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
Arrive Entebbe, Transfer to Bwindi
Arrival at Entebbe, then a road transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Gorilla Trekking, Bwindi
A full day tracking a habituated mountain gorilla family through Bwindi’s forest.
As above
Batwa Cultural Encounter, Free Day
A guided Batwa cultural encounter, then a free afternoon to rest before the flight onward.
As above
Fly to Nairobi, Transfer to Maasai Mara
A flight via Entebbe and Nairobi to a Maasai Mara airstrip, with an afternoon game drive.
Full Day Maasai Mara Game Drives
A full day across the Mara’s plains for lion, leopard and elephant.
As above
Second Maasai Mara Game Drive Day
A further day exploring different sectors of the reserve.
As above
Third Maasai Mara Game Drive Day
An additional day, with the flexibility to chase specific sightings your guide has tracked.
As above
Fly to Nairobi, Connect to Zanzibar
A flight to Nairobi, connecting onward to Zanzibar via Dar es Salaam, transferring to your beach resort.
Stone Town Cultural Tour
A guided walking tour of Stone Town’s markets and historic architecture.
As above
Beach Day at Leisure
A free day on Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches.
As above
Second Beach Day, Optional Watersports
A further beach day with optional diving, sailing or a sunset dhow cruise.
As above
Third Beach Day at Leisure
A final relaxed beach day, no schedule.
As above
Departure
Transfer to Zanzibar’s airport for your onward international flight.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Could Rwanda replace Uganda for the gorilla leg?
Yes, that’s a straightforward swap; tell us your preference and we’ll re-quote the route.
Is 13 days the minimum for this circuit, or can it be shortened?
This is our recommended length to give each leg genuine time; a 10-day condensed version trimming a day from each section is possible on request.
Ready to Plan This Trip?
Tell us your dates and we’ll confirm flights and lodges within one business day. Get in touch to start planning.