East Africa Wildlife and Primate Tracking Safaris – A Grand Safari Adventure
22 Days East Africa Wildlife and Primate Tracking Safaris
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the heart of East Africa on this 22-day East Africa Wildlife and Primate Tracking Safari, a grand expedition designed for wildlife enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and nature lovers. This safari combines the thrill of observing Africa’s iconic wildlife with the rare opportunity to witness endangered primates in their natural habitats. Across Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda, you will explore some of the most renowned national parks and conservation areas in East Africa, experiencing everything from the African Big Five, spectacular wildebeest migrations, and predator-rich savannahs to mountain gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, and chimpanzee encounters.
Your adventure begins in Kenya, where the majestic landscapes of Amboseli and the wildlife-rich savannahs of the Masai Mara provide perfect settings for game drives and wildlife photography. Cross into Tanzania to marvel at the Serengeti National Park, a vast wilderness celebrated for its predator-prey dynamics, and the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site and natural wonder. Continue to Rwanda for an intimate encounter with endangered golden monkeys and the gentle mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park, before heading to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to half of the world’s remaining gorilla population. Conclude your journey with immersive experiences in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kibale Forest, where chimpanzees roam freely, and the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary awaits with lush biodiversity.
This 22-day safari promises not only adventure but also cultural enrichment, scenic landscapes, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. From hot air balloon rides over the Serengeti plains to guided nature walks in pristine forests, every day on this itinerary is crafted to deliver extraordinary memories.
Tanzania National Park
Day 01: Transfer to Amboseli National Park
Your journey begins in Nairobi, Kenya, where you will be picked up and transferred to Amboseli National Park. The road journey offers glimpses of rural Kenyan life, lush plantations, and small villages with children waving enthusiastically from the roadside. Upon arrival, check into your safari lodge at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, and enjoy lunch while soaking in the awe-inspiring views.
In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive across the park’s open plains, where vast herds of elephants roam freely. Other wildlife species you may encounter include lions, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, and hyenas. As the day ends, marvel at the golden sunset illuminating the African landscape, a perfect introduction to your East African adventure.
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Amboseli Safari Lodge
Day 02: Double Game Drives in Amboseli National Park
Spend your second day fully immersed in Amboseli’s wildlife wonders. Begin with an early morning game drive, where the first rays of sunlight illuminate the savannah and wildlife activity is at its peak. Explore diverse habitats, from marshlands to acacia woodlands, spotting elephants, buffalo, wildebeest, and a variety of bird species.
After a mid-day return to your lodge for lunch and rest, set out for an afternoon game drive, exploring more remote corners of the park. Amboseli’s expansive landscapes, with Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop, provide unparalleled photography opportunities. Return to your lodge as dusk falls for dinner and overnight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Amboseli Safari Lodge
Day 03: Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast, enjoy a short morning game drive before departing for Lake Nakuru National Park, approximately a six-hour drive away. The journey traverses scenic hills, rural communities, and the dramatic landscapes of the Rift Valley.
Lake Nakuru is famous for its vast populations of lesser flamingos, which paint the lake pink during migration seasons. Other wildlife includes rhinos, lions, and waterbucks. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and relax after a full day of travel.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Safari Lodge
Day 04: Morning Game Drive and Road Transfer to Masai Mara National Reserve
Start with a morning game drive at Lake Nakuru, exploring the lake shores for flamingos and waterbirds such as African fish eagles and yellow-billed storks. Lions, rhinos, and giraffes are often spotted along the park’s grasslands.
After breakfast, depart for the Masai Mara National Reserve, passing through scenic Rift Valley landscapes and local Masai villages. Arrive at your lodge and enjoy an afternoon at leisure or a short evening game drive in this wildlife-rich reserve.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Ashnil Mara Safari Camp
Day 05: Morning Game Drives and Nature Walk in Masai Mara National Reserve
Explore the iconic Masai Mara National Reserve, home to the Big Five and the annual wildebeest migration. Begin with an early morning game drive to spot lions, leopards, elephants, and rhinos. Enjoy encounters with cheetahs, giraffes, and hyenas across the vast savannahs.
