18-Day African safari to Uganda, Kenya, Victoria Falls, and Botswana Safari Experience
This 18-Day African safari connects four remarkable destinations (Uganda, Kenya, Victoria Falls, and Botswana Safari) into one seamless adventure. The journey combines Uganda’s primate forests, Kenya’s rich savannah wildlife, Zimbabwe’s mighty waterfall landscapes, and Botswana’s river-based safari experiences. Therefore, travelers enjoy a complete African story filled with wildlife, culture, scenery, and relaxation.
The 18-Day African safari begins with international travel to Entebbe, a peaceful lakeside gateway to Uganda’s national parks. Soon after arrival, guests fly west toward Kibale Forest National Park, home to chimpanzees and lush rainforest ecosystems. Later, the route continues south to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where visitors trek endangered mountain gorillas and meet the Batwa community.
Next, the journey shifts to Kenya’s legendary Masai Mara National Reserve. Here, vast plains host lions, elephants, cheetahs, and the dramatic wildebeest migration. Afterwards, flights connect travelers to Victoria Falls, one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls. Activities include river cruises, scenic flights, and guided exploration.
Finally, the adventure continues into Botswana’s Chobe National Park, famous for huge elephant herds and river safaris. The journey ends with departure flights via Johannesburg back home.
Throughout this 18-Day African safari, guests enjoy mid-range lodges, professional guides, scenic flights, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Moreover, the itinerary balances adventure with comfort and cultural experiences. Consequently, this trip suits travelers seeking a comprehensive African safari across diverse ecosystems.
18-Day African safari Experience Highlights
Day | Activities | Accommodation |
Day 1 | Depart Washington Dulles (IAD) for Entebbe (EBB) | None |
Day 2 | Arrival at Entebbe Airport Uganda from Virginia | Lake Victoria Hotel |
Day 3 | Air Transfer from Entebbe Airport to Kasese Airstrip and Road Transfer to Kibale Forst National Park, Have Evening Bigodi Swamp Walk | Turaco Treetops Lodge |
Day 4 | Enjoy Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest National Park and Afternoon Relaxation at the Lodge | Turaco Treetops Lodge |
Day 5 | Air Transfer from Kasese Airstrip to Kisoro Airstrip and Road Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Rushaga Sector), have Afternoon Batwa Cultural Experience | Four Gorillas Lodge |
Day 6 | Enjoy Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Afternoon Relaxation at the Lodge | Four Gorillas Lodge |
Day 7 | Morning Air Transfer from Kisoro Airstrip to Entebbe Airport, Flight to Jomo Kenyatta Airport Kenya, and Flight to Masai Mara National Reserve | Zebra Plains Mara Camp |
Day 8-10 | Adventure in Masai Mara National Reserve with Guided Game Drives Following the Great Migration at Mara River, Nature Walks, Maasai People Visit and Nature Walks | Zebra Plains Mara Camp |
Day 11 | Air Transfer from Masai Mara to Wilson Airstrip in Nairobi, Drive to Jomo Kenyatta Airport (3 Hours) and Flight to Victoria Falls Airport in Zimbabwe | A’zambezi River Lodge |
Day 12-13 | Enjoy Different Guided Activities at Victoria Falls with Boat Cruise Aircraft Experience and More | A’zambezi River Lodge |
Day 14 | Scenic Road Transfer from Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park in Botswana | The Chobe Safari Lodge or Thamalakane River Lodge |
Day 15-16 | Adventure in Chobe National Park with Guided Game Drives, Nature Walks, and Culture | The Chobe Safari Lodge or Thamalakane River Lodge |
Day 17-18 | Road Transfer from the Lodge at Chobe National Park to Kasane International Airport (BBK), Flight to Johannesburg and Flight Back Home to Virginia | None |
Tour Quotation Based on a Mid-Range Safari and 4 People
- Rate Per Person: US$13,649pp
Detailed 18-Day African Safari Experience
Day 1 – Departure from Washington Dulles
Your 18-Day African Safari begins with departure from Washington Dulles International Airport. Excitement builds as you prepare for Africa. During the overnight flight, relax and review travel documents. Meanwhile, imagine the landscapes and wildlife ahead.
Cabin crew serve meals and refreshments. Try to rest well before arrival. This long-haul journey marks the first step toward an unforgettable safari experience.
