Mountain Gorillas & Mara Overland Camping Safari
Experience the ultimate Mountain Gorillas & Mara Overland Camping Safari — an affordable East African adventure combining Uganda and Kenya’s top safari destinations. This budget-friendly camping tour takes you through breathtaking landscapes, world-renowned game parks, and unforgettable primate trekking experiences in Uganda and Kenya.
Quick Overview
Begin your journey in Kenya with game drives across the legendary Masai Mara and birdwatching at Lake Nakuru. Cross into Uganda for life-changing encounters with endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and track wild chimpanzees in the dramatic Kyambura Gorge. This East African safari offers an exciting blend of wildlife, culture, and scenery — a truly iconic African adventure.
Tour Highlights
- Scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley
- Lake Nakuru’s vibrant birdlife and wildlife
- Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge
- Camping at Lake Bunyonyi in the Kigezi Highlands
- Gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Exploring Kampala & Lake Victoria
- Adventure activities along the Nile River in Jinja
- Game drives in Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve
Detailed Itinerary
Days 1–2: Nairobi – Lake Nakuru – Eldoret (Kenya)
Start your Mountain Gorillas & Mara Overland Camping Safari in Kenya’s bustling capital, Nairobi. After exploring the “Green City in the Sun”, head into the Great Rift Valley to visit Lake Nakuru National Park, famed for its flamingos and diverse wildlife. Continue to Eldoret, crossing the equator en route.
Accommodation: Camping (shared tents with shared facilities)
Meals: Lunch & Dinner (Day 1), Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (Day 2)
Travel: Day 1: 190 km (4–5 hrs), Day 2: 150 km (3–4 hrs)
Day 3: Eldoret – Kampala (Uganda)
Travel into Uganda, home of the endangered mountain gorillas. Enjoy scenic drives through lush landscapes to the vibrant capital city, Kampala, where you’ll experience Ugandan culture and hospitality.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Travel: 400 km (8–9 hrs)
Days 4–5: Kampala – Queen Elizabeth National Park
Drive through fertile countryside to reach Queen Elizabeth National Park. Explore the park’s surroundings and embark on an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking experience in Kyambura Gorge or Kalinzu Forest.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
Travel: Day 4: 400 km (8–9 hrs), Day 5: 50 km (each way)
Days 6–9: Lake Bunyonyi & Gorilla Trekking (Bwindi Impenetrable Forest)
Head into the Kigezi Highlands to Lake Bunyonyi — a serene base for the highlight of your trip: mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Spend your free time birdwatching, canoeing, or exploring local villages. After trekking, return to Kampala, passing Lake Victoria.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x4)
Optional Activities: Boat trips, birding, village walks
Travel: Day 6: 200 km, Days 7–8: 80 km (each way), Day 9: 550 km
Mountain Gorilla Trekking Details
Early in the morning, hike into Bwindi’s thick rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family. Trekking through the steep forest terrain may be challenging, but spending an hour in the presence of these incredible primates is one of Africa’s most powerful wildlife encounters.
Permits are limited, and group sizes are small — ensuring a personal, eco-sensitive experience. Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
Days 10–13: Kampala – Jinja – Eldoret
Travel to Jinja, where the Nile River begins. Camp along the riverbanks and choose from adventure activities such as white-water rafting, quad biking, kayaking, or volunteering at a local school. On day 13, return to Eldoret in Kenya.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x4)
Optional Activities: Rafting, biking, Nile SUP, village tours
Travel: Day 10: 80 km, Day 13: 300 km
Days 14–15: Eldoret – Nairobi (Kenya)
End your Mountain Gorillas & Mara Overland Camping Safari with a scenic drive back to Nairobi. Enjoy your final evening in Kenya’s capital with optional nightlife or dinner at the iconic Carnivore Restaurant. Spend your last day shopping or sightseeing before your onward travel.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch (Day 14), Breakfast (Day 15)
Why Choose This Mountain Gorillas & Mara Overland Camping Safari?
This East African camping safari offers unbeatable value and unforgettable wildlife experiences. Whether you’re tracking wild mountain gorillas in Uganda or witnessing the Great Migration in Kenya’s Masai Mara, this overland tour is ideal for adventure-seekers, nature lovers, and first-time safari-goers looking for authentic travel on a budget.