12 Days Bwindi–Masai Mara Safari
Set off on a remarkable 12 Days Bwindi-Masai Mara Safari that seamlessly blends Uganda’s lush natural beauty with Kenya’s world-famous wildlife destinations. Begin your journey in the lively town of Entebbe before venturing into the peaceful scenery of Lake Mburo National Park. Continue on to the enchanting, mist-covered forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the majestic mountain gorillas. From there, explore the diverse ecosystems of Queen Elizabeth National Park, where breathtaking landscapes meet abundant wildlife. Finally, experience the unmatched grandeur of the Masai Mara, renowned for its sweeping plains and iconic Big Five sightings. Throughout this adventure, you’ll immerse yourself in rich cultural encounters, enjoy unforgettable wildlife moments, and discover some of East Africa’s most extraordinary treasures—creating memories that will stay with you for a lifetime
12 Days Bwindi–Masai Mara Safari Highlights
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Wildlife and birdwatching at Lake Mburo National Park
Boat cruise and game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Big Five and predator sightings in Masai Mara
Cultural experiences with the Maasai community
Nairobi city tour including Giraffe Centre and David Sheldrick Wildlife Trus
12 Days Bwindi–Masai Mara Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe, Uganda
Your safari begins as you land at Entebbe International Airport, Uganda. You will be warmly received by your professional safari guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the chance to relax and enjoy the serene shores of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake. Take a leisurely walk along the waterfront or enjoy a traditional Ugandan meal at your lodge.
Highlights:
Arrival and transfer
Lake Victoria views
Welcoming dinner with cultural introductions
Accommodation: Entebbe
Day 2: Entebbe to Lake Mburo National Park
After breakfast, your safari adventure truly begins as you drive southwest to Lake Mburo National Park. This park, known for its rolling hills, acacia woodlands, and scenic lakes, is a hidden gem in Uganda. On arrival, embark on an afternoon game drive to spot zebras, impalas, waterbucks, and if you’re lucky, leopards. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 300 species recorded.
Highlights:
Scenic drive through Uganda’s countryside
Afternoon game drive in Lake Mburo
Spotting zebras, impalas, and various bird species
Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp near Lake Mburo
Day 3: Lake Mburo to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Today, travel southwest toward the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The journey is scenic, passing through rural villages, terraced hills, and tea plantations. Bwindi is famous for its mountain gorillas, and you’ll arrive in time to rest before your gorilla trekking adventure tomorrow.
Highlights:
Scenic drive through Uganda’s lush landscapes
Arrival at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Accommodation: Lodge or camp near Bwindi
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
This day is the pinnacle of your Uganda safari. After an early breakfast, transfer to the Bwindi forest headquarters for a briefing from park rangers. Then, trek through dense rainforest in search of the majestic mountain gorillas. Spending time with these gentle giants in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience.
Highlights:
Gorilla trekking and wildlife observation
Immersive experience in Bwindi’s rainforest
Photo opportunities with mountain gorillas
Accommodation: Lodge or camp near Bwind
Day 5: Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Depart Bwindi and journey toward Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most diverse wildlife regions. Enjoy a scenic drive through the lush Rwenzori Mountains and fertile agricultural lands. Upon arrival, relax at your lodge or opt for a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, famous for its large populations of hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.
Highlights:
Scenic drive with Rwenzori Mountain views
Boat cruise on Kazinga Channel
Spotting hippos, crocodiles, and water birds
Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp in Queen Elizabeth
Day 6: Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Spend the day exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park’s savannahs and forests on a full game drive. The park is home to tree-climbing lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and countless antelopes. Capture stunning wildlife photography as your guide takes you to the best spots to encounter Africa’s iconic animals.
Highlights:
Morning and afternoon game drives
Tree-climbing lions
Diverse wildlife including elephants, leopards, and buffalo
Accommodation: Lodge or camp in Queen Elizabeth
Day 7: Queen Elizabeth to Entebbe / Fly to Nairobi
After breakfast, drive back to Entebbe. Depending on your itinerary, you may take some time to relax or explore the Botanical Gardens and local markets. In the afternoon, board a flight to Nairobi, Kenya, marking the start of the Kenyan leg of your safari. Upon arrival in Nairobi, you’ll be transferred to your hotel.
Highlights:
Scenic drive back to Entebbe
Flight to Nairobi
Evening relaxation in Nairobi
Accommodation: Nairobi
Day 8: Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve
Today, travel west to the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve. Known for its rolling savannahs, acacia trees, and abundant wildlife, the Mara is one of Africa’s top safari destinations. On arrival, settle into your lodge or camp and enjoy an afternoon game drive to spot lions, cheetahs, elephants, and buffalo.
Highlights:
Scenic drive through the Kenyan countryside
Afternoon game drive in the Masai Mara
Sightings of Big Five animals
Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp in Masai Mara
Day 9-10: Full Days in Masai Mara National Reserve
Spend the next two days immersed in the incredible wildlife of the Masai Mara. Embark on morning and afternoon game drives, witnessing lions hunting, cheetahs sprinting, and vast herds of wildebeest and zebras grazing. Optional hot air balloon safaris at sunrise offer a breathtaking perspective of the Mara. Engage with the Maasai community, learning about their traditions and way of life.
Highlights:
Daily morning and afternoon game drives
Big Five sightings and wildlife photography
Optional hot air balloon safari
Cultural visits to Maasai villages
Accommodation: Lodge or camp in Masai Mara
Day 11: Masai Mara to Nairobi
After an early morning game drive, enjoy a farewell breakfast in the Mara before driving back to Nairobi. En route, stop at viewpoints or small local markets. On arrival, explore Nairobi’s highlights, including the Nairobi National Museum, Giraffe Centre, or David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to see rescued elephants. End the day with a sumptuous dinner and reflect on your safari adventure.
Highlights:
Scenic drive back to Nairobi
Nairobi city tour: Giraffe Centre, Elephant Orphanage, National Museum
Farewell dinner
Accommodation: Nairobi
Day 12: Departure
On your final day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure. Depart with unforgettable memories of East Africa’s wildlife, landscapes, and cultures.
Highlights:
Transfer to Nairobi airport
Departure and end of safar