Detailed Itinerary – Wildebeest Migration

On this Wildebeest Migration and Trekking the endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda as well as witnessing the wildebeest migration in Kenya for 10 days is the kind of safari that you can’t miss.

By being part of this trip, you are bound to encountering high concentration of animals (big five, Rothschild giraffes, Zebras, warthogs, cheetahs, serval cats, African wild cats) without missing the annual wildebeests migration that also includes the episode of River crossing at Mara River involving Crocodiles as well as the chance to walk through the jungles to find the Giant Apes in their natural habitats. This trip starts in Nairobi (Kenya) but concludes from Kigali (Rwanda).

Day 1: Arrival at Jomo Kenyatta Airport, Kenya for Wildebeest Migration

You will be met and greeted in Jomo Kenyatta Airport this afternoon for the drive to your place of lodging, in the beautiful City of Nairobi. Here you will be staying at a Hotel set in a serene environment to rest from the jet lag and save your energy for the real adventure starting on day two.

Day 2: Depart for the spectacular Masai Mara National Reserve

This morning you will indulge in a delicious breakfast at your place of lodging in Nairobi City. The safari driver will collect you by 07:00am for your road trip to Masai Mara National Reserve. As you approach the gates of this Protected Area, your wildlife adventure starts as you delight in a slow game drive through the tranquil African wilderness to your reserved Safari Lodge or Tented Camp. The drive through Masai Mara National Reserve is popular for its unmatched cheetah, leopard and lion sightings, not forgetting the large herds of huge elephants, Black rhinos, buffaloes and Masai giraffes.

Rest and settle into your reserved place of stay with time for a hot meal prior to having a guided walk around the Camp. In the evening gather around glowing fire and dinner is also provided at the same place.

Day 3: Wildlife viewing in Masai Mara – great wildebeest migration

Kick-start your day on this classic Masai Mara safari as dawn breakfast with a hearty breakfast. Join your expert guide on an action-packed game drive to dig-into the spectacular wilderness with views of greater kudu, elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards, Masai giraffes, Kobs, warthogs, Oribis, Defassa waterbucks, Topis and many others.

Return back to your place of lodging for lunch, then enjoy few minutes at leisure. Continue with the game drive, this time with a magical stop at Mara River where the actual “World Cup of wildlife” takes place, which many travellers describe as a “show” as large herds of wildebeests, zebras, gazelles and other antelopes cross the Mara River after walking miles upon miles from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. This is possibly the highlight of every Masai Mara and Serengeti safari. Settle for a hot meal for dinner then slumber.

Day 4: Half day game drive and Masai Cultural Visits

On the fourth day of this trip, hop into the safari vehicle again for another wildlife viewing experience. While there will be time to rest and enjoy picnic lunch, make use of the few hours to learn about different animals and their habitats. Views of Kobs, cheetahs, leopards, wildebeests, lions, zebras, Masai giraffes, Topis, impalas, black rhinos, African wild dogs, yellow baboons, serval cats and many others.

Continue with your Masai Mara discovery with a trip to the nearby Masai community/village to learn about their exceptional way of life, local cuisines, fascinating dressing code, traditional homesteads and invigorating traditional dances. Return to the Lodge before dark for dinner and slumber.

Day 5: Fly to Uganda – Entebbe airport

On your fifth day, drive back to Jomo Kenyatta Airport to catch a flight to Entebbe International Airport, Uganda. A safari driver will be at the Airport, ready to pick and drop you off at the Hotel in Kampala.

Day 6: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Start your day with 8-9 hours’ journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park from Kampala after a delicious breakfast. Your driver will be at the Lodge by 7:00am to start the journey by 8:00am. Lunch will be along the way (preferably at Igongo Cultural Center or Mbarara Town) then arrive Bwindi late afternoon.

Day 7: Trekking mountain gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable forest

Start your Bwindi adventure in high gear with breakfast at the Lodge and join other trekkers and guides on the pre-tracking briefing that takes place at the Park Headquarters. After this briefing, get a walking stick and hire a porter before delving into the dense jungles of Bwindi to search for the habituated mountain gorillas.

While on this search, views of primate forest residents such as chimpanzees, forest elephants, buffaloes, duikers, black and white colobus monkeys as well as birds including Albertine rift endemics should also be expected.

Day 8: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

On this leg of our 10 days Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla Trekking & Wildebeest migration, you will start with breakfast then say goodbye to Uganda on a transfer to Rwanda, crossing the borders at Cyanika or Katuna Border points.

With over 5 hours of driving, lunch will be served on arrival in Volcanoes National Park, as well as dinner and overnight.

Day 9: Exceptional Gorilla Trekking Experience in Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, a short transfer to Kinigi Park Headquarters for your registration and briefing on the dos and don’ts of trekking the endangered mountain gorillas in the stunning Volcanoes National Park. Before leaving the lodge, make sure that your camera is well functioning and ready to capture all the wonderful moments in the jungle plus a lunch box, binoculars and other trekking gear.

For the Volcanoes treks, they start with short drive for 20 minutes to the trailheads, followed by 1-5 hours of walking through the dense rainforest. Discover how gorilla groups are headed by huge silverbacks and if possible watch hierarchies in addition to their daily routines. Total time in the presence of these creatures is one hour and afterwards, return to the Lodge for rest. A cultural tour to Gorilla Guardian Village has been planned for this day and ends by sunset.

Day 10: Drive back to Kigali for a flight back home

Bon voyage, you will be driven back to Kigali International Airport to connect with your International flight back home or to a booked Hotel in the City. This marks the end of our 10 days Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla Trekking & Wildebeest migration.