11-Day Kenya & Uganda Gorilla Safari
Destinations: Kenya (Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara) & Uganda (Bwindi)
DAY-BY-DAY BREAKDOWN
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi, Kenya
- Morning/Afternoon: Arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). Meet your guide.
- Afternoon (if time permits): Optional visits:
- David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage (11 AM-12 PM only)
- Giraffe Centre
- Karen Blixen Museum
- Evening: Transfer to hotel, welcome briefing, dinner.
- Meals: Dinner
- Accommodation: Nairobi hotel
Day 2: Nairobi to Amboseli National Park
- Morning (7:30 AM): Breakfast, check out.
- Late Morning: Drive to Amboseli National Park (4 hours) with Mount Kilimanjaro views.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): Afternoon game drive (4 hours) focusing on elephant herds with Kilimanjaro backdrop.
- Evening: Dinner at lodge.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch en route, Dinner
- Accommodation: Amboseli lodge
Day 3: Full Day in Amboseli
- Early Morning (6:30 AM): Morning game drive (4 hours) for best Kilimanjaro light.
- Mid-day: Rest.
- Afternoon (3:30 PM): Afternoon game drive (3-4 hours) exploring different areas.
- Evening: Dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Same Amboseli lodge
Day 4: Amboseli to Lake Nakuru
- Morning (7:00 AM): Breakfast, check out.
- Late Morning: Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park (5 hours) via Nairobi.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): Afternoon game drive (3-4 hours) for rhinos, flamingos, Rothschild’s giraffes.
- Evening: Dinner at lodge.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch en route, Dinner
- Accommodation: Lake Nakuru lodge
Day 5: Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara
- Morning (7:00 AM): Optional morning game drive or breakfast, check out.
- Late Morning: Drive to Maasai Mara National Reserve (5 hours) via Narok.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): Afternoon game drive (3 hours) upon arrival.
- Evening: Dinner at camp.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch en route, Dinner
- Accommodation: Maasai Mara camp
Day 6-7: Two Full Days in Maasai Mara
- Each Day:
- Early Morning (6:30 AM): Game drive (4 hours)
- Mid-day: Rest
- Afternoon (3:30 PM): Game drive (3-4 hours)
- Optional: Hot air balloon safari ($450)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner each day
- Accommodation: Same Maasai Mara camp
Day 8: Maasai Mara to Nairobi & Fly to Entebbe
- Early Morning (6:30 AM): Early game drive (3 hours).
- Late Morning: Return for breakfast, check out.
- Mid-day: Drive back to Nairobi (5 hours).
- Afternoon: Arrive Nairobi, transfer to Wilson Airport.
- Late Afternoon: Flight Nairobi to Entebbe (1.5 hours, Kenya Airways or fly540).
- Evening: Arrival Entebbe, transfer to airport hotel, dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch en route, Dinner
- Accommodation: Entebbe airport hotel
Day 9: Fly to Bwindi & Gorilla Trek Preparation
- Morning (7:00 AM): Breakfast, transfer to Entebbe Airport.
- Late Morning: Flight Entebbe to Kihihi or Kisoro (1.5 hours, Aerolink or BAR).
- Afternoon: Transfer to Bwindi lodge (1-2 hours), lunch.
- Evening: Gorilla trekking briefing, dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Bwindi lodge
Day 10: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
- Early Morning (6:00 AM): Early breakfast, packed lunch.
- Morning (7:00 AM): Transfer to park headquarters for briefing.
- Late Morning (8:30 AM onwards): Gorilla trekking (2-6 hours), 1 hour with gorillas.
- Afternoon: Return to lodge, rest.
- Evening: Celebratory dinner, certificate.
- Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Same Bwindi lodge
Day 11: Bwindi to Entebbe for Departure
- Morning (7:00 AM): Breakfast, check out.
- Late Morning: Transfer to Kihihi airstrip (1-2 hours).
- Afternoon: Flight to Entebbe (1.5 hours).
- Late Afternoon: Arrival Entebbe, transfer to airport for international departure (allow 3+ hours).
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch en route
- Accommodation: None (departure)
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
| Inclusions | Exclusions |
|---|---|
| Airport transfers (all) | International airfare |
| Private 4×4 safari vehicle (Kenya) | Visas: Kenya ($50) + Uganda ($50) or EATV ($100) |
| Professional guides (Kenya & Uganda) | Travel insurance (mandatory) |
| Accommodation (10 nights full-board) | Personal expenses |
| Park entry fees (all Kenya parks) | Alcoholic and soft drinks |
| Gorilla trekking permit ($800) | Tips for guides, lodge staff ($20-30/day total) |
| Flights: Nairobi-Entebbe, Entebbe-Bwindi-Entebbe | Hot air balloon safari ($450) |
| Game drives as per itinerary | Laundry services |
| Bottled water throughout | Optional activities |
| All applicable government taxes |
BEST TIME TO VISIT
| Season | Months | Kenya Conditions | Uganda Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak | July – October | Excellent game viewing, dry | Best gorilla trekking |
| Good | January – March | Good viewing, calving season | Good trekking |
| Fair | June, December | Good conditions, fewer tourists | Good trekking |
| Avoid | April – May | Long rains | Heavy rains, difficult trekking |
WHAT TO PACK
| Category | Kenya Safari | Uganda Gorilla |
|---|---|---|
| Clothing | Lightweight neutrals, long pants/shirts, fleece, hat | Waterproof hiking boots, gaiters, gardening gloves, long pants, waterproof jacket |
| Footwear | Comfortable walking shoes | Hiking boots (broken in) |
| Gear | Binoculars, camera with zoom | Binoculars, camera with extra batteries |
| Health | DEET repellent, sunscreen | Same, plus blister care |
| Luggage | Soft-sided duffel (15kg limit for flights) | Same bag |
RECOMMENDED LODGES & CAMPS
| Category | Kenya Lodges | Uganda Lodges |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-Range | Amboseli Sopa, Lake Nakuru Lodge, Mara Sopa | Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Bakiga Lodge |
| Luxury | Amboseli Serena, Sarova Lion Hill, Mara Serena | Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Buhoma Lodge |
| Ultra-Luxury | Angama Mara, &Beyond properties | Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Is flying between countries necessary?
A: Highly recommended—saves 2 days of driving and reduces fatigue. The flight from Nairobi to Entebbe is quick and efficient.
Q: Can I add chimpanzee tracking?
A: Yes, extend itinerary by 2-3 days to include Kibale Forest for chimpanzee tracking.
Q: What’s the luggage limit for internal flights?
A: 15kg (33lbs) soft-sided bags only. Leave hard cases in Nairobi storage (most hotels offer this service).
Q: How do I handle visas?
A: East Africa Tourist Visa ($100) covers Kenya and Uganda. Apply online before travel.
Q: Is Amboseli worth it if Kilimanjaro is cloudy?
A: Yes—elephant viewing is exceptional regardless. Early mornings offer best chance for clear views of the mountain.