10 Days Gorilla Meets Simba Safari

10 Days Gorilla Meets Simba Safari

The 10 Days Gorilla Meets Simba Safari by Wild Planet is a spectacular cross-border adventure that seamlessly combines Uganda’s world-class primate encounters with Kenya’s legendary savanna wildlife experiences. This carefully designed Uganda–Kenya safari delivers the very best of East Africa by allowing travelers to come face-to-face with mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in dense tropical rainforests before transitioning to the vast open plains where Africa’s most iconic wildlife roams freely.

With Wild Planet, this safari goes beyond ordinary travel. It brings together two contrasting ecosystems, two cultures, and two of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations into one unforgettable journey. In Uganda, you explore Kibale Forest National Park, renowned as the primate capital of the world, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. In Kenya, the safari shifts gears as you venture into the classic savanna landscapes of Masai Mara Game Reserve and Lake Nakuru National Park, where lions, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and countless bird species dominate the scenery.

This safari is ideal for travelers seeking diversity, depth, and authenticity. It balances adventure with comfort, wildlife with culture, and forest trekking with thrilling game drives. From intimate primate encounters to dramatic predator sightings, the 10 Days Gorilla Meets Simba Safari offers a complete East African wildlife experience guided every step of the way by Wild Planet’s professional safari experts.

Safari Highlights

• Scenic road journey from Entebbe to Kibale Forest National Park
• Chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale Forest
• Guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary and community visit
• Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi
• Domestic flight from Uganda to Kenya via Entebbe
• Multiple game drives in Masai Mara Game Reserve
• Opportunity to spot the Big Five and the Great Mara predators
• Cultural interaction with the Maasai people (optional)
• Game viewing in Lake Nakuru National Park, home to flamingos and rhinos

Detailed Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer from Entebbe to Kibale Forest National Park

Your journey with Wild Planet begins with an early morning departure from Entebbe as your professional safari guide drives you westward toward Kibale Forest National Park, located approximately 350 kilometers away. The drive takes about 6–7 hours and offers an authentic introduction to rural Uganda.

As you travel, you pass through vibrant towns, rolling countryside, and farmlands where local communities go about their daily activities. The scenery gradually changes as you approach western Uganda, revealing expansive tea plantations, crater lakes, and the distant outline of the Rwenzori Mountains. You stop for lunch in the charming town of Fort Portal, known for its cool climate and scenic beauty.

After lunch, you continue to Kibale Forest, arriving at your lodge in the afternoon. The forest atmosphere immediately captivates you with bird calls and distant primate sounds. You check in, relax, and enjoy dinner as you prepare for the chimpanzee encounter awaiting you the next day.

Accommodation: Isunga Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Community Walk

After an early breakfast, Wild Planet transfers you to the Kanyanchu Visitor Centre, the starting point for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park. Experienced park rangers conduct a briefing before leading you into the dense forest in search of chimpanzees.

Kibale Forest hosts one of the highest concentrations of chimpanzees in Africa, making sightings highly likely. As you trek, your guide points out medicinal plants, towering fig trees, and other primate species such as red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys. Once you locate the chimpanzees, you spend one incredible hour observing them in their natural habitat as they communicate, groom, feed, and move through the canopy.

In the afternoon, you visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run conservation project bordering the park. This guided walk introduces you to local life as you interact with residents, learn about traditional practices, and support sustainable tourism initiatives. The wetland itself is rich in birdlife and offers a peaceful contrast to the morning’s excitement.

You return to your lodge in the evening for relaxation and dinner.

Accommodation: Isunga Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Drive from Kibale to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Following breakfast, your Wild Planet guide drives you southward to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of Africa’s most biologically diverse rainforests and the ultimate destination for gorilla trekking. The drive takes you through dramatic landscapes, including rolling hills, valleys, and rural villages.

Bwindi’s mist-covered forest appears almost mystical as you approach. Upon arrival at your lodge, you check in, enjoy lunch, and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. The anticipation builds as you prepare for one of the most powerful wildlife experiences on Earth.

Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Today marks the highlight of your Ugandan adventure. After an early breakfast, Wild Planet transfers you to the park headquarters for a pre-trek briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. They explain gorilla behavior, trekking guidelines, and conservation rules.

