Kenya Tanzania & Uganda 15-Day Safari

Your unforgettable Kenya Tanzania & Uganda 15-Day Safari adventure begins upon arrival at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Nairobi, Kenya’s vibrant capital city, is often referred to as the “Safari Capital of the World” due to its proximity to several national parks and reserves. Upon your arrival, a representative from Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd will be waiting to greet you. You will be transferred to your hotel in Nairobi, where you can relax and recover from your journey.

The hotel offers all the amenities needed to ensure comfort, including a spa, pool, and restaurant, allowing you to unwind and prepare for the adventure ahead. The remainder of the day is yours to relax, take a swim, or enjoy a delicious meal while getting a feel of the local ambiance. This is a perfect opportunity to rest, acclimatize to your surroundings, and gather your energy for the exciting days ahead. Nairobi’s skyline, bustling streets, and proximity to wildlife will give you a taste of what’s to come in the coming days.

• Accommodation: Panari Hotel or Eka Hotel

After breakfast, your Kenya Tanzania & Uganda 15-Day Safari journey will begin in earnest with a scenic road transfer to Amboseli National Park, located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. The drive from Nairobi to Amboseli will take about 4-5 hours, providing you with stunning views of the savannah landscape as you travel. Amboseli is famous for its large elephant herds and the incredible backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, which dominates the landscape.

Upon arrival in Amboseli, you will check in at your lodge and enjoy a brief rest. In the afternoon, the adventure continues with an exciting game drive through the park. Amboseli National Park is known for its abundant wildlife, including elephants, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and various bird species. The park offers incredible opportunities for photography, especially with the towering presence of Mount Kilimanjaro in the background. Your Kenya Tanzania & Uganda 15-Day Safari guide will ensure that you have a fantastic time spotting wildlife and learning about the park’s ecosystems.

In the evening, you will return to your lodge for a well-deserved dinner. The lodge provides a comfortable and serene atmosphere, perfect for reflecting on the day’s experiences and preparing for another exciting day of wildlife adventures.

• Accommodation: AA Lodges

On the third day of your Kenya Tanzania & Uganda 15-Day Safari, you will set out for a full day of exploration in Amboseli National Park. The early morning hours offer the best opportunities for wildlife viewing, and you will begin your day with a morning game drive before breakfast. The park is renowned for its elephants, and early morning is often the best time to see them as they venture out for their first meal of the day. As you explore the park, keep your eyes peeled for the other Big Five species—lions, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinoceroses—and other wildlife such as giraffes, hyenas, and numerous bird species.

One of the highlights of the day will be the awe-inspiring views of Mount Kilimanjaro, which is often shrouded in clouds in the early morning, creating a stunning backdrop for your safari experience. The sight of the snow-capped peak rising above the African plains is nothing short of mesmerizing. During your game drive, you will also have the chance to learn from your expert Kenya Tanzania & Uganda 15-Day Safari guide about the park’s ecosystem, its conservation efforts, and the fascinating wildlife that calls Amboseli home.

In the afternoon, you will return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation before heading out for an evening game drive, where you will have another opportunity to encounter wildlife as they become more active in the cooler hours of the day.

• Accommodation: AA Lodges

On day four, you will begin your Kenya Tanzania & Uganda 15-Day Safari journey towards Lake Nakuru National Park, located in central Kenya. The park is renowned for its vast flocks of flamingos and the opportunity to spot the endangered white rhinos. The drive from Amboseli to Lake Nakuru takes approximately 5-6 hours, and the scenic route offers beautiful views of Kenya’s Rift Valley, with its rolling hills, expansive plains, and vibrant lakes.

Upon arrival in Lake Nakuru National Park, you will check into your lodge and enjoy a delightful lunch. Afterward, you will embark on an afternoon game drive. Lake Nakuru is famous for its incredible biodiversity, including a variety of animals such as buffaloes, zebras, lions, and leopards. However, the park is especially well known for being one of the best places in Kenya to spot white rhinos and black rhinos in their natural habitat.

The vast alkaline Lake Nakuru is often home to thousands of flamingos, creating a pink-hued spectacle as the birds gather along the shores. As the sun sets, you will return to your lodge for a delicious dinner and spend the night in the serene environment of Lake Nakuru, reflecting on the day’s adventure.

