7-Day Bwindi from Kigali & Masai Mara Safari

Embark on a thrilling 7-day Bwindi from Kigali & Masai Mara Safari  journey through Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, famed for gorilla trekking, and Kenya’s Masai Mara, world-renowned for its dramatic wildlife encounters. This cross-border itinerary offers a rare blend of primate tracking, cultural experiences, and savannah game drives, curated for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

Day 1: Arrive in Kigali – Cross into Uganda and Transfer to Bwindi

Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, a Traford Safaris representative will greet you and provide a comprehensive briefing about your East African adventure. You’ll then depart for Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via the Katuna (Gatuna) border, a scenic drive through rolling hills and misty landscapes.

Bwindi is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its biodiversity. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge, nestled near the forest edge, and enjoy a restful evening preparing for your gorilla trek.

  • Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda)

  • Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge – Mid-range lodge

  • Meals & Drinks: Lunch and dinner included; drinking water provided

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Adventure & Batwa Cultural Tour

After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing by experienced rangers. Set off into the forest to track a habituated gorilla family, an unforgettable trek that can last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours depending on their location. Once found, you’ll spend one magical hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat — a truly humbling experience.

After lunch at the lodge, spend the afternoon with the Batwa community, the original forest dwellers of Bwindi. Through songs, dance, storytelling, and traditional demonstrations, the Batwa will share their ancestral way of life, offering insights into how they lived in harmony with the forest for generations.

  • Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

  • Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

  • Meals & Drinks: All meals included; drinking water provided

Day 3: Leisure Day at Bwindi – Optional Activities or Forest Walk

Enjoy a leisurely day at Bwindi to relax or participate in optional activities. You may choose a guided nature walk through the forest to observe birds, butterflies, and unique flora, or take a community coffee tour to learn how local farmers grow, harvest, and roast Arabica coffee. This slower-paced day offers time to reflect, recharge, and truly absorb the ambiance of the jungle.

Alternatively, spend the day relaxing at the lodge with panoramic views, or arrange a second gorilla trek (optional, with additional permit fee). Your guide will help customize the day to your preference.

  • Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

  • Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

  • Meals & Drinks: All meals included; drinking water provided

Day 4: Transfer to Kampala – Fly to Nairobi

Begin the day with an early breakfast and depart Bwindi for a scenic drive to Kampala/Entebbe. Along the way, enjoy stopovers at viewpoints and landmarks including the Equator line at Kayabwe, a popular spot for souvenir shopping and photo opportunities.

Enjoy lunch en route, then proceed to Entebbe International Airport for your flight to Nairobi, Kenya. Upon arrival, meet a Traford Safaris driver-guide and transfer to your Nairobi hotel for overnight rest.

  • Main Destination: Nairobi, Kenya

  • Accommodation: Eka Hotel Nairobi – Comfortable city hotel

  • Meals & Drinks: Breakfast and lunch included; dinner on own

  • Drinks: Drinking water provided

Day 5: Drive to Masai Mara – Afternoon Game Drive

After breakfast at the hotel, begin your road journey to Masai Mara National Reserve. Stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint for breathtaking views and photos before continuing to the reserve. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch.

In the afternoon, head out for your first game drive across the Mara plains. Look out for elephants, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and predators such as lions and cheetahs. The reserve is alive with activity, especially in the late afternoon when animals congregate at watering holes.

  • Main Destination: Masai Mara National Reserve

  • Accommodation: Marriott Masai Mara Lodge – Luxury wilderness lodge

  • Meals & Drinks: All meals included; drinking water provided

Day 6: Full-Day Safari in Masai Mara – Wildebeest, Big Cats & More

Today features a full-day safari across the plains of the Masai Mara. Depart early for a sunrise game drive when predators are most active. Enjoy a bush breakfast and continue exploring the reserve throughout the day.

The Masai Mara is famed for its density of wildlife, including the Big Five – lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo – as well as the seasonal Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra. Stop at the Mara River to see crocodiles and hippos in their natural setting. Your picnic lunch will be served at a scenic location before continuing the safari in the afternoon.

Optional: For a special treat, take a hot-air balloon safari (available at extra cost) or visit a traditional Maasai village.

  • Main Destination: Masai Mara National Reserve

  • Accommodation: Marriott Masai Mara Lodge

  • Meals & Drinks: All meals included; drinking water provided

Day 7: Morning Game Drive – Return to Nairobi & Departure

Enjoy an early morning game drive to spot any wildlife you may have missed, followed by a hearty breakfast. Check out and begin your return drive to Nairobi, arriving in the afternoon. You’ll be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of this unforgettable 7-day Bwindi from Kigali & Masai Mara Safari

  • Main Destination: Nairobi, Kenya

  • Accommodation: None (End of Tour)

  • Meals & Drinks: Breakfast and lunch included

  • Drinks: Drinking water provided

Safari Inclusions

  • Gorilla trekking permit (Uganda)

  • All park entry fees

  • Transport in 4×4 safari vehicles (Uganda & Kenya)

  • All internal transfers and airport pickups

  • Flight from Entebbe to Nairobi

  • English-speaking professional driver-guides

  • 6 nights’ accommodation as per itinerary

  • All meals as specified

  • Drinking water during safari drives

  • Batwa community experience

  • Equator stop and photo session

Exclusions

  • International flights

  • Visas for Uganda and Kenya

  • Optional excursions (balloon safari, second gorilla trek)

  • Tips and gratuities

  • Personal travel insurance

  • Meals not listed as included

  • Alcoholic and soft beverages