This 18-Day East African Safari Adventure begins from Entebbe Airport and ends in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. It takes visitors to the most famous and magnificent destinations in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
These include city tours, famous East African national parks, amazing launch trips on rivers and lakes, the Big 5 African mammals, endangered mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, chimpanzees, and abundant flora.
The 18-day East Africa safari also presents the magical great wildebeest migration in Tanzania and Kenya, cultural experiences, and pure adventure.
18-Day East Africa Safari Highlights
- Day 1: Arrival & Hotel Transfer
- Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
- Day 3: Game Drive & Boat Cruise
- Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
- Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Swamp Walk
- Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Day 7: Game Drive & Launch Trip on Kazinga Channel
- Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Day 9: Gorilla Trekking & Batwa Cultural Experience
- Day 10: Bwindi NP to Rwanda -Volcanoes National Park
- Day 11: Golden Monkey Trekking & Iby’Iwacu Village Walk
- Day 12: Dian Fossey Hike & Twin Lakes Visit
- Day 13: Visit Musanze Caves & Transfer to Kigali for Outbound Flight
- Day 14: Transfer to Serengeti National Park, Sunset Game Drive
- Day 15: Serengeti National Park: Full Day Game Drive
- Day 16: Serengeti NP – Masai Mara National Reserve & Evening Game Safari
- Day 17: Masai Mara NP: Full Day of Game Drive
- Day 18: Departure
Detailed 18-Day East Africa Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Hotel Transfer
Welcome to Uganda, the Pearl of Africa! Upon arrival, the guide will pick you up from Entebbe Airport, meet and greet, and drive you to your pre-booked hotel in Entebbe/Kampala.
Time permitting, have a short excursion in the bustling city of Kampala and admire the spectacular spots and destinations that make up Kampala, including historic monuments, shopping malls, museums, craft markets, ancient buildings, artifacts, the people, and food.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
This morning, depart Kampala town for Murchison Falls National Park via Kachumbanyobo gate. En route, visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a three-hour drive from Kampala and about 1.5 hours from Murchison Falls National Park, along the Masindi – Kampala highway.
While tracking the rhinos, look out for other animals like bushbuck, leopard, Uganda kob, oribi, and several other wildlife species present in the ranch.
The sanctuary has abundant bird life, including the elusive shoebill stork that can be sighted on a canoe in Lugogo wetlands. Retire from the rhino tracking excursion, have lunch at Amuka Lodge or Kabalega Diners.
Continue the drive to Uganda’s biggest national park, Murchison Falls National Park, for dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 3: Game Drive & Boat Cruise
Rise early to commence a lovely sunrise game drive in Murchison’s plain landscapes. Here, you have endless opportunities to meet early risers and nocturnal animals as they return to their hideouts.
This national park is home to a varied number of animal species, and tourists usually have endless chances of sighting the park’s permanent and migratory residents like buffaloes, antelopes, elephants, jackals, waterbucks, giraffes, and big cats like lions and leopards.
Bird lovers are never left out in Murchison Falls National Park, as there is a cocktail of different species of birds, including rare, endangered species like the shoebill stork, migratory species, and residents such as the black-chested snake eagle and secretary bird.
After lunch, go for a 3-4 hour afternoon boat cruise along the Victoria Nile, between the raging Murchison Falls and the Albert Delta.
This launch trip takes you to where there are various species of birds lined up on the shores, both endemic and migratory populations, mammals like buffaloes and elephants, big cats, and reptile species like crocodiles.
After this boat trip, either choose to hike to the top of the falls or return to the Paraa jetty and drive back to your place of accommodation for relaxation.
Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Leave Murchison Falls National Park after breakfast and head southwards to the iconic Kibale National Park. Traverse the curved landscapes of the western region, with unmatched views of the Albertine escarpments.
Cross undulating plantations of sugar and tea until you reach Kibale Forest National Park – Africa’s primate capital. Retire at your lodge for rest, dinner, and an overnight stay.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Swamp Walk
This morning, embark on a forest trek searching for the rare chimpanzees. While trekking within the lush tropical forest of Kibale, the sights and sounds of resident birds are all around, and one can anticipate meeting at least eight other types of primates, most probably the red-tailed and grey-cheeked mangabeys and the endangered chimpanzees, plus many other forest mammals and butterflies.
