Experience two of East Africa’s greatest wildlife chapters in one seamless journey: the sweeping plains and Great Migration drama of the Masai Mara, followed by rainforest primate magic in Uganda’s Bwindi or Mgahinga for mountain gorillas. This 12‑day combination is engineered for maximum sightings, minimal transit fatigue, and strong booking conversion by using smart flight/charter links, local partner permits, and small‑group or private departure options.
Prime Great Migration viewing in the Masai Mara (river crossings when in season)
Daily Mara game drives with Big Five target sightings and optional hot‑air balloon sunrise
Seamless single‑ticket or charter transfer options Nairobi → Entebbe/Kigali to shorten travel time
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga National Park with one‑hour habituated-family visits
Chimp tracking (optional) in Kibale Forest or Batwa cultural/community visits where feasible
Conservation and community‑based experiences that add trust and ethical appeal
Comfortable lodge and mid‑range options; luxury upgrades and private vehicle/guide available
Two “bucket‑list” wildlife experiences in one trip: plains migration + mountain gorillas
Logistically optimized: recommended single‑airline routing or private charters reduce road time and increase on‑field hours
High commercial demand for combined Kenya‑Uganda circuits creates strong organic search interest and high conversion potential
Flexibility for market segments: budget group departures, mid‑range small groups, and ultra‑luxury private itineraries
Built‑in scarcity: gorilla permits and balloon seats are limited—creates urgency and higher booking rates
Full‑day and half‑day game drives in Masai Mara with experienced guides
Optional hot‑air balloon safari (pre‑booked add‑on) and Maasai cultural visit
Domestic flight or road transfer Nairobi → Entebbe/Kigali (as per itinerary)
Gorilla trekking permit and guided trek in Bwindi or Mgahinga (one hour with habituated family)
Community visits, conservation briefings, and optional chimp tracking day (subject to availability)
All park entrance fees and scheduled transfers listed in the itinerary
Airport transfers on arrival and departure days, bottled water in vehicle, professional driver/guide
Price includes
Accommodation as specified and daily meals as per lodge plans (B/B, half board or full board detailed in booking)
Gorilla trekking permit (one permit per person) and, if booked, chimp permit
Park entrance and conservation fees where listed
All ground transfers and domestic flights stated in itinerary (excluding international long‑haul)
Professional English‑speaking driver/guide for Kenya portion and licensed Uganda guide for gorilla trek
Arrival and departure airport transfers, bottled water, and local taxes
Price excludes
International flights to Nairobi/from Entebbe or Kigali; visas and departure taxes
Travel insurance and emergency medical evacuation (mandatory)
Tips/gratuities for guides, lodge staff and porters
Optional activities: hot‑air balloon, gorilla habituation experience, private charter costs (if selected)
Personal items, laundry, alcoholic beverages, and PCR/vaccination costs if applicable
Day 1 — Arrive Nairobi; Welcome Briefing Arrive Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). Meet your local representative and transfer to Nairobi hotel. Evening welcome briefing covering the 12‑day logistics, permits, and health & packing guidance. Overnight Nairobi.
Day 2 — Nairobi to Masai Mara; Afternoon Game Drive Morning drive or short domestic flight to the Masai Mara region. Check in to lodge/conservancy camp. Afternoon game drive to stake out migration hotspots or Big Five viewing areas. Overnight Masai Mara.
Day 3 — Full Day Masai Mara (Migration Focus) Full‑day game drives with picnic or lodge lunch. Dedicated river crossing stakeouts when in season; photographic viewpoints and expert guide briefings. Optional evening conservancy drive or guided night spotlighting where permitted. Overnight Masai Mara.
Day 4 — Masai Mara: Optional Balloon + Cultural Visit Optional sunrise hot‑air balloon safari with champagne breakfast (pre‑book). Midday rest; optional visit to a local Maasai village or community conservation project. Afternoon game drive in private conservancy if booked. Overnight Masai Mara.
Day 5 — Masai Mara: Morning Drive and Leisure Last early morning game drive to catch predators at dawn. Midday relaxation, photography curation or spa options depending on lodge. Late afternoon transfer to Narok airport for scheduled charter or road transfer back to Nairobi. Overnight Nairobi or direct regional flight depending on routing.
