16-Day East Africa Safari Experience

Day 1: Arrival at Nairobi City and Check-in the Hotel for Relaxation

Upon your arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be warmly received by a 16-Day East Africa Safari professional representative from Deks Safaris and Tours. After a short briefing about the safari, you will be transferred to your comfortable hotel in Nairobi City for check-in. Today is a day of rest and relaxation to recover from your international flight, adjust to the local climate, and prepare for the epic adventure ahead.

Nairobi, often referred to as the “Green City in the Sun,” offers a beautiful blend of modernity and African authenticity. Depending on your arrival time, you may opt for an optional visit to the nearby Giraffe Centre, David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, or even the Nairobi National Museum to kick-start your safari journey.

In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel or dine at one of Nairobi’s premier restaurants. The city boasts a variety of culinary options, allowing you to savor African, Indian, and international dishes. Afterward, retreat to your room to unwind and prepare mentally for the start of your 16-Day East Africa Safari the following morning.

• Accommodation: Tamarind Tree Hotel / Eka Hotel
• Meals: Dinner, Drinking Water

Lake Naivasha National Park Game Drives and Birding

After an early breakfast, your 16-Day East Africa Safari begins with a scenic road transfer to Lake Naivasha, located in the Great Rift Valley. The journey offers picturesque views of escarpments, valleys, and countryside life. Upon arrival at Lake Naivasha National Park, check in at your lodge and prepare for an engaging day of exploration.

Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake known for its exceptional birding opportunities, with over 400 bird species recorded, including African fish eagles, kingfishers, and cormorants. You’ll enjoy a boat ride across the lake, bringing you up close to hippos, grazing giraffes, and waterbucks along the shores.

Later in the afternoon, proceed for a guided nature walk or game drive in Crescent Island, a private sanctuary teeming with herbivores such as zebras, wildebeests, and impalas. This unique experience allows you to walk freely among wildlife without any predators present.

Enjoy a serene evening by the lake, accompanied by a sundowner and the sounds of chirping birds and distant hippos. Lake Naivasha sets the tone for what promises to be a thrilling wildlife journey.

• Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Country Club / Sopa Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water

Road Drive to Masai Mara National Reserve

Today, depart early for the Masai Mara National Reserve, a jewel in Kenya’s crown and one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife sanctuaries. The drive takes you through the expansive Rift Valley and into the rolling savannahs of Maasai land, offering an immersion into Kenya’s breathtaking landscapes.

Upon arrival at your lodge or tented camp, check in and enjoy lunch before heading out for your first evening game drive in the Masai Mara. The reserve is renowned for its high concentration of wildlife and is home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffaloes, and more.

This introductory game drive offers a glimpse into the magic of the Masai Mara. As the golden sun begins to set, you may witness predators on the hunt or herds of antelope grazing peacefully. The landscape is dotted with iconic acacia trees, silhouetted by the African sunset.

Return to your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay, serenaded by the nocturnal sounds of the wild.

• Accommodation: Zebra Plains Mara Camp / Jambo Mara Safari Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water

Game Drives, Great Migration, and Culture

Prepare for an exhilarating full day of game drives in the Masai Mara. After breakfast, set out into the heart of the reserve with a packed lunch for a full-day exploration. Your expert 16-Day East Africa Safari guide will take you to prime locations where wildlife sightings are most likely, depending on seasonal movements and natural behavior.

If traveling between July and October, you’ll have a chance to witness the Great Migration, a natural spectacle where over two million wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles cross from the Serengeti into the Masai Mara in search of greener pastures, facing predators like crocodiles, lions, and hyenas along the way.

Apart from the migration, the Masai Mara teems with year-round wildlife, including the Big Five. Your 16-Day East Africa Safari guide will interpret animal behavior, ensuring an insightful safari experience. Enjoy a picnic lunch in a designated area and continue with game viewing in the afternoon.

In the evening, return to your lodge and optionally participate in a Maasai cultural visit, where you’ll learn about traditional customs, dance, dress, and lifestyles of the Maasai people.

• Accommodation: Zebra Plains Mara Camp / Jambo Mara Safari Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water

Cross Border from Kenya to Tanzania

Your day begins early with breakfast and a scenic drive toward the Isebania border, the crossing point between Kenya and Tanzania. This transition marks an exciting shift as you journey from the legendary Masai Mara to the equally iconic Serengeti National Park, home to one of the most dramatic wildlife theaters on Earth. Along the way, soak in the sweeping views of East Africa’s savannahs, rolling hills, and vibrant communities as your 16-Day East Africa Safari guide offers fascinating insights into the cultures and landscapes that define the region.

