Unforgettable 21-day African safari that takes you deep into the heart of three of Africa’s most captivating countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania. This journey offers the perfect blend of thrilling wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. From the misty mountains of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to the sweeping plains of Tanzania’s Serengeti, this safari promises adventure at every turn. Whether you’re tracking mountain gorillas in Rwanda or witnessing the awe-inspiring Great Migration in Tanzania, each day will bring new wonders and lasting memories. Prepare to immerse yourself in Africa’s natural beauty and explore the wild in ways you’ve never imagined.
Day 1-3: Arrival and Exploring Entebbe, Uganda
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Your adventure begins as you arrive in Entebbe, Uganda. After clearing customs, you’ll be welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel for a restful night. This day is all about relaxation and preparation for the exciting journey ahead.
Day 2: Entebbe and Mabamba Swamp
Kick off your first full day with a visit to the Mabamba Swamp, famous for the elusive shoebill stork. This boat trip offers a chance to spot a variety of bird species and enjoy the tranquil wetlands. In the afternoon, explore the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre to get an introduction to the country’s rich biodiversity.
Day 3: Journey to Kibale National Park
After breakfast, you’ll depart for Kibale National Park, a journey through Uganda’s beautiful countryside. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge and prepare for the next day’s chimpanzee trekking adventure.
Day 4-6: Chimpanzee Trekking and Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale
Set out early for an exciting day of chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park. Home to the highest concentration of primates in Africa, Kibale offers the incredible experience of observing chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The trek is an exhilarating hike through dense forests, where you’ll also spot other primates and a variety of bird species.
Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most visited national parks. In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive where you might spot elephants, lions, and buffaloes. The park’s diverse habitats make it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
Day 6: Safari and Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel
Spend the morning on a game drive through the park’s northern sector, known for its tree-climbing lions. In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where you can see hippos, crocodiles, and countless bird species.
Day 7-9: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Gorilla Trekking
Day 7: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Today, you’ll journey to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas. The drive offers stunning views of terraced hills and local villages.
Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
This is the day you’ve been waiting for—gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After a briefing by park rangers, you’ll hike through the dense forest to track a gorilla family. The experience of observing these gentle giants up close in their natural habitat is truly unforgettable.
Day 9: Community Visit and Relaxation
After the excitement of gorilla trekking, spend the day visiting a local community. Learn about the Batwa people, the original inhabitants of the forest, and their way of life. In the afternoon, relax at your lodge or explore more of Bwindi’s natural beauty.
Day 10-12: Exploring Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park and Kigali
Day 10: Transfer to Rwanda
Cross the border into Rwanda and drive to Volcanoes National Park. This park is famous for its stunning scenery and as a sanctuary for mountain gorillas.
Day 11: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Another opportunity for gorilla trekking, this time in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. The experience here is different but equally mesmerizing, with the gorillas often seen in more open areas, making for great photographic opportunities.
Day 12: Kigali City Tour and Genocide Memorial
After a morning of relaxation, transfer to Kigali for a city tour. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to gain insight into Rwanda’s history and resilience. End the day with a stroll through local markets and perhaps a visit to an art gallery.
Day 13-15: Tanzania’s Serengeti and Ngorongoro
Day 13: Transfer to Tanzania and Serengeti National Park
Fly from Kigali to Tanzania, where your safari continues in the world-renowned Serengeti National Park. Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive, where you might catch the first glimpses of the Great Migration.
Day 14: Full Day Safari in Serengeti
Spend the entire day exploring the Serengeti, famous for its vast plains and the annual migration of over a million wildebeest and zebras. Your day will be filled with incredible wildlife sightings, from lions and cheetahs to elephants and giraffes.
Day 15: Ngorongoro Crater Tour
Leave the Serengeti for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, arriving at the awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater. Descend into the crater for a game drive in this unique environment, home to an incredible density of wildlife, including the rare black rhino.
Day 16-18: The Great Migration and Tarangire National Park
Day 16: Great Migration Experience
Today, you’ll focus on the Great Migration, one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife events. Depending on the time of year, you may witness river crossings or the massive herds moving across the plains, followed by predators.
Day 17: Transfer to Tarangire National Park
Drive to Tarangire National Park, known for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. Enjoy an afternoon game drive, where you’ll have the chance to spot a variety of wildlife against the backdrop of Tarangire’s unique landscape.
Day 18: Safari in Tarangire
Spend a full day exploring Tarangire, with its diverse wildlife and fewer tourists. The park is a hidden gem, offering a more intimate safari experience with opportunities to see elephants, lions, and leopards.
Day 19-21: Lake Manyara and Departure (21-Day African Safari)
Day 19: Lake Manyara National Park
Head to Lake Manyara National Park for a day of exploration. The park is known for its tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and breathtaking views of the Rift Valley. Enjoy a game drive and a visit to the hippo pool.
Day 20: Relaxation and Reflection
Spend your final full day in Africa relaxing at your lodge or enjoying a guided nature walk. Reflect on the incredible experiences of the past three weeks and soak in the serene surroundings.
Day 21: Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight. As you leave Tanzania, take with you the memories of an extraordinary adventure, having explored some of Africa’s most iconic landscapes and encountered its magnificent wildlife.
This 21-day African safari through Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania offers a comprehensive experience of East Africa’s rich natural heritage. From gorilla trekking in the dense forests of Uganda and Rwanda to witnessing the Great Migration in Tanzania’s Serengeti, this journey encapsulates the very essence of African wildlife and landscapes. Each day brings new adventures, ensuring that this safari will be an unforgettable chapter in your travel story.
