From the roaring plains of the Serengeti, to the peaceful gorilla habitats of Uganda and the exotic beaches of Zanzibar, this is the East Africa tour of a lifetime.

They say the human race originated in East Africa, which explains why a land that’s so unique, feels so much like home. Here in the cradle of mankind, you’ll discover the treasures hidden in wild jungles, primeval forests and expansive grassy plains. From spotting mountain gorillas in the early morning mist, to glimpsing a lioness and her cubs at water’s edge, your days will be filled with the unforgettable wonders of East Africa.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest is home to some of the world’s last remaining mountain gorilla families, endangered monkeys and almost 400 species of plants. Follow your guide deep into the ancient jungle to come face to face with nature’s most magnificent beasts. Track the Big Five in the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve, home to the annual migration of the wildebeests, known as the Greatest Show on Earth. Cross into the Serengeti to see big cats and wild dogs roaming the grassy plains. In heavenly Zanzibar, explore the azure waters of the Indian Ocean and discover spellbinding Stone Town.

This trip offers unparalleled game viewing with evening relaxation in excellent quality tented camps and game lodges. Enjoy a personalized vacation that best suits your needs, developed by one of our experienced destination experts. Relax during your trip with our 24/7 support and expert local guidance.

NOTE: Gorilla permits are secured with you trip’s deposit. Once secured they are non-refundable. It will take 24-48 hours to secure the purchase from the authorities as they are sold on a first come first served basis. The park authority/management reserves the right to cancel any permit without any refund or further reference.

DAY 1: ENTEBBE – KAMPALA

Welcome to the East African primate capital, the heavily forested country of Uganda!  Upon arrival to the Entebbe International Airport, a representative will meet and load up your entire luggage and head towards the Ugandan capital city of Kampala where you will overnight.

Accommodation: Cassia Lodge Hotel

Cassia Lodge is located on Buziga Hill, one of the highest hills of Kampala, close to Lake Victoria. With the environmental temperatures being cool, guest can relish in that there are very few mosquitoes around when outside of the property enjoying the astonishing view of the lake as well as the city. The lodge offers excellent international cuisine in a serene environment, with a highly trained and experienced culinary staff at the helm. The lodge itself offers guests stays in one of the twenty luxurious rooms which all feature satellite television, mini-bar and spectacular balconies with overlooking views of the lake.  Guest can also enjoy use of the swimming pool during those sunny afternoon hours to cool down.

DAY 2: KAMPALA – LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK

Depart the Ugandan capital of Kampala en-route to the Lake Mburo National Park grounds.

Set out on an adventurous game drive around the Lake Mburo National Park grounds today.  The eco-diversity of this park makes for quite the journey as you explore some of the many hillsides, grasslands and water based wildlife habitats.  To hone in on the specific wildlife one would want to see, the park has designated routes or “tracks” which travel to the specific landscape where these wildlife species thrive.  Travelling along the “Zebra Track” will boast a variety of plain-game including Burchell zebra, bushbuck, oribi and reed buck.  To find species like the elusive klipspringer one would have to travel along the “Ruroko Track.”  This track is home to wildlife that requires a habitat that features a wetland basin surrounded by thick acacia shrub and woodlands.

Your park fees are included for this day.

Accommodation: Kimbla-Mantana Lake Mburo Camp

Lake Mburo Camp is a classic tented camp in the grand safari tradition inside the Lake Mburo National Park. It is set in a commanding hilltop position overlooking Lake Mburo and its surrounding eco-systems. The camp provides comfort in a truly tranquil and natural setting, in the classic African safari tradition.

DAY 3: LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK – BWINDI

Enjoy your private transfer from Lake Mburo National Park to Bwindi. Often referred to as the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, this area boast some truly thick vegetation consisting of massive evergreen trees that stretch to great heights for sunlight.  It is here within the Impenetrable Forest where almost half of the world’s population of Mountain Gorilla reside.  The travel time between these two diverse locations is approximately 6 to 7 hours depending on weather conditions.

