Uganda Gorillas and Masai Mara safari
10 Days of Uganda Gorillas and Masai Mara safari
DURATION
10 Days 9 Nights
STYLE
safari / Gorilla trek
PRICE GUIDE
$ 17573 Per Person
Experience an unforgettable journey through Uganda and Kenya with this meticulously crafted itinerary. Begin your adventure in Entebbe, Uganda, where you'll be warmly welcomed and accommodated at the luxurious Hotel No.5. From here, venture into the lush forests of Bwindi National Park, where the majestic mountain gorillas await. Trek through the dense foliage, guided by experienced rangers, and immerse yourself in the captivating presence of these gentle giants on two separate days.
After your enriching gorilla encounters, fly to the iconic Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Here, amidst vast savannahs and rolling plains, you'll go on exhilarating game drives, seeking out Africa's most iconic wildlife, including lions, elephants, leopards, and more. Spend five nights at the luxurious sand river camp Masai Mara, where luxury tented accommodations and unparalleled safari experiences await.
INCLUDED IN THIS TRIP
•All entry fees to all parks
. 2 Gorilla permits per person
•Emergency medical evacuation ((Excludes Hospitalization & Medical Bills))
•All ground transportation in 4x4 land cruiser
•All activities as indicated in the itinerary
•All Accommodation and meals as indicated in the itinerary
•English-speaking Experienced Safari guide
. Domestic flight Bwindi to Masai Mara and Masai Mara to Nairobi
Destinations
Safari Notes
Accommodation: Although the itinerary price is based on the suggested accommodation, Mond Safaris offers fully customizable trips. Our specialists can assist you in choosing the accommodation option that aligns best with your preferences and budget.
What to carry for Gorilla Trekking Safari
. Raincoat and sweater: Keep warm during chilly mornings.
. Backpack: Carry your packed lunch and drinking water during trekking.
. Cap and sunglasses: Protect your head and eyes from the sun.
. Hand gloves: Shield your hands from sharp tree branches.
. Hiking boots: Ensure they have good grip and cover your feet and ankles.
. Clothes: Wear long-sleeved tops and trousers in earthy tones like cream, brown, grey, and dark green.
. Insect repellent: to ward off any potential insect bites. It's essential for ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience amidst nature
. Camera: Bring one with excellent focus, a strong battery, and enough memory.
. Pair of long stockings: Useful for tucking in your pants during trekking.
Gorilla Trekking Rule: Participants must be at least 15 years and above to trek gorillas
What to expect through out this Safari
•Exciting Treks: Get ready for thrilling treks through lush forests in search of mountain gorillas.
•Close Encounters: Experience unforgettable moments as you come face to face with magnificent mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
•Expert Guides: Benefit from the expertise of knowledgeable guides who will lead you through the terrain and share fascinating insights about the gorillas and their habitat.
•Physical Activity: Be prepared for moderate physical activity, including hiking and trekking through sometimes challenging terrain.
•Weather Changes: Expect various weather conditions, ranging from warm and sunny to cool and rainy. Bring appropriate clothing to stay comfortable.
•Morning Routine: some days we Will be waking up around 5:45 AM to prepare ourselves, have breakfast at 6:30 AM, and then kick off the day's activities.
•Photography Opportunities: Capture unforgettable moments with your camera as you observe gorillas in their natural habitat.
. Game Drives: Going on thrilling game drives through Masai mara national reserve, offering opportunities to observe wildlife up close and capture memorable moments.
. 9 nights staying in a comfortable and luxury accommodation
10 Days of Uganda Gorillas and Masai Mara Safari Summary
Welcome to Entebbe, Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Masai Mara National Reserve
Departure
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Entebbe, Uganda
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be greeted by a mond safaris representative who will assist you through customs and baggage claim. You will then be transferred to a luxury boutique hotel, where you can rest after your flight and prepare for your upcoming adventure in Uganda.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel No 5
Hotel Highlights
Hotel Highlights
- Boutique hotel featuring 10 luxurious rooms
- Conveniently located just a stone's throw away from Lake Victoria
- Offers a tranquil suburban retreat amidst the bustling city of Entebbe
- Guests can enjoy access to a swimming pool and spa facilities
Hotel No.5 Overview
If you're seeking a comfortable haven in Entebbe to unwind and rejuvenate after a long-haul flight, Hotel No.5 is an excellent choice. Tucked away in the tranquil leafy suburbs of Entebbe, this boutique hotel offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere with exquisitely designed rooms and impeccable service. The luxurious accommodations are nestled amidst lush tropical gardens, with the focal point being the inviting swimming pool. Featuring a total of 10 rooms, each boasts well-appointed ensuite bathrooms, private verandas, and air conditioning for utmost comfort. Additionally, the hotel amenities include a gym, a spa and wellness center, inviting lounge and dining facilities, and a friendly bar. Situated in a serene locale, Hotel No.5 ensures a peaceful retreat for guests after a lengthy journey. For those eager to explore Entebbe's attractions, the hotel concierge can arrange day trips to Mabamba Swamps for a chance to spot the elusive shoebill, or visits to the Wildlife Conservation Centre.
