12-Day Masai Mara, Gorilla Trekking & Rwanda Safari
Embark on the journey of a lifetime with this 12-day Kenya Uganda Rwanda Safari Holiday, a carefully designed expedition that takes you through the heart of East Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations. From the rolling plains of Kenya’s Masai Mara to the misty highlands of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and the volcanic peaks of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, this itinerary promises unmatched diversity, raw beauty, and unforgettable encounters with nature.
This is not just a safari it’s an immersion into Africa’s soul. You will trace the footsteps of great explorers across open savannahs alive with lions, elephants, and the Great Migration herds, and then transition into Uganda’s lush jungles where chimpanzees chatter in ancient trees. Finally, stand face to face with the world’s most majestic primates the mountain gorillas in the very forests that inspired conservation legends.
An Extraordinary East African Safari Experience by Ngeye Tours and Travel
Every day is crafted to balance adventure with comfort, combining thrilling wildlife encounters, scenic drives, cultural immersions, and rejuvenating relaxation. You’ll visit local Maasai villages, glide across serene lakes, witness vibrant birdlife, and explore two of Africa’s great natural ecosystems the Great Rift Valley and the Virunga Volcanoes.
Your accommodations are set in prime locations, ensuring comfort and authentic safari charm. Each lodge and camp enhances your experience with personalized hospitality, breathtaking views, and a connection to the wild that only East Africa can offer.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning explorer, this itinerary offers the ultimate Kenya Uganda Rwanda safari, blending wildlife, culture, and natural wonder in one seamless adventure.
Day 1: Drive to Masai Mara National Reserve – Visit a Maasai Village
Your adventure begins with an early pickup from your Nairobi hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by your private Ngeye Tours guide. As you leave the bustling city behind, the journey unfolds through the Great Rift Valley, offering stunning panoramic views, colorful roadside markets, and glimpses of rural Kenyan life.
En route to the Masai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife sanctuaries, you’ll stop at a traditional Maasai village (Manyatta) for an enriching cultural experience. Here, you’ll meet the proud Maasai people famous for their vibrant attire, distinctive customs, and deep connection to the land. Engage in traditional dances, visit their homes made of mud and dung, and listen as they share stories of courage, cattle, and co-existence with wildlife. This cultural immersion sets the tone for the authentic encounters that await throughout your safari.
In the afternoon, you’ll continue your scenic drive to your camp near the reserve. As the sun dips over the horizon, the golden plains of the Mara come alive with herds of zebras and antelopes grazing peacefully. Dinner awaits at your lodge, followed by a tranquil evening under the African sky, the air filled with the sounds of nature a lion’s distant roar or the soft chirping of crickets.
Main Destination: Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya)
Accommodation: Sunset Camp Masai Mara – Budget tented camp less than 1 hour from the park
Meals & Drinks: Lunch and Dinner included; Drinking water provided
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive in Masai Mara National Reserve
After a hearty breakfast, set out for a full-day game drive in the Masai Mara, Kenya’s crown jewel of safari destinations. This vast expanse of savannah, dotted with acacia trees, is home to the legendary Big Five lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino as well as countless other species.
Your expert guide will navigate the park’s diverse habitats, from open plains to riverine forests, as you search for Africa’s most iconic animals. Watch as elephants graze peacefully near the Mara River, cheetahs stalk through tall grass, and prides of lions lounge in the shade. During the migration season (July–October), you may witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, one of the most spectacular natural events on Earth. Over a million wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles thunder across the plains, pursued by predators a sight that captures the raw power of nature.
Lunch will be served picnic-style in the bush, offering a moment to relax amid breathtaking scenery. In the afternoon, continue your exploration as the golden light of the setting sun paints the landscape. Return to camp in the evening, filled with incredible memories and photos to cherish.
Main Destination: Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya)
Accommodation: Sunset Camp Masai Mara
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; Drinking water provided
Day 3: Second Full-Day Inside Masai Mara National Reserve
Another day in the Masai Mara gives you a deeper connection with this extraordinary wilderness. You’ll depart at dawn, when predators are most active and the morning mist rises from the plains. Your guide will follow fresh tracks and use their expertise to find elusive species such as leopards, serval cats, or even the rare black rhino.
