9 Days Kenya Big Five & Uganda Gorilla Budget Safari Tour 2026/2027/2028

What is the best 9-day Kenya–Uganda budget safari with Big Five and gorillas?
The best 9-day Kenya–Uganda budget safari combines Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli National Parks for Big Five wildlife viewing with Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for mountain gorilla trekking, offering maximum wildlife diversity at an affordable cost.

The 9 Days Kenya Big Five & Uganda Gorilla Budget Safari Tour 2026/2027/2028 is expertly crafted for travelers who want to experience East Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations while keeping costs affordable. This cross-border safari combines Kenya’s legendary Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli National Park with Uganda’s world-famous Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to endangered mountain gorillas.

Your journey begins in Kenya, where experienced local guides lead thrilling Big Five game drives across vast savannahs, alkaline lakes, and elephant-rich plains beneath Mount Kilimanjaro. Learn more about our Kenya safari experiences here.

The adventure continues with a regional connection to Entebbe, followed by a transfer to Bwindi for a guided gorilla trekking experience, regulated by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
What makes this tour unique is its budget-friendly group design, guaranteed gorilla permits, eco-green travel practices, and local East African expertise, delivering unforgettable wildlife encounters without luxury-level pricing. Discover more about Uganda gorilla trekking here.

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What This Safari Offers

• Big Five wildlife safaris in Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru & Amboseli

• Guaranteed mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi

• Budget lodges & tented camps (best value)

• Small group travel (shared costs)

• Licensed local guides (E-E-A-T)

• Eco-friendly, conservation-focused tourism

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 Price Comparison Table (Indicative)

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 9-Day Detailed Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi → Masai Mara National Reserve

Depart Nairobi early morning and drive through the scenic Great Rift Valley to Masai Mara National Reserve. Arrive at your budget camp for lunch and rest. Enjoy an afternoon game drive searching for elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and lions. Your guide explains wildlife behavior and conservation efforts. Dinner and overnight near the reserve.

Day 2: Full Day Big Five Safari in Masai Mara

Spend the entire day exploring Masai Mara with morning and afternoon game drives. Track lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, and rhinos while enjoying a picnic lunch inside the park. This is one of Africa’s best locations for predator sightings and photography.

Day 3: Masai Mara → Lake Nakuru National Park

After breakfast, drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, arriving for lunch. Enjoy an afternoon game drive famous for black and white rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, flamingos, and diverse birdlife. Overnight at a budget lodge near the park.

Day 4: Lake Nakuru → Amboseli National Park

Travel south to Amboseli National Park, arriving in time for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive with stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Amboseli is renowned for large elephant herds and open landscapes. Dinner and overnight at a budget camp.

Day 5: Full Day Safari in Amboseli

Enjoy a full day in Amboseli with morning and afternoon game drives. Spot elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, and numerous bird species. The park’s flat terrain allows excellent wildlife viewing and photography, especially when Kilimanjaro is clear.

Day 6: Amboseli → Nairobi

After breakfast and a final game drive, return to Nairobi. Arrive in the afternoon and relax at a budget hotel. This transition day ensures smooth logistics before flying to Uganda.

Day 7: Nairobi → Entebbe (Flight)

Transfer to the airport for your regional flight to Entebbe, Uganda. Meet your Ugandan guide and transfer to your hotel. Evening briefing on gorilla trekking rules and preparation for Bwindi.

Day 8: Entebbe → Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Travel by road or domestic flight to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, passing through scenic countryside and rural villages. Arrive at your budget lodge near the forest and prepare for the next day’s trek.

Day 9: Bwindi – Gorilla Trekking → Departure

After an early briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, trek through dense rainforest to locate a habituated gorilla family. Spend one unforgettable hour observing mountain gorillas. Return to the lodge, then transfer back to Entebbe for departure or optional extension.

