8-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking & Masai Mara Safari – The Ultimate East African Wildlife Adventure

An extraordinary African adventure is experienced on this 8 Days Uganda gorilla tour and Masai Mara safari, designed to blend the unmatched primate encounters of Uganda with the iconic big game experiences of Kenya. This cross border journey is curated to showcase the finest of East Africa mist covered rainforests filled with gorillas and chimpanzees, lush crater lakes, powerful rivers, and vast savannahs where Africa’s most famous wildlife roams freely.

Ideal for wildlife lovers, adventure seekers, photographers, and cultural explorers, this safari offers an unforgettable mix of gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, Nile adventures, Maasai and Batwa cultural visits, hot air balloon safaris, and immersive game drives. Every moment is expertly arranged by Freundlich Safaris Uganda, ensuring comfort, flexibility, and the highest level of professional guiding.

Day 1: Kampala to Kibale Forest – Bigodi Wetland Walk & Crater Lakes Tour

A scenic drive to western Uganda is enjoyed after breakfast, as your driver/guide from Freundlich Safaris Uganda picks you up for the start of your safari. Rolling hills, tea estates, and small villages set a beautiful backdrop as you journey toward Fort Portal, where lunch is enjoyed before continuing to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.

A guided nature walk through this lush wetland allows sightings of numerous primates, butterflies, and over 200 bird species, including the famous great blue turaco. A short visit to the nearby Ndali Kasenda Crater Lakes follows, offering dramatic views of volcanic landscapes blanketed in greenery.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Options

Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale – Scenic Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

The day begins with a briefing at Kibale Forest Headquarters before you enter the forest in search of wild chimpanzees. Their excited calls echo through the canopy as you spend an hour observing their playful and social behavior. Other primates such as red colobus, black and white colobus monkey, and grey cheeked mangabeys  are frequently seen.

Lunch is enjoyed before the journey continues southward through fertile farmlands, rolling hills, and banana plantations. The landscapes become more dramatic as you approach the emerald slopes of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Options 

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – Batwa Community Experience

An early breakfast is followed by a trek briefing at the park headquarters before you venture deep into the ancient rainforest. The terrain is rugged, but the reward of standing only meters away from a mountain gorilla family is one of the most profound wildlife experiences on earth. You will observe them feeding, grooming, playing, and caring for their young during your one hour sanctioned visit.

After the trek, a cultural encounter with the Batwa pygmies is enjoyed. These original forest inhabitants share their traditions, music, dances, and stories, offering a deeper understanding of Bwindi’s cultural heritage.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Same as Day 2

Day 4: Bwindi to Kampala – Igongo Cultural Centre & Equator Stop

A scenic drive back toward central Uganda is taken after breakfast. The route passes through Mbarara, where a stop is made at Igongo Cultural Centre, home to a museum highlighting the customs and history of the Ankole Kingdom. A delicious lunch is enjoyed before continuing to the Ugandan Equator, where photo moments and souvenir shopping are welcomed.

Arrival in Kampala is expected in the evening, followed by check-in to your hotel and relaxation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Options 

Day 5: Jinja Adventure – Source of the Nile Visit – Flight to Nairobi

The adventure capital of East Africa Jinja is reached after an early transfer. A thrilling whitewater rafting experience on the Nile can be enjoyed, although quad biking, kayaking, and bungee jumping are available as optional activities.

A relaxing boat trip to the Source of the Nile follows, offering calm views where the river begins its 6,650 km journey to the Mediterranean Sea. Later, you are transferred to Entebbe Airport for your evening flight to Nairobi. Upon arrival, a representative meets and transfers you to your hotel for overnight rest.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Options 

Day 6: Nairobi to Masai Mara – Afternoon Game Drive

After breakfast, your journey into Kenya’s iconic Masai Mara National Reserve begins. Vast plains, Maasai homesteads, and scenic views highlight the drive. Lunch is served upon arrival at your lodge before you head out for your first wildlife viewing experience.

The Mara’s sweeping grasslands support large populations of lions, elephants, buffaloes, cheetahs, giraffes, and countless other species. The afternoon game drive introduces you to the beauty and ecological richness of this world famous reserve.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: options 

Day 7: Full-Day Masai Mara Safari – Optional Hot Air Balloon Experience

A magical hot air balloon ride is available at dawn (optional, with advance booking) offering an unforgettable aerial view of the Mara as wildlife begins to stir. A champagne breakfast in the bush follows before the day’s game drives continue.

The entire day is dedicated to exploring different sections of the reserve. Sightings often include the Big Five, herds of antelope, hippos basking in pools, crocodiles along the Mara River, and migrating wildlife depending on the season.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Same as Day 6

Day 8: Maasai Village Visit – Return to Nairobi

A morning visit to an authentic Maasai village offers insight into the traditions, dances, and pastoral lifestyle of one of East Africa’s most iconic communities. You will learn about their cattle culture, house construction, and tribal customs before departing the reserve.

Lunch is enjoyed en route before arriving in Nairobi, where your safari concludes with a drop off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or a hotel of your choice.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Tour Price Includes

• All transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle with English speaking guide

• Gorilla trekking permit

• Chimpanzee tracking permit

• All accommodations and meals as listed

• Park entrance fees

• Cultural interactions (Batwa & Maasai)

• Masai Mara hot air balloon safari

• Whitewater rafting experience

• One way flight from Entebbe to Nairobi

• Bottled water during the safari

• Airport transfers

Excludes

• International flights and visa fees

• Travel and medical insurance

• Alcoholic beverages and snacks

• Tips and personal purchases

Book your 8 Days Uganda gorilla tour and Masai  Mara safari now with Freundlich Safaris Uganda