12-Day Affordable Uganda and Kenya Safari

Duration: 12 days

Customizable Safari: Yes

Tour Overview

This 12-day East Africa safari combines the highlights of Kenya and Uganda, beginning with classic wildlife safaris in Masai Mara National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, and Amboseli National Park, where you will encounter lions, elephants, rhinos, and vast savannah landscapes beneath views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The journey then continues to Uganda to explore the primate-rich forests of Kibale National Park for chimpanzee trekking, followed by wildlife game drives and a Kazinga Channel boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The adventure concludes in the misty jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where you will experience the unforgettable opportunity to trek and spend time with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Tour Highlights

Big Five game drives in Masai Mara National Reserve
Flamingos and rhino sightings in Lake Nakuru National Park
Elephant herds and Mount Kilimanjaro views in Amboseli National Park
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park
Boat safari on the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector
Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kenya and Transfer to Masai Mara National Reserve

Start your adventure with a transfer to Masai Mara National Reserve, one of East Africa’s most famous safari destinations. Stop at the scenic Great Rift Valley for photos before arriving in time for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy your first game drive to spot lions, elephants, cheetahs, giraffes, wildebeest, and gazelles, along with hundreds of bird species.

Accommodation: Endeem Mara Lodge (Budget Lodge)

Day 2: Full-Day Game Drives in Masai Mara

Explore the vast savannahs of Masai Mara on morning and afternoon game drives. Witness Africa’s iconic wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, zebras, cheetahs, and wildebeest. Capture stunning photos of the endless grasslands and enjoy a classic East African safari experience.

Accommodation: Endeem Mara Lodge (Budget Lodge)

Day 3: Transfer to Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast, travel to Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its vibrant pink flamingos and diverse birdlife. Enjoy game drives to spot rhinos, zebras, gazelles, buffalos, leopards, and waterbucks. Arrive at your lodge for lunch and continue exploring the park’s wildlife before dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Buraha Zenoni Hotel & Resort (Mid Range Lodge)

Day 4: Transfer to Amboseli National Park Safari

Drive to Amboseli National Park, at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering spectacular views and abundant wildlife. Afternoon game drives allow you to see elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeest, and hippos. Amboseli is famous for its large elephant herds and incredible photography opportunities.

Accommodation: Manjaro Tented Camp (Budget Lodge, all meals included)

Day 5: Nairobi to Entebbe, Uganda

After a morning game drive in Amboseli, transfer to Nairobi for your flight to Entebbe, Uganda. Upon arrival, your guide will transfer you to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay, preparing for your Ugandan safari adventure.

Accommodation: Airport Guest House, Entebbe (Mid-range, all meals included)

Day 6: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Depart Entebbe for Kibale National Park, driving south via Hoima and passing picturesque tea plantations in Fort Portal. Enjoy lunch at your lodge followed by relaxation or a cultural visit to the local community, immersing yourself in Uganda’s beautiful countryside.

Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge (Mid-range, all meals included)

Day 7: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetlands Walk

Spend the morning trekking in Kibale Forest, home to over 13 primate species including chimpanzees, red colobus monkeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys. After lunch, explore the Bigodi Wetlands, spotting exotic birds, butterflies, and small mammals. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge (Mid-range, all meals included)

Day 8: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing stunning views of the Rwenzori Mountains. Embark on game drives to see elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob, bushbucks, and warthogs. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, spotting hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and over 500 bird species.

Accommodation: Pumba Safari cottage (Mid-range, all meals included)

Day 9: Game Drives & Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions
Begin with an early morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, spotting lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob, and defassa waterbucks. In the afternoon, head to the Ishasha sector to witness the rare tree-climbing lions in their natural habitat.

Accommodation: Pumba Safari Cottage (Mid-range, all meals included)

Day 10: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, depart for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, driving through the scenic Kigezi Highlands with terraced hills and winding roads. Arrive at your lodge for dinner and prepare for the gorilla trekking experience the following day.

Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp (Mid-range, all meals included)

Day 11: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Experience the unforgettable gorilla trekking in Bwindi, one of the last habitats for mountain gorillas. After a briefing, track gorilla families with park rangers, spending up to one hour observing these gentle giants. Return to the lodge for relaxation and dinner.

Accommodation: Gorilla Valley Lodge (Mid-range, all meals included)

Day 12: Transfer to Entebbe & Departure

Depart Bwindi for Entebbe, stopping at the Equator for photos along the way. Arrive at Entebbe International Airport for your departure, marking the end of your 12-day Kenya and Uganda wildlife safari.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch included

Accommodation: None (End of tour)