12 Days Uganda Kenya Safari: Best Combined Safari 2026
The 12 Days Uganda Kenya Safari is an epic adventure that combines Uganda’s primate-rich rainforests with Kenya’s iconic savannah plains. This ultimate wildlife and gorilla trekking experience lets you trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, track chimpanzees in Kibale, witness dramatic game drives for the Big Five in Maasai Mara, and enjoy cultural encounters—all in one seamless journey across East Africa.
Imagine standing eye-to-eye with endangered mountain gorillas in misty forests, then watching lions stalk across golden grasslands during the Great Migration (seasonal).
Add boat cruises on the Nile, chimpanzee tracking, flamingo-filled lakes, and interactions with Batwa and Maasai communities. This combined Uganda Kenya safari itinerary delivers diverse ecosystems, from dense jungles to open savannahs, making it perfect for travelers seeking the best of East Africa’s wildlife in a compact 12-day package.
12 Days Uganda Kenya Safari: Brief Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Entebbe → Transfer to hotel near Lake Victoria. Relax. Overnight Entebbe.
Day 2–3: Murchison Falls NP → Game drives (elephants, lions, giraffes), Nile boat cruise to the falls (hippos, crocs). Overnight in park.
Day 4–5: Kibale NP → Chimpanzee trekking (track habituated chimps), optional swamp walk/birding. Overnight Kibale.
Day 6–7: Bwindi Impenetrable NP → Gorilla trekking (1-hour with mountain gorillas), optional Batwa cultural visit. Overnight Bwindi.
Day 8: Border crossing to Kenya → Transfer to Maasai Mara NR. Afternoon game drive. Overnight Mara.
Day 9–10: Maasai Mara NR → Full-day game drives (Big Five, cheetahs, herds; Great Migration crossings if seasonal), optional Maasai village or balloon ride. Overnight Mara.
Day 11: Lake Nakuru NP → Game drive (rhinos, flamingos, tree-climbing lions possible). Overnight near lake.
Day 12: Transfer to Nairobi → Departure from Jomo Kenyatta Airport.
Detailed 12 Days Uganda Kenya Safari Itinerary
This itinerary starts in Uganda (focusing on primates first) and ends in Kenya, aligning with common tour flows for smoother logistics.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe, Uganda
Touch down at Entebbe International Airport, Uganda’s welcoming gateway on the shores of Lake Victoria. A smooth transfer takes you to a serene lakeside hotel where you can unwind after your flight.
Stroll the grounds, enjoy fresh breezes, or opt for an optional evening walk or relaxing boat ride on Africa’s largest lake as the sun sets.
This gentle introduction eases you into East African adventure. Overnight in Entebbe with mid-range or luxury options available.
Day 2–3: Murchison Falls National Park
Drive north through scenic countryside to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest wildlife area. On Day 2, an afternoon game drive reveals elephants, giraffes, lions, buffaloes, and diverse antelopes amid savannah and riverine landscapes.
Day 3 delivers excitement with a boat cruise up the Nile to the dramatic base of the falls—spot massive hippos, Nile crocodiles, and countless birds. Hike to the thunderous top of the falls for panoramic views. Overnight inside the park.
Day 4: Kibale National Park
Transfer to lush Kibale Forest National Park, renowned for its primate diversity. Settle into your accommodation near the forest edge.
In the afternoon, enjoy a gentle nature walk through the verdant trails or visit the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for community-led eco-tourism, spotting birds, monkeys, and learning about local conservation efforts. This relaxing day prepares you for tomorrow’s highlight. Overnight near the park in comfortable lodges or camps.
Day 5: Kibale Chimpanzee Trekking
Rise early for an exhilarating chimpanzee tracking experience in Kibale—Africa’s primate capital with the highest density of chimpanzees. After a briefing, trek through misty rainforest trails to locate a habituated group.
Spend a magical hour observing their playful behavior, feeding, and social interactions up close. Afternoon options include birdwatching (over 300 species) or a swamp walk. This unforgettable primate encounter lingers long after. Overnight in Kibale.
Day 6–7: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Drive to the misty Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to half the world’s mountain gorillas. Day 6 allows rest and preparation for the trek.
On Day 7, receive your gorilla family assignment at the early briefing, then embark on an adventurous forest hike—possibly steep and muddy—to reach them.
