12 Days Kenya Uganda Safari: A Journey Through Wildlife and Gorilla Trekking

Embarking on a safari adventure in East Africa is a dream for many travelers. The 12 Days Kenya Uganda Safari offers an extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes of two of Africa’s most iconic countries. BLS Safaris Ltd Ltd invites you on this unforgettable journey that encompasses thrilling wildlife encounters, breathtaking scenery, and the unique experience of gorilla trekking.

This meticulously crafted itinerary takes you through Murchison Falls National Park, renowned for its spectacular waterfalls and diverse wildlife, to Kibale Forest National Park, where you will track chimpanzees in their natural habitat. You will traverse the scenic routes to Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to the famous tree-climbing lions, and the lush, tranquil landscapes of Lake Bunyonyi, before heading to Kenya’s breathtaking national parks. Your adventure culminates in the Maasai Mara, a UNESCO World Heritage site, famed for its annual wildebeest migration and exceptional game viewing.

Join us as we explore the wonders of nature, encounter majestic wildlife, and create lasting memories on this incredible safari adventure.

 

12 Days Kenya Uganda Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions	Exclusions
Accommodation in lodges and camps	International flights
All meals as specified in the itinerary	Visa fees for Uganda and Kenya
All park entrance fees	Personal travel insurance
All transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle	Optional activities (e.g., hot air balloon safari)
English-speaking safari guide	Tips and gratuities
Chimpanzee tracking permits	Extra drinks and snacks
Gorilla trekking permits	Laundry services
Boat rides and game drives	Medical expenses
Cultural experiences

 

Detailed 12 Days Kenya Uganda Safari

Day 1: Travel To Murchison Falls National Park | Rhino Tracking | Tour the Top of Falls

Main Destination: Murchison Falls National Park (Uganda)
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge

Your 12 Days Kenya Uganda Safari adventure begins upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, where a representative from BLS Safaris Ltd Ltd will greet you. Following your introduction, you will embark on a scenic drive to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest protected area. The route will take you through lush landscapes and vibrant local communities.

On your journey, you’ll stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a chance to track the endangered white rhinos. This sanctuary plays a crucial role in the conservation of these magnificent creatures. After your rhino tracking experience, continue your journey to Murchison Falls National Park.

Upon arrival, visit the Top of the Falls, where the mighty Nile River forces its way through a narrow gorge, creating a breathtaking waterfall. This natural wonder offers incredible photographic opportunities and a chance to enjoy the surrounding scenery.

Highlights:

• Rhino Tracking: Encounter white rhinos in their natural habitat.
• Top of Murchison Falls: Marvel at the dramatic waterfalls.
• Scenic Drive: Experience Uganda’s stunning landscapes.

Day 2: Balloon Safari (Optional Activity) | Morning Game Drive | Boat Cruise | Evening Game Drive

Main Destination: Murchison Falls National Park (Uganda)
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge

Begin your day with an optional hot air balloon safari (at an additional cost of $350 per person), offering a bird’s eye view of the spectacular landscape at sunrise. This unique perspective allows for incredible wildlife sightings from above. Reservations for the balloon ride should be made in advance due to limited capacity.

Following breakfast, set out for a morning game drive through the park. Look for elephants, lions, giraffes, and various antelope species in the savannah and riverine woodlands. This is an excellent opportunity for birdwatching, as the park is home to numerous bird species.

After returning to the lodge for lunch, embark on a relaxing boat cruise along the Victoria Nile. This leisurely 12 Days Kenya Uganda Safari journey allows you to view hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife up close. As you cruise toward the base of the falls, keep an eye out for elephants and waterbucks along the shore.

Conclude your day with an evening game drive, where you may witness predators in action as they prepare to hunt in the cooler temperatures.

Highlights:

• Hot Air Balloon Safari: Experience the park from above.
• Morning Game Drive: Encounter diverse wildlife.
• Boat Cruise: Observe wildlife along the Nile River.
• Evening Game Drive: Watch for hunting lions and other predators.

