18-Day Uganda and Kenya Combo – Primates and Big 5 Safari

Our day will start with breakfast until about 7:30am. From breakfast, we shall move to the Rangers’ Point where we will receive the briefing plus the ranger-guide. Then in the company of the assigned armed ranger-guide(s), we will proceed for this up-close experience with this member of the African big 5 family. Besides wildlife sighting, you simply get to breathe in the pristine fresh air and soak in wonderful scenery. Just being close to nature. After the rhino tracking, we will drive off to Masindi where you will have a lunch stop. After lunch, embark on the transfer to Murchison Falls NP. The highlights of this park include the roaring rapids of the Murchison Falls, the rolling plains of Uganda’s largest National Park where you will have the chance of viewing lions, giraffes, hartebeest, buffalos, and elephants etc. *Detour to visit the top of the falls and thereafter, we head to the facility. *Info: A shallow game drive en route the accommodation is possible.

Accommodation: (Ikorom Safari Lodge-Budget level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: Approx. 3-4 hours.

Rise early as the African wilderness comes alive with the first light of day. This morning’s game drive offers the chance to encounter elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, antelopes, and an incredible variety of birdlife roaming freely across the savannah. Every safari is unique, making each wildlife sighting even more exciting. *To avoid the long drive back to the lodge, we can proceed to Red Chilli and enjoy hot lunch there. After lunch, board a boat for a memorable cruise along the Nile River towards the base of the magnificent Murchison Falls. Watch hippos wallowing in the water, crocodiles basking along the riverbanks, and elephants gathering to drink before witnessing the powerful falls from the safe distance recommended. It is a day filled with unforgettable wildlife encounters and breathtaking natural beauty.

Accommodation: (Ikorom Safari Lodge-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: Approx. 25-30 minutes to/from the gate.

Enjoy breakfast, check out of the facility and head to explore Murchison in yet another game drive. Be on the look for Murchison’s inhabitants such as; Buffalos, Jackson hartebeests, elephants, Lions, Giraffes, leopards, Hyenas, among others. After a satisfying sighting, we shall embark on a transfer that will see us overnight at edge of Kibale Forest National Park. The drive is quite long but incredibly scenic – passing through villages, lush green countryside and hills dotted with tea plantations that characterize this part of Uganda. The beautiful scenery will amaze you all the way. Upon arrival at the accommodation, check in and just relax. #Optional: As a way of stretching legs, you may consider a stop in Hoima and possibly, get into the market to catch a glimpse of life there. You may buy some fresh fruits and enjoy along in the next leg of the journey. 

Accommodation: (Chimpanzee Capital Safari Lodge-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer time: Approx. 7 hours.

Today is one special day that will see us get up-close with human’s closest relation with the wild. Our day will start with a quick breakfast and then we shall head the briefing. All treks start with a safety and conduct briefing at the Kanyanchu headquarters and thereafter, you will begin the walk/trek through the lush tropical rainforest guided by experienced rangers who locate the chimps by their vocalizations and nests. While looking for chimpanzees, you may also spot other primates, such as red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus, and L’Hoest’s monkeys. Once you locate the chimpanzees, you will have a full hour in their presence. From the chimps, we shall return to the facility to clean up, enjoy early lunch and then, embark on a transfer (2hrs) to Queen Elizabeth National Park.  You will reach with some time available for a game drive in search of wildlife like; lions, the elusive leopard, herd of elephants, buffaloes to mention but a few. *Please, note that permit for chimp tracking needs to be purchased prior to the actual date and always sold on first come first serve basis with limited slots per day.

Accommodation: (Enshama Game Lodge-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: 2 hours.

Be up early and have your breakfast. Proceed for a morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains – a vast savannah space in the Queen Elizabeth National Park known for high wildlife densities including lions, herds of elephants, buffalos, and Uganda kobs. The area offers exceptional game drives, birding, and scenic photography, with opportunities to see leopards too. After a satisfactory sighting, return to the accommodation for some rest time and lunch. After lunch, you will go for a 2-hour boat trip on the Kazinga Channel that connects Lakes George and Edward. During the cruise, you get to enjoy an up-close view of large Hippo pods, Nile crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants, and numerous bird species, including the African Skimmer. From the boat ride, we shall return to the facility to freshen up and stay at leisure, enjoying the facility’s service.

