15-Day Kenya, Tanzania Safari & Uganda Gorilla Trekking
Safari Highlights
Samburu National Reserve
Kenya
- Encounter the rare “Samburu Special Five”: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, and gerenuk.
- Rugged landscapes along the Ewaso Nyiro River.
Masai Mara & Serengeti
Kenya & Tanzania
- Big Five sightings across vast savannahs.
- Seasonal Great Migration spectacles: river crossings (July–September) and calving (January–March).
Ngorongoro Crater
Tanzania
- Descend into a UNESCO-listed caldera with extraordinary wildlife density.
- Spot black rhinos, elephants, lions, and flamingos.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Uganda
- Trek endangered mountain gorillas with expert trackers.
- Optional Batwa cultural trail for insights into forest traditions.
This grand circuit is crafted for wildlife enthusiasts who want to experience East Africa’s most iconic destinations in one seamless journey. Beginning in Kenya’s Samburu and Masai Mara, continuing through Tanzania’s Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, and culminating with gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi, it balances thrilling game drives with cultural immersion and scenic relaxation at Lake Naivasha and Lake Bunyonyi.
Unique Aspects
- Includes less-visited Samburu and Lake Bunyonyi for diversity and tranquility.
- Cultural immersion with Maasai in Kenya and Batwa in Uganda.
- Balanced pace: adventure-filled safari days with moments of rest and reflection.
Reasons to Book
- Comprehensive wildlife and cultural circuit across three countries.
- Seamless cross-border logistics with expert guiding.
- Ideal for photographers, families, and adventurers seeking variety.
Activities
- Included: Game drives, gorilla trekking, crater descent, boat rides, cultural visits.
- Optional: Hot air balloon safari (Masai Mara/Serengeti), Batwa Trail (Bwindi), walking safaris, night drives (where permitted).
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi, Kenya
- Airport meet-and-greet; transfer to hotel.
- Safari briefing and overnight stay.
Day 2: Samburu National Reserve
- Scenic drive to Samburu (5–6 hours).
- Afternoon game drive focusing on Samburu Special Five.
Day 3: Samburu – full-day safari
- Dawn-to-dusk game drives along the Ewaso Nyiro River.
- Optional cultural visit to Samburu villages.
Day 4: Lake Naivasha
- Drive to Lake Naivasha (5–6 hours).
- Afternoon boat ride spotting hippos and prolific birdlife.
Day 5: Masai Mara National Reserve
- Transfer to Mara (4–5 hours).
- Afternoon game drive; optional Maasai village visit.
Day 6: Masai Mara – full-day safari
- Full-day game drive with picnic lunch.
- Seasonal focus on migration herds or resident predators.
Day 7: Serengeti National Park
- Cross Isebania border with guided support.
- Afternoon game drive en route to lodge.
Day 8: Serengeti – full-day safari
- Explore central or northern Serengeti depending on season.
- Track lions, cheetahs, and migration herds.
Day 9: Ngorongoro Crater
- Morning transfer; crater descent for concentrated wildlife viewing.
- Picnic lunch; ascend mid-afternoon.
Day 10: Arusha
- Transfer to Arusha; overnight stay.
- Optional city walks or cultural visit.
Day 11: Flight to Entebbe, Uganda
- Morning flight; airport pickup and overnight in Entebbe.
Day 12: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Scenic drive to Bwindi (8–10 hours, or optional regional flight).
- Afternoon lodge briefing.
- Gorilla trekking the next morning: 2–6 hours hike; one magical hour with gorillas.
Day 13: Lake Bunyonyi
- Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi (2–3 hours).
- Boat ride among 29 islands; relaxation at lakeside lodge.
Day 14: Kampala
- Drive to Kampala (6–7 hours).
- Afternoon city tour: Uganda Museum, craft markets, or cultural sites.
Day 15: Departure
- Transfer to Entebbe International Airport for onward flight.
Accommodation Options
|
Destination |
Budget |
Midrange |
Luxury |
|
Nairobi |
Budget city hotels |
Garden Inn Hilton Airport |
Villa Rosa Kempinski |
|
Samburu |
Camps outside reserve |
Samburu Sopa Lodge |
Saruni Samburu |
|
Masai Mara |
Camps outside reserve |
Sarova Mara Camp |
Mara Serena Safari Lodge |
|
Serengeti |
Camps outside park |
Kati Kati Tented Camp |
Four Seasons Serengeti |
|
Ngorongoro |
Karatu town lodges |
Eileen’s Tree Inn |
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge |
|
Bwindi |
Bwindi Guesthouse |
Gorilla Mist Camp |
Mahogany Springs Lodge |
|
Lake Bunyonyi |
Bunyonyi Rock Resort |
BirdNest @ Bunyonyi Resort |
Arcadia Cottages |
Amenities by Tier
|
Tier |
Amenities |
|
Budget |
Basic bedding, shared bathrooms, limited electricity |
|
Midrange |
En-suite bathrooms, hot showers, dining facilities, Wi-Fi (select lodges) |
|
Luxury |
Private verandas, gourmet meals, spa, pool, premium views, Wi-Fi |
Travel Tips
- Prepare for long drives and variable road conditions.
- Book gorilla permits and internal flights early (limited availability).
- Carry USD for visas and tips; ensure bills are recent and undamaged.
- Dress modestly for cultural visits; neutral colors for safaris.
Packing List
- Passport, visas, Yellow Fever certificate, travel insurance.
- Safari clothing (neutral tones), hiking boots, rain jacket.
- Binoculars, camera with zoom lens, insect repellent, sunscreen.
- Refillable water bottle, travel pillow, power bank.
Best Time to Visit
- June–October: Dry season; best for wildlife and gorilla trekking.
- July–September: Great Migration River crossings.
- January–March: Calving season in Serengeti.
Accessibility Options
- Wheelchair-accessible lodges and vehicles available in major parks.
- Private tours tailored for special needs upon request.
Recommendations
- Include Lake Bunyonyi for a relaxing end to the safari.
- Choose midrange or luxury for comfort, location, and enhanced guiding.
- Spend at least two nights in each major park for optimal wildlife viewing.
How to Book
- Direct with Nile Abenteuer Safaris: Seamless logistics, confirmed permits, and personalized service.
- Comparison platforms: SafariBookings or Viator for price checks, but confirm operator credentials.
Ready to embark on this grand circuit?
Share your preferred dates, group size, and comfort tier. Nile Abenteuer Safaris will tailor every detail - from Samburu’s rare species to Bwindi’s gorillas, for a journey that blends adventure, culture, and relaxation across East Africa.