Kenya Maasai Mara and Uganda Bwindi - Fly In (7 days)
Our 7-day Maasai Mara and Bwindi trip brings you the highlights of East Africa: The Maasai Mara in Kenya and Bwindi National Park in Uganda. Expect to see the best of wildlife in Maasai Mara, the big five zone and the endangered Mountain Gorilla. Wildlife in Kenya includes: elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, hippo, crocodile and many other animal species. And in Bwindi the Mountain Gorilla and 6 monkey species. The gorilla tracking will be an experience you will never forget, what a great way to end this trip!
This trip specifically includes 2 well-known national parks of Kenya and Uganda: Maasai Mara National Reserve and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Highlights
- Game drives (safaris) in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The Maasai Mara is famous for its large herds of wildebeest and zebras and large prides of lions.
- Visit to the Maasai warriors. This is one of the greatest and richest cultures we have on the African continent.
- Flight to the Maasai Mara in a small plane, with spectacular views on the way
- Flight to Bwindi National park with aerial views of Lake Victoria and hilly areas of southwestern Uganda.
- Meet the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park an experience you will never forget!
- Visit the local people and/or the pygmies and experience their local way of living
Video
Route
Day to day program
Nairobi Airport - Nairobi
Arrival at Nairobi airport. Your guide will be there waiting for you. Pick up and proceed to your accommodation.
Included: airport transfer
Nairobi – Maasai Mara National Reserve
After breakfast you will be picked up for transfer to the Nairobi Wilson airport for a domestic flight to the Maasai Mara. Upon arrival on the airstrip you will be met by a guide / driver from the camp, followed by a game drive as you head for lunch at the camp.
In the Mara you have the best chance of seeing the 'Big Five'. You will reach the tent camp on an adventurous suspension bridge. The tents have a warm African style. After lunch you can explore the grounds and enjoy nature and perhaps a short game drive in the immediate vicinity. By the time the sun sets slowly, it's time to return to the lodge.
Included: flight from Nairobi to the Maasai Mara, game drives
Maasai Mara National Reserve
For the next two days, you have full days of game drives in the mornings and afternoons with lunch at the lodge. The game drives take you through the hills with vast savannas and deep, water-filled gorges. The water present is a major reason why the game is so popular here.
In the Maasai Mara you have the best chance of the 'Big Five' and on the right time period you may see the great migration of thousands of wildebeests and zebras crossing the Mara river at a certain time of the year. At the end of the day, when the sun sets slowly, it is time to return to the camp after a day full of adventures.
Included: game drives
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Another full day of game drives, in the morning and afternoon with lunch at the lodge. Optional visit to the Maasai (can be arranged with the guide).
Included: game drives
Maasai Mara National Reserve - Entebbe - Bwindi Impenetrable
On your last day of the safari in Kenya, you’ll be driven to the airstrip for a regional flight to Entebbe airport and later you will proceed to the nearest airstrip to the gorillas where a local guide will pick you and drive you to the hotel for resting and prepare for the gorilla experience the following day.
In the evening it is possible to take a walk around the community where you have an encounter with Africa’s endangered humans “The Batwa / pygmies”. Afterwards return to the lodge for dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Bwindi Impenetrable is a unique jungle, with many monkey species about 6 subspecies, not forgetting the giant apes Chimpanzees are often sighted or heard calling from a distance and the stars of the impenetrable show are the Gorillas! Bwindi is one of the 2 places in the world where you can find Mountain Gorillas! After the Virunga masses which covers Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.
Included: Flight from the Maasai Mara in Kenya via Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable in Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable
Gorilla tracking!!! Early morning departure with your ranger to search for one of the world’s most interesting and endangered animal, the Mountain Gorilla! You will spend one hour with one of our closest relatives. An experience you will never forget.
Included: gorilla permit per person
Bwindi Impenetrable - Entebbe
Early morning breakfast, depending on the flight booked, your guide will drive you to the airstrip for a domestic scheduled flight to Entebbe international airport to connect with your outbound international flight.
Included: flight from Bwindi Impenetrable to Entebbe
Accommodations
Legend: BB = Bed and Breakfast / HB = Half Board / FB = Full Board
* Depending on the group of gorillas you will be tracking we will choose where to sleep in Bwindi. There are 4 areas for Gorilla tracking in Bwindi: Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga.
