Gorillas & East African Wildlife Safari

Days 2 & 3: Exploring Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

We spend two days immersed in the extraordinary environment of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of Africa’s most important habitats for mountain gorillas.

The ancient rainforest stretches across steep ridges within the Albertine Rift and contains an exceptional variety of plant and animal life. Its landscape changes from bamboo-covered areas and wetlands to thick forest and tangled vegetation, making every trek a genuine adventure.

Our main experience is gorilla trekking. We follow experienced trackers and guides into the forest as we search for a habituated gorilla family. The guides understand the terrain and gorilla behaviour, helping us navigate the forest while learning more about these endangered primates.

Once we locate the gorillas, we spend time observing their natural behaviour. Depending on their movements and the conditions in the forest, we may watch adults feeding, youngsters playing, mothers caring for infants or members of the group resting together.

Beyond the gorillas, Bwindi offers an opportunity to appreciate one of Africa’s richest rainforest ecosystems, with possibilities for birdwatching and encounters with other forest species.

Day 4: Bwindi to Entebbe and Nairobi

After our time in Bwindi, we return to Kihihi or the appropriate nearby airstrip for our flight back to Entebbe.

From Entebbe, we connect onward to Nairobi, Kenya, marking the transition from Uganda’s rainforest landscapes to the open savannahs of Kenya.

On arrival in Nairobi, we transfer to our accommodation and settle in for the night before continuing towards the Masai Mara.

Day 5: Nairobi to Masai Mara Game Reserve

This morning, we head to the airport for our flight from Nairobi to the Masai Mara.

The Masai Mara is among Kenya’s most celebrated wildlife areas and offers excellent opportunities for game viewing throughout much of the year. After arriving, we transfer to our safari camp and settle into the peaceful surroundings of the reserve.

Later, we head out for a game drive in an open 4×4 safari vehicle. The open-sided design provides excellent visibility as we explore the Mara in search of wildlife.

We spend two nights experiencing the atmosphere of this iconic safari destination, with time to enjoy the camp, surrounding wilderness and exceptional African sunsets.

Day 6: Full Day in the Masai Mara

Today is dedicated to exploring the Masai Mara Game Reserve.

We head out on morning and afternoon game drives, giving us different opportunities to observe wildlife as animal activity changes throughout the day.

The Mara is particularly renowned for its populations of the Big Five, while its open grasslands also support large numbers of herbivores. Depending on the season and location, we may encounter elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, lion, cheetah and other wildlife.

The annual movements of wildebeest and zebra can add another spectacular dimension to the experience when the migration is passing through the region. Leopard and serval are also possible sightings, while black rhinos may be encountered in suitable areas of thicker vegetation.

Between game drives, we have time to relax at camp, enjoy the views and appreciate the peaceful rhythm of safari life.

Day 7: Masai Mara to Serengeti National Park

We leave Kenya behind and fly towards Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, one of Africa’s most famous wilderness destinations.

The Serengeti is celebrated for its immense open plains, abundant wildlife and the extraordinary ecological cycle associated with the Great Migration.

On arrival, we transfer to our selected Serengeti accommodation. Depending on availability and the safari route, this may be a luxury tented camp or another carefully selected property within the Serengeti ecosystem.

The remainder of the day is spent settling into camp and beginning our experience in one of East Africa’s greatest wildlife landscapes.

Days 8 & 9: Serengeti National Park

We dedicate two full days to exploring the Serengeti, with our safari schedule adapted according to wildlife movements, seasonal conditions and our interests.

On a typical day, we may leave camp after breakfast for a morning game drive before returning for lunch and some time to rest. Later, we head back into the wilderness for an afternoon game drive, often ending the day with sundowners as the African sky changes colour.

Alternatively, we can spend an entire day on safari with a packed picnic lunch. This allows us to travel farther into the Serengeti and maximize our time in areas where wildlife activity is particularly rewarding.

The Serengeti’s unfenced wilderness allows wildlife to move naturally across vast areas. Its broad grasslands provide excellent visibility, while different habitats support an impressive range of animals.

For an added perspective, we can also choose an optional hot-air balloon safari, offering an unforgettable aerial view of the plains and wildlife below.

Day 10: Serengeti to Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater

Today we fly from the Serengeti towards Manyara Airstrip, where we continue by road towards the Ngorongoro Crater.

The journey takes us into the dramatic highlands of northern Tanzania, where the landscape changes from open savannah to the cooler volcanic environment surrounding Ngorongoro.

We arrive at our accommodation on the crater rim and settle into our lodge, enjoying panoramic views across the surrounding highlands and the ancient volcanic landscape.

The evening is an opportunity to relax and prepare for a full day exploring the crater.

Day 11: Ngorongoro Crater

Today we descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Tanzania’s most extraordinary wildlife destinations.

The ancient volcanic caldera contains a remarkable concentration of wildlife within its enclosed ecosystem. More than 30,000 large animals are estimated to live within the wider crater environment, making it one of East Africa’s most rewarding areas for wildlife viewing.

We spend the day exploring the crater floor on a game drive, searching for wildlife against the backdrop of steep crater walls and open grasslands.

We stop for a picnic lunch in an appropriate designated area, allowing us to enjoy a meal surrounded by the spectacular scenery of this unique landscape.

After lunch, we continue our wildlife exploration before ascending from the crater and returning to our lodge later in the afternoon.

Day 12: Ngorongoro Crater to Manyara and Kilimanjaro

Our East African safari comes to an end today.

We transfer from our accommodation to Manyara Airstrip for our light aircraft flight towards Kilimanjaro International Airport.

On arrival at Kilimanjaro, our arrangements conclude, marking the end of an extraordinary journey through Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.

From the misty forests of Bwindi and the rare opportunity to encounter mountain gorillas to the sweeping savannahs of the Masai Mara and Serengeti, followed by the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater, this safari brings together some of East Africa’s most memorable wildlife experiences in one carefully connected journey.