Day 2 – Arrival in Entebbe and Hotel Check-In
- Accommodation: Lake Victoria Hotel
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, a representative welcome you warmly. Soon after, transfer to your lakeside hotel for check-in. The short drive reveals green gardens and views of Lake Victoria.
After settling in, enjoy time to rest or walk around the grounds. Fresh tropical air helps you recover from travel. Later, dinner introduces Ugandan cuisine and hospitality.
A calm evening ensures proper rest before forest adventures begin.
Day 3 – Flight to Kasese, Transfer to Kibale, Bigodi Swamp Walk
- Accommodation: Turaco Treetops Lodge
After breakfast, transfer to Entebbe Airport for a domestic flight to Kasese. The flight offers aerial views of lakes and hills. Upon landing, meet your 18-Day African Safari driver and proceed toward Kibale Forest.
The scenic road crosses tea plantations and rural villages. Soon, dense forest appears, signaling arrival near the park. Check in at the lodge and enjoy lunch.
Later, head to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided swamp walk. This community reserve hosts monkeys, birds, and lush plants. Guides explain conservation and local livelihoods.
Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation.
Day 4 – Chimpanzee Tracking and Lodge Relaxation
- Accommodation: Turaco Treetops Lodge
Begin early with breakfast before heading to park headquarters. Rangers brief guests about chimp tracking rules and forest safety. Soon, enter the rainforest with experienced guides.
The trail winds through tall trees and thick vegetation. Birdsong echoes across the canopy. After some searching, you hear chimp calls nearby.
Approach quietly and observe them feeding, grooming, and playing. Watching chimpanzees in their natural habitat feels exciting and deeply rewarding.
Later, return to the lodge for lunch. Spend the afternoon resting on your balcony or exploring nearby trails. Dinner follows in the cool forest evening.
Day 5 – Flight to Kisoro, Transfer to Bwindi, Batwa Experience
- Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge
After breakfast, transfer back to Kasese Airstrip for your flight to Kisoro. The short scenic flight reveals mountains and forests below. Upon arrival, drive toward Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in the Rushaga sector.
Check in at your lodge and enjoy lunch. Later, visit the Batwa community for a cultural experience. The Batwa people share songs, dances, and forest survival skills.
Their stories explain how they once lived inside the forest. Cultural interaction supports community livelihoods and conservation awareness.
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight rest.
Day 6 – Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
- Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge
Wake early for breakfast before heading to park headquarters. Rangers assign groups and explain trekking procedures. Soon, begin your guided hike into the forest.
The trek may take several hours depending on gorilla movement. Guides cut paths and share forest knowledge. Eventually, reach the gorilla family.
Watching gorillas feed and interact feels powerful and emotional. Spend one hour observing quietly while taking photos.
Later, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. The afternoon remains free to rest or enjoy forest views. Dinner follows with celebration of this rare 18-Day African Safari experience.
Day 7 – Flights to Entebbe, Nairobi, and Masai Mara
- Accommodation: Zebra Plains Mara Camp
After breakfast, transfer to Kisoro Airstrip for your flight to Entebbe. Connect to Nairobi and then continue to the Masai Mara.
Upon arrival at the Mara airstrip, your 18-Day African Safari guide meets you for transfer to camp. Wildlife often appears along the drive. Check in, relax, and enjoy dinner.
This marks the transition from rainforest primates to classic savannah safari.
Days 8–10 – Masai Mara Wildlife Adventure
- Accommodation: Zebra Plains Mara Camp
Spend three full days exploring the Masai Mara. Morning and afternoon game drives reveal Africa’s iconic wildlife. Lions rest in grasslands while elephants roam the plains.
During migration season, head toward the Mara River. Wildebeest gather before crossing dramatic waters filled with crocodiles. This natural event creates unforgettable safari moments.
Between drives, enjoy meals and relaxation at camp. Nature walks with guides teach about tracks and plants. Additionally, visit a Maasai village to learn about traditional life.
Evenings bring campfire stories and star-filled skies. The Mara experience offers rich wildlife and cultural insight.
