9 Day Kenya and Uganda Safari

 

This 9 Day Kenya and Uganda Safari combines East Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations into one smooth, professionally guided journey. You will explore the world-famous Maasai Mara, cross into Tanzania for the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, then fly to Rwanda and continue into Uganda for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The itinerary is designed for travelers who want a balanced mix of wildlife, scenery, comfort, and adventure. It includes scheduled game drives, border crossings, flight connections, guided forest trekking, cultural landscapes, and time to unwind at Lake Bunyonyi before returning home through Kigali.

 

Every destination offers something unique  the open savannas of the Mara, the endless plains of the Serengeti, the dramatic Ngorongoro Crater, Rwanda’s rolling hills, Uganda’s misty rainforests, and the tranquil waters of Lake Bunyonyi. This safari is organized to ensure smooth transfers, comfortable accommodations, professional guiding, and memorable wildlife encounters from start to finish.

Arrival

You will be picked up from the airport and transferred to your Nairobi hotel (optional pre-tour accommodation can be arranged).

Day 1: Into the Maasai Mara

 

Depart Nairobi early for the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Rift Valley before entering one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife areas. Arrive at the lodge in time for lunch. In the afternoon, head out for your first game drive, searching for elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, cheetahs, and other wildlife spread across the golden plains.

Accommodation: Zebra Plains Mara Camp

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive in Maasai Mara

 

Spend the entire day exploring the Mara with a packed lunch. The reserve offers excellent chances to see the Big Five, large herds of herbivores, big cats, and numerous bird species. Enjoy uninterrupted wildlife viewing as you move through different parts of the reserve. Return to camp in the evening.

Accommodation: Zebra Plains Mara Camp

Meals: All meals

 

Day 3: Maasai Mara to Serengeti (Isebania Border)

 

Enjoy an early morning game drive as you exit the Mara. Continue to the Isebania border for immigration formalities before entering Tanzania. Proceed into Serengeti National Park, arriving in the afternoon. Enjoy wildlife sightings along the way as you drive to your camp.

Accommodation: Enkirari Wilderness Camp

Meals: All meals

 

Day 4: Full-Day Serengeti Game Drive

 

Spend the day exploring the Serengeti’s central plains. This region is known for its large predators, resident herbivores, and vast open landscapes. Enjoy game drives at your preferred pace, stopping for lunch in the wilderness. Return to camp for dinner and relaxation.

Accommodation: Enkirari Wilderness Camp

Meals: All meals

 

Day 5: Serengeti to Ngorongoro

 

Start with an early morning game drive in the Serengeti, then drive toward Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Ascend to the crater highlands and arrive at your lodge overlooking the spectacular caldera.

Accommodation: Pakulala Safari Camp

Meals: All meals

 

Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater Tour → Drive to Arusha

 

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game viewing experience. The crater floor hosts lions, elephants, buffaloes, hyenas, zebras, wildebeests, and the rare black rhino. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the Hippo Pool. Later, ascend the crater rim and drive to Arusha, arriving in the afternoon.

Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge

Meals: All meals

Day 7: Flight to Kigali → Transfer to Bwindi (Uganda)

 

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your morning flight from Arusha to Kigali. On arrival, meet your guide and drive toward the Uganda–Rwanda border. Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, arriving in the evening.

Accommodation: Gorilla Leisure Lodge

Meals: All meals

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking → Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

 

Begin the day with a gorilla trekking briefing at the park headquarters. Enter the forest with your ranger guides in search of a gorilla family. Spend one hour observing these magnificent primates before returning for your trekking certificate. Later, drive to Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation and optional activities.

Accommodation: Birdnest Bunyonyi Resort

Meals: All meals

 

Day 9: Relaxed Morning → Transfer to Kigali → Departure

 

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast by the lake. Optional short activities may be arranged depending on your flight time. Afterward, drive to Kigali for your international departure flight. This marks the end of your 9-day Kenya–Uganda safari.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

 

Safari Inclusions

All accommodation as listed in the itinerary

All meals as indicated

All ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle

Professional English-speaking driver guides

Park entry fees for all listed national parks

Game drives in Maasai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro

Gorilla trekking permit (if included in package)

Flight from Arusha to Kigali

Border transfers between Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda

Drinking water in the safari vehicle

Airport pick-up and drop-off

 

Safari Exclusions

International flights

Visa fees for Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda & Uganda

Optional activities not listed in the itinerary

Personal travel insurance

Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages

Tips for guides, porters, and hotel staff

Additional accommodation before or after the safari

Laundry services (unless provided by the lodge)