This circuit is built around three genuinely distinct experiences that together capture the range of what East Africa offers — gorilla trekking in Uganda’s forests, Big Five game viewing on Kenya’s open plains, and several days on Zanzibar’s beaches to close the trip.
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival at Entebbe, then a road transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Arrive Entebbe, Transfer to Bwindi
Accommodation Options
Mid-rangeEngagi Lodge
LuxuryBuhoma Lodge
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2
A full day tracking a habituated mountain gorilla family through Bwindi’s forest.
Gorilla Trekking, Bwindi
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3
A guided Batwa cultural encounter, then a free afternoon to rest before the flight onward.
Batwa Cultural Encounter, Free Day
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4
A flight via Entebbe and Nairobi to a Maasai Mara airstrip, with an afternoon game drive.
Fly to Nairobi, Transfer to Maasai Mara
Accommodation Options
Mid-rangeSarova Mara Game Camp
LuxuryAngama Mara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5
A full day across the Mara’s plains for lion, leopard and elephant.
Full Day Maasai Mara Game Drives
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6
A further day exploring different sectors of the reserve.
Second Maasai Mara Game Drive Day
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7
An additional day, with the flexibility to chase specific sightings your guide has tracked.
Third Maasai Mara Game Drive Day
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8
A flight to Nairobi, connecting onward to Zanzibar via Dar es Salaam, transferring to your beach resort.
Fly to Nairobi, Connect to Zanzibar
Accommodation Options
Mid-rangeZanzibar Bay Resort
LuxuryBaraza Resort & Spa
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9
A guided walking tour of Stone Town’s markets and historic architecture.
Stone Town Cultural Tour
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10
A free day on Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches.
Beach Day at Leisure
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11
A further beach day with optional diving, sailing or a sunset dhow cruise.
Second Beach Day, Optional Watersports
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12
A final relaxed beach day, no schedule.
Third Beach Day at Leisure
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 13
Transfer to Zanzibar’s airport for your onward international flight.
Departure
Meals: Breakfast
Permits & Costs
| Uganda gorilla permit | $800 per person |
| Maasai Mara conservancy/reserve fees | ~$100 per person per day |
| Regional & domestic flights (multiple segments) | Quoted separately |
Who This Itinerary Suits
Travellers on a genuine once-in-a-lifetime trip who want primates, Big Five and beach all given proper time, not compressed into a shorter window.Tour Includes
- All ground transport in 4×4 safari vehicles
- Batwa cultural encounter & Stone Town guided tour
- Professional English-speaking driver-guides in each country
- All accommodation per itinerary
- Meals as specified
- Gorilla permit & Mara reserve fees
Tour Excludes
- All regional and domestic flights
- International flights
- Visas
- Tips & gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Watersports at the coast