Lodges we use for Medium Budget:
- Buhoma: Buhoma Haven Lodge (HB)
- Ruhija: Bakiga Lodge (HB)
- Nkuringo: Gorilla CloseUp Lodge (HB)
- Rushaga: Rushaga Gorilla Camp (HB)
Lodges we use for High Budget:
- Buhoma: Mahogany Springs (FB)
- Ruhija: Ruhija Gorilla Lodge (FB)
- Nkuringo: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (FB)
- Rushaga: Four Gorillas Lodge (FB)
Prices 2024
Price on request, please send an email to mail@kazingatours.com
Includes
- Airport transfers
- Accommodations with meals mentioned
- Bottled drinking water
- Domestic flights to and from the Maasai Mara, Entebbe and Bwindi and their transfers
- Shared 4x4 custom built safari van (Landcruiser/Land Rover) with knowledgeable driver/guide and fuel
- Entrance fees to the included National Parks
- Activities mentioned as included
Excludes
- Flights (International flights)
- Visa
- All optional activities
- Insurances
- Meals not mentioned and beverages
- Tips and personal expenses such as laundry and communication
The Government of Uganda requires mandatory proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination for travelers 1 year of age and above. Travelers should possess a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (vaccine received at least 10 days ago) prior to entry into Uganda. Travelers who do not meet this requirement must be vaccinated at the Airport (with possibility of isolation as determined by the Aiport health authority) prior to entry into Uganda at the travelers own costs.
Furthermore all required inoculations must be recorded by your health practitioner on a valid vaccination certificate. You must carry this document with you throughout the tour. All visitors should take malaria prophylactic drugs. We also advise that you bring a mosquito repellent with you. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for up to date requirements, inoculations and personal recommendations!
Normally you need the following vaccinations (but please always consult a doctor):
- Yellow Fever
- DTP
- Hepatitis
For Malaria you need to take tablets, Malarone or Lariam. Malarone is mostly used (please always consult a doctor).
Hygiene is not at the same standard as in your home country, so we advise you to bring a disinfectant cream with you. Always drink bottled water instead of tap water.
A certificate proving that you have received a yellow fever vaccination is obligatory. Furthermore all required inoculations must be recorded by your health practitioner on a valid vaccination certificate. You must carry this document with you throughout the tour. All visitors should take malaria prophylactic drugs. We also advise that you bring a mosquito repellent with you. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for up to date requirements, inoculations and personal recommendations!
Normally you need the following vaccinations (but please always consult a doctor):
- Yellow Fever (you must have this can even be checked on arrival, especially when flying within East Africa)
- DTP
- Hepatitis
For Malaria you need to take tablets, Malarone or Lariam. Malarone is mostly used (please always consult a doctor).
Hygiene is not at the same standard as in your home country, so we advise you to bring a disinfectant cream with you. Always drink bottled water instead of tap water.
On arrival on the airport our guide will be there waiting for you. During safari we use custom made safari vehicles, custom made for an optimal view of the wildlife. Safari vehicles (and small aircrafts) provide limited space for luggage. It is therefore recommended to travel with light bags since bulky suitcases will overload and might be difficult to be taken on board.
Uganda visa information
The Government of Uganda has an online visa application When you are visiting Uganda you must apply for a visa online:
- Go to the website https://visas.immigration.go.ug/
- Please make sure you have the following documents in .pdf, .jpeg, .png or .bmp format: a copy of your passport, copy of recent passport size photograph and a vaccination certificate (Yellow Fever)
- Fill in the form:
- Visit Uganda only: single entry: “ordinary” visa, USD 50
- Visit 2 countries or more: East Africa / multi entry visa, USD 100 (participating in the East African visa: Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya)
- When you send the form you will immediately receive a tracking code. This code helps you to keep track of how far your application has progressed. You can check its status from this webpage
- The Ugandan authorities will send you a letter in the email after they have approved your application (please check you SPAM folder too)
- Print this letter and bring it with you when you arrive at the overland border or at Entebbe International Airport. You need this letter to be allowed to purchase the entree visa there for USD 50 (Uganda) or USD 100 (East Africa-Multi Entry).
Some nationalities do not require a visa, please check this in advance.
Kenya visa information
The Government of Kenya has an online visa application. When you are visiting Kenya you must apply for a visa online:
- Go to the website from Kenya Online Visa.
- Fill in the form (normally you need an “ordinary” visa, single entry) and pay online with your credit card.
- The Kenyan authorities will send you the visa in the email after they have approved your application (please check you SPAM folder too)
- Print this visa twice (2 copies) and bring it with you when you arrive at the overland border or at Nairobi or Mombasa International Airport.
Some nationalities do not require a visa, please check this in advance.
