17-Day Uganda & Kenya, Gorillas & Big Five Safari

Mid-Range Private Safari | USD 6,650 per person (Based on 2 Pax)

Safari Overview

This 17-Day Uganda & Kenya, Gorillas & Big Five Safari combines mountain gorilla trekking, Chimpanzee tracking, rhino tracking, shoebill birding, Big Five safaris, and scenic boat cruises across Uganda and Kenya.

Explore the terraced highlands of Lake Bunyonyi, trek endangered gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, search for tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and track chimpanzees in Kibale National Park. Witness the mighty Nile at Murchison Falls National Park, track rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, and search for the rare shoebill at Mabamba Swamp before flying to Kenya for classic savannah safaris in Maasai Mara National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, and Amboseli National Park.

Detailed 17-Day Uganda & Kenya, Gorillas & Big Five Safari Itinerary.

Day 1: Entebbe/Kampala – Lake Bunyonyi

After breakfast, begin your scenic journey to southwestern Uganda (approx. 7–8 hours). Stop at the Equator for photographs and a water demonstration showing the hemispheres. Continue through rolling hills, banana plantations, and Ankole cattle country.

Arrive at Lake Bunyonyi in the late afternoon. Relax at your lodge overlooking the lake’s 29 islands. Optional sunset walk or canoe experience.

Overnight: Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Boat Ride – Transfer to Bwindi

After breakfast, enjoy a 2-hour guided boat ride exploring Punishment Island and other historical islands. The lake’s calm waters and birdlife offer excellent photography.

Later transfer (3–4 hours) to Bwindi’s Rushaga sector. Arrive in time for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy an optional Batwa cultural experience where you learn about the forest’s original inhabitants and their survival skills.

Overnight: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
Meals: Full Board

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking – Transfer to Ishasha

Early breakfast, then transfer to park headquarters for briefing. Gorilla trekking may take 2–6 hours depending on the group’s location. The trek passes through dense rainforest terrain with experienced ranger guides.

Once located, spend one magical hour observing the gorillas feed, groom, and interact.

After lunch, drive (approx. 3–4 hours) to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Overnight: Enjojo Lodge / Ishasha Pride Lodge
Meals: Full Board

Day 4: Ishasha Game Drive – Kazinga Channel Cruise

Morning game drive in Ishasha, famous for tree-climbing lions resting in fig trees. You may also see elephants, buffalo, topi, and Uganda kob.

After lunch, transfer to Mweya for a 2-hour boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. This cruise offers close views of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and numerous water birds.

Overnight: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge
Meals: Full Board

Day 5: Crater Lakes – Transfer to Kibale

Enjoy a short morning game drive before visiting the spectacular Katwe Explosion Crater Lakes region. The panoramic viewpoints provide breathtaking scenery of crater lakes and the Rwenzori ranges.

Transfer (approx. 2–3 hours) to Kibale National Park. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, known for primates and rich birdlife.

Overnight: Turaco Treetop / Kibale Forest Camp
Meals: Full Board

Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking – Bigodi Community Experience

After breakfast, head to Kibale for chimpanzee tracking. The forest is home to over 13 primate species. Rangers guide you through tropical forest trails until you locate a habituated chimpanzee troop. Spend one hour observing them.

Return for lunch and relaxation. Later, explore Bigodi Swamp for birding and community interaction.

Overnight: Turaco Treetop/Kibale Forest Camp
Meals: Full Board

Day 7: Kibale – Murchison Falls National Park

Drive north (7–8 hours) through tea plantations and rural countryside to Murchison Falls National Park.

Visit the Top of the Falls, where the Nile forces itself through a 7-meter gorge before plunging 45 meters below. The thunderous sound and spray create dramatic photo moments.

Overnight: Fort Murchison Lodge
Meals: Full Board

Day 8: Game Drive – Nile Boat Safari

Early morning game drive on the northern bank. Expect sightings of giraffes, elephants, lions, hartebeest, and oribi.

Return for breakfast and relaxation. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise to the base of the falls. Spot hippos, crocodiles, and aquatic birds along the Nile banks.

Overnight: Fort Murchison Lodge
Meals: Full Board

Day 9: Rhino Tracking – Transfer to Entebbe

After breakfast, depart for Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (3–4 hours). Track white rhinos on foot with a ranger guide.

Continue to Entebbe (approx. 4 hours) arriving in the evening.

Overnight: 2Friends Beach Hotel
Meals: Full Board

Day 10: Mabamba Shoebill – Fly to Nairobi

Early departure to Mabamba Swamp for canoe-based shoebill tracking. Glide through papyrus channels searching for this prehistoric-looking bird and other papyrus specialists.

Return to Entebbe Airport for your flight to Nairobi. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Overnight: Best Western Meridian Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Kenya Safari Extension

Day 11: Nairobi – Maasai Mara

Drive (5–6 hours) via the Great Rift Valley viewpoint and Narok town. Arrive for lunch followed by an afternoon game drive in the Maasai Mara plains.

Overnight: Mara Sopa Lodge
Meals: Full Board

Days 12–13: Full Days in Maasai Mara

Spend two full days exploring different sections of the reserve. Morning and afternoon game drives maximize wildlife sightings.

Look for lions, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, and if lucky, leopards. During migration season, witness dramatic wildebeest crossings. Optional balloon safari available.

Overnight: Mara Sopa Lodge
Meals: Full Board

Day 14: Maasai Mara – Lake Nakuru

Drive (5–6 hours) to Lake Nakuru via Lake Naivasha. Afternoon leisure or optional boat ride on Lake Naivasha.

Overnight: Buraha Zenoni Resort
Meals: Full Board

Day 15: Lake Nakuru – Amboseli

Morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, known for rhinos and diverse birdlife.

Transfer (6–7 hours) to Amboseli National Park.

Overnight: Amboseli Sopa Lodge
Meals: Full Board

Day 16: Full Day in Amboseli

Early morning game drive with views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Amboseli is famous for large elephant herds and scenic photography.

Afternoon game drive exploring swamps and open plains.