Direct fly-in safaris from Masai Mara to Bwindi for gorilla trekking 

Fly from Masai Mara in Kenya to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking. Direct fly-in safaris are the best way to travel between the two countries, Uganda and Kenya. The safari combines travel between two of the most visited national parks in East Africa, giving tourists a chance to enjoy the safari and enjoy a game drive in Masai Mara and gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Direct flights are one of the best ways to visit both countries, with the cost ranging from $7000 to $10000 depending on the number of days you plan on spending on your safari and the accommodation facilities chosen.

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This is a comfortable and fast way of traveling from Kenya to Uganda; however, it comes at a higher cost than those that use the road. On this safari, our trip starts from Masai Mara, where we enjoy the wildebeest migration, cultural trips, and game drives. After that, we fly directly to Entebbe International Airport, where we get a direct flight to either Kihihi airstrip or Kisoro airstrip, where a vehicle with our guide awaits to drive you to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.

Masai Mara is one of Kenya’s top safari destinations with various wildlife and the best place to watch the wildebeest migration. It offers the best all-year-round game viewing experience. The wildebeest migration: The Wildebeest migration is the largest migration of wildlife in the world, with over one million wildebeests and thousands of antelopes and zebras crossing annually from Serengeti to Masai Mara in Kenya.

The animals can be seen crossing the Grumeti River and Mara River following a change in weather conditions in search of greener and better pastures. They travel back to Tanzania, and the cycle continues. The herds keep in Mara till the pastures are finished around October or November and then cross back to Serengeti. This is not static because the change in weather determines their movement.

You need to know some things to be able to enjoy the wildebeest migration. You need to book months in advance, especially regarding accommodation, because the lodges fill up fast, and it is a popular destination. Please book a private trip. Predicting the Mara River crossing is hard, so be ready for anything. Other activities that are carried out in Masai Mara include game drives where you get to spot the big five, although Rhinos are more challenging to spot. Other animals that can be seen include elephants, buffalos, lions, leopards, antelopes, wildebeests, zebras, and giraffes.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda close to Mgahinga National Park. It is the best destination for gorilla trekking, with the most significant number of gorillas globally (almost half) and 19 habituated gorilla families. Bwindi has four sections where gorilla trekking takes place: the Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga sectors. It is also the only national park where gorilla habituation is offered, which is carried out to ensure that the gorillas get used to human presence. Instead of the one hour spent with the gorillas during regular trekking, tourists spend 4 hours with the primates. For one to be able to participate in the gorilla trek in Bwindi, you will have to purchase a gorilla trekking permit at least 6 to 9 months before the trek date to enjoy the exercise.

The gorilla permit costs are $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents and 300, 000 UGX for East African citizens. Gorilla permits are hard to come by, especially last-minute permits, so all tourists are advised to buy them early enough. The Uganda Wildlife Authority issues permits, and the best way to get one is by booking one through a tour operator. When purchasing the permit, ensure the dates coincide and are close to the Masai Mara trip.

How to book a direct fly-in safari in Masai Mara and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The combined trip from Masai Mara to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is easy to arrange when you have the correct information. The first thing that needs to be done is to book the accommodation in Masai Mara early enough, at least nine months before the trip starts date, and book the gorilla trek permits. You can decide to start your trip from Uganda and proceed to the Masai Mara in Kenya, or you can begin in Masai Mara and then proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You need to ensure that the dates are confirmed so that you do not miss out on your safari, especially for gorilla trekking, because the gorilla trekking permit is only valid for the day it was printed for and cannot be used on any other dates. Contact us to help you plan the Masai Mara and Bwindi safari. For more information, our staff is ready to answer any queries regarding the safari.

Trekking rules and regulations of gorilla trekking in Bwindi

Gorillas are endangered species due to poaching, which is why the trekking rules and regulations were set up to protect and conserve the gorillas while protecting the trekkers. The trekking rules and regulations to be followed in Bwindi include the following:

• After tracking them, you get to spend one hour with the gorillas. This helps to prevent disease transmission and not to tire out the gorillas with crowds of people hovering for a long time.
• The different gorilla families are each trekked by a group of 8 people and not more than that. The small size of people does not overwhelm the gorillas and reduces the transmission of diseases and infections.
• Eating is prohibited because crumbs can fall on the ground, and the gorillas pick them up. These primates fall sick easily, and if one falls ill from picking up crumbs, it can wipe out the entire family. If you are hungry or thirsty, inform your guide and a stopover will be made in a quiet place far away from the gorillas for you to rest and eat.
• The age that is allowed to trek gorillas in Uganda is 15 years. All children who are not above 15 years old are not allowed to trek gorillas in Bwindi, and no special treatment will be given. Children below 15 years can not follow some trekking guidelines and will be hard to control. However, there is no maximum age for trekking. You will be allowed to trek if you are still fit.
• To keep the park clean, dig a hole (30cm deep) and cover it up correctly for anyone wishing to go number two. It is advisable to use biodegradable toilet paper.
• Try to keep your voice low when trekking and after getting to the gorillas. You should also avoid making abrupt movements, especially waving when with the gorillas.
• Do not use your flash when taking photos of the gorillas.
• Staring at the gorillas straight in the eye should be avoided, and remove your sunglasses as well after locating the gorillas.

