Four Countries, Fifteen Days, One Incredible East Africa Safari
Experience the best of East Africa on a 2 week safari through Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. This safari brings together some of the region’s most renowned destinations, including the volcanic forests of the Virunga region and the vast plains of the Maasai Mara and Serengeti. You’ll be able to have memorable wildlife encounters and cultural experiences that will leave you feeling closer to Africa and its communities.
Trek through the forest in search of golden monkeys and mountain gorillas, cruise along waterways full of hippos and crocodiles, explore the savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park and Lake Mburo, and experience incredible game drives in Kenya and Tanzania. Along the way, connect with local communities, learn about interesting cultural traditions, and enjoy gorgeous natural scenery.
This 15-day adventure is perfect for travelers who want to experience as much of East Africa as possible, and this custom safari is a great introduction to all four beautiful countries.
Why You’ll Love This Safari
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Trip Details
Trip Details
Price
Contact us for a quote
Meeting point
Kigali
Availability
Year-round, 7 days a week
Duration
15 days
Group size
Min. 1 person
Included
- Park fees (for non-residents)
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodations (unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for optimal wildlife viewing and photography
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinking water (on all days)
- Gorilla permits (one per person, non-resident)
Not included
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodations before and at the end of the tour
- Tips
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
What to bring
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm jacket (early mornings can be cold)
- Neutral-colored clothing (avoid Bright colors)
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Long trousers
- Good hiking shoes
- Hat
- Gloves
- Light backpack
- Sunscreen
- Snacks
- Light face mask
Participation requirements
- Min. age of 15 years old required to participate in this tour
- This tour is suitable for single travelers
About your guide
Your safari will be led by an experienced local guide who will share facts about the wildlife, landscapes, and culture. Your guide is dedicated to ensuring your safari is safe, informative, and tailored to your interests.
What You’ll See & Do
Welcome to Rwanda, the beginning of your ultimate East Africa safari! Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, your private guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.
Take some time to relax after your travel and enjoy the lodge’s comforts. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to explore or simply rest at your hotel before the exciting days ahead. Overnight in Kigali ensures a restorative start to your journey.
Meals Included: Dinner
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic 2.5-hour drive through Rwanda’s green hills and beautiful countryside as you head towards Volcanoes National Park.
Arrive in Kinigi, check in at your lodge, and enjoy lunch before spending the afternoon at Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village. Experience traditional Rwandan drumming, dancing, and cultural rituals while learning more about the communities surrounding Volcanoes National Park.
Return to your lodge to relax and soak in the beautiful surroundings in preparation for your trekking adventures tomorrow.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rise early for a golden monkey trekking adventure in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park. Accompanied by expert guides, you’ll follow the trails and observe these playful primates.
This trek typically lasts between two and three hours, depending on the location and movements of the troop. Afterwards, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund to learn about mountain gorilla conservation efforts and research.
Following lunch, cross the border into Uganda and check in at a lodge near Mgahinga National Park, surrounded by the lush landscapes of the Virunga region.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a 7:30 AM pre-trek briefing. You will be assigned a gorilla family and begin your trek into the forest with experienced guides.
The trek may take between two and five hours depending on the location of the gorillas and the terrain. When you reach your assigned family, you’ll have the opportunity to spend up to one hour observing them in their natural habitat.
After your trek, enjoy a Batwa cultural experience and learn more about the traditions of the communities connected to the forest. In the evening, an optional Batwa cultural trail experience is available, where you’ll learn more about the traditions of the indigenous forest people.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, you’ll leave Mgahinga behind and travel toward Queen Elizabeth National Park. The drive takes you through the scenic western Rift Valley, with sweeping views of Lakes George and Edward on the way.
Arrive at Queen Elizabeth National Park in the afternoon, check in at your lodge, and relax before heading out on an evening game drive. As the sun sets below the savannah, keep watch for elephants, buffalo, antelope, and other wildlife.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin the day with an early morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth, encountering lions, leopards,
elephants, and diverse antelope species, as well as an impressive variety of birdlife.