Walking in this forest is averagely less hectic than other forests like Bwindi due to its well-kept paths and moderately flat terrain. Return to the starting point and have a picnic lunch while waiting for a cultural tour.
In the afternoon, you will explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, part of the larger Magombe wetlands. The sanctuary is a popular eco-tourism destination within the Kibale Forest area and is operated by the Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental Development (KAFRED), a local community-based organization. Among the many activities in Bigodi are bird watching, swamp, and community walks.
Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Depart at leisure after breakfast to Queen Elizabeth National Park, a road transfer of about 2-3 hours. Queen Elizabeth N/Park is set against the backdrop of the Rwenzori towering mountains and is home to an endless checklist of wildlife such as buffaloes, waterbucks, antelopes, elephants, warthogs, and over 500 bird species.
The trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park from Kibale Forest takes approximately 2.5 hours, traversing the bustling towns of Fort Portal and Kasese. The entire journey passes through sweeping plantations of tea, trees, seasonal rivers, and the equator, which this part of the country is famous for.
Day 7: Game Drive & Launch Trip on Kazinga Channel
An early breakfast is followed by a unique game viewing experience which is arguably the highlight of Queen Elizabeth National Park. With a total population of 95 mammals and over 500 bird species, the park has one of the highest biodiversity ratings compared to many national parks in the world. Some of these species are migratory, while others are permanent and endemic.
The afternoon offers amazing opportunities to meet more unique wildlife along the mesmerizing Kazinga Channel. These include reptiles like monitor lizards and crocodiles, big mammals like elephants and buffaloes, and small mammals like antelopes.
Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Rise early, have a well-deserved breakfast, and exit Queen Elizabeth N/Park through the south, via Ishasha sector. The drive takes approximately 4 – 5 hours depending on the gorilla region you are visiting.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a famous destination primarily for gorilla trekking, and a biodiverse place for so many other species including mammals, birds, verdant flora, and unique montane forest scenery.
Arrive in the evening, check in at the lodge, and have an overnight stay.
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking & Batwa Cultural Experience
Rise early and admire the rising sun emerging through the towering Virunga volcanoes, take a delicious breakfast, and drive shortly to the ranger station for a briefing session which begins at 7:00 am.
During this 30-minute session, you’ll be told about the entire gorilla trekking experience, what to expect, and a gorilla family will be assigned to respective groups of trekkers. Porters can also be hired to help carry heavy luggage.
The gorilla trekking experience lasts between 2 to 7 hours depending on the movements of the allocated gorilla family, the season, and the speed of the trekkers.
After finding the group, you are only given an hour to be with them as you watch them feed, play, mothers caring for the infants, learn about their lifestyle, and the mighty silverback offering maximum protection to fellow group members.
After this magical one hour, descend back to the starting point, have your box lunch, and immediately transfer to the lodge for relaxation.
In the evening, take a tour to explore the interesting Batwa communities for unique cultural entertainment; watch them dance, learn about their style of life, traditional songs, performances, and so much more.
Retreat back to the hotel for relaxation, refreshments, and an overnight stay.
Day 10: Bwindi NP to Rwanda -Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, leave Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and cross to the other side of Rwanda in the northern region. Cross via Cyanika/Kisoro border and enter Rwanda’s big game destination.
Volcanoes National Park is famous for the endangered mountain gorillas and is the only park in Rwanda that hosts these particular species. Arrive at the lodge for early check-in, and if there’s time, you can do short nature walks to discover the park’s permanent wildlife residents, bird life, lush vegetation, and rolling hills.
Day 11: Golden Monkey Trekking & Iby’Iwacu Village Walk
Have breakfast and proceed to Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing, this time for golden monkey trekking, not gorilla trekking.
Enter the bamboo forest, on the lower slopes of the Virunga Mountains where these shy, rare primates inhabit. Golden monkey trekking tours last approximately 1-5 hours depending on the movements of the golden monkeys.
During trekking, you will meet other resident primates in the park like blue and black colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and olive baboons.
After trekking the golden monkeys, return to the lodge for lunch, relax, and in the evening, opt for a community tour to the nearby Ib’yiwachu village and enjoy cultural performances, traditional activities, local brew, songs, and interesting stories.
