12-day Uganda Kenya safari gorilla trekking Maasai Mara Back to the Source Tours

12 Day Uganda and Kenya Safari | Gorilla Trekking & Maasai Mara

Starting from $6,570 USD per person. Gorilla trekking permit ($825 USD) included. 40% deposit required at booking, at which point your gorilla permit is also paid as permits must be secured in advance. Full pricing by group size is in the interactive table below

About This 12-Day Uganda and Kenya Safari

Imagine waking up in a private conservancy in the iconic Maasai Mara, where there are no tourist crowds, just you and the raw wilderness. Over 12 extraordinary days across Kenya and Uganda, this journey takes you deep into Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes, from sweeping golden savannahs filled with lions, cheetahs, elephants, and giraffes to nighttime game drives under a sky full of stars. You’ll enjoy exclusive bush breakfasts, sundowners at golden hour, and authentic cultural exchanges with the Maasai people, all guided by expert local guides who know this land like the back of their hand. This is the Africa you dreamed about, without sharing it with a busload of strangers.

Then the simply titled “The Wild Experience” tour gives you a journey that shifts into something even more rare and unique. Deep in the misty rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, you’ll come face to face with endangered mountain gorillas in the wild in a once-in-a-lifetime encounter that will move you to your core. Beyond the gorillas, you’ll connect with purpose through visits to the Pangolin Rescue Center, the Batwa community (the forest’s original inhabitants), and women-led social enterprises that are changing lives.

The adventure wraps up in Entebbe with a Shoebill trek through Mabamba Swamp and optional time at the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. This is not just a safari. This is 12 days of wildlife, culture, conservation, and transformation that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

Single person supplement for this tour is an additional $1,200 USD.

12-day Uganda Kenya wildlife safari tour cover Maasai Mara gorilla trekking 2026

These are the direct websites to applying for your ETA visa in Kenya: etakenya.go.ke and the following is for Uganda immigration.go.ug/services/tourist-visa

12-Days · Kenya & Uganda

12-Days: The Wild Experience

What Does This Journey Cost?

Select your group size below. The more you travel together, the more value every traveler gains. All pricing reflects upper mid-range estimates, per person, in USD.

Upper Mid-Range Estimates. These figures are a planning guide only. Final pricing is confirmed at booking and may vary based on travel dates, availability, and seasonal demand. Back to the Source Tours will provide a personalized quote upon inquiry.

2 PAX

$8,140

per person

4 PAX

$7,380

per person

6 PAX

$7,145

per person

8 PAX

$6,920

per person

10 PAX

$6,750

per person

12 PAX

$6,570

per person

Traveling as a pair gives you the most exclusive, personalised experience this journey has to offer.

All prices are upper mid-range estimates in USD and subject to change based on travel dates, availability, and seasonal demand. A confirmed quote will be provided upon booking inquiry.

All pricing is based on double occupancy, two travelers sharing one room whether single or twin beds. Solo travelers are warmly welcome; a single supplement applies and typically ranges from $500 to $1,200 depending on the tour. Back to the Source Tours organizes groups of up to 12 travelers for maximum impact, and larger groups can also be accommodated.

Escape to an African Paradise

Day 1 – Arrival in Nairobi, Kenya | Gateway to East Africa

Your East Africa safari adventure begins the moment you land in Nairobi, Kenya, one of the continent’s most dynamic and wildlife-rich capitals. This is no ordinary layover city. Start your journey with a visit to the Giraffe Centre, where you can hand-feed endangered Rothschild giraffes, or head to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to meet orphaned baby elephants up close.

For the wildlife enthusiast, a morning game drive in Nairobi National Park delivers sightings of wild lions, rhinos, and buffaloes with the city skyline as your backdrop. Nairobi is the only capital city in the world where you can see the Big Five just minutes from an international airport, and it sets the perfect tone for the extraordinary Kenya and Uganda wildlife experience that lies ahead.

Day 2 – Scenic Flight to the Maasai Mara | Your First Safari Game Drive

After breakfast, transfer to Wilson Airport for a breathtaking scenic domestic flight over the Great Rift Valley to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, one of the world’s most celebrated African safari destinations. As you descend over endless golden plains, the scale and beauty of this iconic ecosystem will take your breath away. On arrival, your expert Maasai guide meets you for a game drive en route to your private tented camp or lodge, where the wilderness begins at your doorstep. In the late afternoon, the Mara comes alive as you set out on your first game drive, spotting elephants, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and vast herds of antelope across sweeping open savannah. The day ends in the most magical way possible: a sundowner welcome, with golden hour drinks and light bites served in a scenic location as the sun melts into the horizon. This is East Africa safari travel at its finest.

