Itinerary Overview – Grand East Africa Safari
Embark on an unforgettable journey through East Africa’s most iconic landscapes, where lush rainforests, volcanic craters, and vast savannahs teem with extraordinary wildlife. This exclusive 11-day adventure takes you from the misty mountains of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to the legendary plains of the Serengeti, offering rare encounters with mountain gorillas, the Big Five, and the awe-inspiring Great Migration.
Itinerary Highlights:
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Trek through ancient rainforests in search of endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Arusha, Tanzania – A gateway to adventure, where you can unwind and prepare for the next leg of your journey.
Ngorongoro Crater – Discover the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, home to an incredible concentration of wildlife, including rhinos, lions, and elephants.
Northern Serengeti – Witness the drama of the Great Migration, where vast herds cross the Mara River, pursued by Africa’s most formidable predators.
Trip Duration: 11 Days
Starting From: $14,395
Entebbe, a serene lakeside town on the shores of Lake Victoria, offers a tranquil introduction to Uganda. Known for its lush botanical gardens, vibrant birdlife, and historical charm, the city is a perfect place to unwind before your journey into the wild.
Accommodation: Protea Hotel by Marriott
Meals: Breakfast
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of Africa’s oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Over the next three days, you will experience the magic of this extraordinary wilderness through a variety of immersive activities:
- Gorilla Trekking: The highlight of your stay—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to track and observe a habituated gorilla family in their natural habitat. Led by expert rangers, you will navigate dense jungle terrain, experiencing an intimate and awe-inspiring encounter with these gentle giants.
- Lake Mutanda Hike & Canoe Excursion: Explore the scenic beauty of Lake Mutanda, a stunning volcanic lake surrounded by lush hills and dotted with islands. Enjoy a guided hike and a peaceful canoe trip, taking in breathtaking panoramas.
- Batwa Cultural Experience: Engage with the Batwa people, the original forest dwellers, and learn about their ancient hunter-gatherer traditions, music, and storytelling—offering a deep cultural perspective on life in Bwindi.
Evenings at the lodge are spent unwinding by the fireplace, enjoying gourmet meals, and soaking in the serene atmosphere of the forest.
Accommodation: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Located in the heart of Arusha, this lodge offers a serene atmosphere and breath-taking views of Mount Meru. Enjoy a peaceful evening with dinner at the lodge, and relax in the comfort of your surroundings, preparing for the adventures to come.
Accommodation: Arusha Coffee Lodge
Meals: Breakfast
Days 6 to 7: Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for a light aircraft flight to Manyara, where you’ll be greeted and embark on a private game drive through the stunning Lake Manyara National Park. This park is known for its diverse landscapes, including the famous soda lake, lush groundwater forests, and expansive grasslands, all teeming with wildlife. Keep an eye out for the park’s famous tree-climbing lions, as well as giraffes, elephants, flamingos, and hippos, which call the park home. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the beauty of nature, before continuing your exploration of the park.
In the afternoon, you will be transferred to Wilderness Crater’s Edge, an exclusive lodge perched on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. This luxurious accommodation offers stunning views of the caldera and a tranquil setting, perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure. Stay here for two nights and enjoy the incredible landscapes surrounding you.
During your stay at Wilderness Crater’s Edge, embark on a private game drive into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic safari destinations in Africa. As you descend into the caldera, you’ll enter a natural wonderland teeming with wildlife, offering an extraordinary opportunity to observe animals in their natural habitat.
The crater’s rich and diverse ecosystems—ranging from lush grasslands and freshwater lakes to dense forests—provide a sanctuary for an incredible variety of species. Keep an eye out for the Big Five—lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos—along with cheetahs, zebras, wildebeest, and countless bird species, all coexisting in this abundant wildlife haven. The Ngorongoro Crater is also known for its remarkable conservation efforts, ensuring that the local wildlife thrives in this extraordinary setting.
This unforgettable safari experience offers plenty of opportunities for game viewing, photography, and exploration, as you immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of the Ngorongoro Crater.
Accommodation: Wilderness Crater’s Edge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 8 to 10: Northern Serengeti
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airstrip for your light aircraft flight to the Northern Serengeti, a pristine and remote corner of Tanzania’s iconic Serengeti National Park. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by your guide and transferred to Serengeti Bushtops, a luxurious camp set in one of the finest game-viewing locations on Earth. Spend the next three nights here, immersed in the beauty and wildlife of this incredible region.
The Northern Serengeti is renowned for its role in the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles travel across the plains in search of fresh grazing. If you are visiting during migration season (typically between July and October), you’ll have the chance to witness the Mara River crossings, where large herds face dramatic challenges posed by predators and the river’s crocodiles.
During your stay you will enjoy incredible game drives. With expert guides and eagle-eyed spotters, you’ll embark on early morning game drives to observe the diverse wildlife, from predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards to herds of elephants and giraffes. Serengeti Bushtops’ 4×4 vehicles are specially designed for ultimate comfort and optimal viewing, ensuring that each safari moment is unforgettable.
You’ll also enjoy walking safaris at Wayo, near the Mara River, where you’ll be accompanied by a skilled TANAPA Ranger. This one-hour walk offers an intimate experience with nature, as you safely approach herds of impalas, zebras, and giraffes, all while learning about the animals’ tracks, flora, and fauna. It’s an immersive and thrilling opportunity to experience the African bush on foot.
After your walk, return to camp for breakfast, or continue with your game drive. In the late afternoon, indulge in sundowners as you take in the stunning African landscape, followed by an optional hot air balloon ride for a bird’s-eye view of the Serengeti’s vast plains.
Each evening, unwind at the camp’s restaurant, where a gastronomic experience awaits. Enjoy fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere, with the warmth of a campfire outside, offering the perfect end to your day in the bush. This is truly life at its most refined, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the wild.
Accommodation: Serengeti Bushtops
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel Dates & Prices
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