Accommodation: (Enshama Game Lodge-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: n/a

Enjoy breakfast and then, proceed for another morning game drive – along the Kasenyi plains. Be on the look for Cape buffalos, herds of elephants plus lions, leopards (though hard to spot) among others. From Kasenyi, continue to the Ishasha sector – famously known for its tree-climbing lion population. Rest a bit and then go for an Afternoon-to-evening game drive in search of tree-climbing lions. The chance of spotting these lions stands at about 60-70% but sometimes they are hard to spot (most especially when they are down in the grassland looking for prey). Should you get the chance to spot the lions up in the tree, the sight is picturesque and unforgettable. Beyond lions, you can easily spot large herds of elephants, buffaloes, topis, and Uganda kobs. Keep an eye out for leopards, spotted hyenas too and a number of bird species. After an extensive and satisfying excursion, we shall head back to the accommodation to freshen up.

Accommodation: (Enjojo Lodge [Safari Tent] -Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: Approx. 2-3 hours.

This day is flexible. If there was no good sighting yesterday, we can return to the field again in search of the tree-climbing lions (i.e. give it another try) before heading to Bwindi. But with a good (satisfactory) sighting, we will have breakfast, check out of the lodge and be on our way to the accommodation situated at the edge of Bwindi National Park. Once at your accommodation, we recommend staying at leisure as you save the energy, prepare the body for the long-awaited gorilla encounter tomorrow. *Optional (extra costs): But if you prefer to be active (i.e. doing something), you can consider the community visit to gain a little insight into the lifestyle of the community in this area. In case you arrived in Bwindi with ample time available, you can do a warm-up for Gorilla trek by taking on a forest walk along one of the trails. 

Accommodation: (Gorilla Mist Camp-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: Approx. 3 hours.

Today brings to you one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences. The morning air is cold, misty, and smells heavily of damp earth and moss. There is a tense but excited energy as trekkers test their walking sticks and do final gear checks. Following the briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, venture into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in search of one of the resident mountain gorilla families. Once you leave the trailhead, you step out of civilization and directly into a dense, prehistoric world. Bwindi is called “impenetrable” for a literal reason. The high altitude here combined with steep, rugged (sometimes muddy) terrain makes gorilla trekking physically demanding but rewarding. One moment you’re descending, and the next, you are ascending to a higher elevation. Trekking times vary according to the gorillas’ movements, but every step through this ancient rainforest adds to the anticipation. Once located, spend a magical hour quietly observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat. *After returning from the forest, board the waiting car and transfer to a facility in Lake Mutanda. #Optional (extra cost): If time allows and you are still interested, you may enjoy a boat trip on Lake Mutanda towards Gahiza Island.

Accommodation: (Mutanda Lake Resort-Midrange level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: Approx. 3-4 hours.

Today, you will head out for another incredible primate experience as you enter the forest in search of the golden monkeys of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. After breakfast, proceed for the briefing before starting your tracking experience with experienced ranger-guides. Unlike the gentle giants you encountered during your gorilla treks, golden monkeys bring a different kind of energy to the forest. Their playful nature, quick movements, and striking golden coats make every moment spent with them unique. As you follow their movements through the bamboo forests, enjoy the opportunity to observe these fascinating primates in their natural habitat. *After your time in the forest, return to your accommodation and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Take this opportunity to relax, reflect on the incredible experiences so far, and appreciate the beauty of the surroundings before the final chapter of your journey.

Accommodation: (Mutanda Lake Resort-Midrange Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: Approx. 30-40 minutes to/from.

Have breakfast and proceed out for the Batwa trail experience. This guided trek acts as a living history museum, allowing visitors to step into the past and experience the forest through the eyes of its original hunter-gatherer stewards. The trail begins at the base of the majestic Virunga Volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or on the fringes of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. As you step beneath the dense canopy, the forest immediately changes from a scenic landscape into a bustling home, pharmacy, and spiritual ground. Unlike standard nature walks where trees are simply admired, the Batwa trail turns the flora into a story of survival. The experience climaxes with the descent into Garama Cave, pitch-black cave that served as a secret fortress during tribal wars and the royal palace of the Batwa King. From this fascinating experience, we embark on a transfer to Lake Mburo National Park where we shall arrive and rest a bit then, go out on a night game drive (7:30 to 9:30 or 10pm). Look out for nocturnal species and other wildlife that becomes active during the night. After the activity, we shall return to the lodge for late dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: (Eagles’ Nest Mburo-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: Approx. 5 hrs.

