18-Day Kenya Great Migration and Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari
An unforgettable East African journey through the Maasai Mara, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Uganda’s wildlife destinations
Safari Overview
Discover the best of Kenya and Uganda on this 18-day East African safari, combining the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration in Kenya with mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda.
The journey begins in Nairobi before taking you to Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its rhinoceroses, diverse birdlife and beautiful Great Rift Valley scenery. Continue to the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve, where you will spend several days exploring the savannah in search of the Big Five and the enormous herds of wildebeest and zebras associated with the annual Great Migration.
After the Kenyan wildlife experience, fly to Uganda and continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for an extraordinary encounter with endangered mountain gorillas. Your Ugandan adventure also includes the beautiful landscapes of Lake Bunyonyi, wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park and an optional chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale Forest.
This private safari is ideal for couples, families with eligible-age children, photographers, wildlife enthusiasts and travellers looking for a memorable combination of primates, classic African wildlife and scenic landscapes.
Duration: 18 days / 17 nights
Countries: Kenya and Uganda
Main destinations: Nairobi, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara, Entebbe, Bwindi, Lake Bunyonyi, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kibale Forest
Main highlights: Great Wildebeest Migration, Big Five wildlife viewing, mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking and the Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Safari style: Private guided safari
Recommended travel period: July to October for the Kenya migration experience
Day-by-Day Kenya and Uganda Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi, Kenya
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, where your safari representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel.
Nairobi is one of Africa’s most interesting capital cities, combining modern urban life with easy access to remarkable wildlife destinations. Depending on your arrival time, you can relax at your hotel or enjoy an optional short city excursion.
Your guide will brief you about the safari arrangements and the journey ahead.
Accommodation: Nairobi hotel
Meals: Dinner, depending on arrival time
Day 2: Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast, depart Nairobi and drive towards Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley.
The journey offers scenic views of the escarpment, rolling hills, rural settlements and beautiful landscapes. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch before proceeding for an afternoon game drive.
Lake Nakuru is an important wildlife conservation area, particularly known for its black and white rhinoceroses and Rothschild’s giraffes. Other wildlife includes lions, leopards, buffaloes, zebras, baboons and waterbucks.
The lake is also an important bird habitat, attracting flamingos and numerous other waterbirds when water conditions are favourable.
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Lake Nakuru lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3: Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara National Reserve
After breakfast, depart Lake Nakuru and drive towards the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve.
The journey takes you through the Kenyan countryside and the spectacular Great Rift Valley region before reaching the rolling grasslands of the Mara.
Arrive at your lodge or tented camp, enjoy lunch and prepare for your first afternoon game drive.
The Maasai Mara is among Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations. Its open grasslands support large populations of wildebeest, zebras, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, gazelles and predators such as lions, leopards and cheetahs.
During the migration season, the reserve may also host enormous herds of wildebeest and zebras arriving from Tanzania’s Serengeti ecosystem.
Return to camp for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Maasai Mara lodge or tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4: Full-Day Game Drive in Maasai Mara – Great Migration Experience
After an early breakfast, depart for a full-day wildlife safari across the Maasai Mara plains.
The main objective is to explore areas where migration herds are currently moving. During the appropriate season, large groups of wildebeest and zebras can be seen grazing across the grasslands or gathering near the Mara River.
The Great Migration is one of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife events. Millions of wildebeest, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, move through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of fresh grass and water.
Your professional safari guide will follow current wildlife information to identify promising viewing areas.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the reserve before continuing your afternoon game drive.
Accommodation: Maasai Mara lodge or tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner
Day 5: Maasai Mara – Mara River and Wildebeest Migration
Spend another exciting day exploring the migration areas of the Maasai Mara.
During the migration season, you may visit the Mara River, where large herds sometimes gather before crossing. The river is home to crocodiles, while lions, hyenas and other predators patrol the surrounding grasslands.
River crossings can be dramatic, with wildebeest entering the water in large groups. However, these are natural events and cannot be predicted or guaranteed.
Outside the river areas, explore the open plains in search of predators, elephants, giraffes, zebras and other wildlife.
Return to your camp in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: Maasai Mara lodge or tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 6: Maasai Mara – Big Five Wildlife Safari
Enjoy another full day exploring the wildlife-rich landscapes of the Maasai Mara.
The reserve is home to the famous Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinoceroses, although rhinoceroses are less commonly encountered than the other four species.
Start with an early morning game drive when wildlife activity is often rewarding. Search for lions returning from a hunt, cheetahs scanning the open grasslands and elephants moving through the savannah.
After breakfast or a picnic lunch, continue exploring different parts of the reserve.
