12-Day Kenya Uganda Safari Experience

Into the Wild Heart of Kenya

Your extraordinary 12-Day Kenya Uganda Safari begins as you arrive in Nairobi, Kenya’s vibrant capital. A warm welcome awaits you at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where a professional Deks Safaris & Tours representative greets you with refreshing smiles and a briefing on the incredible journey ahead. After a short meet-and-greet session, you board a comfortable safari vehicle or a scheduled fly-in charter (optional luxury upgrade) heading southwest towards the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve.

This drive is an experience in itself, taking you through the picturesque Great Rift Valley and traditional Kikuyu homesteads, giving you your first glimpse into Kenya’s rich cultural tapestry. Alternatively, opt for a luxurious fly-in transfer to reduce travel time and enjoy aerial views of the Mara plains and acacia-dotted landscapes. On arrival at your luxury safari camp or lodge, you’ll have time to freshen up, enjoy a gourmet lunch, and relax amid nature’s tranquility.

Later in the day, embark on your first game drive in the vast Masai Mara—one of Africa’s premier game-viewing destinations. Expect thrilling encounters with Africa’s iconic Big Five: lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, and rhinos. Depending on the time of year (July to October), you may also witness the breathtaking Great Migration, as thousands of wildebeests and zebras thunder across the plains. The evening is spent enjoying a sundowner by the campfire, sharing stories under a canopy of stars.

Important to Note

• Accommodation: Jambo Mara Safari Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Drinking Water

The Great Migration and Maasai Culture

Wake up to the calls of the wild and start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading out for a full-day safari across the magnificent plains of Masai Mara. This reserve is a photographer’s paradise, offering striking sunrises, dramatic predator-prey action, and postcard-perfect landscapes. Your skilled 12-Day Kenya Uganda Safari guide uses local knowledge and tracking skills to position you for up-close wildlife sightings, including cheetahs on the hunt, lion prides with cubs, and solitary leopards lounging in the trees.

If you choose to enhance your experience, an optional hot air balloon safari (at an additional cost) provides a breathtaking aerial view of the sunrise over the Mara. Drifting silently over herds of elephants and gazelles, it’s an experience that lingers in your memory long after you return home. After a champagne bush breakfast, continue your game drives, stopping at scenic points and watching wildlife congregate near watering holes.

In the afternoon, engage in a cultural visit to a traditional Maasai village. Here, you’ll learn about the customs, beliefs, and daily life of the Maasai people—renowned for their colorful dress, cattle culture, and warrior traditions. Participate in tribal dances, take part in a guided tour of their homesteads (manyattas), and interact with local artisans crafting beaded jewelry.

Important to Note

Return to your lodge in the evening for a sumptuous dinner and storytelling by the campfire.

• Accommodation: Jambo Mara Safari Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Drinking Water

Lake Nakuru National Park and Afternoon Game Drive

After breakfast, bid farewell to the Masai Mara and embark on a scenic drive (or fly-in upgrade option) to Lake Nakuru National Park, nestled in the heart of the Great Rift Valley. En route, enjoy panoramic views of the escarpments, stop at viewpoints for photography, and observe daily rural life along the way. Upon arrival, check in to your luxury lodge, ideally located to offer sweeping views of the park’s woodlands and lake.

Lake Nakuru National Park is renowned for its shimmering alkaline lake, once home to millions of flamingos that painted the shoreline pink. While the flamingo population has decreased due to changing water levels, the lake still hosts significant numbers along with over 450 bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers. In the afternoon, embark on a game drive across the park, where you can spot endangered Rothschild giraffes, black and white rhinos, waterbucks, zebras, and tree-climbing lions.

The acacia woodlands and grassy plains provide ideal terrain for wildlife viewing, and your guide shares fascinating insights into animal behavior and park ecology. The highlight for many visitors is encountering rhinos, which are well protected here. As the sun sets over the lake, return to your lodge to enjoy an elegant dinner surrounded by nature’s peaceful soundtrack.

Important to Note

• Accommodation: Ziwa Bush Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Drinking Water

Morning Game Drive in Lake Nakuru and Scenic Transfer to Lake Naivasha

Begin your day with an early morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, taking advantage of the cooler hours when wildlife is most active. Capture magical sunrise moments as giraffes browse on acacias, hippos wallow near the lake shore, and buffaloes graze in the open plains. This early drive offers excellent opportunities for birding, with pelicans, cormorants, kingfishers, and even the elusive African fish eagle making an appearance.

After breakfast, depart for Lake Naivasha—an oasis of tranquility located just a few hours away. Lake Naivasha is one of Kenya’s most beautiful freshwater lakes, surrounded by lush flower farms, fever tree forests, and volcanic outcrops. Arrive at your lakeside lodge in time for lunch and relaxation before heading out for a guided boat safari across the lake. Glide past pods of hippos, marvel at the birdlife, and enjoy the stunning scenery that inspired many early explorers.

Depending on your interests, an optional nature walk on Crescent Island can also be arranged, where you can walk alongside giraffes, zebras, and impalas—an experience reminiscent of Eden. End your day of 12-Day Kenya Uganda Safari with dinner served under the stars at your luxury lodge, with sweeping views of the lake and surrounding wildlife.

