14-Day Kenya and Uganda Road Safari | Gorillas, Chimps & Big Five

About this expedition

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Duration

14 days

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Countries

Kenya

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Activities

Big Five Game Drives Gorilla Trekking Chimpanzee Trekking Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise Lake Naivasha Boat Safari Source of the Nile Visit Tree-Climbing Lion Tracking Walking Safari Bird Watching Wildlife Photography Great Migration Viewing (Seasonal) Equator Experience

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Guide

Expert led

Embark on the ultimate East African overland safari that combines Kenya's legendary wildlife reserves with Uganda's spectacular primate destinations. Traveling entirely by road in a customized 4x4 safari vehicle, this adventure offers an authentic African safari experience while allowing you to witness the changing landscapes, cultures, and ecosystems of both countries.

From the world-famous Masai Mara and the elephant paradise of Amboseli to the chimpanzee forests of Kibale and the mountain gorillas of Bwindi, this safari showcases the very best of East Africa. Along the way, enjoy scenic drives through the Great Rift Valley, the lush highlands of Uganda, wildlife-rich savannahs, and picturesque countryside.

This tour is ideal for travelers seeking an immersive safari experience while enjoying the flexibility and adventure of road travel.

Tour itinerary

Nairobi – Amboseli National Park

Kenya

After an early breakfast, depart Nairobi and journey south towards Amboseli National Park, one of Kenya's most famous wildlife destinations. The drive takes you through beautiful Kenyan countryside and local communities before arriving at the park. Amboseli is renowned for its large elephant populations and breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain. After lunch at your lodge, embark on your first game drive through the park. Watch as elephants roam the open plains while giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, gazelles, and buffaloes graze against the backdrop of the snow-capped mountain. The golden evening light creates exceptional photography opportunities as wildlife becomes more active.

Scenic drive to Amboseli Afternoon game drive Elephant viewing Wildlife photography Mount Kilimanjaro viewing

Arrival in Nairobi – Welcome to Kenya

Kenya

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide who will brief you about your upcoming East African adventure. You will then be transferred to your hotel where you can relax after your international flight. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to explore Nairobi city, visit local craft markets, or simply unwind at your hotel while preparing for the exciting safari ahead. Nairobi serves as the gateway to East Africa's incredible wildlife destinations and offers a perfect introduction to your journey.

Airport pick-up and transfer Safari briefing Relaxation at the hotel Optional Nairobi city exploration

Full-Day Safari in Amboseli National Park

Kenya

Today is dedicated entirely to exploring Amboseli National Park. Begin with an early morning game drive when animals are most active and the views of Mount Kilimanjaro are often clearest. Amboseli is home to some of Africa's largest tusked elephants, making it one of the best places on the continent to observe these magnificent creatures. Throughout the day, explore different sections of the park including swamps fed by underground streams from Mount Kilimanjaro. These permanent water sources attract a wide variety of wildlife including hippos, buffaloes, antelopes, and numerous bird species. Predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas are also frequently encountered.

Full-day game drive Elephant tracking Bird watching Wildlife photography Kilimanjaro scenic viewing

Amboseli – Lake Naivasha

Kenya

Following breakfast, depart Amboseli and travel towards the Great Rift Valley. Along the journey, enjoy spectacular views of escarpments, volcanic landscapes, and rural communities. Arrive at Lake Naivasha in the afternoon, a freshwater lake famous for its abundant birdlife and resident hippo population. Later, enjoy a boat cruise across the lake where you will encounter pods of hippos, fish eagles, kingfishers, cormorants, and many other bird species. The tranquil waters and surrounding acacia forests provide a beautiful contrast to the savannah landscapes visited earlier.

Scenic Rift Valley drive Lake Naivasha boat cruise Hippo viewing Bird watching Photography

Lake Naivasha – Masai Mara National Reserve

Kenya

After breakfast, continue your journey to the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve. As you travel through the Rift Valley and traditional Maasai lands, observe the changing landscapes and cultural richness of rural Kenya. Arrive at the reserve in time for lunch before heading out on an afternoon game drive. The Masai Mara is regarded as one of Africa's greatest wildlife destinations and offers exceptional opportunities to see lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, cheetahs, and countless plains game species.

Scenic drive to Masai Mara Afternoon game drive Wildlife photography Big Five search

Full-Day Safari in Masai Mara

Kenya

Spend the day exploring the vast plains of the Masai Mara. This reserve boasts one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa and is famous for the Great Migration between July and October. You will search for prides of lions, solitary leopards, massive elephant herds, cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests. A picnic lunch in the bush allows you to maximize wildlife viewing throughout the day while enjoying the incredible scenery of the Mara ecosystem.

