Overview
Combine the savanna and the rainforest in one week. Start with three nights in the Maasai Mara, one of Africa’s best places for lion, cheetah and leopard. Then fly to Entebbe on the shores of Lake Victoria, and on to Bwindi for your mountain gorilla trek.
The journey ends with a night at Lake Mburo and a drive back to Entebbe. It is the perfect trip for travellers who want both classic safari and a primate encounter.
Route
Highlights
- Three nights in the Maasai Mara
- Flights between Kenya and Uganda
- Mountain gorilla trek (permit included)
- Lake Victoria at Entebbe
- Walking safari at Lake Mburo
Activities
- Morning, afternoon and full-day game drives
- Hot-air balloon safari
- Picnic lunch at the Mara River
- Shoebill canoe trip
- Botanical garden walk
- Lake cruise
- Gorilla trekking
- Gorilla habituation experience
- Nature walks
Day-by-day itinerary
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Day 1:
Into the Maasai Mara
Maasai MaraYour guide collects you from your hotel in Nairobi in the morning for the drive to Maasai Mara (5–6 hours via the Great Rift Valley viewpoint). Arrive in the Maasai Mara in time for lunch at camp. After a rest, set out on your first afternoon game drive across the open plains, looking for lion prides, grazing herds of topi and zebra, and elephant families moving towards the river as the light turns golden.
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Day 2:
Full Day in the Maasai Mara
Maasai MaraLeave early, when the predators are most active, with a packed breakfast in the vehicle. Your guide will follow the latest news on the radio — perhaps a cheetah hunting on the short-grass plains or a leopard in the riverine forest. Return to camp for lunch and a rest before an afternoon drive into a different area of the reserve.
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Day 3:
Mara River Day
Maasai MaraSpend a full day exploring towards the Mara River with a picnic lunch. In migration season you may wait near a crossing point as herds of wildebeest gather on the banks; at other times of year the river is a reliable place for hippos, huge Nile crocodiles and big herds of buffalo.
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Day 4:
Return to Entebbe
EntebbeAfter breakfast, begin your journey from Maasai Mara to Entebbe — a cross-border day of scheduled flights connecting through Nairobi, with our team meeting you at every stage. Return to Entebbe on the shores of Lake Victoria for a final evening, with dinner overlooking the lake.
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Day 5:
Journey to Bwindi
Bwindi Impenetrable ForestAfter breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for your flight from Entebbe to Bwindi. Arrive at your lodge on the forest edge in time to hear the evening chorus of birds and the rainforest settling for the night.
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Day 6:
Mountain Gorilla Trek
Bwindi Impenetrable ForestAfter an early breakfast, report to the park headquarters for a briefing, then set off with rangers and trackers into the forest. The trek may take from one to several hours through steep, green terrain. When you find the gorillas, spend a magical hour watching the silverback, mothers and playful youngsters at close quarters — an experience few people ever forget.
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Day 7:
Lake Mburo National Park
Lake MburoAfter breakfast, continue by road from Bwindi to Lake Mburo (about 5 hours). After lunch, enjoy a game drive among zebra, impala and eland, followed by a boat trip on the lake to see hippos and waterbirds at sunset.
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Day 8:
Lake Mburo to Entebbe
Lake MburoAfter an early game drive or a relaxed breakfast, travel back to Entebbe (about 4 hours), with a lunch stop on the way. On arrival you will be transferred to Entebbe International Airport or your hotel.
Meals: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner.
Accommodation
This itinerary is priced with mid-range accommodation. Every property is chosen for its location, guiding and service; final properties are confirmed at booking and we can upgrade or adjust any night.
- Maasai MaraPermanent tented camp with en-suite tents near the Talek River3 nights
- EntebbeLakeside hotel in Entebbe1 night
- Bwindi Impenetrable ForestForest lodge with gorilla-trek access2 nights
- Lake MburoTented camp overlooking Lake Mburo1 night
Meals: Full board on safari; breakfast and dinner in cities and at the beach
What's included
Included
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof and a professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Accommodation as listed (or similar, subject to availability)
- Meals as listed in the day-by-day itinerary
- All national park, reserve and conservation fees
- Arrival and departure airport transfers
- Bottled drinking water during the safari
- All government taxes and levies
- 24-hour in-country support from our Nairobi office
- Domestic and light-aircraft flights as described in the itinerary
- One mountain gorilla trekking permit per person (currently USD 800)
Not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Comprehensive travel insurance (required)
- Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
- Drinks other than drinking water, unless stated
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls and souvenirs
- Optional hot-air balloon flight (currently from around USD 450–600 per person)
- Optional porters on gorilla and chimpanzee treks (around USD 20 per trek)
Travel information
Best time to travel
July to October for the Great Migration and river crossings; January to March for dry, quieter game viewing with good predator action. April and May are wetter but green, peaceful and good value. Kenya: Kenya is a year-round destination. Uganda: June to August and December to February are the driest months and the most comfortable for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking.
What to pack
- Neutral-coloured, lightweight clothing (khaki, olive, beige)
- A warm fleece or jacket for early mornings and evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
- Binoculars and a camera with spare batteries and memory cards
- Insect repellent and personal medication
- Soft-sided duffel bag — light aircraft allow around 15 kg per person
- Waterproof hiking boots and gaiters for forest treks
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Gardening gloves for gripping vegetation
- Long-sleeved shirt and long trousers
Experiences on this safari
Frequently asked questions
Is this a private safari?
Yes. This itinerary runs privately for your own group, with your own vehicle and guide. It can start on any date, and we can adjust the route, pace and accommodation to suit you.
What does the price include?
The guide price from USD 4,700 per person is based on two people sharing mid-range accommodation in the low season. It includes accommodation, the meals and activities listed, park fees and transfers. Prices vary by season and group size; we confirm an exact quote when you enquire.
Is there a luggage limit on the flights?
Yes. Light aircraft and some domestic flights allow around 15 kg per person including hand luggage, packed in soft-sided bags. We can store extra luggage for you.
When should I book my gorilla permit?
As early as possible — ideally three to six months ahead for June to September and December to February. We purchase permits as soon as you confirm your booking.
When can I see a river crossing?
Crossings most often happen between late July and early October, but the herds move with the rain, so no date can be guaranteed. Spending at least three nights in the Mara gives you the best chance.
Gallery
Open image: Open savanna of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Open image: Wildebeest crossing the Mara River during the Great Migration
Open image: Lion pride resting in the Maasai Mara
Open image: Fishing village on the Lake Victoria shore near Entebbe
Open image: Shoebill in Mabamba Swamp, Uganda
Open image: View across Kampala, Uganda’s capital
Open image: Mist rising over Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Open image: Mountain gorilla feeding in Bwindi Impenetrable ForestEnquire about this safari
Every date is available on request. Tell us when you would like to travel and we will send a tailored quote — adjustments welcome.
