20 Day Serengeti, Masai Mara & Uganda Small Group Tour

Welcome to Kenya! On your arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) you will be met by a local representative in the arrivals hall and transferred to your hotel for relaxation and overnight.

Pre tour accommodation information can be found under “Extra Services” and can be purchased at time of booking. Rates include breakfast PLUS transfer from Nairobi Airport to the Boma Hotel. 

Start your day with a delightful breakfast, and then gather with your guide and fellow travellers for a pre-departure meeting before we commence our journey. If time permits, we have the opportunity to visit the Kazuri Beads Centre and workshop where you have the opportunity to witness the meticulous craftsmanship of hand-shaped ceramic beads created by the talented women at the Kazuri workshop.

Following our visit, we set our course for the Masai Mara, a land deeply rooted in Maasai traditions and where the Maasai people are granted the privilege to graze their cattle. The vast expanse of the Masai Mara encompasses diverse landscapes, including riverine forests along the Mara and Talek Rivers, acacia forests, and expansive savannah plains.

Prepare to immerse yourself in this extraordinary ecosystem as we arrive at the Mara Eden Safari Camp, your welcoming haven for the next two remarkable nights. Relax and relish the unique experiences that await you in this captivating corner of the world.

Today, we embark on an exhilarating full-day adventure immersed in the renowned Masai Mara National Park. This iconic wildlife sanctuary offers an abundance of diverse habitats that serve as a haven for a wide array of game species. Prepare to be captivated as we seek out magnificent creatures such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs in their natural habitat. The sweeping landscapes of the Masai Mara are also home to an impressive range of wildlife, including zebras, wildebeest (gnu), giraffes, buffalos, jackals, topis, gazelles, impalas, and elephants.

As we navigate the park's lush plains and traverse its meandering rivers, we are likely to encounter a multitude of hippopotamuses and crocodiles, adding to the wildlife spectacle. Keep your eyes trained on the skies as well, for the birdlife in this area is incredibly abundant, offering opportunities to spot a wide variety of avian species.

Afer breakfast, we resume our expedition, heading south across the border into Tanzania. Our next destination is Lake Victoria, where we will be staying at the charming boutique lodge, Serenity on the Lake, for the evening. Take advantage of the leisure time in the afternoon to relax and unwind, or consider taking a leisurely bird walk along the picturesque lake shore. 

Please note that there will be a change of guide and vehicle at the border crossing into Tanzania.

This morning, embark on a boat excursion to one of the local fishing villages, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Lake Victoria. Later, we bid farewell to the captivating lake as we continue our journey southwards towards the renowned Serengeti National Park. Along the way, we traverse through the villages inhabited by the Sukuma tribe, who cultivate crops such as groundnuts, sorghum, and cassava, while also tending to their livestock. Life here remains simple and timeless, yet with subtle reminders of the modern era.

As we proceed towards the Serengeti, we traverse the breathtaking central Plains, which epitomise the iconic landscapes the park is famous for. Picture endless undulating grass savannahs punctuated by rugged outcrops that provide secluded havens for wildlife. Finally, we arrive at the enchanting Kisura Serengeti Camp, nestled in the heart of this remarkable wilderness, where you will find comfort and tranquillity during your stay.

Today will be dedicated to a full-day game drive in the Seronera area of the Serengeti. Known as one of the three main regions of the Serengeti, Seronera stands as the central and easily accessible part of the park. It is home to the Park Headquarters and is characterised by vast open plains of grassland teeming with an abundance of wildlife.

The Seronera River serves as the lifeblood of the Serengeti, attracting a diverse array of animals throughout the year. This area is renowned for its exceptional game viewing opportunities, with remarkable sightings available regardless of the season. It is particularly known for its frequent encounters with majestic lions and agile cheetahs. Additionally, Seronera presents a prime opportunity to spot the elusive leopard, known as the most secretive of all the big cats.

Get ready for another thrilling day of adventure as we continue our exploration of the magnificent Serengeti National Park. Equipped with lunch boxes to keep us energised, we embark on game drives throughout the afternoon. Marvel at the diverse array of animals that roam these lands, and immerse yourself in the sheer beauty of the Serengeti.

As the sun begins its descent, we make our way back to the lodge, filled with unforgettable memories and stories to share. Rest and rejuvenate overnight, ready to embrace the wonders that await us on the next leg of our journey.

This morning, we set off early, traversing the captivating Southern Plains of the Serengeti. Our journey takes us to the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater, where we embark on an exhilarating game drive. This wildlife haven is often considered the highlight of any safari adventure, offering a remarkable spectacle for nature enthusiasts. Within the Ngorongoro Crater, we have the opportunity to encounter the entire 'Big 5', including the rare and endangered black rhino.

