Day 1: Arrive into Entebbe International Airport.

Welcome to Entebbe International Airport then meet your private guide along with all your essential travel documents and go through the necessary paperwork before being driven to the Hotel in Kampala. Time permitting, enjoy a guided City excursion through the bustling City of Kampala where several cultural and historical attractions like the Craft Markets, Royal Palace in Mengo, Kasubi Royal Tombs, Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo, Uganda National Museums and many others. Late in the afternoon/evening head back for dinner and overnight at one of Kampala’s cozy accommodation facilities. Overnight stay at: Luxury: Serena Hotel Kampala (Luxury), Cassia Safari Lodge (Mid-range), Airport Guest House (Budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 2: Transfer to Murchison falls National Park (Rhino Trekking at Ziwa & Top of the falls)

Have breakfast and hit the road for the 7-8 hours’ drive to Murchison falls National Park. En-route, you will pass via Luwero and Nakasongola with a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakitoma Town Center. Approximately two hours will be spent tracking the country’s only wild Rhino population while expecting sights of Defassa waterbuck, Uganda Kobs, bushbucks, shoebill storks, Oribis, warthogs, Uganda Kobs, primates and Cape elands among others. Stop at Kabalega Diners for Lunch or within Amuka Lodge before continuing until Murchison falls National Park, Uganda’s premier safari destination known for sheltering the World’s most powerful waterfalls, over 76 mammal species and about 451 bird species. If still energetic, proceed for the hike to the top of the falls but if not, it can still be enjoyed the next day. Overnight at: Paraa Safari Lodge or Nile Safari Lodge (Luxury), Pakuba Safari Lodge (Mid-range), Fort Murchison Lodge/ Gipiri & Labongo Safari Lodge (Budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 3: Early morning Game drive and afternoon Boatcruise at Murchison falls National Park

The drive goes through the sweeping savannah plains for its unrivalled opportunities of seeing African bush elephants, leopards, Cape buffaloes, spotted hyenas, serval cats, jackals, hartebeests, lions, Rothschild giraffes, Klipspringers, common warthogs, greater kudus, Uganda Kobs, Topis, Oribis, Defassa waterbucks, Jackson’s hartebeests, vervet monkeys, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, to mention but a few Having enjoyed lunch and rested well converge at Paraa jetty, the starting point of the boat cruise that lasts 2-3 hours along the pristine Victoria Nile where a plethora of aquatic and wetland birds as well as animals especially Hippos, crocodiles, elephants and Uganda Kobs are found. Some bird species like African fish eagles, shoebill storks, giant and pied kingfishers, great white and pink-backed pelicans, saddle-billed storks and African jacana are unmissable during the boat cruise. Sunset will see you return back to the Lodge for dinner and overnight stay. Overnight at Paraa Safari Lodge or Nile Safari Lodge (Luxury), Pakuba Safari Lodge (Mid-range), Fort Murchison Lodge/ Gipiri & Labongo Safari Lodge (Budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Arise on time for the last sunrise at the phenomenal Murchison falls National Park after which start the drive to Kibale Forest National Park, a seven to eight hour drive to the west. As you drive to the Primate Capital of Uganda, the scenery changes from savannah plains to mind-blowing views of the Albertine Escarpments, lush tea and banana plantations, traditional villages until Fort Portal Town. Make a stop for lunch and continue to the Park for dinner and overnight stay.

Overnight at: Primate Safari Lodge/Kyaninga Safari Lodge (Luxury), Turaco Treetops Safari Lodge (Midrange), Kibale Forest Camp(Budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 5: Explore Kibale National Park via Chimpanzee Habituation Experience

Day five of our East African safari starts early to ensure that we see the chimpanzees as they go about their daily activities, right from waking up to making their nests through the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience  Be treated to an early breakfast at the Lodge and meet up with other trekkers and Ranger guides for briefing at Kanyanchu Visitor Center. Along the way, keep eyes and ears wide open for the green –breasted pittas, grey-cheeked mangabeys, great blue Turaco, forest elephants, olive baboons, buffaloes, sitatunga, black and white colobus monkeys, duikers, red-tailed monkeys, bushbucks and L’Hoests monkeys among others. This is likely to last 2-5 hours, including the one hour in the presence of the Great Apes for photography and observation. Because this experience lasts the whole day, you will enjoy a picnic lunch and only return to the Lodge for dinner and overnight at Primate Safari Lodge/Kyaninga Safari Lodge (Luxury), Turaco Treetops Safari Lodge (Midrange), Kibale Forest Camp (Budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Have breakfast and travel west through the beautiful countryside of western Uganda marked by spectacular Crater Lakes and passing traditional villages until Queen Elizabeth National Park. The journey takes about three to four hours and leads to the medley of wonders, at the backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains arriving in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.