Clothes and what to bring on your Masai Mara and gorilla trekking safari

Masai Mara: The packing list for a Masai Mara is just like any other African safari, and you should know the first rule of packing for the safari, which is to pack essentials and light. Packing light ensures that you have minimal luggage as you enjoy your safari. The packing list for your safari to Masai Mara should include:

• The right safari clothes, which include lightweight pants and long-sleeved shirts, should be of neutral colors since bright colors attract a lot of attention. Carry some undershirts as well because you will need them.

Thick socks for warmth at night, a warm sweater or poncho, a waterproof raincoat, a multi-pocket vest, nightwear, sports bra, and swimmers.

• There will be less walking for the safari in Masai Mara, and you can bring comfortable sneakers. You can also get hiking boots and flip-flops while at the accommodation facility.
• We suggest you bring sunscreen, a sunhat, and a pair of sunglasses for sun protection.
• Insect repellent to prevent bug bites.
• Personal and prescribed medication.
• Gadgets like cameras, laptops, travel adaptors, and Binoculars.
• Waterproof backpack, toiletries, wet wipes, and cash for personal purchases and tips.

Bwindi: The packing list for gorilla trekking is similar to the one for Masai Mara with a few minor changes, and the essential things that one needs to bring on a gorilla safari include the following.

• Lightweight pants and neutral-colored long-sleeved shirts.
• Gardening gloves to protect the hands from blisters and scratches.
• Strong hike ankle boots that should be waterproof.
• sunscreen and insect repellent
• A camera, tripod, extra storage devices, and extra cameras.
• A waterproof rain jacket and warm sweater.
• A flashlight
• First aid kit
• Adjustable gaiters
• Good thick socks.

Combining the Masai Mara safari with gorilla trekking in Bwindi

Combining the two safari destinations is an excellent way to explore Kenya and Bwindi. You must find out what is needed for both countries and plan accordingly. You need first to contact the local tour operator and get the details about the safari. If you are traveling solo and plan on planning the trip by yourself, you will need to look at accommodation, transport to the airstrips, and what you need to bring for the safari.

Accommodation for gorilla trekking and Masai Mara safari

Accommodation in both national parks is categorized into three categories: luxury, mid-range, and basic accommodation facilities. You can book any lodge/hotel you want as long as it fits your budget, and make sure you book everything in advance.

Bwindi: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has accommodation in four sectors: Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ruhija, and Rushaga. These range from luxury, mid-range, and budget safaris, some of which include Buhoma Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Camp, Trekkers Tavern cottages, Broadbill Tented Camp, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge and Mutanda Resort among others. When purchasing gorilla permits, you will be assigned a sector, and we advise that you book accommodation in the industry you have been assigned.

Masai Mara: The different accommodation facilities you can book in Masai Mara include Mara Crossings Camp, Sanctuary Olonana Camp, Sentinel Mara Camp, Mara Bush Camp, Mara Fisi Camp, Little Governor’s Camp, Mara Bushtops Luxury Camp, and Ashnil Mara Camp among others.

When should I book for the Masai Mara and Bwindi gorilla safari?

Both National Parks are best visited during the dry season (June to September and December to February). Game drives are best carried out during these months because the animals can be spotted easily as they move around in search of water to cool off, and the thinning out of vegetation also makes it easy for the animals to be seen, unlike the rainy season when vegetation is thick.

Gorilla trekking is also best carried out in these months because, unlike the wet season (October to November and March to May), the trek routes used to track the gorillas are muddy and slippery. The dry season offers some of the best trek routes, and spotting gorillas is also easy with minimal vegetation. Note that even though it is the dry season, there will be rain showers, and you need to prepare for this.

We are a tour company operating in Uganda and have experience planning tailor-made trekking safaris in Uganda, like gorilla trekking in Uganda and a Masai Mara trip in Kenya. Our diligent staff is always ready to answer all your questions about organizing the safari to Kenya and Rwanda and ensure you book everything in advance to avoid disappointments and inconveniences.

Contact us more about planning your direct fly-in safaris from Masai Mara to Bwindi.