Masai Mara & Bwindi Gorilla Safari

Embark on a Majestic Journey: Masai Mara & Bwindi Gorilla Expedition

For those harboring dreams of venturing into the wild landscapes of both Kenya and Uganda, the Masai Mara & Bwindi Gorilla safari presents an unparalleled odyssey. Catering to the desires of bucket list travelers, this extraordinary escapade seamlessly merges the thrill of encountering the big five in the untamed Masai Mara with the awe-inspiring experience of tracking mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Facilitated by a new interline air service collaboration between Air Kenya and AeroLink Uganda, the journey is streamlined for convenience.

Air Kenya extends its services from Masai Mara to Uganda’s Entebbe International Airport, effortlessly connecting with AeroLink’s early afternoon flights to various Ugandan gems, including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and Kidepo Valley National Park. This development opens up a tapestry of experiences, leading from the footprints of the big five in the Masai Mara to the misty mountains of Bwindi, encompassing cultural encounters, encounters with the deepest lake in Africa, and the vast expanse of Lake Victoria.

Exploring the Wonders of Masai Mara National Reserve

Adjacent to Tanzania’s Serengeti, the Masai Mara National Reserve captivates with its expansive acacia-studded grasslands interspersed with woodlands. The Mara and Talek Rivers flow as lifeblood through the park, setting the stage for a diverse array of wildlife. Renowned for its annual migration, the Masai Mara witnesses the awe-inspiring journey of almost 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles around July each year, creating a spectacle of nature. Lions and cheetahs pursue them, and crocodiles lie in wait as they cross rivers. Whether timed for the Great Migration or not, visitors are guaranteed sightings of the ‘big five’ and approximately 450 bird species.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park: A Gorilla Haven

In the remote forests of southwestern Uganda lies the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, home to the rare Mountain Gorillas. This destination stands as Uganda’s premier tourist attraction, offering one of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife encounters. Gorilla tracking in this pristine environment ranges from two to eight hours, granting participants an intimate hour amidst a Gorilla family upon discovery. Beyond Gorillas, Bwindi Forest boasts a rich biodiversity, including 350 bird species, 120 mammal species, 310 butterfly species, 200 tree species, and 51 reptile species. Engaging community walks provide insights into the lives of the Bakiga and Batwa (Pygmy) people, the original inhabitants of the forests.

Masai Mara & Bwindi Gorilla Safari Itinerary: A Fusion of Wildlife and Culture

Day 1: Fly to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Commence your journey with an early morning flight to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Upon arrival, your driver/guide awaits, transferring you to your Gorilla lodge. After a short rest, delve into a community visit, setting the stage for an enchanting overnight stay.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest

With an early start, venture to the park headquarters for a briefing before embarking on the remarkable Gorilla trek. Grouped in small units, each with a ranger guide, explore the forest to encounter the majestic Gorillas. Return to the lodge to bask in the serene forest scenery.

Day 3: Fly back to Entebbe and connect to Masai Mara

Bid farewell to Bwindi with a morning flight back to Entebbe. Following lunch, embark on a connecting flight to Masai Mara. Welcomed by a Trek Africa Expeditions representative, settle into the lodge, preparing for the adventures in the National Reserve.

Day 4: Full Day Game Drives in Masai Mara

Embark on an extensive game drive, immersing yourself in the wonders of Masai Mara, renowned for the great wildebeest migration. A picnic lunch by the Mara River is followed by a nature walk with an armed ranger. The afternoon unfolds with another game drive, capturing the essence of the diverse wildlife.

Day 5: Another Full Day in Masai Mara

Seize the day with an early morning breakfast, setting the stage for another full day of exploration in the National Park. A picnic lunch in the bush and a walk in a Masai village offer immersive experiences. The afternoon concludes with captivating game drives, culminating in memories of both mountain Gorillas from Uganda and the great big five in Masai Mara.

Day 6: Transfer from Masai Mara to Nairobi

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before proceeding to Nairobi. A city tour precedes your departure to the airport for your international flight, marking the culmination of an extraordinary journey.

Embark on this transcendent Masai Mara & Bwindi Gorilla safari, where the wild beauty of both Kenya and Uganda converges in a symphony of wildlife and cultural revelations.