In the afternoon, enjoy some time on your own to relax.

Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge

The Buhoma Lodge is located within the confines of the Impenetrable Bwindi Forest area of western Uganda.  Within walking distance to the Gorilla trailhead, this property is the ideal accommodation for those in search of some excellent Mountain Gorilla photography. The lodge features 8 comfortable chalets that are all equipped with en-suite bathing facilities and mosquito proofing.

DAY 4: BWINDI

Wake up very early and depart with a picnic lunch to track the rare Mountain Gorillas (hiking boots required). The tracking may take between 5 and 8 hours. The Park Guides with you interpret the flora and fauna and the lifestyle of the Gorillas. Return in the evening for dinner and overnight at the lodge. Only persons age 15 and over are allowed to track the gorillas.

Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge

DAY 5: BWINDI – KIGALI – NAIROBI

Ride aboard a private vehicle with English speaking driver during this transfer traveling between Bwindi and Kigali today.  The approximate travel time is 5 to 7 hours.  You will cross the border between Uganda and Rwanda at the kyanika border.

Prepare your senses for an explosion of culture and emotion during today’s excursion through Kigali.  Begin by visiting some of the popular market places to view and purchase some of the local products.  Next, you’ll travel to a location stained with heart aching cultural history, The Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre.  This tragic memorial was constructed in April 2004 to honour those whom lost their lives during the Rwandan Genocide.  The centre was built on the site where an estimated 250 000 victims were buried.  This location serves as a place where individuals can grieve the loss of their loved ones and to provide educational information regarding the genocide.  Rwandans believe that although the gruesomeness and painful emotions associated with this tragedy may be construed as negative, it is extremely important that the younger generations of Rwandans fully understand the reasons and effects of such an event on a nation.  The Centre features three permanent exhibits which depict the events of 1994, as well as a children’s memorial which exhibits the history of genocidal violence towards children from all over the world.

Relax during this short flight departing Kigali, Rwanda and traveling to the urban hub of Nairobi, Kenya.  The approximate flight time is 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Luggage restriction applicable to this flight: 15kg (32 lb) per person, for both carry-on and checked luggage. Your checked luggage needs to be soft-sided – no wheels / no spine, a duffel bag is recommended. A small purse/backpack, is recommended as a carry-on, to keep your camera, passport, hat, sunblock or other items you need within easy reach.

A privately driven vehicle will provide you with a transfer between the hotel and airport. After your guide has loaded up your luggage you will be driven through Nairobi admiring some of the sights (time permitting). Your guide will brief you on your itinerary en-route.

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Nairobi

Situated in the trendy new Upper Hill financial district of Nairobi, Crowne Plaza Nairobi is the model of modern five-star elegance.  The property embodies an ideal fusion of thoughtful design and indulgence and comes ripe with opportunity to discover nearby Nairobi National Park and the Masai Mara game reserve to see big cats and giraffes.  Earthy textures and dark wood throughout Crowne Plaza Nairobi evokes the wild plains and acacia trees of Kenya’s big game reserves.  The property offers a host of amenities and facilities including a luxurious health club, a stylish unisex hair salon, a 24-hour state of the art gymnasium, and an outdoor swimming pool.  Five floors comprised of Rooms, Suites, and Club Rooms are all equipped with the latest in technology, high speed complimentary Internet, Wi-Fi, mini bar, in-room safe, tea and coffee facilities, and 24 hour room service.

DAY 6: NAIROBI – MASAI MARA

A privately driven vehicle will provide you with a transfer between the hotel and airport. After your guide has loaded up your luggage you will be driven through Nairobi admiring some of the sights (time permitting). Your guide will brief you on your itinerary en-route.

Sit back and relax during this short, scenic flight from Nairobi to Masai Mara today. The flight duration is approximately 45 minutes. On all services the luggage allowance is 15 kilos in soft bags. This allowance shall include all hand baggage.

