Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through East Africa with Classic Exciting Safaris, your trusted partner in unforgettable wildlife and cultural adventures. This 20-day safari takes you across Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania, offering a rich blend of primate encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and iconic wildlife experiences. From gorilla trekking in Bwindi and chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe to thrilling game drives in the Masai Mara and Serengeti, this itinerary is designed for passionate explorers. Discover the heart of Africa through our expertly guided tours, personalized service, and deep commitment to authentic, safe, and sustainable travel experiences. Let the adventure begin!
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe, Uganda – Welcome to the Pearl of Africa
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you’ll be met by your safari guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may have a chance to explore Entebbe Botanical Gardens, visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC), or enjoy a sunset boat ride on Lake Victoria.
Overnight: Hotel in Entebbe
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Journey to Gorilla Country
Begin your day with a scenic domestic flight or drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to almost half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The drive offers beautiful views of the countryside, rolling hills, and terraced farmlands.
Overnight: Lodge near Bwindi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking Experience – A Lifetime Encounter
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing. You will then embark on the gorilla trekking adventure, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Hike through dense rainforest until you find a habituated gorilla family. Spend a magical hour observing these gentle giants.
Overnight: Lodge near Bwindi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Transfer to Kigali, Rwanda – City of a Thousand Hills
Cross the border into Rwanda and transfer to Kigali, the clean and vibrant capital city. En route, visit local markets or community projects. In Kigali, enjoy a city tour including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Inema Arts Centre, and Caplaki Crafts Village.
Overnight: Hotel in Kigali
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Volcanoes National Park – Golden Monkey Tracking
Drive to Volcanoes National Park, home of the famous mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. This day, you’ll track golden monkeys, an endemic and playful primate species. Optional cultural visits to the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village are available in the afternoon.
Overnight: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Transfer to Lake Kivu – Relaxation by the Shores
Travel to Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes, for a day of relaxation. Enjoy optional activities such as a boat ride to Napoleon Island, kayaking, or visiting a coffee plantation.
Overnight: Lake Kivu Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park – Primate Paradise
After breakfast, journey to Nyungwe Forest, a vast rainforest home to 13 primate species including chimpanzees. En route, enjoy scenic views of the Congo-Nile Divide and tea plantations.
Overnight: Lodge near Nyungwe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Chimpanzee Tracking and Canopy Walk
Rise early for chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe. Later, experience the famous canopy walk, suspended above the forest for an aerial view of the lush greenery and birdlife.
Overnight: Lodge near Nyungwe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Transfer to Akagera National Park – Rwanda’s Savannah
Drive to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only Big Five park, known for its scenic savannah, lakes, and abundant wildlife. Enjoy an evening game drive en route to your lodge.
Overnight: Lodge inside Akagera
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Game Drive and Boat Safari on Lake Ihema
Enjoy a morning game drive in search of lions, elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes. In the afternoon, embark on a boat safari on Lake Ihema to spot hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds.
Overnight: Lodge inside Akagera
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Transfer to Nairobi, Kenya – Gateway to Safari
Drive or fly to Nairobi, Kenya. Upon arrival, visit the Giraffe Centre, David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, or Karen Blixen Museum, depending on time.
Overnight: Hotel in Nairobi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12: Masai Mara National Reserve – Into the Wild
Drive or fly to the iconic Masai Mara, home to abundant wildlife and the famous Great Migration. Enjoy an evening game drive in search of lions, cheetahs, elephants, and wildebeests.
Overnight: Luxury tented camp in Masai Mara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: Full-Day Game Drives in Masai Mara
Spend a full day on game drives across the savannah. Optional activities include a balloon safari at sunrise and a visit to a Maasai village for cultural insights.
Overnight: Luxury tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14: Transfer to Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Cross the border at Isebania into Tanzania and proceed to Serengeti National Park. Enjoy game viewing en route to your lodge or camp. Serengeti is famed for its vast plains and spectacular predator sightings.
Overnight: Lodge or camp in Serengeti
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15: Full-Day Safari in Serengeti – Endless Plains
Explore Serengeti National Park on full-day game drives. Track predators, herds of elephants, giraffes, and possibly the wildebeest migration (seasonal).
Overnight: Lodge or camp in Serengeti
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16: Ngorongoro Conservation Area – Crater Adventure
Drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area, stopping at Olduvai Gorge en route. Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with wildlife, including rhinos, lions, and flamingos.
Overnight: Lodge near the crater rim
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 17: Transfer to Lake Manyara National Park – Tree-Climbing Lions
Head to Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and rich birdlife. Enjoy an afternoon game drive around the lake and forested areas.
Overnight: Lodge in Manyara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 18: Tarangire National Park – Baobabs and Elephants
Travel to Tarangire National Park, known for its large herds of elephants and giant baobab trees. The park also hosts lions, leopards, and over 500 bird species.
Overnight: Lodge in Tarangire
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 19: Return to Arusha – Cultural Tour
Drive back to Arusha. Along the way, stop for a cultural tour at Mto wa Mbu or a local coffee farm. Spend the evening at leisure or shopping for souvenirs.
Overnight: Hotel in Arusha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 20: Departure – End of Safari
Depending on your flight time, you may visit local attractions or markets in Arusha before transferring to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast