The Ultimate African Safari

The Details

What’s Included?

1. Park Entry Fees

2. Shared accommodation in 4* lodges – (2 people per room)

3. Gorilla permit (costs $800 per person)

4. Private 4×4 4WD safari van

5. English Speaking Tour Guide(s)

6. One way flight from Masai Mara – Nairobi

7. One way flight from Entebbe – Kisoro

8. Meals & International flight from Nairobi – Entebbe

9. Bottled water & fruit snacks

10. Professional English-speaking guide

11. Meals & activities listed below

12. All Government Taxes

13. Park Entry Fees & Game Drives

14.  Maasai Community Visit

Package Excludes

1. Travel Insurance (Recommend: Allianz Travel Insurance) 

2. Activities not listed

3. Personal Expenses

4. Tips 

5. Beverages

6. Visa fees to Kenya/Uganda

7. International flights to Kenya/Uganda

Why Partner with Buutu Safari?

1. Encourage more people to TRAVEL to Africa

In my 9 years of globetrotting, East Africa became my favorite place to travel. Yet, most of the foreigners I met while backpacking were either missionaries or volunteers. Where were all the travelers?! One of the missions of my blog is to inspire more people to travel to Africa. 

2. Support  Local Economies

Local companies are crucial in fighting poverty in Uganda as they create employment opportunities for the locals. Foreign companies continue to sustain the colonial extractive economy by taking the much-needed profit out of the country. This has led to poverty and its perpetuation in Uganda. Local companies, like Buutu Safari, are wholly invested in the growth and development as they create avenues for Ugandans to earn and rise out of poverty.

Local tourism companies, like Buutu Safari:

• Reinvestment profits in Uganda.
• Offer real long term sustainable means of fighting poverty.
• Help development as they earn and retain much needed foreign exchange.
• Have an unparalleled understanding of Uganda and can share the full picture as you learn about the wildlife, culture, and history of Uganda from a local perspective.  Uganda cannot be experienced through just a wildlife prism but from a holistic view that appreciates the intricate relationship between the people, the wildlife, and the lands of Africa.
• Encourage locally-led conservation solutions and create opportunities for Ugandans to take full responsibility for conservation. There has been a disconnect between biodiversity and Ugandans. However, the benefits from tourism arising, incentivize locals to conserve biodiversity.

3. My Personal Connection with Daudi

Daudi works with Buutu Safaris, and I met him at a hostel in Uganda in 2018. After learning more about him, he became an inspiration, so when he asked me to partner with him, I easily said yes.

To share Daudis story:

Daudi left Uganda to study finance at the University of Exeter in England. After graduation, it was tough for him to find a job, but eventually, he ended up with a dream job at a hedge fund in London. But one day, while working, he looked out the window and realized that he was contributing to the brain drain out of Uganda. Was he living his best life, by enjoying his life in London, and staying a safe distance from the troubles and challenges of his home country? He realized it was time to stop criticizing Uganda’s government and failures, and return home to become more involved with developing Uganda. Daudi made a courageous effort to leave his job and return to Uganda to help build Uganda’s economy. Once in Uganda, Daudi was unemployed for close to a year; he realized there were virtually no advanced markets. Eventually, he joined a family safari company and figured out the future of Uganda lay in creating companies to create employment for fellow citizens.  Tourism provides a particularly useful starting point for Ugandans because inclusive conservation-based tourism gives the best foundation for building sustainable green economies of the future.

4. I Recommend Group Travel While in Uganda & on Safaris

Uganda is not the most accessible country for solo travel because there are not many backpackers, and a car is required to visit many of the destinations. A group tour helps consolidate the costs of hiring a driver and provides instant company to enjoy the beautiful destinations.

8-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Pick Up & Drive to Masai Mara National Reserve

Meet up with Daudi, Kesi and the guides for the group briefing at 7:30am. Thereafter, embark on 5 hours drive to Masai Mara. We’ll have lunch along the way. Upon arrival enjoy a siesta before setting off for the evening game drive. On the game drive, expect to see the action as we search for the migrating herds. Watch the sunset over the great Mara plains as big cats and other carnivores make the most of the season of bounty. Return to the lodge for the night’s stay.

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2/3 – Masai Mara Game Drives & Masai Community Tour

We’ll spend the next days exploring the Mara plains as we chase the migrating herds. We’ll explore the remote areas of the Mara and follow herds to the spectacular Mara River to witness the famous river crossings that attract the gigantic Nile crocodiles. Expect to see high concentration of wildlife as predators take full advantage of the season of bounty and as the herds fight for survival.

We’ll learn about the ecosystem and the herds’ eternal search for greener pastures on their endless journeys. Expect to see part of the 1.5 million strong herds of wildebeest, lions, leopards, cheetahs and other cats as the bounty of migration. We’ll also have a visit to a Masai community of the area to learn more about life in this area.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 4 – Flight Transfer to Entebbe

After breakfast, fly back to Nairobi airport where you will then take another flight to Entebbe Uganda. Arrive in Entebbe and check in to your hotel for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 5 – Flight Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Embark on a one hour journey from Entebbe to Kisoro. This scenic flight is a highlight that will spoil you with the exquisite sights of the lakes and rivers, valleys and hills, swamps and mountains that make up the beautiful mosaic that is Uganda” The Pearl of Africa” Upon arrival, your guide will drive you to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park where you will settle into your lodge as you prepare for your next days’ trek.

