Overview
This 25-day Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda safari is an unforgettable adventure that takes you through some of the most iconic wildlife destinations and cultural treasures in East Africa. The journey includes gorilla trekking, the Big Five safari, visits to local communities, cultural experiences, and much more. The safari starts in Uganda, heads to Kenya, and ends in Rwanda, with each country offering unique attractions, landscapes, and wildlife encounters.
Highlights
- Day 1-4: Arrival in Uganda & Murchison Falls National Park
- Day 5-8: Kibale Forest & Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Day 9-12: Gorilla Trekking in Uganda & Transfer to Kenya
- Day 13-16: Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
- Day 17-20: Amboseli National Park & Transfer to Rwanda
- Day 21-25: Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda & Departure
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel for relaxation after the long flight. Depending on the time of arrival, you can enjoy a leisurely evening by the shores of Lake Victoria. Dinner and overnight at your lodge in Entebbe.
Begin your journey early with a drive to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda's largest and most famous national park. En route, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino tracking experience. Continue to the park, arriving in the evening for dinner and overnight.
Set out for a morning game drive across the park's savannah, searching for lions, elephants, giraffes, and buffalo. In the afternoon, enjoy a Nile River cruise to the base of Murchison Falls, where you’ll witness the world’s most powerful waterfall in action. A short hike to the top of the falls offers spectacular views. Return to your lodge for the night.
After breakfast, depart for Kibale Forest National Park, known for its population of chimpanzees and primates. Along the way, you will pass tea plantations and the beautiful Rwenzori Mountain backdrop. Dinner and overnight at a lodge near the park.
Start your day with a chimpanzee tracking adventure in Kibale Forest. The dense tropical forest is home to 13 primate species, including the red colobus, black-and-white colobus, and blue monkeys. The thrilling experience allows you to get up close to the chimpanzees. Later, you may visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a community walk.
Drive south to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most biodiverse park, renowned for its tree-climbing lions and the Kazinga Channel. After arriving, enjoy an evening game drive through the park, observing wildlife like elephants, buffalo, and antelopes.
Embark on a morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, home to large herds of Uganda kob, lions, and hyenas. After lunch, take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, where you'll see hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. This waterway is known for its high concentration of animals and offers great photography opportunities.
Depart for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. This journey takes you through scenic landscapes, including the Ishasha sector, known for its tree-climbing lions.
Today is the highlight of your safari as you embark on an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience. After a briefing, you’ll hike into the dense forest, tracking a gorilla family. Spend a magical hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Return to your lodge for relaxation and reflection.
After breakfast, take a scenic drive to Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda's deepest lake, dotted with 29 islands. Spend the afternoon enjoying a boat ride on the lake or relaxing in the serene environment. Lake Bunyonyi is perfect for birdwatching and swimming.
Begin your journey back to Uganda's capital, Kampala, where you will spend a night before heading to Kenya. Enjoy a city tour that includes visiting the Uganda Museum, craft markets, and the royal Kasubi Tombs. Overnight in Kampala.
Take a morning flight from Entebbe to Nairobi, Kenya’s bustling capital. After arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore the city’s highlights such as the Nairobi National Museum or the Karen Blixen Museum.
Today, you will drive to the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, arriving in time for lunch. Enjoy a short game drive in the afternoon, spotting the Big Five and other wildlife. The Maasai Mara is renowned for its wildebeest migration, which happens from July to October.
Spend the day exploring the Maasai Mara’s vast plains on game drives. This iconic reserve is home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and a variety of other wildlife. Picnic lunch will be served in the wild as you enjoy the scenery.
In the morning, visit a Maasai village for a cultural experience, learning about their traditional lifestyle, customs, and vibrant dances. Afterward, head back for another exciting game drive in the Mara, capturing more of the incredible wildlife.
