18-Day Private Guided Expedition: Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar

The trip of a lifetime

Imagine waking up to the misty peaks of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and knowing that in just a few hours, you'll be just a few feet away from a family of mountain gorillas. This is just the start of your 18-day custom-made East Africa safari, a smooth trip made for people who want to see the best of four different worlds. We have carefully planned every detail of your trip, from crossing borders to regional flights, so you can focus on the adventure. From the emerald jungles of Uganda to the golden savannahs of the Masai Mara and Serengeti. Your trip follows the pulse of the wild, following the Big Five across famous landscapes and stopping at the famous Ngorongoro Crater. At Ol Pejeta, home to the world's last northern white rhinos, you will see cutting-edge conservation work. You will also enjoy the rugged, one-of-a-kind beauty of Samburu. After the excitement of the chase, we'll take you to the turquoise waters of Zanzibar Island for a well-deserved tropical vacation. This itinerary strikes a balance between heart-pounding wildlife encounters and the comfort of luxury lodges, all while being driven by English-speaking experts in private 4x4 Land Cruisers. This isn't just a vacation; it's a journey through the heart of Africa.

Important parts of the itinerary

1. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi, Uganda, can change your life.
2. Kenya: The famous Masai Mara, Ol Pejeta Rhinos, and Samburu's "Special Five."
3. Tanzania: A deep look at the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, which is known as the "Eden of Africa."
4. Zanzibar: Relaxing on the beach in style and taking trips to the Indian Ocean.

18-Day East Africa Safari Itinerary: Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar

DAY 1. ENTEBBE (UGANDA)

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel for your overnight stay.

• Accommodation: Karibu GuestHouse Entebbe
• Meal plan: Bed and Breakfast

DAY 2. ENTEBBE – BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast, you will be picked up by our Uganda representative and depart for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The drive takes approximately 10 hours, with a lunch stop en route, offering scenic views of the Ugandan countryside along the way.

• Accommodation: Chameleon Hill Forest Lodge
• Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 3. BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST NATIONAL PARK (GORILLA TREKKING)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the main entrance of the park where you will meet your professional guide and the Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger team. Upon arrival, you will receive a detailed briefing covering trekking guidelines, safety rules, gorilla behavior, and what to expect during the experience.

You will then begin your gorilla trekking adventure through the dense forest. The trek usually lasts around two hours once the gorillas are located, but the total duration can vary depending on their movement and location on the day, sometimes taking longer or slightly shorter. The hike itself may involve navigating uneven terrain, thick vegetation, and steep sections, making it a rewarding but active experience.

Once you have spent your allocated time observing the gorilla family, you will descend back to the park headquarters where your driver will be waiting. You will then be transferred back to the lodge for lunch. The rest of the afternoon will be free for you to relax, unwind, and enjoy the lodge facilities or the surrounding natural environment.

• Accommodation: Chameleon Hill Forest Lodge
• Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 4. BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST NATIONAL PARK – ENTEBBE- NAIROBI (KENYA)

After breakfast, you will drive back to Entebbe (about 10 hours) with lunch en route. You will arrive in the early evening and be dropped at Entebbe International Airport for your flight to Nairobi, Kenya. On arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.

• Accommodation: Four Point By Sheraton Nairobi Airport
• Meal plan: Bed and Breakfast

DAY 5. NAIROBI – SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and given a brief safari orientation before departing for Samburu National Reserve. Arrive in time for lunch at your lodge, followed by an afternoon game drive to discover the reserve’s distinctive wildlife and landscapes.

• Accommodation: Samburu Sopa Lodge
• Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 6. EXPLORE SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE

Spend the day exploring Samburu National Reserve on extensive morning and afternoon game drives. Accompanied by your experienced driver-guide, you will venture across the reserve’s rugged terrain and along the Ewaso Nyiro River in search of its distinctive wildlife. Midday, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation before continuing with an afternoon game drive to maximize your wildlife viewing opportunities.

• Accommodation: Samburu Sopa Lodge
• Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 7. SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE – OL PEJETA CONSERVANCY

After breakfast, depart for Ol Pejeta Conservancy, arriving in time for lunch and relaxation at your lodge. Later in the afternoon, set out on a game drive across this exceptional conservancy, situated along the equator at the foothills of Mount Kenya. Famous for its pioneering conservation programs, the conservancy protects a thriving population of rhinos, including the last two northern white rhinos on Earth. It is also home to the Sweetwater’s Chimpanzee Sanctuary, where rescued chimpanzees are cared for in a safe and natural environment.