Spend one awe-inspiring hour with these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Afternoon optional Batwa cultural experience shares indigenous forest life. Overnight in Bwindi.
Day 8: Transfer to Kenya – Maasai Mara National Reserve
Cross the Uganda-Kenya border (straightforward with East African Tourist Visa). Continue by road or short domestic flight to the iconic Maasai Mara National Reserve. Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive across golden plains teeming with wildlife.
Spot your first lions, elephants, and zebras as the sun lowers. This seamless transition shifts from forests to classic African savannah. Overnight in the Mara.
Day 9–10: Maasai Mara National Reserve
Dedicate two full days to immersive game drives in the world-famous Maasai Mara. Search for the Big Five—lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, buffalo—plus cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, and massive herds.
If visiting July–October, witness dramatic Great Migration river crossings. Optional extras: sunrise hot-air balloon ride for breathtaking aerial views or a visit to a Maasai village for cultural insights. Pure safari magic. Overnight in the Mara.
Day 11: Lake Nakuru National Park
Transfer to compact Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its flamingo-lined soda lake. Enjoy a game drive spotting white and black rhinos, Rothschild giraffes, tree-climbing lions (a rare treat), leopards, and over 450 bird species.
The pink spectacle of thousands of lesser flamingos against the water is mesmerizing. Explore viewpoints and wooded areas for diverse wildlife. Overnight near the lake in comfortable lodges.
Day 12: Departure from Nairobi
Morning drive or transfer to Nairobi and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. If time allows before your flight, explore Nairobi’s highlights like the Giraffe Centre or Karen Blixen Museum.
Reflect on an epic journey—from gorilla encounters and chimp tracking in Uganda to Big Five sightings and migration spectacles in Kenya. Your unforgettable 12 days Uganda Kenya safari concludes here, full of memories to last a lifetime. Safe travels!
End of the 12 Days Uganda Kenya Safari
12 days Uganda Kenya safari Tour Inclusions
- Accommodation (Budget, midrange, or luxury)
- Full board meals as specified
- 4×4 transport
- All park entrance fees
- English-speaking guide/driver
- All activities fees
- Bottled water
12 days Uganda Kenya safari Exclusions
- International flights
- visas
- Hard drinks
- tips
- travel insurance.
Why Combine Uganda and Kenya in One Safari?
Uganda and Kenya complement each other perfectly for a well-rounded East Africa safari:
Primates + Savannah Wildlife — Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda’s forests pair with Big Five sightings (lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, buffalo) in Kenya’s reserves.
Diverse Ecosystems — Rainforests, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes in Uganda transition to classic African plains, rivers, and acacia-dotted horizons in Kenya.
Cultural Diversity — Engage with the Batwa people (former forest dwellers) in Bwindi and the Maasai warriors in Maasai Mara.
One-Trip Efficiency — Cross the border by road or short flight, maximizing wildlife variety without multiple separate trips.
Wildlife You’ll See on This Safari
This trip offers incredible diversity:
- Mountain Gorillas — In Bwindi (Uganda).
- Chimpanzees — In Kibale.
- Big Five — Lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, buffalo in Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru.
- Other Highlights — Giraffes, cheetahs, hippos, Nile crocodiles, thousands of birds, wildebeest/zebra herds (especially during Great Migration July–October).
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time for this combined safari is during the dry seasons: June–October (peak for Maasai Mara migration and good trekking conditions) or January–February (fewer crowds, great wildlife viewing). Avoid heavy rains in March–May for smoother travel.
Gorilla Permit Cost (Uganda)
As of 2026, a standard gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi costs $800 USD per person (one hour with the gorillas). Habituation experience (four hours) is $1,500. Permits sell out fast—book early!
Visa Requirements
The East African Tourist Visa ($100 USD) covers Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda for 90 days (multiple entry). Apply online with passport copy, photo, yellow fever certificate (if required), and itinerary. Individual country visas are alternatives if needed.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury — High-end lodges/tented camps (e.g., Singita in Mara, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp in Bwindi).
- Mid-Range — Comfortable safari lodges and camps.
- Budget — Tented camps or basic lodges.
Transport
Private 4×4 safari vehicle throughout, with possible domestic flights (Entebbe to Kisoro or border transfers). Border crossing is straightforward by road.
Ready to experience gorillas and the Big Five in one unforgettable journey? Contact us today to customize your 12-day Uganda Kenya safari or request a quote!