6Day Masai Mara and Gorillas Safari

6 Day Masai Mara and Gorillas Safari

This Safari combines Masai Mara in Kenya and gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda. It is a fast-paced adventure that uses regional flights to maximize your time on this African safari. Most of our short trips include two days of game drives in the Masai Mara, a day of travel to the gorilla habitat, one day for trekking, and a final day for departure.

Itinerary overview

Day 1: Arrival and transfer to Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya.

Up on arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi early morning, you will meet your safari guide.

• Transfer to the Masai Mara National Reserve (a 5-hour drive).
• You will enjoy lunch at the Hotel and Later head out to the Park for an afternoon game drive to see the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo), along with other wildlife.
• Accommodation: Mara Simba Lodge (Budget) or Masai Mara Sopa Lodge (Midrange) or Neptune Mara Rianta Camp (Luxury)
• Meal Plan: Full board

Day 2: Full day in Masai Mara National Reserve

• Spend the day on game drives in the Masai Mara. You may have the option for a hot air balloon ride in the early morning.
• The reserve is known for its vast savannahs and high concentration of predators.

• Accommodation: Mara Simba Lodge (Budget) or Masai Mara Sopa Lodge (Midrange) or Neptune Mara Rianta Camp (Luxury)

• Meal Plan: Full board

Day 3: Fly from Nairobi to Uganda or Rwanda

• Take a final morning game drive or visit a Maasai village.
• Drive back to Nairobi for a late afternoon flight to Entebbe, Uganda (for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park), or Kigali, Rwanda (for Volcanoes National Park) or (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park) via Border crossing.
• Upon arrival, transfer to your lodge near the gorilla park.
• Accommodation: You will stay in Entebbe City, Kampala City or Kigali City
• Meal Plan: Full board

Day 4: Travel to the gorilla trekking park

• Depending on your flight schedule, this day will be spent traveling from your arrival city (Entebbe or Kigali) to the base of the gorilla park.
• The drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park is shorter (around 2-3 hours) than the one from Entebbe to Bwindi (8+ hours), which is why some tours opt to fly into Entebbe but depart via Kigali.
• Accommodation: Rushaga gorilla Havens lodge (Budget) or Four gorillas lodge (Midrange) or Buhoma Lodge (Luxury)
• Meal Plan: Full board

Day 5: Gorilla trekking day

• You will have early morning breakfast at the hotel and then drive to the park headquarters for a briefing and to be assigned a gorilla family to track.
• You will later start your hike through the forest with an experienced guide and trackers to find the gorillas. The trek can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day, depending on where the gorillas are located.
• Spend one hour observing the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat before returning to your lodge.
• Accommodation: Rushaga gorilla Havens lodge (Budget) or Four gorillas lodge (Midrange) or Buhoma Lodge (Luxury)
• Meal Plan: Full board

Day 6: Departure

• Morning Breakfast at the Hotel
• Transfer back to Entebbe or Kigali for your flight home.

What to pack

For a safari combining Masai Mara and gorilla trekking, you will need a combination of light safari wear and waterproof hiking gear.

Gorilla trekking gear

• Waterproof hiking boots: With good ankle support, as the trails are often muddy and steep.
• Waterproof jacket or poncho: The mountain parks are rainforests and rain can occur at any time.
• Long-sleeved shirt and trousers: To protect you from stinging nettles, branches, and insects.
• Gardening gloves: To protect your hands while grabbing onto vegetation for support.
• Gaiters: To cover the top of your boots and prevent mud from getting in.
• Daypack: A small, light waterproof bag to carry water, snacks, and your camera.

Masai Mara gear

• Light, breathable clothing: Neutral colors like khaki, brown, and green are recommended.
• Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen: For protection from the sun during game drives.
• Warm jacket or fleece: For cool mornings and evenings, especially on open-top safari vehicles.
• Comfortable shoes: For walking around the lodge.

General items

• Insect repellent: Important for both destinations.
• Camera with extra batteries: Wildlife can be unpredictable, so be prepared.
• Binoculars: Essential for spotting wildlife from a distance.
• Reusable water bottle: To stay hydrated during your activities.

Important considerations

• Regional flights: Travel between Kenya and the gorilla trekking areas of Uganda or Rwanda is time-consuming and often requires charter flights or multiple connections. For a 6-day trip, flying is the most efficient option.
• Permits: Gorilla trekking requires a permit that must be booked far in advance, especially for the high season (June to September and December to February).
• Physical fitness: Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding, requiring you to hike over steep, muddy, and dense terrain for several hours.
• Visa requirements: Confirm the visa requirements for all countries you will visit. An East African Tourist Visa ($100) covers travel to Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.
• Best time to visit: The dry seasons (June–September and December–February) offer the best road and trail conditions, though rain can occur at any time in the tropical rainforests.

Contact us for bookings and more information.