A representative from your camp will meet you at the airstrip upon your arrival into the Masai Mara area.  Once your luggage has been secured, you are off for an expertly guided game drive en route to your camp.  Keep a close eye on the bush for the sparkle of eyes as the sun glistens off the irises of some stealthy, stalking predators and their elusively cunning prey.

Head out this afternoon, accompanied by an experienced tracker guide, on an exciting game viewing adventure.  Search some of the area’s wildlife hot-spots, determined by your guide, as have an understanding of the games daily routines through tracking.  Some wildlife, for instance the Leopard, is more difficult to spot than others. These spotted cats blend almost seamlessly into the tall grass and shrubbery, and are even more challenging to spot up in their favorite hangouts, the trees.  Your guide will take you to nearby watering holes, where on a hot day you’ll spot many bird and wildlife species, including the elusive Leopard.

Accommodation: Mara West

Nestled against a wooded thicket and surrounded by savannah, Mara West combines luxury accommodations with the breathtaking adventures of an unforgettable African safari. The rooms are perched in secluded spots on the edge of the Oloololo Escarpment, offering guests panoramic views of the Masai Mara Game Reserve below and a sense of exclusive privacy. The camp is home to resident herds of gazelles, impalas, and zebras, as well as an abundance of bird life, and is visited regularly by a variety of wildlife passing to and from the park. The stunning beauty of the Mara, the uninterrupted grazing of the antelope, the night calls of the bush babies, and the early morning chorus of songbirds, all   combined with the comfortable and tasteful ambiance of the camp, is part of the Mara West experience and what makes it a unique paradise for nature lovers.

DAY 7: MASAI MARA

Just like the local wildlife, you’ll head out bright and early this morning, alongside an experienced tracker-guide for the day’s first game drive.  The eco-diversity and sheer size of the Masai Mara Game Reserve provides the necessary requirements to house a wide range of animal species.  The most recognized are known worldwide as the African Big 5, which includes the African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Rhinoceros, Leopard, and the King of the beasts, the Lion.  The term Big 5 was coined by big-game hunters, as these species were the most difficult and dangerous to track and hunt.  Subsequently, the term was adopted by the tourism industry for marketing purposes, spinning a web of positivity opposed to the negative effect portrayed by the original terminology.  Numerous other species of bird and wildlife inhabit this dynamic location including Hyenas, Gazelles, Impalas, Giraffes, Zebras, Vultures, Cranes, Eagles, Falcons, and Ostriches.

On today’s afternoon game drive, the choice is up to you: search for the Big 5 or expand your horizons to discover something different. The Masai Mara not only has a rich mix of animals – it also has an incredible array of bird life that includes almost 450 different species.

Accommodation: Mara West

DAY 8: MASAI MARA

Set out bright and early this morning on a “Migration” inspired game drive with your experienced guide.  Your journey today will take you into the thick of the Masai Mara plains, in search of some of the many grazing species that take part in the annual migration yearly, an event that has been going on for centuries.  Exceptional populations of Zebras, Gazelles, Impalas, and of course Wildebeests thunderously feed and migrate from the Serengeti and through the Mara area every year from July to October.

Set out this afternoon with your tracker guide on another exciting game drive through the Masai Mara Game reserve.  The Mara area is one of the few places left in Africa where one can still spot Rhinos in the wild. It is estimated that there are only 4000 black rhinos left in Africa.  Your guide will take you to the locations where Rhino sightings have been recently reported to see if you can snap some photos of these elusive, lumbering giants.

