Overview
This thrilling East Africa safari links four incredible countries into one seamless adventure across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. From the flamingo-filled lakes and big cat country of the Masai Mara and Serengeti to the misty jungles of Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park, this journey delivers the ultimate African wildlife experience. Track gorillas and chimpanzees, cruise among hippos on the Kazinga Channel, stand in awe on the Ngorongoro Crater floor, and discover vibrant cultures from Maasai warriors to royal Buganda trails. Ideal for travelers who want it all—this is East Africa in full.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you’ll be met by your safari guide and transferred to your hotel in Kampala—either Serena Hotel, Humura Hotel, or Holiday Express Hotel. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a short guided tour of Kampala’s key historical landmarks. Dinner and overnight stay in Kampala.
After breakfast, drive east to Jinja, stopping at scenic viewpoints en route. Visit the legendary source of the Nile—Africa’s longest river—and explore the culturally rich Bujagali Falls area. Enjoy storytelling and local myths surrounding the falls before returning to Kampala for dinner and overnight at Holiday Express Hotel.
Depart early for Murchison Falls National Park. Stop for lunch in Masindi town or enjoy a picnic in Kaniyo Pabidi Forest. Enter the park through Kichumbanyobo Gate and visit the Top of the Falls for spectacular views of the Nile as it squeezes through a narrow 7-meter gorge. Overnight at Red Chilli Rest Camp.
Start your day with a sunrise game drive on the northern bank of the Nile, spotting giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes, and more. After a late breakfast and lunch, embark on a boat safari to the base of Murchison Falls. Look out for crocodiles, hippos, and a wide array of birds including the rare shoebill stork. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Today’s drive takes you through picturesque countryside toward Fort Portal. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided nature walk to the Mahoma Waterfall and along the crater lake rim, passing local farms and cultural sights. Dinner and overnight at Ndali Lodge, Primate Lodge, or Mantana Luxury Tented Camp.
Head to Kibale National Park for a morning chimpanzee tracking adventure. The forest is home to 13 primate species and over 335 bird species. Look out for L’Hoest’s monkeys, red colobus, bush babies, and diverse birdlife. Dinner and overnight at Primate Lodge, Ndali Lodge, or Rujuni Guest House.
Drive to the Semuliki Valley for a full-day excursion. Visit the Sempaya Hot Springs and spend time in Batwa pygmy villages for a unique cultural interaction. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the forest before returning to Fort Portal. Overnight at your previous lodge.
After breakfast, visit the Royal Tombs and interact with the Burungu community to experience traditional Tooro music and dance. After lunch, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you’ll stay at Mweya Safari Lodge, Jacana Safari Lodge, or Kitandara Hippo Camp.
Enjoy a morning game drive through the Kasenyi plains in search of lions, elephants, kobs, and more. After lunch, take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, renowned for its large hippo and bird populations. Evening birding walk along the shores. Overnight at your lodge.
Drive south through the Ishasha sector, known for its iconic tree-climbing lions. Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Dinner and overnight at Buhoma Lodge, Lake Kitandara Tented Camp, or Gorilla Forest Camp.
After an early briefing, venture into the forest for the once-in-a-lifetime experience of gorilla trekking. Once located, you’ll spend up to one hour observing the gentle giants in their natural habitat. Return to your lodge for a well-deserved rest.
After breakfast, drive through the rolling highlands to Lake Mburo National Park. Enjoy a boat ride on the lake followed by an evening game drive to see zebras, impalas, elands, and possibly leopards. Dinner and overnight at Rwonyo Rest Camp.
Return to Entebbe and transfer by boat to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Lake Victoria. Watch the rescued chimps from the viewing platform during feeding time. Return to the mainland and overnight at Central Inn or Bomma Guesthouse.
After breakfast, transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your outbound flight.
Inclusions
Includes
- Chimpanzee tracking permit
- Gorilla Permit
- All park entry fees and conservation charges
- All accommodation
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- English-speaking safari guide
- Bottled drinking water during road travel
- Airport transfers
Excludes
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal expenses (laundry, tips, souvenirs)
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Optional activities not included in the main itinerary
FAQs
Yes. This itinerary blends top highlights across four countries, with expert guides, seamless transfers, and well-paced activities, ideal for first-time and seasoned safari-goers alike.
Yes. You’ll need separate visas for Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. However, the East Africa Tourist Visa (available from any of the three countries) covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda under a single visa.
You’ll see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino), primates (gorillas and chimpanzees), plus cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, flamingos, and hundreds of bird species.
Flights between countries (Arusha–Nairobi, Nairobi–Entebbe) are typically included in the package, but international flights to and from Africa are usually arranged separately.
Yes. All cross-border travel is guided and arranged in advance. Your guides will handle formalities to ensure a smooth transition between countries.
The best time is during the dry seasons: June–October and December–February. These months offer ideal conditions for wildlife viewing and easier gorilla trekking.
