21 Days The Ultimate East Africa Safari

Masai Mara 5 Days Lake Manyara Safari

21 Days The Ultimate East Africa Safari

Leave nothing off your bucket list with this trip that packs a punch of highlights.

Including the Mountain Gorillas of Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania’s most famous national parks and ending with relaxation at the ‘spice ‘island’ of Zanzibar.

There’s no better combination of experiences in East Africa in one comprehensive trip.

Rwanda 
Start Kigali (Day 1)
Uganda 
Day 2-3 Bwindi NP
Kenya 
Day 4 Nairobi
Day 5-6 OlPejeta (Laikipia)
Day 7 Lake Naivasha
Day 8-10 Masai Mara NR
Tanzania 
Day 11-13 Serengeti NP
Day 14-15 Ngorongoro Crater
Day 16 Lake Manyara NP
End Zanzibar (Beach) (Day 17-20)

Tour Features

Mid-range tour

This mid-range tour uses lodges and tented camps.

Shared tour

On this shared tour, you will join a group of other travelers. Max 6 people per vehicle.

Scheduled departures

This tour starts on fixed start dates only.

Cannot be customized

The accommodations and destinations of this tour cannot be changed.

Suitable for single travelers

Single travelers can join this group tour, but it requires a minimum of 2 people to run.

15

Minimum age of 15 years

The minimum age for this tour is 15 years.

Arrival (See Getting There for more details)

  • You’ll be collected from the airport.
  • Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Day 1: Kigali

On arrival in Kigali you are met off your flight by your guide and transferred to the Ubumwe Grande Hotel for your overnight rest.

The Ubumwe Grande is a comfortable city hotel with a pool. Should you wish to arrive early, extra nights accommodation can be arranged.

Main Destination:

Kigali (Rwanda)

Accommodation:

Ubumwe Grande Hotel

  • Luxury hotel located in or near Kigali

Meals & Drinks:

  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinks not included

Day 2

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

14 days Uganda birding

This morning you will be briefed by your guide before we depart for the Uganda border to complete border formalities.

A short drive to our first activity, the Batwa Trail, a cultural experience.

That offers a glimpse of the traditional life of the Batwa (pygmies) who were forest dwellers.

The activity introduces travelers to Batwa life comprised of hunting, fruit gathering, collecting honey and performing of rituals in the caves within the forest.

Batwa lived in harmony with forest animals including the mountain gorillas for over 500,000 years.

They are the main beneficiaries of the activity. Continue to check in to our lodge in the Bwindi area for check in, dinner and overnight rest.

Main Destination:

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda)

Best Time to VisitJune to August and December to February

High SeasonJune to September (Gorilla permits are scarce)

Best WeatherJune to July and December to February (Less rainfall)

Wildlife in Bwindi NP

GorillaCommon

ChimpanzeeRare

ElephantRare

Show more

Accommodation:

Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

  • Mid-range lodge located just outside Bwindi NP

Meals & Drinks:

  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 3

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Today you set off on your Uganda gorilla tracking adventure in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Home to half of the world’s total mountain gorilla population.

While trekking through the dense forest you’ll have the opportunity to view the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Looking deep into the expressive brown eyes of the Gentle Giants of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

Surely is the most exciting and poignant wildlife encounter that Africa has to offer.

After this captivating and unforgettable experience you will head back to your lodge for some relaxation.

Main Destination:

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda)

Accommodation:

Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

  • Mid-range lodge located just outside Bwindi NP

Meals & Drinks:

  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 4

Bwindi to Kigali to Naiorbi

We depart this morning to return back across the Rwandan border and on to Kigali.

Where a tour will be undertaken the Genocide Memorial site, a grim reminder of a senseless massacre of innocent’s lives in 1994.

Learn about Rwanda’s history from pre-colonial times to the 1994 genocide and how Rwanda has dealt with that past.

The recovery has been incredible, a testament to humankind’s resilience.

After a visit we continue to the airport for your flight to Nairobi.

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to the 5 Star Boma Hotel.

Main Destination:

Nairobi (Kenya)

Accommodation:

The Boma Nairobi

  • Luxury hotel located in or near Nairobi

Meals & Drinks:

  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 5

OlPejeta Conservancy

Leave the hotel after breakfast and travel north to Nanyuki and check-in to Sweetwaters Tented Camp.