Accommodation: Mara West

DAY 9: MASAI MARA – ISEBANIA – SERENGETI

You`ll depart the Masai Mara Game Reserve today in a privately driven vehicle with guide and travel towards the Isebania border crossing.  Enjoy game viewing or depart first thing, driving past towns and villages along the way. Upon your arrival, your guide will arrange the necessary documentation for your entry into Tanzania.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  Please be aware that this portion of the drive can be long depending on rains as this is a dirt road. In dry season you can reach the border in 2 hrs or less. Upon entry into Tanzania, you`ll notice an improvement in stability and comfort as roadway heading toward the Serengeti National Park is newly paved.

When traveling across the Kenyan-Tanzanian border a few things must occur.  Upon arrival to the Isebania Border Crossing, you will switch vehicles and guides according to the country you’ll be entering.

You will be required to purchase a Visa; for Kenya it’s a per person cost of 50$ USD, and for Tanzania it’s a per person cost of 100$ USD for American Citizens and 50$ USD for all other Nationalities.

Please Note: Visas must be paid in USD, and in CASH.  No bills can be older than 2006 as a local counterfeiting safeguard.  A Single entry Visa is valid for 3 months and can be used for multiple entries into Kenya and Tanzania.  It is also required that you have your Yellow Fever certification handy upon crossing.

After you have crossed through Isebania Border you will switch vehicles and guides according to the country you’ll be entering.

You`ll continue in your specialized, Tanzanian guided and driven vehicle towards the Serengeti Game Park. Please advise your guide if you would like to make any additional stops at shops, villages or stop at Lake Victoria. For instance, a stop at a local fishing village can be scheduled if you’re craving some cultural inspiration. Have your camera handy, as you enjoy some game viewing upon entry into the park whilst traveling to your Serengeti based lodging.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Upon entry into Tanzania, you`ll notice an improvement in stability and comfort as roadway heading toward the Serengeti National Park is newly paved.  Once you arrive in Serengeti you’ll drive on dirt roads through the park and enjoy game viewing on your way to the lodge/camp. These dirt roads can be bumpy and/or muddy in rainy season. The approximate total travel time between Masai Mara and Serengeti can range between 6 to 9 hours depending on road conditions, traffic and weather.

Accommodation: Mbalageti Camp

Mbalageti Serengeti Camp features luxury tented chalets as well as lodge style standard rooms on the slopes of the rising Mwamweni Hill. Each room type is equipped with all the utilities of home, such as an en suite bathroom and a veranda with a stunning view. Dining takes place both in the bush, privately or with small groups, or in the dining tent, where local and continental cuisine forge new roots. English tea is served in the gardens with pastries daily. Activities range from spending some alone time in the loft reading books to a relaxing float in the tranquility pool, with the Serengeti plains as the backdrop.

DAY 10: SERENGETI

This morning’s African adventure begins with an exploratory game drive through Tanzania’s oldest and most recognized National Park, the Serengeti.  This location offers the most expansive game viewing in Tanzania. From predators to prey, great herds of grazing herbivores to tactically cunning packs of carnivores, life on the plains of the Serengeti can best be defined as a complete “circle of life.”  A photographic dream unfolds before your eyes as giraffes and elephants feast on tasty shrubbery, whilst impalas, gazelles and buffalos dance carefully through the plains as to not become the latest meal for on-looking lions, cheetahs and hyenas.

Get ready for an afternoon to remember as you set out accompanied by an experienced tracker-guide into the seamlessly never-ending expanses of the Serengeti.  The park is world renowned for its healthy stock of resident wildlife species, in particular the African Big 5 which or course includes buffalos, elephants, rhinoceros, leopards and lions.  Although with sightings considered a rarity, very few black rhinoceros still live within the confines of the park grounds.  The Serengeti is also home to the largest population of lions and giraffes in all of Africa.  Heavy concentrations of topi, gazelle, waterbuck and Coke’s hartebeest provide an ample food source for local carnivores including cheetah, hyenas and African wild dog.  The park is also home to some 500+ species of birds, ranging in size and weights some of these bird including ostrich, crowned crane, marabou stork and secretary bird are the most sought after photogenic birds on the planet.

Accommodation: Mbalageti Camp