After a picnic lunch in the crater, we make our way to the charming village of Karatu, where we will spend the night. Our accommodation for the evening is the inviting Karatu Simba Lodge, providing comfort and relaxation amidst the scenic surroundings.

Today we embark on a journey to explore the cultural diversity of Mto-wa-Mbu. Our adventure begins at the local market, where we immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere and observe the bustling activity. We continue our exploration by visiting a Chagga family engaged in the production of banana beer, providing us with an insightful glimpse into their traditional practices. Along the way, our knowledgeable guide will introduce us to the various fruits and vegetables cultivated in the region, while also explaining the ingenious irrigation system that sustains the local crops.

A highlight of our day awaits as we savour a delightful, home-cooked meal in the warm hospitality of a local home, indulging in authentic flavours and experiencing the rich culinary traditions of the area. Following this, we venture to the Maasai Boma, where we are privileged to engage in a cultural encounter of a lifetime. The Maasai people, renowned for their semi-nomadic herding lifestyle, have chosen to preserve their traditional customs and are easily recognizable by their distinctive attire.

In the late afternoon, we embark on a leisurely walking tour to Lake Papyrus, a magnificent water body teeming with abundant birdlife and graceful hippos. If time permits, we can also partake in a gentle trek, ascending to a picturesque waterfall. From this vantage point, we marvel at the panoramic view of the lake nestled atop the towering walls of the Rift Valley. Our journey continues through the banana plantations and lush rice fields before culminating in a visit to a local village, providing us with an authentic insight into the daily lives of the community.

As the day draws to a close, we return to the lodge in time for dinner.

Following a delightful breakfast, we will gather at the hotel before embarking on our journey towards Lake Manyara National Park. This remarkable reserve is situated in the north-western corner of Lake Manyara, a picturesque soda lake nestled at the base of the western escarpment of the Great Rift Valley. We enjoy a scenic drive in the park known not only for its large flocks of flamingos, but also for the elusive tree climbing lions.

As the day draws to a close, we will make our way to our accommodation for the evening, the charming Tarangire Simba Lodge. Here, amidst the tranquillity of the surroundings, we can relax and unwind, immersing ourselves in the beauty of the natural surroundings.

Following a delicious breakfast, we embark on an exciting adventure towards Tarangire National Park for a half-day game drive. This awe-inspiring destination promises an unforgettable experience, renowned for its magnificent elephant population and iconic baobab trees. Tarangire serves as the epicentre of an annual migratory cycle that showcases the majestic presence of approximately 3,000 elephants, 25,000 wildebeest, and 30,000 zebras.

As the day progresses, we will journey towards the town of Arusha, known as the gateway to the esteemed Kilimanjaro National Park. Upon our arrival, we will check into the African Tulip Hotel, where the rest of the evening is at leisure to unwind and prepare for the adventures that lie ahead.

After enjoying a relaxed breakfast, we will begin our journey towards the border and onwards to Amboseli National Park. As we traverse the picturesque route, we will have the opportunity to witness the beauty with a walk to the Marangu waterfalls. It's worth noting that the walk to the waterfalls requires a moderate level of stamina and we recommend wearing sturdy shoes.

Continuing our northward expedition, we will arrive in the afternoon at the Kibo Safari Camp, nestled within the remarkable Amboseli National Reserve. This enchanting destination promises breathtaking landscapes and wildlife encounters that will leave you in awe.

Please note that upon crossing the border into Kenya, there will be a change of guide and vehicle.

Our itinerary for today takes us to the renowned Amboseli National Park, where we will embark on an exhilarating full day of wildlife observation. This park holds great fame within Kenya and is particularly renowned for its impressive population of majestic elephant bulls, adorned with remarkable tusks. Capture the ultimate safari moment as you witness these magnificent creatures against the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, its snow-capped peak adding a touch of awe-inspiring beauty to the scene.

Following breakfast, we embark on our return journey to Nairobi. Upon our arrival, we indulge in a delightful lunch before immersing ourselves in the captivating history of the Karen Blixen Museum. This exquisite farmhouse served as Karen Blixen's residence from 1917 to 1931, and it gained fame through her renowned memoir, "Out of Africa." As we explore the museum, we step into the life and experiences of this remarkable author.

Next, we proceed to the Giraffe Centre, where we have the privilege of encountering these majestic creatures up close. Our journey continues to the Daphne Sheldrick Animal Orphanage, a sanctuary named after Daphne Sheldrick, the devoted wife of the renowned naturalist David William Sheldrick. Here, we witness the heartwarming sight of baby animals enjoying their mud-bath, as they are lovingly cared for by the dedicated staff. Spending an hour in their presence is truly a cherished experience.

