20 Days Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya & Tanzania Safari – Primates, Big Five & East Africa’s Top Parks

Absolutely! Below is a fully detailed, SEO-optimized 20 Days East Africa Safari covering Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania. This itinerary blends primate tracking, Big Five game drives, the Great Migration, cultural immersion, and scenic landscapes, ideal for high-end travelers looking for a comprehensive, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

20 Days Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya & Tanzania Safari – Primates, Big Five & East Africa’s Top Parks

From $13,950 per person (based on 2 pax, mid-range/luxury accommodation)
A Pan-African Journey Through East Africa’s Most Iconic Wildlife Destinations
East Africa Multi-Country Safari | Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking | Wildebeest Migration | Big Five Game Drives

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Welcome to Uganda

Arrive at Entebbe International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or enjoy a boat ride on Lake Victoria.

Overnight in Entebbe
Suggested: 2 Friends Beach Hotel or The Boma Entebbe

Day 2: Drive to Kibale Forest – Uganda’s Primate Capital

Drive (approx. 6–7 hours) to Kibale Forest National Park via lush tea plantations and crater lake country. Stop for lunch in Fort Portal and explore the area if time permits.

Overnight near Kibale Forest
Suggested: Turaco Treetops or Primate Lodge Kibale

Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

Morning chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, home to over 1,500 chimps and 12 primate species. Spend an hour observing a troop after locating them with expert guides.

Afternoon: Take a guided birding and primate walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.

Overnight in Kibale

Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Game Drive En Route

Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, with scenic stops at the Rwenzori foothills. Afternoon game drive in Kasenyi plains, expect elephants, lions, antelope, and buffaloes.

Overnight in Queen Elizabeth NP
Suggested: Elephant Plains Lodge or Mweya Safari Lodge

Day 5: Morning Game Drive & Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel

Morning game drive for lions, leopards, hyenas, and large herds of buffalo. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, famous for hippos, crocodiles, and over 400 bird species.

Overnight in Queen Elizabeth NP

Day 6: Tree-Climbing Lions of Ishasha – Drive to Bwindi

Transfer to Ishasha sector, home to the rare tree-climbing lions. After a short game drive, continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Overnight near Bwindi
Suggested: Mahogany Springs Lodge or Buhoma Haven Lodge

Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – Lifetime Experience

After briefing, begin your gorilla trek through dense rainforest. Trekking can last 2–6 hours depending on gorilla movement. Once located, spend one magical hour observing a habituated family.

Optional afternoon village walk or massage at the lodge.

Overnight in Bwindi

Day 8: Cross to Rwanda – Drive to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, cross the Cyanika border into Rwanda and continue to Volcanoes National Park. Enjoy scenic views of terraced hills and the Virunga Volcano chain.

Overnight near Volcanoes NP
Suggested: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel or Virunga Lodge

Day 9: Golden Monkey Trekking or Dian Fossey Hike

Choose between:

• Golden monkey trekking – a lighter primate experience in the park’s bamboo zone
• Dian Fossey’s tomb hike – a historical trek to her research station ruins

Afternoon visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for traditional dance, crafts, and history.

Overnight in Volcanoes NP

Day 10: Kigali City Tour – Fly to Nairobi, Kenya

After breakfast, drive to Kigali (2.5 hours) for a city tour: Kigali Genocide Memorial, Inema Arts Center, and local markets. Enjoy lunch before flying to Nairobi, Kenya in the afternoon/evening.

Overnight in Nairobi
Suggested: Tamarind Tree Hotel or Eka Hotel

Day 11: Nairobi to Amboseli National Park – Mt. Kilimanjaro Views

Drive (approx. 4–5 hours) to Amboseli National Park, known for large elephant herds and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Afternoon game drive.

Overnight in Amboseli
Suggested: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge or Tortilis Camp

Day 12: Full-Day Game Drive in Amboseli

Explore Amboseli’s swamps and open plains. Spot lions, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, and over 400 bird species. Return for a sundowner with Kilimanjaro as your backdrop.

Overnight in Amboseli

Day 13: Drive to Lake Naivasha – Boat Safari & Relaxation

After breakfast, drive to Lake Naivasha via Nairobi. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari to see hippos and water birds and a guided walk on Crescent Island.

Overnight at Lake Naivasha
Suggested: Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort or Elsamere Lodge

Day 14: Drive to Masai Mara – Kenya’s Top Wildlife Reserve

Drive through the Great Rift Valley to Masai Mara National Reserve. Afternoon game drive for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and more.

Overnight in Masai Mara
Suggested: Basecamp Explorer, Zebra Plains, or Mara Serena Safari Lodge

Day 15: Full-Day Masai Mara Game Drive – Big Cats & Wildebeest Herds

Spend a full day in Masai Mara, exploring its river crossings (July–Oct) and tracking the Big Five. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park and return for a sunset drive.

Optional hot air balloon safari (extra cost).

Overnight in Masai Mara

Day 16: Fly to Serengeti – Tanzania’s Endless Plains

Transfer to the airstrip and fly (via Migori-Tarime) to Serengeti National Park. Arrive for an afternoon game drive in Northern or Central Serengeti, depending on the season.

Overnight in Serengeti
Suggested: Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge, Serengeti Serena, or Embalakai Camp

Day 17: Full-Day Serengeti Game Drive – Wildebeest Migration Focus

Track the Great Wildebeest Migration herds (location varies: central/northern Serengeti). Spot large predators, hyenas, and thousands of zebras and gazelles.

Overnight in Serengeti

Day 18: Serengeti to Ngorongoro – Game Drive En Route

Enjoy a sunrise game drive, then drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Stop at Olduvai Gorge, a famous human fossil site.

Overnight near Ngorongoro Crater
Suggested: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge or Rhino Lodge

Day 19: Descend into Ngorongoro Crater – Big Five Encounter

Morning descent into Ngorongoro Crater, Africa’s densest concentration of large animals. See rhinos, lions, elephants, buffalo, and flamingos.

After lunch, drive to Karatu or Arusha for your final night.

Overnight in Arusha or Karatu

Day 20: Fly Out of Arusha – End of Safari

Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy shopping in Arusha or relax before your transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight.

End of Safari

✅ Inclusions:

• 19 nights in mid-range or luxury lodges/camps
• Gorilla permit (Uganda – $700)
• Chimpanzee tracking permit (Kibale – $200)
• Park fees for all national parks and conservation areas
• Private 4×4 safari vehicles in all four countries
• English-speaking guides
• Local flights (e.g., Serengeti–Kigali, Masai Mara–Serengeti)
• Airport transfers and border assistance
• All meals as specified
• Drinking water during drives

🚫 Exclusions:

• International flights into Entebbe / out of Kilimanjaro
• Tourist visas for Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania
• Optional activities (e.g., hot air balloon ride)
• Travel insurance (required)
• Tips and personal expenses
• Alcoholic drinks

⭐ Safari Highlights at a Glance:

• Gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Forest
• Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest
• Big Five game drives in Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro
• Great Wildebeest Migration safari (seasonal focus)
• Cultural tours in Kigali, Nairobi, and Iby’Iwacu Village
• Scenic experiences in the Great Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha, and Mount Kilimanjaro backdrop