and photo opportunities at the Great Rift Valley
- Opportunity to witness the Wildebeest Migration (seasonal) in Kenya
- Fly-in and overland transfers for a smoother, time-efficient experience
Best Time to Visit
- June to October: This is the dry season, ideal for both gorilla trekking in Uganda and Big 5 game viewing in Kenya. Wildlife gathers around waterholes, and the grass is shorter, making animals easier to spot.
- July to September: Best time for witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration in Maasai Mara.
- December to February: Also dry and good for trekking and safaris, with slightly fewer tourists than the mid-year peak.
Day-by-Day Itinerary: 12 Days / 11 Nights
This Safari starts with Uganda but it can be amended and you start with Kenya and end with Uganda., this will be determined by which flights you will get.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Welcome to Uganda
- Accommodation: Hotel No.5 / Karibu Guesthouse Entebbe/2 Friends Beach Hotel
- Activities:
- Meet and greet at Entebbe International Airport
- Briefing by your guide
- Optional sunset boat ride on Lake Victoria
- Meal Plan: Dinner
Arrive in Entebbe, Uganda’s gateway city on the shores of Lake Victoria. You’ll be welcomed by your safari guide and transferred to your hotel to rest and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Day 2: Entebbe to Kibale Forest – Primate Capital of the World
- Drive time: ~6-7 hours via Fort Portal
- Accommodation: Turaco Treetops / Primate Lodge Kibale
- Activities:
- Scenic drive through tea plantations
- Optional visit to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel west into the heart of Uganda’s primate country. The lush Kibale Forest is home to 13 primate species and is one of the best places in the world to see chimpanzees.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale – Transfer to Bwindi
- Drive time: ~5-6 hours to southern Bwindi
- Accommodation: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge / Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
- Activities:
- Morning chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest
- Afternoon drive to Bwindi through the beautiful highlands of southwestern Uganda
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rise early for a briefing, then trek into the forest for an exhilarating hour with a troop of wild chimpanzees. After lunch, drive to Bwindi, where your gorilla adventure awaits.
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Accommodation: Same as previous night
- Activities:
- Gorilla trekking (2–8 hours depending on gorilla location)
- Relaxation or optional community walk in the afternoon
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The highlight of your safari: gorilla trekking. Set out early with a small group and expert ranger into the dense rainforest. Spend an unforgettable hour with one of the world’s most endangered and awe-inspiring creatures.
Day 5: Bwindi to Entebbe – Flight or Drive
- Option 1: Domestic flight (1.5 hrs)
- Option 2: Scenic drive (8–9 hrs)
- Accommodation: Hotel No.5 / Papyrus Guesthouse Entebbe
- Activities:
- Transfer to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip for flight to Entebbe (if flying)
- Optional visit to the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Relax and reflect on your incredible primate experiences as you make your way back to Entebbe, preparing for the next leg of your safari.
Day 6: Entebbe to Nairobi – Welcome to Kenya
- Flight: Entebbe to Nairobi (1.5 hours)
- Accommodation: Tamarind Tree Hotel / The Boma Nairobi
- Activities:
- Arrival in Nairobi, transfer to hotel
- Optional visit to the Giraffe Centre or Karen Blixen Museum
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner
Fly into Kenya’s vibrant capital. You may explore local attractions or relax at your hotel in preparation for your Big 5 safari adventure.
Day 7: Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park
- Drive time: ~3-4 hours
- Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge / Flamingo Hill Tented Camp
- Activities:
- Game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive through the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru, famous for its flamingos, rhinos, and tree-climbing lions. Enjoy your first Kenyan game drive.
Day 8: Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Drive time: ~5–6 hours
- Accommodation: Basecamp Explorer / Ashnil Mara Camp / Entim Camp (luxury)
- Activities:
- Afternoon game drive in the Mara
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Head to the world-renowned Maasai Mara, home of Africa’s most iconic wildlife and host to the Great Migration. Watch for lions, elephants, cheetahs, and herds of wildebeest as you enter the reserve.
Day 9: Full Day in the Maasai Mara – Big 5 Safari
- Accommodation: Same as previous night
- Activities:
- Full-day game drives or two half-day safaris
- Optional hot air balloon safari at sunrise
- Visit to a local Maasai village
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend the day exploring the Mara’s rolling plains, acacia woodlands, and riverine forests. Spot all members of the Big 5 and, if lucky, witness a predator-prey interaction. Learn about Maasai culture with a village visit.
Day 10: Maasai Mara to Nairobi
- Option 1: Drive back to Nairobi (~6 hours)
- Option 2: Fly to Nairobi (45 minutes)
- Accommodation: Tamarind Tree Hotel / The Boma
- Activities:
- Last scenic views of the Mara
- Farewell dinner in Nairobi (Carnivore Restaurant or similar)
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a final morning game drive before returning to the capital. Toast your safari memories at a celebratory dinner.
Day 11: Departure from Nairobi or Optional Extension
- Activities:
- Airport transfer for your international flight
- Optional beach extension to Diani or Zanzibar
- Meal Plan: Breakfast
Your East African adventure ends, but the memories of gorilla encounters, chimpanzee chatter, and lion roars will last a lifetime.
Final Tips
- Gorilla Permits: Book early. Uganda permits cost USD 800 per person.
- Packing Essentials: Include sturdy hiking boots, gloves, long pants, insect repellent, and a waterproof jacket for treks.
- Health: Yellow fever vaccination may be required. Malaria prophylaxis recommended.
- Visas: You can get an East Africa Tourist Visa (USD 100) that covers Uganda and Kenya,
Conclusion about Kenya and Uganda Safari Itinerary
This Kenya-Uganda itinerary offers the best of both worlds: classic African safari thrills and rare, soul-stirring moments with our closest animal relatives. Whether it’s the thunder of hooves in the Maasai Mara or the quiet rustle of leaves in Bwindi as a silverback emerges from the mist, this is a journey that changes how you see the natural world. It’s more than just a holiday—it’s a life experience.
You can book this Kenya and Uganda Safari Itinerary through Eco Adventure Safaris here.