Each drive reveals new drama and beauty perhaps a lioness with cubs, giraffes moving gracefully across the horizon, or a herd of elephants crossing a river. The diversity and abundance of life in the Mara are unmatched. Between sightings, your guide will share insights into animal behavior, conservation challenges, and the delicate balance that sustains this ecosystem.
After your picnic lunch, you’ll venture to the Mara River, where crocodiles and hippos coexist in fascinating tension. The riverbanks often tell tales of migration crossings and the struggle for survival that defines Africa’s wild heart. Return to camp in the late afternoon, relax by the fire, and reflect on a day immersed in nature’s grand theater.
Main Destination: Mara River (Kenya)
Accommodation: Sunset Camp Masai Mara
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; Drinking water provided
Day 4: Lake Nakuru National Park – Afternoon Game Drive
After breakfast, bid farewell to the Masai Mara as you journey toward Lake Nakuru National Park, one of Kenya’s most picturesque and ecologically rich parks. The drive takes you through fertile highlands, bustling towns, and dramatic landscapes as you descend once again into the Great Rift Valley.
Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy an afternoon game drive through the park’s diverse habitats from acacia woodlands to rocky escarpments. Lake Nakuru is world-renowned for its flamingos that blanket the shores in pink hues and for being a sanctuary for both white and black rhinos. You may also encounter Rothschild giraffes, lions, buffaloes, and tree-climbing lions.
As the day draws to a close, the shimmering lake reflects the orange glow of the sunset a photographer’s paradise. Check into your comfortable hotel in Nakuru and unwind after an exhilarating day of travel and discovery.
Main Destination: Lake Nakuru National Park (Kenya)
Accommodation: Merica Hotel – Mid-range hotel near the park
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; Drinking water provided
Day 5: Morning Game Drive in Nakuru and Lake Naivasha Boat Ride
Rise early for a morning game drive in Lake Nakuru, when wildlife is most active. With luck, you may spot leopards hunting in the acacia forests or rhinos grazing near the shores. The park’s mix of open plains and wetlands makes it a prime birdwatching site, home to pelicans, fish eagles, and numerous migratory species.
Afterward, you’ll continue to Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake renowned for its tranquil beauty and abundant birdlife. Here, you’ll embark on a boat ride across the shimmering waters, gliding past hippos and watching cormorants and kingfishers along the shoreline. The lake is also a haven for fish eagles, often seen swooping dramatically for their prey.
Later in the afternoon, transfer to Nairobi for your evening flight to Entebbe, Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. Upon arrival, your Ugandan guide will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Main Destination: Lake Naivasha (Kenya)
Accommodation: K Hotels – Mid-range hotel in Entebbe (Uganda)
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; Drinking water provided
Day 6: Drive to Kibale National Park – Journey into the Forest
After breakfast, your journey through Uganda begins as you head west toward Kibale National Park, known as the “Primate Capital of the World.” The drive passes through scenic countryside, vibrant markets, and lush tea plantations that carpet the hillsides.
You’ll arrive in the afternoon and settle into your lodge nestled near the forest. Optional activities include a guided crater lake walk, where you can explore volcanic landscapes and enjoy stunning views of rural Uganda. As evening falls, the forest hums with life a preview of the adventure that awaits tomorrow.
Main Destination: Kibale National Park (Uganda)
Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge – Mid-range guesthouse
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; Drinking water provided
Day 7: Cultural Encounters & Journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Today offers a blend of nature, culture, and exploration. In the morning, choose from enriching experiences such as:
A visit to a local vanilla plantation to learn about Uganda’s organic farming heritage.
A guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community project rich in birdlife and home to colobus monkeys.
A crater lake hike offering panoramic views and encounters with friendly villagers.
After your chosen activity, continue your drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most visited wildlife reserve. The park’s diverse ecosystems open savannah, forests, and wetlands host an incredible range of species. Arrive in the afternoon and check into your lodge overlooking the plains.
Main Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park (Uganda)
Accommodation: Irungu Forest Safari Lodge – Mid-range lodge
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; Drinking water provided
Day 8: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
Your day begins with a morning game drive across the Kasenyi plains, where lions hunt for Uganda kob, elephants stroll through the grasslands, and buffalo gather in large herds. The park’s varied terrain offers exceptional photography opportunities and a real sense of wilderness.