Day 12: Dian Fossey Hike & Twin Lakes Visit
Take breakfast and immediately transfer on a morning trek to visit the Dian Fossey tombs. This is a place where a primate heroine, Dian Fossey, who selflessly fought and advocated for mountain gorilla conservation and protection, was buried.
She was killed, reportedly by poachers in 1985 after her attempts to punish and apprehend anyone suspected to be a poacher grew a lot of criticism and later caused her death.
Trek to Karisoke Research Center where her body and her other favorite mountain gorillas are laid to rest, pay your last respects to this heroine, and learn more about her works in the entire Virunga region.
Return to the lodge for lunch and in the afternoon drive to the scenic twin lakes – Ruhondo and Bulera which are located at the foothills of Mount Muhabura and Mount Gahinga.
Take a leisurely sunset canoe to discover more of the hidden treasures in the area.
Day 13: Visit Musanze Caves & Transfer to Kigali for Outbound Flight
Visit Musanze caves after a tour of Musanze caves. After this tour, continue to Kigali city crossing the most scenic regions of Rwanda often referred to as ‘the Switzerland of Africa’.
Spot the spectacular countryside, flanked with amazing views over the Virunga massif, panoramic landscapes, and undulating valleys.
Reach Kigali city in the evening, transfer to the airport in Kanombe, check in and get on a connecting flight to Arusha airport in Northern Tanzania. A night stay will be in Arusha.
Day 14: Transfer to Serengeti National Park, Sunset Game Drive
A beautiful sunrise in Arusha is a great wake-up call, coupled with a tasty breakfast, and then you embark on a transfer to Serengeti National Park, taking approximately 6 hours’ drive.
Go with your boxed or have an en-route lunch, and the safari driver will select the best route to take based on the season and weather.
Upon arrival at Serengeti National Park, check in at the lodge and prepare for an evening/sunset game drive. Get on a safari jeep as the sun sets over the Serengeti skies and be mesmerized by the richness of Africa’s most bio-diverse game reserve.
Serengeti is filled with the highest population of wildlife in East Africa, and an evening game drive is a perfect time to spot rare cats including leopards, lions, cheetahs, and a variety of big mammals.
As night and darkness set in, retreat back to the lodge for dinner and slumber.
Day 15: Serengeti National Park: Full Day Game Drive
This is a typical day of spectacular game drives, filled with one of Africa’s most sought-after species and rich Serengeti savannah and woodland vegetation.
The Serengeti’s appealing flora and climate all make it a favorite home for diverse wild game species.
Therefore, this second day of the game safari will expose you to Africa’s big game – including the Big 5, buffaloes, elephants, zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, lions, and leopards.
During the July-September season, you can be lucky to view the great wildebeest migration on its way to Maasai Mara reserve in Kenya.
Day 16: Serengeti NP – Masai Mara National Reserve & Evening Game Safari
In the morning, depart from Serengeti National Park, and drive to the other side of Kenya (southern region) to the Masai Mara National Reserve.
Enter through Isebania border and transfer until you reach Masai Mara – Kenya’s most famous safari destination. Indulge in epic game viewing opportunities en route to Masai Mara reserve, as it is filled with a huge population of wild game.
Check in at the lodge, have lunch, and time permitting, you can do a brief evening game drive to admire Mara’s permanent and migratory animal residents, bird life, sweeping vegetation, and undulating hill slopes.
Day 17: Masai Mara NP: Full Day of Game Drive
Wake up before the sun rises for breakfast and preparation for a once-in-a-lifetime moment and the most spectacular wildlife displays in the Masai Mara reserve.
Set out to this famous wildlife-filled reserve to gaze at the sunrise, visit the Mara River – a magnet for animals in the morning, and see thousands of game grazing in Mara’s undulating savannah.
A hot air balloon safari would be another option in Masai Mara reserve, coming with a bush breakfast and up to 360-degree views of the Mara plains.
Watch the wildlife action right from the skies and you will land in a place where the big cats lie as they wait to pounce on unsuspecting antelopes. It’s all magical!
After this day of epic safari, go back to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and a night filled with rewarding memories.
Day 18: Departure
Following a leisurely breakfast at your lodge in Masai Mara, immediately check out and begin the 6-hour trip to Nairobi city. Y
our driver guide will drop you at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to catch a flight back home.
End of 18-Day East African Safari Adventure.
