Tour Overview – 9 Days Gorilla Mara & Diani
Experience the ultimate East African journey combining mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda, thrilling Big Five game drives in Kenya’s Masai Mara, and pure relaxation on the white sands of Diani Beach. This 9 Days Gorilla Mara & Diani adventure blends wildlife, culture, and tropical coastal beauty for the perfect balance of exploration and downtime.
Tour Highlights
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe → Transfer to Bwindi
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Day 3: Transfer to Entebbe → Fly to Nairobi
Day 4: Nairobi → Masai Mara → Afternoon Game Drive
Day 5: Full Day Game Drives in Masai Mara
Day 6: Morning Safari → Fly to Diani Beach
Day 7: Diani Beach Leisure & Water Activities
Day 8: Diani Beach Relaxation & Optional Excursions
Day 9: Departure from Diani / Mombasa → Return Home
Detailed Itinerary 9 Days Gorilla Mara & Diani
Day 1 : Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by your driver-guide. Begin the scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, passing rolling hills, tea plantations, banana farms, and vibrant local villages. Stop en route for lunch and photo opportunities.
Arrive at your forest lodge in the late afternoon, check in, and relax while enjoying the cool mountain air. Dinner is served at the lodge as you prepare for the next day’s gorilla trek.
Overnight: Bwindi
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2 : Gorilla Trekking Experience
Wake up early to the sounds of the forest and enjoy a hearty breakfast at your lodge. Afterward, you will transfer to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park headquarters for registration and a comprehensive briefing from experienced rangers. During the briefing, you will learn about gorilla behavior, safety guidelines, and trekking protocols, ensuring a safe and respectful encounter with these incredible animals. You will also be assigned to a specific gorilla family for the day.
Begin your trek into the dense rainforest, following the ranger guides through twisting trails, steep inclines, and thick vegetation. Along the way, keep an eye out for forest wildlife including monkeys, birds, butterflies, and unique plant species. The trek can take 2–6 hours, depending on the gorillas’ movements, but the journey through this magical forest is an experience in itself.
Once the gorillas are located, spend one unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat. Witness these gentle giants as they feed, play, groom, and interact with one another — a truly once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter. Your guides will ensure you get close enough for amazing photographs while maintaining a safe and respectful distance.
After the trek, return to your lodge for a well-deserved lunch and some time to relax. In the afternoon, you can choose from a variety of optional activities:
Batwa cultural village visit to learn about the traditions of the forest-dwelling indigenous community
Community walk in nearby villages to experience local life and crafts
Guided birding or nature walk around the lodge to explore the forest flora and fauna
In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at the lodge while sharing stories and photos from your gorilla encounter.
Overnight: Bwindi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 : Transfer to Kigali → Fly to Nairobi
After breakfast, drive to Kigali with scenic stops along the way. Enjoy lunch en route, then catch your flight to Nairobi, Kenya.
Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay and rest before your safari.
Overnight: Nairobi
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 4 : Nairobi → Masai Mara National Reserve
After breakfast, depart Nairobi for the Masai Mara, either by road (5–6 hours) or a short scenic flight. Arrive at your safari lodge or camp in time for lunch.
In the afternoon, head out for your first game drive, searching for lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and other wildlife across the open savannah.
Return to camp for dinner under the African sky.
Overnight: Masai Mara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 : Full Day Game Drives in Masai Mara
Spend the entire day immersed in the Masai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s most abundant and iconic wildlife areas. Begin with a morning game drive, where you can spot the Big Five — lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos — as well as cheetahs, hyenas, and large herds of wildebeest and zebras. Birdwatchers will also enjoy the abundant avian life that populates the savannah. Return to camp for a midday break or enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush surrounded by nature. In the afternoon, continue exploring the reserve on another game drive, or take optional experiences such as a sunrise hot air balloon safari for breathtaking aerial views of the Mara, or a visit to a Maasai village to learn about local culture and traditions. Conclude the day with dinner and relaxation at your camp, reflecting on a full day of unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Overnight: Masai Mara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6 : Morning Safari → Fly to Diani Beach
Wake early for one final morning game drive, catching the Mara at its most active as predators and prey stir with the sunrise. Return to camp for breakfast, then transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Diani Beach via Nairobi or Ukunda. Upon arrival, check in to your beach resort and spend the afternoon unwinding. Walk along the white sandy beaches, swim in the warm Indian Ocean, or relax by the pool, letting the coastal breeze and tranquil surroundings wash away the intensity of the safari. Enjoy dinner at the resort as you settle in for a peaceful evening by the sea.
Overnight: Diani Beach
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 7 : Diani Beach Relaxation
After breakfast, settle into the laid-back rhythm of Diani Beach at your resort. Spend the day lounging by the pool, strolling along the palm-lined shores, or swimming in the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. For those seeking adventure, optional activities include snorkeling, diving, dolphin tours, kite surfing, or a sunset dhow cruise. You can also explore nearby attractions such as Wasini Island or the Colobus Conservation Forest, or simply relax and soak in the tranquil coastal atmosphere. In the evening, enjoy dinner at the resort, accompanied by the soothing sounds of the ocean.
Overnight: Diani Beach
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 8 : Leisure Day at Diani Beach
Spend another day at your own pace, enjoying the sun, sand, and sea. Lounge on the beach, take a refreshing swim, or enjoy optional activities such as snorkeling, diving, kite surfing, or a boat excursion. Explore local craft markets, take a nature walk through the Colobus Conservation Forest, or simply unwind at your resort. This is the perfect day to recharge after your gorilla and safari adventures. End the day with dinner at your resort, enjoying the peaceful oceanfront ambiance.
Overnight: Diani Beach
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 9 : Departure
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with ocean views before spending your final hours soaking up the sunshine. Check out of the resort and transfer to Ukunda Airstrip or Mombasa Airport for your flight back to Nairobi and onward international departure. Conclude your 9 Days Gorilla Mara & Diani beach holiday with unforgettable memories of gorilla trekking, Big Five safaris, and tropical coastal bliss.
Meals: Breakfast
End of Safari