9-Day Best Kenya-Uganda Safari
Embark on an unforgettable 9-Day Best Kenya-Uganda Safari, a journey designed to combine East Africa’s most iconic wildlife with intimate encounters with endangered primates. From the sweeping savannahs of Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve, where the Big Five roam freely, to the misty rainforests of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the world’s endangered mountain gorillas, this safari promises an unparalleled adventure. In between, explore the diverse habitats of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions and the vibrant wildlife of the Kazinga Channel.
The 9-Day Best Kenya-Uganda Safari is meticulously designed to provide a balance of adventure, wildlife observation, cultural immersion, and comfort. You will start in Kenya, experiencing game drives in the Mara’s expansive plains, observing elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos. Optional activities, such as hot air balloon safaris, provide breathtaking aerial perspectives of the wilderness. Afterward, the journey continues to Uganda, where primate trekking takes center stage. In Kibale Forest, track habituated chimpanzees, and enjoy guided walks through the Bigodi Wetlands, home to abundant birdlife and smaller mammals. The safari reaches its pinnacle in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where you trek through dense, misty jungles to spend a magical hour with a family of mountain gorillas.
Throughout the 9-Day Best Kenya-Uganda Safari, Ovacado Adventures’ expert guides provide interpretive commentary, ensuring travelers understand animal behavior, ecological interactions, and conservation initiatives. Cultural immersion is also a highlight, from visiting Maasai villages in Kenya to learning about local Ugandan communities and their interactions with wildlife. Each day is planned to maximize wildlife encounters while maintaining comfort and safety. Lodges and tented camps are carefully selected for their location, amenities, and proximity to park entrances, providing serene retreats after thrilling days of exploration.
This 9-Day Best Kenya-Uganda Safari is ideal for travelers seeking both adventure and education, offering unmatched opportunities for wildlife photography, conservation learning, and personal encounters with some of Africa’s most iconic species. The combination of Kenya’s vast savannahs and Uganda’s verdant forests creates a multifaceted experience, providing contrasts that heighten the sense of discovery. By the end of these nine days, participants leave with lasting memories of Africa’s spectacular landscapes, rare wildlife, and vibrant cultures.
Detailed 9-Day Best Kenya-Uganda Safari
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi and Transfer to Masai Mara National Reserve
Your 9-Day Best Kenya-Uganda Safari adventure begins upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya’s bustling capital. You will be met by your Ovacado Adventures guide, who will assist with airport formalities and introduce you to your safari itinerary. Following a brief orientation, embark on a scenic drive to the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations. The journey, approximately five to six hours, traverses rolling hills, farmlands, and occasional wildlife sightings along the roadside, giving a preview of the adventure to come.
Upon arrival in the Mara, check into your carefully selected lodge or tented camp situated near prime wildlife corridors. After settling in, prepare for your first evening game drive. The late afternoon light casts a golden glow across the savannah, creating ideal conditions for photography and wildlife spotting. Lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and impalas often roam freely within view, providing a spectacular introduction to the Mara’s ecosystem. Your 9-Day Best Kenya-Uganda Safari guide narrates the intricacies of predator-prey dynamics, migration patterns, and the seasonal movements of large herbivores.
As dusk approaches, observe the iconic African sunset painting the horizon in vibrant reds and golds, signaling the day’s transition from activity to calm. Return to your lodge for dinner and a briefing for the next day’s full-day safari. Day one sets the stage for the entire journey, combining the excitement of encountering Africa’s wildlife for the first time with the comfort and elegance of your accommodations. This introductory day ensures that you are acclimatized, energized, and fully immersed in the atmosphere of the African savannah.
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drives and Maasai Village Visit
Rise early to the sounds of the Mara, with predawn roars of lions and trumpeting elephants welcoming the day. After breakfast, embark on a full-day game drive across the Mara’s sprawling plains. Guided by your professional 9-Day Best Kenya-Uganda Safari driver, explore various habitats, from open savannahs to riverine woodlands. Witness predator-prey interactions firsthand and observe the Big Five in their natural habitat. Leopards perched high in acacia trees, prides of lions lounging in tall grass, and large elephant herds moving gracefully across the savannah offer a lifetime of unforgettable moments.
Mid-morning, enjoy refreshments at a scenic lookout, where the vastness of the Mara can be fully appreciated. This is an excellent opportunity for photography, journaling, or simply soaking in the tranquility of the wilderness. The afternoon provides the option of visiting a Maasai village, offering a cultural immersion into the lives of Kenya’s indigenous people. Witness traditional dances, learn about beadwork and cattle herding practices, and engage in conversation with village elders. This cultural interaction provides insight into how local communities coexist with wildlife, supporting conservation efforts in the Mara region.
For the adventurous, an optional hot air balloon safari offers a serene and breathtaking perspective, drifting above the Mara at sunrise or sunset. Observing herds of wildebeest and zebra from above while elephants roam below creates a magical encounter with the landscape. Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner, reflecting on the day’s encounters and preparing for the transfer to Uganda the following day. Day two encapsulates the perfect blend of wildlife observation, cultural immersion, and optional aerial adventure, setting a high standard for the days to come.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Flight to Entebbe, Uganda
On Day 3, awaken for a morning game drive, capturing early activity when predators are hunting and herbivores are grazing in the cool morning air. Spot giraffes browsing, impalas moving in synchrony, and hippos lounging near waterholes. This morning session ensures maximum wildlife viewing before departing the Mara.
After the drive, return to the lodge for breakfast and check-out. Transfer to a local airstrip for your flight to Nairobi, followed by a connecting flight to Entebbe, Uganda. Upon arrival, your guide meets you at Entebbe International Airport and escorts you on a scenic drive to Kibale Forest National Park, located in western Uganda. The route passes lush landscapes, rolling hills, and small villages, offering glimpses of local Ugandan life.
Check into a lodge near Kibale, preparing for the following day’s primate-focused excursions. The afternoon can be spent relaxing, enjoying lodge amenities, or taking a brief nature walk to acclimate to the forest environment. This day represents the transition from the open savannahs of Kenya to Uganda’s verdant tropical forests, offering a dramatic contrast in landscapes, wildlife, and cultural environments. The travel day is structured to ensure comfort while providing insight into the diversity of East African ecosystems, setting the stage for chimpanzee trekking and further wildlife exploration.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest and Bigodi Wetlands Walk
Day 4 centers on one of Uganda’s most iconic wildlife experiences: chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park. After an early breakfast, set out with your trained 9-Day Best Kenya-Uganda Safari guide to explore this dense tropical rainforest, home to one of the largest habituated populations of chimpanzees in Africa. Trekking through shaded trails, you may also encounter other primates, including red-tailed monkeys, colobus monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys. The guides provide interpretive commentary on primate behavior, conservation issues, and the park’s biodiversity.
Following the chimpanzee trek, embark on a walk through the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary, a community-led conservation project that supports sustainable livelihoods while protecting bird and mammal species. Birdwatchers are in for a treat, with species such as the grey-capped warbler, kingfishers, and African finfoot often spotted. The wetlands are also home to amphibians, butterflies, and small mammals, offering a rich educational experience. The trail meanders past papyrus swamps, open grasslands, and forest patches, providing a full view of the ecological diversity in Uganda’s mid-western regions.
Return to the lodge in the late afternoon to relax and reflect on the day’s encounters. Dinner is served at the lodge, often accompanied by local storytelling or cultural performances. This day emphasizes the unique biodiversity of Uganda’s tropical forests, contrasting beautifully with the Kenyan savannah, while highlighting community-driven conservation initiatives. Guests leave with a deep appreciation for primate conservation and the natural richness of East Africa.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
After an early breakfast, depart Kibale Forest for Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most celebrated wildlife destinations. The scenic drive, approximately 3–4 hours, takes you through picturesque countryside, verdant farmland, and rolling hills, offering opportunities to observe rural life in Uganda. Along the way, your 9-Day Best Kenya-Uganda Safari guide provides insight into local communities, conservation initiatives, and the rich history of Uganda’s national parks. Upon arrival at your lodge near Queen Elizabeth National Park, settle in and prepare for the afternoon excursion.
The highlight of the day is the Kazinga Channel boat cruise, a serene and mesmerizing journey along the waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. The channel supports one of the highest concentrations of hippos in the world, and it’s common to spot elephants, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species along the banks. The channel teems with African wildlife activity, providing excellent photography opportunities and a chance to observe the complex interactions between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. From the vantage of the boat, guests can appreciate the lush landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and dense papyrus swamps lining the channel.
During the cruise, your 9-Day Best Kenya-Uganda Safari guide provides commentary on the ecological significance of the channel, the behavior of hippos and crocodiles, and the migratory patterns of birds that visit this sanctuary. After the cruise, return to the lodge for a relaxing evening and dinner. Day five combines wildlife observation, ecological education, and peaceful river travel, offering a stark contrast to the earlier forest trekking and providing a comprehensive perspective on Uganda’s natural diversity. Guests are left with an appreciation for the interconnectedness of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, making Queen Elizabeth National Park a must-see stop on any Uganda safari.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Morning Game Drive in Ishasha and Tree-Climbing Lions
Rise early for a morning game drive in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, a region famous for its unique population of tree-climbing lions. The early morning light illuminates the savannah, offering ideal conditions for wildlife observation and photography. The Ishasha plains provide a striking landscape where acacia trees dot rolling grasslands, creating the perfect habitat for lions to climb and lounge in branches. Your 9-Day Best Kenya-Uganda Safari guide will skillfully track wildlife, providing insights into predator behavior, social structures of lion prides, and strategies employed by lions to hunt and rest in the treetops.
In addition to lions, the game drive offers opportunities to see elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob, and various antelope species grazing on the plains. Bird enthusiasts will delight in sightings of martial eagles, hornbills, and colorful bee-eaters that inhabit the region. Guides emphasize conservation efforts in Ishasha, explaining the role of local communities in protecting wildlife corridors and the ongoing research on tree-climbing lions, which are unique to this part of Uganda.
