Uganda Kenya safaris are a wonderful experience that combines the many sceneries of East Africa. From gorilla hiking in Mgahinga & Bwindi to witnessing the great wildebeest migration over the Masai Mara’s expansive savannas.

These Uganda and Kenya excursions combine the finest of Kenya’s classic African safari experiences with Uganda’s more intimate wildlife encounters, and generally start at Entebbe International Airport or Nairobi’s international airport.

Overland adventure vehicle tours over the equator are loved by travellers who spot African fish eagles over the Nile River and enjoy deep woodlands along the famous and observant Masai Mara animal safaris.

Uganda’s parks are less busy and cheaper, and there is mid-range and budget accommodation. Kenya offers exceptional density viewing of the savanna species of the African Big Five.

The whole trip is a close safari experience in natural surroundings, supporting eco-tourism and aiding the local villages for a life-changing adventure.

Before we start our Uganda and Kenya trip, here are some things to consider!

Top Uganda and Kenya Safari Destinations and Wildlife Safari Parks to Visit

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda (Home to More than Half of the World’s Mountain Gorillas)

Bwindi Impenetrable NP is a fantastic add-on to Kenya plus Uganda itineraries. It covers 331 sq km of ancient montane forest in south-western Uganda, near Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Established as a national park in 1991 from a former forest reserve and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it protects nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, that is to say over 400 mountain gorillas in habituated gorilla family groups.

THINGS TO SEE IN BWINDI NP

Some of the things to see in Bwindi NP include the majestic creatures of the endangered mountain gorillas, diverse primates, the Batwa people, over 350 bird species, and lush forest canopy.

THINGS TO DO IN BWINDI NP

Visitors engage in gorilla trekking in Bwindi through steep terrain for up to six hours to observe gorilla families foraging, birdwatching, guided nature walks, and cultural tours with Batwa communities.

All these attractions and activities make Bwindi NP an unmissable destination on these combined tours.

Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in western Uganda on the bottom of the Great Rift Valley and covers an area of 1,978 square kilometres. It is one of the top vacation locations that is rarely missed on combo vacations in Kenya and Uganda.

Queen Elizabeth Park was designated as a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1952. It features savannas and wetlands, and the Kazinga Channel that connects Lakes Edward and George.

QUEEN ELIZABETH PARK ATTRACTIONS

Sighting in QENP includes tree-climbing lions in Ishasha sector, the African Big Five savanna animals, hippos, crocodiles and over 600 bird species, making it a famous birding hotspot.

QUEEN ELIZABETH PARK ACTIVITIES

In Queen Elizabeth Park, you may go on game drives for elephant herds, boat ride safaris on the Kazinga Channel, chimp tracking in Kyambura Gorge, birdwatching, nocturnal wildlife-led wilderness walks, and crater lake tours.

This jewel is worth the visit for this combo schedule.

Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda

Murchison Falls National Park is one of the top must-add-on destinations on any combined holiday in Uganda plus Kenya, spanning over 3893 sq. km in northeastern Uganda along the Nile River.

The Murchison Falls NP was established in 1952 and is home to the beautiful Murchison Falls, through which the Nile River surges through a tiny valley or narrow gorge.

HIGHLIGHTS IN MURCHISON FALLS NP

Wildlife includes lions, elephants, giraffes, Uganda kob, Nile crocodiles and over 450 kinds of birds including Fish eagles.

MURCHISON FALLS EXPERIENCES

There are game drives across the Buligi plains, boat safaris to the base of the falls, treks to the summit for views, and fishing on the river.

Kibale National Park, Uganda

Kibale National Park, one of the must-add-on destinations on any combined holiday in Uganda plus Kenya, encompasses 795 square kilometers of moist evergreen rainforest in western Uganda near Fort Portal.

Protected since the 1930s and gazetted in 1993, Kibale NP is Uganda’s primate capital and the best place in Africa for chimp tracking.