Day 3: Travel to Kibale Forest National Park

Main Destination: Kibale National Park (Chimps)
Accommodation: Isunga Lodge

After breakfast, depart Murchison Falls National Park and travel southwest towards Kibale Forest National Park. As you drive through the Albertine Escarpment of the Great Western Rift Valley, you will be treated to stunning views of the landscape and charming local towns.

Upon arrival in Kibale, check into your accommodation at Isunga Lodge, where you can relax and prepare for your chimpanzee tracking adventure the following day.

Highlights:

• Scenic Drive: Experience the beautiful Albertine Rift.
• Fort Portal Town: Visit the charming capital of the Tooro Kingdom.

Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking | Travel To Queen Elizabeth National Park | Boat Ride | Evening Game Drive

Main Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park (Uganda)
Accommodation: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge

This morning, embark on an unforgettable chimpanzee tracking experience in Kibale Forest. The trek typically lasts between two to three hours, depending on the location of the chimps. Kibale is home to one of the highest concentrations of primates in Africa, including over 1,400 chimpanzees.

After your chimpanzee encounter, enjoy lunch at your lodge before setting off for Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most diverse ecosystems. Upon arrival, check into your accommodation and prepare for a boat ride on the Kazinga Channel. This unique waterway connects Lake Edward and Lake George, providing excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, including hippos, crocodiles, and a plethora of bird species.

After your boat ride, head out for an evening game drive, where you may spot lions, leopards, and various antelope species.

Highlights:

• Chimpanzee Tracking: Encounter wild chimpanzees in their habitat.
• Boat Ride on Kazinga Channel: Observe wildlife from the water.
• Evening Game Drive: Look for evening predators in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Day 5: Ishasha Sector | Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest | Cultural Interaction

Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)
Accommodation: Buhoma Gorilla Lodge

After breakfast, drive to the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions. Enjoy a game drive in search of these remarkable felines as they lounge on the branches of fig trees, offering an extraordinary sight.

Following your Ishasha adventure, continue your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Check into Buhoma Gorilla Lodge, where you will have the opportunity to relax before your gorilla trekking experience.

In the afternoon, you may engage in a cultural interaction with local communities, where you can learn about the traditions and lifestyles of the Bakiga and Batwa people.

Highlights:

• Ishasha Sector Game Drive: Look for tree-climbing lions.
• Cultural Interaction: Experience local traditions and lifestyle.

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking | Travel to Lake Bunyonyi with 29 Islands | Zip Lining | Ninja Warrior

Main Destination: Lake Bunyonyi (Uganda)
Accommodation: Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort

After breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing on the gorilla trekking rules and regulations. This thrilling 12 Days Kenya Uganda Safari adventure will take you through the misty rainforests of Bwindi as you search for the magnificent mountain gorillas. Trekking can take anywhere from two to six hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family you are visiting.

Upon locating the gorillas, you will spend an unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat. This intimate encounter with these gentle giants is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

After your trek, return to the lodge for a shower and lunch, then drive to Lake Bunyonyi, a stunning lake dotted with 29 islands. Enjoy an afternoon of adventure with activities such as zip-lining and the Ninja Warrior course, both of which offer thrilling experiences against the backdrop of the picturesque lake.

Highlights:

• Gorilla Trekking: Encounter mountain gorillas in the wild.
• Lake Bunyonyi: Explore one of Africa’s deepest lakes.
• Adventure Activities: Zip-lining and Ninja Warrior challenges.

Day 7: Final | Equator | Transfer to Kampala | Fly to Kenya

Main Destination: Kampala (Uganda) / Nairobi (Kenya)
Accommodation: Fairview Hotel

This morning, enjoy a packed breakfast before departing for Kampala. On your way, stop at the Equator for a unique photo opportunity and a chance to shop for local crafts.

