14 DAYS BEST OF UGANDA & KENYA SAFARI

Our representative will pick you up from the hotel and proceed to Kibale National park. On arrival, you can go for an optional Fort Portal Tour.

Journey: 4+ hrs   

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Budget: Kibale Forest Camp/Midrange: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse/Luxury: Turaco Treetops

Take an early breakfast before your primate tracking adventure in the forest. As you search for Kibale’s resident chimpanzees, keep an eye out for other primates such as grey-cheeked mangabeys along with l’Hoest’s, red colobus, red-tailed and blue monkeys. 

In the afternoon you can choose between two optional activities. Either spend more time with the local communities and learn more about their day-to-day lives on a Community Walk or go deeper into the forest on a Swamp Walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is home to 8 primate species, over 200 bird species, butterflies, and various reptiles. For bird lovers, the highlight of the afternoon is spotting the beautiful great blue turaco. Please let us know which walk you prefer at the time of booking.

You can opt for the Chimp Habituation experience instead of tracking. This entails spending all day with the chimps as they get acclimated to the presence of humans. The activity takes up to 6 hours with a maximum of 6 tourists per group. The best months are March, May, and November when traffic in the park is very low. This costs $250 per person. 

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Budget: Kibale Forest Camp/Midrange: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse/Luxury: Turaco Treetops

After breakfast, we head to Queen Elizabeth National Park passing through the Crater lakes region (depending on road conditions) and enjoying views of the mystical Rwenzori mountain ranges. The journey from Kibale national park to Queen Elizabeth national park is short and therefore you will arrive in time for lunch at your lodge. After lunch, have a relaxed afternoon looking forward to the next day’s activities or have a short evening game drive.

An alternative optional excursion today is the Kyambura Gorge hike. This is also known as the “The Valley of Apes”, which is located in Kyambura Wildlife Reserve. the gorge itself spans 11 km and is 100 meters deep. The Kyambura River flows through this thick “underground forest” connecting to the Kazinga Channel. This unique landscape is an excellent refuge from the savannah's predators above and is the reason that the chimpanzees have made their home here. Excellent hiking trails can be found within the forest.

Journey: 3+ hrs 

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 

Accommodation: Budget: Bush Lodge / Midrange: Baboon Safari Resort / Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge

Enjoy your early morning breakfast and meet your guide who will drive you around the park. Pass via the Kasenyi trail where you will be in a position to observe game like warthogs, waterbucks, zebras, elephants, lions together will several species of birds. Head back to your lodge or hotel for lunch and relax before traveling back for the afternoon boat ride along the Kazinga Channel. Look out for Elephants, buffalos, hippos, and Nile crocodiles crammed at the banks, birds such as fish eagles, marabou storks, weaver birds, and lots of water birds. We hope you didn’t forget the pair of binoculars back at home. Afterward, we take a leisurely game drive en route to your lodge or hotel for dinner.

A lion tracking experience is possible this morning. Queen Elizabeth is the only National park in Uganda that offers this activity. The activity is only open at the northern sector (Kasenyi plains) of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Get close to the lions in their natural habitat, unlike standard game drives. It involves following lions closely to learn about their behavior, natural habitat, and feeding habits. The activity is led by experienced and knowledgeable researchers from the Uganda Carnivore Program. By paying to take part in Lion tracking, tourists can to a worthwhile wildlife conservation initiative.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Budget: Bush Lodge /Midrange:  Baboon Safari Resort /Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge 

We drive through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth national park en route to Kisoro.

Please note that if we track Gorillas in Nkuringo or Rushaga sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a different route and accommodation will be used. If you would like to explore the Ishasha sector, we can add an extra day to the itinerary. 

During Game Drives along the Northern circuit, you can see Topi herds, Kobs as well as great buffalo herds grazing. The Southern circuit of the Ishasha sector becomes the focus in the search for tree-climbing lions. This is because of a host of well-spaced big fig trees, among the 47 species recorded in Uganda. Edward flats is an off-circuit area off the beaten track and the remotest game track here. It is gifted with nature ranging from great breeding herds of Elephants and also a home for passage migrants in the bird world as millions of songbirds, storks, waders, and raptors pass by here. Continuing towards the Ishasha river can yield hippo sightings

Our destination Kisoro is a perfect base for gorilla trackers, lake loungers, volcano hikers, and bird lovers as well as those looking for a mystical place in nature. Lake Mutanda, Lake Chahafi, Lake Mulehe, Lake Kayumbu, and the Virunga mountains make for magnificent views

Journey: +4 hrs   

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Budget: Bwindi Cultural Center /Midrange: Silverback Lodge/Luxury: Buhoma Lodge 

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – the home to half the world’s mountain gorillas. The Bwindi impenetrable forest is also UNESCO World Heritage Site hosting numerous tree species, birdlife, primates, mammals, insects, etc. 

