14-Days Uganda and Kenya Safari: Gorillas, Chimpanzees & Big-Tusked Elephants

Experience the best of Uganda and Kenya on this 14-day East Africa safari, combining unforgettable primate encounters with some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations.

This carefully designed Uganda and Kenya safari takes you from Kigali, Rwanda, into Uganda for mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park, and wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park. You then fly to Kenya to experience the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve before finishing your safari in Amboseli National Park, famous for its spectacular elephant herds, big-tusked elephants and views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

The safari is ideal for travelers looking for a combination of gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, Big Five wildlife viewing, scenic landscapes, cultural experiences and comfortable accommodation.

14-Day Uganda and Kenya Safari Overview

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda
Day 2: Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Day 3: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi and optional Batwa cultural experience
Day 4: Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park to Kibale Forest National Park
Day 6: Chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Day 7: Kibale to Entebbe
Day 8: Fly from Entebbe to Nairobi, Kenya
Day 9: Nairobi to Maasai Mara National Reserve
Day 10: Full-day Maasai Mara game drive
Day 11: Full-day Maasai Mara game drive
Day 12: Fly from Maasai Mara to Amboseli National Park
Day 13: Full-day Amboseli National Park safari
Day 14: Amboseli to Nairobi by road and departure

Detailed 14-Day Uganda and Kenya Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda

Welcome to East Africa.

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by our professional safari representative and transferred to your hotel in Kigali.

Depending on your arrival time, you can relax at the hotel or, if time allows, enjoy an optional introduction to Kigali.

Kigali is known for its beautiful hills, clean streets and welcoming atmosphere, making it a pleasant starting point for your Uganda and Kenya safari.

Overnight: Kigali Marriott Hotel
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, begin your scenic journey from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda.

The drive takes you through the beautiful countryside of Rwanda before crossing the border into Uganda. Along the way, you will have opportunities to appreciate the changing landscapes, local communities and rolling hills of the region.

Depending on the agreed itinerary and available time, you may stop at a local market or cultural site to experience everyday life in the area.

Continue towards Bwindi, home to approximately half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

Upon arrival, check into your lodge and relax in preparation for tomorrow’s unforgettable gorilla trekking experience.

Overnight: Bweza Gorilla Lodge / Gorilla Leisure Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Main activity: Scenic transfer to Bwindi

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Today is one of the highlights of your Uganda gorilla trekking safari.

After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before beginning your mountain gorilla trek.

Led by experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority guides and trackers, you will enter the ancient Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in search of a habituated gorilla family.

The trek can take several hours depending on the location of the gorillas and the terrain. Once you find the family, you will have a memorable opportunity to observe these magnificent primates in their natural habitat.

Watch as the gorillas feed, play, groom one another and interact within their family groups. Your time with the gorillas is likely to be one of the most memorable experiences of your entire East Africa safari.

After the trek, return to your lodge to relax.

You may also choose an optional Batwa cultural experience, providing an opportunity to learn about the history, traditions and forest heritage of the Batwa people.

Overnight: Bweza Gorilla Lodge / Gorilla Leisure Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Main activity: Mountain gorilla trekking

Day 4: Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

After breakfast, leave Bwindi and travel towards Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s premier wildlife destinations.

The journey offers beautiful views of southwestern Uganda and the opportunity to see local communities and rural landscapes along the way.

Upon arrival in Queen Elizabeth National Park, enjoy lunch before embarking on an afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise, depending on the operating schedule.

The Kazinga Channel is famous for its concentration of wildlife. From the boat, you can see large numbers of hippos, buffaloes, elephants and crocodiles, together with numerous waterbirds along the shoreline.

The channel is also an excellent location for birdwatching, with many species regularly seen around the water and surrounding wetlands.

After the cruise, return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.

Overnight: Aardvark Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Main activities: Scenic transfer and Kazinga Channel boat cruise

Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park to Kibale Forest National Park

Enjoy breakfast before departing Queen Elizabeth National Park for Kibale Forest National Park.

If time permits, an optional morning game drive can be arranged before your departure. This provides another opportunity to search for wildlife in the park.

Continue towards Kibale, passing through the beautiful landscapes around Fort Portal and the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains.

Kibale is often referred to as the primate capital of Africa, with one of the highest concentrations of primates on the continent.

Arrive at your lodge and enjoy the peaceful forest surroundings.

Overnight: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge / Chimp Nest Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Main activity: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Walk

Today you will experience another major highlight of your Uganda safari: chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest.

After breakfast, report to the park headquarters for a briefing before entering the forest with experienced guides and trackers.

Kibale is home to a large population of chimpanzees, as well as numerous other primates and forest species.

During the trek, listen for chimpanzee calls as you move through the forest and watch for these intelligent and highly social primates in their natural environment.

You may also encounter other primates such as red colobus monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys and L’Hoest’s monkeys.

In the afternoon, enjoy an optional Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary walk. The community-managed wetland is particularly rewarding for birdwatchers and nature lovers, with opportunities to see primates, butterflies, plants and numerous bird species.

Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge / Chimp Nest Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Main activities: Chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi Wetland walk

Day 7: Kibale Forest to Entebbe

After breakfast, begin your journey towards Entebbe.

The drive takes you through the changing landscapes of central Uganda, with opportunities to observe local communities, towns and countryside along the way.

Upon arrival in Entebbe, check into your hotel and enjoy some time to relax.

Depending on your arrival time, you may take a walk around the area or enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Lake Victoria.

Overnight: Protea Hotel Entebbe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Main activity: Road transfer to Entebbe

Kenya Safari

Day 8: Fly from Entebbe to Nairobi, Kenya

After breakfast, transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your flight to Nairobi, Kenya.

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be welcomed by our Kenya safari representative and transferred to your hotel.

Depending on your arrival time, you may relax at the hotel or choose an optional Nairobi excursion.

Possible optional experiences include the Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen Museum or Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, subject to opening hours and your flight schedule.

Overnight: Nairobi Marriott Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Main activity: Flight from Entebbe to Nairobi

Day 9: Nairobi to Maasai Mara National Reserve

After an early breakfast, leave Nairobi and drive towards the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve.

The journey takes you through the spectacular Great Rift Valley, where you can stop at a viewpoint for photographs and enjoy panoramic views of the dramatic landscape.

Continue towards the Maasai Mara and arrive at your lodge in time for lunch.

After some time to relax, head out for your first Maasai Mara game drive.

Explore the open savannah plains in search of Africa’s famous wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hyenas and numerous antelope species.

As evening approaches, return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.

Overnight: Ashnil Mara Camp / JW Marriott Maasai Mara Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Main activities: Great Rift Valley and afternoon game drive

Day 10: Full-Day Game Drive in Maasai Mara

Today is dedicated to exploring the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

After breakfast, set out with your safari guide for a full-day game drive, carrying a packed lunch so you can spend more time exploring the reserve.

The Maasai Mara is one of Africa’s finest destinations for wildlife viewing. Search for the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino – as well as cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, hippos, crocodiles and numerous antelope species.

The reserve is also famous for its abundant birdlife, with more than 500 bird species recorded in the wider Mara ecosystem.

During the Great Wildebeest Migration season, generally between July and October, visitors may have the opportunity to witness large herds of wildebeest and zebras moving through the ecosystem and, when conditions align, crossing the Mara River.

Return to your lodge in the evening.

Overnight: Ashnil Mara Camp / JW Marriott Maasai Mara Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Main activity: Full-day Maasai Mara game drive

Day 11: Second Full-Day Safari in Maasai Mara

Enjoy another full day of wildlife exploration in the Maasai Mara.

An additional full day gives you more time to explore different areas of the reserve and improves your chances of encountering a wider range of wildlife.

Your guide will select the best areas based on recent sightings, weather and seasonal conditions.

Continue searching for lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and other wildlife.

The Mara’s changing landscapes also provide excellent opportunities for photography.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the reserve before continuing your afternoon game drive and returning to the lodge later in the day.

Overnight: Ashnil Mara Camp / JW Marriott Maasai Mara Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Main activity: Full-day Maasai Mara safari

Day 12: Fly from Maasai Mara to Amboseli – Afternoon Game Drive

After breakfast, transfer to the Maasai Mara airstrip for your scheduled flight to Amboseli National Park.

Upon arrival, meet your safari guide and transfer to Ol Tukai Lodge, one of the most desirable places to stay in Amboseli.

Check in and enjoy lunch before beginning your first Amboseli game drive.

Amboseli is particularly famous for its large elephant herds and spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain.

During your afternoon game drive, search for elephants, lions, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, gazelles, hyenas and a variety of bird species.

If weather conditions are clear, the sight of elephants crossing the Amboseli plains with Mount Kilimanjaro rising in the background can provide an unforgettable safari experience.