Important to Note

• Accommodation: Elsamere Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Drinking Water

Morning Game Drive in Lake Naivasha and Flight to Uganda Via Jomo Kenyatta

Your morning begins with a refreshing breakfast surrounded by the scenic beauty of Lake Naivasha before heading out for an early game drive in the Lake Naivasha National Park. This tranquil location, nestled within the Great Rift Valley, is a bird lover’s paradise and a haven for hippos, giraffes, zebras, and waterbucks. You will embark on a short boat safari across Lake Naivasha’s calm waters, giving you the chance to spot schools of hippos submerged in the lake and witness African fish eagles diving dramatically for fish. The surrounding landscape, peppered with yellow-barked acacia trees and volcanic outcrops, is a haven of serenity and wildlife harmony.

Following your morning adventure, you will return to your lodge for check-out before being transferred back to Nairobi. You’ll board a short flight from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Entebbe International Airport in Uganda. Upon arrival, a warm Ugandan welcome awaits you. Your 12-Day Kenya Uganda Safari guide from Deks Safaris & Tours will escort you to your luxury overnight hotel in Entebbe where you’ll unwind after a day of travel and adventure. Entebbe, located on the shores of Lake Victoria, is the perfect stopover with its lush tropical gardens, warm hospitality, and peaceful ambiance. Rest and recharge for the second leg of your safari journey through the Pearl of Africa.

Important to Note

• Accommodation: Airport Guest House
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Drinking Water

Early Morning Shoebill Tracking in Mabamba Swamp on a Canoe and Drive to Murchison Falls National Park

Rise early for a magical morning of birdwatching in one of Uganda’s most cherished birding sites – Mabamba Swamp. This RAMSAR site, located on the edge of Lake Victoria, is one of the best locations in Africa to spot the rare and elusive shoebill stork. You’ll glide quietly through the papyrus swamp aboard a wooden canoe with the guidance of an experienced local birder. As you silently paddle through the narrow water channels, keep your binoculars ready to catch a glimpse of this prehistoric-looking bird standing motionless as it scans for lungfish. Mabamba is also home to over 300 other bird species, including papyrus gonoleks, swamp flycatchers, and African jacanas.

Entrance to Murchison Falls National Park

After this magical morning, return to shore and begin your road journey northwards to the iconic Murchison Falls National Park. En route, stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – the only place in Uganda where you can see white rhinos in the wild. Accompanied by a ranger, you’ll go on foot into the savannah to track these majestic animals, learning about their behavior and the conservation efforts protecting them.

Continue the journey through rural Ugandan landscapes dotted with villages and rolling green hills until you arrive at your lodge inside or near Murchison Falls National Park. This protected area, bisected by the mighty Nile River, is the largest and oldest conservation area in Uganda. Enjoy dinner while listening to the sounds of the wild, knowing tomorrow holds a full day of 12-Day Kenya Uganda Safari in one of Africa’s most dramatic wildlife arenas.

Important to Note

• Accommodation: Savannah Murchison Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Drinking Water

Game Drives, Hike to the Top of Murchison Falls, and Afternoon Boat Cruise

After breakfast, prepare for a full day of exploration in the vast expanse of Murchison Falls National Park. Begin the day with a morning game drive across the northern savannah plains of the park, where you are likely to encounter lions, giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, and a wide variety of antelopes including oribis, hartebeests, and bushbucks. With luck, you may even spot the elusive leopard relaxing on an acacia branch. The rolling landscape, dotted with Borassus palms and dissected by seasonal rivers, creates a classic African safari backdrop.

After the game drive, you’ll head to the top of Murchison Falls. This is where the Nile River, the longest river in the world, forces itself through a narrow 7-meter gap and plunges 43 meters into the Devil’s Cauldron below. The roar of the falls and the dramatic spray that rises into the sky is an unforgettable experience. Take photos and feel the immense power of nature before heading to lunch.

In the afternoon, take a serene boat cruise along the Nile River towards the base of the falls. This tranquil three-hour journey offers excellent views of crocodiles basking on the banks, elephants drinking at the water’s edge, and large pods of hippos. Water birds such as kingfishers, herons, and fish eagles are abundant. The boat ride culminates with a dramatic view of the thundering falls from below. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight, reflecting on one of the most exhilarating days of your 12-Day Kenya Uganda Safari.

Important to Note

• Accommodation: Savannah Murchison Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Drinking Water

The Primate Capital of the World

After an early breakfast, you’ll begin your scenic 12-Day Kenya Uganda Safari journey from Murchison Falls to the lush rainforests of Kibale Forest National Park. The drive takes you through the Albertine Rift Valley, past traditional villages, tea plantations, and crater lakes. You’ll enjoy several stopovers along the way to take photographs of the breathtaking landscapes, including the escarpments and rolling hills of western Uganda.

Kibale Forest National Park is famously known as the “Primate Capital of the World,” home to 13 species of primates, including the endangered chimpanzee. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your carefully selected luxury lodge nestled at the edge of the forest, offering stunning views and the soothing sounds of nature. This beautiful forest is rich in biodiversity, hosting over 325 species of birds and 70 species of mammals. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, soaking in the beauty of this verdant environment, enjoying a nature walk or interacting with the local communities nearby.

