19 Days Uganda Kenya Safari – Wildlife Tour & Beach Holiday

19 Days Uganda Kenya Safari: Embark on an unforgettable 19 Days Uganda Kenya Safari adventure blending East Africa’s premier wildlife experiences with ultimate coastal relaxation.

Begin in Uganda with an intensive primate and savanna focus: trek majestic mountain gorillas in misty Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, cruise the hippo-filled Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth NP, and track lively chimpanzees in Kibale Forest.

Transition to Kenya for cultural immersion in Nairobi (Giraffe Centre, Elephant Orphanage, Maasai Market), elephant herds against Kilimanjaro in Amboseli, thrilling Big Five game drives and Great Migration sightings in the iconic Masai Mara, plus an active biking/walking day amid Hell’s Gate’s dramatic gorges.

Conclude with 4–5 blissful days on pristine Diani Beach: unwind on white sands, snorkel vibrant reefs, enjoy dhow cruises, and savor fresh seafood.

This seamless journey uses private 4x4s, internal flights for efficiency, mid-range lodges, and expert guides—delivering primates, savanna spectacles, culture, and beach serenity in perfect balance.

This 19 Days Uganda Kenya Safari itinerary starts in Uganda with an enhanced primate and wildlife focus, moves to Kenya, and ends on the coast. It balances wildlife immersion, culture, and relaxation while optimizing logistics with internal flights to minimize long drives.

19 Days East Africa Safari Brief Itinerary:

Days 1–6: Uganda – Primates & Wildlife

Day 1:Arrival Entebbe → Transfer to Bwindi.
Day 2: Gorilla trekking + Batwa experience.
Day 3:Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP + evening Kazinga Channel boat cruise.
Day 4: Morning game drive QE → Transfer to Kibale.
Day 5:Chimpanzee trekking + Bigodi swamp walk.
Day 6: Transfer to Entebbe → Fly to Nairobi.

Days 7–8: Nairobi, Kenya – Cultural & Historical Experiences

Day 7:Arrival/relaxation in Nairobi.
Day 8:Full day exploring Nairobi: Nairobi National Park short safari, Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen Museum, David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, Maasai Market for cultural immersion.
Day 9:Amboseli National Park, Kenya
Days 10–12:Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya – Great Migration Viewing
Day 13:Hell’s Gate National Park, Kenya – Active Adventure
Days 14–18:Diani Beach, Kenya – Relaxation
Days 19: Departure from Kenya

19 Days Uganda Kenya Safari Detailed Itinerary:

Days 1–6: Uganda – Primates & Wildlife

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe → Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport (EBB). Private transfer (approximately 8–10 hours, scenic with stops) to Bwindi (Buhoma or Rushaga sector, depending on permit allocation). Afternoon arrival and relaxation at the lodge.
Accommodation: Upper-mid-range like Buhoma Lodge or Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp.
Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Cultural Experience
Early morning gorilla trek briefing at park headquarters, followed by a full trek (1-hour observation with a habituated gorilla family). Afternoon: Batwa (forest pygmy) cultural experience for insights into traditional life, dances, and forest knowledge. Stay: Same lodge.

Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park with Evening Boat Cruise
Morning transfer (4–6 hours, scenic drive through countryside) to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Afternoon/evening boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel—prime for spotting large concentrations of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and abundant birdlife.
Accommodation:Mid-to-upper-mid-range lodge like Mweya Safari Lodge or Enganzi Game Lodge
Day 4: Morning Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth & Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Early morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains or Mweya Peninsula for lions, leopards, elephants, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, and more. Mid-morning transfer (approximately 3–4 hours) to Kibale Forest National Park. Afternoon arrival and relaxation.
Accommodation:Mid-range lodge like Kibale Forest Camp or Primate Lodge (en-suite rooms, meals included).
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Swamp Walk
Full morning chimpanzee trek in Kibale. Afternoon: Guided Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary walk—community-run trail with excellent birding, butterflies, and more primates in a swampy habitat. Stay: Same lodge.

Day 6: Departure from Kibale → Transfer to Entebbe & Fly to Nairobi
Morning at leisure or optional nature walk. Private transfer back to Entebbe (5–6 hours). Fly to Nairobi (NBO) in the afternoon/evening. Transfer to city hotel upon arrival.

Days 7–8: Nairobi Cultural & Historical Experiences

Day 7: Arrival and evening relaxation.

Accommodation: Mid-range city hotel like Sarova Panafric or similar.

Day 8: Full day exploring Nairobi – Nairobi National Park safari, Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen Museum, David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, and Maasai Market for cultural immersion. Stay: Same hotel.

Day 9: Amboseli National Park, Kenya

Private drive from Nairobi to Amboseli National Park (~4–5 hours drive). Afternoon game drive for massive elephant herds, open plains, and stunning Mount Kilimanjaro views.

Accommodation: Mid-range like Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge or Tortilis Camp.

