This East African safari journey brings together some of the region’s most iconic and contrasting wildlife destinations, offering an immersive experience that blends rare primate encounters, classic savannah game viewing, dramatic landscapes, and serene lakeside escapes.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda delivers one of the most profound wildlife encounters in the world: gorilla trekking. This ancient rainforest, dense and mist-covered, is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Treks begin early in the morning under the guidance of expert Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers and can take several hours as visitors hike through thick vegetation and rugged terrain. The reward is unforgettable — a full hour spent observing a habituated gorilla family at close range, watching mothers nurture their young, silverbacks patrol their groups, and juveniles play freely in their natural habitat. Beyond gorillas, Bwindi Forest is rich in endemic bird species, making it a biodiversity hotspot and a deeply humbling conservation experience.

From Uganda, the safari experience transitions to Kenya’s legendary Masai Mara National Reserve, a vast expanse of rolling savannah grasslands that defines the classic African safari. The reserve is famed for its high concentration of wildlife and year-round game viewing, including the Big Five — lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos — alongside cheetahs, giraffes, and large herds of plains game. During the Great Wildebeest Migration, millions of wildebeest and zebras move through the ecosystem in search of fresh pasture, creating dramatic river crossings and intense predator action. Even outside migration periods, the Masai Mara offers exceptional sightings, golden sunsets, and authentic cultural interactions with the Maasai people, who have coexisted with wildlife for generations.

Lake Naivasha, located within Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, provides a calm and refreshing contrast to the open plains. This high-altitude freshwater lake is known for its relaxed atmosphere and scenic beauty. Guided boat safaris glide past pods of hippos resting in the water while majestic African fish eagles call overhead. The surrounding area supports walking safaris where visitors can stroll among giraffes, zebras, and antelopes without fences or predators, offering a more intimate and immersive wildlife experience. Naivasha is also a prime destination for birdwatching and photographic safaris.

Crossing into northern Tanzania, Lake Manyara National Park introduces a remarkable diversity of habitats within a compact park. The scenery shifts dramatically from lush groundwater forests to open grasslands and acacia woodlands along the valley floor. The park is especially famous for its tree-climbing lions, a rare and fascinating behavior, as well as large elephant herds, hippos, flamingos, and an impressive variety of birdlife. Lake Manyara is often an ideal stop for travelers seeking scenic beauty and gentle wildlife encounters.

The journey culminates at the awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s greatest natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This vast volcanic caldera forms a self-contained ecosystem with permanent water sources that sustain wildlife throughout the year. Game drives on the crater floor offer outstanding opportunities to see lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and endangered black rhinos within a relatively small area. The dramatic crater rim, sweeping panoramic views, and the presence of traditional Maasai pastoral communities create an unforgettable safari finale.

Together, Bwindi, Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Lake Manyara, and the Ngorongoro Crater deliver a perfectly balanced East African safari experience, combining rare wildlife encounters, diverse landscapes, rich cultures, and exceptional game viewing into one seamless and unforgettable adventure.

A rare encounter between a black rhino and lions on the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater, capturing the survival drama of Tanzania’s volcanic caldera.

Includes/Excludes

Cost Includes

Accommodation as detailed in the itinerary
AMREF Flying Doctors Services (Travel Insurance) in East Africa in case of emergency
All meals noted in the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner buffet-style with local and western dishes)
Transportation in standard 4x4 safari vehicles with pop-up roof for easy game viewing and photography
Guaranteed window seat for every passenger
English-speaking professional driver/guide with in-depth knowledge of flora, fauna, landscape, and Kenyan culture
Safari vehicle equipped with two-way long-range radio communication, first-aid kit, ice-chest, and fire extinguisher
Bottled mineral water during game drives
Park entrance fees and game drives as per itinerary
All government taxes, levies, and fees
Pick up and drop off transfers

Cost Excludes

International airfares and departure taxes
Personal communication charges (telephone calls, faxes, emails, etc.)
Tips and gratuities for driver/guide (minimum of US$5 per tourist per day is recommended)
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (other than bottled water during game drives)
Laundry services
Between meal snacks, attractions, and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Rain jackets, gloves, or other personal gear
Optional activities such as:
Balloon safari in Maasai Mara – USD $475 per ride
Masai Village visit – USD $15–20 per person
Night game drive – USD $150 per person

Accomodation
Safari lodges, tented camps, or luxury lodges, depending on your selected package
Departure City
Kampala, Uganda or Nairobi, Kenya or Arusha, Tanzania
Best Season
June – October, December – March
Guide
Experienced English-speaking professional guide
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included (buffet style featuring local and international cuisine)
Tour Availability
Year-round
Transportation
4x4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs for optimal game viewing
Payment Method
VISA, MasterCard, American Express, PayPal, Pesapal, Direct Bank Transfer, M-PESA

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Experience an unforgettable East African safari combining Bwindi gorilla trekking, Masai Mara wildlife safaris, Lake Naivasha boat excursions, Lake Manyara’s tree-climbing lions, and the iconic Ngorongoro Crater. Enjoy Big Five game viewing, breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and expertly guided adventures across Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.

