Uganda & Kenya Fly-In Tour (Gorilla Trekking & Masai Mara Wildlife Safari)

This 11-day fly-in safari offers an incredible blend of Kenyan savannah wildlife and Uganda’s dense jungles, where gorillas roam free. From the elephant herds of Amboseli to the big cats of Masai Mara and the mysterious forests of Bwindi, this itinerary ensures an adventure of a lifetime. With luxury flights between destinations, you’ll maximize your time in the wild, allowing for unrivaled game-viewing opportunities and immersive cultural experiences.

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Fly to Amboseli National Park

Your journey begins in Nairobi, Kenya, where you will arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in the morning. A professional safari guide will meet you and assist with the transfer to Wilson Airport, where you will board a short scenic flight to Amboseli National Park. As you approach, marvel at the breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak, standing majestically over the park’s open plains.

Upon arrival, a game drive awaits, offering the first glimpse of Amboseli’s famous elephant herds roaming against the mountain backdrop. After check-in at your lodge, enjoy a delightful lunch while taking in the panoramic views. The afternoon is dedicated to a game drive, exploring the park’s vast ecosystem of wetlands, open plains, and acacia woodlands, home to lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and zebras. The drive will take you to Observation Hill, where you can admire a spectacular sunset before returning to the lodge for a well-deserved rest.

📍 Luxury: Ol Donyo Lodge / Tawi Lodge
📍 Mid-range: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
📍 Budget: Kibo Safari Camp

Day 2: Full-Day Exploration of Amboseli National Park

Wake up to the golden hues of sunrise as you prepare for a full-day adventure in Amboseli. The day begins with an early morning game drive, the best time to witness predators such as lions and leopards in action. The park’s swampy areas attract hippos and a variety of bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. After an exciting morning, return to your lodge for a hearty breakfast before heading back out for more exploration.

Visit the sulphur-rich springs of Enameshera, where elephants often gather to quench their thirst. Your experienced guide will lead you through Amboseli’s diverse landscapes, offering insights into the ecology and conservation efforts protecting its wildlife. After a packed picnic lunch under a shaded acacia tree, continue with an afternoon drive to track more of the Big Five. As the day winds down, return to the lodge to unwind, perhaps with a sundowner drink overlooking the vast savannah.

📍 Luxury: Elewana Tortilis Camp
📍 Mid-range: Satao Elerai Camp
📍 Budget: Sentrim Amboseli

Day 3: Flight to Nairobi – Connecting Flight to Masai Mara

After a final morning game drive, you will transfer to the airstrip for your flight back to Nairobi. Upon landing at Wilson Airport, board a connecting flight to Masai Mara, Kenya’s most famous wildlife reserve. The Masai Mara is renowned for its abundant wildlife, particularly its lion prides, cheetahs, and the Great Migration (July–October).

Upon arrival, your guide will meet you for a scenic game drive en route to your lodge. You will have a chance to spot elephants, zebras, giraffes, and perhaps a leopard lounging in an acacia tree. After lunch and some relaxation, an afternoon game drive will take you deeper into the Mara’s stunning landscapes. As the sun sets, return to the lodge for dinner and an evening around the bonfire, listening to the sounds of the African wilderness.

📍 Luxury: Angama Mara / Mahali Mzuri
📍 Mid-range: Ashnil Mara Camp
📍 Budget: Mara Leisure Camp

Day 4: Full-Day Game Drive in Masai Mara

Today is dedicated to a full-day exploration of the Masai Mara, ensuring you witness the rich diversity of wildlife that inhabits this remarkable reserve. Depart early for a sunrise game drive, as predators such as lions and cheetahs are most active during the cool morning hours. Your guide will take you through prime wildlife viewing areas, following migration routes and exploring watering holes where animals gather.

A highlight of the day includes a visit to the Mara River, where massive Nile crocodiles lurk, waiting for the wildebeest migration crossings. Enjoy a picnic lunch under an acacia tree, taking in the breathtaking landscape before continuing with an afternoon of wildlife tracking. With the vastness of the Masai Mara at your disposal, expect to see leopards lounging in trees, herds of elephants moving in the distance, and possibly a thrilling cheetah chase. As the day comes to a close, return to camp for a relaxing evening under the African sky.

📍 Luxury: Mara Plains Camp
📍 Mid-range: Mara Simba Lodge
📍 Budget: Fig Tree Camp

Day 5: Hot Air Balloon Safari & Cultural Experience

For an unforgettable start to the day, embark on a hot air balloon safari (optional) at dawn, soaring above the golden savannah as the sun rises over Masai Mara. After a breathtaking flight, enjoy a champagne breakfast in the bush.

The rest of the morning is spent on game drives, searching for elusive rhinos, leopards, and hyenas. In the afternoon, visit a Maasai village, where you will learn about their rich cultural heritage, including their nomadic lifestyle, beadwork, and traditional dances. The Maasai warriors will share stories of their coexistence with wildlife, giving you a deeper appreciation for the region’s history and conservation efforts.

📍 Luxury: Mara Nyika Camp
📍 Mid-range: Entim Mara Camp
📍 Budget: Mara Eden Safari Camp

Day 6: Flight from Masai Mara to Uganda (Entebbe)

After breakfast, take a final morning game drive before transferring to the airstrip for your flight to Nairobi, where you will connect to a flight to Entebbe, Uganda. Upon arrival, a guide will transfer you to your hotel for a relaxed evening by Lake Victoria, where you can unwind and prepare for your next adventure—tracking the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

📍 Luxury: Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort
📍 Mid-range: Karibu Guesthouse
📍 Budget: Airport View Hotel

Day 7: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Drive or Fly Option)

On Day 7, you have two options for reaching Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: a scenic road transfer or a flight to Kihihi Airstrip, depending on your preferences and travel schedule.

Option 1: Scenic Road Transfer
If you choose to drive, your day begins with a 5-6 hour road transfer from Entebbe or Kampala to Bwindi. As you leave behind the bustling city atmosphere, you’ll travel through Uganda’s lush countryside, passing rolling hills, green forests, and picturesque villages. You’ll have the opportunity to stop along the way for photographs and to experience the vibrant culture of rural Uganda. You’ll also have a brief stop to stretch your legs and grab some refreshments at a local roadside market. As you approach Bwindi, the landscape becomes more rugged, offering breathtaking views of the Impenetrable Forest, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Arriving at your lodge, you can unwind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Bwindi. The afternoon is dedicated to rest and relaxation in preparation for the exciting days ahead.

Option 2: Fly to Kihihi Airstrip

For a quicker and more convenient option, you can choose to take a flight to Kihihi Airstrip, the closest airstrip to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Flights depart from Entebbe or Kampala and typically take about 1.5 hours, offering stunning aerial views of the Ugandan landscape. Upon arrival at Kihihi, a lodge vehicle will be waiting to take you the short distance to your accommodation. Flying allows you to save time and experience the landscape from above, providing a unique perspective on the savannahs, forests, and rivers of Uganda. After checking into your lodge, you can spend the afternoon unwinding and soaking in the natural beauty of the region.

Regardless of the option you choose, you’ll have the chance to acclimatize to the high altitude and prepare for the thrilling gorilla trekking experience that awaits you in the coming days.

📍 Luxury: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
📍 Mid-range: Silverback Lodge
📍 Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Today is the day you’ve been waiting for—gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Early in the morning, you will meet with your guide and fellow trekkers before heading to the park headquarters for a briefing. The trekking groups are divided based on the gorilla families, and your guide will take you on an unforgettable journey through dense forest, moss-covered trees, and bamboo groves in search of the endangered mountain gorillas.

The trek can be challenging, as the terrain is often steep and muddy, but the effort is more than worth it when you finally reach the gorilla family. You will have one hour to observe and photograph the gorillas in their natural habitat, watching them interact, feed, and play. The sight of these majestic creatures up close is an experience unlike any other. After the trek, return to your lodge for a well-deserved lunch and relaxation. If you have the energy, consider an afternoon cultural walk through the surrounding villages to learn more about the local Batwa people and their deep connection to the forest.

📍 Luxury: Bwindi Lodge / Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
📍 Mid-range: Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge
📍 Budget: Gorilla Valley Lodge

Day 9: Second Day of Gorilla Trekking or Other Experiences in Bwindi

On the second day of your gorilla trekking adventure, you have the option to either take a second gorilla trek or participate in alternative activities in the area. For those who want to delve deeper into the Bwindi wilderness, a second trek offers the opportunity to visit a different gorilla family and gain a unique perspective on their behavior and interactions. This trek is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts who want to maximize their gorilla viewing experience.

Alternatively, for a more relaxed day, you can enjoy community visits, such as touring the Batwa Pygmies village, where you can learn about their ancient forest-dwelling traditions, or take part in a nature walk led by local guides, offering a chance to spot smaller wildlife like monkeys, forest elephants, and a variety of bird species. In the afternoon, you may wish to unwind with a spa treatment at your lodge or enjoy a traditional Ugandan dance performance. The evening provides an opportunity to reflect on the once-in-a-lifetime experiences of the past two days.

📍 Luxury: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge / Mahogany Springs Lodge
📍 Mid-range: Gorilla Safari Lodge
📍 Budget: Bwindi View Bandas

Day 10: More Activities in Bwindi or Optional Day Trips

Today, you can opt for more wildlife activities or take a leisurely day to enjoy the beauty of Bwindi. For those still craving adventure, a forest walk through Bwindi offers a serene experience, where you can observe the park’s diverse flora and fauna, including birds like the African green broadbill or the black-and-white colobus monkey. Alternatively, you can explore nearby Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda’s most picturesque lakes, where you can enjoy a boat ride or visit the island villages, interacting with the friendly locals.

For a more cultural experience, consider visiting the Bwindi Cultural Center or participating in a traditional Ugandan cooking class, learning to prepare local dishes like matoke (steamed plantains) and posho (maize meal). The evening is an opportunity to reflect on the incredible memories created throughout your time in Uganda.

📍 Luxury: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
📍 Mid-range: Buhoma Haven Lodge
📍 Budget: Rushaga Gorilla Camp

Day 11: Farewell to Bwindi and Transfer to Entebbe

On your final day in Uganda, enjoy a leisurely breakfast as you reflect on the remarkable adventure you’ve had. Afterward, you’ll depart Bwindi for the scenic drive back to Entebbe, where you’ll transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your return flight. If time allows, you may have a chance for a brief stop at Lake Victoria to say goodbye to the stunning surroundings before catching your flight back home.

This unforgettable journey combines the best of both Kenya’s incredible wildlife and Uganda’s gorilla trekking experience, leaving you with lasting memories of Africa’s wild beauty.

📍 Luxury: Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa
📍 Mid-range: Entebbe Travellers Inn
📍 Budget: Best Western Premier Garden Hotel

With this Kenya-Uganda Fly-In Tour, you experience Africa’s most iconic wildlife and landscapes, from the plains of the Masai Mara to the depths of Uganda’s rainforests. Whether it’s the thrill of a hot air balloon ride over the Mara or the intimate encounter with gorillas in Bwindi, this trip promises an experience unlike any other, perfect for those seeking adventure, wildlife, and culture.