THINGS TO SEE IN KIBALE NP

It hosts 13 primate species, over 1,500 chimpanzees, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, black and while colobuses, red colobus monkeys, and 375 bird species, among other creatures.

THINGS TO DO IN KIBALE NP

Kibale NP activities include chimpanzee tracking through canopy trails, chimp habituation, guided nature walks in Bigodi Wetland for birding enthusiasts, butterfly spotting, and visits to nearby tea plantations.

Add Kibale to these combined holidays for lasting memories.

Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda

Lake Mburo National Park spans 370 square kilometers of acacia woodlands and wetlands in central Uganda near Mbarara, gazetted in 1983 is one of the unmatched travel destinations worth including on any combined tour in Uganda and Kenya.

L. MBURO NP ATTRACTIONS

It protects zebras, elands, hippos, impalas, over five lakes including Lake Mburo, crocodiles, and over 350 bird species, making it notable for allowing walking safaris since there no lions or elephants there.

L. MBURO NP ACTIVITIES

Highlights include game drives for antelope herds, boat cruises spotting waterbirds, mountain biking trails, guided wilderness walks in diverse landscapes, and horseback safaris among giraffes, something you may not experience else where in most Uganda parks.

Dont miss out on the fun, include this destination on your combined itinerary.

Kalinzu Forest Reserve, Uganda

Kalinzu Forest Reserve, one of the must add on destinations on any combined holiday in Uganda plus Kenya, covers 147 square kilometers of tropical rainforest adjacent to Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda, managed since the 1930s.

HIGHLIGHTS IN KALINZU FR

The Kalinzu reserve hosts over 200 chimpanzees, six primate species, and more than 370 bird species worth seeing during wildlife safaris.

KALINZU FR EXPERIENCES

Kalinzu activities center on chimp tracking for up to five hours, birdwatching for turacos, guided forest walks learning local legends of the indigenous people, and optional boat cruises on nearby crater lakes.

Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda

Lake Bunyonyi in southwestern Uganda, near Kabale, features 60 square kilometers of a deep volcanic lake with 29 islands and steep terraced hillsides, and is another of the good places to visit during combined Kenya plus Uganda vacations.

THINGS TO SEE AT L. BUNYONYI

Formed millennia ago, it is known for abundant and diverse birdlife, otters, tilapia, and crayfish, among other attractions, especially the 29 islands, with the famous one being Punishment Island.

THINGS TO DO AT L. BUNYONYI

Visitors enjoy canoeing or motorboat rides between the 29 islands, birdwatching, swimming in bilharzia-free waters, hiking terraced paths, and cultural village tours.

The beauty of L. Bunyonyi often leaves many in awe, so dont miss it when exploring these two nations.

Jinja, Uganda

Jinja lies on Lake Victoria’s northern shores in eastern Uganda at the Nile River source and it is one of the good tourist spots worth exploring when on Uganda plus Kenya vacations.

Historically tied to the 1950s Owen Falls Dam, it is Uganda’s adventure capital.

JINJA UGANDA ATTRACTIONS

Some of the attractions in Jinja include Bujagali Falls, Busowoko Falls, Jinja Central Market, Speke Memorial Monument, Uganda Railway Museum, Jinja Farmers Market, etc.

JINJA UGANDA ACTIVITIES

Jinja activities include whitewater rafting on Class V rapids, sunset boat cruises spotting African fish eagles giving off a scenic end to adventurous days in Jinja, mountain biking through tea plantations and villages, quad biking on rugged trails, local market visits, and cultural experiences.

These adventurous activities make this Uganda city one of the unmissable hotspots worth seeing on these combined safaris.

Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

The Masai Mara National Reserve, one of the major Kenya safari destinations to visit during combined Kenyan and Ugandan trips, covers 1,510 square kilometers of rolling grasslands and riverine forests in southwestern Kenya, established in 1961.

MASAI MARA HIGHLIGHTS

Other things to see are many bird species (450+), African Big Five mammals, considerable big cat populations, and the yearly wildebeest migration, which is a highlight of the Masai Mara.

MASAI MARA EXPERIENCES

Masai Mara activities include dawn and late afternoon game drives, champagne picnics, hot-air balloon rides, walking safaris, and Maasai village cultural tours under acacia trees.

This tourist spot is a must-add-on to most combined tours that go through Kenya.

Samburu Game Reserve, Kenya

Samburu Game Reserve spans 165 square kilometers along the Ewaso Ng’iro River in northern Kenya. Gazetted in 1948, it is one of the major places to visit during combined Kenyan and Ugandan trips.

THINGS TO SEE IN SAMBURU

The semi-arid landscape in Samburu features several creatures, including the Samburu Special Five (Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, beisa oryx, gerenuk, and Somali ostrich), riverine elephants, leopards in palms, etc.

THINGS TO DO IN SAMBURU

Key things to do in Samburu include fascinating game drives, camel walks, birdwatching, and cultural experiences with local villages & communities.

This unique gem is also worth seeing on combined safaris.

Amboseli National Park, Kenya

Amboseli National Park, founded in 1974, is one of the prime places to visit on combination vacations to Kenya and Uganda. It’s a 392 square km area of marshes and grasslands in southern Kenya.

AMBOSELI NP HIGHLIGHTS

Amboseli offers large herds of elephants and vistas of Mt. Kilimanjaro. There are lions, there are cheetahs, and you may see 600 types of birds on vacation here.

AMBOSELI NP EXPERIENCES

Amboseli experiences feature safari drives with scenic backdrops of the Kilimanjaro mountain, the Maasai cultural visits, wetland bird watching, and picnic lunches.

Nairobi National Park, Kenya

Nairobi National Park, one of the major tourist places to explore during combined Ugandan and Kenyan safaris, spans 117 square kilometers, just 7 km from Nairobi’s center, established in 1946 as Africa’s first national park.

THINGS TO SEE IN NAIROBI NP

Nairobi NP offers unique city-skyline wildlife views with lions, giraffes, rhinos, and over 400 birds, plus other beasts, as witnessed during the tours there.

THINGS TO DO IN NAIROBI NP

Nairobi NP activities include game drives, spotting black rhinos in the sanctuary, walking safaris (safari walk), animal orphanage visits, and urban-wild contrast picnics.

This makes it a unique add-on combined tour going through Kenya.

Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya

Lake Nakuru National Park, one of the major tourist places to explore during combined Ugandan and Kenyan vacations, encircles a soda lake within 188 square kilometers in central Kenya’s Rift Valley, gazetted in 1961.

L. NAKURU NP ATTRACTIONS

L. Nakuru NP is home to flocks of flamingos, endangered black rhinos, and tree-climbing lions. The park also provides a habitat for a variety of bird species and other wild flora and wildlife.

L. NAKURU NP ACTIVITIES

Visitors to L. Nakuru NP enjoy game drives, bird watching, occasional boat cruise safaris, and viewpoints from Baboon Cliff, among others.

Exploring L. Nakuru is one of the best experiences done on these tours.

Lake Naivasha, Kenya

Lake Naivasha is another of the unmissable places to visit in Kenya when on combined Kenyan and Ugandan vacations, and it spans 139 square kilometers of freshwater in the Great Rift Valley, plus it is a Ramsar site since 1995.

L. NAIVASHA HIGHLIGHTS

It is a hippo haven with over 400 bird species, like fish eagles, among other over 100 animal species seen during safaris there.

L. NAIVASHA EXPERIENCES

L. Naivasha activities include boat safaris among hippos, walking on Crescent Island with zebras, bird watching, and nearby cycling in Hell’s Gate NP.

Don’t hesitate to include this gem on your itinerary because it is definitely worthwhile.