Full-day game drive Great Migration viewing (seasonal) Big Five tracking Bush picnic lunch Wildlife photography

Masai Mara – Kisumu

Kenya

After breakfast, leave the wildlife-rich plains of the Mara and drive towards Kisumu, Kenya's third-largest city situated on the shores of Lake Victoria. This scenic journey takes you through fertile farmlands, tea-growing regions, and vibrant local communities. Upon arrival, relax and enjoy views of Africa's largest freshwater lake. The evening offers an opportunity to experience a different side of East Africa, away from the safari parks.

Scenic countryside drive Lake Victoria viewing Relaxation

Kisumu – Jinja – Kampala

Kenya

Today you cross into Uganda via the Busia border. Continue to Jinja, one of Uganda's most famous tourism destinations and home to the Source of the Nile. Visit the historic point where the world's longest river begins its journey northwards. Enjoy beautiful views of the river and surrounding scenery before continuing to Kampala, Uganda's vibrant capital city.

Border crossing Source of the Nile visit Scenic drive Photography

Kampala – Kibale National Park

Kenya

Depart Kampala and travel west towards Kibale National Park. The journey takes you through lush countryside, tea plantations, traditional villages, and rolling hills that showcase Uganda's incredible natural beauty. Kibale is renowned as the primate capital of East Africa and hosts the highest concentration of primates on the continent. Arrive in the afternoon and relax in preparation for the next day's chimpanzee trekking adventure.

Scenic drive Tea plantation viewing Landscape photography

Chimpanzee Trekking – Queen Elizabeth National Park

Kenya

After an early briefing by park rangers, enter Kibale Forest in search of wild chimpanzees. As you walk through the tropical rainforest, your guide will help locate these fascinating primates. Once found, spend time observing their social interactions, feeding habits, and playful behavior. After lunch, proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park, enjoying spectacular views of crater lakes and the Rwenzori Mountains along the way.

Chimpanzee trekking Forest walk Wildlife viewing Scenic transfer

Game Drive, Kazinga Channel Cruise & Bwindi

Kenya

Begin with an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains where lions, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and occasionally leopards can be seen. Later, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, famous for its enormous concentration of hippos and birdlife. After the cruise, travel through the Ishasha Sector in search of the famous tree-climbing lions before continuing to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Morning game drive Kazinga Channel boat cruise Tree-climbing lion tracking Scenic transfer to Bwindi

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Kenya

This is the highlight of your East African safari. After breakfast, attend a briefing before entering the ancient rainforest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. The trek may take anywhere from one to several hours depending on the gorillas' location. Once located, spend a magical hour observing these gentle giants as they feed, play, groom one another, and interact naturally in their forest habitat. This is one of the world's most extraordinary wildlife encounters.

Gorilla trekking Forest hiking Gorilla photography Gorilla trekking certificate

Bwindi – Lake Mburo National Park

Kenya

After breakfast, depart Bwindi and drive to Lake Mburo National Park. This park is known for its zebras, impalas, elands, giraffes, buffaloes, and numerous bird species. Enjoy an afternoon game drive or simply relax at the lodge while taking in the beautiful surroundings. The park's open savannah and acacia woodland provide a unique safari experience different from Uganda's larger parks.

Scenic drive Evening game drive Wildlife viewing

Walking Safari – Equator – Entebbe Departure

Kenya

Your final day begins with a guided walking safari, offering an intimate perspective of the African bush. Accompanied by an armed ranger, observe wildlife on foot while learning about tracks, plants, and animal behavior. Later, begin the journey to Entebbe with a stop at the Uganda Equator crossing for photographs and souvenir shopping. Continue to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight, bringing your unforgettable East African safari adventure to an end.

Guided walking safari Equator experience Souvenir shopping Airport transfer

What's included

Included

Permits & Park Fees Uganda Gorilla Permit (US$800) Chimpanzee Trekking Permit All Kenya & Uganda Park Entrance Fees Boat Cruise Fees Ranger Guide Fees Accommodation 13 Nights Accommodation Meals Full Board During Safari Bottled Drinking Water During Safari Transportation Private 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser Professional English-Speaking Driver Guide Fuel and Road Tolls Airport Transfers Cross-Border Transportation Additional Services Government Taxes Conservation Fees Gorilla Trekking Certificate Emergency Assistance

Not Included

International Flights Kenya Visa Uganda Visa or East Africa Tourist Visa Travel Insurance Balloon Safari in Masai Mara Porter Fees During Gorilla Trekking Alcoholic and Soft Drinks Laundry Services Tips and Gratuities Personal Expenses

Where you'll sleep

Through the lens

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