Days 10–12: Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Private drive from Amboseli to Maasai Mara (8–10 hours; ~450–500 km via Nairobi bypass/Narok route – long scenic day with lunch stop).

3 full days of game drives (morning/evening) focusing on Mara River crossings, big cats, elephants, and vast wildebeest/zebra herds at peak migration.

Accommodation: Mid-range tented camp like Mara Leisure Camp or Basecamp Explorer.

Day 13: Hell’s Gate National Park, Kenya – Active Adventure

Private drive from Maasai Mara to Hell’s Gate National Park area (~4–5 hours; ~180–220 km via Narok and Naivasha).

Full day: Guided biking or walking safari through dramatic gorges, geothermal features, and free-roaming wildlife (zebras, giraffes, buffaloes—no big predators, safe on foot/bike).

Accommodation: Mid-range like Lake Naivasha Country Club or similar Days 14–17: Diani Beach, Kenya – Relaxation

Private drive from Hell’s Gate to Diani Beach (~7–8 hours; ~500–600 km via Nairobi–Mombasa Highway ). 3+ full days of seaside relaxation: pristine white-sand beaches, swimming in the warm Indian Ocean, optional snorkeling (vibrant reefs), dhow sunset cruises, spa treatments, or light excursions.

Accommodation: Upper-mid-range beach resort like Diani Sea Resort, Leopard Beach Resort, or Southern Palms.

Days 18–19: Departure from Kenya

Day 18:Final beach relaxation/morning activities.
Day 19:Private drive/transfer to Mombasa Airport (Moi International) (~30–45 minutes; ~30–50 km from Diani) for international flight home.

Total Duration: 19 days (18 nights).

End of the 19 Days Uganda Kenya Safari

19 Days Uganda Kenya Safari Tour Inclusions:

Private 4×4 safari vehicle with experienced English-speaking driver/guide throughout.
18 nights in full board Mid-rangeaccommodations
All national park entrance fees.
All activity fees
All airport transfers
Internal flight from Entebbe (EBB) to Nairobi (NBO) on Day 6.
Bottled water during drives and activities.
All applicable government taxes, VAT, and service charges on included services.

19 Days Uganda Kenya Safari Exclusions:

International flights to/from Entebbe.
Uganda and Kenya entry visafee (easily obtained via e-visa).
Travel insurance .
Tips, hard drinks, laundry, and personal items.
Any optional extras.
Any increases in park fees, permit costs, or taxes after booking confirmation.

How to Prepare for the Trip (3–6 Months Before Departure)

Fitness & Physical Preparation

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is the most demanding activity — hikes can last 2–8 hours on steep, muddy, root-covered trails at 1,500–2,500m altitude. You don’t need to be an athlete, but good cardiovascular fitness and leg strength help.

Train 2–3 months ahead: hike 5–10 km weekly with a daypack (add 5–7 kg weight), use stairs, or do hill walks.
Wear your hiking boots on training hikes to break them in.
Porters are available ($15–25/day) to carry your daypack and help on steep sections — highly recommended if you have knee/ankle issues or are over 60.
Chimp trekking in Kibale and walking/biking at Hell’s Gate are easier but still involve uneven terrain.

Health & Vaccinations

Yellow Fever: Mandatory certificate for entry into Uganda (and often checked in Kenya). Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Recommended: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Rabies (if you love animals), MMR.
Malaria prophylaxis (Malarone, doxycycline, or atovaquone-proguanil) — start before arrival and continue after.
Travel insurance with emergency medical evacuation and adventure coverage (gorilla trekking qualifies as “adventure”).
Bring prescription meds + copies, plus a basic first-aid kit (antihistamines, Imodium, painkillers, blister plasters, hand sanitizer).
Consult your doctor 4–6 weeks before if you have any medical conditions.

Visas & Documents

Apply for the East African Tourist Visa (one visa for Uganda + Kenya + Rwanda if you ever extend) — $100, valid 90 days, multiple entry.

Apply online via Uganda Immigration (immigration.go.ug) if entering Uganda first — easiest and cheapest.
Requirements: passport scan (6+ months validity), passport photo, yellow fever certificate, travel itinerary, return ticket.
Processing: 2–3 working days. Print the approval.
Keep passport, visa printout, flight tickets, and hotel confirmations in a waterproof pouch.

Booking & Money Matters

Gorilla permit ($800 per person in 2026) and chimp permit ($250) sell out 6–12 months ahead for peak season — we secure these immediately.
Carry $500–800 cash in crisp $50/$100 bills for tips, park fees not included, and souvenirs. ATMs are available in Entebbe, Nairobi, and Diani but unreliable in remote areas.
Inform your bank of travel dates to avoid card blocks.

Mental & Practical Prep

Expect early mornings (5–6 am game drives/treks), variable weather, and dusty roads.
Download offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me) and translation apps for those embarking on a selfdrive safari
Charge power banks — electricity can be unreliable in remote lodges.