After a morning of wildlife viewing, enjoy lunch at a scenic lodge overlooking the park. The afternoon can include optional activities such as a nature walk, cultural visits to nearby villages, or additional game drives. Evening at leisure allows time to reflect on the extraordinary sights and interactions experienced during the day. Ishasha’s combination of rare wildlife phenomena, expansive vistas, and educational storytelling makes it a highlight of 9-Day Best Kenya-Uganda Safari. Guests leave with lasting memories of seeing lions perched high in trees a truly extraordinary natural spectacle unique to this park.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Following breakfast, depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the critically endangered mountain gorillas. The journey, approximately 4–5 hours, winds through scenic landscapes, small villages, terraced farmland, and lush rolling hills. Along the route, guides provide cultural insights, highlighting how communities coexist with wildlife and the role of eco-tourism in sustaining local livelihoods.
Upon arrival, check into a lodge near the park, strategically located to provide easy access for the next day’s gorilla trekking. The remainder of the day is spent relaxing and acclimatizing to the altitude and tropical forest environment. Guests can enjoy lodge amenities such as panoramic terraces, nature trails, and birdwatching opportunities. Optional activities include a short village visit to meet the Batwa community, descendants of Uganda’s original forest dwellers, offering insights into traditional customs and forest-based survival practices.
The evening includes a detailed briefing on gorilla trekking logistics, safety guidelines, and best practices for observing the gorillas, ensuring participants are fully prepared for the following day’s adventure. Guides explain the behavior and social structure of mountain gorillas, highlighting the importance of responsible tourism in conservation efforts. Dinner is served at the lodge, and guests retire early in preparation for an early start to the ultimate gorilla encounter. Day seven sets the stage for one of the most awe-inspiring wildlife experiences in the world, blending anticipation, education, and comfort in the tranquil forest environment.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today is the pinnacle of the safari: gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After an early breakfast, meet your 9-Day Best Kenya-Uganda Safari guides and porters at the park headquarters for orientation and allocation of gorilla groups. Trekking begins through dense, misty forest, climbing slopes and navigating streams, with guides pointing out unique flora, bird species, and smaller primates along the way. The hike duration varies depending on the location of the gorilla family, ranging from 2 to 5 hours, providing both a physical challenge and a deeply rewarding wildlife encounter.
Upon locating the gorillas, you are granted one magical hour observing them in their natural habitat. Witnessing silverbacks, females with infants, and playful juveniles offers an intimate glimpse into their social behavior. Photography and journaling opportunities abound, capturing the gorillas’ expressions, interactions, and natural movements. Guides provide context on conservation efforts, the threats these magnificent creatures face, and the role of habituation programs in sustaining populations.
After the trek, return to the lodge for a celebratory lunch and time to relax. The afternoon may include optional activities such as visiting the Batwa community, nature walks around lodge grounds, or simply reflecting on the transformative experience. Day eight is both physically exhilarating and emotionally profound, leaving participants with a lasting connection to one of the planet’s most endangered species. This day epitomizes the life-changing essence of Uganda’s gorilla safari, blending adventure, education, and conservation awareness.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Transfer to Entebbe and Departure
On the final day, after breakfast, begin the drive back to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight. The scenic journey passes through rolling hills, small villages, and agricultural landscapes, offering glimpses of everyday Ugandan life. Depending on your flight schedule, brief stops may be arranged for souvenir shopping or photography opportunities.
Upon arrival in Entebbe, your 9-Day Best Kenya-Uganda Safari guide assists with airport formalities, ensuring a smooth transition from safari to departure. The journey concludes with a sense of fulfillment, reflecting on the diverse ecosystems, incredible wildlife, and cultural encounters experienced over the past nine days. Guests leave with memories of Kenya’s iconic savannahs, Uganda’s misty forests, and intimate encounters with endangered primates, all framed by the expert guidance and hospitality of Ovacado Adventures.
This final day underscores the contrast between wild, remote habitats and the connectivity of East African cultures, serving as a fitting conclusion to a truly transformative safari experience. Whether for photography, adventure, or personal enrichment, travelers depart with stories, insights, and connections that endure far beyond the safari itself.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
9-Day Best Kenya-Uganda Safari Inclusions and Exclusions
Safari Inclusions
- Park entrance fees for all national parks visited
- Gorilla trekking permits in Bwindi
- Chimpanzee trekking permits in Kibale
- All ground transport in a custom 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide services
- Full board accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- Bottled water during all game drives and transfers
- Boat cruise on Kazinga Channel
- Cultural visits (Maasai village, Batwa community)
Safari Exclusions
- International and domestic flights not specified in the itinerary
- Uganda and Kenya visas
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal expenses, souvenirs, and gratuities
- Optional activities not listed (hot air balloon, additional nature walks)
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages outside of meals