As the late afternoon approaches, we arrive at our accommodation, The Boma Hotel, where we can unwind and reflect on the day's adventures.

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your included flight to Entebbe in Uganda. 

Welcome to Uganda!
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your guesthouse, set in a quiet residential neighbourhood with beautiful gardens. The cosy rooms are all equipped with private en-suite, ceiling fan, mosquito nets.

Relax this evening with an included dinner at the hotel. 

After breakfast meet your guide and head towards Queen Elizabeth National Park. En-route, stopover at the Uganda equator crossing for a requisite snapshot and lunch before continuing to Queen Elizabeth National Park. 

The oldest and second largest park in Uganda is located at the base of the massive Rwenzori Mountains, covered by savannah plains that provide an abundance of game viewing. Depending on your arrival time and how you will be feeling, you can optionally indulge in a game drive where you can expect to see lazy leopards laying in the sun, abundant gazelle, elephants, lions, buffaloes, hippos and more.

Your accommodation this evening is perched on the edge of the escarpment overlooking the Queen Elizabeth National Park and offers the quintessential safari lodge experience. Stay in a spacious canvas tent under a permanent grass-thatched roof. Each room offers en-suite bathrooms with a spacious tub and, from the private veranda, you can overlook the park and the flat-topped acacia trees where the occasional elephants graze and wander by.

This morning you’ll enjoy a chimpanzee trekking excursion in either Kalinzu Forest or Kyambura Gorge forest. These tropical forests sit on a huge area of the Rift Valley floor and are a natural habitat of our delightful cousins, the chimpanzees. Other primates that can be encountered include the black and white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys and grey-cheeked mangabeys.

Return to the lodge for a sumptuous lunch, then take a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel — a natural channel which connects Lake Edward to Lake George. View buffaloes, elephants, waterbucks, crocodiles and the highest concentration of hippos, as well as a variety of colorful species of waterbirds like crested eagles, pelicans and cormorants. As an amazingly diverse collection of the African animal kingdom comes to the waterhole to drink or bathe, this will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of your tour.

Enjoy breakfast this morning before we make our way south travelling through the breathtaking evergreen mountain countryside to reach the magnificent swathe of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Check into your lodge and relax before your big day tomorrow.

Today is the big day! Prepare yourself for an encounter with Bwindi’s gentle giants: the rare mountain gorilla. For most people this is the absolute highlight of their tour in Uganda. 

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest boasts both mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. In fact, it’s the only forest in Africa which can make this claim. It also hosts five other species of primate, 113 species of mammal, over 200 butterflies and 360 birds.

To make the most of this experience, there will be an early start this morning for a briefing at the visitor’s reception centre about the park. Once you’ve been allocated guides, you’ll head into the forest in search of these magnificent animals. 

The gorillas you track belong to one of the habituated family group who can tolerate the presence of humans for a brief period every day. En-route, your guide will point out signs of previous gorilla activity including dung, nests and chewed bamboo shoots. Once the gorillas have been located, your group will be allowed a maximum of one hour with them. 

Trekking gorillas in the dense forest can sometimes be wet, muddy and uncomfortable. The terrain can be challenging; it can be pretty strenuous and often humid. But the sheer thrill in coming across a habituated group of gorillas, dominated by a great male silverback, more than outweighs any difficulty. You need to be prepared and fit enough to walk up to four hours – uphill and downhill.

What to wear:

• Boots – Essential. A good quality pair of hiking boots with good sturdy rubber soles with grip.
• Gloves – During the trek you might be grabbing trees, branches and vines, and your hands can get a bit scratched. Pack a tough old pair of gardening gloves.
• A light rain jacket – Bwindi is a tropical rainforest, and there’s a good chance of rain almost year-round. Pack a light-weight poncho or rain jacket that you can roll up in your bag and bring out if necessary. 
• Long pants and shirts – It’s best not to expose too much skin during the jungle trek, and remember to tuck your trousers into your socks (to avoid ants) and no bright colours.

This morning you will fly back to Entebbe. Upon arrival, day use at a guest house close by the airport has been booked to allow you to freshen up and make the most of your last day in Entebbe. After checking into your guesthouse, you may choose to explore the craft shops for some final souvenir shopping or simply relax before your included private transfer takes you to the airport from where you’ll catch your departure flight back to Nairobi this evening.  

Please note: Luggage restrictions of 15kg per person in a soft sided suitcase apply for your flight from Bwindi to Entebbe

Please Note: If booking a connecting flight from Nairobi on this day, all flights must be booked from 9pm onwards. If your flight departs prior to 9pm, we cannot guarantee your connection from Entebbe and recommend booking an additional night accommodation in Nairobi.