Highlights

🦍 Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with expert local guides
🦁 Big Five game drives in Masai Mara National Reserve
🐃 Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration (seasonal)
🚤 Boat safari on Lake Naivasha with hippos and birdlife
🐘 Tree-climbing lions and elephants in Lake Manyara National Park
🦏 High-density wildlife viewing in Ngorongoro Crater
🌍 Cross-country safari across Uganda, Kenya & Tanzania
🏕️ Scenic landscapes ranging from rainforests to savannahs
👣 Cultural interactions with Maasai communities
📸 Excellent photography opportunities throughout the journey

Day 01 :

Arrival Entebbe Airport–Kampala

Upon arrival at Entebbe airport, you will be professionally received by our guide who will transfer you to a hotel for overnight.

Day 02 :

Kampala–Bwindi (Travel Time +8hrs)

Your guide/driver will meet you at 7:30 am from your hotel or residence in Entebbe or Kampala. Begin the scenic drive to Mbarara (283 km from Kampala) via Masaka. Stop at the Equator crossing for refreshments and photography. Continue with a visit to Igongo Cultural Centre, an enriching experience that includes the Ankole Museum showcasing local heritage. Enjoy lunch at Agip Motel, Mbarara before proceeding to Bwindi, the lush highland rainforest teeming with primates, exotic birds, valleys, hilltops, and papyrus swamps. Dinner and overnight stay at a lodge or hotel.

Day 03 :

Bwindi Gorilla Trekking

After breakfast, prepare for an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure, starting at 8:00 am with a briefing from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) staff. Make sure to carry essentials such as a rain jacket, drinking water, snacks, and jungle boots. Your guides will lead you into the dense rainforest to track the elusive mountain gorillas of the group you are assigned. Bring your lunch box and necessary trekking gear for this once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience. The trek can take 2 to 6 hours, but the encounter is truly rewarding. In the afternoon, enjoy the Buhoma Village Walk, which offers insight into the lives of the communities surrounding Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Starting from Buhoma Community Rest Camp, this informative walk allows you to see local traditions, support the community, and learn about their resourcefulness. Dinner and overnight stay at a lodge or hotel.

Day 04 :

Bwindi–Kampala (Travel Time +8hrs)

After breakfast, begin the scenic drive back to Kampala via Kasese–Fort Portal Road, passing through Queen Elizabeth National Park where you may enjoy en-route game viewing and spot elephants, antelopes, and warthogs if lucky. Make a stop at the Equator line in Kasese for photos. Experience the winding landscapes of the Mt. Rwenzori foothills as you arrive in Fort Portal for lunch. Continue the journey to Kampala or Entebbe for your onward flight to Nairobi or your home destination. Overnight stay at a Nairobi hotel.

Day 05 :

Nairobi to Masai Mara

Your guide will pick you up from the hotel, and after a brief safari introduction, depart for Masai Mara, driving through the fertile highlands along the eastern escarpment of the Great Rift Valley. Stop at a scenic viewpoint at 2,200 meters above sea level, offering stunning vistas of Mount Longonot and the sparkling Rift Valley lakes far below. Descend the escarpment to Narok, then continue to Masai Mara, arriving in time for lunch. Check in at your camp or lodge, enjoy a short break to refresh, and later embark on an evening game drive until sunset. Dinner and overnight stay at your camp or lodge.

Day 06 :

Masai Mara Full Day

Day two in Masai Mara begins with an early breakfast, followed by preparations for a full day of game drives across this world-famous wildlife sanctuary, often considered one of the 7 natural wonders of Africa. A fresh picnic lunch will be packed for your convenience. The reserve spans 1,672 sq km and is home to over 450 species of animals, including resident and migratory wildlife. Explore the plains filled with wildebeest, zebras, lions, elephants, buffaloes, Thompson’s gazelles, and topis, with occasional sightings of black rhinos. Optional activities include an early morning hot-air balloon safari, providing breathtaking aerial views of the Mara ecosystem, and a visit to a Maasai village, where you can learn about local traditions and support the community. Enjoy the sights of the Mara River, where hippos lounge and crocodiles bask. Return to your camp or lodge for dinner and overnight stay

Day 07 :

Masai Mara – Lake Naivasha

After breakfast, depart from Masai Mara and drive to Lake Naivasha via Narok town. Stop for lunch along the way before continuing to Naivasha, arriving in the afternoon. Optional activities include a visit to Hell’s Gate National Park, where you can enjoy cycling through the park or a game drive, or take a walking safari on Crescent Island using a boat transfer. Return to your camp or lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 08 :

Naivasha – Arusha – Lake Manyara National Park

After breakfast, depart from Lake Naivasha and drive to Arusha via Nairobi, crossing the border into Tanzania. Complete immigration procedures at the border before continuing your journey, arriving in Arusha in time for lunch. After lunch, proceed to Lake Manyara National Park, renowned for its tree-climbing lions and abundant wildlife. Upon arrival, embark on an afternoon game drive through the park, spotting elephants, hippos, giraffes, and flamingos, before being transferred to your lodge or camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 09 :

Lake Manyara – Ngorongoro Crater

After an early breakfast, depart from Lake Manyara and drive toward the Ngorongoro Crater, stopping for lunch along the way. The crater, a magnificent 20 km-wide volcanic caldera with 600-meter-high walls, offers breathtaking views from the rim. Its permanent water supply supports an incredible concentration of wildlife. Descend to the crater floor for a thrilling game drive in search of the Big Five and other wild animals. Later, transfer to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 10 :

Ngorongoro Crater – Nairobi

After breakfast, depart from the Ngorongoro Crater and drive back to Nairobi or Arusha, with a stop for lunch along the way depending on your departure flight schedule.