Gorillas Chimpanzees & Masai Mara Safari that takes you deep into the heart of East Africa, where the lush jungles of Uganda meet the golden savannahs of Kenya. This 9 day Gorillas Chimpanzees & Masai Mara Safari is a carefully crafted journey that combines two of Africa’s most iconic wildlife experiences—tracking mountain gorillasand chimpanzees in the ancient rainforests of Uganda, and classic Big Five game viewing in the legendaryMasai Maraof Kenya.
Beginning in the vibrant city of Kigali, Rwanda, you’ll cross into Uganda’s misty highlands for an unforgettable trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas. From there, continue north to Kibale Forest, where you’ll come face-to-face with wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat—a thrilling and emotional experience that offers rare insight into our closest living relatives.
As the landscape transitions from jungle to savannah, your adventure takes you to Jinja—the source of the mighty Nile River—before embarking on an exciting overland journey into Kenya via the Malaba border. Here, you’ll descend into the Great Rift Valley to explore the shimmering shores of Lake Nakuru, renowned for its rhinos and flamingos. The grand finale awaits in Masai Mara National Reserve, a wildlife paradise famous for its big cat sightings, the Great Migration, and endless open plains teeming with life.
Throughout this journey, you’ll enjoy hand-picked lodges and camps that immerse you in comfort and nature, while expert local guides bring each destination to life with their knowledge, passion, and hospitality. Whether it’s the quiet breath of a gorilla just meters away, the haunting call of a chimpanzee echoing through the forest, or the thundering hooves of wildebeest crossing the Mara River—this safari promises moments that will stay with you forever.
This is more than a holiday. It’s a deep dive into the soul of Africa—a rich tapestry of landscapes, wildlife, cultures, and memories waiting to be made.
Tour Highlights
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda)
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest National Park
Scenic Drive through Uganda’s Western Highlands
Visit to the Source of the Nile in Jinja
Cross-Border Safari from Uganda to Kenya via the Malaba Border
Game Viewing in Lake Nakuru National Park.
Masai Mara Game Drives – Kenya’s Premier Big Five Reserve
Optional Maasai Cultural Experience
Scenic Flight from Masai Mara to Nairobi
Day 1: Pickup from Kigali – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Your safari kicks off in Kigali, Rwanda’s clean and vibrant capital. After meeting your driver-guide, you’ll embark on a scenic cross-border journey to southwestern Uganda through either the Cyanika or Katuna border. As you climb into the Kigezi Highlands—often called “the Switzerland of Africa”—you’ll be greeted by mist-covered hills, terraced farmlands, and forested ridges. The drive (about 4–5 hours) introduces you to the cultural tapestry of the region, passing through small towns and traditional homesteads. Arrive at your lodge in the Bwindi forest area in the late afternoon, where you’ll unwind amidst the sights and sounds of the jungle. Enjoy a hearty dinner and prepare for your gorilla trek the next day.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – Afternoon Cultural Experience
Wake up early to the call of birds and monkeys echoing through the forest. After breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a gorilla trekking briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. You’ll be assigned a gorilla family group based on your fitness level, then begin your hike into the jungle, led by an expert tracker. Trekking through steep terrain, thick vines, and misty canopies, the anticipation builds—until you come face-to-face with a family of mountain gorillas. You’ll spend a full hour observing their intimate social behavior—silverbacks standing guard, mothers cradling infants, and young ones tumbling playfully.
After this unforgettable encounter, return to your lodge for lunch and some rest. In the late afternoon, opt for a community visit to the Batwa pygmies—forest dwellers who will share their traditional songs, dances, and hunting skills, offering you a window into their vanishing way of life.
Overnight: Same as Day 1
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 3: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
After a relaxed breakfast, begin your journey of the Gorillas Chimpanzees & Masai Mara northward to Kibale Forest National Park—renowned as East Africa’s primate capital. The road winds through a tapestry of landscapes: banana plantations, crater lakes, papyrus swamps, and dense forests. Pass through towns like Kabale, Ntungamo, and Fort Portal, with opportunities for scenic photo stops along the way. The drive takes approximately 7–8 hours, but it’s richly rewarding and provides a sense of Uganda’s rural charm and diversity. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge nestled on the edge of Kibale Forest and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. You’ll have time to relax with views of the forest canopy, where monkeys and exotic birds often make surprise appearances.
Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale – Bigodi Wetland Walk (Optional)
Start your 4th day of the Gorillas Chimpanzees & Masai Mara Safari with an early breakfast before heading to the Kibale Forest park headquarters for a chimpanzee trekking briefing. Kibale is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, many of which are habituated to human presence. Accompanied by an expert guide, trek into the dense tropical rainforest in search of these intelligent and social primates. Once located, you’ll spend an hour watching them swing between branches, groom each other, vocalize, and forage on forest fruits. The experience is energetic, emotional, and fascinating.
In the afternoon, you may opt to visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary—a community-run project known for its birdlife, monkeys, and botanical wonders. It’s a great way to support eco-tourism while exploring swamp boardwalks and meeting local guides who offer insight into conservation and rural life.
Day 5: Drive to Jinja – Discover the Source of the Nile
After breakfast, set off for the long but fascinating drive across central Uganda to Jinja (approx. 7–8 hours), Uganda’s adventure capital on the banks of the River Nile. The journey leads you past tea estates in Fort Portal, busy trading centers, and the bustling capital city of Kampala. You’ll cross the Nile at Owen Falls Dam and arrive in Jinja by late afternoon. Check into your lodge overlooking the river, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere. Depending on your arrival time, you may take a gentle boat cruise to the exact Source of the Nile—where the mighty river begins its journey to Egypt—or visit the colorful craft shops and historic colonial buildings in town.
Day 6: Cross into Kenya – Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park
After an early breakfast, begin your overland transfer to Kenya via the Malaba border post. The road winds through Uganda’s eastern region, passing sugarcane plantations and rice paddies near Iganga and Tororo before crossing into western Kenya. After border formalities, continue through Eldoret and then descend into the Great Rift Valley toward Lake Nakuru National Park, one of Kenya’s most photogenic parks (total drive approx. 9–10 hours).
Arrive in the late afternoon and enjoy a short game drive if time allows. The park is famous for its populations of both black and white rhinos, tree-climbing lions, and flocks of flamingos that often gather at the lake’s alkaline shores. Settle into your lodge for dinner and rest after a rewarding day.
Day 7: Drive to Masai Mara – Afternoon Game Drive
After a hearty breakfast overlooking the lake, depart for Masai Mara National Reserve (approx. 5–6 hours). The drive takes you through the scenic Rift Valley, local Maasai villages, and open countryside. Arrive at your safari camp in time for lunch and a bit of relaxation. In the afternoon, head out for your first game drive in the Masai Mara, Kenya’s premier safari destination. The reserve offers stunning wildlife encounters with big cats, elephants, giraffes, and plains game spread across its endless golden savannahs.
Day 8: Full-Day Safari in the Masai Mara – Optional Maasai Village Visit
Spend the day of the Gorillas Chimpanzees & Masai Mara fully immersed in the wild heart of Kenya. You’ll explore the reserve in depth with morning and afternoon game drives (or opt for a full-day drive with packed lunch). The Masai Mara is renowned for its incredible concentrations of wildlife—including the Big Five—as well as cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, and over 450 bird species. If you’re visiting between July and October, you may witness the Great Migration, when over a million wildebeest and zebras cross from the Serengeti into the Mara.
In between drives, relax at your lodge or join an optional cultural visit to a traditional Maasai village, where warriors and elders will share their customs, dances, and way of life.
Day 9: Flight to Nairobi – Departure
Enjoy one final sunrise game drive or breakfast overlooking the plains before checking out. You’ll then be transferred to the nearby airstrip for a scenic flight back to Nairobi (Wilson Airport). Upon arrival, a driver will meet you and transfer you to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your outbound flight, marking the end of your unforgettable Uganda–Kenya safari.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
End of Gorillas Chimpanzees & Masai Mara