At the border, your driver-guide will assist with immigration formalities to ensure a smooth and efficient crossing. Once in Tanzania, you’ll meet your new Tanzanian guide and vehicle and continue your safari adventure. The drive into Northern Serengeti introduces you to the immense, open plains that stretch endlessly under vast skies, teeming with wildlife. This region is especially rich in sightings of elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and predators like lions and cheetahs.

After your check-in at the lodge or tented camp, you will enjoy lunch followed by a leisurely afternoon game drive, your first in the Serengeti ecosystem. The landscapes are dotted with kopjes, acacia trees, and seasonal rivers that attract a variety of animals and birds. The day’s end is graced with a beautiful Serengeti sunset, offering perfect photo opportunities before you return to camp for dinner and a restful evening.

• Accommodation: Africa Safari Serengeti Camp / Kenzan Tented Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water

Adventure in Northern Serengeti National Park (Game Drives)

Today is dedicated to exploring the Northern Serengeti, a remote and wild part of the park that offers some of the best wildlife encounters in Africa. Known for its dramatic landscapes and seasonal river crossings during the Great Migration, this region becomes a prime 16-Day East Africa Safari hotspot from July to October, when massive herds of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelles cross the Mara River into Kenya and back.

After an early breakfast, set off on a full-day game drive with picnic lunch. Your experienced safari guide will take you to strategic locations along the Mara River where you may witness the breathtaking spectacle of animals braving the waters, watched closely by patient and powerful Nile crocodiles. These crossings are not only visually astonishing but also emotionally stirring, showcasing nature’s raw and unforgiving beauty.

Even if you are visiting outside migration season, Northern Serengeti remains rich in biodiversity. Expect close encounters with lion prides, cheetahs scanning for prey, and perhaps even the elusive leopard lounging in a sausage tree. The riverbanks, open plains, and rocky outcrops are also excellent for spotting hippos, topis, eland, and hundreds of bird species.

Return to your lodge in the evening for relaxation, followed by a hearty dinner under the stars. Share your day’s sightings around the campfire and fall asleep to the distant roar of lions—a quintessential Serengeti experience.

• Accommodation: Kontiki Serengeti Camp / Robbin Serengeti Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water

Game Drives, Great Migration at Grumeti River, and Visit to Maasai People in Boma

After breakfast, set out for a full day of exploration in the Central Serengeti, particularly around the Seronera Valley and Grumeti River. This region is the heart of Serengeti and is famed for its year-round abundance of wildlife. It is a predator haven with frequent sightings of lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas.

If your travel period coincides with the Great Migration, this is one of the best places to witness thousands of wildebeest crossing the Grumeti River, facing enormous Nile crocodiles and strong currents. Even outside migration season, the resident wildlife density ensures a thrilling 16-Day East Africa Safari.

In the afternoon, take a detour to a nearby Maasai Boma to gain cultural insights into the lifestyle, traditions, and resilience of the Maasai people. This authentic experience includes traditional dances, storytelling, and the opportunity to purchase handmade crafts.

Return to your camp in the evening for relaxation and a well-earned dinner.

• Accommodation: Kontiki Serengeti Camp / Robbin Serengeti Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water

Game Drives, Photography, and Nature Walks in Ndutu Plains

Today of 16-Day East Africa Safari, you journey south toward the Ndutu Plains, situated in the Southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This area is particularly famous for the calving season of the Great Migration, which takes place between December and March, drawing an impressive number of predators due to the abundance of easy prey.

Enjoy extensive game drives across the plains, capturing iconic images of the open landscapes and wildlife interactions. Southern Serengeti is a photographer’s paradise, offering dramatic backdrops and scenes of lion prides, cheetah hunts, and scavenging hyenas.

Later in the day, you may participate in a guided nature walk led by experienced armed rangers who provide insightful details about the flora and fauna, animal tracks, and the ecological balance of this unique ecosystem.

Wind down your day with a relaxed evening around the campfire and marvel at the unpolluted African night sky.

• Accommodation: Ndutu Safari Lodge / Lake Masek Tented Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water

Game Drives to Spot the Big Five

After breakfast, depart the southern Serengeti and head towards the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera and one of Africa’s most renowned natural wonders. En route, enjoy game viewing opportunities and stunning landscapes as you ascend the escarpments.

Upon reaching the crater rim, descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater floor for a comprehensive game drive. The crater is home to over 25,000 large animals, including the Big Five – lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and the rare black rhino. The diverse terrain of open grasslands, wetlands, and forest patches creates a perfect environment for wildlife viewing.

Enjoy a picnic lunch at the Ngoitoktok Hippo Pool, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Continue game viewing in the afternoon before ascending back to the crater rim and proceeding to your lodge for overnight.

• Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge / Country Lodge Karatu
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic), Dinner, Drinking Water

Visit the Crater and Afternoon Relaxation in Karatu Town

Start your day with an early descent into the Ngorongoro Crater for a second round of thrilling wildlife encounters. This early-morning game drive increases your chances of spotting elusive species such as leopards and black rhinos.

As the sun rises over the caldera, the golden light adds a magical touch to the landscape, perfect for photography. Spend the morning exploring different sections of the crater before heading out around midday.

Drive to Karatu Town, a charming agricultural town nestled on the outer slopes of the Ngorongoro Highlands. Here, you can relax at your lodge, enjoy views of the green coffee plantations, or engage in optional activities such as a village walk or visit to a local market.

This leisurely afternoon offers a refreshing pause before the next leg of your 16-Day East Africa Safari into Uganda.

• Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge / Country Lodge Karatu
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic), Dinner, Drinking Water

Proceed to Arusha City for Evening Relaxation

After breakfast, travel to the nearby Lake Manyara National Park, known for its tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and lush groundwater forests. Despite its relatively small size, the park offers a compact but diverse safari experience.

Enjoy a half-day game drive exploring the park’s diverse habitats – the lakeshore teeming with birds, acacia woodlands with baboons, and the escarpment where lions can often be seen resting in trees. Spot elephants, giraffes, hippos, and numerous bird species including pelicans and storks.

In the afternoon, proceed to Arusha City, the safari capital of Tanzania. Check in at your hotel, unwind, and reflect on your wildlife-filled Tanzanian adventure over a well-prepared dinner.

• Accommodation: Palace Hotel Arusha / Mount Meru Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water

Shoebill Tracking in Mabamba Swamp

Rise early for a transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport and board a regional flight to Entebbe International Airport in Uganda. Upon arrival, you will be met by our 16-Day East Africa Safari representative and transferred for a unique birding adventure to Mabamba Swamp, a Ramsar site on the shores of Lake Victoria.

Embark on a canoe excursion through the papyrus-lined channels of the swamp in search of the elusive Shoebill Stork, one of Uganda’s most iconic and sought-after bird species. Other bird species you might spot include papyrus gonolek, malachite kingfisher, and African jacana.

Return to Entebbe for dinner and overnight at a comfortable guesthouse or hotel.

• Accommodation: Papyrus Guesthouse / 2 Friends Beach Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water

 Afternoon Bigodi Swamp Walk

After breakfast, set off for a scenic drive westward to Kibale Forest National Park, the primate capital of East Africa. The journey travers’s tea plantations, rolling hills, and local villages, providing a glimpse into Uganda’s rural life.

Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided nature walk in the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run eco-tourism project. This swamp is a birdwatcher’s paradise and is home to various primates including red colobus monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, and mangabeys.

The walk offers not only wildlife but also a cultural dimension, as your local guide shares insights about the area’s medicinal plants and traditional uses.

• Accommodation: Turaco Treetops / Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water

Chimpanzee Tracking and Afternoon Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Today begins with a thrilling chimpanzee tracking expedition in Kibale Forest. After a briefing at the park headquarters, enter the forest with rangers to search for habituated chimpanzee families. As you track these intelligent primates, you’ll also encounter other wildlife such as forest elephants, duikers, and various bird species.

Once you locate a chimpanzee group, you’ll spend a magical hour observing their behavior – grooming, feeding, playing, and vocalizing. This intimate experience is both emotional and educational.

After lunch, depart for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, driving through the scenic landscapes of southwestern Uganda. Arrive at your lodge in the Rushaga Sector, nestled on the forest edge, and prepare for tomorrow’s mountain gorilla trekking.

• Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Camp / Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Cross Border to Volcanoes

After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before your once-in-a-lifetime mountain gorilla trekking adventure. Accompanied by rangers and trackers, hike through dense jungle terrain in search of a habituated gorilla family.

The trek can take between 2 to 6 hours depending on the gorillas’ movements, but the reward is worth every step. Once found, spend an awe-inspiring hour observing these gentle giants as they go about their daily lives. Take note of their social behaviors, the silverback’s leadership, and the playful antics of the juveniles.

After the trek, return for lunch and begin your cross-border transfer to Rwanda, arriving in the Volcanoes National Park area for overnight.

• Accommodation: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge / Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water

Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park

Conclude your 16-Day East Africa Safari with a golden monkey tracking experience in Volcanoes National Park. After a briefing at the park headquarters, head into the bamboo forest in search of these rare and lively primates known for their striking golden-orange fur and energetic behavior.

The tracking takes a couple of hours, after which you return to your lodge for checkout. Enjoy lunch en route and transfer to Kigali International Airport for your evening departure flight.

Optional (time permitting): A short Kigali city tour, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial or local markets.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Drinking Water

End of End of 16-Day East Africa Safari Itinerary