14 Days Grand East African Safari for First Timers

This thrilling 14-day journey brings together the best of East Africa’s natural wonders and cultural treasures. Traverse four iconic countries—Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Kenya—on a seamless expedition filled with gorilla trekking, savannah game drives, Great Migration sightings, and rich cultural experiences. You’ll journey from the misty mountains of Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park to the vast plains of the Serengeti and Maasai Mara, with stops at the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Nakuru, and Lake Naivasha. This all-in-one adventure is tailored for wildlife lovers, photographers, and cultural explorers looking to immerse themselves in the most celebrated destinations in East Africa.

Trip Highlights

• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
  
• Golden monkey tracking or cultural visits in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
  
• Kigali Genocide Memorial and Rwandan cultural immersion
  
• Big Five sightings in Serengeti and Maasai Mara
  
• Full-day game drives in Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Nakuru National Park
  
• Boat safari and walking tour in Lake Naivasha
  
• Witness the Great Migration (seasonal) in Serengeti and Maasai Mara
  
• Scenic road and air transfers with expert local guides throughout

Day by Day 14 Days Grand East African Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Transfer to Bwindi

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, meet your Ugandan guide and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest either via domestic flight to Kisoro or Kihihi followed by a scenic drive, or by full overland transfer. Enjoy breathtaking views of the terraced highlands and volcanic peaks. Settle in at your eco-lodge on the edge of the forest and receive a briefing about the following day’s trek. Overnight in Bwindi.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Rise early for a life-changing gorilla trekking experience. After a briefing at park headquarters, venture deep into the forest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. Once found, spend one magical hour observing them in their natural habitat. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and optional community visits such as the Batwa pygmy experience. Overnight in Bwindi.

Day 3: Transfer to Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park

Cross into Rwanda via the Cyanika or Gatuna border post and continue your drive to Musanze near Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda’s beautiful hilly landscape is evident throughout the journey. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge with stunning volcano views. Enjoy an optional cultural performance or storytelling session in the evening. Overnight in Musanze.

Day 4: Golden Monkey Tracking or Cultural Visit

Choose between tracking the golden monkeys in the bamboo forests or visiting the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for insight into Rwandan traditions. Optionally, take a guided hike to the Dian Fossey tomb or the twin lakes. Relax at your lodge with views of the Virunga Mountains. Overnight in Musanze.

Day 5: Kigali City Tour & Flight to Serengeti

Depart Musanze and drive to Kigali for a short city tour including the Kigali Genocide Memorial. After lunch, transfer to the airport for your flight to Serengeti National Park (typically via Arusha). Upon arrival, begin your Serengeti experience with a scenic transfer through the park to your tented lodge. Overnight in Serengeti.

Days 6–7: Game Drives in Serengeti National Park

Spend two full days exploring the Serengeti’s diverse ecosystems. Track prides of lions, elusive leopards, and large herds of herbivores. Depending on the season, you may witness the Great Migration crossing rivers or calving on the plains. Enjoy picnic lunches in the bush and sundowners back at camp. Optional hot air balloon safari available. Overnight in Serengeti.

Day 8: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

Embark on a morning game drive as you make your way toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. After lunch, descend into the crater for an unforgettable safari among a dense population of animals including rhinos, elephants, hyenas, and more. Enjoy a picnic near a hippo pool and continue exploring the crater floor before heading to your lodge in Karatu. Overnight in Karatu.

Day 9: Transfer to Arusha – Flight to Nairobi

After breakfast, drive to Arusha for lunch and shopping. Then transfer to the airport for a short flight to Nairobi, Kenya. Upon arrival, meet your Kenyan guide and transfer to your hotel for the evening. Overnight in Nairobi.

Day 10: Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park

Leave Nairobi after breakfast and head to Lake Nakuru, known for its alkaline waters and flamingo populations. Enjoy an afternoon game drive with chances to see endangered white rhinos, lions, and Rothschild giraffes. Overnight at a lodge inside or near the park.

Day 11: Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha – Boat Safari & Walking Tour

Drive to Lake Naivasha for a relaxing boat safari among hippos and water birds, followed by a guided walking safari on Crescent Island. Encounter giraffes, zebras, and antelope up close in a predator-free environment. Return to your lodge for dinner and rest. Overnight in Naivasha.

Day 12: Transfer to Maasai Mara National Reserve

Journey westward through the Rift Valley to the world-renowned Maasai Mara. Arrive in time for a late afternoon game drive across its golden savannah, home to abundant lions, cheetahs, elephants, and wildebeest. Settle into your safari camp. Overnight in Maasai Mara.

Days 13: Full-Day Game Drive in Maasai Mara

Masai Mara Safari

Spend the entire day exploring the reserve on morning and afternoon game drives. Depending on the time of year, witness dramatic river crossings during the Great Migration. Visit a Maasai village to learn about traditional pastoral life. Return to your camp for a farewell dinner. Overnight in Maasai Mara.

Day 14: Return to Nairobi – Departure

After a final early game drive and breakfast, begin the drive back to Nairobi. Stop en route at viewpoints or local markets. Depending on your departure time, transfer directly to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or enjoy a farewell meal before your flight home.

End of the 14 Days Grand East African Safari Itinerary 

Inclusions

• Accommodation for 13 nights in lodges and tented safari camps (mid-range or budget-friendly)
  
• All meals as specified in the itinerary (mostly full board: breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
  
• Uganda gorilla trekking permit (Bwindi Impenetrable Forest)
  
• Golden monkey tracking permit OR cultural visit in Rwanda
  
• All park entry fees, conservation levies, and crater service fees
  
• Ground transfers and 4×4 safari vehicles with English-speaking driver-guides
  
• Internal flights: Kigali to Serengeti, Arusha to Nairobi
  
• City tour of Kigali and entrance to Genocide Memorial
  
• Boat safari on Lake Naivasha
  
• Bottled drinking water during game drives and transfers
  
• Border crossing assistance and local support throughout
  
• Emergency evacuation cover (AMREF or Flying Doctors)

Exclusions

• International flights to/from East Africa
  
• Rwanda gorilla permit (if opting for second trek – add separately)
  
• Travel insurance and personal medical coverage
  
• Entry visas for Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Kenya (required separately)
  
• Optional activities (e.g., hot air balloon ride, Dian Fossey hike)
  
• Beverages (alcoholic and soft drinks, unless included at specific lodges)
  
• Laundry services (unless offered by specific accommodations)
  
• Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, and hotel staff
  
• Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks, phone/internet charges)