• Accommodation: Serena Sweetwater’s Camp
• Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 8. OL PEJETA CONSERVANCY – LAKE NAIVASHA

After breakfast, depart for Lake Naivasha, arriving in time for lunch and relaxation at your lodge. Spend the afternoon at leisure, with the opportunity to take an optional boat excursion across the lake to observe hippos and abundant birdlife, followed by a visit to Crescent Island for a scenic walking safari. Optional activities may be arranged with your driver-guide and are payable locally.

• Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort
• Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 9.  LAKE NAIVASHA – MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE

After breakfast, drive south to the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve, enjoying a game drive en route. Arrive in time for lunch at your lodge, followed by an exciting afternoon game drive across the reserve’s vast plains.

• Accommodation: Enkakenya Mara Camp
• Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 10. EXPLORE MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE

 Enjoy a full day of game drives in the Masai Mara, renowned for the Great Migration, big cats, and abundant wildlife. Optional activities include a sunrise hot air balloon safari or an afternoon visit to a traditional Maasai village.

• Accommodation: Enkakenya Mara Camp
• Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 11. MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE – SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK (TANZANIA)

After enjoying an early breakfast, you will depart from Kenya and travel towards the Kenya-Tanzania border. Upon arrival, you will complete the necessary immigration and visa formalities before meeting your new Tanzanian guide who will accompany you for the remainder of your safari in Tanzania. Once all formalities are complete, you will continue your journey towards the iconic Serengeti National Park. Along the way, enjoy a game drive through the scenic landscapes, spotting wildlife as you travel. You are expected to arrive at your lodge or camp in the Serengeti in the late afternoon, where you can relax and prepare for the adventures ahead.

• Accommodation: Enkirari Wilderness Camp
• Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 12. AND 13. EXPLORE THE SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

Spend two full days exploring the vast Serengeti National Park, renowned for its incredible populations of big cats, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs, and abundant wildlife. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives as you experience the diverse landscapes and rich ecosystems of this legendary safari destination.

• Accommodation: Enkirari Wilderness Camp
• Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 14. SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK – NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA

After breakfast, set out for the Ngorongoro Crater with a packed picnic lunch. Descend to the crater floor for an unforgettable game drive within this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, return to your lodge to unwind, followed by dinner and an overnight stay.

• Accommodation: Tloma Lodge
• Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 15. NGORONGORO CRATER – ZANZIBAR ISLAND

Following a leisurely breakfast, you will depart for Arusha, arriving in the early afternoon. From there, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your late afternoon flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival at Zanzibar Airport, you’ll be met and escorted to your beachfront resort for check-in and relaxation.

• Accommodation: Zanzibar Queen Hotel
• Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 16. TO 17. FULL-DAY EXPLORATION AT ZANZIBAR ISLAND

Spend the remainder of your stay immersing yourself in the beauty and charm of Zanzibar Island. Take full advantage of the resort’s in-house activities, perfect for relaxation and cultural enrichment. For those seeking adventure, a variety of exciting water sports and ocean excursions are available for booking through the resort’s reception, ranging from snorkeling and scuba diving to kayaking, sailing, and more. Whether you choose to unwind on the beach or dive into the island’s marine wonders, your days in Zanzibar promise a perfect balance of leisure and adventure.

• Accommodation: Zanzibar Queen Hotel
• Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 18. ZANZIBAR (DEPARTURE)

After breakfast, you will check out of the resort and be transferred to Zanzibar international Airport to catch your outbound flight back home.

• Meal plan: Breakfast
• End of Safari

COST INCLUSIONS

• Full board accommodation as per the itinerary and program
• Transport in a 4x4 Landcruiser
• Services of an English-speaking driver/guide
• All airport/hotel transfers
• Driver’s allowances and other vehicle expenses
• Services of an English-speaking driver/guide
• Game drives
• Drinking water during safaris
• Park entrance fee and concession fee
• Emergency evacuation covers by AMREF Flying Doctors
• Meals as stipulated in the itinerary
• One-way economy flight ticket from (Arusha - Zanzibar) (maximum baggage 20 kgs)
• One-way regional flight tickets from (Entebbe (Uganda) – Nairobi (Kenya)

COST EXCLUSIVE

• Visas
• Personal items
• Beers, sodas, wines & spirits
• Boat ride safari
• Balloon ride safari
• Visit to Maasai village
• Tips and gratitude
• International/local flights
• Mandatory Zanzibar travel insurance
• Zanzibar tourism levy