Uganda and Kenya Combined Safaris: Best itinerary.
Uganda and Kenya combined safaris: best itinerary is an excellent way to experience two different sides of East Africa in one trip. Uganda is famous for mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, lush forests and the wildlife of Queen Elizabeth National Park, while Kenya offers classic savannah safaris, large elephant herds, the Big Five and the Great wildebeest Migration season in the Maasai Mara.
Day by day itinerary for Uganda and Kenya safaris
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe, Uganda
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, meet your safari guide and transfer to your hotel. Relax after your journey and receive a briefing about the upcoming safari.
Overnight stay at: protea hotel, pulickal hotel Entebbe.
Day 2: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
In the morning, Transfer to western Uganda through mubende-fortportal scenic countryside, tea plantations and traditional villages. Enjoy the landscape around Fort Portal and arrival at your lodge for overnight and dinner as you prepare for the next day’s chimpanzee tracking activity.
Accommodation Type: Luxury
Overnight stay at: Kibale Safari Lodge/Kyaninga Lodge
Drive duration: 6-7 hours.
Day 3: Chimpanzee tracking and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Early in the morning after breakfast, the driver guide will transfer you to kanyanchu briefing point by the ranger guides before starting to trek in the forest in search for chimpanzees. Afterward, travel toward Queen Elizabeth National Park, with views of crater lakes and the Rwenzori Mountain range on a clear day.
Accommodation Type: Luxury
Overnight stay at: Acacia wilderness Lodge/Elephant Plains Lodge
Day 4: Game drive and Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Morning game drive to Search for lions, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob, warthogs and other wildlife. Lunch break before joining an afternoon boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel to see hippos, crocodiles, otters and waterbirds.
Overnight stay at: Elephant Plains Lodge/Acacia Wilderness Lodge
Day 5: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Transfer to southwestern Uganda through scenic highlands and rural communities. Settle into a lodge near your confirmed gorilla trekking sector and prepare for the gorilla trekking adventure.
Accommodation Type: Luxury
Overnight stay at: Erebero Hills Lodge/Buhoma Lodge.
Day 6: Mountain gorilla trekking
Join Park rangers for a guided trek in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. Once the gorillas are located, visitors are generally allowed one hour with them. Trekking can take several hours, depending on where the gorillas are found. Note that gorilla permit costs USD $800 per person and paid at least 3 months prior to the trekking date for proper planning
Overnight stay at Luxury accommodation: Erebero hills Lodge/Buhoma Lodge
Day 7: Bwindi to Entebbe and flight to Nairobi, Kenya
Transfer to Entebbe international airport for your connecting flight to Nairobi, depending on the flight schedule and departure at Jomo Kenyatta airport. Arrive in Nairobi.
Overnight stay at: Nairobi.
Day 8: Travel to Maasai Mara National Reserve
Travel by road or scheduled safari flight to the reserve to maximise time and wildlife viewing. Enjoy an evening game drive searching for lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras and other animals across the open plains depending on the arrival time.
Accommodation type: Luxury
Overnight stay at: Mara Serena Safari Lodge/Mara Sweet Acacia Lodge
Day 9: Full-day Maasai Mara safari
Spend the day on game drives with a picnic lunch in the reserve, subject to park rules. Look for the Big Five and other wildlife. During the seasonal Great Migration, you may encounter large herds of wildebeest and zebras, although river crossings are never guaranteed.
Overnight stay at: Mara Serena Safari Lodge/Mara Sweet Acacia Lodge
Day 10: Travel to Amboseli National Park
In the morning transfer to Amboseli, ideally using a flight and road transfer combination where practical. Enjoy an afternoon game drive among elephant herds and open plains beneath Mount Kilimanjaro depending on the scheduled flights and arrival time.
Overnight stay at: Kibo safari camp/Tulia Amboseli safari lodge
Day 11: Full day game drive in Amboseli National Park
Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives, elephant watching and wildlife photography. Visit wetlands and other wildlife-viewing areas with your guide, taking advantage of clear early-morning conditions for captivating Kilimanjaro views.
Accommodation Type: mid range
Overnight stay at: Kibo safari camp/Tulia Amboseli safari lodge
Day 12: Return to Nairobi and departure
Transfer back to Nairobi for your international departure. Depending on your flight time, you may need an additional overnight stay rather than travelling directly to the airport.
Best time for a Uganda and Kenya combined safaris
Depending on gorilla trekking in Uganda, wildlife viewing and wildebeest migration in Maasai mara in Kenya, each activity is best in a favourable season or timing. For gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park, the best time to visit is during the dry season from June to September and December and February where by during this period the trails are dry favouring steady trekking, dry access routes and forests are easier to navigate.
For an encounter to witness the seasonal wildebeest migration in Maasai Mara National Reserve, consider July to October for a special and possible sightings of wildebeest and during the month of August and September is the right time for river crossings and great wildebeest migration in the Maasai mara.
The best time guarantees a variety of animals and birds to see on a safari, these include buffalo, waterbuck, leopard, cheetah, oryx, eland, Topi, zebras, warthogs, olive baboons, monkeys, hyenas, striped jackals, elephants, Rhinos, hippos, Uganda Kob, bushbuck, Dik Dik, oribi, duikers, mongoose, lion, Jackson’s hartebeest and birds such as lesser flamingos, sunbirds, blue eared sterling, northern yellow bishop, ring necked pigeon, African swift, long crested eagle, red chested cuckoo, darters, pelicans and others.
How much does a Uganda and Kenya combined safaris cost?
The cost of a Uganda and Kenya combined safaris depends on the number of days, accommodation standard, gorilla trekking permits, chimpanzee tracking permit, transport and the season of travel. However, the approximate cost for a 12 days Uganda and Kenya safari is $5600 to $7000.
What is included and excluded in the package?
Includes
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Chimpanzee tracking permit
- Accommodation and meals fee
- Park entrance fees
- Transport in 4×4 safari vehicle
- Government taxes
- Boat cruise fees at kazinga channel
- English speaking guide
Excludes
- Air ticket fee
- Insurance
- Tips
- Visa
- Souvenirs
What to pack for this safari
After planning a Uganda and Kenya safari, here are important items that should not miss on your packing list. These include long sleeved shirts, waterproof jackets, sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, daypack, hiking shoes, gaiters, binoculars, camera, long trousers, sun glasses, lightweight clothing, warm clothing and first aid kit.
Conclusions
Uganda and Kenya combined safari is a perfect Africa’s holiday destination. From trekking mountain gorillas in Bwindi and chimpanzees in Kibale Forest to watching elephants, big cats in Amboseli and unique wildebeest great migration in the Maasai Mara. Bujuku Eco Tours delivers exceptional Uganda and Kenya safari tailored to your preferred travel dates, accommodation level, activities and friendly budget.
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