8-Day Kenya Rwanda & Uganda Safari

Embark on the 8-Day Kenya Rwanda & Uganda Safari, an unforgettable journey across East Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations. This safari combines the best of Kenya and Uganda, from Amboseli National Park with its massive elephant herds and spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

To the flamingo-filled shores of Lake Nakuru, the legendary Masai Mara with the Big Five, and finally the misty rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a once-in-a-lifetime Uganda gorilla safari experience. Along the way, enjoy Rwanda wildlife safaris, immersive birding safaris and authentic cultural safaris with Maasai communities.

Safari Overview

This journey is carefully crafted for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and adventurers alike, offering morning and afternoon game drives, gorilla trekking, and scenic drives through lush countryside and rolling hills. Each destination is designed to maximize wildlife encounters and cultural experiences while ensuring comfort at top mid-range lodges. The itinerary blends adventure and relaxation, providing ample opportunities to photograph Africa’s iconic landscapes and unique wildlife.

Throughout the 8-Day Kenya Rwanda & Uganda Safari, you will witness elephants roaming vast savannas, flamingos gathering in brilliant pink flocks, lions and leopards stalking prey, and mountain gorillas feeding and interacting in their natural habitat. From birding enthusiasts to families and solo travelers, this safari promises unparalleled experiences, making it one of the most sought-after Rwanda Uganda safari holidays.

Detailed 8-Day Kenya Rwanda & Uganda Safari

Day 1: Arrival – Nairobi to Amboseli National Park

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Envubu African Safaris guide, briefed on your adventure, and transferred to Amboseli National Park. Famous for its large elephant herds and panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli provides an iconic start to your 8-Day Kenya Rwanda & Uganda Safari.

After checking in at Amboseli Sopa Lodge, a mid-range lodge with comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and outdoor dining, enjoy lunch before your afternoon game drive.

Explore the park’s swamps, savannas, and woodlands, spotting elephants, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, and wildebeests. Watch the golden African sun set over the plains, creating perfect photography moments. Evening at the lodge includes dinner, offering a mix of local and continental cuisine, and an overnight stay.

Amboseli’s rich birdlife, including raptors and waterbirds, ensures an exciting start for birding enthusiasts. This day also introduces you to Maasai cultural traditions, as communities live on the park’s edge, offering a glimpse into East African heritage.

Accommodation: Amboseli Sopa Lodge
Meals: Lunch and Dinner included; drinks not included

Day 2: Amboseli to Lake Nakuru National Park – Rift Valley Views & Flamingos

After an early breakfast at Amboseli Sopa Lodge, depart for Lake Nakuru National Park via the Great Rift Valley. Stop at scenic viewpoints to admire the rolling landscapes, volcanic escarpments, and photo opportunities of this geological wonder. Upon arrival at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, settle in before an afternoon game drive.

Lake Nakuru is renowned for its flamingos, rhinos, and diverse bird species. During your safari drive, encounter giraffes, buffalos, zebras, and elusive leopards. Birding enthusiasts will enjoy spotting fish eagles, pelicans, and kingfishers along the soda lake shores. The park is also ideal for photography, with dramatic sunsets over flamingo-covered waters.

The lodge provides comfortable rooms, outdoor dining, and a swimming pool to relax after the drive. Dinner is served in the lodge, featuring a mix of local and international cuisine. Lake Nakuru’s serene setting and abundance of wildlife make it a highlight of your Kenya wildlife safari.

Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included; drinks not included

Day 3: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara National Reserve – Big Five Safari Begins

Depart Lake Nakuru after breakfast and travel to the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve, crossing the dramatic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley. Arrive at Masai Mara Sopa Lodge in time for lunch, a mid-range lodge with comfortable accommodations, outdoor dining, and a swimming pool.

In the afternoon, embark on your first Masai Mara game drive. Spot the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes, along with cheetahs, zebras, wildebeests, and giraffes. The Masai Mara is also rich in birdlife, perfect for birding safaris. Watch the savanna glow under the setting sun as wildlife settles for the evening.

Over the next two days, enjoy guided game drives with your dedicated driver-guide, seeking rare predators, observing herbivore behavior, and capturing stunning wildlife photography. Evening returns to the lodge include dinner and overnight, offering a blend of relaxation and immersion in the African wilderness. This day marks the beginning of an unforgettable Kenya wildlife safari and sets the stage for your cultural safari, with Maasai villages nearby.

Accommodation: Masai Mara Sopa Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included; drinks not included

Day 4: Full-Day Exploration of Masai Mara – Witness the Big Five

After breakfast at Masai Mara Sopa Lodge, embark on a full-day game drive across the vast Masai Mara National Reserve. Today, the focus is on discovering the park’s extraordinary biodiversity, from apex predators to grazing herbivores. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy along the Mara River, where crocodiles and hippos are often spotted, while thousands of zebras and wildebeests may gather nearby during migration season.

Your experienced guide will help spot elusive leopards, cheetahs sprinting across the savanna, and lions basking under acacia trees. Birding enthusiasts can delight in species such as hornbills, lilac-breasted rollers, and vultures circling overhead. Masai Mara’s open plains provide unparalleled photography opportunities, capturing dramatic sunrises, wildlife interactions, and sweeping landscapes. Cultural safari elements are present as you may pass Maasai villages, where traditional homesteads and beadwork offer insight into local life.