For more detailed information, please check FAQ on the website.
In most of the cities it is possible to withdraw money from an ATM. Travelers Cheques are not widely accepted and it is very difficult or impossible to pay by credit card outside the cities. The US dollar is traditionally the hard currency of preference. We advise to bring some Dollars for daily expenses and tips.
Dollar bills should not be older than 10 years.
The unit of currency is the Ugandan Shilling. Please check the latest exchange rates before you go to your destination. This will be a guideline. Please note you will get a better exchange rate in the bigger cities.
The unit of currency is the Kenyan Shilling. Please check the latest exchange rates before you go to your destination. This will be a guideline. Please note you will get a better exchange rate in the bigger cities.
We advise you to apply for a Flying Doctors membership. The membership provides a quick and reliable air evacuation and medical care if needed.
AMREF Flying Doctors offers 2 covers (Annual and Short Term). You can choose between the Maisha Silver (Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar), Maisha Gold (Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi) or Maisha Platinum (Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and Ethiopia).
Please check out the AMREF Flying Doctors website for more information and to become a member.
Educated Ugandans are generally fluent in English, which is the official language in Uganda. Next to English there are about 30- plus different indigenous languages.
The national language of Kenya is Swahili but English is widely spoken and is the main language in the tourist areas.
Uganda is a tropical country, with higher temperatures at lower altitudes (Kampala, Murchison Falls, Kidepo and Bundibugyo).
Areas around Bwindi, Mgahinga, and Lake Bunyonyi are generally cooler.
Uganda can be visited at any time throughout the year. But please keep in mind that mountain hikes, gorilla tracking and other forest walks are more challenging during the rainy seasons (March - May and October - November).
For birders the rainy season is considered to be the best time to visit Uganda.
Rainy season means it rains more often, but not every day and not the whole day.
Daytime temperatures are generally warm to hot, so bring lots of light clothing. Evenings are cooler, especially at high altitudes (areas around Bwindi, Mgahinga, Lake Bunyonyi and Kabale) so carry a couple of sweaters too.
Those who intend to do mountain hiking will be exposed to alpine temperatures and should pack accordingly. Do not forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a waterproof jacket.
During safaris we advise to avoid black and dark blue clothes (because they can attract tsetse flies).
If you are planning on doing a community walk or visit the local people, we advise you to wear appropriate clothing. For example women putting on long skirts and a top that covers the shoulders
A valid passport is mandatory (passport must be valid for at least 3 months after re-entry) and visa requirements for all countries you are planning to visit should be checked before you travel.
To make the most of your visit to the game reserves and national parks, we advise you to carry binoculars and field guides.
Photographers will need a zoom lens for wildlife (70-300 or more). Please make sure to carry enough memory cards with you. Toiletries and other essentials can be bought in the cities.
A torch (flashlight) can proof to be very useful
We advise you to take an international adapter with you for your electric equipment. The system used in Uganda is the British system. In most lodges it is possible to charge your batteries.
Driving in Uganda is on the left-hand side.
Visitors without experience of African roads are advised to travel with a 4x4 vehicle driven by a knowledgeable driver/guide, rather than self-drive.
All our guides are well trained in "Defensive Driving".
Please mind that washrooms along the road are sometimes not to European standards, for example squatting toilets, no flushing toilets or no toilet paper available. Like the locals say: T.I.A. This Is Africa.
Bathroom facilities and accommodations can be more basic when traveling on a medium to low budget. In the eco lodges mind that the water reserves are limited and in most cases there are no sockets in the room, but you can always charge your devices at the reception.
Tipping will always be appreciated. It is normal to tip 5-10% in hotels and restaurants. Guides, drivers and carriers should always be tipped. Indication: for carriers USD 1-3 and for your driver/guide USD 5-15 per day, depending on the group size, number of days and your satisfaction.
The Bradt Travel Guide is the most detailed guidebook for Uganda. The Lonely Planet (East Africa), Footprint Guides and Spectrum Guides produce other guidebooks. For wildlife, the best guidebook is ‘Watching Wildlife East Africa’ from the Lonely Planet. For birding, the best guidebook is ‘birds of East Africa’. It is advisable to get the most updated copy.
The Lonely Planet and Bradt Travel Guide are the most detailed guidebooks for Tanzania. For wildlife, the best guidebook is ‘Watching Wildlife East Africa’ from the Lonely Planet and The Bradt ‘East African Wildlife’. For birding, the best guidebook is ‘birds of East Africa’. It is advisable to get the most updated copy.