Optional Add-On: Local beer making experience with Bwindi Women

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6 – Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest & Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

After an early breakfast, head to the park office at 08:00am for briefing. Thereafter, walk into the depth of the jungle for what is arguably one of the most unique wilderness experiences. Walk down the narrow forest paths and make your way through thick undergrowth with the bird sounds in the background as you search for the gorilla families.

Trekking can take between 2-6 hours. However, once found the experience of watching these incredible primates in their natural habitat is well worth every ounce of energy expended on the tiring forest trails. It is most advisable for trekkers to be in good physical condition before embarking on the trails. Get in close proximity with the gorillas as you watch the gorillas eat, groom and play. Thereafter, transfer to Lake Bunyonyi where you will spend the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 7: Lake Bunyonyi

Spend the morning at your leisure. In the afternoon, we will start our excursion to Joshua’s island where we are in for a treat and a feel of the local life in Lake Bunyonyi. Learn to make a rolex and see how traditional millet beer is made as you hang out at local bar and in a homestead. Option of hiking, quad biking and swimming in the lake are also on offer. 

We will end the day with a bon-fire party. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 8: Drive back to Entebbe

After breakfast we’ll embark on the 7 to 8 hour drive back to Entebbe. We’ll stop over at the Equator for photos and lunch. Thereafter, we’ll proceed to Entebbe where we will arrive in the evening hours. (Note: Accommodation not provide)

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Leg 2: 4-Day Flying Gorilla Safari

Dates: Sept 1 to 5, 2025

Total Cost: $3,050

Click for Itinerary

INSURE YO’SELF

Please ensure that you have taken out comprehensive travel, medical, and other insurances that will cover cancellation fees or other unforeseen incidences. Follow The Fro tours recommends Allianz Travel Insurance. 

Disclaimer: Kesi will only join the trip if a minimum of 6 guests are booked. 

TThis tour has limited space — book soon to avoid disappointment!

A $1400 deposit is required to reserve your spot.

If you have any pressing questions, or just want to learn more about it from Kesi herself, send an email to kesi@kesitoandfro.comkesi@kesitoandfro.com

Dates : Aug 29 to Sep 5, 2025

On this trip, you’ll be traveling with Kesi Irvin as your host.

Kesi fell in love with Uganda because she felt extremely welcomed by locals, she loved the scenery of orange roads contrasted with greenery, and gorilla trekking was a surreal experience. She believes this country is underrated and wants to encourage more travelers to visit. She has been backpacking around the world since 2015 and has an adventurous travel style. Join her and a select few individuals to explore Uganda and participate in one of the best activities in the world – Gorilla Trekking!

Disclaimer: Kesi will only join the trip if a minimum of 6 guests are booked. 

1. Is there a payment plan, and what is the refund policy?

A deposit of $1400 is needed to secure your spot. The remaining balance is due 60 days before departure. The deposit is needed to purchase gorilla permits. There are only a limited number of gorilla permits per day, and it’s essential to book these permits in advance.  Feel free to email kesitoandfro@gmail.com to discuss a payment plan that works for you.

For Follow The Fro Tours – Refunds are given on written cancellations at least 60 days prior to commencement. Refunds are calculated after deduction of gorilla permit, office fees and cancellation fees levied by hotels, lodges, and banks. There is a 50% charge on cancellations with 30 days, and no refund for cancellations within 29 days or less to the starting date of safari.

For other terms and conditions please reference Buutu Safari’s page.

[The refund policy for Follow The Fro Tours is referenced above and differs slightly from the terms for Buutu. All other terms and conditions remain the same as Buutu Safari] 

2. What airport should I fly in and out of?

If you are doing the combo tour, you should fly into Nairobi, Kenya and out of Entebbe Airport [EBB], Uganda, on Aug 28, since the tour starts at 7:30 am on Aug 29. (Note: You can also look at roundtrip flights to Nairobi and book a hopper flight from Entebbe, Uganda to Nairobi airport)

 We also recommend flying out a day after the tour on Sep 6. If you book a flight for Sep 7, it should depart past 8 pm.

3. Do I need a visa?

For most nationalities, including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Ireland, a 90-day East Africa tourist visas can be purchased online for $100. Your passport must be valid for at least six months following the date of entry.

If you are only doing Leg 1 or Leg 2, you only need a $50 visa for either Uganda or Kenya

4. What vaccinations do I need?

You will need a Yellow Fever vaccine, so bring a yellow fever certificate to enter Kenya/Uganda.

5. Who will I share a room with? 

Shared accommodation is offered, and there are 2 people per room. You will share a room with someone else on the tour. If you want your own room, there is an additional cost of $520

6. What should I pack? 

Look at this blog post, which details what to bring for gorilla trekking.