8 Day Masai Mara, Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari
An 8-day safari combining Kenya’s Maasai Mara with Uganda’s gorilla and chimpanzee trekking gives you an experience for wildlife and Primates in Africa. It is a multi-country itinerary focused on East Africa, that is Uganda and Kenya. This itinerary is ideal only with flights between the two countries to maximize time for viewing wildlife and enjoying the destinations.
Typical 8-day Kenya and Uganda safari itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi and transfer to the Masai Mara.
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi. You will be met by Encounter Africa safaris representative and drive to the Masai Mara Game Reserve, you will arrive in time for lunch at lodge. You will have lunch, rest up and then head out for an afternoon game drive to see Africa’s “Big Five” and other wildlife.
Accommodation: Mara Simba Lodge (Budget) or Masai Mara Sopa Lodge (Midrange) or Neptune Mara Rianta Camp (Luxury)
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Full-day game drive in the Mara Reserve.
Early morning you head out to explore the savannah of the Masai Mara with a full-day game drive. The reserve is known for its large concentration wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, and rhinos. If traveling between July and October, you may witness the popular Great Wildebeest Migration.
Accommodation: Mara Simba Lodge (Budget) or Masai Mara Sopa Lodge (Midrange) or Neptune Mara Rianta Camp (Luxury)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Final game drive and return to Nairobi.
Today, you will enjoy a final game drive in the morning before heading back to Nairobi. You will then take a connecting flight to Entebbe, Uganda. You can opt to take Kenya Airways or Uganda Airways for direct flights
Accommodation: Entebbe forest lodge (Luxury), Protea Hotel Entebbe (Midrange) or Admas Hotel Entebbe (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Transfer from Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Fly from Entebbe to the Bwindi area via a domestic flight, you will use Aero-link Uganda flight as they have daily flight to Bwindi. The road journey from Entebbe is long about 9hours drive and often includes scenic stops, such as Equator line stops.
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Havens lodge (Budget) or Four Gorillas Lodge/Gorilla Leisure lodge (Midrange) or Buhoma Lodge/Gorilla Heights Lodge (Luxury)
Meal Plan: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi.
Following an early breakfast, you will drive to the park headquarters (Rushaga, Nkuringo, Ruhija or Buhoma) for a briefing on gorilla trekking dos and don’ts. In company of other visitors, a ranger guide will lead you into the forest to track a habituated mountain gorilla family. You will only spend one hour observing the gorillas once you find them and take Photography’s. The gorilla trek can take 30 minutes to several hours, to and from the forest for a magical experience
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Havens lodge (Budget) or Four gorillas Lodge/Gorilla Leisure lodge (Midrange) or Buhoma Lodge/Gorilla Heights Lodge (Luxury)
Meal Plan: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park.
You will depart Bwindi for Kibale National Park, known as the “Primate Capital of the World.” The journey offers scenic views of the Ugandan countryside, including tea plantations and traditional homesteads. You will stop in Fort portal town for Lunch and then Proceed to Kibale.
Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Guest house (Budget) or Kibale Tourist Safari Lodge (Midrange) or Primate Lodge/Kyaninga lodge (Luxury)
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 7: Chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi wetland Walk.
Early morning you will drive to Kyanchu Park headquarters for briefing, then you set out on a guided walk into the Forest to find habituated chimpanzees for unforgettable primate experience. The Kibale Forest has the highest population of chimpanzees in Uganda, offering excellent chances for viewing. You will be allowed to view the chimps for one hour and then return to the hotel In the Late afternoon, you will go for Bigodi wetland/swamp walk through the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary to see other primates and birdlife.
Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Guest house (Budget) or Kibale Tourist Safari Lodge (Midrange) or Primate Lodge/Kyaninga lodge (Luxury)
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 8: Last Day of the trip
- Today, you will enjoy a final breakfast of this 8Day adventure before beginning the drive back to Entebbe International Airport for your departing flight.
- Lunch: You will have Lunch in Mubende and then proceed to Kampala/Entebbe to end the trip
Important Considerations
- Book in advance: Both gorilla and chimpanzee permits can sell out so easily on dates you prefer, especially during peak seasons. We encourage you to book six to twelve months in advance to secure your permits. We shall secure your permits from Uganda Wildlife Authority
- Permit costs: Gorilla permits in Uganda currently cost $800 per person, while chimpanzee permits cost $250. These are government prices set, and permits are discounted for African Residents and EA citizens
- Fitness level: Trekking for gorillas and chimpanzees can be strenuous. While some treks are easier than others, good physical fitness is recommended. But you shouldn’t worry at all, even 85-year-old can have an amazing experience.
- Age Limit: The gorilla trekking experience age limit is 15years, every person from 15years and above can trek the gorillas.
- Customized Packages: Encounter Africa safaris tailor itineraries to suit you individual budget and preferences, the time you have.