Your lodge offers luxury amenities, warm Ugandan hospitality, and exceptional cuisine prepared with fresh local ingredients. This evening, your 12-Day Kenya Uganda Safari guide will brief you on the thrilling chimpanzee tracking experience scheduled for tomorrow. Get a good night’s rest as tomorrow’s encounter with our closest relatives promises to be one of the most memorable highlights of your safari.

Important to Note

• Accommodation: Bweza Kibale Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Drinking Water

Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Swamp Walk in Kibale Forest National Park

Today offers an intimate and immersive encounter with Uganda’s wild chimpanzees. After an early breakfast, head to the Kibale Forest headquarters for a briefing by experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. You’ll then set off on foot into the dense forest, tracking the sounds of whoops and hoots as the chimpanzees move through the treetops. Tracking can take 1–4 hours depending on the location of the troop, and once located, you’ll spend a full hour observing their interactions, grooming, feeding, and playing in their natural habitat. Chimpanzees in Kibale are habituated, meaning they are familiar with human presence, allowing you a close but respectful experience.

After this exhilarating morning, return to your lodge for a hearty lunch. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run eco-tourism project that protects a rich and biodiverse swamp. The guided walk offers exceptional birdwatching, with highlights such as the great blue turaco, white-spotted flufftail, and papyrus gonolek. You may also see red colobus monkeys, black-and-white colobus, and other primates. This experience offers a wonderful blend of conservation and culture, as local guides share their deep knowledge of the area’s flora and fauna. Return to your lodge for dinner, warmed by the stories of the forest and the friendships forged with nature.

Important to Note

• Accommodation: Bweza Kibale Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Drinking Water

Morning Road Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Afternoon Batwa Cultural Experience

Leave Kibale Forest after breakfast and embark on a scenic drive southward toward the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – home of Uganda’s mountain gorillas. This 12-Day Kenya Uganda Safari journey takes you through some of the most picturesque highland landscapes in East Africa. You’ll pass through terraced hills, tea plantations, banana groves, and remote villages. Enjoy panoramic views of the Rwenzori Mountains and the Virunga Volcanoes along the way.

Arrive in the southern sector of Bwindi (Rushaga or Nkuringo) in the early afternoon and check into your lodge. This region is known for its intimate connection to both nature and community. After lunch and some rest, take part in a meaningful cultural experience with the Batwa pygmies – the original forest dwellers of Bwindi. This guided visit offers a window into their ancestral traditions, music, dance, hunting skills, and medicinal plant use.

You’ll hear firsthand how the Batwa lived in harmony with the forest and how their lives have changed since being relocated outside the park. The cultural visit is both educational and emotionally moving, providing a deeper appreciation of the complex relationship between conservation and indigenous rights. Return to your lodge for dinner and a restful night’s sleep, ready for the most anticipated moment of your 12-Day Kenya Uganda Safari the next morning – gorilla trekking.

Important to Note

• Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Haven’s Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Drinking Water

Morning Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Afternoon Relaxation at the Lodge

Today marks the pinnacle of your 12-Day Kenya Uganda Safari – the unforgettable encounter with a mountain gorilla family in their natural habitat. After breakfast, you’ll head to the Bwindi Park headquarters for a detailed briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority guides and rangers. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is a physically demanding but profoundly rewarding experience. You’ll trek through dense forest terrain, climbing ridges and descending into valleys, as your guides track the movements of the assigned gorilla family. The trek can last between 2 to 6 hours depending on the location of the gorillas.

When you finally come face-to-face with the gentle giants, all the effort melts away. You’ll spend a full hour in their presence, observing their feeding, playing, resting, and social interactions. Seeing a silverback beat his chest or watching an infant gorilla cling to its mother’s back is nothing short of magical. It is a deeply moving wildlife experience and one of the most intimate and unforgettable moments in the natural world.

After your trek, return to the lodge where you’ll receive a certificate of participation. Spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps enjoying a spa treatment or relaxing with a drink on your veranda overlooking the forest canopy. Dinner is served with celebratory cheer as you reflect on your life-changing gorilla experience.

Important to Note

• Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Haven’s Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Drinking Water

Return to Entebbe and Departure

After breakfast, you’ll be driven back to Entebbe, passing through the scenic highlands and lush countryside of southwestern Uganda. Depending on your flight schedule, you may stop at the Equator monument for a memorable photo opportunity and a last chance to purchase Ugandan crafts and souvenirs. Arrive in Entebbe in the afternoon, where your 12-Day Kenya Uganda Safari guide will ensure a smooth transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your international flight home.

As your 12-day Kenya Uganda safari comes to a close, you leave with a camera full of captivating wildlife shots, a heart full of adventure, and a deeper connection to East Africa’s people, nature, and conservation efforts. With Deks Safaris & Tours, this has not just been a safari – it has been a transformative journey through the heart of Africa.

Important to Note

• Accommodation: None
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Drinking Water

End of 12-Day Kenya Uganda Safari