10 Day Kenya Wildlife Safari & Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour

Your journey begins in Nairobi with a scenic drive north toward Aberdare National Park, a unique highland destination known for its cool climate, dense forests, and mist-covered landscapes. The drive (approximately 3–4 hours) takes you through fertile farmlands and rolling hills before arriving at the elegant Aberdare Country Club for lunch.

After lunch, you’ll proceed into the park for your first wildlife safari experience. Unlike typical savannah parks, Aberdare offers a more intimate forest setting where wildlife sightings include elephants, buffalos, bushbucks, and occasionally elusive predators such as leopards.

In the evening, you’ll check in at the iconic Ark Lodge, strategically built overlooking a floodlit waterhole. From the lodge’s viewing decks, you can observe animals visiting to drink throughout the night—an unforgettable and peaceful wildlife experience.

After breakfast and a short morning game drive, depart for Samburu National Reserve (approximately 5–6 hours). The journey takes you north across the equator into Kenya’s semi-arid region, where the landscape changes dramatically from lush highlands to open, rugged terrain.

Arrive in Samburu in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive. This region is famous for the “Samburu Special Five,” species rarely seen in southern parks, including Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and Somali ostrich.

As the sun sets over the Ewaso Nyiro River, you’ll head to your lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening surrounded by the sounds of the wilderness.

Today is dedicated to exploring Samburu’s rich ecosystem through morning and afternoon game drives. The reserve offers excellent opportunities to spot elephants, lions, cheetahs, and a wide variety of bird species.

The riverbanks attract wildlife throughout the day, making it one of the best areas for photography and close-up sightings. Your guide will help track animal movements while sharing insights about the region’s ecology.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit a traditional Samburu village, where you’ll learn about their nomadic lifestyle, customs, and unique traditions. This cultural experience adds depth to your safari, offering a meaningful connection with local communities.

After breakfast, begin your journey south toward Lake Nakuru National Park, passing through scenic highlands and stopping at Nyahururu (Thomson’s) Falls for photos.

Arrive at Lake Nakuru in the afternoon (approximately 5–6 hours total travel) and head straight into a game drive. The park is renowned for its birdlife, including flamingos and pelicans, as well as its strong population of black and white rhinos.

You may also encounter lions, leopards, giraffes, and waterbucks as you explore the lakeshore and surrounding woodland.

After breakfast, travel to the Masai Mara via the Great Rift Valley (approximately 5–6 hours). The journey offers stunning views of escarpments, lakes, and volcanic formations.

Arrive in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive in the Mara. This first introduction to the reserve often includes sightings of elephants, zebras, giraffes, and big cats.

The golden light of the Mara plains in the evening creates perfect conditions for photography and wildlife viewing.

Spend the entire day exploring the Masai Mara on a full-day wildlife safari with picnic lunch. Early morning hours offer the best chance to see predators in action, including lions and cheetahs.

Throughout the day, you’ll explore different regions of the reserve, tracking wildlife across open savannahs and riverbanks. The Mara is one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five, making this a highlight of your safari.

During migration season (July–October), you may witness the dramatic movement of wildebeest and zebras crossing into Kenya—one of nature’s greatest spectacles.

After breakfast, transfer for your flight to Entebbe via Kisumu. This travel day offers a comfortable transition from Kenya to Uganda.

Upon arrival in Entebbe, you’ll transfer to your hotel near Lake Victoria. Spend the evening relaxing and preparing for the next stage of your adventure—Uganda’s primate safari.

After breakfast, take a domestic flight to Kisoro (approximately 1 hour). Upon arrival, enjoy a scenic drive (1–2 hours) to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

In the afternoon, participate in a cultural walk, visiting local communities and learning about traditional life. The Batwa cultural experience offers insight into the history and survival skills of one of Uganda’s oldest indigenous groups.

This relaxed afternoon helps you prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure.

Today is the highlight of your safari—gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing by rangers.

You’ll then trek through dense rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family. The trek can take between 2–6 hours depending on their location, but the journey itself is part of the experience.

Once you find the gorillas, you’ll spend one magical hour observing their behavior—watching them feed, interact, and care for their young. This intimate wildlife encounter is often described as one of the most powerful experiences in Africa.

After the trek, return to the lodge for rest and reflection.

After a relaxed breakfast, begin your scenic drive to Kigali (approximately 4–5 hours), crossing through rolling hills and beautiful countryside.

Depending on your schedule, you may enjoy a brief city tour or visit local markets before being transferred to the airport for your departure.

This marks the end of your unforgettable East African safari experience, combining classic wildlife safaris with extraordinary primate encounters.