12-Day Kenya Safari and Uganda Gorilla Safari

Embark on a 12-Day Kenya Safari and Uganda Gorilla Safari the ultimate wildlife and gorilla adventure with Envubu African Safaris. This once-in-a-lifetime journey will take you through some of the most iconic and breathtaking landscapes of East Africa, combining the thrill of wildlife encounters with the serenity of gorilla trekking and cultural immersions.

Over 12 days, you will explore Uganda’s lush rainforests, savannahs, and rivers before crossing into Kenya for world-class wildlife viewing and birding experiences. Whether you are passionate about big cats, majestic elephants, rare primates, or African birds, this safari promises unforgettable memories, expertly curated for comfort, adventure, and discovery.

From Uganda’s Murchison Falls to the gorilla-rich forests of Bwindi, and from the flamingo-studded lakes of Kenya’s Rift Valley to the abundant wildlife of Masai Mara, this itinerary blends adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery. Each day is carefully planned to maximize your wildlife sightings while offering moments of tranquility and immersion in the vibrant cultures and landscapes of East Africa.

Ultimate Safari Overview

Your 12-Day Kenya Safari and Uganda Gorilla Safari begins in Uganda, home to an astonishing diversity of wildlife and the iconic mountain gorillas. The journey opens at Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest protected area.

Offering breathtaking vistas, powerful waterfalls, and abundant wildlife including lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and crocodiles. Along the way, enjoy rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a rare and exciting encounter with these endangered species.

Next, immerse yourself in the verdant landscapes of Kibale National Park for an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking experience. Observing chimps in their natural habitat, amid dense rainforest and diverse birdlife, provides a rare and intimate wildlife experience.

From Kibale, the safari continues to Queen Elizabeth National Park, famed for its Kazinga Channel and the diverse ecosystems that host a wide array of mammals and birds. Your journey then moves to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where the gentle giants the mountain gorillas await. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is a profoundly moving experience, offering not only wildlife encounters but also insight into conservation efforts and local Batwa culture.

The adventure then transitions to Kenya, beginning in Nairobi and continuing to the Rift Valley’s magnificent lakes and parks. Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru provide exceptional birding opportunities, with thousands of flamingos painting the alkaline lakes pink. At Hell’s Gate National Park, enjoy an exhilarating bike ride among dramatic cliffs and gorges.

The climax of the safari is the Masai Mara National Reserve, a paradise for wildlife lovers where you can witness lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras, and wildebeest in their natural habitat. This itinerary combines Kenya wildlife safaris, Kenya birding safaris, Uganda wildlife safari, Uganda gorilla safaris, cultural safaris, and birding safaris in one seamless, expertly designed journey.

Detailed 12-Day Kenya Safari and Uganda Gorilla Safari

Day 1: Arrival – Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park

Your 12-Day Kenya Safari and Uganda Gorilla Safari begins upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, where an Envubu African Safaris guide will welcome you holding a placard with your name. From the airport, enjoy a scenic drive through Uganda’s vibrant landscapes en route to Murchison Falls National Park. On the way, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a rare rhino tracking experience, observing these endangered animals in a semi-wild environment.

Continue your journey to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest protected area, where more than 73 species of wildlife roam freely. Upon arrival, embark on your first adventure a visit to the top of Murchison Falls, where the Nile forces its way through a narrow gorge, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Witness the sheer power of nature and capture unforgettable photographs of the roaring waters against the lush backdrop of the savannah.

Accommodation: Parkside Safari Lodge – a budget lodge just outside Murchison Falls NP.
Meals & Drinks: Lunch & dinner provided; drinking water included (other drinks not included).

Day 2: Murchison Falls National Park Game Drives and Nile Cruise

After breakfast at Parkside Safari Lodge, embark on a morning game drive across the open savannah of Murchison Falls National Park. This is an exceptional Uganda wildlife safari experience with excellent birdwatching opportunities, where giraffes, elephants, lions, buffaloes, and Kobs can be spotted amid stunning landscapes of woodlands and riverine vegetation along the Nile.

After the morning drive, return to the lodge for lunch, followed by an enchanting Nile River boat cruise. The 17-kilometer journey along the Victoria Nile offers close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, elephants, waterbucks, and numerous bird species. The serene riverine scenery provides unparalleled photographic opportunities, culminating in another evening game drive to witness lions and other predators at dusk.

Accommodation: Parkside Safari Lodge
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; drinking water included (other drinks not included).

Day 3: Murchison Falls to Kibale National Park

Depart after breakfast for a scenic drive southwest to Kibale National Park, driving through the Albertine Escarpment and passing the picturesque towns of Hoima and Kyejonjo. Your journey concludes in Fort Portal, the capital of the Tooro Kingdom, nestled in the shadow of the Rwenzori Mountains, famously called the “Mountains of the Moon.”

Check in at Isunga Lodge, a comfortable mid-range lodge near Kibale NP, for lunch and dinner. This evening, take in the peaceful surroundings and prepare for your Uganda gorilla safaris and chimp trekking adventures.

