14 Days East African safari – Overview

Embark on a 14 Days East African safari that combines thrilling wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and breathtaking landscapes across Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya. Trek through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Volcanoes National Park to observe endangered mountain gorillas up close, and experience chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest. Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park with its tree-climbing lions, elephants, and buffalo before flying to Nairobi for visits to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre. Discover Lake Nakuru National Park, home to flamingos, rhinos, and diverse savannah wildlife, and spend two days in the iconic Maasai Mara National Reserve on Big Five safaris, with opportunities to witness seasonal wildebeest migrations. This safari blends adventure, wildlife, and culture with comfortable midrange lodges, professional guides, and immersive game drives for a once-in-a-lifetime East African experience.

14 Days East African safari Highlights

Days 1–5: Uganda – primate trekking (gorillas & chimpanzees) and Queen Elizabeth National Park
Days 6–8: Rwanda – Volcanoes NP gorilla trekking and cultural experiences
Days 9–14: Kenya – Nairobi city tour, Lake Nakuru wildlife safari, and Maasai Mara Big Five safaris

Wildlife & Adventure Highlights

Mountain gorillas and chimpanzees
Big Five: lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, buffalo
Tree-climbing lions of Ishasha
Flamingos and rhinos at Lake Nakuru
Iconic Maasai Mara savannah landscapes and possible Great Migration sightings
Scenic drives through Uganda and Kenya’s highlands and Rift Valley

Day 1: Arrive in Entebbe → Transfer to Kampala

Arrive at Entebbe International Airport and meet your safari guide. Transfer to Kampala, Uganda’s vibrant capital, enjoying scenic views of rolling hills, local villages, and roadside markets. Depending on arrival time, relax at your lodge or take a short city tour.

Midrange Lodge: Cassia Lodge Kampala / Forest Cottages Kampala

Day 2: Kampala → Kibale Forest National Park (Chimpanzee Trekking)

Drive west through lush Ugandan countryside and tea plantations to Kibale Forest National Park, home to over 13 species of primates. In the evening, settle into your lodge and prepare for the next day’s chimpanzee trekking adventure in Uganda’s beautiful rainforest.

Midrange Lodge: Kibale Forest Camp / Isunga Lodge

Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking → Queen Elizabeth National Park

Early morning, embark on an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking safari in Kibale Forest, following playful chimpanzees through dense rainforest. After lunch, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its tree-climbing lions and large herds of elephants and buffalo. Optional evening game drive offers your first glimpse of savannah wildlife.

Midrange Lodge: Buffalo Safari Lodge / Enganzi Game Lodge

Day 4: Queen Elizabeth NP → Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Travel south through the Ishasha sector to spot rare tree-climbing lions before continuing to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Arrive at your lodge nestled in misty forest hills.

Midrange Lodge: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Bakiga Lodge

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Experience the pinnacle of Uganda safari adventures with a morning gorilla trekking tour. Trek through dense forest trails guided by experienced rangers until you find a habituated gorilla family. Spend one magical hour observing silverbacks, playful infants, and protective mothers before returning to the lodge.

Midrange Lodge: Gorilla Mist Camp / Gorilla Valley Lodge

Day 6: Bwindi → Kigali, Rwanda

Drive through scenic highlands to Kigali, Rwanda’s clean and vibrant capital. Check into your lodge and enjoy an evening at leisure, or explore local markets and cultural sites.

Midrange Lodge: Kigali Serena Hotel / Chez Lando Hotel

Day 7: Kigali → Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, drive to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, renowned for mountain gorilla trekking. Spend the afternoon at leisure or take a short guided walk around the volcano slopes, enjoying spectacular views and lush vegetation.

Midrange Lodge: Virunga Lodge / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes NP

Begin your gorilla trekking adventure early in the morning. Trek 2–6 hours through the dense volcanic forest to encounter a habituated gorilla family. Spend one hour with these magnificent creatures, then return to your lodge. Optionally, visit Dian Fossey’s tomb or nearby villages in the afternoon.

Midrange Lodge: Virunga Lodge / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Day 9: Volcanoes NP → Nairobi, Kenya

Fly to Nairobi, Kenya. In the afternoon, explore the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and the Giraffe Centre. Optional shopping at local craft markets allows you to bring home traditional Kenyan souvenirs. Overnight in Nairobi.

Midrange Lodge: Karen Blixen Coffee Garden & Cottages / Tamarind Tree Hotel Nairobi

Day 10: Nairobi → Lake Nakuru National Park

Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its flamingos, rhinos, and abundant wildlife. Afternoon game drive offers opportunities to photograph giraffes, lions, and buffalo. Sunset over the lake creates spectacular scenery for wildlife photography.

Midrange Lodge: Sarova Lion Hill Lodge / Lake Nakuru Lodge

Day 11: Lake Nakuru National Park — Full-Day Safari

Spend a full day exploring Lake Nakuru National Park. Morning and afternoon game drives take you along the flamingo-dotted shores, forested rhino zones, and open woodland plains. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park, surrounded by the sights and sounds of Kenyan wildlife.

Midrange Lodge: Sarova Lion Hill Lodge / Lake Nakuru Lodge

Day 12: Lake Nakuru → Maasai Mara National Reserve

Drive to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s iconic safari destination. Afternoon game drive in the vast savannah allows sightings of lions, elephants, leopards, and buffalo—the Big Five.

Midrange Lodge: Mara Simba Lodge / Siana Springs Lodge

Day 13: Maasai Mara — Full-Day Safari

Enjoy a full day of Big Five game drives in the Maasai Mara. Morning and afternoon safaris maximize wildlife sightings and offer the chance to witness seasonal wildebeest migration. Picnic lunch in the bush enhances your immersive safari experience.