Continue your 12 Days Kenya Uganda Safari journey to Kampala, where you will have lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, you will be transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your flight to Nairobi, Kenya. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to Fairview Hotel, where you can relax and prepare for your adventures in Kenya.

Highlights:

• Visit the Equator: Stand on both hemispheres at once.
• Local Craft Shopping: Discover unique Ugandan souvenirs.

Day 8: Visit Giraffe Center | Elephant Orphanage | Tour Nairobi National Park

Main Destination: Nairobi (Kenya)
Accommodation: Fairview Hotel

After breakfast, embark on a tour of Nairobi, starting with a visit to the Giraffe Center, where you can feed and learn about the endangered Rothschild giraffes. This interactive experience provides insight into giraffe conservation efforts in Kenya.

Next, head to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, known for its elephant orphanage. Here, you can witness the dedicated work of rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned elephants. You will have the chance to learn about their stories and the efforts made to protect these incredible animals.

In the afternoon, explore Nairobi National Park, where you can spot various wildlife species, including lions, zebras, and rhinos, all set against the backdrop of the city skyline.

Highlights:

• Giraffe Center: Feed and interact with giraffes.
• Elephant Orphanage: Learn about elephant conservation.
• Nairobi National Park: Experience wildlife in a unique urban setting.

Day 9: Travel To Maasai Mara National Reserve | Evening Game Drive

Main Destination: Maasai Mara National Reserve (Kenya)
Accommodation: Mara Safari Lodge

After breakfast, depart Nairobi and head to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations. The drive will take you through beautiful landscapes and picturesque Maasai villages.

Upon arrival in the Maasai Mara, check into your lodge and prepare for your first evening game drive. The Maasai Mara is renowned for its incredible wildlife, including the Big Five: lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinoceros.

Highlights:

• Maasai Mara National Reserve: One of Africa’s top safari destinations.
• Evening Game Drive: Spot wildlife in their natural habitat.

Day 10: Full-Day Game Drive in Maasai Mara | Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari

Main Destination: Maasai Mara National Reserve (Kenya)
Accommodation: Mara Safari Lodge

Today is dedicated to exploring the Maasai Mara. Enjoy a full-day game drive with a picnic lunch in the bush. Witness the diverse wildlife and possibly spot the famous wildebeest migration (seasonal).

For an extraordinary experience, consider an optional hot air balloon safari (at an additional cost of $450 per person). Soar above the Mara at dawn, enjoying panoramic views of the savannah and its inhabitants. Upon landing, celebrate with a champagne breakfast in the bush. In the evening, return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.

Highlights:

• Full-Day Game Drive: Experience the rich wildlife of the Mara.
• Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari: Unique aerial views of the reserve.

Day 11: Morning Game Drive | Maasai Village Visit | Return To Nairobi

Main Destination: Nairobi (Kenya)
Accommodation: Fairview Hotel

Begin your day with a morning game drive, giving you one last chance to see the incredible wildlife of the Maasai Mara. Return to the lodge for breakfast before checking out.

After breakfast, visit a Maasai village for an authentic cultural experience. Learn about the Maasai way of life, their traditions, and customs, and enjoy traditional dances.

In the afternoon, depart for Nairobi. Upon arrival, check into Fairview Hotel for your final night in Kenya.

Highlights:

• Morning Game Drive: Last opportunity for wildlife viewing.
• Maasai Village Visit: Immerse yourself in local culture.

Day 12: Departure

Main Destination: Entebbe (Uganda) / Nairobi (Kenya)

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before your departure. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Nairobi.

You will be transferred to the airport for your international flight home, marking the end of your unforgettable 12 Days Kenya Uganda Safari.

 

12 Days Kenya Uganda Safari Conclusion

The 12 Days Kenya Uganda Safari is a unique blend of thrilling wildlife experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural interactions. From the enchanting gorillas of Bwindi to the majestic elephants of the Maasai Mara, this safari offers something for every adventure seeker. Book your journey with BLS Safaris Ltd Ltd today and experience the magic of East Africa!