Gorilla Trekking & Masai Mara Safari

Encounter the huge giants of the African forests, the mountain gorillas and take an African savanna wildlife drive in Kenya’s impressive National Park and meet Africa’s wildest and beautiful animals on this 10 Day Gorilla Trekking & Masai Mara Safari.

Mountain gorilla trekking in Africa’s oldest rainforest combined with a game drive in Masai Mara, an African safari cannot get any better than this.

Highlights

  • Hike the floors of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and meet the gorillas twice
  • Stay at the award-winning Gorilla Forest Camp – occasionally visited by mountain gorillas
  • Explore the savanna jungles of Masai Mara, home to a proliferation of East African wildlife
  • Stay at the tranquil Olonana Camp, which sits beside the Mara River and catch sight of the great wildebeest migration.

Trip Overview

Begin the Gorilla Trekking & Masai Mara Safari in the dense cloud forest of Bwindi, home to one of Uganda’s two mountain gorilla populations. Spend four nights amidst the verdant landscape; trek deep into its vine-strewn depths and visit the communities that dot its borders.

Twice, aided by expert trackers and guides, visit families of mountain gorillas. Habituated to human contact, these magnificent creatures roam Bwindi’s forested slopes, grazing, grooming and playing. Each time, spend an hour in their presence, captivated by the behaviour of these critically endangered primates.

Stay at the Gorilla Forest Camp, which lies encircled by mist-shrouded forest. The only camp located within the national park’s boundaries, this rustic-themed property provides a comfortable base that is truly immersed in the wilds of Bwindi. Gorillas have been known to visit the camp out of curiosity, whilst the surrounding trees frequently rustle with monkeys and colourful birds.

In Masai Mara Game Reserve

Continuing the Gorilla Trekking & Masai Mara Safari, after time spent exploring the impenetrable depths of Uganda’s forests, escape to the open plains and endless vistas of the Masai Mara.

Here, dense jungle is replaced by fertile grasslands, meandering rivers and the occasional sun-baked kopje. The search for primates is forgotten, with vast numbers of animals and numerous species thriving across this exciting safari landscape.

Stay in the shadow of the magnificent Sirai Escarpment, at the beautiful Olonana Camp. Looking out over the hippo-dotted waters of the Mara River, this eco-friendly tented camp offers easy access to the heart of the Masai Mara.

Spend time taking game drives across Olonana’s private concession and exploring deeper into the national reserve. Led by expert guides, spot the array of wildlife that roams, hunts and grazes across this captivating ecosystem. Watch prides of lions stalk gazelles, see elephants sheltering beneath the branches of gnarled acacia trees and admire zebras as they patrol the grasslands.

This holiday combines one of Africa’s most enthralling wildlife experiences with one of the continent’s greatest wildlife destinations. Time spent with mountain gorillas is unlike any other wildlife encounter, whilst the riches of the Masai Mara deliver a safari filled with excitement, intrigue and variety.

For a more detailed itinerary with great ideas on what to do and where to stay, please enquire with our experts.

Trip Summery

Day 1: Arival at Entebbe
Day 2: Fly Entebbe – Kihihi – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 3: Bwindi Day of Gorilla Trekking
Day 4: Bwindi second Day of Gorilla Trekking
Day 5: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 6: Bwindi – Kihihi – Entebbe – Nairobi – Masai Mara
Day 7: Masai Mara
Day 8: Masai Mara – Spend a further day exploring the Masai Mara.
Day 9: Masai Mara – Take a final game drive
Day 10: Masai Mara – Nairobi – Back home

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arival at Entebbe

Transfer to Papyrus Guest House for overnight.

Day 2: Entebbe – Kihihi – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Start the 10 Day Gorilla Trekking & Masai Mara Safari with a transfer  from Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable NP by road (9 hours) or by Air (local chartered flight (1:45 hours)

Drive from Kihihi to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (if you take a local flight Journey)

Covered in thick tropical rainforest and often shrouded in mist, Bwindi provides a perfect habitat for mountain gorillas. Spread over a series of steep ridges and valleys it looks the part and having survived the last ice age is considered one of the most diverse forests in Africa. The birding here is big and colourful, the forest dark and inviting and the sense of adventure palpable.

You will be staying at Gorilla Forest Camp, Full board

Day 3: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day of Gorilla Trekking

Head out early on your Gorilla Trekking & Masai Mara Safari to meet your rangers for a briefing, before stepping into the park to search for one of the gorilla families that inhabit Bwindi’s forests. Track the gorillas across the steep hills they call home, through dense jungle, with the rangers clearing the way.

The mud, sweat (and sometimes tears) are worth it and coming face to face with the gorillas is like no other wildlife experience out there. Bring plenty of memory cards, lots of water and strong legs. Leave any bags with the porters, and spend an hour close to the group, before trekking back, out of the trees.

Afterwards, spend the rest of the day at leisure or perhaps arrange a visit to one of the nearby villages.

