18-Day East African Safari Experience

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

Road Transfer to Lake Naivasha National Park

After an early breakfast, your 18-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

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 18-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 18-Day East Africa Safari the following morning.

• Accommodation: Tamarind Tree Hotel / Eka Hotel
• Meals: 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 18-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 18-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 18-Day East Africa Safari guide offers fascinating insights into the cultures and landscapes that define the region.

At the border, your 18-Day East Africa Safari 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

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 18-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 18-Day East Africa 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 18-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 18-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

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 18-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 18-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

Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park and Afternoon Relaxation

After a refreshing breakfast, embark on a scenic drive from Entebbe or Kampala to Kibale Forest National Park, often referred to as the “Primate Capital of the World.” The journey takes approximately 5–6 hours, winding through picturesque landscapes of rolling hills, traditional villages, and vast tea plantations. Your knowledgeable 18-Day East Africa Safari guide will share stories and insights about Uganda’s natural and cultural heritage along the way, making the drive an enriching experience.

Arrive at your lodge nestled near the edge of Kibale Forest in time for lunch. The afternoon is set aside for rest and relaxation, allowing you to unwind and soak in the tranquil atmosphere of this tropical rainforest setting. You may choose to enjoy the serenity from your lodge’s terrace, listen to the calls of monkeys and birds, or take a casual walk around the property.

This downtime is ideal for recharging before the next day’s thrilling chimpanzee tracking adventure. As the sun sets, enjoy dinner served under the forest canopy and prepare for an early start the next day.

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

Chimpanzee Tracking and Afternoon Bigodi Swamp Walk in Kibale Forest

Today is one of the major highlights of your 18-Day East Africa Safari — the unforgettable experience of chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park. After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing on chimpanzee behavior and forest safety. Accompanied by experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, you’ll venture into the lush tropical rainforest in search of one of Kibale’s habituated chimpanzee communities.

The forest walk can last between 2 to 4 hours, and along the way, you may also encounter black-and-white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and numerous forest bird species. Once the chimpanzees are located, you’ll spend a captivating one hour observing them as they feed, groom, play, and interact in their natural habitat — a moment of pure wonder.

In the afternoon, after lunch and some rest, enjoy a guided nature walk through the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-managed ecotourism site rich in biodiversity. This swamp is a birding haven and home to several monkey species. Your 18-Day East Africa Safari local guide will also share fascinating facts about traditional medicinal plants and local culture.

Accommodation: Turaco Treetops / Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Afternoon Batwa Cultural Experience

Following breakfast, begin your journey southwest to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most biologically diverse forests in Africa. The road trip, which takes approximately 6–7 hours, is scenic and captivating, with rolling hills, lakes, and terraced farmlands passing before your eyes.

You’ll arrive in the Rushaga Sector of Bwindi in the afternoon and check into your lodge located near the forest’s edge. After lunch, immerse yourself in the Batwa Cultural Experience — a community visit that reveals the history and traditions of the Batwa pygmies, the original forest dwellers of Bwindi. With song, dance, and storytelling, the Batwa will share their once-nomadic way of life and their deep spiritual connection to the forest.

This is a respectful, authentic encounter that highlights the importance of cultural preservation and community-based tourism. After the experience, return to your lodge for a hearty dinner and prepare for the unforgettable gorilla trekking experience ahead.

Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Camp / Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Afternoon Cross Border to Volcanoes National Park

Today, you will engage in one of the most life-changing wildlife experiences on Earth: mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi. After an early breakfast, report to the park headquarters for a detailed briefing on trekking etiquette, gorilla conservation, and safety protocols.

You’ll be grouped with other trekkers and assigned a gorilla family, then guided by rangers into the dense forest. Trekking can range from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the gorilla group’s location. Once found, you are allowed one hour with these magnificent primates. Observe their interactions, the silverback’s authority, and the gentleness of mothers and juveniles. It’s a humbling and awe-inspiring encounter.

After trekking, return to your lodge for lunch and refreshment. In the afternoon, you will proceed to cross into Rwanda via Cyanika Border and continue to the town of Kinigi, located near Volcanoes National Park. Check into your lodge and relax for the evening.

Accommodation: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge / Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Afternoon Drive to Kigali City for a City Tour and Overnight

After breakfast, set off for Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park. These endangered primates are endemic to the Virunga Volcanoes and are known for their playful nature and striking golden-orange fur. The tracking is relatively easy compared to gorilla trekking, often taking 2–3 hours in total.

During your time with the golden monkeys, you’ll observe their energetic antics as they leap through the bamboo forest and forage for food. Photography is allowed, so have your camera ready to capture these lively creatures in motion.

After tracking, return to the lodge for checkout and enjoy a scenic drive to Kigali, the clean and vibrant capital of Rwanda. Depending on your time of arrival, embark on a Kigali City Tour, visiting key landmarks such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Inema Arts Centre, and local craft markets.

Check into your city hotel for your final night in East Africa.

Accommodation: Hotel des Mille Collines / Heaven Boutique Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18: Have a Relaxed Morning as You Wait for the Departure Time for a Flight Back Home

Enjoy your last morning in Kigali with a relaxed breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you may choose to do some last-minute shopping or enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the city.

At the appropriate time, your 18-Day East Africa Safari driver-guide will transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight back home. As you board your plane, carry with you cherished memories of gorilla encounters, thrilling game drives, cultural exchanges, and the immense beauty of East Africa.

Meals: Breakfast

End of 18-Day East Africa Safari