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Inclusions & Exclusions

 Safari Inclusions

•  Airport pick-up and drop-off in Nairobi and Entebbe (as per itinerary)

•  Shared group safari transport in Kenya in a 4×4 safari vehicle

•  Professional English-speaking driver-guide in Kenya and licensed guide support in Uganda

•  Accommodation as stated (budget camps/lodges/hotels)

•  Meals on safari days (typically full board) and meals as specified in the itinerary

•  Park entry fees for Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli (as per itinerary)

•  Game drives in Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli

• 1 Bwindi gorilla trekking permit per traveler (subject to availability)

•  Gorilla trekking briefing and ranger-led trek by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA)

•  Bottled drinking water during game drives (eco refill system where available)

•  All government taxes, statutory levies, and applicable VAT

 Safari Exclusions

•  International flights to/from East Africa

•  Regional flights (unless specified as included in your final quote)

•  Kenya and Uganda visa fees

•  Travel insurance (recommended; mandatory for trekking medical/evac coverage)

•  Tips and gratuities for driver-guides, lodge staff, rangers, and porters

•  Porter fees during gorilla trekking (optional but recommended)

•  Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, souvenirs, phone calls)

•  Optional activities (Maasai village visit, Batwa cultural experience, etc.)

•  Any services not expressly mentioned in Inclusions

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Eco-Green & Responsible Travel

• Gorilla permits support conservation & communities

• Strict wildlife viewing ethics

• Local guides & locally owned lodges

• Reduced plastic use & refillable water systems

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FAQ

What is included in the 9 Days Kenya Big Five & Uganda Gorilla Budget Safari Tour?

This 9-day safari typically includes Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli game drives, selected budget accommodation, meals on safari, park entry fees, transport in a shared 4×4 safari vehicle, professional local guides in Kenya and Uganda, a regional connection to Entebbe (as specified), Bwindi transfers, and one mountain gorilla trekking experience led by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers.

Is the Bwindi gorilla trekking permit included?

Yes—this itinerary is designed to include one Bwindi gorilla trekking permit per traveler, unless your confirmed quotation states otherwise. Permits are limited and should be booked early for 2026/2027/2028 peak seasons.

Which Kenya parks give the best chance to see the Big Five?

Masai Mara is outstanding for lions, elephants, and buffalo; Lake Nakuru is best known for rhinos; Amboseli is famous for large elephant herds and open visibility. Combined, these parks offer excellent Big Five opportunities.

How hard is gorilla trekking in Bwindi?

Bwindi trekking can be moderately to highly challenging due to steep rainforest trails and humidity. Trek duration can range from 2 to 6 hours. Hiring a porter is optional but strongly recommended to make the hike easier.

How do we travel from Kenya to Uganda on this itinerary?

Most travelers connect via a regional flight Nairobi → Entebbe, then continue by road or domestic routing to Bwindi. This keeps the trip efficient and avoids long overland transfers.

When is the best time to book for 2026/2027/2028?

For Kenya wildlife, June–October and December–February are excellent. Gorilla trekking runs year-round, but dry months often make hiking easier. Book early for school holidays and peak travel months.

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Trust Badges & Social Proof

• 5-Star Rated Safari Experiences.
• Guaranteed Gorilla Permits.
•  Licensed Kenya & Uganda safari guides.
•  Trusted local East Africa operator.

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 Experience Big Five Wildlife & Gorilla Trekking on a Budget

Secure your 9 Days Kenya Big Five & Uganda Gorilla Budget Safari Tour 2026/2027/2028 today. Gorilla permits are limited and sell out fast.

WhatsApp: +254 728 567 308
Check Availability | Get Budget Quote

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 Traveller Reviews (★★★★★ 5/5)

1) Thomas R. – Germany

“Best value safari we found. Masai Mara was incredible for big cats, and Amboseli elephants were everywhere. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi was the highlight of our whole Africa trip.”

2) Chloe M. – United Kingdom

“Very well paced for a budget tour. Loved Lake Nakuru rhinos and the views in Amboseli. The team handled Kenya–Uganda logistics smoothly, and the guides were professional.”

3) David & Maria – Spain

“Excellent combination: Big Five in Kenya and gorillas in Uganda. Clear communication, helpful packing advice, and great wildlife sightings. Would recommend to friends.”

4) Adeel S. – UAE

“Super experience for the price. Great safari guide in Kenya and very safe gorilla trekking arrangement in Uganda. Everything worked out as planned.”

5) Priya K. – India

“Lake Nakuru rhino sightings were amazing, and Amboseli had the best elephant photos. Gorilla trekking was challenging but unforgettable. Great support from the team.”

6) Michael J. – Canada

“If you want Kenya parks plus gorillas on a budget, this tour is ideal. Good camps, strong guiding, and memorable experiences across both countries.