8 Days Masai Mara and Gorillas

Experience an exhilarating 8 Days Uganda gorilla tour and Masai Mara safari that showcases the incredible wildlife treasures of Africa. Prepare for an exhilarating experience as you encounter 6 of Africa’s iconic animals – mountain gorillas, lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes. Uganda boasts a remarkable presence of the endangered mountain gorillas, housing half of their total population. These locations are nestled within two national parks – Bwindi and Mgahinga. Uganda is an incredible destination for tracking chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The Democratic Republic of Congo could pose challenges to Uganda’s standing down the line.

Chimpanzees and the Masai MaraOne of the remarkable aspects of Uganda, especially when compared to Kenya, is the breathtaking scenery and diverse landscape. Uganda boasts lush landscapes and an incredible variety of wildlife, and this becomes evident as you journey through the national parks in Western Uganda. While Kenya may not be known primarily for primates, it stands out as one of the top three destinations for an unforgettable safari experience in Africa. The Maasai Mara National Reserve is home to one of the most renowned wildlife conservation sites globally. The Masai Mara stands as a remarkable marvel of the world and ranks as the fourth most frequented national park globally. It stands as the premier tourist destination in Kenya, teeming with an array of mammals such as buffaloes, crocodiles, elephants, giraffes, hippos, hyenas, jackals, leopards, lions, rhinos, warthogs, wild dogs, wildebeests, and zebras. When one envisions the Maasai Mara National Reserve, the first image that springs to mind is the spectacular wildebeest migration. As the herbivores embark on their journey, they are closely followed by a host of predators including wild dogs, jackals, hyenas, lions, cheetahs, and vultures, making their way from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the Masai Mara and back again. This incredible wildlife spectacle draws more than 100,000 visitors to Kenya and Tanzania from July through October.

8 days of exploration in Uganda and the Masai Mara in KenyaThis 8-day safari in Uganda and Kenya promises an exciting experience, featuring chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park. Renowned as the primate’s capital of the world, Kibale forest offers an exhilarating experience for tracking wild chimpanzees in Africa. As they follow the chimps, tourists have the chance to encounter more than six other fascinating primate species, such as Colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, baboons, and Vervet monkeys. By the end of this 8-day safari, you will have experienced incredible interactions with Africa’s wildlife and its people, while exploring the vibrant city of Kampala and the charming town of Jinja, home to the source of the great river Nile. If you are inclined to explore the gorillas in Rwanda, you will discover a captivating 7 Days Rwanda gorilla trekking and Masai Mara package that will pique your interest. We offer an incredible 3-day safari in Masai Mara for those eager to witness the majestic big five mammals of Africa. If you are captivated by the wonders of Tanzania and the majestic gorillas of Rwanda, take a look at our 6 Days Rwanda gorilla safari and Serengeti tour.

Day 1: Journey to Kibale National Park – Explore the enchanting Bigodi Swamp and the stunning Crater Lakes

Your Guide/Driver will meet you at your hotel to embark on the exciting journey to Kibale National Park. You journey through the stunning Ugandan landscape, observing farmers tending to their gardens and vibrant markets lining the roadside. 8 days of exploring the Bwindi gorilla habitat and the breathtaking Masai Mara, all while experiencing a dynamic landscape. Lunch will be in the enchanting town of Fort Portal. Following lunch, the Guide will lead you to the park and escort you to your hotel for check-in. After a brief respite, you will embark on an exciting journey to explore the Bigodi Swamp and Crater Lakes. The Bigodi Swamp is a premier destination for bird enthusiasts in Uganda. It serves as a home for smaller primates and antelopes such as the Sitatunga. The crater lakes are a stunning natural phenomenon that emerged from the dynamic processes of the East African Rift Valley. Prepare for an exhilarating journey as you embark on a guided tour to uncover these incredible destinations.

Enjoy a delightful dinner and a cozy overnight stay at Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse (Budget and Mid-range) or indulge in the luxury of Papaya Lake Lodge.

