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Combine the ultimate African wildlife experiences of a Masai Mara Safari in Kenya and gorilla trekking in Uganda, on this affordable Africa Tour overland!
Our Masai Mara Kenya Safari & Uganda Gorilla Safari includes:
This excellent-value-for-money budget safari is a dream African safari adventure!
Departing from Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, this Kenya Masai Mara & Uganda Gorilla Safari heads southwest in 4x4 safari vehicles to our first stop, the legendary Masai Mara Game Reserve. Here, rolling grassy plains and the Mara River provide a seemingly endless buffet for huge herds of grazing herbivores. Predators are never far behind. Lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas - all find their home in the Masai Mara, drawn by the abundance of prey.
Masai Mara is more than just a beautiful landscape; it's home to the proud Maasai people, whose colourful culture add an extra layer of intrigue to your trip. As our vehicle travels through the Great Rift Valley of East Africa towards the park, appreciate the scenic landscapes dotted with rural villages that are home to Maasai tribesman recognizable by their vibrant red shuka cloths, intricate beadwork, and stretched earlobes. But don't let the traditional attire fool you; many Maasai have embraced modernity, juggling cell phones along with their herding duties, or trading in their spears for biro pens in school classrooms.
For the next 2 nights we will stay at a comfortable tented safari camp near Masai Mara’s Sekanani gate.
On Day 2 of our Africa Safari Tour, a full day is devoted to exploring the Masai Mara to experience for ourselves why the park is the chosen location for so many nature documentaries.
What sets the Masai Mara apart is its extraordinary concentration of wildlife - home to the Big 5 – lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo – and a host of other species. Whether you’re watching a pride of lions on a hunt, witnessing parts of the great wildebeest migration, or spotting a leopard lounging in an acacia tree, the wildlife encounters in the Mara are nothing short of spectacular.
The savannah ecosystem supports super herds of herbivores - think zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, and elephants. The landscape is also punctuated by acacia trees, rivers, and hills, creating a variety of habitats that contributes to the incredible biodiversity. The Mara River crosses the Park, its reliable water supply a lifeline for the wildlife.
The Masai Mara is famous as the stage for one of nature's greatest spectacles - the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle traverse the plains in search of fresh grazing. This is a seasonal cycle where the huge herds travel between the Masai Mara and the Serengeti plains on the other side of the border in Tanzania in search of the freshest grazing. But note, this migration is seasonal so sightings will vary depending on the timing of your visit.
This morning we get up early for one more game drive in the magnificent Masai Mara National Reserve. Then we set off north, making our way to Lake Nakuru. This Great Rift Valley Lake is very alkaline due to evaporation of the lake water which leaves behind the salts and minerals, creating a haven for one of nature's most spectacular sights - flocks of flamingos! These pink-feathered beauties love the alkaline waters of Lake Nakuru because it's brimming with their favorite food - blue-green algae.
Adjacent to the lake, Lake Nakuru National Park is a vibrant ecosystem that is home to a diverse array of wildlife, particularly large numbers of endangered black and white rhinoceros. Our overland truck and driver meet up with us here and we head into Lake Nakuru National Park on a game drive this afternoon. Spot rhinos grazing peacefully in the grasslands, lions lounging in the shade, and giraffes nibbling on acacia trees.
Originally established as a bird sanctuary, the Park is home to a wide array of birdlife, with over 400 resident species as well as various migratory birds. The park's crowning glory is its flamingo population but note that their visit is seasonal, and sightings are not always guaranteed.
Next, our Kenya Masai Mara & Uganda Gorilla Safari crosses the border into Uganda, the 'Pearl of Africa', where we will embark on our unforgettable gorilla safari. Along the way, we will cross the equator and will pause to take photos of this auspicious crossing.
Our first destination in Uganda is Jinja, located at the starting point of the Nile (officially called the Victoria Nile) where the river flows out of Lake Victoria. Jinja is Uganda’s adventure capital, well known for its variety of adventure activities, especially white-water rafting. We overnight near the banks of the Victoria Nile.
On day five of our Masai Mara & Gorilla Safari, after a quick stop in capital city, Kampala, we head northwest to Murchison Falls National Park and Lake Albert.
One of Uganda's oldest national parks, Murchison Falls National Park covers some 3 840 km² (3 million hectares) of wilderness in the Albertine Rift Valley, part of the western section of Africa's Great Rift Valley. The Victoria Nile River runs through the park, plummeting through a narrow gorge to form the spectacular Murchison Falls, after which the park is named. Below the cascading falls the great Nile fans out into a broad and placid river flowing into Lake Albert.
We make a stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where Rhinos are bred for release back into the national parks of Uganda as part of the rhino conservation program run by a non-profit called Rhino Fund Uganda (RFU). There is an option to take a bushwalk in search of these highly endangered creatures.
After settling in at our resort near the town of Masindi, your safari guide will brief you on the activities for the next day in Uganda.
Your day begins in the enchanting Budongo Forest Reserve, near the banks of tranquil Lake Albert. This tropical rainforest of majestic Mahogany trees is a sanctuary to Uganda's largest chimpanzee population. A local guide, an expert in navigating this dense forest, will lead groups of 12 on a trek to meet the resident chimp families. For an hour you have a rare opportunity to witness these creatures go about their lives, untouched and unscripted.
Later in the day we enjoy a leisurely cruise along the iconic Nile River as it meanders through the scenic Murchison Falls National Park. This boat ride offers fantastic game viewing opportunities. As we glide close to the riverbanks, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife coming to quench their thirst or bask in the sun.