Your guide will also help you identify smaller wildlife, birds and interesting animal behaviour.
Accommodation: Maasai Mara lodge or tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 7: Maasai Mara – Optional Balloon Safari and Cultural Experience
Begin the day with an optional hot-air balloon safari over the Maasai Mara.
The experience starts before sunrise, allowing you to float above the savannah as the first light spreads across the plains. From the air, you may see wildlife moving through the grasslands, winding rivers and vast herds below.
After landing, enjoy a bush breakfast before returning to camp.
Alternatively, enjoy an early morning game drive followed by a visit to a local Maasai community. Learn about traditional Maasai culture, pastoral life, music, dance and the community’s relationship with wildlife conservation.
In the afternoon, enjoy another game drive or relax at camp.
Accommodation: Maasai Mara lodge or tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Optional activity: Hot-air balloon safari
Day 8: Maasai Mara to Nairobi
After breakfast, transfer to the local airstrip for a scheduled flight to Nairobi, or travel by road if preferred.
A flight from the Maasai Mara offers a convenient return journey and beautiful aerial views of Kenya’s landscapes.
Upon arrival in Nairobi, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Accommodation: Nairobi hotel
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Day 9: Nairobi to Entebbe, Uganda
After breakfast, transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your flight to Entebbe, Uganda.
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, meet your Ugandan safari representative and transfer to your hotel.
Entebbe is a peaceful lakeside town located on the shores of Lake Victoria. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a relaxing afternoon or an optional visit to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens.
Your guide will brief you about the Ugandan section of the safari, including gorilla trekking arrangements.
Accommodation: Entebbe hotel
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Day 10: Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to a significant population of endangered mountain gorillas.
There are two main ways to reach Bwindi:
- By road: Enjoy a scenic journey through Uganda’s countryside, with views of rolling hills, plantations, villages and beautiful landscapes. The drive can take approximately 8–10 hours or longer depending on your chosen sector and road conditions.
- By scheduled domestic flight: Fly from Entebbe or another designated airport to an appropriate airstrip serving your Bwindi sector, followed by a road transfer to your lodge. Flight schedules and luggage restrictions apply.
Arrive at your lodge and enjoy the surrounding forest scenery. Prepare for the following day’s gorilla trekking experience.
Accommodation: Lodge near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 11: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today is one of the main highlights of your East African adventure.
After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a gorilla trekking briefing. Park rangers will explain the trekking rules, safety guidelines and conservation procedures before allocating visitors to available habituated gorilla families.
Accompanied by experienced trackers and guides, enter the dense rainforest in search of mountain gorillas.
Bwindi’s forest is a remarkable ecosystem of ancient trees, thick vegetation, ferns and steep slopes. The trek can take several hours depending on the location of the gorilla family and the terrain.
When you find the gorillas, you will have a permitted viewing period of up to one hour. Observe them as they feed, groom, rest and interact with one another in their natural habitat.
The encounter is one of Africa’s most memorable wildlife experiences and offers an opportunity to appreciate the importance of mountain gorilla conservation.
After the trek, return to your lodge and relax.
Accommodation: Lodge near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Highlight: Mountain gorilla trekking
Day 12: Bwindi Forest Experience and Community Visit
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed day around Bwindi.
Depending on your interests, you can take a guided forest nature walk, enjoy birdwatching or visit a local community project.
Bwindi is recognised for its exceptional biodiversity, including numerous forest birds, butterflies, monkeys and other wildlife.
A community visit can introduce you to local traditions, crafts, farming activities and the role of tourism in supporting conservation and livelihoods.
You may also choose to rest at your lodge and enjoy the beautiful forest surroundings after the previous day’s trek.
Accommodation: Lodge near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 13: Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi – Scenic Relaxation
After breakfast, depart Bwindi and drive towards Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda’s most beautiful highland lakes.
The journey passes through the picturesque Kigezi region, famous for its terraced hills, green valleys and traditional rural settlements.
Lake Bunyonyi is surrounded by rolling hills and dotted with numerous small islands. It is a peaceful destination for relaxation after the gorilla trekking experience.
Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a boat ride, canoe excursion, lakeside walk or simply relax at your accommodation while taking in the beautiful scenery.
Accommodation: Lake Bunyonyi lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 14: Lake Bunyonyi to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, depart Lake Bunyonyi and drive towards Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The journey takes you through Uganda’s scenic countryside, with opportunities to enjoy the landscapes of the western region.
Arrive at your lodge and enjoy lunch before an afternoon game drive, depending on arrival time.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s most diverse wildlife destinations. Its habitats include savannah grasslands, wetlands, crater lakes, forests and the famous Kazinga Channel.
Wildlife includes elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob, waterbucks, warthogs, hippos, crocodiles and several predator species.
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Queen Elizabeth National Park lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 15: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Enjoy an early morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Explore the savannah plains in search of elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, warthogs, lions and other wildlife. Depending on your itinerary and lodge location, you may explore the Kasenyi Plains or another suitable wildlife area.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George.
The cruise offers excellent opportunities to observe hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and numerous waterbirds along the banks.
The Kazinga Channel is particularly rewarding for wildlife photography and birdwatching.
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Queen Elizabeth National Park lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 16: Queen Elizabeth National Park to Kibale Forest National Park
After breakfast, depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and travel towards Kibale Forest National Park.
Depending on the route, you may pass through the scenic crater-lake region and beautiful landscapes around Fort Portal.
Kibale is famous for its population of chimpanzees and other primates. The forest is one of Uganda’s most important destinations for primate tracking and nature experiences.
Arrive at your lodge and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. You may also take an optional community or crater-lake excursion depending on time and availability.
Accommodation: Lodge near Kibale Forest National Park
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 17: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest and Transfer to Entebbe
After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a chimpanzee trekking briefing.
Accompanied by experienced guides, enter Kibale Forest in search of habituated chimpanzees.
Chimpanzees are among our closest living relatives and are known for their intelligence, social behaviour and complex communication. During the trek, you may observe them feeding, calling, grooming, moving through the trees or interacting within their communities.
Other primates in Kibale include red colobus monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys and grey-cheeked mangabeys.
After the tracking experience, begin the journey back to Entebbe. The road transfer is long, so a suitable departure time and rest stops should be arranged.
Depending on your flight schedule, an additional overnight in Entebbe may be required.
Accommodation: Entebbe hotel
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Highlight: Chimpanzee tracking
Day 18: Departure from Entebbe
After breakfast, transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your international departure flight.
If your flight departs early, breakfast and transfer arrangements will be adjusted accordingly.
This marks the end of your 18-day Kenya Great Migration and Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari.
Meals: Breakfast
Main Highlights of the 18-Day Kenya and Uganda Safari
- Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in Kenya’s Maasai Mara.
- Explore the famous Mara River migration areas.
- Enjoy Big Five wildlife viewing in the Maasai Mara.
- Discover rhinoceroses and birdlife in Lake Nakuru National Park.
- Optional hot-air balloon safari over the Maasai Mara.
- Experience traditional Maasai culture.
- Trek endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
- Explore the scenic landscapes of Lake Bunyonyi.
- Enjoy game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Take a wildlife boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel.
- Track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest.
- Discover Uganda’s beautiful countryside and local communities.
Best Time for the Kenya Great Migration and Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari
The best time to combine the Kenya migration with Uganda gorilla trekking is generally between July and October.
July to October: Great Migration Season
This is the main period when large migration herds commonly move into the Maasai Mara from Tanzania’s Serengeti ecosystem.
July and August can bring the first large herds into Kenya, while August and September are popular months for travellers hoping to witness Mara River crossings. October can also offer migration opportunities, depending on rainfall and the movement of the herds.
The Maasai Mara also provides excellent wildlife viewing beyond the migration, including lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs and buffaloes.
November to March: General Wildlife and Primate Experiences
The Maasai Mara remains an excellent wildlife destination outside the main migration period. Visitors can still enjoy resident wildlife, predator sightings and beautiful savannah landscapes.
Uganda’s gorilla trekking is available throughout the year, subject to permit availability and weather conditions.
April to May: Green Season
The rainy season brings lush vegetation and beautiful scenery to both countries. However, heavy rainfall can make some forest trails and safari roads muddy or challenging.
Uganda has sometimes offered discounted gorilla permits for selected low-season months, but promotional rates and eligibility should be confirmed with Uganda Wildlife Authority before booking.
Important: The Great Migration follows rainfall and grazing conditions, not a fixed calendar. Mara River crossings are unpredictable and cannot be guaranteed.
Suggested Accommodation
The following are examples of properties and accommodation categories to consider. Final selection depends on availability, budget, travel dates and the specific gorilla trekking sector.
| Destination | Suggested accommodation |
|---|---|
| Nairobi | Nairobi Serena Hotel or comparable |
| Lake Nakuru | Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge or comparable |
| Maasai Mara | Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Keekorok Lodge or a migration-season tented camp |
| Entebbe | Best Western Premier Garden Hotel or comparable |
| Bwindi | Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs or a suitable lodge in the allocated sector |
| Lake Bunyonyi | BirdNest Resort or a comparable lakeside lodge |
| Queen Elizabeth | Mweya Safari Lodge or a suitable safari lodge |
| Kibale | Turaco Treetops or a comparable forest lodge |
Safari Inclusions
The final package can be customised, but a typical private safari may include:
- Airport transfers in Kenya and Uganda.