After breakfast, depart for Lake Nakuru National Park, known for its flamingos and rhino population. Arrive in the afternoon for a game drive around the lake, where you'll spot waterbucks, zebras, and the endangered Rothschild giraffe.
Drive to Amboseli National Park, located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its large elephant herds, this park offers breathtaking views of the mountain. Arrive in the afternoon and enjoy a game drive before heading to your lodge.
Spend the day on game drives in Amboseli, witnessing elephants up close as they roam the plains. You'll also have a chance to spot lions, hyenas, and numerous bird species. The iconic views of Kilimanjaro will enhance your safari experience.
Transfer to Nairobi for a flight to Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. After arrival, you will be taken to your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you may visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about Rwanda’s history and the tragic events of 1994.
Enjoy a city tour of Kigali in the morning, visiting landmarks such as local markets and art galleries. After lunch, drive to Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda’s mountain gorillas and the Dian Fossey Research Center.
Another chance to experience gorilla trekking, this time in Volcanoes National Park. The trek takes you through bamboo forests and open clearings to find a gorilla family. Spend an hour with them before returning to your lodge for relaxation.
Begin the day with a golden monkey tracking adventure in the lush forests of Volcanoes National Park. These playful primates are endemic to the region and offer a fascinating alternative to gorilla trekking. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure.
Take a guided hike to Dian Fossey’s tomb and the remains of her research center, nestled in the mountains. Fossey dedicated her life to gorilla conservation, and this trek provides insight into her work and the challenges of protecting gorillas.
Experience Rwanda’s vibrant culture by visiting Iby’Iwacu Village, where you’ll meet former poachers who now advocate for conservation. Enjoy traditional music, dance performances, and learn about the local way of life.
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have a final opportunity to explore Kigali before your transfer to the airport for your departure. This marks the end of your 25-day East African adventure, filled with unforgettable wildlife encounters and cultural experiences.
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Accommodation (24 nights in mid-range lodges/hotels).
- Meals (Full board: breakfast, lunch, dinner).
- Ground transportation in 4x4 safari vehicle.
- Transfers to/from airports/hotels.
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide.
- Guided game drives in all national parks.
- Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits.
- Golden monkey trekking permit.
- Boat safaris (Nile River, Kazinga Channel).
- Cultural village tours (Maasai village, Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village).
- All park entrance fees.
- Border crossing assistance.
- Local taxes and government levies.
The Cost Excludes
- International flights.
- Visa fees (Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda).
- Optional activities (hot air balloon, nature walks, etc.).
- Travel insurance.
- Tips and gratuities.
- Personal expenses (drinks, souvenirs, laundry, etc.).
- Meals outside itinerary.
- Gorilla trekking porter fees.
FAQs
Yes, you will need visas for all three countries. You can apply for the East African Tourist Visa, which covers Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. Alternatively, you can apply for individual visas for each country, depending on your travel preferences.
Gorilla trekking can be strenuous and involves hiking through mountainous terrain for several hours. It’s advisable to be in good physical condition. You can hire a porter to help carry your backpack.
You will travel in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for game viewing. These vehicles are ideal for off-road conditions in national parks and offer comfortable seating and ample space for luggage.
Yes, most lodges and camps can accommodate dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or halal meals. Be sure to inform us in advance.
You’ll have the chance to see a wide range of wildlife:
- Uganda: Lions, elephants, giraffes, chimpanzees, hippos, and gorillas.
- Kenya: The Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino), cheetahs, and the wildebeest migration (seasonal).
- Rwanda: Mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and other primates.
The safari is typically private or semi-private, meaning it can be tailored to small groups (family or friends). If you’re traveling solo, a small group safari may be arranged.
Wi-Fi is available at many lodges and camps, although it may be limited in remote areas. Mobile networks are accessible in most parts of Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda, but coverage can be spotty in national parks. In addition, our cars are having charging ports.
Yes, the 25-day safari can be customized according to your preferences, including changing activities, accommodations, or adding destinations.