Day 2: Embark on an exhilarating chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale – Journey onward to the enchanting Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Rise at 6:30 and enjoy a hearty breakfast. It’s a great idea to request your hotel to pack some light snacks for your adventure, just in case you find yourself feeling hungry along the way. Your adventure begins as the Guide arrives to whisk you away to the park offices for an exciting briefing. Kibale National Park is home to more than 1500 chimpanzees, inviting exploration and excitement at every turn. This destination offers unparalleled opportunities to observe wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The likelihood of encountering chimpanzees in Kibale Forest is nearly as certain as experiencing the thrill of gorilla trekking in Bwindi and the wonders of the Masai Mara. The Guides will lead you through the briefing notes and share tips on how to interact with the chimps. Chimps exhibit a strikingly different set of behaviors compared to mountain gorillas. They are lively, determined, and expressive. They inhabit larger groups, and their allegiance to the dominant alpha male is not as steadfast as that observed in mountain gorillas. Chimps enjoy spending extended time in the treetops and indulging in meat, unlike mountain gorillas, who stick to a vegetarian diet. You will notice that each chimp has its own unique personality, unlike the more uniform nature of mountain gorillas. Chimps can exhibit a fiercer demeanor compared to mountain gorillas. Prepare for an exhilarating hour as you dive into the fascinating world of primates and uncover the secrets of their behavior. Use this moment to keenly watch the group. You will observe the interactions within the group, adults caring for one another, mothers nurturing their young, and so much more. After an hour, our Guide will collect you and treat you to lunch before embarking on the exciting journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Dinner and an overnight stay at Broadbill camp (budget), Rushaga Gorilla Camp (mid-range), or Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (luxury)

Day 3: Embark on an exhilarating journey to track gorillas in Bwindi – Experience the rich culture of the Batwa Pygmies

8 days unforgettable journey through Uganda and KenyaRise with the sun, enjoy a hearty breakfast, and eagerly await the Guide who will lead you to the park office for an exciting briefing. We suggest asking the hotel chef to prepare a packed snack for you, just in case you feel a bit peckish while exploring the gorillas. The park Guides will lead the briefing, sharing insights about Mountain gorillas, their current status, and conservation efforts. They will inform you about the guidelines for gorilla tracking and what essentials to bring along for the journey. During the briefing, a team of 8 individuals is designated to a single gorilla group. Embark on an exhilarating 8-day journey of gorilla tracking in Bwindi, Uganda, and a thrilling safari in Masai Mara. The Rangers will guide you through dense forests, breathtaking valleys, and majestic hills as you seek out these incredible creatures. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi typically lasts from two to six hours. As you journey through the forest, you will meet a variety of fascinating creatures, from playful primates to vibrant birds, delicate butterflies, and unique plants waiting to be discovered. The bond within the family becomes evident as you start to hear the deep grunts of the dominant Silverback, ensuring that all members stay in line. Spend an hour with the gorillas and immerse yourself in their fascinating behaviors. You will discover that Mountain gorillas exhibit behaviors strikingly similar to our own. After an exhilarating time with the gorillas and capturing countless photos, you will be guided back to the pack offices to receive your certificate of completion. The Guide will lead you back to the hotel for a delightful lunch and refreshing drinks.

In the afternoon, the Driver/Guide will lead you on an exciting visit to the Batwa pygmies. The Batwa pygmies thrived in the lush forests of Bwindi for millennia before being displaced for improved park management and the protection of its wildlife. The Batwa thrived as forest gatherers and hunters, navigating their existence in a world full of challenges and unknowns. They could sidestep conflict with other tribal groups by venturing into the depths of the forest. After their eviction, they found themselves navigating a world full of challenges. Some view their removal from the forest without proper preparation or compensation as a challenging consequence of wildlife conservation. Moreover, the Batwa have encountered challenges in navigating a competitive world. Their unexpected eviction left them with no opportunity to explore farming or business ventures. The Batwa face the challenge of marginalization from the tribes they had long kept their distance from.

Dinner and overnight at Broadbill Forest Camp (budget), Rushaga Gorilla Camp (mid-range), or Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (luxury)

Day 4: Journey back to Kampala – Visit Igongo Cultural Centre – Cross the Equator – Evening City Tour

8 days exploring the gorillas of Uganda and the wildlife of KenyaRise at your own pace and anticipate the arrival of the Guide and Driver as you embark on the journey back to Kampala. Your journey back to Kampala will take you along an alternate route. This path leads to Kabale and Kisoro. The scenery is breathtaking, often likened to the Switzerland of Africa, showcasing stunning forests, majestic highlands, and picturesque valleys. Lunch will be at Mbarara (Igongo Cultural Centre) or at the Equator crossing in Kayabwe (Masaka District). A visit to the equator is essential, providing a chance to capture stunning photos at the unique point where the northern and southern hemispheres converge.