Return to Masai Mara Sopa Lodge for dinner, enjoying a blend of local dishes and continental favorites. The lodge’s cozy accommodations and serene surroundings allow you to unwind after an adventurous day. Day 4 is ideal for both wildlife photographers and nature lovers, as the combination of game drives, birding, and cultural encounters provides a comprehensive Kenya wildlife safari experience.

Accommodation: Masai Mara Sopa Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included; drinks not included

Day 5: Masai Mara to Nairobi & Evening Flight to Kigali, Rwanda

On Day 5, after an early breakfast at Masai Mara Sopa Lodge, depart for Nairobi. En route, enjoy scenic vistas of Kenya’s savannas, rolling hills, and farmlands. Arriving in Nairobi, you have time to freshen up or explore the city before your evening flight to Kigali, Rwanda. Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, your Envubu African Safaris guide will transfer you to Eagle View Lodge, a comfortable mid-range accommodation with modern amenities and outdoor dining.

Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital, offers rich cultural experiences, and your lodge provides a peaceful retreat after your Kenyan adventure. Dinner at the lodge includes a mix of Rwandan and international dishes. Kigali also serves as the gateway to Rwanda gorilla safaris, birding safaris, and cultural exploration, setting the tone for your Ugandan and Rwandan wildlife journey. This evening provides time to rest and prepare for your transfer to Uganda for gorilla trekking in Bwindi.

Accommodation: Eagle View Lodge, Kigali
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included; drinks not included

Day 6: Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

After a leisurely breakfast at Eagle View Lodge, begin your overland journey to Uganda via the Gatuna or Cyanika border, depending on your route. The scenic drive takes you through Rwanda’s lush hills, terraced farms, and picturesque villages, offering a glimpse of local life. Cross the border and continue into Uganda, arriving in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the endangered mountain gorillas.

Check into Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, a mid-range lodge offering comfortable rooms and panoramic forest views. Lunch is served, after which you can relax, enjoy birdwatching, or take short walks around the lodge. Bwindi’s dense rainforest is rich in biodiversity, with numerous primates, birds, and endemic plant species. Evening dinner includes locally inspired dishes and continental options. This day serves as an introduction to Uganda gorilla safaris, providing insight into conservation efforts and the region’s cultural heritage.

Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included; drinks not included

Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Wake up early at Rushaga Gorilla Lodge for a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience. After a pre-trek briefing by expert rangers, hike through the misty, dense forest in search of a gorilla family. Trekking can last a few hours, depending on gorilla movement, but the anticipation makes the encounter unforgettable. Spend a maximum of one hour observing gorillas in their natural habitat, capturing photographs of their playful interactions and gentle behavior.

After returning to the starting point, receive your official gorilla trekking certificate, a cherished souvenir of your Uganda gorilla safaris adventure. Depart Bwindi and drive to the serene Lake Bunyonyi, Africa’s second-deepest lake, surrounded by misty hills and dotted with over 29 islands. Check in at Arcadia Lodge Lake Bunyonyi, a mid-range lodge offering cozy accommodations, lakeside views, and birdwatching opportunities. Dinner features local Ugandan dishes and international cuisine. Lake Bunyonyi offers birding safaris, canoeing, and scenic relaxation, providing a peaceful conclusion to a thrilling wildlife day.

Accommodation: Arcadia Lodge Lake Bunyonyi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included; drinks not included

Day 8: Lake Bunyonyi to Kigali International Airport – Departure

After a leisurely breakfast at Arcadia Lodge, enjoy a relaxed morning by the tranquil shores of Lake Bunyonyi. Birdwatchers can spot herons, kingfishers, and African fish eagles while taking in the misty hills and calm waters. Optional activities include a short canoe ride or nature walk. After check-out, embark on the scenic drive back to Kigali, Rwanda, crossing rolling hills, lush farmland, and local communities.

Upon arrival in Kigali, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight. This concludes your 8-Day Kenya Rwanda & Uganda Safari by Envubu African Safaris, a journey combining Rwanda gorilla safaris, Uganda wildlife safaris, Rwanda wildlife safaris, birding, and cultural experiences into a seamless East African adventure. Travelers depart with memories of elephants in Amboseli, flamingos in Lake Nakuru, Big Five sightings in Masai Mara, and intimate encounters with mountain gorillas in Bwindi.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch included; Dinner not included
Accommodation: None (end of tour)

Safari Inclusions

• Airport transfers in Nairobi, Kigali, and Uganda
• 8 days of guided safari with experienced driver-guide
• All game drives and national park entry fees
• Gorilla trekking permits in Bwindi Impenetrable NP
• Accommodation as specified (mid-range lodges and tented camps)
• All meals as indicated (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• Bottled drinking water during drives and treks

Safari Exclusions

• International flights (Nairobi–Kigali, onward travel)
• Personal travel insurance
• Visa fees for Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda
• Drinks and alcoholic beverages not specified
• Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
• Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary