East Africa’s Primates And Predators Itinerary Guide
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime 13-day East Africa’s Primates And Predators Itinerary Guide that connects the best of primate tracking, big cat safaris, and cultural heritage. This cross-border itinerary features gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park, and thrilling game drives through Serengeti, Maasai Mara, and Ngorongoro Crater. Each day offers new landscapes, wildlife, and authentic experiences that highlight the biodiversity and cultural richness of East Africa.
Safari Highlights
- Gorilla Trekking in Uganda – Spend an hour with mountain gorillas in Bwindi’s ancient forest.
- Golden Monkeys in Rwanda – Track these rare primates in Volcanoes National Park.
- Great Migration Safaris – Witness river crossings (seasonal) in Serengeti & Maasai Mara.
- Big Five in Ngorongoro – Explore the world’s largest intact volcanic crater.
- Kigali Genocide Memorial – A moving tribute to Rwanda’s resilience.
- Maasai Culture – Visit a village for warrior dances and traditional fire-making.
- Batwa Forest Experience – Learn ancient survival skills from Uganda’s pygmy community.
- Scenic Cross-Border Journeys – Traverse 4 countries with seamless logistics.
- Optional Hot Air Balloon – Float over the Mara at sunrise (champagne breakfast included).
- Luxury Wilderness Stays – Eco-lodges and tented camps with prime wildlife views.
Day-by-Day East Africa’s Primates And Predators Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda)
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, your guide will warmly welcome you and transfer you to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. You may take a scenic drive through southwestern Uganda (approx. 8–9 hours) or opt for a domestic flight to Kisoro or Kihihi, followed by a 3-hour road transfer. Enjoy beautiful views of terraced hills and remote villages as you approach the forest. Check in at your eco-lodge and enjoy dinner and a briefing on your upcoming gorilla trek.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Gorilla Trekking Bwindi National Park Uganda
After breakfast, you’ll head to the park headquarters for a pre-trek orientation. Then, set off into the dense forest with expert trackers to locate a habituated gorilla family. Spend one magical hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, choose between a guided nature walk or a visit to the Batwa community to learn about their ancient forest lifestyle. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Day 3: Cross into Rwanda – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, depart for Rwanda via the Gatuna border. Enjoy a 4–5 hour journey through the scenic countryside. Once in Musanze, settle into your lodge with views of the Virunga volcanoes. In the evening, unwind with storytelling or traditional dances by a local cultural troupe.
Day 4: Golden Monkey Tracking or Optional Second Gorilla Trek
Today you can choose to track the rare golden monkeys or go for a second gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park (additional permit required). Alternatively, visit the Dian Fossey tomb or participate in a cultural village tour. Return to the lodge for an evening of relaxation.
Day 5: Kigali Genocide Memorial Visit – Flight to Serengeti (Tanzania)
Drive to Kigali for a city tour that includes a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial. After lunch, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your flight to the Serengeti, routed via Arusha. Upon landing, enjoy a game-viewing transfer to your safari camp. Overnight in the Serengeti.
Days 6–7: Full-Day Serengeti Game Drives
Insane Tanzania Safari (You Won’t Believe What We Saw!)
Spend two days immersed in the vast Serengeti plains. Witness the Great Migration (seasonal), track lions and cheetahs, and spot elephants, giraffes, and countless bird species. Enjoy picnic lunches in the bush and return to your tented camp in the evening.
Day 8: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, enjoy a game drive as you exit Serengeti National Park en route to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend into the crater for one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife experiences. After a picnic lunch, ascend and transfer to your lodge in Karatu for overnight.
Day 9: Transfer to Maasai Mara via Isebania Border (Kenya)
Today is a full-day transfer across the Isebania border into Kenya. Enjoy scenic views and cultural encounters along the way. Arrive at your Maasai Mara lodge or camp in the evening, just in time for dinner and rest.
Days 10–11: Maasai Mara Full-Day Game Drives
You Won’t Believe What Happened on our Kenya Safari (Masai Mara)
Explore the Maasai Mara’s rolling plains during morning and afternoon game drives. Search for the Big Five and possibly witness the river crossings of the Great Migration. Visit a Maasai cultural village to learn about traditional customs and lifestyle. Overnight at your camp.
Day 12: Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari – Leisure/Game Viewing
Choose to begin your day with an optional hot air balloon safari followed by a champagne bush breakfast (at extra cost). Spend the rest of the day enjoying leisure time at the lodge or go for another game drive.
Day 13: Return to Nairobi – Departure
After breakfast, drive back to Nairobi (approx. 5–6 hours). Depending on your flight time, enjoy lunch or shopping before transfer to the airport for your departure, ending an extraordinary 13-day journey through East Africa.
End of the East Africa’s Primates And Predators Itinerary
Inclusions:
- 12 nights’ accommodation in eco-lodges and luxury tented camps
- All meals as per itinerary (Full Board)
- One Uganda gorilla permit & golden monkey permit in Rwanda
- Park entry fees and conservation charges
- Flight: Kigali to Serengeti (via Arusha if applicable)
- 4×4 safari vehicle transport and English-speaking driver-guides
- Kigali Genocide Memorial entry
- Bottled water during drives
Border crossing support & emergency evacuation cover
Exclusions:
- International flights to/from East Africa
- Rwanda gorilla permit (if second trek is chosen)
- Visas for Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya & Tanzania
- Travel insurance & personal medical coverage
- Optional balloon safari and Dian Fossey hike
- Beverages, tips, laundry & personal expenses
