12 Days Serengeti Masai Mara and Gorillas Itinerary

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, guests are met and transferred to Arusha, the safari capital of northern Tanzania. The day is reserved for recovery from international travel, allowing time to acclimatize and prepare for the adventure ahead. A briefing is conducted to outline the safari journey, and overnight accommodation is arranged at a comfortable lodge in Arusha.

The journey begins with a scenic drive or scheduled flight to Serengeti National Park. As the landscape opens into vast grasslands, the transition into the wild is unmistakable. Game viewing begins immediately upon entry into the park, with opportunities to spot giraffes, elephants, lions, and large herds of herbivores. The day concludes with an overnight stay at Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge.

A full day has been dedicated to exploring the Serengeti ecosystem. Morning and afternoon game drives are conducted, allowing wildlife to be observed during peak activity hours. The Serengeti’s diverse habitats support an extraordinary range of species, and sightings of cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas are frequently recorded. The day ends with sundowners overlooking the plains, followed by dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Another day in the Serengeti has been included to ensure flexibility and depth of exploration. Depending on the season, migration herds may be tracked, or focus may be placed on resident predators. The extended stay allows guides to tailor game drives based on wildlife movements and guest interests. Overnight accommodation remains at Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge.

After breakfast, the safari proceeds north toward the Kenya–Tanzania border. Formalities are completed before continuing into Kenya and onward to the Masai Mara National Reserve. The transition highlights the continuity of the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem, reinforcing the interconnectedness of East Africa’s wildlife corridors. Overnight accommodation is provided at Mara Serena Safari Lodge.

The Masai Mara is explored extensively through morning and afternoon game drives. The reserve’s high predator density ensures frequent sightings of lions, cheetahs, and leopards. If visiting during migration season, river crossings may be observed along the Mara River, offering dramatic wildlife interactions. The day concludes with overnight accommodation at the lodge.

In addition to wildlife viewing, a cultural visit to a local Maasai village is arranged. This experience provides insight into traditional pastoral lifestyles and long-standing coexistence with wildlife. The remainder of the day is spent on game drives, allowing guests to deepen their understanding of the Mara’s ecology. Overnight accommodation remains at Mara Serena Safari Lodge.

The safari transitions from Kenya to Uganda via a scheduled flight from Nairobi to Entebbe. Upon arrival, guests are transferred to a lakeside hotel near Lake Victoria. The evening is reserved for relaxation and preparation for the gorilla trekking experience ahead.

A domestic flight or scenic drive transports guests to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The change in scenery is immediate, as rolling hills and dense rainforest replace open savannahs. Upon arrival, guests are briefed on gorilla trekking protocols and conservation guidelines. Overnight accommodation is provided at Buhoma Lodge.

This day marks the emotional highlight of the 12 Days Serengeti Masai Mara and Gorillas safari. After an early morning briefing, guests trek into the forest accompanied by experienced rangers. Once a gorilla family is located, an hour is spent observing these remarkable primates at close range. The encounter is often described as life-changing. The afternoon is reserved for rest and reflection, with overnight accommodation at Buhoma Lodge.

A secondary forest activity is offered, such as a guided nature walk or community visit. These experiences provide additional context to gorilla conservation efforts and local livelihoods. The slower pace allows the journey to conclude on a reflective note. Overnight accommodation remains at Buhoma Lodge.

The safari concludes with a return transfer to Entebbe for international departure. Assistance is provided throughout the departure process, ensuring a smooth conclusion to the journey.