Ultimate East Africa Safari

Your East Africa safari tour begins with a warm Ugandan welcome as you land in Entebbe. Surrounded by lush greenery and nestled near the shores of Lake Victoria, this vibrant city offers the perfect place to unwind. Take in the peaceful atmosphere, enjoy a local dinner, and prepare for the thrilling adventures ahead.

Today, your journey kicks into high gear with a scenic drive through Uganda’s countryside to the iconic Queen Elizabeth National Park. Watch the landscape transform from city streets to rural villages and rolling savannahs. As you approach the park, keep your eyes peeled for the first glimpses of wildlife. In the evening, settle into your lodge and listen to the distant calls of the wild under a starlit sky.

Wake up to the sounds of nature as you head out for your first game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. With luck, you’ll spot lions, elephants, and maybe even a leopard in the golden morning light. In the afternoon, embark on a relaxing boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, home to one of Africa’s densest hippo populations. As crocodiles lounge on the banks and kingfishers dart through the air, this experience offers a peaceful yet thrilling perspective on Uganda’s diverse wildlife.

Leave the savannah behind as you journey toward the emerald depths of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The road winds through terraced hillsides and remote villages, offering a glimpse into Uganda’s rich rural life. As the mist settles over the treetops, you’ll sense the magic of what’s to come: a close encounter with one of the world’s most endangered species.

Today is the crown jewel of your Ugandan adventure. After a safety briefing, you’ll set off on foot through thick vegetation in search of a gorilla family. The trek can be challenging, but the reward is profound. Observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat—watching a silverback beat his chest or a baby curiously gaze at you—is an experience that will stay with you forever.

Say goodbye to Uganda as you drive to Rwanda’s clean and scenic capital, Kigali. From here, catch your evening flight* to Nairobi, Kenya. Arrive in the dynamic capital city and transfer to your hotel for a well-deserved rest. Tomorrow, your Kenyan safari begins.

Drive north from Nairobi to the renowned Ol Pejeta Conservancy, home to Africa’s last two northern white rhinos. Enjoy game drives across the plains and visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary—the only place in Kenya where you can see rescued chimpanzees. Conservation and wildlife come together in a meaningful, up-close experience.

Travel through Kenya’s Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park, known for its shimmering pink shores and thriving rhino population. Visit the cascading Nyahururu Falls before entering the park for an afternoon game drive. Spot Rothschild giraffes, elusive leopards, and hundreds of bird species against a backdrop of acacia woodlands and soda lakes.

Get ready for the iconic heart of any East Africa safari tour. Today you’ll head to the world-famous Masai Mara, where vast open plains teem with wildlife. Arrive in time for a game drive, and let the excitement build as you glimpse lions lazing in the grass or elephants crossing the golden plains.

Spend two full days exploring the rich ecosystem of the Mara. Every game drive is a new story—cheetahs in mid-hunt, hyenas cackling in the distance, herds of wildebeest dotting the horizon. If you choose, take a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon safari at sunrise, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush. July through November offers the best chance to witness the Great Migration here.

After breakfast, travel across the Isebania border into Tanzania. As you drive into the northern Serengeti, keep your camera ready for elephants, giraffes, and even lions on the move. Arrive at your lodge nestled in this remote wilderness, where the Great Migration thunders nearby.

You will dedicate an entire day to exploring the breathtaking spectacle of the Great Migration near the Mara River, one of nature’s most remarkable events. Here, you’ll witness thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores braving the river crossing in their relentless search for fresh grazing lands. This awe-inspiring scene is often accompanied by the dramatic presence of predators, such as lions, crocodiles, and hyenas, lying in wait for their opportunity. Your guide will lead you to the best vantage points, ensuring you don’t miss the action, while sharing fascinating insights into the behaviors, strategies, and survival instincts of both the migrating herds and the predators that depend on them. This unforgettable day will leave you with a deep appreciation for the circle of life in the African wilderness.

This morning, enjoy a final drive through the northern Serengeti before continuing south to the Central Serengeti. Known as the “Serengeti’s heartbeat,” the Seronera region offers abundant year-round game viewing. Watch for leopards lounging in trees and elephants walking against a sunset-soaked sky.

Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in this wildlife-rich region. The open savannah, rocky kopjes, and seasonal rivers provide habitats for lions, cheetahs, zebras, and more. Whether it’s a lioness with her cubs or a cheetah sprinting after prey, each moment adds to your safari story.

Say goodbye to the Serengeti as you travel to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. On the way, consider stopping at a Maasai village or the historic Olduvai Gorge. Arrive at your crater-rim lodge with sweeping views of the lush caldera below.

Rise early for a descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, a natural amphitheater teeming with wildlife. This is one of the best places to spot the Big Five, including the elusive black rhino. Enjoy a picnic lunch beside a hippo-filled pond before returning to your lodge for a quiet evening.

After a delicious breakfast at Ngorongoro, your adventure continues with a scenic drive to the breathtaking Tarangire National Park. Famous for its towering baobab trees and large elephant herds, this park offers an incredible wildlife experience. You’ll spend the rest of the day on thrilling game drives, exploring Tarangire’s diverse landscapes and spotting a variety of animals, from lions and giraffes to playful warthogs and elegant impalas.

For those looking to add a cultural twist to the day, you can choose to stop in Mto wa Mbu en route. This vibrant village offers a unique glimpse into Tanzanian culture, where you can mingle with locals, explore bustling markets, and learn about traditional farming and craftsmanship. Whether you opt for a day of wildlife or a mix of culture and safari, this will be a day to remember!

Spend a full day immersed in the beauty of Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s hidden gems. From sunrise to sunset, enjoy game drives through the park’s diverse landscapes, famous for its iconic baobab trees, vast elephant herds, and rich wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for predators like lions and leopards, as well as an array of bird species that call this park home.

For an extra dose of adventure, you can opt to add a night game drive (available for an additional fee). This unique experience offers the rare opportunity to witness the park’s nocturnal wildlife in action—think prowling predators, elusive bush babies, and the mesmerizing sounds of the African night.

Enjoy a final morning drive through Tarangire before heading to Kilimanjaro. At Airport Planet Lodge, refresh with a shower and relax before your international flight. As your East Africa safari tour comes to an end, you’ll leave with full memory cards, a full heart, and a longing to return.