Our 9 day journey combines the best of East Africa, beginning in the vibrant and iconic city of Nairobi, the heartbeat of Kenya. From there, venture into the legendary Masai Mara, one of Africa’s richest wildlife sanctuaries, where endless plains teem with big cats, elephants, and graceful antelope herds. Your adventure continues across the border into Uganda, the “Pearl of Africa,” where you’ll trek through lush rainforest for an unforgettable close-up encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas one of the most moving wildlife experiences on Earth. Along the way, you’ll experience the warmth, hospitality, and authenticity of the Kenyan and Ugandan people, creating lasting memories of Africa’s natural beauty and cultural richness.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Nairobi, Karibu Kenya & Uganda!
You arrive at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and are met by our local guide, Nicholas who says Jambo! (“Hello!” in the local Kiswahili language) and transfers you to your boutique hotel in the leafy upmarket suburb of Karen. Should you wish and depending on your arrival time, Nicholas will happily commence your exploration of Nairobi this afternoon.
Regarded as the major economic and transport hub of East Africa, Kenya’s sprawling capital of Nairobi is an unavoidable stopover on many travelers’ itineraries. While most wouldn’t choose to spend longer in the city than necessary, its temperate climate makes it a wise location to acclimatize and recuperate when first arriving in East Africa, which can take a day or two due to the long journey most travelers endure to get here.
Day 2: Customized day of exploration in Nairobi with private local guide.
Your time in Nairobi can be totally customized to your wishes. Our local safari guide accompanies you for the entire day and you don’t have to decide on what you want to do/see until you arrive. Suggested sights and experiences include visits to the city’s renowned Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage as well as the Giraffe Centre, along with Karen Blixen Museum and a number of crafts shops and workshops. There is also Nairobi National Park, which offers a surprisingly authentic if slightly surreal safari experience almost within earshot of downtown Nairobi’s traffic.
A popular inclusion is lunch or dinner at the famed Carnivore Restaurant, where meats including game such as impala and wildebeest are grilled over charcoal and continuously brought to your table until you lower the flag in surrender.
Day 3: Nairobi – Flight to the Masai Mara
After breakfast in Nairobi, you’ll be transferred to Wilson Airport for your scenic flight to Kenya’s legendary Masai Mara the country’s premier wildlife destination.
As your aircraft soars over the tribal homelands of the Maasai, you’ll be treated to stunning aerial views of the Rift Valley and rolling savannahs. Upon landing at your designated airstrip on the edge of the Mara Reserve, your camp guide will meet you for a game drive transfer to your safari camp, introducing you to the region’s incredible wildlife along the way.
Arrive at camp in time for lunch and a brief rest before heading out on your first evening game drive. This is your introduction to the Mara’s world-renowned wildlife elephants, lions, giraffes, and herds of antelope grazing under the setting African sun. Return to camp for dinner and a relaxed evening around the fire, listening to the sounds of the wilderness.
Day 4: Exploring the Masai Mara
Today is dedicated entirely to exploring the Masai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife regions. After an early breakfast, set out for a morning game drive, when predators are most active and the golden light is perfect for photography.
You may choose to enjoy a full-day game drive with a picnic lunch, allowing you to explore deeper into the Mara and witness the untamed beauty of its vast plains, riverine forests, and acacia-dotted landscapes. The reserve teems with life from majestic lions and stealthy leopards to vast herds of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle. Return to camp in the late afternoon to unwind. Later, enjoy an evening game drive or relax by the campfire under a canopy of stars.
Optional Activities (at additional cost):
Sunrise hot air balloon safari followed by a champagne bush breakfast.
Cultural visit to a traditional Maasai village to learn about the customs and way of life of the Maasai people.
Day 5: Walking Safari & Sundowner Experience
After an early morning coffee or tea, set out on a guided walking safari led by your camp’s professional guide and a local Maasai tracker. This immersive experience allows you to discover the smaller wonders of the bush animal tracks, native plants, and the rhythms of the savannah that are often missed from a vehicle. Return to camp for breakfast and some leisure time. Spend the afternoon relaxing or enjoying another game drive in a different area of the reserve, perhaps following the Mara River in search of hippos, crocodiles, and the famous big cats that dominate the region. As the day ends, raise a toast to Africa with a scenic sundowner overlooking the plains a timeless safari tradition
Day 6: Fly into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Your camp guide now returns you to the airstrip for your day’s journey to the equatorial forests of East Africa home to the mountain gorilla. You first fly to the Ugandan hub of Entebbe for immigration into Uganda. From there, you fly onwards to Kihihi and transfer by 4×4 to Buhoma, the village overlooking the “gorilla forest.”
Bwindi is one of Africa’s oldest and most biologically diverse forests, home to more than half the world’s population of mountain gorillas. It also shelters a number of other primate species along with forest elephants and many endemic bird species. The village of Buhoma offers meaningful cultural engagement and the opportunity to support community-led initiatives.
Day 7: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Gorilla Trekking Experience
Today marks one of the most unforgettable highlights of your journey an encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most biologically diverse rainforests.
After an early breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the park headquarters, where you’ll receive a briefing from the Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers on the trekking procedures and the dos and don’ts of visiting the gorillas. You’ll then set off on your gorilla trekking adventure, led by an experienced guide and trackers who follow clues left by the gorilla families footprints, chewed bamboo, and nests from the previous night. The trek can last from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the movement of the gorillas, but the moment you finally come face to face with these gentle giants in their natural habitat is nothing short of breathtaking. You’ll spend one hour observing and photographing the gorilla family watching them feed, play, and interact a rare privilege and one of the world’s most profound wildlife experiences.
After the trek, return to your lodge for a well-earned lunch and time to relax. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the peaceful mountain scenery or perhaps treat yourself to a soothing massage. In the evening, enjoy dinner and share your day’s stories around the fireplace.
Day 8: Forest Exploration & Cultural Immersion
After breakfast, you’ll have the option to embark on another gorilla trek (to visit a different family group) a unique opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers who wish to deepen their encounter with these remarkable primates.
Alternatively, you can choose from several guided nature experiences that highlight the park’s extraordinary biodiversity. Join a birding walk with an expert guide to spot some of Bwindi’s 350+ bird species, including endemics like the African green broadbill and the regal sunbird. You may also enjoy a forest nature walk, exploring waterfalls, ancient trees, and colorful butterflies along the trails. In the afternoon, take part in a cultural immersion experience visit a nearby village to meet the local community, learn about traditional crafts, and see how tourism supports conservation and livelihoods. You may also take part in tree planting at your lodge, contributing directly to the protection of this precious ecosystem.
As evening falls, relax on your veranda with views of the mist-covered forest, reflecting on the beauty and serenity of Uganda’s “Pearl of Africa.”
Day 9: Entebbe and Departure
We now say Kwaheri (“Goodbye” in the local Kiswahili language) as you are returned to Kihihi airstrip for your flight to Entebbe and onward travels home. For late evening/early morning flight departures, we can include an afternoon and evening at a boutique guesthouse in Entebbe as well as a sunset cruise on nearby Lake Victoria
End of 9 days Uganda Gorilla Tracking & Kenya Great Migration Safari
