20 Days Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya Combined Safari: An Epic East African Adventure
Embark on a comprehensive 20-day safari that takes you through four of East Africa’s most iconic countries: Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya. This epic journey offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore diverse landscapes, encounter a wide range of wildlife, and experience the rich cultures of these stunning destinations. From the lush rainforests of Rwanda to the vast savannahs of the Serengeti, this safari promises an unforgettable adventure through some of Africa’s most spectacular regions.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel in Kigali. Kigali is Rwanda’s vibrant capital, known for its cleanliness and modern amenities. Spend the evening relaxing and preparing for your safari adventure.
Highlights:
- Arrival in Kigali and transfer to your hotel.
- Optional evening city tour or relaxation.
Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel, Heaven Boutique Hotel, or similar.
Day 2: Kigali Exploration and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, explore Kigali’s cultural and historical sites, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial and Kimironko Market. In the afternoon, drive to Volcanoes National Park in the northwestern part of Rwanda, known for its mountain gorillas and stunning volcanic landscapes. Check into your lodge and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Highlights:
- City tour of Kigali.
- Scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park.
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, or similar.
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Today is dedicated to gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. After an early breakfast and briefing, trek through the lush forest in search of a mountain gorilla family. Spend an hour observing these magnificent creatures. In the afternoon, you can visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village for an immersive cultural experience.
Highlights:
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
- Optional visit to Iby’iwacu Cultural Village.
Accommodation: Continue your stay at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, or similar.
Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
After breakfast, drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in southwestern Uganda. This journey offers scenic views of the Rwandan and Ugandan countryside. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and relax, preparing for the upcoming gorilla trek.
Highlights:
- Scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
- Evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Bwindi Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, or similar.
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Embark on another thrilling day of gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After a briefing, trek through the dense forest in search of a gorilla family. Spend an hour with the gorillas before returning to your lodge for a relaxing evening.
Highlights:
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Accommodation: Continue your stay at Bwindi Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, or similar.
Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, located in western Uganda. This park is known for its diverse ecosystems and wildlife, including elephants, lions, and the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha. Enjoy an afternoon game drive to start exploring the park.
Highlights:
- Scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Afternoon game drive.
Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge, Ishasha Wilderness Camp, or similar.
Day 7: Full Day in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Spend a full day in Queen Elizabeth National Park with morning and afternoon game drives. Explore the park’s varied landscapes, including savannahs, lakes, and forests. Enjoy a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, where you can see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.
Highlights:
- Full day of game drives and boat safari on the Kazinga Channel.
Accommodation: Continue your stay at Mweya Safari Lodge, Ishasha Wilderness Camp, or similar.
Day 8: Transfer to Entebbe and Fly to Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
After breakfast, drive to Entebbe and take a flight to Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. Upon arrival, transfer to your lodge or tented camp in the Serengeti and enjoy an afternoon game drive in one of Africa’s most famous wildlife reserves.
Highlights:
- Flight from Entebbe to Serengeti.
- Afternoon game drive in Serengeti National Park.
Accommodation: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, Four Seasons Safari Lodge, or similar.
Day 9-10: Full Days in Serengeti National Park
Spend two full days exploring the Serengeti with morning and afternoon game drives. The Serengeti is renowned for its vast plains and high density of wildlife, including the Big Five and the Great Migration (seasonal). Optional activities include a hot air balloon safari for breathtaking aerial views of the Serengeti.
Highlights:
- Full days of game drives in Serengeti National Park.
- Optional hot air balloon safari (additional cost).
Accommodation: Continue your stay at Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, Four Seasons Safari Lodge, or similar.
Day 11: Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, drive to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The crater is a natural haven for wildlife, with a high density of species inhabiting its floor. Enjoy an afternoon game drive within the crater, where you may see lions, elephants, rhinos, and hippos.
Highlights:
- Scenic drive to Ngorongoro Crater.
- Afternoon game drive in the crater.
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Rhino Lodge, or similar.
Day 12: Full Day in Ngorongoro Crater
Explore the Ngorongoro Crater with a full day of game drives. The crater’s diverse habitats provide excellent opportunities to view a wide variety of wildlife. You may also visit a local Maasai village near the crater for a cultural experience.
Highlights:
- Full day of game drives in Ngorongoro Crater.
- Optional visit to a Maasai village.
Accommodation: Continue your stay at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Rhino Lodge, or similar.
Day 13: Transfer to Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
After breakfast, drive or take a flight to the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Upon arrival, check into your lodge or tented camp and embark on an afternoon game drive to begin exploring the Mara’s iconic landscapes and wildlife.
Highlights:
- Scenic drive or flight to Maasai Mara.
- Afternoon game drive in Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Accommodation: Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Angama Mara, or similar.
Day 14-15: Full Days in Maasai Mara National Reserve
Spend two full days exploring the Maasai Mara with morning and afternoon game drives. The Maasai Mara is renowned for its high density of wildlife, including the Big Five and, during the Great Migration, massive herds of wildebeest and zebras. Optional hot air balloon safaris provide breathtaking views of the Mara’s plains.
Highlights:
- Full days of game drives in Maasai Mara National Reserve.
- Optional hot air balloon safari (additional cost).
Accommodation: Continue your stay at Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Angama Mara, or similar.
Day 16: Transfer to Nairobi, Kenya
After breakfast, drive or fly to Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. Spend the afternoon exploring Nairobi’s attractions, such as the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, the Giraffe Centre, or the Nairobi National Museum. Enjoy your evening in Nairobi, preparing for your departure.
Highlights:
- Transfer to Nairobi and city exploration.
Accommodation: Hemingways Nairobi, Sarova Stanley, or similar.
Day 17: Fly to Zanzibar
After breakfast, transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your flight to Zanzibar, a beautiful island off the coast of Tanzania. Upon arrival, transfer to your beach resort and spend the afternoon relaxing on Zanzibar’s stunning white-sand beaches.
Highlights:
- Flight from Nairobi to Zanzibar.
- Relaxing afternoon at the beach.
Accommodation: Zanzibar Serena Hotel, Baraza Resort & Spa, or similar.
Day 18-19: Explore Zanzibar
Enjoy two full days in Zanzibar, where you can explore the island’s rich history, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture. Visit Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its historical architecture and bustling markets. You may also explore the island’s spice farms, relax on the pristine beaches, or take a boat trip to nearby islands.
Highlights:
- Exploration of Stone Town and spice farms.
- Relaxation on Zanzibar’s beaches and optional boat trips.
Accommodation: Continue your stay at Zanzibar Serena Hotel, Baraza Resort & Spa, or similar.
Day 20: Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Zanzibar International Airport for your flight back to Nairobi. From Nairobi, connect to your international flight home, marking the end of your 20-day safari adventure through Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya.
Highlights:
- Transfer to Zanzibar International Airport and onward travel.