A sheltered oasis, clustered around a water hole and set in the pristine calm of the private OlPejeta Conservancy.

Sweetwaters offers a charming blend of under-canvas ambiance and safari luxury.

Located on the plains of Mount Kenya, the camp features thirty-nine luxury tents. each with its own private veranda overlooking the water hole.

The central Rhino Restaurant, housed in the former manager’s house of this once colonial farm offers both regional and international cuisine.

Also within the house is the Kashoggi Bar and lounge, which centers on a blazing log fire.

The Waterhole Bar, built in the style of a game-viewing hide, overlooks the waterhole and offers unrivaled wildlife-watching.

Enjoy an afternoon game drive in the conservancy.

Main Destination:

OlPejeta Conservancy (Laikipia, Kenya)

Best Time to VisitJune to September (Dry season)

High SeasonJune to October and December to March

Best WeatherJun to Sep and Dec to Feb (Less rain)

Wildlife in OlPejeta

ElephantCommon

GiraffeCommon

White RhinoCommon

Black RhinoCommon

BuffaloCommon

ZebraCommon

Show more

Accommodation:

Sweetwaters Serena Camp

  • Luxury tented camp located inside OlPejeta

Meals & Drinks:

  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 6

OlPejeta Conservancy

Enjoy an entire day exploring the pristine calm of the private OlPejeta

Conservancy with game drives and a picnic lunch.

We also will pay a visit to the Rhino Sanctuary and Chimpanzee sanctuary to see some of the animal welfare work done by the Conservancy.

Main Destination:

OlPejeta Conservancy (Laikipia, Kenya)

Accommodation:

Sweetwaters Serena Camp

  • Luxury tented camp located inside OlPejeta

Meals & Drinks:

  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 7

Lake Naivasha

After breakfast we drive south to Lake Naivasha in time for lunch at the charmingly located Lake NaivashaSopa Lodge.

The lodge stands in 120 acres of lakeside land, most of which is covered in green riparian meadows.

Which sweep down to the shores of the lake, one of the most beautiful in the Great Rift Valley.

The grounds are alive with a colourful selection of birds, and the trees with monkeys.

This afternoon we will visit Crescent island for a walking safari where you have the opportunity to take a leisurely stroll amongst the animals.

There are no predators, however the opportunity to walk amongst animals such as Giraffe is magical.

Later we head down to the lodge’s jetty for a boat trip on Lake Naivasha where you can spot plenty of birdlife and visit the resident Hippo pods.

Main Destination:

Lake Naivasha (Kenya)

Accommodation:

Lake NaivashaSopa Resort

  • Mid-range hotel located in or near Lake Naivasha

Meals & Drinks:

  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 8

Masai Mara

After breakfast depart very early and drive to the Masai Mara National Reserve in time for a late lunch.

Settle in to the Il Keliani Camp which is nestled in a river glade in the MaasaiMara Game Reserve for the next three nights.

After lunch enjoy your first game drive in the Mara.

Main Destination:

Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya)

Best Time to VisitJune to October and September to October

High SeasonJune to October and December to March

Best WeatherJune to October (Sunny, but not too hot)

Wildlife in Masai Mara NR

ElephantCommon

GiraffeCommon

LionCommon

CheetahCommon

ZebraAbundant

WildebeestAbundant

Show more

Accommodation:

Ilkeliani Camp

  • Mid-range tented bush camp located just outside Masai Mara NR

Meals & Drinks:

  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 9

Masai Mara

You have the full day to explore the Mara ecosystem on game drives.

The Mara is world renowned for the breathtaking spectacle of the ‘greatest wildlife shows on earth’,

The awe inspiring annual migration of the wildebeest which typically takes place between July and October.

Mara consists of rolling grasslands, meandering rivers and towering escarpments offering one of the world’s most rewarding and evocative wildlife arenas.

Main Destination:

Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya)

Accommodation:

Ilkeliani Camp

  • Mid-range tented bush camp located just outside Masai Mara NR

Meals & Drinks:

  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 10

Masai Mara

Spend all day on safari in the reserve with morning and afternoon game drives.

When it comes to game viewing there is nowhere in Africa richer in wildlife or more eventful in encounters than the Mara.

A pristine wilderness of haunting beauty, it promises its visitors a profusion of wildlife.

