8-Day Gorillas, Chimpanzees, and Masai Mara Safari

An exciting safari to three of Africa’s most popular parks and animals: the tree-climbing lions and Chimpanzees of Queen Elizabeth National Park, the mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and the lions of the Masai Mara. You’ll see the Big 5 safari species as well as the incredible richness of East Africa and its people in only one week!

Day 1: Arrival

Your safari guide will meet you at Entebbe International Airport and transport you to your guesthouse with views of Entebbe and Lake Victoria. Depending on when you arrive, you might be able to visit the botanical gardens, go shopping for some forgotten products, or just relax and enjoy the birdlife at this friendly guesthouse.

Day 2: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

We’ll depart Entebbe early in the morning and travel west along the equator. We’ll have lunch along the way and arrive at our lodge at about 3 p.m. We’ll enter the park and the Kasenyi savannah in search of elephants, lions, leopards, hyenas, and other antelope, all while admiring the stunning Rwenzori mountains in the distance. When you arrive, take a crater lake tour or simply relax and look forward to tomorrow’s thrilling experiences.

Day 3: Chimp Trekking and afternoon boat trip in the Kazinga plains. 

The day starts with a stroll across Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The densely forested gorge is host to many wild animals, including primates. Though chimp encounters are our primary target, they are not guaranteed; nevertheless, the trek is spectacular, and the other wildlife makes it well worth it.

After lunch, we’ll drive through the protected area and Ishasha field, where you could see a lion perched in a tree if you’re fortunate! The rest of the afternoon will be spent investigating the Kazinga channel. You take an exciting boat ride to see the Kazinga marine life, which includes crocodiles, hippos, and other wildlife.

Kazinga Boat cruise

Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha. 

Leave Queen Elizabeth National Park and travel to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to see Uganda’s incredible gorillas. You will pass through the Ishasha region before landing in Bwindi, where you will meet tree-climbing lions. Travel to your destination and partake in a cultural exchange if time allows before returning to your hotel for dinner, rest, and overnight.

Day 5: Gorilla Tracking in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest 

Today is the big day! The walk will last from 30 minutes to 5 hours or more, although most people stick to the 1–2-hour range. The going may be tough, the terrain rough, the vegetation lush, and the weather warm, but it will all be worth it when you finally see the mighty beasts! You’ll spend an hour with them, following them across the forest and getting a close look at their everyday lives. Time passes, but the images linger a lifetime.

When you are ill, you may not be able to visit. The well-being of the mountain gorillas is important.  Unfortunately, the approval is only partially refundable at the discretion of the park warden.  This hike needs a reasonable level of fitness.

It is essential to wear good walking shoes, a waterproof jacket, and long, neutral-colored trousers. Depending on the duration of your trek, you will have time to visit Lake Bunyonyi (Africa’s second-deepest lake) for an evening boat ride. The boat ride is done in hand-crafted canoes and is very soothing.

Gorilla Trekking

Day 6: Fly back to Kihihi and later to Masai Mara.

Retrace your steps down the mountainside to Kihihi, where you can board your planned flight back to Entebbe. After that, you’ll transfer to Entebbe airport for your trip to the Masai Mara, stopping in Kisumu for immigration along the way. Your secluded riverside cottage is just a short distance south, nestled in acacia woods. You’ll go on an evening game drive until dinner after a fast change of clothes.

Day 7: Unforgettable wildlife encounter in Masai Mara 

A day spent searching for lions, leopards, giraffes, elephants, rhinos, wildebeest, cheetahs, and other animals in the Masai Mara. You would also have the opportunity to visit a Masai village and learn about their way of life. Optional activities include balloon safaris and organized walks.

Masai mara wildlife safari

Day 8: Transfer from Masai Mara to Nairobi

After an early breakfast, you will go for a sunrise game drive before being driven to Nairobi, which will take about 4-5 hours depending on traffic.