This circuit gives its two halves genuine separation — both of Uganda’s great primates, gorillas and chimpanzees, covered fully before flying to Kenya for a predator-focused Maasai Mara stay, rather than blending primates and predators into a single rushed itinerary.
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival at Entebbe, then a drive west to Kibale Forest National Park.
Arrive Entebbe, Transfer to Kibale Forest
Accommodation Options
Mid-rangeKibale Forest Camp
LuxuryKyaninga Lodge
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2
A morning trek following one of Kibale’s habituated chimpanzee communities.
Chimpanzee Trekking, Kibale Forest
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3
A drive south to Bwindi via Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Ishasha sector.
Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha
Accommodation Options
Mid-rangeEngagi Lodge
LuxuryBuhoma Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4
A full day tracking a habituated mountain gorilla family through Bwindi’s forest.
Gorilla Trekking, Bwindi
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5
A guided Batwa cultural encounter, closing out the primate half of the trip.
Batwa Cultural Encounter
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6
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 7
A full day with the Mara’s resident lion prides.
Full Day Lion Tracking, Maasai Mara
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8
A full day targeting the Mara’s resident leopards and cheetah.
Leopard and Cheetah Tracking, Maasai Mara
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9
A day based at the Mara River’s crossing points, watching for herds gathering to cross, weather and season permitting.
Mara River Crossing Points
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10
An optional pre-dawn hot air balloon flight over the Mara, followed by a champagne bush breakfast.
Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11
A further game drive day, exploring different sectors of the reserve.
Second Full Day Maasai Mara
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12
A final morning game drive, then a flight to Nairobi for your onward international connection.
Departure
Meals: Breakfast
Permits & Costs
| Kibale chimpanzee permit | $200 per person |
| Uganda gorilla permit | $800 per person |
| Maasai Mara conservancy/reserve fees | ~$100 per person per day |
| Hot air balloon safari (optional) | ~$550 per person |
Who This Itinerary Suits
Travellers who want both of Uganda’s great primates fully covered, then a dedicated predator-focused finale, not a blended itinerary.Tour Includes
- All ground transport in 4×4 safari vehicles
- Batwa cultural encounter
- Regional flight segments
- Professional English-speaking driver-guides in each country
- All accommodation per itinerary
- Meals as specified
- Both permits & Mara reserve fees
Tour Excludes
- International flights
- Hot air balloon safari (if selected)
- Visas
- Tips & gratuities
- Travel insurance