12-Day Kenya & Uganda Safari Holiday | August – September 2026

Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights
Safari Type: Big Five Safari & Primate Encounter Expedition
Accommodation: Mid-Range Safari Lodges & Camps
Meal Plan: Full Board

Ultimate Safari Overview

Experience the pinnacle of East African wildlife and adventure on this 12-day Kenya and Uganda safari holiday. Designed for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and adventure travelers, this journey combines Kenya’s Big Five safaris, Uganda’s rare primate encounters, and cultural immersion into local communities.

Your safari begins in Kenya’s bustling capital of Nairobi, with an introduction to Nairobi National Park, a unique wildlife sanctuary located on the city’s outskirts. Witness lions, giraffes, zebras, and rhinos thriving against a backdrop of the urban skyline, followed by a visit to the world-renowned Carnivore Restaurant, setting the tone for your culinary and wildlife adventure.

Travel north to Samburu National Reserve, a semi-arid wilderness famed for its Samburu special species including Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, beisa oryx, and Somali ostrich. The Ewaso Nyiro River attracts elephants, crocodiles, and buffaloes, creating unparalleled wildlife encounters. From there, journey to Lake Nakuru National Park, celebrated for its flamingo populations, rhino sanctuary, and abundant birdlife.

The adventure continues into the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s most famous wildlife destination. Here, witness vast herds of wildebeests and zebras, dramatic predator-prey dynamics, and the possibility of encountering lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes. Optional activities like hot air balloon safaris and Maasai village visits enhance the immersive experience.

Crossing into Uganda, your safari explores the lush rainforests of Kibale Forest National Park, home to the largest population of chimpanzees in Uganda, where trekking provides unforgettable encounters. Cruise the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park, spotting hippos, elephants, and birds in a serene riverine setting. Witness the rare tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, and ascend into the misty highlands of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for an intimate encounter with mountain gorillas, capped by a Batwa community cultural visit.

This safari combines adventure, luxury, and efficiency: private 4×4 vehicles with pop-up roofs, expert guides, and carefully selected lodges ensure comfort while keeping you fully immersed in East Africa’s unparalleled wildlife. From the savannahs of Kenya to Uganda’s rainforest, this journey promises life-changing wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes, and deep cultural connections.

Kenya-Uganda Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Nairobi National Park & Carnivore Restaurant

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you’ll be met by your professional safari guide and transferred to Nairobi National Park, a unique wildlife reserve within city limits. Here, experience your first taste of a Kenya safari, spotting lions, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and buffalo against the urban skyline.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at the Carnivore Restaurant, famous for its game meat and safari-themed setting, offering a unique blend of culinary delight and wildlife immersion. This first day sets the perfect tone, introducing both Kenya’s wildlife and culture before the adventure truly begins.

• Accommodation: Nairobi Safari Lodge
• Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve by Road (320 km – 5–6 hours)

After breakfast, depart Nairobi for Samburu National Reserve, traversing scenic northern Kenya landscapes dotted with rolling hills, acacia trees, and rural villages. Samburu’s semi-arid ecosystem supports unique wildlife not found in southern reserves, including Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and beisa oryx.

Arrive at your lodge and embark on an afternoon game drive along the Ewaso Nyiro River, home to elephants, crocodiles, and buffalo. Sunset over the savannah provides stunning photographic opportunities, with the red-orange sky painting the landscape. Samburu is an ideal introduction to Kenya wildlife safari adventures, offering a mix of predator sightings and endemic species encounters.

• Accommodation: Samburu Safari Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Full-Day Game Drives in Samburu National Reserve

Enjoy a full day of Samburu safari game drives, exploring riverine forests, dry plains, and scattered acacia woodlands. Morning and afternoon drives maximize sightings of predators like lions and leopards, and herbivores such as elephants, zebras, and buffalo. Your expert guide will provide insights into animal behavior, predator-prey dynamics, and the ecology of northern Kenya.

A picnic lunch in the bush ensures uninterrupted immersion in nature, while the afternoon drive may focus on photography, birdwatching, or tracking elusive species. The day concludes with a tranquil sunset over the savannah, offering spectacular opportunities for capturing Kenya safari landscapes in golden light.

• Accommodation: Samburu Safari Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Samburu to Lake Nakuru National Park (298 km – 5–6 hours)

Depart Samburu after breakfast and drive south to Lake Nakuru National Park, nestled in the scenic Rift Valley. Lake Nakuru is renowned for its flamingo populations, rhino sanctuary, and birdwatching opportunities. Along the way, enjoy spectacular landscapes, rural villages, and photography stops.

Arrive at Lake Nakuru Lodge and set out for an afternoon game drive, encountering black and white rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, lions, buffaloes, and countless bird species, including pelicans and fish eagles. The park’s compact size ensures rewarding wildlife encounters, providing a unique contrast to the expansive savannahs of Samburu.

• Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara National Reserve (221 km – 4–5 hours)

Following breakfast, drive to Masai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations. The drive passes the stunning Rift Valley landscapes, tea plantations, and rural villages, gradually revealing the endless savannah plains of the Mara.

Check into Masai Mara Lodge and embark on an afternoon game drive, spotting lions, cheetahs, elephants, buffaloes, and leopards alongside vast herds of wildebeest and zebras. Sunset over the Mara is iconic, with golden light highlighting the rolling plains and wildlife, creating unforgettable photographic moments.

• Accommodation: Masai Mara Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Full-Day Masai Mara Safari + Optional Hot Air Balloon Adventure

Spend a full day exploring Masai Mara, renowned for its Big Five safari experiences. Morning drives capture predators hunting, grazing herbivores, and the mesmerizing Great Migration if in season. Guides provide insights into ecosystem dynamics, animal behavior, and conservation efforts.

Optionally, enjoy a hot air balloon safari at sunrise, floating above the savannah to witness herds of wildebeest and zebras from a unique perspective, followed by a champagne breakfast. Afternoon drives may include a visit to a Maasai village, offering insight into their traditional culture, attire, and warrior traditions.

• Accommodation: Masai Mara Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Masai Mara to Nairobi & Flight to Entebbe, Uganda

After an early morning game drive and breakfast, drive back to Nairobi. Transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your flight to Entebbe, Uganda, marking the transition to Uganda wildlife safari adventures.

Upon arrival in Entebbe, check into your lodge and relax for the evening, preparing for the rainforest and primate encounters ahead.

• Accommodation: Entebbe Safari Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Kenya-Uganda Safari

Day 8: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park – Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Walk

Depart Entebbe early morning and drive to Kibale Forest National Park, Uganda’s primate capital. Pass rolling hills, tea plantations, and local villages, soaking in Uganda’s lush landscapes.

After lunch at Kibale Forest Lodge, enjoy the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Walk, a community-led eco-tourism project. Observe rare birds, monkeys, butterflies, and swamp vegetation, while learning about sustainable tourism and conservation. Return to lodge for dinner and overnight rest.

• Accommodation: Kibale Forest Lodge / Chimpanzee Safari Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Chimpanzee Trekking – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park & Kazinga Channel Cruise

Start the day with chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, observing these intelligent primates in their natural habitat. Spot red colobus monkeys, mangabeys, and forest birds along the trail.

After trekking, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Embark on an afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise, spotting hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a variety of birds, all while enjoying the serene riverine landscapes of Uganda’s premier safari destination.

• Accommodation: Queen Elizabeth Safari Lodge / Bush Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Kasenyi Plains Game Drive – Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Enjoy a morning game drive in Kasenyi Plains, spotting elephants, buffaloes, and Uganda kobs. Continue to Ishasha sector, famous for tree-climbing lions, a rare wildlife spectacle. Late afternoon, drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and check into your lodge.

• Accommodation: Bwindi Gorilla Lodge / Buhoma Haven Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – Batwa Community Visit

Rise early for gorilla trekking, encountering habituated mountain gorilla families in their natural rainforest habitat. Observe silverbacks, playful infants, and protective females—a truly life-changing wildlife encounter.

In the afternoon, visit a Batwa community, learning about their traditional lifestyle, music, dances, and cultural heritage. Return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.

• Accommodation: Bwindi Gorilla Lodge / Buhoma Haven Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Return to Entebbe – End of Safari

After breakfast, drive back to Entebbe, stopping at the Equator line for photos and souvenirs. Arrive at Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight, concluding your 12-day Kenya & Uganda safari, enriched with unforgettable wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and East African landscapes.

• Meals: Breakfast

Safari Inclusions

• Airport transfers in Nairobi & Entebbe
• Accommodation per itinerary
• Full board meals as specified
• Private 4×4 vehicles with pop-up roofs
• Professional English-speaking safari guides
• All park entrance fees, permits, and government taxes
• Chimpanzee & gorilla trekking permits
• Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Walk
• Kazinga Channel boat cruise
• Batwa community visit
• Bottled water during safari

Safari Exclusions

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Kenya & Uganda visas
• Tips and gratuities
• Optional activities (hot air balloon safari, Maasai village visit)
• Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, souvenirs)

This 12-day Kenya & Uganda safari is a fully immersive journey through Kenya’s Big Five safaris, Uganda’s primate encounters, and East Africa’s stunning landscapes, combining wildlife, culture, and adventure into a complete bucket-list safari experience.