Day 2 & 4: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast at the hotel, a representative from Mond Safaris will escort you to Entebbe Airport for your domestic flight to Bwindi National Park. Upon arrival at Bwindi Airstrip, our representative will greet you and transfer you to the hotel. You can relax and later opt for a community walk.
On Day 3, in the morning, you will be taken to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking guidelines. You will then be divided into groups and assigned a gorilla family to visit. Accompanied by armed rangers, porters, and experienced guides, you will embark on a trek through the forest to find the gorilla group. This may take between 2 to 6 hours. Once you find them, you will have an hour to observe and enjoy their presence before returning to the lodge. You will receive a gorilla trekking certificate.
On Day 4, you will go through the same process but visit a different gorilla family.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Bwindi Lodge
Hotel Highlights
. Spectacular Forest Views: From the comfort of the lodge, guests can enjoy dramatic and intense views of the forest canopy stretching as far as the eye can see.
. Close Encounters with Gorillas: Bwindi Lodge is ideally situated for gorilla tracking adventures, with these magnificent creatures often found relaxing in the verdant bush around the lodge.
. Stylish Interiors Inspired by Nature: The lodge's guest lounge and dining area are designed to bring the essence of the forest indoors, with stylish interiors that reflect the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Bwindi Lodge Overview
Perched on the edge of the ancient Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Bwindi Lodge offers an unparalleled luxury experience amidst the breathtaking natural beauty of Uganda. Its prime location makes it an ideal base for exploring the lush jungle and encountering the majestic mountain gorillas that call this forest home. The lodge seamlessly blends into its surroundings, offering guests a harmonious retreat where they can immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the wild, while enjoying the comforts of modern luxury.
Day 5- 9 : Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
After breakfast at Bwindi Lodge, you will be transferred to the airstrip for a flight back to Entebbe. From there, you will connect to a domestic flight Entebbe, and then proceed to the Masai Mara in Kenya. This national reserve is renowned for its exceptional wildlife sightings year-round. From leopards to cheetahs, buffaloes to elephants, the Masai Mara offers incredible biodiversity. You will spend 5 nights and 6 days exploring the Masai Mara while staying in a luxury tented safari camp, with all meals, park fees, and safari activities included daily.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Sand River camp
Hotel Highlights
- Exceptional Game Viewing: Sand River Masai Mara is renowned for its exceptional game-viewing opportunities, with the Masai Mara
- Luxurious Tent Accommodations: The lodge features 16 spacious tented accommodations, including a family tent, each meticulously designed to blend luxury with the rustic charm of the African bush.
- Unparalleled Service and Location: Sand River Masai Mara upholds the renowned standards of the Elewana Collection, offering impeccable service and hospitality.
Sand River Camp overview
Nestled along the banks of the river it was named after, Sand River Camp offers an immersive safari experience within the Masai Mara National Park. The camp is unfenced, allowing wildlife to roam freely, often visible from the comfort of your room or the main lodge area.
Sand River Camp consists of 16 tented rooms, divided into two distinct sections—one with 10 rooms and the other with 6. Each camp operates independently, providing an identical experience of rustic luxury, gourmet dining, and expert-guided safaris.
A standout feature of Sand River Camp is its prime location along the wildebeest migration route, offering guests the thrilling opportunity to witness these majestic animals in their natural habitat during game drives. When not on safari, guests can unwind by the swimming pool, visit a nearby school, or engage in enriching cultural experiences.
