11-Day Gorillas, Masai Mara & Zanzibar Safari Holiday

This exceptional 11-day safari holiday by Ngeye Tours and Travel brings together three of East Africa’s most sought-after destinations the mysterious jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, the endless savannahs of the Masai Mara in Kenya, and the serene tropical beaches of Zanzibar in Tanzania. It’s an incredible blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation designed for travelers who want to experience the very best of Africa in one seamless itinerary.

Your 11-Day Gorillas, Masai Mara & Zanzibar Safari begins in Uganda affectionately known as the Pearl of Africa. Upon arrival in Entebbe, you’ll be warmly received by our expert driver guide who will transfer you to your accommodation to rest after your international flight. The following morning, a scenic flight to Kihihi Airstrip unveils the beauty of Uganda from above, leading you into the heart of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas.

After your close encounter with the gorillas, you’ll fly to Kenya’s world famous Masai Mara National Reserve a land of golden plains teeming with wildlife. Here, the Big Five roam freely, and every sunrise and sunset reveals the drama of the wild. Whether you’re witnessing lions stalking their prey, elephants moving gracefully across the plains, or taking an optional hot air balloon safari, the Masai Mara delivers unforgettable moments.

Finally, your adventure concludes in Zanzibar, the enchanting island known for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and rich Swahili culture. You’ll have four days to unwind on white sandy shores, swim in the warm Indian Ocean, explore Stone Town, visit spice plantations, or simply relax in a tropical paradise that perfectly complements your safari experience.

This 11-Day Gorillas, Masai Mara & Zanzibar Safari from the forests of Uganda to the plains of Kenya and the shores of Zanzibar is the ultimate East African safari circuit. Crafted with precision by Ngeye Tours and Travel, it guarantees not only comfort and safety but also a deep connection with the land, people, and wildlife that make Africa such a captivating destination.

 

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Gateway to the Pearl of Africa

Welcome to Uganda, the land of stunning landscapes and warm hospitality. Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by your personal driver-guide from Ngeye Tours and Travel, easily identifiable by a placard bearing your name. After a brief introduction and refreshment, you’ll be transferred to your accommodation The Guineafowl Guest House, a charming mid-range lodge set within lush tropical gardens and offering the ideal ambiance for relaxation after a long flight.

Entebbe sits on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest freshwater lake, and serves as Uganda’s primary gateway for international visitors. Depending on your arrival time, you may take a leisurely stroll through the botanical gardens, enjoy birdwatching along the lakeshore, or simply unwind at your guesthouse terrace as you listen to the evening sounds of crickets and frogs.

Your driver guide will brief you on the upcoming safari experience, including your internal flight to Kihihi and your gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Dinner can be arranged at one of Entebbe’s delightful restaurants overlooking the lake, where you can enjoy freshly grilled tilapia with Ugandan spices.

Main Destination: Entebbe (City, Uganda)
Accommodation: The Guineafowl Guest House – Mid-range
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast included (Lunch & Dinner excluded)

Day 2: Scenic Flight to Kihihi – Transfer to Bwindi Lodge

After breakfast, you’ll return to Entebbe Airport for a scenic morning flight with Aerolink Uganda to Kihihi Airstrip, located near the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This short but breathtaking journey takes you low over Uganda’s rolling hills, green tea plantations, and sparkling crater lakes offering panoramic views that capture the essence of the country’s nickname, the Pearl of Africa.

Upon arrival in Kihihi, your Ngeye Tours driver will meet you for a two hour drive to Mahogany Springs Lodge, your base for the next two nights. Nestled on the edge of Bwindi Forest, this elegant lodge combines comfort, tranquility, and sustainability. Each suite offers sweeping views of the forest canopy home to the famous mountain gorillas.

This afternoon is yours to relax or participate in optional activities at an additional cost. You may explore the nearby community on a Batwa cultural walk, meet local artisans, or enjoy birdwatching excursions that reveal Uganda’s incredible diversity of species. Bwindi is home to over 360 bird species, including the African green broadbill and the crowned hornbill.

The evening unfolds around a campfire at Mahogany Springs, where you can share stories with fellow travelers under a canopy of stars. The excitement builds as you prepare for the highlight of your safari gorilla trekking tomorrow morning.

Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Accommodation: Mahogany Springs Lodge – Luxury
Meals & Drinks: All meals included (Drinks excluded)

 

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Today marks the ultimate highlight of your Uganda experience tracking mountain gorillas in the ancient and mysterious Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After an early breakfast, you’ll proceed to the park headquarters for a pre-trek briefing conducted by experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. You’ll learn about the history of the gorilla families, trekking protocols, and what to expect during the hike.

Equipped with your packed lunch and walking stick, you’ll set off on an adventure through thick undergrowth, tangled vines, and mist-covered slopes in search of one of nine habituated gorilla families. The trek can take anywhere from 2 to 7 hours depending on the gorillas’ movement, but every step through this UNESCO World Heritage forest is a journey of discovery filled with the songs of tropical birds, chattering monkeys, and the earthy scent of the jungle.

When you finally encounter a gorilla family, all fatigue fades away. You’ll spend one precious hour observing these gentle giants the silverback watching protectively, mothers grooming their young, and juveniles tumbling playfully. It’s a deeply emotional experience that connects you to nature in its purest form.