Overnight at  Mweya Safari Lodge (Luxury), Ihamba Safari Lodge (Midrange),Simba Safari Lodge/ Bush Lodge Tents (Budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 7: Early Morning game drive and Afternoon boat cruise at Queen Elizabeth National Park

On day seven of our East African safari through comprehensive game viewing experiences. On the guided game drive, visitors will see herds of African bush elephants, common warthogs, Cape buffaloes, African lions, spotted hyenas, African leopards, Defassa waterbucks, bushbucks, Uganda Kobs, olive baboons, Hippos, Topis, vervet monkeys, and many others.  The rest of the morning will be spent at the Lodge while the afternoon will be dedicated for the boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel that exposes the Park’s Nile crocodiles, monitor lizards and Hippos surrounded by buffaloes, elephants, warthogs and Uganda Kobs. This boat cruise is also an excellent birding opportunity with views of shoebill storks, kingfishers, great white and pink-backed pelicans, grey-crowned cranes and African fish eagles among others. Take some time in the evening to relax at the poolside, later dinner and overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge (Luxury), Ihamba Safari Lodge (Midrange),Simba Safari Lodge/ Bush Lodge Tents (Budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

From Queen Elizabeth National Park we drive to Bwindi National Park, one of the best primate trekking Parks in the African Continent. This comes after a hearty breakfast then start on a game drive while exiting the savannah plains where the landscape will change to dense forest in Bwindi National Park. Lunch is along the way in savannah Resort Kihihi after some hours of spotting tree climbing lions plus other animals in the southern sector.

Overnight stay at  Mahogany Springs Lodge (Luxury), The Haven Lodge Buhoma/Silverback Safari Lodge (Midrange), Ride 4 a Woman (Budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 9: Gorilla Trekking and batwa Cultural Experience at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Arrive the Park Headquarters by 7:00am after a delicious breakfast for a briefing that lasts 30 minutes. The remaining minutes are for allocation into gorilla groups, hiring porters and acquiring walking stick before beginning the gorilla trek by 8:00am. This adventure takes from 2 to 6 hours that includes the one hour to observe and take photos, However, remember that the trekking time is unpredictable because it depends of the movement of the allocated gorilla group, physical terrain and pace of movement Therefore begin the descent to the starting point to be awarded a trekking certificate and later drive to the Lodge for relaxation and Lunch. Spend your evening in Batwa land, enjoying their traditional dances, local cuisines, local fire making skills, learning about different herbal pants and retire to the Lodge for refreshments, relaxation, dinner and overnight at Mahogany Springs Lodge (Luxury), The Haven Lodge Buhoma/Silverback Safari Lodge (Midrange), Ride 4 a Woman (Budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 10: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

On day 10, we transfer to the stunning Volcanoes National Park in neighboring Rwanda, a four to five hour drive away. Begin the journey with a drive through the shores of Lake Bunyonyi for photography and the Border Town of Cyanika or Katuna then cross to Rwanda, the land of a thousand Hills. As you drive, you will be amazed by the change in ecosystems/vegetation and after completing customs and immigration procedures, continue until the Park to settle-in, have lunch and relax for the remainder of the day. Overnight stay at Virunga Lodge (Luxury), Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (Midrange), Muhabura Hotel (Budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

 

Day 11& 12: Golden monkey tracking, Gorilla Guardians Village tour, Dian Fossey graveside Hike and tour of Twin Lakes at Volcanoes National Park

When you talk of unique adventures, Volcanoes National Park won’t let you down. Arrive the Headquarters on-time for briefing on the golden monkey tracking tours and later set out into the jungles while traversing different vegetation types dominated by Bamboo forest on the lower slopes of the Virunga Mountains.The playful golden monkeys will be seen in 1-2 hours after which you will spend one hour with them before getting back to the Lodge for Lunch. Leaving Volcanoes National Park without visiting the Gorilla Guardians Village is the biggest mistakes you will ever make. While here, the unique culture and traditions of Rwandans is brought to life through visits to the traditional herbalist, cultural dance performances, preparation and tasting of traditional dishes and banana beer brewing among others. Overnight stay at:

Luxury: Virunga Lodge (Luxury), Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (Midrange), Muhabura Hotel (Budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

The adventure of day 12 starts in the same way as the previous day with breakfast then briefing at the Park Headquarters. Start slowly walking towards the Karisoke Research Center where she was laid to rest alongside her favorite young gorilla (Digit). Take photos, ay your respects and descend back to the Lodge for Lunch. In the afternoon explore the Twin Lakes through a boat ride enjoying the pristine and calm waters of these beautiful Lakes set on the foothills and backdrop of Gahinga and Muhabura Mountains. Dine and slumber at the same Lodging.