Prolific bird life and the unprecedented opportunity of catching up with all the members of the Big Five’ in one morning.

You also have the option of doing a memorable morning Hot Air Balloon Safari at an additional cost.

Main Destination:

Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya)

Accommodation:

Ilkeliani Camp

  • Mid-range tented bush camp located just outside Masai Mara NR

Meals & Drinks:

  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 11

Fly to Serengeti

After breakfast transfer to OlKiombo airstrip for a short 30 minute morning flight to Migori Airstrip.

Where upon arrival you road transfer across the border for immigration procedures into Tanzania.

Continue to Tarime airstrip for a 30 min flight to the Serengeti.

Met on arrival by your Tanzanian guide and proceed for check in to Acacia Central Camp for the next three nights.

Enjoy lunch followed by your first game drive in the world-renowned Serengeti.

Main Destination:

Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)

Best Time to VisitJune to February (Areas are best at different times)

High SeasonJuly to March (The Seronera area is crowded)

Best WeatherJune to October (Little to no rainfall)

Wildlife in Serengeti NP

ElephantCommon

GiraffeCommon

LionCommon

CheetahCommon

ZebraAbundant

WildebeestAbundant

Show more

Accommodation:

Acacia Central Camp

  • Mid-range tented camp located inside Central Serengeti

Meals & Drinks:

  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 12

Serengeti National Park

You will enjoy a full day of game drives in the Serengeti today either with morning.

And afternoon excursions or a full day exploring the reaches of the Seronera area, the most wildlife-rich region of the Serengeti.

Whilst the annual migration is the Serengeti’s most famous attraction.

The park is also renowned for its wealth of lion, cheetah, zebra, giraffe, Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelle, eland, impala, klipspringer, hippo and warthog.

Main Destination:

Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)

Accommodation:

Acacia Central Camp

  • Mid-range tented camp located inside Central Serengeti

Meals & Drinks:

  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 13

Serengeti National Park.

Spend all day on safari in the reserve with morning and afternoon game drives.

The Serengeti is one of the most densely populated wildlife arenas anywhere on earth.

You also have the option of doing a memorable morning Hot Air Balloon Safari at an additional cost.

Main Destination:

Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)

Accommodation:

Acacia Central Camp

  • Mid-range tented camp located inside Central Serengeti

Meals & Drinks:

  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 14

Ngorongoro Area

After breakfast depart with game drive en route through the Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area.

We will stop for a visit to the world-famous Olduvai Gorge Palaeolithic site and reputed ‘Cradle of Mankind’.

Continue to the Ngorongoro area and check in to the Ngorongoro Serena Lodge which offers the finest location of all the crater rim lodges.

This afternoon you will visit a traditional Masai homestead to gain insight into their life and customs.

Main Destination:

Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)

Best Time to VisitJune to September (General wildlife viewing is best)

High SeasonMost of the year – July to March (Expect crowds)

Best WeatherJune to October (Rainfall is little to none)

Wildlife in Ngorongoro Crater

Black RhinoCommon

LionCommon

CheetahCommon

ZebraAbundant

WildebeestAbundant

HyenaAbundant

Show more

Accommodation:

Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

  • Luxury lodge located on the crater rim of Ngorongoro Crater

Meals & Drinks:

  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 15

Ngorongoro Crater

Rise early with a packed breakfast to descend for half day game drive in the crater.

Often referred to as ‘the eighth wonder of the world’ the Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s best-known wildlife arenas.

The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the largest volcanic craters in the world covering a total area of 264 square kilometres.

An utterly unique biosphere, the Crater harbours grasslands, swamps, forests, salt pans.

A fresh water lake and a glorious variety of birdlife, all enclosed within its towering walls.

It boasts a high concentration of wildlife with exceptionally close range viewing opportunities.

Leaving the crater behind, we will continue to the visit our local school project, Simba Milima Primary School.

Where you will have the opportunity to learn about the school and interact with the students.

After this experience continue to check in to Manyara Serena Safari Lodge for a late lunch and much needed rest.

Main Destination:

Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)

Accommodation:

Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge

  • Luxury lodge located just outside Lake Manyara NP

Meals & Drinks:

  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 16

Lake Manyara to Zanzibar

Depart the camp this morning for a game drive at Lake Manyara.

Stretching for 50km along the base of the rusty-gold 600m high Rift Valley.