After returning to the lodge for lunch, embark on a 2-hour boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. This waterway is home to a large number of hippos and crocodiles, while surrounding shores attract an abundance of birds and other wildlife.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and travel approximately three to four hours toward Lake Mburo National Park.
After checking into your lodge and enjoying lunch, spend the afternoon exploring the park from the water and on foot. A boat safari on Lake Mburo offers opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, and an abundance of birdlife, while a guided nature walk provides a closer look at the park’s savannah environment and wildlife.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a relaxed breakfast at Lake Mburo National Park, depart for a scenic drive to Entebbe International Airport. From there, board your flight to Nairobi, Kenya.
Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, drive through the Great Rift Valley towards the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve, stopping at scenic viewpoints along the way for photos.
You’ll arrive in Maasai Mara in time for lunch. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing at your lodge or, depending on your schedule, you can head out for an optional introductory game drive.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend the whole day exploring the savannah on Maasai Mara game drives. This reserve is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest.
For a different perspective, consider an optional sunrise hot air balloon safari. Float above the savannah as it comes to life below. Later, visit a Maasai village for a cultural experience and an opportunity to learn more about local traditions and daily life.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin your morning in the Maasai Mara with a game drive, giving you one more opportunity to search for wildlife across the reserve.
Afterward, begin the journey back to Nairobi through the Great Rift Valley. You can stop along the way for photos and souvenirs before arriving in the city and settling into your hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, travel south toward Tanzania, crossing the border at Namanga. Continue to Arisha, the gateway to some of the best destinations for Tanzania safaris.
Upon arrival, enjoy a short city tour before checking into your lodge. Relax and enjoy dinner as you prepare to continue your adventure into Tarangire National Park.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart Arusha for Tarangire National Park, renowned for its large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. Spend the day on a game drive along the Tarangire River, spotting lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and more. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park before continuing your exploration and eventually returning to your lodge for dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, leave Tarangire and continue toward Serengeti National Park. Along the day, stop at the Ngorongoro Crater viewpoint and take in the amazing views.
Continue to Olduvai Gorge, an important archaeological site associated with some of the earliest evidence of human evolution. From there, proceed toward the Serengeti, enjoying opportunities for wildlife viewing along the route before arriving at your lodge for the evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin your final day with an early morning game drive through the Serengeti, when wildlife is often more active. Afterward, continue toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a final safari experience.
Explore the crater floor in search of lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and other wildlife, with a picnic lunch surrounded by the spectacular scenery. After your crater safari, you’ll begin traveling toward the Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight, bringing your journey through four East African countries to an end.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! This itinerary offers an extensive introduction to East Africa by combining four countries and a wide variety of wildlife, cultural experiences, and activities. Because it covers so much ground, it is perfect for travelers who want to experience as much of the region as possible in one trip.
A habituated gorilla family is a group of mountain gorillas that has slowly become accustomed to the presence of humans through a careful, long process led by researchers and park staff. This allows visitors to observe the gorillas from a safe, respectful distance without causing stress or disrupting their natural behaviors. Only habituated gorilla families are visited during guided treks.
Both treks take place in natural forest environments and can involve steep, uneven, or muddy terrain. The length and difficulty vary depending on the location of the animals and conditions on the day. A moderate to advanced level of fitness is recommended.
Once you reach your assigned gorilla family, you may spend up to one hour observing them. The trek itself may take between two and five hours depending on the location of the gorillas and the terrain.
This itinerary visits several destinations for Big Five viewing, including the Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, as animals move freely through their natural habitats, but your guides will use their local knowledge and experience to give you the best possible opportunities.
The Maasai Mara and Serengeti are both key destinations along the Great Migration route. However, the migration is seasonal and the location of the herds changes throughout the year. If witnessing the migration is a priority, let us know your travel dates so we can help determine the best itinerary for your trip.
Yes, this itinerary is suitable for single travelers and can be arranged as a private experience. We will work with you to make the journey comfortable, seamless, and tailored to your interests.
Yes, every East Africa Safaris trip can be customized to fit your interests, schedule, and style. If you’d like to add extra nights, change accommodations, include additional activities, or spend more time in a particular destination, speak with our team about creating a personalized itinerary.