After breakfast, in the company of an experienced park ranger, you will be tracking the whereabouts of one of the nine habituated family groups who live in the park. Depending on the location of the gorillas on any given day the walk can take anything from 2 to 7 hours. Once the family of gorillas has been located, settle into your surroundings and enjoy the hour you have to quietly observe these fascinating primates whose habits and mannerisms remind us so much of our own. It is real hiking and being physically fit is recommended.

Unlike Gorilla trekking that limits one’s interaction with the gorillas to only an hour, Gorilla Habituation allows a person 4 hours in the company of the gorillas. Also, one spends a little bit more -US$1500 for each person needing to do the Habituation experience dissimilar from the US$700 paid for gorilla trekking.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & dinner 

Accommodation: Budget: Bwindi Cultural Center /Midrange: Silverback Lodge/Luxury: Buhoma Lodge

The following Optional excursions are not all be possible today since we have a transfer to Kigali and a flight to Tanzania. Please let us know if you would like an extra day added to the itinerary to experience the following attractions. 

• Buhoma Community Village Walk provides guests with an opportunity to support the local community whilst enjoying visiting various interesting places as you follow a walking trail through the village. Highlights include the traditional healer, banana brewery, and Mukono Primary school where you may interact with the children.

• Bwindi Community Hospital was established in 2003 and has grown from small beginnings to become an essential service provider for the immediate communities and much of the surrounding areas too, caring for more than 100 000 individuals. Visit it to learn how it is helping to improve the quality of many lives.

• Ride 4 a Women was set up in 2009 to support local women struggling at home with issues associated with HIV, domestic violence, and poverty. Visitors are invited to view the women working at the local center – sewing, weaving, and learning new skills for making a living and helping towards education for their children.

• Batwa Cultural Experience is a full-day experience provided by the Batwa Development Program allowing one to see, understand and participate in the lifestyle of the Batwa when they lived in the forest and depended upon their hunting and gathering skills for their daily needs.

• Bwindi Forest Walk can be undertaken with an Uganda Wildlife Authority guide to allow you to hike along the trails and enjoy the forest flora, fauna, and wildlife such as monkeys at proximity. A popular choice is a 3-4-hour hike to the waterfall.

• Hike across Bwindi Forest. This hike from Buhoma (Northern sector) to Nkuringo & Nteko (Southern sector) has two hiking trails, the ivy river trails (4-5 hrs) and the Kashasha River Trail (6-7 hrs). There is no road in the forest so the vehicle will make a 170km journey and wait on the other side. (4 hours) Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a vast, unique natural reserve with troops of monkeys, duikers, bush pigs, and some of Bwindi's world-renowned bird species roaming under the forest's canopy. On some occasions, hikers may meet the chimps or gorillas on the trail.

• Bird Watching can be done around the lodge and walks in the forest with local qualified guides. This forest area has recorded over 350 bird species. Of particular interest are the 23 species endemic to the Albertine Rift and at least 14 recorded nowhere else in Uganda

• Butterfly Watching in the forest with Bwindi being home to over 200 species, some of which are endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley

• Volcano Hikes: Virunga Mountains, is a volcanic range along the borders of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. There are a total of 8 mountains; Mt Muhabura (4127m), Mt Sabinyo (3674m), Mt Gahinga (3474m), Mt Bisoke (3711m), Mt Karisimbi (4507m), Mt Mikeno (4127m), Mt. Nyamuragira (3058m), Mt Nyiragongo (3470m). 

• Golden monkey tracking. These small monkeys are fast and live in groups of about 30 individuals or more roaming over a large territory in the virunga volcanoes. This activity is done at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

• Boat Rides: Explore one of the lakes and the islands in traditional dug-out canoes or Motorized boats. Kayaks and paddleboards can be hired too.

Our representative will drive you across the border to Rwanda and drop you off at Kigali International Airport 3 hours before your evening flight to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Kenya 

Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel of choice in Nairobi. 

Journey: +4 hrs Drive to Kigali & 45 mins flight to Kenya
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 

Accommodation: Budget: Wildebeest Eco-Camp Mid-range: Hotel Rudi Luxury: Karen Country Lodge 

Our representative will pick you up at the hotel today at 8 am, then head to Lake Nakuru National Park. This park lies on the floor of the great rift valley, surrounded by wooded and bushy grasslands. The drive en route is spectacular with scenic stops along the way at Thomson Falls and the Rift Valley viewpoint.