Recommended Packing List for This Exact Itinerary

Pack light (one 20–23 kg soft duffel + 7 kg carry-on) because small planes and 4x4s have weight limits. Use packing cubes and a waterproof daypack (25–30 L) for treks.

Category	Must-Have Items	Why It Matters for This Trip
Clothing (neutral khaki, green, beige – no bright colours or camouflage)	4–5 long-sleeve quick-dry shirts 3–4 long trousers / convertible zip-offs 2–3 short-sleeve T-shirts Light fleece or hoodie Waterproof rain jacket + trousers (poncho backup) Swimsuit + light beach cover-up Underwear & socks (quick-dry)	Long sleeves/trousers for sun, insects, nettles in forest; layers for cool mornings/evenings in parks and warm beach
Footwear	Sturdy waterproof hiking boots (broken in) Comfortable walking shoes/sneakers Flip-flops or sandals for beach & lodges Gaiters (optional but great for mud)	Boots essential for Bwindi & Kibale treks; sandals perfect for Diani
Trekking Gear	Gardening gloves (thick canvas/leather) Binoculars (8×42 or 10×42) Headlamp or torch + spare batteries Daypack rain cover Hiking poles (collapsible, optional)	Gloves protect hands from stinging nettles; binoculars for Mara & QE game viewing
Health & Toiletries	DEET 30–50% insect repellent Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ Wide-brim hat + sunglasses Hand sanitizer & wet wipes Personal medications + prescriptions Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap/shampoo Quick-dry travel towel	Malaria protection & sun protection critical; reef-safe for Diani snorkelling
Electronics	Camera with zoom lens or smartphone + extra batteries Power bank (20,000 mAh+) Universal adapter (Type G UK plugs) Waterproof phone case	Power cuts common; zoom lens for distant wildlife
Beach & Relax	Snorkel mask (optional – many resorts rent) Lightweight beach bag Reusable water bottle	Diani days are pure bliss — pack for swimming & sunset dhow cruises
Other Essentials	Passport + visa copies + yellow fever card (waterproof) Cash in small denominations Reusable shopping bag Earplugs & eye mask (early flights/drives) Small first-aid kit	Always have documents accessible

Pro packing tips: Roll clothes to save space. Bring a small laundry bag — many lodges offer same-day service. Leave expensive jewellery at home.

Uganda and Kenya Travel Seasons

East Africa has two main dry seasons that align beautifully with your primate → savanna → beach flow.

Period	Uganda (Bwindi, QE, Kibale)	Kenya (Amboseli, Mara, Hell’s Gate, Diani)	Overall Recommendation for Your Trip	Crowds & Price
Dec–Feb (Dry)	Excellent trekking, dry trails, good chimp viewing	Peak beach weather, excellent Mara game viewing (calving Jan–Feb)	Best overall – warm, sunny beach days	Medium-High
Jun–Sep (Dry/Peak)	Best gorilla trekking, dry forest trails	Great Migration peak (Jul–Sep), fantastic Mara	Top wildlife season – migration drama	High
Oct–Nov (Short rains)	Good but muddy trails	Good wildlife, green landscapes	Shoulder – fewer crowds	Low–Medium
Mar–May (Long rains)	Lush but very wet, slippery treks	Beach possible but heavy rain possible	Avoid if possible	Lowest prices

2026 Sweet Spots:

July–September 2026 → unforgettable Great Migration river crossings in Mara + perfect dry trekking in Uganda.
January–February 2026 → warmer beach time + excellent wildlife without peak crowds.

Advice on Internal Flights and Logistics

Thiis itinerary includes several long road transfers (8–10 hours Entebbe–Bwindi, 8–10 hours Amboseli–Mara, 7–8 hours Hell’s Gate–Diani). These are scenic but tiring after early mornings.

Strong Recommendation: Upgrade to Internal Flights

Day 1: Instead of 8–10 hour drive, fly Entebbe → Kihihi airstrip (Aerolink Uganda, ~1 hour flight, 3x daily). You arrive fresh for your gorilla trek. Cost: .
Day 6: Your existing Entebbe–Nairobi flight is perfect (Kenya Airways direct ~1 hour).
Day 9/10: Fly Amboseli → Masai Mara (Safarilink or AirKenya, 45–60 min) instead of 8–10 hour drive.
Day 13–14: After Hell’s Gate, fly Naivasha/Nairobi → Diani/Mombasa (45–60 min) instead of 7–8 hour road trip.

Budget & Sustainability Tips

- Book 9–12 months ahead for best rates and availability.
- Travel in shoulder months (late Sep or early Dec) for 15–25% savings.

Final Checklist 1 Week Before Departure

Test your camera, binoculars, and power bank.
Pack a small “day-of-arrival” bag with change of clothes, toiletries, and malaria pills.

You are about to experience one of the most diverse wildlife and beach journeys in Africa — gorillas in the mist, lions on the plains, and cocktails on Diani Beach. With this preparation, you’ll be relaxed, comfortable, and ready to make every moment count.

Contact us to book this tour package!