16 Day Uganda & Kenya Safari

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe and Transfer to Kampala

Welcome to Uganda. When you land at Entebbe International Airport our friendly guide greets you with a cool towel and bottled water. We take a scenic drive to Kampala, passing tree-lined roads and waving locals. At your hotel overlooking Lake Victoria we take a moment to introduce your journey. You might enjoy a short lakeside walk or relax by the pool. We finish the day with a lakeside dinner and an easy review of the days ahead.

Overnight:

• Budget – Cassia Lodge, Kampala
• Standard – Lake Victoria Serena Resort
• Luxury – Kampala Serena Hotel

Day 2: Kampala to Kibale National Park

After breakfast, we head west toward Kibale National Park. The drive takes you past rolling hills and green tea and coffee plantations. We stop at a scenic crater-lake viewpoint and a roadside eatery for refreshments. By mid-afternoon we arrive at Kibale, check into your lodge, and enjoy a short evening forest walk where bird calls and tree shadows set the mood.

Overnight:

• Budget – Kibale Forest Camp
• Standard – Chimps’ Nest Lodge
• Luxury – Ndali Lodge

Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Swamp Walk

This morning we set out after breakfast to trek chimpanzees in Kibale. Rangers lead small groups into the forest. After locating a troop we spend an hour observing their playful behavior, grooming, and interaction. In the afternoon we head to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided swamp walk, where forest birds, colorful butterflies, and swamp life abound.

Overnight:

• Budget – Kibale Forest Camp
• Standard – Chimps’ Nest Lodge
• Luxury – Ndali Lodge

Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

We continue our journey toward Queen Elizabeth National Park, stopping for lunch along the way. By late afternoon we arrive, offering optional sundowner game drive for brief wildlife sightings before dinner.

Overnight:

• Budget – Savannah Resort, Mweya
• Standard – Mweya Safari Lodge
• Luxury – Kingfisher Lodge

Day 5: Game Drive and Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel

An early morning game drive takes you into the heart of the park. After a mix of sightings you return for lunch, then join a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where flocks of birds, hippos and elephants gather. Afternoon you have time to relax at your lodge.

Overnight:

• Budget – Savannah Resort, Mweya
• Standard – Mweya Safari Lodge
• Luxury – Kingfisher Lodge

Day 6: Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions and Transfer to Bwindi

We rise early for a journey into the Ishasha area, famous for its tree-climbing lions. We stop for photos and a short game drive before continuing to Bwindi. Afternoon arrives in the misty forests where we settle in and prepare for gorilla trekking.

Overnight:

• Budget – Buhoma Community Rest Camp
• Standard – Silverback Lodge
• Luxury – Mahogany Springs

Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

We wake early to trek mountain gorillas. After an uplifting briefing we go deep into the forest and locate a gorilla family. You spend one hour observing them close by before returning to the lodge. The afternoon is yours to relax amid the lush forest sounds.

Overnight:

• Budget – Buhoma Community Rest Camp
• Standard – Silverback Lodge
• Luxury – Mahogany Springs

Day 8: Leisure Morning and Transfer to Kenya Border

This morning offers a second trek or leisurely forest walk. After lunch we travel south to the Uganda-Kenya border for a seamless crossing. Evening you rest near the border and reflect on your forest encounter preparing for the Kenya segment.

Overnight:

• Budget – Kisoro Guesthouse
• Standard – Kisoro Eco Lodge
• Luxury – Volcanoes Safari Lodge

Day 9: Transfer to Nairobi

After breakfast we transfer into Kenya, arriving in Nairobi in time for lunch. Afternoon offers optional city tour or market visit. Evening at leisure in your Nairobi hotel.

Overnight:

• Budget – Ibis Styles Nairobi
• Standard – Eka Hotel
• Luxury – Fairmont The Norfolk

Day 10: Flight to Masai Mara and First Game Drive

A morning flight carries you to the Masai Mara. From the airstrip you are welcomed and driven to your lodge. After lunch we set out for your first game drive, arriving in time for golden hour light and brief sightings before dinner.

Overnight:

• Budget – Enchoro Wildlife Camp
• Standard – Mara Sopa Lodge
• Luxury – Mara Serena Safari Lodge

Day 11: Full-Day Game Drive in Masai Mara

We rise at dawn and spend a full day exploring. Today is dedicated to finding the Big Five and watching herds on the move. A picnic lunch in the bush keeps you close to wildlife. We return in the evening as the sky glows orange.

Overnight:

• Budget – Enchoro Wildlife Camp
• Standard – Mara Sopa Lodge
• Luxury – Mara Serena Safari Lodge

Day 12: Balloon Ride or Game Drive and Maasai Village Visit

For those who choose it we offer a sunrise hot-air balloon ride across the Mara to watch wildlife from above followed by champagne breakfast in the bush. After breakfast back at lodge you can visit a Maasai village to learn their traditions. Afternoon is free time at the lodge.

Overnight:

• Budget – Enchoro Wildlife Camp
• Standard – Mara Sopa Lodge
• Luxury – Mara Serena Safari Lodge

Day 13: Transfer to Lake Nakuru

We leave the Mara for Lake Nakuru. En route we stop at the Rift Valley viewpoint. Afternoon at Lake Nakuru includes a game drive focusing on flamingos and rhinos. Evening elevates in lodge serenity.

Overnight:

• Budget – CityMax Hotel Nakuru
• Standard – Lake Nakuru Lodge
• Luxury – The Cliff

Day 14: Drive to Samburu via Aberdare Escarpment

We continue through fading farmland toward Mount Kenya and ascend the Aberdare Escarpment with dramatic views across the Savannah. We heading to Samburu in the north where your lodge overlooks the Ewaso Nyiro River alive with wildlife.

Overnight:

• Budget – Samburu Intrepids Camp
• Standard – Elephant Bedroom Camp
• Luxury – Sarova Shaba Game Lodge

Day 15: Game Drives in Samburu

You leave early for a day of drives across Samburu Reserve. You track elephants, Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, rare endemic species and listen to water birds. After each drive you return for afternoon rest by the river followed by evening drive.

Overnight:

• Budget – Samburu Intrepids Camp
• Standard – Elephant Bedroom Camp
• Luxury – Sarova Shaba Game Lodge

Day 16: Transfer to Diani Beach

This morning after breakfast we travel back to Nairobi, connect to a domestic flight to Diani Beach. Afternoon you arrive on the coast and settle into your beachfront resort, enjoying beach strolls and warm Indian Ocean waters.