Are you planning an unforgettable adventure in Africa? East Africa promises a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience that will leave you in awe. This iconic region is renowned for its remarkable diversity, offering something for every type of traveler.

Imagine trekking through lush tropical rainforests, home to some of the world’s most incredible wildlife. Gorilla and chimpanzee tracking in Uganda and Rwanda gives you the chance to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, a truly humbling experience. You’ll walk through misty forests, surrounded by exotic flora, as you come face-to-face with mountain gorillas or playful chimpanzees.

Beyond the forests, East Africa’s iconic landscapes await. From Kenya’s Maasai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti to the dramatic Ngorongoro Crater, these vast savannahs are teeming with wildlife. Thrilling game drives offer close encounters with lions, elephants, cheetahs, giraffes, and other incredible animals. Witnessing the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River, is one of nature’s greatest spectacles.

The region’s beauty doesn’t stop at wildlife; East Africa is home to vibrant cultures. Engage with the Maasai, Karamojong, or Batwa communities, learning about their traditions, crafts, and way of life. The warm hospitality of these cultures adds a personal touch to your adventure.

With its breathtaking landscapes, extraordinary wildlife, and rich cultural experiences, East Africa offers more than just a safari—it offers memories that will last a lifetime. This is a destination where nature, adventure, and culture blend seamlessly for an iconic African experience.

How Much is East African Safari cost?

The cost of an East Africa trip varies based on several factors, such as the countries visited (e.g., Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda), the type of safari or activities, accommodations, and the length of stay.

For budget travelers, a 7-10 day trip, including wildlife safaris, can range between $1,500 to $5,000. This typically includes basic accommodations, park fees, and some guided tours. For mid-range options, expect to pay $3,000 to $7,000, covering more comfortable lodges, private guides, and additional activities such as gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda (permits alone can cost around $800 to $1,500 respectively).

Luxury trips, often including exclusive lodges, private safaris, and flights between parks, can cost anywhere from $6,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the duration and specific locations visited. A two-week luxury safari combining multiple countries like Kenya’s Maasai Mara, Tanzania’s Serengeti, and Rwanda’s gorilla trekking can easily exceed $10,000.

Factors like peak seasons (June-October) may also increase prices, while traveling in the off-season offers savings. Travel packages often include transportation, accommodations, meals, and activities, but international flights and visa fees are usually extra.

How many days do i need to do a trip to Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda?

To fully experience a trip to Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda, you’ll need around 10 to 14 days. This allows enough time to explore key attractions in each country while balancing travel time between destinations.

Uganda (4-6 days)

In Uganda, you can spend about 3 to 5 days visiting the highlights, including Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for gorilla trekking, Queen Elizabeth National Park for wildlife safaris, and Murchison Falls for boat cruises and game drives. Gorilla trekking alone usually takes 2 to 3 days, including travel to Bwindi and a day for the trek.

Kenya (5-7 days)

In Kenya, plan for 4 to 6 days to visit its iconic national parks like Maasai Mara, famous for the Great Migration, and Amboseli National Park, known for its elephant herds and views of Mount Kilimanjaro. A visit to Nairobi for cultural experiences and a day trip to Giraffe Centre or David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust can round out your stay.

Rwanda (5-7 days)

In Rwanda, 3 to 4 days is enough to explore Volcanoes National Park for gorilla or golden monkey trekking and to visit Kigali, the capital city, for the Kigali Genocide Memorial and cultural tours.

This 14-20 day itinerary offers a rich mix of wildlife, culture, and natural beauty across the three countries.

A Sample of a 15 days Uganda, Rwanda Kenya Safari.

This 15-day safari provides a balanced mix of wildlife, culture, and adventure, covering the highlights of Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya.

Day 1: Arrival in Uganda (Entebbe)

• Arrive at Entebbe International Airport.
• Transfer to your hotel for rest and relaxation after your flight.
• Overnight in Entebbe.

Day 2: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

• Fly or drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda.
• Enjoy scenic views of Uganda’s lush countryside.
• Overnight near Bwindi Forest.

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

• Early morning gorilla trekking in the dense rainforest.
• Spend an hour with a gorilla family and return to your lodge.
• Relax for the rest of the day or explore the surrounding communities.
• Overnight in Bwindi.

Day 4: Transfer to Kigali, Rwanda

• Cross the border into Rwanda.
• Travel to Kigali, the capital, and enjoy a city tour.
• Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
• Overnight in Kigali.

Day 5: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

• Travel to Volcanoes National Park, home to mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.
• Visit local villages or explore nearby lakes in the afternoon.
• Overnight near the park.

Day 6: Golden Monkey Trekking

• Trek to observe golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park.
• Afternoon cultural tour with the local communities.
• Overnight near Volcanoes National Park.

Day 7: Transfer to Kenya (Nairobi)

• Travel to Kigali Airport for a flight to Nairobi, Kenya.
• Arrive in Nairobi and transfer to your hotel.
• Optional visit to Giraffe Centre or relax at your hotel.
• Overnight in Nairobi.

Day 8: Transfer to Maasai Mara National Reserve

• Drive or fly to Maasai Mara, one of Africa’s most famous wildlife reserves.
• Afternoon game drive on arrival.
• Overnight at a safari camp in Maasai Mara.

Day 9-10: Maasai Mara Game Drives

• Enjoy full days of game drives, watching for the “Big Five” (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino).
• Option for a hot air balloon safari at sunrise.
• Visit a local Maasai village to learn about the Maasai culture.
• Overnight in Maasai Mara.

Day 11: Transfer to Amboseli National Park

• Drive to Amboseli National Park, known for large herds of elephants and views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
• Afternoon game drive.
• Overnight at a lodge in Amboseli.

Day 12: Full Day in Amboseli

• Morning and afternoon game drives in Amboseli.
• Enjoy the stunning scenery and abundant wildlife.
• Overnight in Amboseli.

Day 13: Transfer to Lake Naivasha

• Travel to Lake Naivasha.
• Afternoon boat ride on the lake, spotting hippos and birds.
• Optional visit to Hell’s Gate National Park for a cycling safari.
• Overnight at a lodge by the lake.

Day 14: Return to Nairobi

• Leisurely morning at Lake Naivasha.
• Transfer back to Nairobi.
• Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
• Overnight in Nairobi.

Day 15: Departure

• Transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight.

Safari Highlights:

• Uganda: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi.
• Rwanda: Golden monkey trekking and cultural experiences in Volcanoes National Park.
• Kenya: Big Five safaris in Maasai Mara and Amboseli, cultural tours, and scenic landscapes.

This 15-day itinerary offers a rich combination of primate trekking, wildlife safaris, and cultural encounters across East Africa.