Day 6 — Flight/Transfer Nairobi to Entebbe or Kampala; Transfer to Bwindi Region (or staging city) Morning international/domestic flight to Entebbe or Kigali (single ticket recommended) or road transfer if preferred. Connect with scheduled charter or domestic flight toward southwest Uganda; overnight in staging town en route to Bwindi (e.g., Kabale or Kisoro) with pre‑trek briefing and permit checks.
Day 7 — Transfer to Bwindi/Mgahinga; Pre‑Trek Briefing Scenic drive into Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga National Park. Afternoon arrival and orientation at park headquarters; meet the tracking team and park rangers. Final gear check and rest. Overnight at Bwindi sector lodge.
Day 8 — Gorilla Trekking Day 1 (Permit Included) Early transfer to park headquarters for ranger briefing. Gorilla trek through the rainforest to spend one hour with a habituated gorilla family (permit included). Return to lodge for relaxation; optional community visit in late afternoon. Overnight Bwindi.
Day 9 — Optional Second Gorilla Trek or Cultural Activities Optional second gorilla trek (strongly recommended by repeat primate guests) subject to permit availability (extra cost). Alternative: guided nature walks, birding, Batwa cultural experience, or relaxation at the lodge. Overnight Bwindi.
Day 10 — Transfer to Queen Elizabeth/Kasese Region Drive toward Queen Elizabeth National Park or stay local for additional primate viewing. Optional afternoon game drive in Queen Elizabeth or scenic stops at viewpoints en route (depending on routing chosen). Overnight in Queen Elizabeth or staging town.
Day 11 — Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise and Community Visit If in Queen Elizabeth, morning game drive followed by Kazinga Channel boat cruise to see hippos, buffalo, elephants and prolific birdlife. Cultural/community visit in late afternoon to connect with local conservation projects. Overnight en route to Kampala or Kigali depending on exit routing.
Day 12 — Transfer to Entebbe/Kigali for Departure; End of Services Drive to Entebbe International Airport or Kigali (depending on routing), final airport assistance and departure. Depart with combined memories of plains migration drama and rainforest gorilla encounters.
Notes on routing flexibility: Itineraries can be reversed (start Uganda → end Kenya) or modified to include Kibale chimp tracking or a Diani beach extension. Flight logistics: recommended single‑carrier options (NBO→EBB→KGL) or private charter between Nairobi and Entebbe/Kigali to minimize land transfers.
Fitness & health: Gorilla trekking requires moderate fitness. Advise clients on necessary vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis; recommend travel insurance with medical evacuation.
Visas: Check visa requirements for Kenya and Uganda for each nationality; facilitate visa guidance in the booking pack.
Luggage & weight limits: Domestic/charter flights often have strict luggage allowances—clarify limits early and offer transfer storage options.
Booking Instructions (Best Practices)
1. Choose travel dates and confirm whether you prefer flight or road transfer to Mara.
2. Select pricing tier and specify optional balloon and private‑vehicle upgrades.
3. Provide full passenger names as on passport, nationality, and preferred contact details for reservation forms.
4. Pay deposit (40%) to secure gorilla permits, camp, balloon, and conservancy reservations—peak months fill quickly.
5. Final balance due 30 days before travel, depending on our policy.
6. Receive a detailed pre‑departure pack: meeting point, guide contact, vehicle details, packing list, and emergency numbers.
Practical Tips and Packing
• Carry a small soft duffel (charter baggage limits apply on internal flights).
• Essential gear: binoculars, 300mm+ lens (or 70–200 with extender), hat, sunscreen, warm fleece for mornings, neutral clothing, rain layer.
• Health: malaria prophylaxis recommended; consult your clinician.
• Cash: small USD notes for park tips, purchases, and conservancy/community contributions.
• Respect wildlife: stay seated in vehicles unless instructed by guide; do not approach or feed animals.
Customize this tour using our local expertise. We will recommend the best lodges to suit your travel style and book your permits for your travel dates. We take care of all the ground logistics so you can relax and enjoy a perfect getaway!
🌟 Pro Insider Tip
Timing Is Everything
• July to October: Best for the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara
• January to March: Drier months with excellent visibility and fewer tourists
• Avoid April–May: Long rains can make roads impassable and wildlife harder to spot.
Tribes Gorilla Trekking Tours is your trusted safari and travel company located in Bulenga along Mityana Road, Wakiso District, Uganda. We specialize in gorilla trekking safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park, as well as wildlife tours, cultural experiences, and adventure holidays across East Africa.
