14 Day Uganda and Kenya Safari with Gorillas and Wildlife

Discover the extraordinary wildlife, landscapes, cultures, and natural wonders of East Africa on this 14 Days Uganda & Kenya Wildlife Safari with Arcadia Safaris. This carefully designed journey combines Uganda’s renowned primate encounters with Kenya’s spectacular savannah wildlife, offering an unforgettable African safari experience across two remarkable destinations.

Your 14-day Uganda and Kenya safari begins in Entebbe, Uganda, before taking you through the lush rainforests of Kibale Forest National Park, the wildlife-rich plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the ancient montane forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Along the way, enjoy chimpanzee tracking, scenic countryside drives, rewarding game drives, a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, and an extraordinary encounter with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

After exploring Uganda, you will fly to Nairobi, Kenya, to continue your East African wildlife safari through Lake Nakuru National Park, the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, and the beautiful freshwater surroundings of Lake Naivasha. Experience Kenya’s remarkable wildlife on guided game drives, discover traditional Maasai culture, and consider an optional hot air balloon safari over the Maasai Mara’s sweeping grasslands.

Whether you dream of gorilla trekking in Uganda, tracking chimpanzees in a tropical rainforest, photographing lions and elephants on African savannahs, or discovering the diverse cultures of East Africa, this private Uganda and Kenya wildlife safari offers a memorable combination of adventure, nature, and cultural discovery.

Travel with Arcadia Safaris and experience two countries, extraordinary wildlife, and some of East Africa’s most remarkable natural attractions on one unforgettable journey.

Safari Highlights:

Pickup from Entebbe International Airport

A Complimentary guided Kampala City Tour

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest National Park

Bigodi Swamp Walk in Kibale Forest National Park

Morning Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Boat safari experience at Kazinga Channel

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Batwa Cultural Visit in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Transfer back to Entebbe International Airport and Fly to Kenya

Transfer to Lake Nakuru National Park for Game Drives

Game Drives in Maasai Mara National Reserve

Hot Air Ballooning in Maasai Mara National Reserve

Maasai Cultural Visit and Community Experience

Transfer to Lake Naivasha for a Boat Cruise and Exploration

Transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for Departure

A Detailed Itinerary.

Day 1: Arrival in Uganda and Airport Pickup

Welcome to Uganda, the Pearl of Africa! Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, your professional driver-guide from Arcadia Safaris will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala, depending on your confirmed arrangements. After your international flight, relax at the hotel and prepare for your Uganda and Kenya wildlife safari.

Depending on your arrival time, you may explore Entebbe’s attractions, including the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre. These visits offer opportunities to appreciate Uganda’s tropical vegetation, birdlife, and wildlife conservation efforts. Later, settle into your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay before beginning your journey to Kibale Forest National Park.

Destination: Kampala
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 2: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast, depart for Kibale Forest National Park, one of Uganda’s leading destinations for chimpanzee tracking and primate encounters. The scenic drive takes you through western Uganda’s countryside, passing tea plantations, rolling hills, traditional homesteads, and the beautiful landscapes surrounding Fort Portal. You will enjoy opportunities to appreciate rural Ugandan life along the way.

Kibale Forest National Park protects a tropical rainforest that supports chimpanzees and numerous other primates, including red colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy the peaceful forest surroundings. Your guide will brief you about the following day’s chimpanzee tracking experience and guided nature walk in Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary.

Destination: Kibale Forest National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking  and Bigodi Wetlands Walk

After an early breakfast, head to Kibale Forest National Park for an exciting chimpanzee tracking experience. Accompanied by experienced guides and trackers, you will explore the rainforest in search of a habituated chimpanzee community. Once located, you will normally spend one hour observing these fascinating primates as they feed, groom, and interact in their natural habitat. Kibale is also home to several other monkey species and numerous forest birds.

In the afternoon, visit Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary for a guided nature walk through its rich wetland ecosystem. The sanctuary offers excellent birdwatching opportunities, including the possibility of spotting the great blue turaco, alongside monkeys and other wildlife. Your guide will also explain the area’s conservation initiatives and community development projects. After these rewarding nature activities, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Destination: Kibale Forest National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Scenic Queen Elizabeth National Park lies in southwestern Uganda and remains one of the country’s most popular wildlife safari destinations. The park features diverse landscapes, including savannah plains, bushland, wetlands, and lush forests, with the magnificent Rwenzori Mountains forming a dramatic backdrop in parts of the region. Its location near Lakes Edward and George also contributes to its remarkable biodiversity.