Day 11 – Flight from Masai Mara to Victoria Falls
- Accommodation: A’zambezi River Lodge
After breakfast, transfer to the Mara airstrip for your flight to Nairobi Wilson. Then drive to Jomo Kenyatta Airport and connect to Victoria Falls Airport in Zimbabwe.
Upon arrival, transfer to your riverside lodge along the Zambezi. Check in and relax while enjoying river views.
Evening sunset along the river offers peaceful scenery. Dinner follows as you prepare for waterfall adventures.
Days 12–13 – Guided Activities at Victoria Falls
- Accommodation: A’zambezi River Lodge
Spend two days exploring the Victoria Falls region. Begin with a guided walk along viewing paths. Mist rises dramatically as water crashes into the gorge.
Photography opportunities appear at every viewpoint. Guides explain the geology and history of the falls.
Later, enjoy a sunset boat cruise on the Zambezi River. Hippos and crocodiles appear near the banks. Birds fly across golden skies.
Optional scenic flights offer aerial views of the waterfall and river. Cultural markets nearby sell local crafts and souvenirs.
Return each evening to the lodge for dinner and relaxation.
Day 14 – Transfer to Chobe National Park Botswana
- Accommodation: Chobe Safari Lodge or Thamalakane River Lodge
After breakfast, depart Victoria Falls by road toward Botswana. Border formalities follow before entering Chobe National Park region.
Arrive at your lodge and check in. The Chobe River area hosts large elephant populations. Afternoon relaxation prepares you for the next day’s 18-Day African Safari.
Dinner follows with river views and peaceful surroundings.
Days 15–16 – Chobe National Park Safari Experience
- Accommodation: Chobe Safari Lodge or Thamalakane River Lodge
Spend two days exploring Chobe’s diverse habitats. Morning game drives reveal elephants, buffalo, lions, and antelopes. Guides follow tracks while sharing wildlife knowledge.
Boat safaris on the Chobe River offer unique viewing angles. Elephants often swim across channels while hippos rest nearby.
Nature walks allow closer understanding of plants and tracks. Cultural visits introduce local communities and traditions.
Evenings bring sunset reflections over the river. Dinner and overnight rest complete each rewarding 18-Day African Safari day.
Days 17–18 – Departure via Kasane and Johannesburg
After breakfast, transfer to Kasane International Airport. Board your flight to Johannesburg and connect onward to Virginia.
During travel, reflect on gorillas, savannah wildlife, waterfalls, and river safaris. This multi-country journey creates lifelong memories across Africa.
Arrive home with unforgettable experiences and stories to share.
What to Pack for This 18-Day African Safari?
- Lightweight neutral safari clothing
- Warm jacket for cool mornings
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Comfortable hiking boots
- Sandals for lodge use
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Camera and spare batteries
- Binoculars
- Small backpack for trekking
- Personal toiletries and medication
- Travel documents and permits
- Reusable water bottle
Safari Inclusions
- Meet and greet services at Entebbe International Airport
- Airport transfers in Uganda, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Botswana
- Scheduled domestic flights within Uganda
- Regional flight from Entebbe International Airport to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
- Scheduled flights to and from Masai Mara National Reserve
- Flight from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Victoria Falls Airport
- Road transfer from Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park
- Road transfer to Kasane International Airport
- Ground transport in 4×4 safari vehicles
- Professional English-speaking safari guides
- Accommodation in mid-range lodges and safari camps
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during safari activities
- Park entrance fees for all national parks and reserves
- Chimpanzee trekking permit in Kibale Forest National Park
- Bigodi swamp guided walk
- Gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Batwa cultural experience in Bwindi
- Guided game drives in Masai Mara National Reserve
- Maasai community visit in Masai Mara
- Guided game drives in Lake Nakuru National Park
- Guided activities at Victoria Falls
- Boat cruise experience at Victoria Falls
- Guided game drives in Chobe National Park
- Nature walks and cultural activities in Chobe
- All government taxes and statutory levies
- AMREF emergency evacuation cover
Safari Exclusions
- International flights from Washington to Entebbe International Airport and return from Johannesburg
- Entry visa fees for Uganda, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa (if required)
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities at Victoria Falls not listed in the itinerary
- Optional premium safari or aircraft excursions
- Premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Laundry services
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Porter fees during gorilla trekking
- Additional accommodation before or after the safari
- Any services not expressly mentioned in the inclusions list
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