11 Days Masai Mara – Serengeti and Gorilla Trekking Safari
This 11 Days Masai Mara – Serengeti and Gorilla Trekking Safari ensures a seamless blend of wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and breathtaking landscapes across East Africa, offering a comprehensive exploration of some of the continent’s most iconic national parks and the chance to trek with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi, Kenya
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our representative who will assist with transfer to your hotel. Check-in and rest, acclimating to the African atmosphere.
Day 2: Nairobi to Maasai Mara
After an early breakfast, embark on a scenic drive southwest to Maasai Mara National Reserve. The journey, spanning approximately 5-6 hours, takes you through the Great Rift Valley, offering picturesque views and a chance to stretch legs at scenic viewpoints. Arrive at your lodge or camp in Maasai Mara in time for lunch. Following a brief rest, set out on an afternoon game drive to witness the reserve’s diverse wildlife, including the Big Five. Return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Full Day in Maasai Mara
Start the day with an exhilarating morning game drive at dawn, when wildlife is most active. Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast and leisure time to relax or explore nearby areas. Consider an optional visit to a local Maasai village to immerse in their traditional culture and lifestyle. After lunch, embark on another game drive, exploring different parts of Maasai Mara to maximize wildlife sightings and capture stunning photographs. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4: Maasai Mara to Serengeti (Tanzania)
Following an early morning game drive in Maasai Mara and breakfast at the lodge, bid farewell to Kenya as you journey towards the Isebania/Sirari border. After crossing into Tanzania and completing border formalities, meet your Tanzanian driver-guide. Continue to Serengeti National Park, a journey of approximately 2-3 hours, and arrive in time for an evening game drive. Delight in the sights and sounds of Serengeti’s vast plains and diverse wildlife before returning to your lodge or camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: Serengeti National Park
Today is devoted to exploring Serengeti National Park, starting with an early morning game drive to catch wildlife at sunrise. Enjoy a picnic breakfast amidst the wilderness, followed by further exploration of Serengeti’s different regions and habitats during a full day of game drives. Keep an eye out for the park’s abundant wildlife, including the famous Big Five and the annual wildebeest migration (seasonal spectacle). Return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 6: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
After a final morning game drive in Serengeti and breakfast at your lodge, journey towards Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a comprehensive game drive within this natural wonder. Discover the diverse ecosystem and extensive wildlife population, pausing for a picnic lunch with panoramic views of the crater floor. As the day draws to a close, ascend to your lodge on the crater rim for dinner and overnight stay, reveling in the stunning surroundings.
Day 7: Ngorongoro to Lake Manyara
Early morning promises another rewarding game drive in Ngorongoro Crater, followed by breakfast at your lodge. Depart for Lake Manyara National Park, an approximately 2-3 hours’ drive, renowned for its tree-climbing lions and diverse birdlife. Explore the park during an afternoon game drive, soaking in its unique landscapes and abundant wildlife sightings. Return to your lodge or camp near Lake Manyara for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 8: Lake Manyara to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda)
After an early morning game drive in Lake Manyara and breakfast at your lodge, proceed towards the Isebania border. Cross into Uganda, complete immigration procedures, and meet your Ugandan driver-guide. Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a scenic drive lasting approximately 4-5 hours. Arrive at your lodge nestled near the forest, enjoying dinner and overnight stay amidst the tranquil setting.
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Awaken early for a hearty breakfast before transferring to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking guidelines and safety measures. Embark on an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, guided by experienced trackers. Spend up to one hour in close proximity to a habituated gorilla family, observing their behavior and interactions within their natural habitat. Return to your lodge for lunch and leisure time to relax or explore the local community and its traditions. Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge, reflecting on the day’s remarkable wildlife encounter.
Day 10: Bwindi to Entebbe
Enjoy a final breakfast amidst the forest ambiance before departing on a scenic drive back to Entebbe, a journey of approximately 8-9 hours. Arrive in Entebbe in the evening, where you’ll check into your hotel for a farewell dinner and overnight stay.
Day 11: Departure
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a leisurely morning exploring Entebbe or relaxing at your hotel. Later, transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight, concluding an unforgettable 10-day safari adventure across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.