After lunch, join a guided nature walk to explore the reserve on foot, learning about local flora, fauna, and Masai culture. Conclude the day watching the golden African sunset over the Mara plains.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Ashnil Mara Safari Camp
Day 06: Road Transfer to Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Bid farewell to Masai Mara and drive to Serengeti National Park via the Isebania border, completing immigration formalities before entering Tanzania. Serengeti, meaning “endless plains” in Maasai, is famed for its vast herds of wildlife. Check into your lodge or camp and enjoy an afternoon game drive, spotting lions, wildebeest, zebras, and elephants in their natural habitat.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Robins Safari Camp
Day 07: Morning Hot Air Balloon Ride and Afternoon Game Drive in Serengeti
Wake early for a hot air balloon ride, soaring over the Serengeti at sunrise. Witness wildebeest herds, zebras, and predators from above, enjoying a champagne breakfast upon landing.
After lunch, embark on an afternoon game drive, exploring the Serengeti’s diverse wildlife hotspots and encountering the Big Five. Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Robins Safari Camp
Day 08: Morning Game Drives and Visit to Maasai Boma Village
Begin your day with an early morning game drive in the Seronera Valley, spotting lions, leopards, and hyenas. After lunch, visit a Maasai Boma Village for an immersive cultural experience. Learn about Maasai traditions, dances, and their symbiotic relationship with the environment. Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Ndutu Safari Lodge
Day 09: Morning Game Drive, Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater & Afternoon Game Drive
Enjoy a morning game drive in Ndutu, a prime wildlife area, then proceed to Ngorongoro Crater. Descend 600 meters into the crater for an afternoon game drive. Explore swamps, woodlands, and grasslands, spotting elephants, rhinos, lions, zebras, and flamingos along the soda lake. Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Farm House
Day 10: Full-Day Adventure in Ngorongoro Crater
Spend the day in Ngorongoro Crater, descending early to explore its wildlife-rich floor. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the crater and visit the Olduvai Gorge, a site of great archaeological importance. Continue wildlife viewing in the afternoon before returning to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Farm House
Day 11: Road Transfer to Mt. Kilimanjaro Airport and Air Transfer to Kigali, Rwanda
After breakfast, drive to Mt. Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight to Kigali. Enjoy scenic countryside views en route. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Kigali, relax, and prepare for the Rwandan leg of your adventure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Onomo Hotel Kigali
Day 12: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Start the day with a Kigali City Tour, visiting the Genocide Memorial and local markets. After lunch, transfer to Volcanoes National Park, passing through Rwanda’s picturesque countryside. Check into your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Golden Monkeys
Day 13: Golden Monkey Tracking and Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
Embark on a golden monkey tracking adventure in Volcanoes National Park, trekking through bamboo forests to spot these playful primates. After lunch, visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to experience Rwandan traditions, dances, and storytelling. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Day 14: Transfer to Kisoro and Relax at Lake Mutanda
Travel from Volcanoes National Park to Kisoro, crossing into Uganda at the Cyanika border. Arrive at Lake Mutanda for an evening of relaxation amidst serene lake views and the backdrop of the Virunga Volcanoes.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mutanda Lake Resort
Day 15: Visit the Batwa People for a Cultural Experience
Enjoy a guided hike to the Batwa community, learning about their forest-based lifestyle and traditional practices. Afterward, transfer to the Rushaga Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and check into your lodge. Dinner and overnight stay.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge
Day 16: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Begin the day with gorilla trekking, following ranger guides through dense forest to encounter a gorilla family. Spend one hour observing their natural behavior before returning to the lodge for relaxation. Dinner and overnight stay.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge
Day 17: Road Transfer to Ishasha Sector – Evening Game Drive
Depart Bwindi and drive to Ishasha Sector in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy an evening game drive, focusing on spotting the rare tree-climbing lions. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Enjojo Lodge
Day 18: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Ride
Start with a sunrise game drive in Ishasha, then after lunch, embark on a boat cruise along Kazinga Channel, observing hippos, crocodiles, and birds. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Enjojo Lodge
Day 19: Game Drive and Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Enjoy a morning game drive before transferring to Kibale Forest, the “primate capital of the world.” Check into your lodge and relax amidst the forested scenery.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
Day 20: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Wetland
Embark on chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, observing these intelligent primates for one hour. In the afternoon, explore Bigodi Wetland, spotting primates like red colobus monkeys and numerous bird species. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
Day 21: Transfer to Kampala City – Evening Relaxation
After breakfast, transfer to Kampala City, stopping at local markets along the way. Check into your hotel and enjoy dinner, reflecting on your grand East African safari journey.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Serena Hotel
Day 22: Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight, marking the conclusion of a remarkable 22-day journey across East Africa’s wildlife and primate havens.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
