Grand East Africa Safari (Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania)
A blend of game drives, boat cruises, walking safaris, primate trekking, and cultural immersion.
At a Glance
Trip Highlights
- Trip Intinerary
- What is Included
- Duration: 18 Days / 17 Nights
- Primate Tracking Double: An unforgettable Gorilla Trekking experience in Uganda and a playful Golden Monkey Trek in Rwanda.
- The Great Migration Circuit: Experience the legendary wildlife plains of the Serengeti (Tanzania) and the Maasai Mara (Kenya).
- Iconic Landmarks: Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater and witness the majestic peak of Mount Kilimanjaro from Amboseli.
Gallery
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival and Lake Mburo Introduction
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport (EBB). Meet your guide and drive to Lake Mburo National Park. Afternoon: Enjoy an introductory boat cruise on Lake Mburo, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. An evening game drive may reveal zebras, impalas, and elands. Overnight: Lake Mburo National Park.
To the Primate Capital
Morning: Embark on a guided walking safari in Lake Mburo, a unique opportunity to experience the African bush on foot. Afternoon: Drive west through scenic landscapes, arriving in the area near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park by evening. Overnight: Bwindi Area.
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Full Day: The pinnacle of your Ugandan experience. After an early briefing, embark on your guided gorilla trek. The hike can be challenging, but the reward of spending a sacred hour with a mountain gorilla family is an unforgettable, life-changing moment. Evening: Return to your lodge to relax and recount the day’s incredible events. Overnight: Bwindi Area.
Transfer to Rwanda
After a leisurely breakfast, depart Uganda and cross the border into Rwanda. The scenic drive takes you through the “Land of a Thousand Hills” to the vibrant capital, Kigali. Overnight: Kigali. RWANDA LEG (2 Days)
Kigali Genocide Memorial & Golden Monkeys
Morning: Visit the deeply moving Kigali Genocide Memorial to understand Rwanda’s tragic past and remarkable journey of reconciliation. Afternoon: Drive to Volcanoes National Park. In the afternoon, embark on a lighter, enchanting trek to find the charismatic and playful golden monkeys. Overnight: Volcanoes National Park Area.
Scenic Flight to Tanzania
Transfer to Kigali International Airport (KGL) for your scheduled flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Tanzania. Upon arrival, you will be met by your Tanzanian guide and transferred to your lodge in Arusha/Moshi. Overnight: Arusha/Moshi. TANZANIA LEG (5 Days)
Tarangire’s Giants
Full Day: Enter Tarangire National Park, famous for its massive elephant herds and iconic, ancient baobab trees. Enjoy a full day of game drives in this diverse ecosystem. Overnight: Tarangire Area.
9: The Endless Plains of Serengeti
A full day dedicated to exploring the Serengeti. Witness the great herds of the migration (season-dependent) and the resident predators that follow them on thrilling morning and afternoon game drives.
Overnight: Serengeti National Park.
Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater Rim
Morning: A final game drive in the Serengeti as you exit the park and drive towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Afternoon: Ascend to the crater rim, with stunning views into the caldera below. Overnight: Ngorongoro Crater Rim.
Ngorongoro Crater Descent & to Kenya
Morning: Descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day of spectacular game viewing in this world heritage site and natural zoo. Spot the Big Five in this concentrated area. Afternoon: Exit the crater and drive to the Kenyan border, crossing into the Maasai Mara ecosystem. Overnight: Maasai Mara. KENYA LEG (5 Days)
13: Wonders of the Maasai Mara
Two full days of immersive safari experiences in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Enjoy extensive morning and afternoon game drives in search of lions, cheetahs, elephants, and the dramatic river crossings of the Great Migration (July-October). Optional: Hot air balloon safari over the Mara plains (at extra cost). Overnight: Maasai Mara.
Lake Naivasha & Hell’s Gate
Depart the Mara and drive to the Great Rift Valley. Visit Lake Naivasha for a boat ride among hippos and birdlife. Afternoon: Explore Hell’s Gate National Park on foot or by bicycle—a unique and active safari experience amidst towering cliffs and geothermal steam. Overnight: Lake Naivasha.
Amboseli & Kilimanjaro Views
Drive to Amboseli National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and stunning backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Afternoon: Game drive upon arrival, with hopes of clear views of Africa’s highest peak. Overnight: Amboseli National Park.
Amboseli Morning & Departure
Morning: One last magical game drive in Amboseli as the morning light often provides the best photographic opportunities of Kilimanjaro. Afternoon: Return to Nairobi and transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) for your international departure.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- All airport transfers and overland travel in a 4×4 safari vehicle.
- Accommodation as specified in the itinerary.
- All meals during the safari (Full Board), except in Kigali and Arusha which may be Bed & Breakfast.
- All park entrance fees, gorilla permit ($800), and golden monkey permit.
- All game drives, boat cruises, and activities mentioned.
- Scheduled flight from Kigali (KGL) to Kilimanjaro (JRO).
- Services of professional English-speaking driver-guides in each country.
- International flights.
- Visas for Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Kenya (The East African Tourist Visa is recommended for UG/RW/KE).
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff.
- Drinks (sodas, alcohol, bottled water in some lodges), laundry, and other personal expenses.
- Optional activities (e.g., hot air balloon safari in the Maasai Mara).
- How physically demanding is the gorilla trek?
- It is the most challenging single activity. Treks can last from 1 to 8 hours over steep, muddy, and uneven terrain at high altitude. A good level of fitness is
Frequently Asked Questions
What about luggage with the internal flight?
The flight from Rwanda to Tanzania has a strict baggage allowance, typically 20kg for checked luggage and 5-8kg for hand luggage. Packing soft-sided bags is recommended. We can advise on luggage forwarding services if needed.
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