This immersive East Africa safari experience blends ancient rainforests, dramatic savannah landscapes, and world-famous wildlife reserves across Uganda and Kenya. Carefully designed for travelers seeking diversity, authenticity, and unforgettable encounters, this journey connects Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Samburu National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, and the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve—four destinations that represent the very heart of African safari adventure.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of Africa’s most biologically rich ecosystems and a globally recognized conservation area. This ancient rainforest, draped in mist and dense vegetation, is renowned as a sanctuary for the endangered mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking here ranks among the world’s most moving wildlife encounters, offering a deeply personal experience with these gentle primates in their natural habitat. Beyond gorillas, Bwindi supports hundreds of bird species, forest mammals, and rare plants, making it a top destination for nature lovers, photographers, and conservation-minded travelers. The park’s rugged terrain and pristine setting add to its sense of exclusivity and wonder.

Traveling north into Kenya, Samburu National Reserve introduces a strikingly different landscape defined by semi-arid plains, rocky escarpments, and the life-giving Ewaso Ng’iro River. Samburu is celebrated for wildlife species uniquely adapted to dry environments, often referred to as the Samburu Special Five: the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, gerenuk, and Somali ostrich. Large elephant herds, elusive leopards, lions, and cheetahs thrive here, while the river attracts crocodiles and hippos. Fewer crowds and dramatic scenery make Samburu ideal for travelers seeking a more intimate and off-the-beaten-path safari experience.

Lake Nakuru National Park, located within the Great Rift Valley, offers a rich blend of birdlife, scenic beauty, and conservation success. The alkaline lake is internationally known for its flamingo populations, which periodically gather in vast numbers along the shoreline. Equally important, the park serves as a protected haven for black and white rhinoceroses, making it one of the best places in East Africa for close-range rhino sightings. Forested areas and open plains support lions, Rothschild’s giraffes, buffaloes, antelope, and over 450 bird species, ensuring excellent wildlife viewing within a compact and picturesque setting.

The journey culminates in the iconic Masai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations. Its expansive grasslands, acacia-dotted plains, and winding rivers sustain an extraordinary density of animals throughout the year. The Mara is home to the Big Five and is globally famous for the Great Wildebeest Migration, a natural spectacle involving millions of wildebeest and zebras moving across the ecosystem in search of fresh grazing. This dramatic event attracts predators in large numbers, offering unparalleled opportunities to witness raw wildlife interactions. Beyond wildlife, the Mara’s cultural connection to the Maasai people adds depth and heritage to the overall experience.

Together, Bwindi, Samburu, Lake Nakuru, and Masai Mara create a safari journey that balances rare primate encounters, unique northern species, vital conservation landscapes, and classic African plains. This package is ideal for travelers seeking a multi-country safari, exceptional wildlife variety, and an authentic connection to East Africa’s most remarkable natural environments.

A lion pride stalking prey during a night game drive in the Masai Mara, capturing the intense nocturnal predator activity of the Kenyan savannah.

Thousands of pink flamingos at Lake Nakuru National Park, a world-class birdwatching and photography destination in the Great Rift Valley.

Includes/Excludes

Cost Includes

Accommodation as detailed in the itinerary
AMREF Flying Doctors Services (Travel Insurance) in East Africa in case of emergency
All meals noted in the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner buffet-style with local and western dishes)
Transportation in standard 4x4 safari vehicles with pop-up roof for easy game viewing and photography
Guaranteed window seat for every passenger
English-speaking professional driver/guide with in-depth knowledge of flora, fauna, landscape, and Kenyan culture
Safari vehicle equipped with two-way long-range radio communication, first-aid kit, ice-chest, and fire extinguisher
Bottled mineral water during game drives
Park entrance fees and game drives as per itinerary
All government taxes, levies, and fees
Pick up and drop off transfers

Cost Excludes

International airfares and departure taxes
Personal communication charges (telephone calls, faxes, emails, etc.)
Tips and gratuities for driver/guide (minimum of US$5 per tourist per day is recommended)
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (other than bottled water during game drives)
Laundry services
Between meal snacks, attractions, and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Rain jackets, gloves, or other personal gear
Optional activities such as:
Balloon safari in Maasai Mara – USD $475 per ride
Masai Village visit – USD $15–20 per person
Night game drive – USD $150 per person

Departure City
Kampala, Uganda / Nairobi, Kenya
Accomodation
Safari lodges, tented camps, or luxury lodges (as per package chosen)
Best Season
June – October, December – March
Guide
English-Speaking Professional Guide
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included (buffet style with local and western dishes)
Tour Availability
All Year Round
Transportation
4x4 safari vehicles with pop-up roof for easy game viewing
Payment Method
VISA, MasterCard, PayPal, Pesapal, Direct Bank Transfer, American Express, M-PESA

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Explore the best of East Africa on this Bwindi – Samburu – Lake Nakuru – Masai Mara safari, combining unforgettable gorilla trekking, rare northern wildlife, scenic Rift Valley lakes, and Big Five game drives across iconic African landscapes for a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife and cultural adventure.

Highlights

Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Rare wildlife sightings in Samburu National Reserve, including Grevy’s zebra and gerenuk
Flamingos, rhinos, and birdlife at Lake Nakuru National Park
Big Five game drives across the Masai Mara National Reserve
Diverse landscapes from tropical rainforest to open savannah
Expertly guided wildlife experiences with an English-speaking professional guide
High chances of predator sightings, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs

Day 01 :

Arrival at Entebbe International Airport – Kampala

On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by our professional safari guide and warmly welcomed to Uganda. After a short briefing, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kampala for check-in, relaxation, and an overnight stay as you prepare for the adventure ahead.

Day 02 :

Kampala – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Approx. 8 Hours Drive)

Your safari guide will pick you at 7:30 am from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe. Travel via Masaka to Mbarara, with a stop at the Equator for photos and light snacks. Explore the Igongo Cultural Village and Ankole Museum before lunch at Agip Motel, Mbarara. Continue the scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a lush highland rainforest home to rare primates, exotic birds, valleys, hilltops, and papyrus swamps. Arrive for dinner and overnight at your lodge or hotel.

Day 03 :

Bwindi Gorilla Trekking & Village Walk

After breakfast, prepare for an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure starting at 8:00 am, following a briefing from UWA staff. Carry your rain jacket, water, snacks, lunch, and jungle boots. Trek through the dense rainforest to encounter rare Mountain Gorillas, an experience lasting 2–6 hours. In the afternoon, enjoy the Buhoma Village Walk to meet the local communities surrounding Bwindi, observe their traditional lifestyle, and support local initiatives. Return to your lodge or hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 04 :

Bwindi – Kampala/Entebbe – Nairobi

After breakfast, depart Bwindi and drive back to Kampala via the Kasese–Fort Portal road, passing through the scenic Queen Elizabeth National Park with chances to spot elephants, antelopes, and warthogs en route. Stop at the Equator line in Kasese and enjoy the stunning Rwenzori foothills scenery. Pause in Fort Portal for lunch before continuing to Kampala or Entebbe for your onward flight to Nairobi. Overnight stay at a Nairobi hotel.

Day 05 :

Nairobi – Samburu National Reserve

Pick up from your Nairobi hotel or airport in the morning and drive north toward Samburu National Reserve, with a stop at the Equator line in Nanyuki near Mount Kenya. Arrive in Samburu for lunch and a short game drive. In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive exploring the park’s unique wildlife, including Reticulated Giraffe, Grevy’s Zebra, Beisa Oryx, and the blue-legged Somali Ostrich. Return to your camp or lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 06 :

Samburu National Reserve – Aberdare National Park

Start the day with an early morning game drive in Samburu National Reserve, spotting unique wildlife before returning to your camp for breakfast. Depart for Aberdare National Park, arriving in time for lunch and check-in at your hotel. In the afternoon, transfer to The Ark, a luxury lodge with four viewing decks, balconies, and lounges, offering unmatched wildlife viewing as animals come directly to you. Enjoy dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.

Day 07 :

Aberdare National Park – Lake Nakuru National Park

After an early morning breakfast and a short game drive en-route, depart Aberdare National Park for Lake Nakuru National Park, passing through the scenic Great Rift Valley escarpment. Arrive in time for lunch and check-in at your camp or lodge. Enjoy an afternoon game drive around the famous Pink Lake, renowned for its large flocks of flamingos, as well as the park’s iconic white and black rhinos. Dinner and overnight at your camp or lodge.

Day 08 :

Lake Nakuru National Park – Maasai Mara National Reserve

After an early breakfast, depart Lake Nakuru National Park for the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, arriving in time for lunch and check-in at your camp or lodge. In the afternoon, embark on a game drive across the Mara’s expansive plains. This iconic reserve is teeming with wildlife, including Masai giraffes, baboons, warthogs, bat-eared foxes, grey jackals, spotted hyenas, topis, impalas, wildebeest, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, and hippos. Lions are commonly seen resting or on the prowl, while cheetahs and leopards, though elusive, are occasionally spotted. The Maasai Mara is also renowned for the spectacular annual wildebeest migration in July and August, when millions of these herbivores move north from the Serengeti, returning south in October. Dinner and overnight at your camp or lodge.

Day 09 :

Full Day in Maasai Mara National Reserve

After breakfast, check out with lunch boxes and spend the entire day exploring Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s premier wildlife sanctuary. The Mara spans 1,672 sq. km and hosts over 450 species of animals, including resident herds of elephants, lions, buffalo, Thompson’s gazelle, zebra, and topi. The Mara plains are alive with migrating wildebeest and zebra, especially during the annual migration following the rains north. Hippos play and crocodiles bask along the Mara River, while elusive rhinos and leopards can occasionally be spotted.

For a unique perspective, guests can take an optional hot air balloon safari, drifting over the endless plains at sunrise for breathtaking wildlife and photographic opportunities. After the adventure, return to the lodge and enjoy an optional visit to a Maasai village, where Maasai warriors and women will showcase traditional dances, songs, and daily life, offering insight into their rich culture and heritage. Dinner and overnight at the camp or lodge.

Day 10 :

Maasai Mara National Reserve – Nairobi

Begin the day with a pre-breakfast morning game drive in Maasai Mara National Reserve, enjoying the sights of wildlife in the cool morning hours. Return to your camp or lodge for a full breakfast, then depart for Nairobi. Stop for lunch in Narok town before continuing your journey. Arrive in Nairobi in the evening and be dropped off at your hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.