15-Day Self-Drive Safari Itinerary: Kenya and Uganda

15 Days Self Drive Kenya & Uganda Safari takes you for a 15 self drive tour to Masai Mara National Reserve,  Lake Naivasha, Amboseli National Park for a self drive safari withing Kenya, then over to Uganda for a self drive roadtrip adventure to Murchison Falls national Park,  Kibale Forest national Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, then to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

15 Days Self Drive Kenya & Uganda Safari

Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve

Your self-drive adventure begins in Nairobi, Kenya’s bustling capital. Upon arrival, you’ll meet the Self Drive Kenya team for a briefing on your rental 4×4 vehicle and itinerary. Once you’re ready, head out on the approximately 5-6 hour drive (280 km) to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve. The scenic journey takes you through the Great Rift Valley, with breathtaking viewpoints along the way.
Arrive at your lodge or camp in time for an afternoon game drive to witness the Mara’s rich wildlife, including lions, elephants, cheetahs, and giraffes. In the evening, enjoy dinner under the African stars.

Day 2: Full Day in Masai Mara National Reserve

Spend the entire day exploring the reserve, known for its exceptional populations of big cats and the annual wildebeest migration (July to October). Start your day with a sunrise game drive, when wildlife is most active.

Mara North Conservancy safari-

Keep your eyes peeled for the “Big Five” and other species. You may also visit a local Maasai village to learn about their rich culture and traditions.
Optionally, take a hot air balloon safari for panoramic views of the Mara plains. Conclude your day with another thrilling game drive before retiring to your accommodation.

Day 3: Masai Mara to Lake Naivasha (Boat Ride and Crescent Island)

After breakfast, depart Masai Mara and drive to Lake Naivasha, a serene freshwater lake in the Rift Valley, approximately 5 hours (230 km) away. Upon arrival, take a guided boat ride on the lake to see hippos, fish eagles, and other water birds.
Visit Crescent Island Game Sanctuary, accessible by boat, where you can enjoy a guided walking safari among giraffes, zebras, and antelopes in this predator-free environment. Spend the night at a lakeside lodge or camp.

Day 4: Lake Naivasha to Amboseli National Park

After breakfast, continue your journey southward to Amboseli National Park, approximately 6 hours (300 km) away. Amboseli is famous for its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, and its large herds of elephants.
Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive, where you’ll spot elephants, lions, cheetahs, and a variety of birdlife. Spend the evening at your lodge or tented camp with views of the majestic mountain.

Day 5: Full Day in Amboseli National Park

Dedicate the entire day to exploring Amboseli National Park. Start with an early morning game drive to photograph Mount Kilimanjaro bathed in sunrise light. Visit Observation Hill for panoramic views of the park and its swamps, which are a favorite habitat for elephants and hippos.
After lunch, enjoy another game drive or relax at your accommodation. Capture the iconic sight of elephants traversing the plains against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro.

Day 6: Cross the Border into Uganda

Begin your cross-border drive from Kenya to Uganda. Depending on your route, you’ll pass through scenic landscapes of western Kenya before crossing into Uganda at the Busia or Malaba border. Complete immigration formalities and continue to your Ugandan accommodation for the night.

Day 7: Murchison Falls National Park

Drive to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and most visited park, located in the northern part of the country. Upon arrival, explore the top of Murchison Falls, where the Nile River forces its way through a narrow gorge to create a thunderous waterfall.
Enjoy an afternoon game drive, spotting elephants, lions, giraffes, and antelopes. Relax at your lodge or campsite by the Nile River.

Day 8: Full Day in Murchison Falls National Park

Spend the day on a safari adventure. Start with a morning game drive on the northern bank of the Nile, where you’ll spot wildlife like buffaloes, hartebeests, and Uganda kobs.
In the afternoon, take a boat cruise to the base of the falls, encountering hippos, crocodiles, and an array of water birds along the way. For adventurous travelers, hike to the top of the falls for breathtaking views.

Day 9: Drive to Kibale National Park (Chimpanzee Tracking)

Depart Murchison Falls and drive to Kibale National Park, approximately 7 hours (350 km) away. This tropical rainforest is renowned for its chimpanzee tracking experiences and diverse primate species. Arrive at your lodge and enjoy the serene forest surroundings in preparation for the next day’s adventure.

Day 10: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park

Embark on a morning chimpanzee tracking excursion, guided by park rangers. As you trek through the forest, you’ll also encounter other primates such as colobus monkeys and red-tailed monkeys, as well as unique bird species.
In the afternoon, explore Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary, a community conservation project offering excellent birdwatching opportunities and a chance to see more primates.

Day 11: Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most biodiverse reserve, located approximately 3 hours (160 km) away. Upon arrival, enjoy a game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, renowned for their lion sightings.
In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, home to one of the largest concentrations of hippos in the world, as well as crocodiles, elephants, and a variety of birds.

Day 12: Full Day in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Dedicate your day to exploring the diverse habitats of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Visit the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions, and enjoy game drives in search of elephants, buffaloes, and other wildlife.
You may also visit Lake Katwe, a traditional salt-mining site, or explore the scenic crater lakes in the northern part of the park.

Day 13: Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, approximately 4-5 hours (190 km) away. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to over half of the world’s mountain gorillas. Upon arrival, check into your lodge nestled within the forest and prepare for the next day’s unforgettable gorilla trekking experience.

Day 14: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Start your day early with a briefing from Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. Trek through the dense rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family.

Gorilla Trekking

Spend a magical hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat, an experience that ranks among Africa’s greatest wildlife encounters.
Return to your lodge for relaxation and reflect on the incredible adventure.

Day 15: Drive to Entebbe and Departure

Conclude your self-drive safari with a scenic drive to Entebbe, approximately 8-9 hours (480 km) away. Upon arrival, hand over your rental vehicle to the Self Drive Uganda team and proceed to Entebbe International Airport for your flight home.