At the lodge, you can enjoy lunch and some relaxation before you head out on an afternoon safari when the temperatures are slightly cooler. Be on the lookout for lions, buffalos, antelopes, warthogs, and other wildlife. Lake Nakuru National Park is perfect for birding, game drives, and hikes.

We can add an extra day to the itinerary if you would love to visit the other attractions around. The Nakuru Tour is possible the next day.

Journey: +3 hrs 

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 

Accommodation: Budget: Lake Nakuru Lodge Mid-range: Ziwa Bush Lodge  Luxury: Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge 

After breakfast, we head to Masai Mara national reserve. The journey will take you through the vast landscape and nature of Kenya as you drive down the escarpment via Narok to Masai Mara. On arrival at your lodge, you will be warmly welcomed with a fresh glass of juice and have lunch. In the afternoon, head for an introductory evening game drive to Masai Mara. In the months of July-October it is also home to over two million Wildebeest making their yearly trek north from the Serengeti in Tanzania.

 Journey: + 6 hours or  flight time –  35 minutes
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 

Accommodation: Budget: Fisi Camp Mid-range: Amani Mara Camp Luxury: Mara Serena Safari Lodge 

After Breakfast, prepare for a full day of game viewing in the famous Masai Mara National reserve across the savannah grassland and rolling hills. You will carry packed lunch from the lodge and then head out into the reserve for a whole day of spectacular game viewing. Look out for wildlife – big herds of lions, leopards, elephants, the elusive cheetah, Thomson’s gazelle, wildebeest, buffaloes, impalas, topis, spotted hyenas, zebras, baboons, and the graceful giraffes. You return to the lodge later in the evening for dinner.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 

Accommodation: Budget: Fisi Camp Mid-range: Amani Mara Camp Luxury: Mara Serena Safari Lodge

Optional excursions today include the Hot air balloon safari and a nature walk. The hot air balloon safari begins just before sunrise and lasts for about an hour. However, its weather dependent and may need to be rescheduled due to poor weather.  In the afternoon, explore your new surroundings on foot. Led by a professional and highly knowledgeable guide, your nature walk will teach you the intricate workings of the micro-ecosystems of the bush, from exotic flora to the region's plentiful birdlife, and wildlife. 

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 

Accommodation: Budget: Fisi Camp Mid-range: Amani Mara Camp Luxury: Mara Serena Safari Lodge 

After breakfast, we head east towards Lake Naivasha. This freshwater lake is home to a wide variety of wildlife including a sizeable population of hippos and birds such as Long-tailed and Great Cormorants, Fish Eagles, Pelicans, and various types of Kingfishers. A boat ride on the lake awaits us this afternoon. 

An optional excursion is a visit to the Elsamere Lodge located on the shores of Lake Naivasha. The lodge contains a museum housing an interesting collection of books, paintings and memorabilia from a couple that lived here in the 1930s. 

Journey: +5 hrs Drive 

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 

Accommodation: Budget: Elsamere Lodge Mid-range: Kiangazi House Luxury: Loldia House

Depending on the departure time of your flight, there may be some time to do some optional excursions around Lake Naivasha such as the following. 

Walk with the animals at Crescent Island. The island sanctuary isn't home to any predators, so you can safely trade the safari car for your own two feet as you wander alongside zebras, giraffes, and wildebeest!

Explore Hell's Gate National Park: With its volcanic landscape, Hell's Gate might put you in mind of paying a visit to another planet. Red earth, towering stone pillars and cliffs, and a sparse animal population make it something completely different to what you'll find elsewhere. Visitors to Hell's Gate National Park can cycle its dusty roads, hike its scenic canyons, climb its towering pillars, and more!

Climb Mt. Longonot: This is an opportunity to hike a dormant volcano. The five-hour ascent to the crater of Mount Longonot takes you through land inhabited by buffalo, antelopes, and even leopards.

Take a dip at Ol Karia Geothermal Spa: Located within Hell's Gate National Park, is the largest geothermal spa of its kind in Africa. Heated by the volcanic activity that gives Hell's Gate its name, the man-made pools of Ol Karia are a great place to soak in the warm waters and wash away the dust of the road.

Your driver/guide will take care of your transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. 

Remember, it is possible to combine this safari with a beach holiday in Mombasa.  

Journey: +5 hrs Drive 

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch 

Accommodation: Not Included