Upon arriving in Kampala, your Guide/Driver will escort you to your hotel, where you can unwind, take a refreshing shower, and rejuvenate yourself. He will then guide you on an evening exploration of Kampala city to pick up some souvenirs and catch glimpses of a few landmarks.

Dinner and overnight at Excellent Hotel Kampala (Budget), Cassia Lodge Buziga (Mid-range), Lake Victoria Serena Hotel (Luxury), and Sheraton Hotel Kampala (Luxury).

Day 5: Thrilling whitewater rafting in Jinja – Exploring the Source of the Nile – Journey to Nairobi

Embark on a thrilling journey through the wilderness with Gorilla Trekking and a Masai Mara safari.Rise with the sun and enjoy a hearty breakfast before embarking on the exciting journey to Jinja. Jinja is famous for offering exhilarating activities that will get your heart racing in Africa. It is also an ideal spot to unwind after an exhilarating journey through Uganda.  While in Jinja, you will embark on an exciting town tour and explore the legendary source of the Nile. Following your exploration of the Nile’s origin, you will embark on an exhilarating journey for whitewater rafting in Jinja. Once you have wrapped up your adventures in Jinja, the Driver will begin the journey back to Entebbe, ensuring you arrive in time for your flight to Nairobi.

Dinner and overnight will be at Meridian Hotel Kenya or Sopa Lodges, where every moment promises excitement and discovery.

Day 6: Journey from Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve – Afternoon Safari Adventure

Gorilla expedition and Masai MaraRise with the sun and embark on an exciting journey from Nairobi to the enchanting western region of Kenya. Your journey will lead you to the Masai Mara Game Reserve, where you will check into your hotel, enjoy a delightful lunch, and gear up for an exciting afternoon or evening game drive. The Masai Mara Game Reserve stands as Kenya’s most popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts. This place boasts an incredible array of wildlife, including all of the big five mammals of Africa, along with dik dik, hartebeest, wildebeest, Masai giraffe, and Thompson’s gazelle, among countless other fascinating species.  The game drive concludes as the sun sets, leading you back to the lodge for a well-deserved rest.

Enjoy a delightful dinner and a night’s stay at the luxurious Mara Serena lodge, the comfortable Mara Sopa lodge, or the budget-friendly Lenchada Tourist tented Camp.

Day 7: An exhilarating day of Balloon Safari in the Mara, filled with game drives and the thrill of exploring the Masai Mara national game reserve.

Rise at 6:30 and enjoy breakfast as you gear up for an exciting day ahead. The driver will collect you from your lodge and transport you into the heart of the reserve. The Masai Mara is a well-structured reserve featuring excellent road networks that enable close encounters with wildlife and the opportunity to capture stunning photographs. Your day will begin with an exhilarating morning game drive, followed by a serene float over the stunning savanna in a hot air balloon. Prepare to encounter the magnificent big five mammals – lions, leopards (if fortune smiles upon you), rhinos, elephants, and buffaloes. You will encounter foxes, jackals, zebras, impalas, cheetahs, and hyenas, along with many other remarkable creatures. In the heart of the day, you will enjoy a picnic lunch at the hippo pool, taking in the sights of crocodiles and hippos around you.

Enjoy a delightful dinner and a cozy overnight stay at Mara Serena lodge (Luxury), Mara Sopa lodge (Mid-range), or Lenchada Tourist tented Camp (Budget).

Day 8: Explore the Masai Villages – Journey back to Nairobi

An exhilarating journey through Bwindi and Masai MaraRise at your own pace and enjoy a leisurely breakfast as you get ready to embark on your next journey from the hotel. The driver will guide you on an exciting journey to meet the Masai warriors and nomadic herdsmen. The Masai stand out as one of the most renowned tribes in Africa. They inhabit both the reserve and its surroundings, tending to their livestock as a means of survival. While with the Masai, you can immerse yourself in their rich cultural heritage as shared by the elders. Prepare to embark on a journey to the crawls, where you will encounter fascinating animals and discover their significance to the tribe. After an exhilarating time with the Masai, you will embark on your journey back to Nairobi, where you will be dropped off at the airport or your hotel.

End of tour 

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