What is the cost of Kenya – Uganda Safari?
Kenya-Uganda Safari
Planning Kenya – Uganda Safari opens doors to Africa’s most exciting wildlife adventure. This 10-day journey combines Kenya’s famous game parks with Uganda’s mountain gorillas. You start in Kenya’s Masai Mara and finish with gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Forest. The safari costs approximately $4,180 per person. You can start from either country, though most travelers begin in Kenya. Solo travelers can also join this adventure which departs at anytime throughout the year.
Safari Permits and Costs
Gorilla Trekking Permits
You must book gorilla permits at least 3 months ahead, especially during peak seasons. The Uganda Wildlife Authority issues these permits directly, or you can book through licensed tour operators like Iconic Africa Safaris.
Regular gorilla trekking permits cost different amounts based on your nationality:
- Foreign non-residents pay $800
- Foreign residents pay $700
- Africans outside East Africa pay $500
- East Africa citizens pay UGX300,000
During regular trekking, you spend exactly one hour with the gorilla family. Your time starts when you first see the gorillas.
Chimpanzee Trekking Permits
Chimpanzee permits cost less than gorilla permits:
- Foreign non-residents pay $250
- Foreign residents pay $200
- East Africa citizens pay UGX180,000
Extended Experience Options
For longer wildlife encounters, you can choose habituation experiences. These special permits let you spend four full hours with gorillas or chimpanzees instead of just one hour.
Gorilla habituation permits cost:
- Foreign non-residents pay $1,500
- Foreign residents pay $1,000
- Africans outside East Africa pay $1,000
- East Africa citizens pay UGX750,000
Chimpanzee habituation permits cost:
- Foreign non-residents pay $300
- Foreign residents pay $250
- East Africa citizens pay UGX250,000
Best Time to Visit
The timing of your safari depends on what you want to see. For wildebeest migration, plan your trip between July and October. During these months, you witness dramatic river crossings in Masai Mara. However, if you prefer seeing newborn animals, visit during January and February. The calving season in Serengeti offers amazing wildlife photography opportunities.
Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara
Your driver picks you up from your hotel or airport in Nairobi. You travel to Masai Mara with a stop at the escarpment viewpoint. Next, you descend to Narok town for lunch. You arrive at Mara Sopa Lodge around 2:00 PM and check in. After settling in, you enjoy an evening game drive until sunset. You return for dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 2: Full Day Masai Mara
You start with breakfast at the lodge before 8:00 AM. Then you leave with packed lunch for nine hours of game viewing. Masai Mara hosts the highest number of animal species in Kenya. A visit to Mara River shows you crocodiles and hippos. During migration season, you witness river crossings. You enjoy picnic lunch inside the park and continue game drives until 5:00 PM. Evening activities include nature walks with Maasai warriors or village visits.
Day 3: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru
After breakfast, you check out and drive to Lake Nakuru. You stop for lunch along the way and see Mount Longonot. An optional Lake Naivasha activity is available if you’re interested. You arrive at Lake Nakuru National Park with game drives to your lodge.
Day 4: Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha
You start with breakfast and a final game drive in Lake Nakuru. This park is famous for endangered rhinos and flamingos. You’re guaranteed to see rhinos among other Big Five animals. Lake Nakuru is small, so four hours covers everything. Later, you drive to Lake Naivasha and arrive for lunch at Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge. Evening activities include visits to flower farms.
Day 5: Hell’s Gate and Flight to Uganda
After breakfast, you drive to Hell’s Gate National Park. This unique park allows walking since it has no predators. You can drive or rent bicycles for the 11-kilometer journey to the gorge. A guide explains the rock formations and geology. You then return to Nairobi for your flight to Entebbe International Airport in Uganda.
Day 6: Pick Up from Entebbe International Airport to Kibale Forest National Park
Your Uganda adventure begins with airport pickup. You drive 5-6 hours to Kibale Forest National Park through tea plantations and villages. You arrive at Chimpanzee Forest Lodge and relax in the peaceful forest setting.
Day 7: Chimpanzee Trekking
You start with breakfast before heading to Kanyanchu Visitor Centre for briefing. Then you trek through Kibale Forest searching for habituated chimpanzees. You spend one hour observing their behavior. In the afternoon, you explore Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. This guided walk shows you birds, monkeys, and plants while learning about community conservation.
Day 8: Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
You travel south through Uganda’s highlands on a 6-7 hour drive to Bwindi. The route shows rolling hills, crater lakes, and tea plantations. If you pass through Ishasha, you might see tree-climbing lions. You arrive at Bakiga Lodge in the evening.
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking
After early breakfast, you go to Bwindi’s park headquarters for briefing. The trek lasts 2-6 hours depending on your gorilla family’s location. Once you find them, you spend one magical hour with these gentle giants. Afternoon options include Batwa cultural walks or lodge relaxation.
Day 10: Return Journey
You enjoy breakfast before starting the 8-9 hour drive back to Entebbe or Kampala. The journey includes scenic stops and lunch at the Equator monument. Your guide drops you at the airport for evening flights or at your hotel.
What’s Included and Excluded
Package Includes
- Comfortable 4×4 vehicle transportation
- Accommodation and all meals
- Professional driver-guide services
- Gorilla trekking permits
- Airport transfers in Uganda
- Chimpanzee tracking permits
- Bottled drinking water throughout
Package Excludes
- International flights and visas
- Tips, personal expenses, and alcohol
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities not mentioned