Accompanied by expert trackers and armed rangers, you hike into the forest in search of a habituated gorilla family. The trek varies in duration depending on the gorillas’ movements, but the reward is extraordinary. When you finally encounter the gorillas, you spend one magical hour observing them at close range.

You watch silverbacks maintain order, mothers nurture their young, and juveniles play among the vegetation. The emotional impact of sharing space with these gentle giants is profound and unforgettable. After the trek, you receive a gorilla trekking certificate before returning to the lodge to relax and reflect on the experience.

Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Fly from Uganda to Nairobi, Kenya

After breakfast, you transfer to Kisoro and board a domestic flight back to Entebbe International Airport. Depending on your schedule, you may enjoy lunch in Entebbe before continuing your journey to Nairobi, Kenya.

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, a Wild Planet representative warmly welcomes you and transfers you to your hotel in Nairobi. This marks the transition from rainforest primates to classic African savanna wildlife.

Accommodation: Tamarind Tree Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 6: Transfer from Nairobi to Masai Mara Game Reserve

After breakfast, you depart Nairobi for Masai Mara Game Reserve, Kenya’s most famous wildlife destination. The drive takes you through the Great Rift Valley, offering stunning panoramic views along the way.

Upon arrival in Masai Mara, you check in at your camp and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, you embark on your first game drive, where the vast plains reveal herds of wildebeest, zebras, antelopes, and predators beginning their evening activity.

Accommodation: Zebra Plains Mara Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Full Day Game Drives in Masai Mara

Today, Wild Planet dedicates the entire day to exploring Masai Mara. After breakfast, you head out on an extended game drive designed to maximize wildlife sightings. Masai Mara boasts one of the highest concentrations of predators in Africa.

You track lions patrolling their territories, spot elephants moving in family herds, observe buffalo grazing, and search for elusive leopards resting in acacia trees. Beyond the Big Five, you encounter giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas, and countless plains game species.

You may enjoy a picnic lunch in the reserve before continuing your exploration. The day ends with a return to camp for dinner and storytelling under the African sky.

Accommodation: Zebra Plains Mara Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Second Full Day of Unlimited Game Drives in Masai Mara

You wake up to the sounds of the wild and head out for another day of unlimited game drives. Today offers flexibility — you may explore a different sector of the reserve or revisit wildlife hotspots.

An optional Maasai village visit (at an extra cost) allows you to interact with one of Africa’s most iconic communities. You learn about their traditions, warrior culture, and harmonious coexistence with wildlife. Traditional dances and storytelling enrich this cultural exchange.

You return to camp in the evening for relaxation and dinner.

Accommodation: Zebra Plains Mara Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9: Transfer to Lake Nakuru National Park with Game Viewing

After breakfast, you depart Masai Mara and drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, approximately 160 kilometers away. The journey takes 3–4 hours and leads you into a park renowned for its birdlife and rhino conservation.

During your afternoon game drive, you search for black and white rhinos, Rothschild giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, and waterbucks. Lake Nakuru is also a birding paradise, hosting over 400 bird species, including flamingos, pelicans, and birds of prey.

You retire to your lodge in the evening to enjoy the tranquil lake views.

Accommodation: Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10: Drive Back to Nairobi – End of Safari

After breakfast, you check out and drive back to Nairobi, covering approximately 270 kilometers in 4–5 hours. Upon arrival, Wild Planet drops you at your hotel or the airport, officially concluding your incredible 10 Days Gorilla Meets Simba Safari.

Tour Inclusions

• Full-time professional English-speaking safari driver-guide
• 4×4 safari vehicle / safari Land Cruiser
• Full board accommodation (as specified)
• All park entrance fees
• Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits
• Bottled drinking water during the safari
• All domestic flights

Safari Exclusions

• International flight tickets
• Visa fees
• Porters during trekking activities
• Laundry services
• Personal expenses
• Tips and gratuities
• Alcoholic and soft drinks
• Any extras not mentioned in the itinerary

Conclusion

The 10 Days Gorilla Meets Simba Safari with Wild Planet is the ultimate East African adventure, expertly combining primate trekking and classic savanna wildlife experiences across Uganda and Kenya. From intimate moments with gorillas and chimpanzees to thrilling encounters with Africa’s iconic predators, this safari delivers diversity, excitement, and unforgettable memories.

For more information, customization options, or to begin planning your journey, consult Wild Planet today. Our experienced safari specialists are ready to design a personalized adventure that perfectly matches your travel dreams.