Baby gorilla, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

Mountain Gorillas and the Masai Mara

  • TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY IDEA

Duration

10 Days

Prices Start from

£6,925pp(ex. flights)

Trek in search of gorillas in the forests of Uganda. Encounter these iconic primates, whose very existence is under threat, then fly north to the open plains of Kenya’s Masai Mara. Here, spends several days on safari, in search of the wide array of wildlife that inhabits this famous region.

Key Highlights of this Itinerary

Gorilla cleaning his teeth, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda 1

Gorilla Trekking

Spend an hour in the company of a family of mountain gorillas

Batwa experience wth Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda 2

Batwa Communities

Meet the hunter-gatherer Batwa people – the original inhabitants of the forest

Beautiful sunset, Masai Mara, Kenya 3

Masai Mara Safari

Explore the plains of the Masai Mara, home to a proliferation of East African wildlife.

Lion growling in Masai Marai, Kenya 4

Prides of Lions

Encounter the iconic lion prides of the Mara as they stalk their prey.

Why we like it

This trip combines one of Africa’s most enthralling wildlife experiences with one of the continent’s greatest wildlife destinations. Time spent with mountain gorillas is unlike any other wildlife encounter, whilst the riches of the Masai Mara deliver a safari filled with excitement, intrigue and variety.

Explore our suggested itinerary

Uganda on your wishlist? Talk to our experts about tailoring this trip for you.

  • Day 1

    Entebbe

  • Day 2

    Entebbe - Bwindi (Gorilla Forest Camp)

  • Days 3-5

    Bwindi (Gorilla Forest Camp)

  • Day 6

    Bwindi - Entebbe - Masai Mara (Offbeat Mara Camp)

  • Days 7-9

    Masai Mara (Offbeat Mara Camp)

  • Day 10

    Masai Mara - Nairobi

Day 1

Entebbe

Arrive in Entebbe on your international flight and stay overnight.

Day 2

Entebbe - Bwindi (Gorilla Forest Camp)

Fly by light aircraft to Kihihi airstrip and then transfer by 4×4 to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, staying at Gorilla Forest Camp.

Days 3-5

Bwindi (Gorilla Forest Camp)

On your first morning, trek into the forest to spend time with a family of habituated mountain gorillas. Accompanied by trackers and rangers, you will have an hour with the family as they play, forage and groom. Afterwards, spend time exploring the forest and surrounding area. Options include birding, guided walks, visits to local communities and the chance to spend time with the Batwa people.

Day 6

Bwindi - Entebbe - Masai Mara (Offbeat Mara Camp)

Drive back to Kihihi and then fly to Entebbe, connecting with your onward flight to the Masai Mara. Transfer from the airstrip to the Mara North Conservancy, staying at Offbeat Mara Camp.

Days 7-9

Masai Mara (Offbeat Mara Camp)

Explore the wild conservancy landscape, in search of leopards, cheetahs and lions. During migration season, watch as the terrain is flooded with waves of zebras and wildebeests.

Day 10

Masai Mara - Nairobi

Fly back to Nairobi and depart on your international flight.

Our travel experts can tailor this itinerary to suit you.

More Details

Uganda, Bwindi National Park, Gorilla portrait through trees
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

Gorilla Trekking

Head out early to meet your rangers for a briefing, before stepping into the park to search for one of the gorilla families that inhabit the forest. Trek across the hills they call home, through dense jungle, with the rangers clearing the way.

The mud, sweat (and sometimes tears) are worth it. Coming face to face with the gorillas is like no other wildlife experience out there. It is important to remember that every gorilla group is different and every trek is different. Your first may be a relaxed affair, with some of the young playing; however a second trek may be a much more thrilling experience, with the silverback displaying his strength.

Colourful sky over Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Covered in thick tropical rainforest and often shrouded in mist, Bwindi provides a perfect habitat for mountain gorillas. Spread over a series of steep ridges and valleys it looks the part and having survived the last ice age, is considered one of the most diverse forests in Africa.

The birding here is big and colourful, the forest dark and inviting and the sense of adventure palpable. Options include guided walks, visits to local communities and the chance to spend time with the Batwa people, the original inhabitants of the forest.

Lion mother of Notches Rongai Pride with cub, Masai Mara, Kenya
Masai Mara, Kenya

Masai Mara Safari

After time spent exploring the impenetrable depths of Uganda’s forests, escape to the open plains and endless vistas of the Masai Mara. Here, dense jungle is replaced by fertile grasslands, meandering rivers and the occasional sun-baked kopje.

The search for primates is forgotten, as vast numbers of animals and numerous species thrive across this exciting safari landscape. Over the course of several days, explore on game drives that set out at dawn and dusk, when predators are at their most active. The Mara’s big cats are some of its most iconic residents and expect to encounter large prides as they stalk for prey.

Accommodation

Below you can see some of the wonderful places we have recommended for this journey.

Gorilla Forest Camp £££££

  • Uganda
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Gorilla Forest Camp is a permanent luxury tented camp nestled in the mist-swathed rainforests on a mountainside in the heart of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The exclusive location makes Gorilla Forest Camp the sole property within the park boundaries and so is considered by many to be the ideal base for gorilla tracking, primate viewing and birding excursions in the park. Gorilla Forest Camp has been designed to blend seamlessly into this most atmospheric of environments, carefully pointed towards the misty valleys and looming, forest-clad mountains.

View Property

A note on price

Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.

This Itinerary
Price
From £6,925 Per person

When to travel

Uganda in January

From December until the end of February the weather is typically drier, although showers are still very possible. This is the hottest time of year and can feel very tropical. However, the altitude means that temperatures remain manageable and still drop quickly at night.

Uganda in February

From December until the end of February the weather is typically drier, although showers are still very possible. This is the hottest time of year and can feel very tropical. However, the altitude means that temperatures remain manageable and still drop quickly at night.

Uganda in March

The long rains begin in March and last until May. During this time, road travel can be a challenge and delays are frequent. However, gorilla trekking continues unaffected, although you should expect to get wet and muddy.

Uganda in April

The long rains begin in March and last until May. During this time, road travel can be a challenge and delays are frequent. However, gorilla trekking continues unaffected, although you should expect to get wet and muddy.

Uganda in May

The long rains begin in March and last until May. During this time, road travel can be a challenge and delays are frequent. However, gorilla trekking continues unaffected, although you should expect to get wet and muddy.

Uganda in June

The coolest and driest time of year is between June and early September. This is one of the most popular times to visit, although both mornings and evenings can be very chilly at higher altitudes.

Uganda in July

The coolest and driest time of year is between June and early September. This is one of the most popular times to visit, although both mornings and evenings can be very chilly at higher altitudes.

Uganda in August

The coolest and driest time of year is between June and early September. This is one of the most popular times to visit, although both mornings and evenings can be very chilly at higher altitudes.

Uganda in September

The short rains arrive in late September and continue until November. However, travel is still possible and the overcast skies can make for some fantastic photographs.

Uganda in October

The short rains arrive in late September and continue until November. However, travel is still possible and the overcast skies can make for some fantastic photographs.

Uganda in November

The short rains arrive in late September and continue until November. However, travel is still possible and the overcast skies can make for some fantastic photographs.

Uganda in December

From December until the end of February the weather is typically drier, although showers are still very possible. This is the hottest time of year and can feel very tropical. However, the altitude means that temperatures remain manageable and still drop quickly at night.

Need inspiration?
Browse our Kenya holiday ideas.

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