During this 21-day East African safari, you will visit four countries: Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Kenya.
In Uganda, you will visit Queen Elizabeth National Park for a game drive in the Kasenyi plains and a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.
Connect to Rwanda through the Gatuna border and take part in golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzee trekking, and a canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Fly to Tanzania from Kigali and visit Serengeti National Park for a game drive, then drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Still, within your 21-day East African safari, you will fly to Kenya to visit Masai Mara National Park and experience the Masai community for a cultural immersion. End your safari in Nairobi before flying back home.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Kampala
Upon arrival at Kampala airport, a company representative will eagerly welcome you, provide a briefing, then drive you to your pre-booked hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 2: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Wake up for breakfast, check out from the hotel, and drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, originally named Kazinga National Park before Queen Elizabeth II’s visit in 1952. Stop in Fort Portal for lunch en route and take another break at the equator for photo opportunities. Arrive late at the lodge and have dinner.
Day 3: Game Drive and Evening Boat Cruise
After breakfast, head to the starting point for the game drive in the Kasenyi plains. The park ranger will brief you on the rules before embarking on the drive across the open grasslands. Spot animals like elephants, warthogs, buffaloes, antelopes, and possibly leopards and lions. Return to the lodge for lunch.
Later, take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, linking Lake Edward and Lake George, to see hippos, crocodiles, birds, and other mammals along the shores. Retreat to the lodge for dinner.
Day 4: Road Trip to Bwindi via Ishasha Sector
After a hearty breakfast, pack your bags, and drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with a stopover at the Ishasha sector, known for its rare tree-climbing lions. Observe them before continuing the scenic drive through the countryside to Bwindi.
Day 5: Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Start with breakfast at the lodge, then drive to the park headquarters for a briefing before setting off into the jungle for gorilla trekking. Trekking requires physical fitness as it involves hiking and descending valleys in search of gorillas. The experience can last 1-7 hours depending on their location.
You’ll spend one hour in the presence of the gorillas, observing their behavior. Return to the starting point to meet your driver and travel back to the lodge.
Day 6: Cross to Volcanoes National Park
Enjoy breakfast and prepare to cross the Gatuna border from Uganda to Rwanda. Upon reaching Rwanda, check in at a restaurant en route for lunch, then continue driving north to Volcanoes National Park. This park is home to rare golden monkeys, endangered mountain gorillas, and diverse mammals and birds.
Day 7: Golden Monkey Trekking and Road Trip to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Start the day with breakfast, then drive to the park headquarters for a briefing on golden monkey trekking. Follow the guide into the forest to observe these rare primates. Similar to chimpanzees and mountain gorillas, you’ll have one hour to watch the monkeys play, feed, and groom each other as they move among the trees.
Afterwards, return to the lodge for lunch and embark on a road trip to Nyungwe Forest, known for its primate species akin to those in Uganda’s Kibale National Park.
Day 8: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk
Chimpanzees are a highlight of Nyungwe Forest National Park, drawing many travelers to Rwanda. Families of these primates trek once daily with groups of up to 8 people, spending an hour observing their behavior.
Begin your chimpanzee trekking experience from the lodge after breakfast. Drive to the park headquarters for a briefing with the ranger guide, followed by a trek into the forest. After observing the chimpanzees for an hour, return to the lodge for lunch. Consider a canopy walk for primate viewing, birdwatching, photography, and breathtaking scenery.
Day 9: Fly to Arusha in Tanzania
After breakfast, drive to Kigali and fly to Arusha, Tanzania. Upon arrival, meet with a company representative for a briefing before transferring to your booked hotel. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 10: Drive to Serengeti National Park
Have breakfast at the hotel before driving to Serengeti National Park, known for the spectacular wildebeest migration during the rainy season. This park, one of Africa’s oldest, offers abundant biodiversity. Check in at the hotel upon arrival.
Day 11-12: Serengeti National Park Exploration
Wake early for breakfast and embark on full-day game drives in Serengeti National Park. Spend these two days exploring its vast landscapes and encountering zebras, wildebeests, gazelles, lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants, and myriad bird species. Enjoy bush lunches within the park.
Day 13: Transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Evening Game Drive
After breakfast, drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, home to two of the world’s most significant archaeological sites. Upon arrival at the lodge, have lunch and proceed with an evening game drive to spot elephants, hippos, crocodiles, zebras, and other wildlife. Return to the lodge.
Day 14: Morning Game Drive and Lake Manyara
Wake early for a morning game drive, offering another opportunity to see wildlife missed during previous drives. Return to the lodge for breakfast before transferring to Lake Manyara, renowned for its tree-climbing lions.
Day 15: Game Drive in Manyara National Park and Return to Arusha
After breakfast, embark on a morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park, observing its unique wildlife, including the tree-climbing lions. Return to the lodge for lunch before driving back to Arusha.
Day 16: Fly to Kenya and Transfer to Masai Mara
After breakfast, fly to Kenya. Upon arrival at the lodge in Masai Mara, transfer to your booked lodge for lunch and optional afternoon game drive.
Day 17-18: Masai Mara National Park Safari
Spend these two days exploring Masai Mara National Park with game drives. Experience its rich biodiversity, flora, and fauna, and engage with the Masai community for a cultural experience.
Day 19: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park
Depart Masai Mara after breakfast for Lake Nakuru National Park. Enjoy scenic views of local homesteads, plantations, and communities along the way.
Day 20: Birding in Lake Nakuru National Park
For bird enthusiasts, spend the day birdwatching in Lake Nakuru National Park, known for its high concentration of bird species, including pink flamingos that cover the lake’s surface.
Day 21: Departure
Drive to Nairobi from Lake Nakuru National Park. Upon arrival, enjoy a brief city tour before departing for your flight.
