12 Days Kenya and Uganda Safari
The 12 Days Kenya and Uganda Safari combines wildlife viewing in Kenya with Primate Tracking Safaris in Uganda. This well curated 12 Days Kenya and Uganda Safari starts in Kenya where you get to visit Masai Mara National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, and Amboseli National Park for unbeatable wildlife viewing. From Kenya, you’ll then proceed to Uganda for primate tracking experiences.
This classic 12 Days Kenya and Uganda Safari then takes you through Uganda to trek both the endangered mountain gorillas and the charming Chimpanzees. You’ll visit two of the popular primates trekking destinations in Uganda (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Kibale Forest National Park). You’ll also have an opportunity to visit the famous Queen Elizabeth National Park for opportunities to spot the unique tree-climbing lions and other top wildlife species in the park.
Tour highlights for 12 Day Kenya and Uganda Safari
Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara
Day 2: Game drive at Masai Mara National Reserve
Day 3: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park
Day 4: Lake Nakuru National Park to Amboseli National Park
Day 5: Amboseli to Nairobi Airport for Onwards Flight to Entebbe
Day 6: Entebbe to Kibale Forest National Park
Day 7: Kibale National Park
Day 8: Kibale Forest National Park to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 9: Morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains
Day 10: Game drive at Ishasha sector
Day 11: Gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Forest
On Day 12: Airport drop off
Detailed 12-Day Kenya and Uganda Safari itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve
After breakfast embark on your journey to the Masai Mara National Reserve for a game-viewing adventure. The drive from Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve is about 4 hours through the scenic countryside. You’ll pass through the stunning and scenic Great Rift Valley with a brief stopover to admire the breathtaking views and optional shopping at the curio shops.
Continue with your drive, making another brief stop at Narok Town for refreshments and to use the restrooms before proceeding to Masai Mara National Reserve. Arrive at the lodge in the afternoon and check-in.
After lunch at the lodge in Masai Mara, embark on an evening game drive in the Mara plains to spot different wildlife. Visit top wildlife-watching hotspots within Masai Mara for opportunities to spot top African species like lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalos, elephants, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species among others. Latter drive back to the lodge for dinner, relaxation, and an overnight stay.
Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: All-day Game drive at Masai Mara National Reserve
After a morning breakfast, depart the lodge with your packed lunch boxes for a full-day game-viewing safari in Masai Mara National Reserve. You’ll explore the Mara plains for opportunities to witness wildlife and birdlife. Expect to encounter the African Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephants) giraffes, hyenas, cheetahs, and wildebeests among others.
Visit various wildlife hotspots in the park. As it near lunch time, take a break for a picnic lunch at a scenic and safe spot. After lunch, continue with your safari in the park. Later return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast, depart your lodge and drive to Lake Nakuru National Park where your next adventure awaits. You will arrive in Nakuru in time for lunch and proceed to your booked lodge. Lunch will be served at your lodge.
After lunch, embark on an evening game drive at 4 pm through the stunning Lake Nakuru National Park. This National Park is popular for millions of lesser flamingos that flock to the alkaline Lake Nakuru shores. Besides the flamingos, Park is also home to wildlife species including lions, leopards, buffalos, hyenas, and cheetahs among others that you will spot during your game drive in the park. Later return to the lodge after your short evening tour around lake Nakuru.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Lake Nakuru National Park to Amboseli National Park
After breakfast, depart for Amboseli National Park, a journey that takes about 7 hours drive. Along the way you will enjoy the scenic beauty of Kenya, witnessing its stunning landscape and natural beauty. You will arrive in Amboseli National Park and drive to your booked safari lodge.
After lunch, embark on an evening game drive in Amboseli National Park. Witness a diverse range of wildlife species here including the majestic herds of elephants.. After your evening adventure in Amboseli, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Amboseli to Nairobi Airport for Onwards Flight to Entebbe
From your safari lodge, your driver guide will pick you up and transfer you to the airstrip to catch your flight to Nairobi. From Nairobi, you will transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to catch another flight to Uganda.
Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met and welcomed by your Ugandan Driver guide. You will then transfer to the hotel where you will spend your evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 6: Entebbe to Kibale Forest National Park
From Kampala or Entebbe, your driver guide will pick you up and drive you to Kibale National Park where your 8 Days Uganda & Kenya Wildlife Safari starts. The journey to Kibale National Park takes about 5 hours driving through the scenic countryside, passing through some popular towns like Mityana, and Kyejonjo. Arrive at the park and proceed to your booked safari lodge.
Check-in at your lodge. Lunch will be served at your lodge. After lunch, there is an optional tour to the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Chimpanzee trekking at Kibale National Park
Embarking on the first primate adventure on this classic 8 Days Uganda & Kenya Wildlife Safari. Following breakfast, head to the park headquarters where you will join groups of other trekkers for a chimpanzee trek briefing session. You’ll be guided on how to successfully conduct your trek, safety precautions, and the dos and don’ts during the trek.
After briefing, follow your ranger guide into the forest to search for the chimpanzees. After a long trek in the forest, you will finally encounter these primates in the jungle and have the opportunity to observe them for about 1 hour. Although less popular than mountain gorillas, an encounter with the chimpanzees is really life-changing. Enjoy your time with the primates and take pictures for memories.
After the trek, you will return back to the starting point/park headquarter where you will meet your guide who then transfers you back to your lodge for a refreshing meal and relaxation.
Dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 8: Kibale Forest National Park to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, depart your lodge and embark on a journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park where your next adventure awaits. This journey takes you southwards through Kasese. You’ll arrive in the park in time for lunch and proceed to your booked safari lodge.
On arrival in Queen Elizabeth National Park, check in at the lodge. In the afternoon, go for a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, popular for its diversity, especially the presence of large numbers of hippos. Along the shores, you’ll also spot several other species like elephants. Later return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 9: Morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains
Following breakfast, embark on a game drive around the Kasenyi area of this park to witness different wildlife species including the tree-climbing lions and other top predators. After your morning adventure, you will return to the lodge for a refreshing meal and a short rest.
After lunch, embark on another game drive in the park for more wildlife viewing opportunities. Later return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 10: Game drive at Ishasha sector and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After an early morning breakfast, you will be transferred to Ishasha sector for an opportunity to see the tree climbing lions. You’ll also spot several other wildlife species here before continuing with your drive out of the park.
You’ll proceed with your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park where your next adventure awaits. You’ll arrive in Bwindi in the late afternoon and drive to your booked safari lodge. Check in for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 11: Gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Forest
Wake up early at around 6:00 am and enjoy breakfast at the lodge. After, depart the lodge and head to the park headquarters for a briefing session. You’ll be given all the necessary information that you need to have a successful gorilla trekking experience. You’ll then be divided into groups of 8 members each and allocated gorilla families to trek.
You’ll then follow the lead of your ranger guide into the forest to search for the endangered mountain gorillas. Trek deep into the steaming Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to search for the endangered mountain gorillas. You’ll trek in the forest for hours before finally locating these majestic creatures in the wild. After locating the gorillas, enjoy one full hour observing them in their natural habitat. You’ll have plenty of photography and filming opportunities while with the gorillas. After your allocated time with the gorillas elapses, trek back to the park headquarters.
Return to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight stay.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 12: Return to Entebbe
After breakfast, depart your lodge and drive back to Entebbe. Arrive in the late evening and drop off at your preferred drop-off point (Airport or Hotel).
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
End of 12 Day Kenya and Uganda Safari