After breakfast, travel from Kibale Forest National Park to Queen Elizabeth National Park, enjoying beautiful countryside views along the way. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy an introductory game drive along selected wildlife-viewing tracks. Keep an eye out for elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob, and other savannah animals as your guide helps you explore this remarkable Ugandan wildlife destination. Later, proceed to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 5: Morning Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

Begin your day with an early morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, when many animals are active across the savannah. Accompanied by your professional safari guide, explore the park’s game tracks in search of elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob, waterbucks, warthogs, and other wildlife. You may also encounter lions or leopards, although sightings depend on animal movements and prevailing conditions.

After lunch, enjoy a boat safari along the famous Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George. The cruise offers excellent opportunities to see hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, and buffaloes gathering near the water. The channel is also a rewarding destination for birdwatching, with African fish eagles, pelicans, kingfishers, and other waterbirds frequently observed. After this memorable wildlife experience, return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.

Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 6: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its endangered mountain gorillas. The scenic journey takes you through southwestern Uganda’s rolling hills, rural communities, and beautiful countryside as you approach the forested mountains that shelter these remarkable primates.

Bwindi is one of the world’s leading destinations for mountain gorilla trekking and also supports an impressive diversity of birds, mammals, and forest vegetation. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Your guide will explain the following day’s gorilla trekking arrangements and offer advice on suitable hiking footwear, clothing, and other essentials. Enjoy dinner and a restful overnight stay before your unforgettable encounter with mountain gorillas.

Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 7: Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Cultural Experience in Bwindi

Rise early for breakfast before heading to the designated park headquarters for your mountain gorilla trekking briefing. Experienced guides and trackers will lead you into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to search for a habituated gorilla family. The trek may take several hours, depending on the gorillas’ location and the forest terrain. Once you find them, you will normally have one hour to observe their behaviour and photograph these endangered primates in their natural habitat.

After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. Later, depending on your location and the day’s schedule, enjoy a guided Batwa cultural experience. The Batwa are Indigenous forest people whose traditions and history are closely connected to the forests of the Great Lakes region. Through this community visit, learn about their traditional knowledge, cultural practices, and experiences of life outside the forest. Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 8: Transfer to Entebbe International Airport and Flight to Nairobi, Kenya

After breakfast, depart Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and travel towards Entebbe International Airport for your flight to Nairobi, Kenya. The road journey can take approximately eight hours or longer, depending on your route, traffic, and road conditions. Your driver-guide will arrange suitable stops along the way and coordinate the transfer according to your confirmed flight schedule.

Upon arrival in Nairobi, you will transfer to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay. This marks the transition from Uganda’s tropical rainforests and mountain gorilla habitats to Kenya’s famous savannah wildlife destinations. Your guide will brief you on the upcoming journey to Lake Nakuru National Park, where you will explore the park’s diverse wildlife and scenic Great Rift Valley landscapes. Please ensure that your flight departure time allows sufficient time for the road transfer and airport check-in.

Destination: Nairobi Kenya
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 9: Transfer to Lake Nakuru National Park and Afternoon Game Drive

After breakfast in Nairobi, depart for Lake Nakuru National Park, one of Kenya’s most celebrated wildlife destinations. The scenic drive takes you through the Great Rift Valley, with opportunities to stop at a suitable viewpoint and admire the dramatic landscapes. Upon arrival, proceed with your planned park entry and wildlife-viewing activities, depending on your arrival time and the day’s schedule.

Lake Nakuru National Park is renowned for its rhino conservation efforts and supports black and white rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and numerous other animals. The lake also attracts a variety of waterbirds, including flamingos when conditions are favourable. During your afternoon game drive, your safari guide will help you explore the park’s woodland, grassland, and lakeside habitats in search of wildlife. Later, head to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Destination: Lake Nakuru National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 10: Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Maasai Mara National Reserve

Depending on your schedule, begin the day with a morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park before travelling to Maasai Mara National Reserve. The early hours offer rewarding opportunities to search for rhinos, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and other wildlife. Your guide will help you explore selected game-viewing tracks while explaining the park’s diverse habitats and conservation efforts.

After the morning activity, depart for Maasai Mara, one of Kenya’s most famous destinations for African wildlife safaris. The journey passes through scenic countryside and rural settlements, with a suitable stop for lunch along the way. Upon arrival, check in at your camp or lodge and relax before your upcoming game drives. The Maasai Mara is renowned for its lions, elephants, cheetahs, leopards, and large herds of grazing animals, making it a highlight of any Uganda and Kenya wildlife safari.

