11-Day Gorillas, Masai Mara & Zanzibar Adventure

This epic 11-day itinerary spans Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, offering thrilling wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, and idyllic beach relaxation. From gorilla trekking in Uganda’s lush forests to safari adventures in the Masai Mara and Serengeti, and finally, unwinding on Zanzibar’s white sandy beaches, this journey guarantees an unforgettable experience.

Detailed 11 day Uganda Gorillas, Masai Mara & Zanzibar Beach Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe, Uganda

Your adventure begins as you arrive at Entebbe International Airport. After meeting your guide, pick up your self-drive 4×4 vehicle equipped for adventure. You’ll receive a full briefing on your itinerary, routes, and activities before spending the night at a comfortable hotel in Entebbe.

  • Highlights: Meet and greet, itinerary overview, and leisure time to relax after your journey.
  • Optional Activities: Visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre or take a sunset cruise on Lake Victoria.

Day 2: Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Depart early and drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dense rainforests and incredible biodiversity. The scenic journey takes you through Uganda’s rolling hills, tea plantations, and vibrant countryside. Arrive at your lodge near the park in time for dinner and a briefing on the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure.

  • Driving Time: Approximately 8-9 hours.
  • Highlights: Stunning landscapes and a cultural glimpse of Uganda’s rural life.

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Start your day early with a hearty breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking.

Gorilla trekking Rwanda

Accompanied by experienced guides and trackers, venture deep into the rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family.
Spend an awe-inspiring hour observing the gorillas as they feed, play, and interact in their natural habitat. Return to your lodge for relaxation or an optional nature walk.

  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (trekking can take 3-6 hours).
  • Highlights: Face-to-face encounter with mountain gorillas in their natural environment.

Day 4: Cross Border to Kenya – Greater Masai Mara

After breakfast, drive to Kenya, crossing the border at Malaba. Continue your journey to the Greater Masai Mara, arriving in time to relax at your camp before enjoying a magical evening around a bonfire. Listen to the rhythmic singing and dancing of the Maasai warriors as they share their rich culture.

  • Driving Time: Approximately 8-9 hours (including border crossing).
  • Highlights: Cultural immersion, bonfire under the African skies.

Day 5: Masai Mara – Hippo Breakfast

Start your day with an early game drive in the Masai Mara, renowned for its abundant wildlife, including the Big Five.

self drive kenya-self drive safari

After spotting lions, elephants, and giraffes, head to the Mara River for a unique hippo breakfast by the riverbanks. Watch hippos wallow in the water while enjoying your meal.
Spend the afternoon on another game drive or relax at your camp.

  • Highlights: Close wildlife encounters and an unforgettable breakfast experience.

Day 6: Masai Mara – Sundowner Experience

Embark on morning and afternoon game drives to explore more of the Masai Mara’s vast savannahs. In the evening, enjoy a sundowner—a quintessential safari tradition where you’ll sip cocktails or tea as the sun sets over the plains.

  • Highlights: Stunning sunset views, game drives, and relaxation.

Day 7: Cross Border to Tanzania – Serengeti National Park

Drive from the Masai Mara into Serengeti National Park, crossing the Kenya-Tanzania border at Isebania. The Serengeti, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famed for its vast plains, abundant wildlife, and annual Great Migration. Arrive at your lodge in time for an evening game drive.

  • Driving Time: Approximately 7-8 hours.
  • Highlights: Transition between two iconic parks and the chance to spot wildlife en route.

Day 8: Serengeti National Park

Spend the entire day exploring the Serengeti. Morning and afternoon game drives will give you opportunities to witness its teeming wildlife, including predators like lions and cheetahs, as well as large herds of zebras and wildebeest.
Optional hot air balloon safaris can offer breathtaking aerial views of the Serengeti.

  • Highlights: Endless plains, predator-prey dynamics, and optional balloon safari.

Day 9: Arusha to Zanzibar

After a final morning game drive in the Serengeti, drive to Arusha, where you’ll hand over your self-drive vehicle. Board a short flight to Zanzibar, an island paradise on the Indian Ocean. Upon arrival, transfer to your beachfront resort and spend the evening unwinding by the turquoise waters.

  • Flight Duration: 1-2 hours.
  • Highlights: Transition from safari to beach paradise.

Day 10: Zanzibar Exploration

Spend the day exploring Zanzibar at your leisure. Visit Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can wander through narrow streets, visit historic sites, and shop for spices and souvenirs. Alternatively, enjoy a spice tour or snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters.

  • Highlights: Cultural exploration, spice farms, and water activities.

Day 11: Zanzibar Beach Relaxation & Departure

Dedicate your final day to relaxation on Zanzibar’s stunning beaches. Enjoy the soft white sand, swaying palm trees, and warm waters of the Indian Ocean.

Zanzibar beaches

Depending on your flight schedule, your guide will transfer you to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport for your departure, marking the end of your incredible safari adventure.

  • Highlights: Relaxation and a perfect conclusion to your trip.