East Africa Birds and Beasts Safari
To get the very best viewing for birds and mammals, we recommend combining two fabulous East African countries. Uganda is well known as being the best place to see the largest variety of birdlife on the continent, whilst Kenya offers the most authentic safari experience in seeking the larger mammals and in particular Africa’s big cats.
Uganda has a wealth of charm and culture and has a far more rustic feel than most other safari destinations in Africa. Far fewer tourists venture to the nation so you will get a wonderful personal experience away from the crowds. The unique location adjoining the Congo to its west means that the landscapes are lush and fertile with the plentiful water sources including feeding lakes and rivers, making it a haven for hundreds of species of birds.
Kenya in contrast is busier with tourists so we work hard to make sure we keep you away from the crowds as far as we can whilst making sure you get the best game viewing experience. Kenya has a wonderful population of cats throughout its National Parks with the Mara being the ultimate place to seek and view these incredible creatures.
Nairobi
On arrival into Kenya, catch your breath with a night in the city before you start your safari experience the next day. International flight times often make it tricky to connect to onwards journeys and it also gives you an opportunity to rest and regain your energy for the journey ahead of you.
Overnight Crown Plaza, Bed & Breakfast
Lake Naivasha & Lake Nakuru
After breakfast at your leisure, your driver will meet you and take you on your short journey northwards to Lake Naivasha.
Three lakes stretch northwards within reach of each other upwards through the Great Rift Valley. Naivasha to the south, then Elimentaita and finally Nakuru. Nakuru has historic fame for the thousands of flamingos that grace the lake, however in recent years we have found greater numbers on and around the more southerly lakes so that’s why we prefer to base you here.
We can tailor your days around your desires with choices of lake based activities and day trips to the Nakuru National Park.
Overnight Loldia House, Full Board for two nights
Masai Mara
On your last morning in Loldia, you will have a leisurely breakfast and then transfer the very short distance to the lodges airstrip. You will board your Governors Aviation short flight to the Mara where you will be met by your driver/guide and taken to camp.
Three properties are within a short distance of each other giving you a choice of Governors, Little Governors or Il Moran. Our team will make sure we pick the right one for you.
You will enjoy game drives in the morning and evening plus if you have any specific requests for duration of drives or wildlife you want to view, this will be tailored for you.
We highly recommend a balloon safari experience. Governors operate their own balloon fleet and flights depart from the balloon airfield by Little Governors. This makes for the best start to a very early morning with the knowledge other guests are arriving from elsewhere with many hours less sleep than you! The flight path is spectacular over the Mara river and the skilled pilots will vary your altitude to ensure you have a peaceful and close up experience with the wildlife welcoming the warmth of the day. The sumptuous breakfast in the bush at the end of the flight is a feast and a real treat to end what is likely to be your most memorable event of the holiday.
Overnight Governors' Camp, Full Board for three nights
Mabamba Wetlands & Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
On your final morning in Kenya, depending on your energy levels, squeeze in one last early morning safari and quick breakfast or take a lay in and late breakfast as you wish. After breakfast head back to the local airstrip where you will meet your Air Kenya flight to Entebbe and the start of your Uganda adventure.
You will be met by your private driver/guide and immediately head off to the Mabamba Wetlands for a private boat trip. You have a treat in store with the abundance of birdlife, and for the birding enthusiasts there more than 30 exotic species to spot, including the rare Shoebill Stork. Your local guide will know where they have recently been spotted and any nest sites that can be seen from the boat to help make sure you maximise your chance of a great photographic opportunity.
After this head on to your next stop. It’s a fairly long drive up to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, but well worth it as it’s the only place in Uganda where you will see rhino. You will be able to take a guided trek with the local guides through the sanctuary to see the white rhino in their natural habitat – a breath-taking experience. Depending on your time at the Wetlands, you may squeeze in a trek tonight to see the rhino up close and personal or that treat may have to wait until the morning.
Your lodge for the night is charming and rustic with a lovely lodge area for dining and excellent service so quite sufficient to take in this experience
Overnight at the Amuka Safari Lodge, Full Board
Murchison Falls
In the morning after breakfast, you could take a second trek with the rhino or your first one if you missed last night. Your private driver/guide will be ready to take you inwards as soon as you are ready.
Continuing your short journey northwards will have you through the gates of Murchison Falls National Park in an hour or so. Your wildlife safari starts on your journey to your lodge.
After check in, have lunch then head out for your afternoon game drive. Take the small ferry to head into the north of the park and see the vast herds of giraffe as well as plentiful elephant and buffalo spotting.
After breakfast, full of energy as hopefully the hippo pod have not kept you awake too much during the night, you will be ready for your delta boat safari where you will see plenty of species and again seek out the Shoebill. The trip along the Victoria Nile will keep you eagle eyes with all the wildlife that you will see on, in and around the waters edge.
Overnight at Murchison River Lodge, Full Board for two nights
Queen Elizabeth II National Park
After breakfast, head to Queen Elizabeth National Park, again quite a long drive. Once you reach the northern gates, you will then start to enjoy a game drive on route to your lodge. You can stay out until dusk then check in and have dinner or head to the hotel then back out again – all personalised for you as your safari unfolds…. We hate to be too prescriptive as the last thing you want is a rushed siting because you are trying to stick to a regimented itinerary.
Overnight Katara Lodge, Full Board
Ishasha – Queen Elizabeth II National Park
After breakfast head out on safari, and on your journey you will board a small river boat to experience a water based safari in the Kazinga Channel, joining Lake George and Lake Edward. See hippo up close as well as plenty of larger mammals drinking at the channel's edge.
Explore the Ishasha part of the park in the afternoon including seeking the famous tree climbing lions who love the low branches in the fig trees growing in this region. As this is the closest you will get to the Congo, we love the change in scenery becoming even more lush and seeing an increasing number of bird species.
Overnight Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Full Board
Lake Mburu National Park
An early morning rise will give you an opportunity to squeeze in your last major game and bird viewing. Set off at your convenience heading back eastwards towards Entebbe.
Lake Mburu offers a convenient stop off point on your way back as well as being a lovely small park. The fauna is quite bushy here giving you get another outlook and the opportunity to see different wildlife including zebra which are not found anywhere else in Uganda. There are leopard, but they are of course allusive as ever.
Enjoy an evening game drive where you can stay out a little later as you are staying so close.
Overnight Mihingo Lodge, Full Board
Entebbe & Kampala
After breakfast head on towards the national capital. We will tailor this to suit you. For the keenest birders we recommend a stay in Entebbe and another visit to the Mabamba Wetlands. Anyone preferring to see the hustle and bustle of one of Africas major cities may prefer a stay in Kampala and a tour of the markets.
Overnight at the Karibu Guest House, Bed & Breakfast
The following day, your driver will wish you farewell as they drop you at the airport the next day for your onwards journey home or to the next stage of your journey.
This safari can be tailored in any way to meet your personal needs including length of trip, accommodation and experiences included, with or without international flights. Contact one of our safari designers now to discuss your safari ideas.
What's Included
- International flights
- Domestic flights and transfers
- Game drives in a shared vehicle in Kenya
- Guide/driver in Uganda
- 12 nights accommodation as detailed above
- All National Park fees and entrance fees for activities detailed
Price Information
Prices start from £5095pp/€5995pp/$7095pp