Escarpment, Lake Manyara is a scenic gem with a setting extolled by Ernest Hemingway as “the loveliest I had seen in Africa”.

Continue to check in for your flight from Manyara airstrip to Zanzibar.

On arrival in Zanzibar you will be met and taken to your historic hotel in Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage City.

Main Destination:

Lake Manyara National Park (Tanzania)

Best Time to VisitJune to September (easier to spot animals)

High SeasonJuly to March (Northern section gets crowded)

Best WeatherJune to October (few showers of rain)

Wildlife in Lake Manyara NP

ElephantAbundant

GiraffeCommon

BuffaloCommon

ZebraCommon

WildebeestCommon

HippoCommon

Show more

Accommodation:

Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Zanzibar – Stone Town

  • Luxury hotel located in or near Stone Town

Meals & Drinks:

  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 17-20

Zanzibar Coast

Today you will enjoy a tour of the backstreets of Stone Town, a wonderful introduction of Zanzibar that gives you the feeling of the rich cultural heritage.

Magnificent architecture, narrow alleys, sand and stone ancient built houses.

Where some of them are over 200 Years old that have Arab/Indian carved wooden doors.

We begin this tour at the main City market which was opened in 1904, where tropical fruits, vegetables, spices and fresh fish from the island are sold.

Our next stop will be at the Anglican Church of Christ built by Bishop Steers in 1873 on the site where slaves were being auctioned.

Other highlights include the Sultan’s Palace, House of Wonders, The Africa House, Jamituri Gardens and a visit to the Old Fort.

After this transfer to Konokono Beach Resort for the next four nights. Konokono is located on the Michamvi Peninsula.

On the South East Coast of Zanzibar – one of the most authentic and secluded places on the island – and overlooks the wonderful Chwaka Bay.

oMain Destination:

Zanzibar Island (Beach, Tanzania)

Accommodation:

Konokono Beach Resort

  • Luxury resort located in or near Zanzibar

Meals & Drinks:

  • Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 21

Depart Zanzibar

After breakfast, depart to Zanzibar airport to connect to your onward flight. Extra nights available upon request.

Main Destination:

No major destination visited

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

End of 21 Days the Ultimate East Africa Safari (See Getting There for more details)

  • Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
  • You’ll be dropped off at the airport.

Accommodation & Meals

  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
  • Day

Accommodation

Meals

  • 1

Ubumwe Grande HotelLuxury hotel in or near Kigali (Rwanda)

Breakfast Included

  • 2-3

Ichumbi Gorilla LodgeMid-range lodge just outside Bwindi NP (Uganda)

All Meals Included

  • 4

The BomaNairobiLuxury hotel in or near Nairobi (Kenya)

All Meals Included

  • 5-6

Sweetwaters Serena CampLuxury tented camp inside OlPejeta (Laikipia, Kenya)

All Meals Included

  • 7

Lake NaivashaSopaResortMid-range hotel in or near Lake Naivasha (Kenya)

All Meals Included

  • 8-10

IlkelianiCampMid-range tented bush camp just outside Masai Mara NR (Kenya)

All Meals Included

  • 11-13

Acacia Central CampMid-range tented camp inside Central Serengeti (Tanzania)

All Meals Included

  • 14

Ngorongoro Serena Safari LodgeLuxury lodge on the crater rim of Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)

All Meals Included

  • 15

Lake Manyara Serena Safari LodgeLuxury lodge just outside Lake Manyara NP (Tanzania)

All Meals Included

  • 16

Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Zanzibar – Stone TownLuxury hotel in or near Stone Town (Zanzibar, Tanzania)

Breakfast Included

  • 17-20

Konokono Beach ResortLuxury resort in or near Zanzibar (Beach, Tanzania)

Breakfast & Dinner Included

  • 21

End of tour(No accommodation)

Breakfast Included

Included

  • Park fees(For non-residents)
  • Gorilla permits(One per person, non-resident)
  • All activities(Unless labeled as optional)
  • All accommodation(Unless listed as upgrade)
  • A professional driver/guide
  • All transportation(Unless labeled as optional)
  • All flights during the tour
  • All Taxes/VAT
  • Roundtrip airport transfer
  • Meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)
  • Drinks(As specified in the day-by-day section)

Excluded

  • International flights(From/to home)
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Tips(Tipping guideline US$15.00 pp per day)
  • Personal items(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
  • Some meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)