12 Days Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda Safaris Itinerary

This 12-days safari takes you on an incredible journey across three East African countries: Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. The adventure begins in Tanzania, exploring the famous Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, then continues to Uganda’s pristine wilderness with visits to Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The safari concludes in Rwanda with a canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest and cultural experiences, offering an unforgettable immersion in East Africa’s rich natural beauty and diverse cultures. This itinerary offers both road and air travel options, ensuring flexibility and comfort.

Highlights:

• Witness the wildlife spectacles of Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania.
• Explore Uganda’s Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and experience gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
• Enjoy Rwanda’s lush landscapes, including a canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest and cultural experiences.
• Flexible travel options: road or air transfers between destinations.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania, you’ll be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. After checking in, enjoy a relaxing evening as you prepare for your exciting safari ahead. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore Arusha town, known for its markets and museums.

Day 2: Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, start your 12-days by depart to Serengeti National Park, one of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations. The drive or flight to the Serengeti offers scenic views of Tanzania’s countryside. Upon arrival, embark on an afternoon game drive in the park. The Serengeti is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) and is renowned for its annual migration of over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras.

Day 3: Full-Day Safari in Serengeti National Park

Today is dedicated to exploring the vast plains of the Serengeti. Enjoy full-day game drives, spotting large predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards, as well as herds of elephants, giraffes, and various antelope species. The Serengeti offers stunning scenery, from endless savannahs to kopjes (rock formations) that are perfect spots for wildlife sightings.

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, home to the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Descend into the crater, which boasts one of the densest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. Expect to see black rhinos, lions, zebras, and wildebeests roaming freely in this natural wonder. After the game drive and picnic lunch, head to your lodge for a restful evening.

Day 5: Transfer to Uganda – Lake Mburo National Park

After an early breakfast, transfer to Uganda via road or air, depending on your preference. If traveling by air, you’ll fly from Kilimanjaro International Airport to Entebbe International Airport, then take a short flight or drive to Lake Mburo National Park. This compact park is home to zebras, giraffes, elands, and impalas, and offers beautiful views of the savannah and acacia woodlands.

In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive or boat cruise on Lake Mburo, where you’ll see hippos and crocodiles.

Day 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most popular and diverse national parks. Upon arrival, take an afternoon game drive through the park’s Kasenyi Plains, where you’ll spot lions, elephants, buffalo, and various antelope species. Queen Elizabeth is also known for its tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector.

Day 7: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Start your day with a morning game drive, searching for wildlife in the park’s diverse ecosystems. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George. The channel is teeming with hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of waterbirds, making it a perfect spot for birdwatching and photography.

Day 8: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Today, drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers breathtaking views of dense tropical rainforests and mist-covered hills. Upon arrival, relax at your lodge in preparation for the thrilling gorilla trekking experience the next day.

Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Early in the morning, embark on a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience. After a briefing by park rangers, you’ll hike through the dense forest in search of a gorilla family. The trek can take several hours, but the reward is an unforgettable encounter with these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Spend an hour observing the gorillas, taking photos, and appreciating their behaviors.

After the trek, return to your lodge to relax and reflect on the day’s adventure.

Day 10: Transfer to Rwanda – Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast, cross the border into Rwanda and head to Nyungwe Forest National Park. This vast montane rainforest is known for its rich biodiversity and primate population, including chimpanzees and colobus monkeys. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided nature walk or relax at your lodge.

Day 11: Canopy Walk and Cultural Experience

Start your day with an exhilarating canopy walk through Nyungwe Forest, offering stunning views of the forest canopy and the chance to spot wildlife from a unique perspective. The canopy walkway is suspended high above the forest floor and is a highlight of any visit to Nyungwe.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Rwanda’s rich culture by visiting a nearby community. Learn about traditional Rwandan customs, music, dance, and crafts.

Day 12: Departure from Kigali

After breakfast, drive to Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city. If time allows, take a city tour, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial and local markets for some last-minute shopping. Your guide will then transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your incredible 12-day safari through Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda.

This itinerary provides an ideal mix of wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and adventure, offering a comprehensive East African safari experience across three stunning countries. Whether traveling by road or air, each day is designed to provide unforgettable memories of East Africa’s natural beauty and rich heritage.