Destination: Masai Mara National Reserve
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 11: Full-Day Game Drives in Maasai Mara National Reserve

Today, enjoy a full day of wildlife viewing in Maasai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s leading safari destinations. After breakfast, head into the reserve with your experienced safari guide to search for lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and other iconic African animals. You may also encounter cheetahs and leopards, although sightings depend on wildlife movements and the conditions on the day.

You can carry a packed lunch for a full day of game drives or return to your camp for a hot lunch, depending on the day’s arrangements. Your guide will explore different areas of the reserve to maximise wildlife-viewing opportunities. If your visit coincides with the Great Migration, you may witness large herds of wildebeest and zebras moving across the plains. After an exciting day on safari, return to your accommodation for dinner and relaxation.

Destination: Masai Mara National Reserve
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 12: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Safari in Maasai Mara

Experience the beauty of Maasai Mara National Reserve from a different perspective with an optional hot air balloon safari at sunrise. You will depart your lodge before dawn and transfer to the launch site for a safety briefing before take-off. As the balloon rises above the savannah, enjoy spectacular views of the plains, rivers, and wildlife moving through their natural habitat. The flight generally lasts around one hour, depending on the operator and weather conditions.

After landing, enjoy the breakfast arrangement provided by your balloon safari operator, then continue exploring the Maasai Mara with your guide, subject to the day’s schedule. Alternatively, enjoy a conventional morning game drive if you do not choose the balloon experience. Look out for elephants, lions, giraffes, cheetahs, and other wildlife before returning to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. Later, enjoy dinner and another overnight stay in the reserve.

Destination: Masai Mara National Reserve
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 13: Maasai Cultural Visit and Transfer to Lake Naivasha

After breakfast, you may visit a Maasai community before departing for Lake Naivasha in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. A guided Maasai cultural experience introduces you to local traditions, music, dance, traditional homesteads, and community life. You may also learn about beadwork, pastoral livelihoods, and the customs that continue to shape Maasai identity. The activities available depend on the community visited and the confirmed arrangements.

Continue to Lake Naivasha, a beautiful freshwater lake known for its hippos, birdlife, and scenic surroundings. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a boat cruise across the lake, offering opportunities to observe hippos in the water and birds such as African fish eagles, pelicans, and cormorants. Your guide or boat operator will explain the lake’s ecology and point out wildlife along the shoreline. Later, transfer to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Destination: Lake Naivasha National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 14: Transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for Departure

After breakfast, check out of your accommodation and begin the journey from Lake Naivasha to Nairobi for your departure from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The drive takes you through the scenic Great Rift Valley and towards Kenya’s capital. Your Arcadia Safaris driver-guide will coordinate the transfer according to your flight schedule, allowing sufficient time for traffic, airport check-in, and departure formalities.

If your flight departs later in the day, you may have time to arrange an optional activity or short stop in Nairobi, depending on your schedule. Any additional sightseeing or activities not included in your confirmed itinerary will be at your own expense. Upon arrival at the airport, your guide will assist with your drop-off and bid you farewell. Your 14 Days Uganda and Kenya Wildlife Safari with Arcadia Safaris concludes with wonderful memories of mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, African wildlife, scenic landscapes, and cultural experiences across East Africa.

Destination: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Accommodation Option: No (Unless on request)

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

SAFARI COST: From $5,600 Per Person

PRICE INCLUDES

• Round Trip Airport Transfers (pick-up and drop-off)
• Private Transportation in  4×4 Safari Cars
• Meals Specified on a Full Board basis
• Accommodation with Ensuite Facilities
• Applicable Park Entrance and Activities Fees
• English Speaking Professional Driver-Guide
• Chimpanzee Tracking Permit Fees
• Gorilla Trekking Permit Fees
• Domestic Flight from Uganda to Kenya Nairobi
• All Hotel and Lodge Pickups and Drop-off
• All Applicable Taxes
• Bottled drinking water and Fruits while on safari
• Activities as stipulated in the Itinerary (except those stated as “optional”)

PRICE EXCLUDES

• Activities not mentioned in the Itinerary
• International Flight Fares (unless requested)
• Country Entry Visa
• Personal Travel Insurance
• Telephone Charges
• Laundry Services
• Bar bills and all Alcoholic drinks
• Souvenirs, Gifts and Tips
• Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
• All related medical tests and vaccinations

We appreciate you choosing us. Let’s explore the wild together!