Day 10: Departure
After breakfast in the bush, you will be guided to the airstrip for a flight to Nairobi. From Nairobi, you can either connect to your international flights home.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
What is Not Included
Quick Navigation
Gorilla and Masai Mara safari
Duration: 10 Days 9 Nights
Style: Gorilla trek & safari
When to go: Year Round
Reach out to us for a customized quote tailored to your needs.
Suggested Uganda Safaris
The itineraries below and throughout our website are designed for high-end luxury safari experiences based on a minimum of two travellers. If you are a solo traveler or prefer a customised safari to match your budget and preferences, please contact us for a personalised quote.
Uganda Safari Experiences
GORILLA TRACKING
A once-in-a-lifetime adventure through the lush forests of Uganda to encounter endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Led by experienced guides and trackers, trek through dense vegetation, listening for the gentle sounds of the gorillas.
BOAT SAFARIS
Take a relaxing boat ride through Uganda's beautiful rivers like the Kazinga Channel and the Nile River. See lots of animals like hippos, crocodiles, and colorful birds along the lush riverbanks
CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
Experience Uganda's rich cultural heritage by engaging directly with local communities. Explore traditional villages and connect with residents to discover their customs, traditions, and daily routines
CHIMPANZEE TRACKING
Discover Uganda's lush rainforests to meet chimpanzees. Join experienced guides as they lead you through thick forests. Watch chimpanzees swinging from trees, looking for food, and spending time with their friends
GAME VIEWING
Go on exciting trips in Uganda's famous parks like Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo Valley, and Murchison Falls. Explore big grasslands and thick forests to spot cool animals like lions, elephants, giraffes, and buffalo
GOLDEN MONKEY TRACKING
Explore the misty forests of Uganda to find and watch the playful golden monkeys. These charming monkeys have bright golden fur and live in the bamboo forests of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Travel Tips-Uganda
Where is Uganda located?
Uganda, also known as the pearl of Africa is located in East Africa, bordered by Kenya to the east, South Sudan to the north, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, Rwanda to the southwest, and Tanzania to the south.
What is the Currency Used in Uganda:
The currency used in Uganda is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX). While US dollars are widely accepted in major tourist areas and establishments, it's advisable to carry some local currency for smaller purchases and transactions.
What are some traditional foods and drinks to try in Uganda?
Uganda offers a diverse array of traditional foods and beverages that reflect its rich culinary heritage. Among the must-try dishes are matoke, which consists of steamed green bananas, luwombo, a flavorful stew made with meat, vegetables, and groundnuts wrapped in banana leaves, and ugali, a maize flour-based staple. Another popular street food is the Rolex, a chapati rolled with eggs and vegetables, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
In addition to these savory delights, Uganda also offers a variety of traditional beverages. For a unique taste of local flavors, try banana beer, a fermented beverage made from ripe bananas, or ajon, a traditional brew crafted from millet or sorghum. These traditional drinks provide a refreshing and authentic taste of Ugandan culture.
What Language Spoken in Uganda:
The official languages of Uganda are English and Swahili, with English being the primary language used in education, government, and business. However, the luganda language is commonly used in the central part and there are over 40 indigenous languages spoken across the country, including Runyankole, and Luo, among others.
The best time to visit Uganda is generally during the dry seasons, which occur from December to February and from June to August. During these periods, the weather is typically warm and sunny, making it ideal for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities such as gorilla trekking and hiking. The dry seasons also offer better road conditions for traveling around the country. However, it's worth noting that Uganda's climate can vary depending on the region, so it's advisable to check specific weather patterns for the areas you plan to visit. Additionally, if you're interested in seeing certain wildlife, such as migratory birds or certain animal behaviors, it's best to research the optimal time for those experiences. Overall, visiting Uganda during the dry seasons provides the most comfortable and enjoyable travel experience.
The cost of a Uganda safari varies based on duration, accommodations, and activities. Mond Safaris Uganda offers customizable packages to suit your budget while ensuring an exceptional experience
Uganda offers a diverse range of safari destinations, each with its own unique attractions and wildlife experiences. Some popular safari destinations in Uganda include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking, Queen Elizabeth National Park for game viewing and boat safaris, Murchison Falls National Park for wildlife encounters and scenic landscapes, and Kibale National Park for chimpanzee tracking and birdwatching. Additionally, smaller reserves like Lake Mburo National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park offer off-the-beaten-path experiences for adventurous travellers.
Other African Safari Destinations
Are you still in search of inspiration? we believe you may also enjoy exploring these other East African safari destinations.
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