Other African Safari Destinations to Visit During Kenya and Uganda Safari Tours

Kenya: Tsavo East and West National Parks, Hell’s Gate National Park, Aberdare National Park, Mount Kenya National Park, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Chyulu Hills National Park, Lake Turkana in the Rift Valley Escarpment, etc.

Uganda: Kidepo Valley National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Semuliki National Park, source of the River Nile, Uganda National Museum, among others

Must-Do Safari Experiences Worth Engaging in During Uganda and Kenya Tours

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla NP in Uganda

Uganda is home to nearly half of the mountain gorillas surviving in the wild today and mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda involves guided hikes through rainforests such as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga NP for up to six hours to locate habituated families.

Trekking the gorillas in the wild is considered one of the most magical and rare wildlife experiences in the world, often considered also life-changing for many visitors on Uganda gorilla tours.

The gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda often include hikes through steep and uneven terrain often taking place on consecutive days depending on permit availability for visitors.

Limited to a maximum of eight people per group by Uganda park authorities, visitors spend one hour observing silverbacks, mothers, and juveniles in their natural habitat.

Done in Bwindi Impenetrable NP and Mgahinga Gorilla NP it is unique for the rare, life-changing intimacy with endangered mountain gorillas amid diverse primates and birds.

Great Migration Viewing

Great Migration viewing positions travelers annually between the Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya) or Serengeti National Park (Tanzania) to witness around two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles moving in a 1,200-mile circular route.

Game drives or permanent tented camps near the Mara River capture dramatic crossings with Nile crocodiles, peaking from July to October. Its unpredictable scale and raw predator-prey drama make it uniquely spectacular.

Chimpanzee Tracking or Trekking

Chimpanzee trekking is done with local guides for 1-5 hours on authorized paths in Kibale National Park, Budongo or Kalinzu Forest Reserve to see habituated troops grooming, utilizing tools like people and vocalizing.

Uganda has the best opportunities to view chimpanzees swinging in the canopy with other primates. It is special because it offers behavioural insights into our closest ancestors (98% DNA in common with us humans) in lush, biodiverse woods.

Bird Watching in Kenya and Uganda

Birdwatching in Uganda plus Kenya birding sites entails the use of bird watching binoculars on guided walks or boat cruise safaris in Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, or Bwindi Impenetrable NP to spot over 1,000 bird species such as flamingos, fish eagles, and shoebills. This is a highlight for birders or avid birders with year-round diversity in marshes and rainforests.

Game Drives and Wildlife Viewing in East Africa

You can enjoy game drives in open 4×4 automobiles in areas like Maasai Mara National Reserve or Queen Elizabeth Park at dawn or late afternoon to see the African Big Five savanna animals and nocturnal species.

Uganda and Kenya are both fantastic places to see the African Big Five. Lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and African buffalo.

Guided experts take you along rivers and into savannas for intimate encounters with large densities of animals in a range of situations where you really can’t predict what you might see.

Cultural Experiences in Uganda and Kenya

Ugandan and Kenyan Cultural Experiences are guided Tours with native guides to intriguing Maasai Villages in the Masai Mara or Batwa Communities near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where you will discover dances, crafts, and traditions. They blend native culture with wildness and promote ecotourism benefits for the local people so that relations are better.

Adventure Safari Activities

Adventure safari activities include whitewater rafting on the Nile River in Jinja (a popular adventure activity in Jinja) providing a scenic end to adventurous days in Jinja, mountain biking through tea plantations near Lake Bunyonyi, quad biking in the Great Rift Valley, or hot-air balloon rides over the Masai Mara all of which are expert-guided with safety gear, they deliver adrenaline amid scenic views and wildlife during these combined safaris.

OTHER ACTIVITIES DONE IN UGANDA AND KENYA

Hot-air balloon rides over savannahs, canoeing on crater lakes, tea plantation tours, equator photo stops, community market visits, sunset boat cruises, night drives for nocturnal wildlife, walking safaris, horseback riding, fishing on the Nile River or Lake Victoria, cultural dances, photography workshops, butterfly watching, stargazing from safari camps, guided bush walks, and rhino tracking in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Top-Rated Accommodations to Stay at During Kenya and Uganda Safari Tours

NB

• Luxury options, especially High-end tented camps, feature private outdoor areas, mini spas, swimming pools for relaxation after game spotting, all-inclusive meals, and community interactions.
• Several luxury safari accommodations are located in prime game-viewing locations, enhancing experiences, and also emphasize personalized service for their guests.
• Luxury safari accommodations often include tented camps with substantial comforts and en-suite bathrooms, plus also all-inclusive packages with meals and selected beverages for guests.
• Many high-end safari lodges provide private outdoor areas for guests to relax and take in the views.

Safari Prices to Incur on Combined Uganda and Kenya Safari Tours

Prices for Uganda safari tours are usually less than in Kenya, with more mid-range and budget accommodation choices.

A 10-15 days combined tour ranges from $2,500-$4,000 (budget camping), $4,000-$7,000 (midrange lodges), and $8,000+ (luxury).

Gorilla permits cost $800-$1,500, chimp tracking costs $250, plus park fees, overland adventure vehicle transport, and tips ($15-$20).

Extras like hot-air balloon rides add $450.

Private departures in domestic chartered flights or participation in camping expeditions adjusts totals.

Best Time to Go for Uganda and Kenya Safari Tours

The best time to go for safaris in Uganda plus Kenya is during the dry seasons, June-September and December-February, with minimal rain, easy tracking in Uganda’s dense forests, and also aligns with Kenya’s great or annual wildebeest migration peaks (July-October for Mara River crossings).

March-May (Green Season): Beautiful environment, few people, muddier trails, so year-round access is feasible.

How to Travel for Kenya and Uganda Safari Expeditions?

Most journeys or excursions start with flights into Entebbe International Airport or Nairobi’s international airport, then border crossings in overland adventure vehicles from Eldoret, Kenya, to Kampala, Uganda.

Internal flights connect remote parks like the Masai Mara to Entebbe.

Guided tours are safest, while self-drive 4×4 adventures require visas, insurance, permits, etc.; for example, yellow fever certificates and visas (on arrival or e-visa) are essential.

What to Wear for Combined Uganda and Kenya Expeditions?

• Long trousers and neutral-coloured shirts to blend in with natural fauna.
• Good hiking footwear for gorilla trekking in Bwindi NP
• Rain jacket or poncho, for those surprise showers in the forest
• Layering clothes for cold mornings and evenings
• Hat, sunglasses and sun cream
• Bug-off insect repellent-treated apparel
• Dust scarf for safari drives light weight

What to Pack for Combined Uganda and Kenya Safari Excursions?

• Passport, visas, copies of permits
• Snacky foods and energy bars
• Camping – Flashlight/Headlamp
• Power bank & adapter’s
• Towel and toiletries that are lightweight
• Gorilla trekking at Bwindi, including gardening gloves, gaiters and a walking stick
• First aid kit and malaria prophylaxis
• Cameras, extra batteries, binoculars
• Water bottle, refillable
• Waterproof day pack for trekking

Booking and Planning Hints for Kenya and Uganda Trips

• Get government licenses for gorillas and chimpanzees 6-12 months ahead of time.
• Select good operators with an eco-tourism focus.
• Verify yellow fever vaccination and adequate insurance with evacuation coverage.
• Pack light, as the overland adventure vehicle has constraints.
• Collaborate with experts to establish the migration date.
• Select private departure flexibility
• Find itineraries that include the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and Kalinzu Forest Reserve.
• Tips: $10-15 daily.
• Support for local community projects.

Comparative Analysis: Is Uganda or Kenya Better for a Safari?

Kenya is a classic safari country, with endless savannas, the great migration of wildebeest and high-density wildlife watching in the Masai Mara wildlife Reserve, plus visitor activities such as hot-air ballooning above the Maasai Mara, night drives and walking safaris. It’s great for famous Big Five sightings but can be more expensive and busy.

Mgahinga or Bwindi offer less crowded, more intimate gorilla trekking, while chimp tracking and budget choices are many, with varied environments such as the Nile River and Lake Bunyonyi.

A mix of both gives the ultimate East Africa safari, that is, the drama of Kenya with the uniqueness of Uganda for a balanced, comprehensive adventure.

Popular Safari Operators Offering a Dream Safari in Africa to World-Class Destinations (e.g., Kenya, Uganda, South Africa’s Cape Town, etc)

Some of these include

• Prime Safaris & Tours Ltd
• Kenya safari Tours
• National Parks Kenya
• Wild Gorilla Safaris
• Safari Uganda Safaris
• Gorilla Safaris and Tours
• A Uganda Safari
• Africa Safaris Tours
• Uganda Birding Safaris
• Gorilla trekking Uganda

They offer affordable to luxury safaris in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and beyond. Options include participation camping, tented camps, and private tours such as the private Kenya and Uganda Safari Tour, plus private Africa safaris extending to Rwanda and Tanzania, Victoria Falls, or Cape Town for multi-country dreams.

Unmatched Kenya Uganda Safari Packages

• The 15-days Kenya Safari & Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour: It starts in Nairobi with Masai Mara game drives, Lake Nakuru National Park, crosses to Lake Bunyonyi proceeding for gorilla trekking in Mgahinga or Bwindi, Kalinzu Forest Reserve chimpanzee tracking, Lake Mburo National Park, and Jinja adventures featuring lodge and camping combo.
• The 14-days East Africa’s Kenya, Tanzania & Uganda safaris with gorilla trekking: It uses flights through Jomo, Arusha or Entebbe International Airport as well as park airstrips and luxury tents for migration and gorillas.
• The 15-days Kenya to Uganda Overland Safari with Participation Camping: This emphasizes small-group immersion and equator crossing.
• Nine-day private Big Five and Gorilla Safari: This package visits Ol Pejeta and also includes crossing the equator while traveling from Kampala to Lake Bunyonyi then to Bwindi.
• Custom 9-10-days primate-migration combos include flights to Jomo or Entebbe International Airport, then park airstrips and Batwa visits. The Kenya trip & Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour begins with an introductory meeting in Nairobi.

Frequently Asked Questions About Uganda Kenya Safaris

1. Which African Country Has the Best Safari?

No single country dominates. Kenya is most recognized for its classic savannas and its annual wildebeest migration. Uganda, sometimes referred to as the ‘Pearl of Africa’ for its amazing biodiversity and beautiful scenery, is famous for close-up gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking.

The best mix of scenery, animals and activities comes from the East African combination of Uganda and Kenya. Combined trips to the two countries are unrivalled.

2. What Are the Best Months for Safari in Uganda?

The best time to visit Uganda for safaris is during the dry seasons of June-September and December-February. These months have less rain, better visibility, and easier gorilla trekking in Mgahinga & Bwindi and chimpanzee tracking routes, and allow year-round access with less interruptions.

3. What Is the Best Month to Go on a Safari in Kenya?

The best time to visit Kenya is July to October. Explore the best national parks in Kenya when planning your route. This is the time for the stunning Mara River crossings during the yearly migration in Masai Mara Game Reserve. “The dry weather also concentrates the animals, which makes for great Big Five viewing.”

Uganda Kenya tours are exciting animal adventures, cultural exploration, and gorgeous landscapes for a memorable trip to East Africa. These programs deliver amazing experiences, from gorilla trekking in Bwindi to migratory spectacles, with a positive impact on conservation. So plan today your ideal holiday for a personal and fantastic journey to explore all the unusual wildlife in these two countries.