Please note that our day's schedule remains flexible, depending on the size of our safari group. There might be instances when we need to swap the morning and afternoon activities. But rest assured, whether you're tracking chimps in the morning or cruising down the Nile in the afternoon, the day promises to be filled with unforgettable experiences.
On the morning of day seven, this Kenya Masai Mara & Uganda Gorilla Safari travels to our accommodation on the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its lion conservation project as well as its volcanic features. Our lodge for the night has a beautiful location on a hilltop overlooking Lake Kikorongo, a crater lake and extension of Lake George on the eastern side of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Today we continue onwards to the picturesque Lake Bunyonyi. We cross the equator once again. One of Africa's deepest lakes, Lake Bunyonyi has 29 verdant islands, home to over 200 avian species. Bunyonyi means 'Place of Many Little Birds', and this place is certainly a haven for bird enthusiasts.
Our accommodation for the next three nights is a charming resort nestled on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi. Here, you'll be able to soak in the stunning scenery and settle down comfortably, knowing this will be our base for the coming days. This evening, gear up for an exciting briefing about the gorilla trekking adventure planned for the following day.
From the serene waters of Lake Bunyonyi, today we embark on an exhilarating journey to meet the rare African Mountain Gorillas. With their numbers dwindling to around 800 in the wild, these majestic primates are critically endangered. Every dollar spent on gorilla trekking permits goes directly towards safeguarding their future, working with local communities to transform attitudes and turn the tide from poaching to protection.
Groups are kept very small for their encounter with the gorillas. Your guides will lead you on a trek through the mountain forests in search of a family group, which you are then able to quietly observe for an hour when you reach them. It is awe inspiring to watch these gentle giants go about their daily life.
Due to their rarity, gorilla trekking permits are highly sought after, requiring us to remain adaptable with our tour itinerary and trekking location for the next 2 days. The habitat of the mountain gorillas stretches cross border – Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo). So, in case permits for Uganda's Park are unavailable, we'll plan to cross borders into neighbouring Rwanda or the DRC for the mountain gorilla trekking adventure.
On the day you're not trekking (typically day 10), there's a host of optional activities available.
Please note: The Gorilla Trekking permit is not included in the price of this Overland Africa Tour. Only one day is spent trekking the gorillas, even though there are 2 days set aside. This allows time for obtaining permits and visiting the gorillas in smaller groups if there are more than 6 people on the overland tour.
On day 11 of this Masai Mara & Gorilla Safari in Kenya and Uganda, we leave the peaceful shores of Lake Bunyonyi and travel onward to Lake Mburo National Park, smallest of Uganda's savannah national parks. But don't let its size fool you! This Park is microcosm of African wilderness, where crocodiles and hippos rule the waters, and buffalos and zebras grace the shores. It is home to over 350 bird species, including the elusive African finfoot and the towering shoebill stork.
Tonight, we'll be staying at a tented camp perfectly situated on the edge of Lake Mburo National Park.
Day 12 sees us return to Jinja, Uganda’s second-largest city and adventure capital. The next day and a half are yours to shape as you please. You could choose to relax at our resort, nestled on the picturesque banks of the Nile River, or dive into a world of adventure with a range of optional activities. From quad biking and horse riding to kayaking and river cruises, there's no shortage of choices. The star attraction must be white water rafting.
We make our way back across the border into Kenya. The final night of our Kenya Masai Mara & Uganda Gorilla Safari is spent at a lodge in the heart of the Great Rift Valley. Eldoret city has gone from a humble post office on a local farm back in 1910, to Kenya's fifth largest metropolis. It's also known as the 'City of Champions' because, at its altitude of 2,100 meters, Eldoret has become a global beacon for world-class runners who flock here to train at the renowned High-Altitude Training Centre.
On the last day of our Kenya Masai Mara & Uganda Gorilla Safari, we drive southeast to Nairobi, where our journey of a lifetime started.
Most groups choose to meet for an optional dinner to share stories and exchange contact details with fellow travelers.
Please note that the Wildebeest Great Migration is seasonal. As a natural wildlife phenomenon, it is fluid and unpredictable. For this reason, seeing the Great Migration cannot be guaranteed.
The wildebeest and other wild herbivores migrate between Masai Mara in Kenya and Serengeti in Tanzania. These herds move in a massive circular route covering some 1200 miles (1931km). It is a continuous movement of wildlife that can be seen in different areas at different times of the year. During certain phases of this annual trek the animals disperse or slow down, whilst at other times the migration picks up speed, with the herds becoming larger and denser. Not only does the Wildebeest Great Migration vary from place to place and season to season but the movement of these large wildlife herds varies from year to year.
Please talk to a travel expert from African Budget Safaris about seeing the Wildebeest Great Migration on your safari to find out more. Also, check out our detailed article about the Great Migration in Serengeti and Masai Mara.
For up-to-date and confirmed pricing info for optional items, please drop us an enquiry.
This tour does take children.
There is a minimum age limit of 12 years of age, for travellers on scheduled departure dates.
A maximum of 4 children, aged between 12 - 15 years, will be allowed on any scheduled tour departure date.
Should there already be 4 children confirmed on a tour, any further children requests will be dealt with on a request basis only.
There is a minimum age limit of 16 years or older, to partake in the Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking and Pygmy Village visit.
Age restrictions may apply to certain items listed in the respective tour activities and it is important that you are aware of these restrictions prior to confirming children on tour.
Please contact African Budget Safaris for further information.
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