You will be staying at Gorilla Forest Camp, Full board

Day 4: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Second Day of Gorilla Trekking (optional)

This Gorilla Trekking & Masai Mara Safari day is another opportunity to track the gorillas . After another Gorilla Trekking & Masai Mara Safari early start, you will receive your briefing again at the park headquarters and then head out with the team to hopefully find a different group. It is important to remember here that every gorilla group is different and every trek is different. Whereas your first trek may have been a relaxed affair, with some of the younger gorillas playing, this second trek may be a much more thrilling experience, with the silverback displaing his strength. The forest will be different, the atmosphere of the group is different and hopefully you will allow the overall experience to sink in that much more after your initial hour with them already on the previous trek.

As before, afternoon activities are kept flexible depending on when you return from the forest.

You will be staying at Gorilla Forest Camp, Full board

Day 5: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Choice of Activities

As exciting as the gorillas may be, Bwindi is a place that has plenty to keep you busy, without making the leg muscles ache too much. Time spent at the welcoming communtiy hospital offers the chance to meet many of the people who call this remote region home and the challenges they face. If the rainforest is the draw, the forest walks offer some of the best birding in the region, with turaco’s and green broadbills flashing through the trees, but for a more relaxed adventure, head off to the sparkling water fall found nearby. Failing this, simply relax at the lodge, looking out over the forest and admire the view.

You will be staying at Gorilla Forest Camp, Full board

Day 6: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Kihihi – Entebbe – Nairobi – Masai Mara

Drive from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to Kihihi (Road Journey)

Travel from Kihihi to Entebbe (Air Transfer Journey)

Fly Entebbe to Nairobi

Travel from Nairobi to Masai Mara (Air Transfer Journey)

The Masai Mara is an iconic Gorilla Trekking & Masai Mara Safari destination. Famous for countless wildlife documentaries, the wildlife viewing here remains the best in Africa. Over the course of a few days, it is possible to see almost every animal indigenous to the region, with notable highlights being the well-established prides of big cats and the annual migration of zebra and wildebeest, one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife events.

There will definately be something to see on this Gorilla Trekking & Masai Mara Safari with spectacular wildlife drama – the open plains and endless skies are a photographer’s dream.

Adjoining the Serengeti in Tanzania and forming the northern end of the great migration ecosystem, this is the traditional land of the Maasai people. A visit also offers a chance to encounter this nomadic tribe, who offer a fascinating cultural dimension to the area.

Everybody has an opinion on the Mara, but it remains the best place in Africa for consistently superb big game viewing and should not be missed.

You will be staying at Olonana Camp, All inclusive

Day 7: Masai Mara

The rest of the days at Olonana

Over the next few days, spend time exploring one of Africa’s foremost wildlife destinations. Drive across the plains of the Masai Mara, accompanied by an expert guide. Game drives in open vehicles are the best way to explore this fascinating ecosystem, but it is also possible to visit local Maasai villages and take guided nature walks.

From the safety of the vehicle, admire this phenomenal landscape, packed with a myriad of animal species. Watch prides of lions stalking gazelles, spot cheetahs hidden amongst the long grass, scour the treetops for the tell-tale spots of a resting leopard and hear the clash of tusks as young elephants tussle. Rich with sights and sounds, this landscape is alive with wildlife.

You will be staying at Olonana Camp, All inclusive

Day 8: Masai Mara

Spend a further day exploring the Masai Mara.

You will be staying at Olonana Camp, All inclusive

Day 9: Masai Mara

Take a final game drive, before perhaps visiting a Maasai village.

You will be staying at Olonana Camp, All inclusive

Day 10: Masai Mara – Nairobi – Flight Back Home

Travel from Masai Mara to Nairobi (Air Transfer Journey)

Fly back home, end of the 10 Day Gorilla Trekking & Masai Mara Safari

Accommodation

Entebbe — Papyrus Guest House — B&B

Bwindi — Gorilla Forest Camp — Full Board

Masai Mara — Olonana Camp — All Inclusive

What is Included

  • Accommodation and full board basis
  • One Gorilla Permit per person
  • Park Entrance Fees
  • Internal local flights
  • Sightseeing with private guide as per the itinerary
  • Transfers as detailed

What is excluded

  • Drinks
  • Gratuities
  • International Flights
  • Travel Insurance
  • Visa

Price — US $4295 per person (For two people)

The price increases if you opt to travel as a solo traveler. Also, the price payable per person reduces from the stated amount when the tour is booked by more than two people.

Start date1 Pax2 Pax3 Pax4 Px5 Pax6 Pax
Any date$5495$4295$4195$4095$3995$3895

Single room Supplement is USD 45.00 per person willing to stay alone in a single room.

Request a quote for this safari

    Travel Date (Required)

    Number of Travellers (Required)

    Other Important Details:

    Your Name (required)

    Contact Number (required)

    Your Email (required)

    By Submitting your details you agree to our data collection privacy policy. Make Sure you read and understand before you submit form.

    SIMILAR UGANDA HOLIDAY IDEAS



    Expert help!
    Open chat
    1
    Hi,
    Someone is available to chat about your travel plans. Need a quick chat, just click this button down here!