- Accommodation for 17 nights.
- Meals as specified in the itinerary.
- Private safari vehicles and professional driver-guides.
- Lake Nakuru National Park game drives.
- Maasai Mara game drives.
- Uganda gorilla trekking permit.
- Chimpanzee tracking permit, if included.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park game drives.
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise.
- Park and reserve fees included in the agreed quotation.
- Regional or domestic flights specified in the final itinerary.
- Drinking water during safari drives.
- Activities and cultural visits specifically included in the final programme.
Safari Exclusions
Unless specifically included in your quotation, the following are normally excluded:
- International flights to Nairobi and from Entebbe.
- Applicable visas and travel authorisations.
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Optional hot-air balloon safari.
- Tips and personal expenses.
- Laundry and drinks not specified in the package.
- Optional activities not included in the confirmed itinerary.
- Additional accommodation caused by flight schedule changes.
- Any costs arising from itinerary changes outside the agreed package.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I combine Kenya’s Great Migration with Uganda gorilla trekking?
Yes. Kenya and Uganda can be combined into one East African safari. You can explore the Maasai Mara during the migration season before flying to Uganda for mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
2. How many days are enough for Kenya and Uganda?
Eighteen days provides a good opportunity to experience both countries. It allows several days in the Maasai Mara, a gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi and visits to other Ugandan wildlife destinations.
3. What is the best month for the Great Migration in Kenya?
July to October is generally the most popular period for the Kenya migration season. August and September are commonly sought after for possible Mara River crossings, although the timing varies each year.
4. How much is a Uganda gorilla trekking permit?
The standard foreign non-resident gorilla trekking permit was listed at US$800 in Uganda’s July 2024–June 2026 tariff. Rates and promotional offers may change, so confirm the applicable price for your travel date with Uganda Wildlife Authority before booking.
5. Where can I see mountain gorillas in Uganda?
Mountain gorillas can be tracked in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi has several trekking sectors, and the most suitable lodge should be selected after the gorilla permit sector is confirmed.
6. Can I see chimpanzees during this safari?
Yes. The itinerary includes an optional chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale Forest National Park, one of Uganda’s best-known destinations for observing wild chimpanzees.
7. Can I see the Big Five in Kenya?
The Maasai Mara is an excellent destination for searching for lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes and other wildlife. Rhinoceroses are less commonly encountered there, while Lake Nakuru is particularly important for black and white rhino conservation.
8. Is gorilla trekking difficult?
Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding because of steep slopes, thick vegetation, uneven ground and changing weather conditions. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended, and a porter can be hired to assist with carrying personal belongings.
9. What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda?
The minimum age for mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda is 15 years. Travellers should check age requirements for all activities before booking.
10. Can this itinerary be arranged as a private safari?
Yes. The itinerary can be organised as a private guided safari with dedicated guides and vehicles in Kenya and Uganda. Accommodation, transportation and activities can be customised according to your interests and budget.
11. Can I add Murchison Falls National Park?
Yes. Murchison Falls can be included by extending the itinerary or replacing some of the existing destinations. It is famous for its powerful waterfall, Nile River boat cruises, game drives and diverse wildlife.
12. Can I extend the safari to Rwanda or Tanzania?
Yes. Travellers can extend their holiday to Rwanda for additional gorilla and golden monkey experiences, or to Tanzania for Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire and other wildlife destinations.
Book Your Kenya Great Migration and Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari
Experience two of Africa’s greatest wildlife adventures in one unforgettable holiday. From the enormous wildebeest herds of Kenya’s Maasai Mara to the endangered mountain gorillas of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, this 18-day journey offers a remarkable combination of wildlife, primates, cultural encounters and scenic landscapes.
At Self drive in Kenya, we organise customised East African holidays, including Kenya Great Migration Safaris, Maasai Mara Wildlife Safaris, Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tours, Bwindi Gorilla Safaris, Uganda Wildlife Safaris and multi-country East African adventures.
We can arrange gorilla permits, accommodation, regional flights, private safari vehicles, professional driver-guides and personalised travel programmes.
Whether you are travelling as a couple, family or small private group, we can customise this itinerary to match your preferred travel dates, accommodation standards and budget.
Contact Self drive in Kenya today to plan your 18-day Kenya Great Migration and Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari. Discover the wildlife of the Maasai Mara and experience the unforgettable mountain gorillas of Uganda.