As usual, we start the day with a quick breakfast and immediately, move to the Visitors’ Center where will receive the ranger-guide(s) to lead the excursion. The Walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park offers a fulfilling, intimate and immersive way to explore Uganda’s wildlife area on foot, producing moments that you seldom get while moving in a safari car. Accompanied by an armed ranger, walks often start at 7:00am, bringing you up-close to zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, and antelopes in a 2 to 3-hour unforgettable experience in the wild. This is a unique opportunity to notice smaller details often missed in a vehicle, such as bird species, butterflies, insects, and animal tracks etc. After this up-close experience, return to the accommodation for checkout and then hit the road to Entebbe. Expect a stop at the Equator crossing mark (in Kayabwe) where you will have hot lunch and also (if interested) buy some souvenirs. Upon arrival in Entebbe, check in at the accommodation and relax as you prepare for your onward journey to Kenya tomorrow.

Accommodation: (Jett Villas Entebbe-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: Approx. 5 hrs.

Depending on your flight time (that should not be past 9am), you will be transferred to Entebbe Airport to check in and catch your flight destined to Nairobi – Kenya. Upon landing at the JKIA airport, you will be met by our Kenya-based Safari Driver-guide who will welcome you to Kenya and then, depart for Lake Naivasha. Enjoy a drive via typical African savanna country dotted with local homesteads. Upon arrival, check in for lunch and in the afternoon proceed for a boat ride excursion to Crescent Island for a walking safari. Crescent Island Sanctuary is one of the few places you can walk among wild animals. The absence of predators makes it safe to roam among animals. You are certain to trek by diverse herds of wildlife – wildebeest, waterbuck, zebra, giraffe and gazelle among others. Later you will be transferred by boat back to mainland. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: (Aloe Park Naivasha-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: Approx. 2-3 hours.

After relaxed breakfast, depart Lake Naivasha for Lake Nakuru National Park. Check in at your hotel and proceed for an exploration of Lake Nakuru.  Lake Nakuru National Park offers you a rare insight into Kenya’s most diverse flora, fauna and wildlife and is famous for its huge flocks of pink flamingos. The birds’ throng on Lake Nakuru itself, one of the Rift Valley soda lakes that comprises almost a third of the park’s area. More than 450 species of birds have been recorded here as well as a rich diversity of other wildlife. Lions, leopards, warthogs, waterbucks, pythons, and white rhinos are just some of the animals you might see, and the landscapes range from sweeping grasslands bordering the lake to rocky cliffs and woodland. The park also protects the largest euphorbia candelabrum forest in Africa. Dinner and overnight at the safari lodge/ resort.

Accommodation: (Lanet Matfarm Resort-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: Approx. 3 hours.

After breakfast, depart Lake Nakuru for Masai Mara National reserve. We will arrive at the lodge with enough time to settle in before lunch with a little time to relax before we head out for our first game drive in the Mara. After a satisfying encounter, we will return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: (Flair Camp Resort-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: Approx. 4 hours.

Head out with picnic lunch box for a full day tour of the reserve in your safari vehicle. Roll down the windows or stand up through the customized pop-up roof hatch and enjoy this unhindered 360 views, and the possibilities for what lies ahead. Masai Mara is Kenya’s most popular game sanctuary where you will have the best opportunity of spotting the Big Five – lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant. In the Mara River, throngs of hippos and crocodiles lurk. The park is also known for providing excellent predator sightings in their natural habitats thanks to its relatively large populations of lions, cheetahs, and leopards. You will also see lots of Elephants, Masai giraffe, common zebra, impala, Thompson’s and Grant’s gazelles, Topi, Hartebeest, Black-backed jackal, spotted hyena, various bird species and many more. Return to your safari camp for overnight.

Accommodation: (Flair Camp Resort-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: n/a.

After a relaxed breakfast, depart Masai Mara for Nairobi. At an additional cost of USD 20 per person, you can undertake a Masai village visit. Upon arrival in Nairobi, you can have a city tour aboard your safari vehicle, or be taken to a mall for shopping. You will be dropped off at your city hotel for relaxation and dinner.

Accommodation: (La Maison Royale -South C-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: Approx. 6 hours.

Depending on your flight time (before 11am), you will be transferred to the JKIA airport in Nairobi to catch flight back home bringing to an end what we believe is a memorable experience under the African blues. *Note: Late check out is possible but subject to additional cost as will be specified by the hotel.

Accommodation: (N/a) | Meals: Breakfast | Transfer Time: Approx. 30 minutes to Airport.