Cheetah Maasai Mara Kenya private conservancy safari game drive

Days 3–6 Exclusive Private Safari in the Maasai Mara | Day and Night Game Drives

Four full days in the Maasai Mara with private and exclusive access to one of Africa’s premier wildlife conservancies, far from the tourist crowds. These are the days that will define your entire trip. Each morning begins with bush breakfasts on the open savannah, and each afternoon is filled with thrilling private game drives led by seasoned Maasai wildlife guides who know every inch of this land.

Watch lions hunt at dusk, track cheetahs across the plains, and observe herds of elephants moving through ancient migratory corridors. At night, rare nocturnal game drives take you into a world most safari travelers never see, where hyenas, leopards, and nocturnal predators come out under a sky blazing with stars. Between game drives, immersive cultural experiences with the Maasai community reveal ancient traditions, warrior customs, and a way of life that has coexisted with wildlife for centuries.

From bush lunches under acacia trees to evening bonfires with the distant roar of lions in the air, this is luxury safari in Kenya as it was meant to be experienced.

Cheetah Maasai Mara Kenya private conservancy safari game drive

Day 7 – Return to Nairobi and Flight to Uganda | Crossing into the Pearl of Africa

After a final morning in the Mara, transfer to the airstrip for your return flight to Nairobi, then connect onward to Entebbe, Uganda. As you cross the border into the Pearl of Africa, your dedicated Back to the Source Tours Uganda representative meets you for a seamless private transfer to your hotel. The evening is yours to relax, recharge, and let the anticipation build. Tomorrow, the journey enters its most extraordinary chapter yet.

Day 8 – Fly to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest | Conservation, Community and Culture

Get ready, because today the journey takes a powerful turn. You’ll board a scenic morning flight from Entebbe, trading the shimmering waters of Lake Victoria for the mist-covered highlands of southwestern Uganda, arriving in time for a welcome lunch at your lodge nestled on the edge of one of the world’s oldest and most biodiverse forests.

But the magic begins before you even unpack. En route from the airstrip, you’ll make a stop at the Pangolin Rescue Center, a remarkable facility working to protect the world’s most trafficked mammal. It’s a moving introduction to the conservation heart that beats throughout this region, and a story you’ll be sharing long after you return home.

The afternoon belongs to the people. Through Ride-4-A-Woman, a powerful women-led social enterprise rooted right here in the Bwindi community, you’ll choose from a rich menu of hands-on cultural activities including traditional weaving, cooking classes with local ingredients, tailoring and fabric-making, mountain biking through the village, cultural dance and storytelling, or basketry and handicraft workshops. These aren’t tourist performances. They are real skills, real stories, and real livelihoods, and your participation directly fuels women’s empowerment and community resilience in one of Uganda’s most extraordinary corners. By the time the forest canopy glows with the last light of day, you’ll already feel the depth of what this place holds. And tomorrow, you go deeper.

Day 9 – Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi | A Once-in-a-Lifetime Encounter

This is the day that changes everything. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is widely regarded as one of the most profound wildlife experiences in the world, and today it is yours. After an early breakfast, head to park headquarters for a ranger briefing on mountain gorilla behavior and trekking protocols, welcomed by a vibrant cultural performance of traditional dance and song from the local community.

Then, accompanied by expert trackers, experienced guides, and your personal porter, you venture deep into the dense, mist-covered ancient forest. The trek can take anywhere from two to six hours through a living, breathing landscape of towering trees, tangled vines, and the calls of exotic birds overhead. And then the moment arrives. You step into a quiet clearing and come face to face with a wild mountain gorilla family.

For a full hour, you watch them nurture their young, forage, and interact with a familiarity that feels deeply human.

The eye contact alone will leave you speechless. Back at the lodge, a complimentary massage awaits to restore your body while your mind processes one of the most humbling experiences of your life. Mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda is a bucket-list encounter that no photograph can fully prepare you for.

Day 10 – Batwa Cultural Village Tour and Local Gift Shop Visits

Batwa Community Tour

One of the most enriching and joyful experiences of this entire Uganda safari itinerary awaits today. A guided Batwa community tour takes you into the world of the forest’s original inhabitants, known for generations as the keepers of Bwindi. Led by Batwa elders and storytellers, you will walk through a recreated forest village and discover ancient hunting techniques, herbal medicine knowledge, survival skills, traditional music, and deep spiritual beliefs that stretch back thousands of years.

This is responsible cultural tourism at its most authentic, a genuine exchange that uplifts the Batwa community while giving you a window into one of Africa’s oldest living cultures. Round off the day with visits to local artisan gift shops, where handcrafted treasures make for the most meaningful souvenirs of your journey.