Accommodation: Isunga Lodge
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; drinking water included (other drinks not included).

Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking and Queen Elizabeth National Park

After an early breakfast, set out for an exhilarating chimpanzee trek in Kibale National Park. Equipped with tracking gear, your guide will lead you into the rainforest to observe these intelligent primates in their natural habitat. The trek usually lasts 2–3 hours and offers extraordinary wildlife and birding sightings along the way.

Following the trek, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s gem of biodiversity. Explore the Kazinga Channel by boat, where buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife abound. End your day with an evening game drive to see lions and other nocturnal wildlife as the African sunset casts a golden glow across the savannah.

Accommodation: The Bush Lodge (Banda)
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; drinking water included (other drinks not included).

Day 5: Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Depart early for the Ishasha sector, famed for its rare tree-climbing lions. Enjoy a game drive in this southern area of Queen Elizabeth NP before transferring to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Check in at Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, your base for the Uganda gorilla safaris experience, and later, visit the local Batwa community to immerse yourself in traditional Ugandan culture.

Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; drinking water included (other drinks not included).

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Lake Bunyonyi

Start your day with a briefing at Bwindi’s park headquarters before embarking on your once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking adventure. Trek through misty rainforest, observing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The experience ranges from 2–6 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location. And requires stamina, so sturdy shoes and packed water are essential.

After your trek, transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, a stunning lake with 29 islands and scenic terraced hills. Here, you can enjoy optional activities such as zip-lining or a Ninja Warrior-style adventure across the hills, all while soaking in the tranquil views.

Accommodation: Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; drinking water included (other drinks not included).

Day 7: Lake Bunyonyi to Nairobi

After breakfast, drive back to Entebbe, stopping at the Equator in Masaka to witness the fascinating phenomenon where water appears to rotate in different directions across hemispheres.

Enjoy lunch and then transfer to Entebbe Airport for your flight to Nairobi, Kenya. On arrival, you’ll be greeted by your Kenyan guide and transferred to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Fairview Hotel, Nairobi
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; drinking water included (other drinks not included).

Day 8: Nairobi to Lake Naivasha

After breakfast, depart for Lake Naivasha, arriving at your lodge in time to relax before embarking on an evening boat ride. Lake Naivasha is renowned for its abundant birdlife, hippos, and serene lake views, making it a perfect stop on your Kenya birding safaris.

Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; drinking water included (other drinks not included).

Day 9: Hell’s Gate and Lake Nakuru National Park

After breakfast, head to Hell’s Gate National Park for an exhilarating two-hour bike ride among dramatic gorges and cliffs. Then transfer to Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for flamingos and over 400 bird species. Afternoon and evening game drives provide ample opportunities to spot giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and rare leopards.

Accommodation: Mbweha Camp, Soysambu Conservancy
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; drinking water included (other drinks not included).

Day 10: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara National Reserve

Begin with a morning game drive at Lake Nakuru, then drive to Masai Mara, one of Kenya’s premier wildlife destinations. The Masai Mara offers unforgettable encounters with elephants, lions, cheetahs, zebras, and wildebeest. Check in at Aa Lodge Mara for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Aa Lodge Mara
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; drinking water included (other drinks not included).

Day 11: Full-Day Masai Mara Game Drive

Spend a full day exploring the Masai Mara National Reserve. Enjoy a packed lunch in the park while searching for Africa’s Big Five and other iconic species. This is the pinnacle of your Kenya wildlife safaris, offering breathtaking photo opportunities and immersive wildlife encounters.

Accommodation: Aa Lodge Mara
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; drinking water included (other drinks not included).

Day 12: Masai Mara to Nairobi – End of Safari

After breakfast, drive to Nairobi for shopping and lunch. Following your time in town, you will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight. This marks the end of your unforgettable 12-Day Kenya Safari and Uganda Gorilla Safari with Envubu African Safaris.

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast included; lunch and dinner not included; drinks not included.

Safari Inclusions

• Airport transfers in Uganda and Kenya
• Domestic flight from Entebbe to Nairobi
• All park entrance fees and conservation fees
• All safari activities as listed (game drives, gorilla & chimp trekking, boat cruises, bike rides)
• Accommodation as specified in the itinerary
• All meals as per itinerary
• Drinking water (other drinks not included)
• Experienced English-speaking guides

Safari Exclusions

• International flights to Uganda/Kenya
• Visa fees for Uganda and Kenya
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses (souvenirs, tips, laundry, phone calls)
• Alcoholic drinks and other beverages not specified
• Optional activities not listed in the itinerary

This 12-Day Kenya Safari and Uganda Gorilla Safari is a perfect blend of adventure, wildlife, culture, and relaxation, offering a lifetime of memories. From Uganda gorilla safaris to Kenya wildlife safaris and birding safaris, every moment is curated to immerse you in Africa’s richest natural wonders.