In the afternoon, embark on a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. This experience is a highlight of any Uganda safari, offering close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and countless waterbirds. The channel’s rich biodiversity and relaxed atmosphere make it one of the most rewarding wildlife experiences in East Africa.
Return to your lodge for dinner and a restful evening surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature.
Main Destination: Kazinga Channel (Queen Elizabeth NP, Uganda)
Accommodation: Irungu Forest Safari Lodge
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; Drinking water provided
Day 9: Chimpanzee Trekking & Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
This morning, you’ll head to Kalinzu Forest Reserve for an exciting chimpanzee trekking experience. Led by experienced guides, you’ll follow fresh nests, tracks, and calls through the forest until you encounter a troop of wild chimpanzees. Watching them play, groom, and communicate is both thrilling and deeply moving.
Afterward, you’ll journey southwest to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its endangered mountain gorillas. The drive offers breathtaking scenery rolling hills, tea plantations, and charming rural villages. Arrive in Bwindi by evening and settle into your lodge on the forest’s edge, where the air is cool and filled with the songs of tropical birds.
Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda)
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge – Mid-range lodge
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; Drinking water provided
Day 10: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today marks the pinnacle of your East African safari the unforgettable gorilla trekking experience. After an early breakfast, you’ll receive a briefing at the park headquarters before setting off with your guide into the dense forest. The trek can range from one to six hours, depending on the gorillas’ movements, but every step through this ancient ecosystem is rewarding.
When you finally meet your allocated gorilla family, you’ll spend a full hour observing them watching as juveniles play, mothers nurture their young, and the mighty silverback surveys his domain. It’s an emotional and transformative moment, often described as one of the greatest wildlife experiences on Earth.
Afterward, return to the lodge for lunch and continue to Lake Mutanda, a stunning volcanic lake framed by the Virunga Mountains.
Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda)
Accommodation: Mutanda Lake Resort – Mid-range lodge
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; Drinking water provided
Day 11: Exploring Lake Mutanda by Boat – Scenic Transfer to Rwanda
After breakfast, enjoy a boat excursion on Lake Mutanda, often called “Uganda’s Hidden Gem.” The serene waters reflect the peaks of the Virunga Volcanoes, and you’ll glide past small islands and fishermen in dugout canoes. This peaceful morning offers a perfect counterpoint to the excitement of gorilla trekking.
Later, embark on a scenic drive across the border into Rwanda, passing terraced hills and rural villages. Arrive at your lodge near Volcanoes National Park, the final leg of your East African odyssey.
Main Destination: Lake Mutanda (Uganda)
Accommodation: Kinigi Cottage – Mid-range guesthouse near Volcanoes NP (Rwanda)
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; Drinking water provided
Day 12: Golden Monkey Trekking or Dian Fossey Hike – Departure from Kigali
Your final morning offers two extraordinary options:
Golden Monkey Trekking: Track the rare and playful golden monkeys, known for their bright coats and energetic movements through the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park.
Dian Fossey Hike: A moving journey to the tomb of primatologist Dian Fossey, whose groundbreaking work protected mountain gorillas and changed the world’s view of primate conservation.
After your chosen activity, you’ll drive to Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant and clean capital city. Depending on your flight schedule, you may visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial or local markets before being dropped off at the airport, marking the end of your unforgettable Kenya–Uganda–Rwanda safari holiday.
Main Destination: Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)
Accommodation: End of Tour (No accommodation)
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; Drinking water provided
Safari Inclusions
Airport transfers on arrival and departure
Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
All park entry fees and government taxes
Professional English-speaking driver/guides
4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for game viewing
Game drives in Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Queen Elizabeth NP
Gorilla trekking permit (Uganda)
Chimpanzee trekking permit (Kalinzu Forest)
Golden Monkey trekking permit or Dian Fossey hike
Boat safaris on Lake Naivasha, Lake Mutanda, and Kazinga Channel
Cultural visits (Maasai village and Bigodi community walk)
Drinking water on all safari days
Safari Exclusions
International flights
Kenya and Uganda visas
Rwanda visa (can be applied online or at the border)
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Personal expenses (souvenirs, tips, drinks, laundry, etc.)
Meals and accommodations before/after the tour unless stated