Days 11 & 12 – Return to Entebbe | A Shoebill Trek, Your Farewell to the Pearl of Africa

After breakfast, transfer to Kihihi Airstrip for your scenic return flight to Entebbe, Uganda’s beloved gateway city on the shimmering shores of Lake Victoria. Upon arrival, the rest of your time is gloriously yours to shape. Depending on your energy and schedule, the legendary Shoebill trek through Mabamba Swamp can be enjoyed either this afternoon or the following morning before your departure flight. This rare birdwatching experience in Uganda puts you face to face with the prehistoric Shoebill Stork, one of Africa’s most sought-after and extraordinary birds, gliding silently through papyrus swamps in a setting that feels completely untouched by time.

Beyond the Shoebill, the options are just as exciting. Board a boat to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, home to over 52 rescued chimpanzees in a protected natural forest habitat, where expert conservationists guide you through feeding time and reveal the remarkable intelligence and social bonds of these primates. Prefer city life? A guided tour of Kampala with stops at vibrant artisan markets and cultural landmarks delivers the pulse of Uganda’s capital in just a few hours.

For those who want to unwind, a private yacht cruise on Lake Victoria to the equator line, a lazy afternoon on one of Entebbe’s sandy lakeside beaches, a freshly grilled fish lunch by the water, or a browse through local artisan shopsfor handcrafted treasures are all waiting for you. More adventurous guests can even squeeze in some zip-lining before it’s all over. 

Your Back to the Source Tours guide will help you arrange the perfect combination based on your departure schedule, making sure every last hour of this journey counts. When the time finally comes, you will be transferred to Entebbe International Airport carrying memories of gorillas in the mist, lions on the open savannah, ancient forest cultures, and communities full of warmth and purpose that no passport stamp can fully capture.

More info about this tour

Included:
  • Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary
    • 1 night in Nairobi on arrival (Day 1) Bed and breakfast

    • 4 nights at a private tented camp and cottage in the Maasai Mara conservancy (Days 2 to 6) All-inclusive, full-board

    • 1 night in Entebbe on arrival from Kenya (Day 7) Bed and breakfast

    • 3 nights at an upper mid-range lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Days 8-10) All-inclusive, full-board

    • 1 to 2 nights in Entebbe on return (Days 11 and 12)

  • Gorilla trekking permit per person
    • minimum age permitted to go gorilla trekking is 15 years of age
  • Pangolin Rescue Center visit in Bwindi
  • Wildlife game drives, Bush lunches and breakfast, Sundowners and bonfires in Kenya
  • Community and cultural interactive activities in both countries
  • A Shoebill Stork trek, Mabamba Swamp
  • All ground transportation as per the itinerary
  • Internal flights roundtrip and flight from Nairobi, Kenya to Entebbe, Uganda
  • Experienced English-speaking driver-guide unless otherwise requested a bilingual guide
  • All government taxes, concession fees, parks entrance fees and levies
  • All meet and greet services
  • All arrival and departure transfers to the airport (1 transfer per group on arrival and departure day)
  • Drinking water in the vehicle while on safari
  • Personal customer service (24/7)
Not Included:
  • International flights to and from your home country
  • Visa fees: Any visa requirements for entry into Kenya and Uganda
  • Travel insurance: Not included but highly recommended
  • Personal expenses: Costs for souvenirs, snacks, and drinks outside of provided meals
  • Optional activities not mentioned in the “Included Section”
  • Tips and gratuities: For guides and lodge staff
  • Medical expenses: Any incurred medical costs
Choosing Your Accommodation:

We offer a range of accommodation options to suit your preferences and budget. Our safari packages always includes a comfortable and well-equipped upper to mid-range camps/lodges that provide a truly great African safari experience. Some of these partners offer free massages, full-board with an all-inclusive selection of soft drinks, beers, and wines.

If you’re seeking a more luxurious experience, we offer upgraded options for the same itinerary at a slightly higher cost. These luxurious camps/resorts/lodges provide additional amenities, such as private plunge pools, more spacious accommodation and usually your own dedicated concierge rep.

All our hotel partners are excellent and operate a very sustainable business and we love that. You will love them too. There are also some good mid-range options that can reduce the cost. We also organize this very itinerary with utter luxury options.

Tour Pricing by Group Size:

Group travel offers exceptional value on this 12-day Uganda and Kenya safari. All prices are upper mid-range estimates in USD per person.

Group of 2 travelers: $8,140 USD per person

Group of 4 travelers: $7,380 USD per person (save 9%)

Group of 6 travelers: $7,145 USD per person (save 12%)

Group of 8 travelers: $6,920 USD per person (save 15%)

Group of 10 travelers: $6,750 USD per person (save 17%)

Group of 12 travelers: $6,570 USD per person (save 19%)

Single supplement: $1,200 USD per person. All prices include the Uganda Wildlife Authority gorilla trekking permit ($825 USD). Final pricing confirmed at booking and may vary based on travel dates, availability, and seasonal demand. Contact us for a personalized quote.

Best Time for This Tour

This 12-day Uganda and Kenya safari is rewarding year-round, but the timing of each country destination affects your overall experience.

Best overall timing: July to October. The Maasai Mara dry season runs July to October and coincides with the Great Migration, when millions of wildebeest cross the Mara River in one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife events. Game viewing is at its peak. In Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, gorilla trekking is available year-round and July to September is the long dry season with firmer trails.

December to February (short dry season): Excellent for both countries. The Maasai Mara is dry and game-rich. Bwindi trails are drier and comfortable. A strong alternative to the July to October peak with less permit competition.

March to May (long rainy season): Trails in Bwindi are muddier but the forest is extraordinarily lush and green. Gorilla sightings are unaffected. The Maasai Mara is verdant and beautiful. Lower rates and quieter conservancies. Good value option for travelers who do not mind some rain.

For gorilla trekking specifically: Uganda Wildlife Authority gorilla permits must be booked well in advance for peak season. Back to the Source Tours recommends booking at least 6 months ahead for July to September travel. Contact us to check current permit availability for your preferred dates.

Payment Options:

To secure your booking, a 40% deposit is required. As gorilla permits must be purchased in advance, the gorilla permit cost ($825 USD per person) is paid at the same time as your deposit. Back to the Source Tours submits the required deposits to all service providers and secures your permit as part of this process.

We also offer flexible payment options based on how far in advance your travel dates are scheduled. Your initial payment allows Back to the Source Tours to confirm key services and submit the required deposits to our itinerary partners in order to securely hold your accommodations and tour arrangements.

Our preferred payment method is bank wire transfers.

We also accept credit card payments through Pesapal, though applicable processing fees will apply. You may make a card payment here: Pesapal Payment Link. If you have any questions regarding payment timelines, methods, or booking requirements, our team is available to assist you. Check out our Booking Policy for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does this 12-day Uganda and Kenya safari cost?

This 12-day Uganda and Kenya safari starts from $6,570 USD per person for a group of 12, up to $8,140 USD per person for 2 travelers. All prices include the Uganda Wildlife Authority gorilla trekking permit ($825 USD per person). As permits must be secured in advance, the permit cost is paid at the same time as your 40% booking deposit. Single supplement is $1,200 USD per person.

What is included in the tour price?

Accommodation throughout (Nairobi, Maasai Mara conservancy, Entebbe, Bwindi), all specified meals, gorilla trekking permit, all internal flights including Nairobi to Entebbe and Entebbe to Kihihi Airstrip, all private game drives, Pangolin Rescue Center visit, Shoebill Stork trek, Batwa Community Tour, all ground transfers, park fees, taxes, and 24-hour support from Back to the Source Tours.

Is the gorilla trekking permit included?

Yes. The Uganda Wildlife Authority gorilla trekking permit ($825 USD per person) is included in your tour price. As permits must be secured well in advance, the permit cost is paid at the same time as your 40% booking deposit. Back to the Source Tours handles the full permit process on your behalf. Minimum trekking age is 15 years.

Where does the gorilla trekking take place?

Gorilla trekking takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, UNESCO World Heritage Site in southwestern Uganda, home to the largest population of mountain gorillas in the world. You are based in the Buhoma sector and trek with Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers and trackers.

Where does the Kenya safari take place?

Your Kenya safari is based in a private conservancy bordering the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Private conservancies offer exclusive access with no tourist crowds, night game drives, and bush breakfasts that are not permitted in the main reserve.

What wildlife can I expect to see on this tour?

In Kenya: lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, wildebeest, hyenas, and over 500 bird species. Night drives give you access to nocturnal predators. In Uganda: mountain gorillas, the Shoebill Stork, Pangolins at the rescue center, the Gorillas and birds of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Do I need visas for both Kenya and Uganda?

Yes. Kenya requires an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) applied for online at etakenya.go.ke before travel. Uganda requires a tourist visa applied for online at immigration.go.ug. Back to the Source Tours advises on visa requirements for your specific nationality.

What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking?

The Uganda Wildlife Authority requires all gorilla trekkers to be a minimum of 15 years of age.

How physically demanding is this 12-day tour?

The Maasai Mara game drives are vehicle-based and require no significant physical exertion. The gorilla trek in Bwindi is moderately to highly demanding depending on the gorillas’ location that day, ranging from 1 to 6 hours through dense rainforest terrain. Porters are available and strongly recommended. A reasonable level of fitness is advised for the gorilla trekking portion.

Can I combine this with other destinations?

Back to the Source Tours can extend this itinerary to include Zanzibar or Diani for a beach finish, Queen Elizabeth National Park for chimpanzee trekking and game drives, or Kibale Forest for chimpanzee trekking. Contact us to build the right combination for your schedule.

Book This Tour With Us:

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