Return to Ol Tukai Lodge for dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Ol Tukai Lodge
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Main activity: Afternoon game drive

Day 13: Full-Day Game Drive in Amboseli National Park

Today is dedicated to a full-day Amboseli National Park safari.

After an early breakfast, set out with your safari guide to explore the park’s diverse habitats, including open savannah, seasonal wetlands and the areas surrounding the Amboseli swamps.

One of the main highlights of the day is the opportunity to see Amboseli’s famous big-tusked elephants.

These magnificent elephants are among the most iconic wildlife experiences in Amboseli, and the park is renowned for its elephant conservation and research efforts.

In addition to elephants, look out for lions, cheetahs, buffaloes, wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, hippos, hyenas, warthogs, gazelles and many other species.

Amboseli is also an excellent destination for birdwatching, particularly around its wetlands.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park or return to the lodge for lunch, depending on the day’s safari arrangements. Continue your wildlife exploration in the afternoon before returning to Ol Tukai Lodge.

Overnight: Ol Tukai Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Main activity: Full-day Amboseli game drive

Day 14: Amboseli to Nairobi by Road – Departure

Enjoy your final breakfast at Ol Tukai Lodge before checking out and beginning your road transfer from Amboseli to Nairobi.

The journey provides one final opportunity to enjoy the Kenyan countryside as you travel towards the capital.

Upon arrival in Nairobi, you will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for check-in and your onward international flight.

This marks the end of your 14-day Uganda and Kenya safari.

We hope you leave East Africa with unforgettable memories of mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, African wildlife, the Maasai Mara and Amboseli’s magnificent elephants.

Meals: Breakfast
Main activity: Road transfer from Amboseli to Nairobi
Safari ends: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi

Safari Inclusions

Your 14-day Uganda and Kenya safari package includes:

• Mountain gorilla trekking permit in Uganda
• Chimpanzee trekking permit in Kibale Forest
• Domestic flight from the Maasai Mara to Amboseli
• Airport and airstrip transfers as outlined in the itinerary
• All ground transportation as specified in the itinerary
• Park entry fees for the destinations included in the itinerary
• 4×4 safari vehicle for game drives in Uganda and Kenya as applicable
• Professional English-speaking safari guide
• Fuel and transportation costs
• Drinking water in the safari vehicle
• Accommodation as specified in the itinerary
• Meals as specified in the itinerary
• Game drives and activities mentioned in the itinerary
• Kazinga Channel boat cruise
• Bigodi Wetland experience where included

Safari Exclusions

The following are not included unless specifically stated in your quotation:

• International flights
• Domestic flights not specifically included in the itinerary
• Travel and medical insurance
• Visa fees
• Alcoholic and other personal beverages
• Tips and gratuities
• Personal expenses
• Laundry services
• Optional activities not included in the itinerary
• Hot-air balloon safari in the Maasai Mara
• Any activities or services not specifically mentioned under inclusions

Accommodation

Accommodation is selected to provide comfort and a convenient base for your activities. Depending on availability and the package selected, accommodation may include:

• Kigali: Kigali Marriott Hotel
• Bwindi: Bweza Gorilla Lodge / Gorilla Leisure Lodge
• Queen Elizabeth: Aardvark Safari Lodge / Buffalo safari lodge
• Kibale: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge / Chimp Nest Safari Lodge
• Entebbe: Protea Hotel Entebbe
• Nairobi: Nairobi Marriott Hotel
• Maasai Mara: Ashnil Mara Camp
• Amboseli: Ol Tukai Lodge

Accommodation can be adjusted according to your preferred comfort level, availability and budget.

Why Choose This Uganda and Kenya Safari?

This itinerary combines several of East Africa’s most sought-after experiences in one carefully planned journey.

You will experience the rare opportunity to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda, encounter wild chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, cruise the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel, explore the legendary Maasai Mara and finish your journey among the big-tusked elephants of Amboseli with Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop.

With a combination of road transfers and carefully selected flights, the itinerary is designed to maximize your time in the destinations rather than spending unnecessary days travelling between them.

Ready for Your Uganda and Kenya Safari?

A 14-day Uganda and Kenya safari offers an extraordinary combination of primates, big-game wildlife, landscapes, culture and adventure.

From the ancient forests of Bwindi and Kibale to the savannahs of the Maasai Mara and the elephant-rich plains of Amboseli, every stage of this journey offers a different side of East Africa.

Contact us today to customize this 14-day Uganda and Kenya safari according to your travel dates, accommodation preferences and budget.