After the trek, return to your lodge to relax and enjoy a well-deserved rest. You might choose to indulge in a soothing massage, take in the view of the forest, or share stories with other trekkers about the day’s adventure.

Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Accommodation: Mahogany Springs Lodge – Luxury
Meals & Drinks: All meals included (Drinks excluded)

Day 4–6: On Safari in the Masai Mara National Reserve

This morning, you’ll board a return flight from Kihihi to Entebbe, then connect to a flight bound for Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve  one of the most iconic wildlife destinations in Africa. Upon arrival, your driver-guide will transfer you to Saruni Mara Camp, a luxury lodge located within the exclusive Mara North Conservancy.

For the next three days, you’ll explore the Masai Mara’s incredible landscapes, famous for their golden grasslands, scattered acacia trees, and rich concentration of wildlife. Every game drive here feels like a scene straight from a nature documentary. You’ll spot herds of wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, buffalo, and elephant. Predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs roam freely, offering thrilling photographic opportunities.

During the annual Great Migration (July to October), millions of wildebeest cross the Mara River in a heart-stopping spectacle of survival one of the greatest natural shows on Earth. Outside migration season, the Mara remains just as impressive, offering incredible predator-prey interactions year-round.

Optional activities include a hot air balloon safari at sunrise drifting silently over the plains as the first light reveals the beauty of the African wilderness. You can also visit a traditional Maasai village to learn about their culture, traditions, and way of life. Evenings are spent relaxing around the campfire or dining under a star-studded sky, surrounded by the distant roars of lions.

Main Destination: Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Accommodation: Saruni Mara Camp – Luxury
Meals & Drinks: All meals included (Drinks excluded)

 

Day 7: Fly to Zanzibar – The Spice Island of the Indian Ocean

After a final early morning game drive in the Mara, you’ll transfer to the airstrip for your scheduled flight to Nairobi, where you’ll connect onward to the exotic Zanzibar Island. On arrival at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, a representative from Ngeye Tours will greet you and transfer you to your beachfront accommodation Pongwe Beach Hotel or a similar seaside resort.

Zanzibar’s charm lies in its perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. The island is blessed with white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons, and coral reefs teeming with marine life. The gentle sea breeze and rhythmic sound of waves create an atmosphere of pure relaxation.

This afternoon, you can unwind by the beachside pool, sip on fresh coconut juice, or take a sunset stroll along the Indian Ocean. Optional excursions such as a visit to Stone Town a UNESCO World Heritage Site can be arranged, where narrow alleyways reveal centuries of Swahili-Arab culture.

Your stay here marks the transition from wild adventure to tropical serenity  the perfect way to end your East African safari journey.

Main Destination: Zanzibar Island
Accommodation: Pongwe Beach Hotel – Mid-range
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & Dinner included (Lunch excluded)

 

Day 8 -10: Relax and Explore Zanzibar’s Beaches

The next three days are dedicated to relaxation and exploration on the beautiful island of Zanzibar. With its palm-fringed shores, clear blue waters, and vibrant marine life, this is the ideal setting for unwinding after your safari adventures.

You can spend your days lounging on the beach, swimming, or engaging in a variety of activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and sailing. The island’s coral reefs are home to colorful fish, sea turtles, and, at certain times of the year, whale sharks  the gentle giants of the ocean.

If you’re interested in culture, consider a guided tour of Stone Town, exploring historic sites such as the Old Fort, the House of Wonders, and the bustling Darajani Market. Another must-see is the Spice Plantation Tour, where you’ll learn about the island’s centuries-old spice trade and sample aromatic cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.

For nature enthusiasts, a visit to Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park offers a chance to see the rare red colobus monkey, found only in Zanzibar. In the evenings, dine on freshly caught seafood as you watch the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky in brilliant shades of orange and purple.

These peaceful days in Zanzibar provide a rejuvenating close to your East African adventure, allowing you to reflect on the breathtaking memories you’ve made.

Main Destination: Zanzibar Island
Accommodation: Pongwe Beach Hotel – Mid-range
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & Dinner included (Lunch excluded)

 

Day 11: Departure – Farewell to East Africa

Sadly, your Gorillas, Masai Mara & Zanzibar Safari Holiday comes to an end today. After a final breakfast at your beachside hotel, you’ll check out and be transferred to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport for your international flight home.

As you take off from Zanzibar, you’ll carry with you unforgettable memories  from the moment you first stepped into Uganda’s misty forests to the sight of lions prowling the Mara plains and the feel of soft Zanzibar sand between your toes. Each moment of this journey tells a story of Africa’s magic, wildlife, and spirit.

Main Destination: Zanzibar Island
Accommodation: None (End of Tour)
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast included

 

Safari Inclusions

  • Airport transfers and all ground transportation in 4×4 safari vehicles
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide throughout the safari
  • Accommodation as indicated in the itinerary (mid-range and luxury mix)
  • All park entrance fees and activities as listed
  • Gorilla trekking permit (Uganda)
  • Chimpanzee trekking permit (Uganda, if included)
  • All meals as specified (B, L, D)
  • Bottled drinking water during travel
  • Flights between Entebbe – Kihihi – Masai Mara – Nairobi – Zanzibar

 

Safari Exclusions

  • International flights and entry visas
  • Accommodation before or after the tour (available on request)
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses (tips, laundry, souvenirs, drinks)
  • Optional activities not listed in the itinerary