Day 13: Flight to Arusha Airport Tanzania

After breakfast and leaving Volcanoes National Park behind, continue for a scenic drive to Kigali International Airport for the scheduled Flight to Arusha Airport in Tanzania. Overnight stay at Gran Melia Arusha or Arusha Coffee Lodge (Luxury),

Midrange: Kibo Palace Hotel or Four Points by Sheraton Arusha (Midrange), Tulia Boutique Hotel & Spa or Palace Hotel Arusha (Budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 14: Transfer to Serengeti National Park

You can’t afford to miss the sunrise of Arusha Town and this leads visitors on a journey of discovering to the Northern circuit. Start the 6-hour journey to Serengeti National Park with great views of the Great Rift Valley and arrive on-time for lunch followed by a game drive.Come across the African bush elephants, Cape buffaloes, Masai giraffes, warthogs, Kobs, hartebeests, leopards, cheetahs serval cats, yellow baboons, aardwolf, bat-eared fox, Oribis, cheetahs, crested porcupine, impalas, lions, lesser and greater kudu, jackals, striped hyenas, Mongoose, Dik-dik, African golden wolf, wildebeests, leopards aardvark, hyraxes, gazelles, otters, Klipspringer, bat-eared fox, to mention but a few. Overnight stay at Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge or Tortilis Camp (Luxury), Serengeti Sopa Lodge or Serengeti Bush Camp (Midrange), Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp or Serengeti Green Camp (Budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 15: Early morning  game drive and  afternoon community visit at Serengeti National Park

After a hearty breakfast, leave the Camp or Lodge with packed lunch then start the guided game drive through Serengeti National Park searching for the wildebeests, African bush elephants, Masai giraffes, zebras, Rhinos, Cape buffaloes, Masai giraffes, lesser kudu, lions, Dik-dik, cheetahs, impalas and leopards. On a good day you will witness the most thrilling and massive wildlife migration involving millions of wildebeests, zebras and gazelles while heading to the Masai Mara National Reserve of Kenya. Either return to the Lodge for lunch or get a convenient place to enjoy picnic Lunch then proceed to visit the surrounding Masai community in Ololosokwan Village to learn about their pastoralist lifestyle and receive one of the most unforgettable entertainments before retreating to the Lodge for dinner, slumber and relaxation. Overnight stay at Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge or Tortilis Camp (Luxury), Serengeti Sopa Lodge or Serengeti Bush Camp (Midrange), Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp or Serengeti Green Camp (Budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 16: Transfer to Masai Mara National Reserve Kenya

Crossing International borders, we leave for Kenya on day 16 for another exciting wildlife viewing experience within Masai Mara National Reserve (another wonderful wildlife viewing gem in East Africa). Masai Mara National Reserve, like Serengeti National Park is haven to huge herds of Cape buffaloes, African bush elephants, Masai giraffes, zebras and many others. Border crossing happens at Isebania and later settle in at one of the most stupendous wilderness Camps or Lodge for dinner and overnight Mara Treetops Tented Camp or Sarova Mara Game Camp (Luxury), Zebra Plains Mara Camp or Masai Mara Sopa Lodge (Midrange),  Maji Moto Eco Camp or Semadep Mara Camp (Budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 17: Early Morning  game drive at Masai Mara National Reserve

The seventeenth day kicks-off with a thrilling game drive in the spectacular Masai Mara National Reserve, with the main focus being spotting as many animals as possible. The big cats such as cheetahs, lions and leopards will be spotted in large numbers while large herds of African bush elephants, Cape buffaloes, wildebeests, Hippos, warthogs, impalas, zebras, Topis, gazelles and Masai giraffes will fill the largest part of your camera memory space. In the afternoon continue with the game drive,hopefully encountering animals that were not seen in the morning and most interesting witness the River crossing part of wildebeest migration. Your mind and camera memory space will be filled with unrivalled views of the wilderness. Overnight stay at Mara Treetops Tented Camp or Sarova Mara Game Camp (Luxury),  Zebra Plains Mara Camp or Masai Mara Sopa Lodge (Midrange), Maji Moto Eco Camp or Semadep Mara Camp (Budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 18: Transfer to Nairobi City and fly home

Our 18 Days African Safari to Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania safari sadly comes to an end on this day and you can still enjoy a game drive while exiting Masai Mara National Reserve and heading to Nairobi City. Kwaheri and see you next time.

End of 18 Days African Safari

Safari Includes:

• Gorilla permits.
• Park entrance fees.
• Fullboard Accommodation for 17 nights in different Parks of Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania.
• Ground transport by 4WD Land cruiser Vehicle.
• Border crossings fees
• Relevant Government taxes.
• All activities included on the itinerary
• Bottled water throughout the journey.
• Services of fulltime English-speaking guides.
• Chimpanzee and golden monkey permits.
• Airport transfers.
• All Taxes
• All Meals
• Company Fees

Safari Excludes:

• International airfares.
• Travel and medical insurance.
• Air ticket.
• Expenses of personal nature such as , beverages, shopping, souvenirs, tips, laundry fees, telephone calls.
• Activities that are not indicated on the itinerary.