• Accommodation: Mawe Lodge

Day five begins with an early morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, where you will have another chance to spot rhinos and other wildlife. After your game drive, you will proceed with a road transfer to the famous Masai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s most renowned game reserves.

The journey from Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara takes approximately 5-6 hours, and along the way, you will pass through the Kenyan countryside, where you may see traditional Maasai villages. Upon arrival at the Masai Mara, you will check into your lodge and enjoy lunch before heading out for an evening game drive. The Masai Mara is famous for its high concentration of wildlife, and it is home to the Big Five as well as cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and more.

In the evening, you will return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation. The Mara’s wide-open plains and stunning sunsets provide the perfect setting for a peaceful evening, allowing you to unwind and reflect on your exciting game drive.

• Accommodation: Simba Safari Lodge

Day six is dedicated to a full day of exploration in the Masai Mara. The Masai Mara is globally renowned for its annual Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Mara in Kenya in search of fresh grazing grounds. Depending on the time of year, you will have the opportunity to witness this extraordinary spectacle as the herds cross the Mara River, often encountering crocodiles along the way.

During your full-day game drive, you will also visit the Maasai people, one of Kenya’s most iconic and colorful communities. A visit to a Maasai village will allow you to learn about their customs, traditions, and way of life. You will have the chance to interact with the Maasai, watch traditional dances, and see how they live in harmony with the wildlife of the Masai Mara.

The day will end with a return to your lodge for dinner and a restful night, anticipating the next day’s adventure in the Serengeti.

• Accommodation: Simba Safari Lodge

On the seventh day of Kenya Tanzania & Uganda 15-Day Safari, you will enjoy a morning game drive in Masai Mara before crossing the border into Tanzania to reach Serengeti National Park. The Serengeti is one of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations, known for its vast plains, abundant wildlife, and the annual Great Migration. The drive from Masai Mara to Serengeti takes about 4-5 hours, and along the way, you may encounter Maasai villages and witness the changing landscapes.

Upon arrival in Serengeti, you will check in at your lodge and have lunch before embarking on an evening game drive. Serengeti is known for its stunning wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and more. You will have the chance to spot some of these incredible animals in their natural habitat as the sun sets over the Serengeti plains.

• Accommodation: Seronera Safari Lodge

Day eight offers a full day of Kenya Tanzania & Uganda 15-Day Safari adventure in Serengeti National Park. You will have the opportunity to witness the Great Migration at the Grumeti River, where herds of wildebeest and zebras cross the river in their search for fresh grazing grounds. The sight of these animals battling the river’s currents and crocodiles is an unforgettable spectacle.

In addition to game drives, you can also opt for a hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti, offering a unique and breathtaking aerial view of the park’s expansive landscapes. From the balloon, you can see the wildlife from a completely different perspective, with the plains and rivers stretching out below.

After a day filled with thrilling wildlife encounters and experiences, you will return to your lodge for a well-deserved dinner and a relaxing evening.

Accommodation: Seronera Safari Lodge

On day nine, you will begin your Kenya Tanzania & Uganda 15-Day Safari journey southwards to Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most incredible wildlife areas. On the way, you will stop at the famous Olduvai Gorge, one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. The gorge has yielded numerous fossil discoveries that have contributed to our understanding of human evolution.

Upon arrival at Ngorongoro Crater, you will check into your lodge for lunch. The Ngorongoro Crater is home to an incredible concentration of wildlife, including elephants, lions, buffaloes, and rhinoceroses. The afternoon will be dedicated to relaxation, allowing you to enjoy the stunning views of the crater.

• Accommodation: Marera Safari Lodge

Day ten begins with a morning game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater, where you will have the chance to spot the Big Five in one of the world’s most iconic wildlife sanctuaries. The crater is known for its lush landscapes, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking scenery. After your game drive, you will head to the airstrip for an afternoon flight to Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, where your next adventure awaits.

• Accommodation: Hotel De Mille Collins Rwanda

Upon arrival in Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital, you’ll embark on a half-day city tour that offers a deep dive into the country’s history, culture, and resilience. Kigali, situated on the hillsides, is known for its cleanliness, scenic views, and welcoming atmosphere. The Kenya Tanzania & Uganda 15-Day Safari is an opportunity to understand Rwanda’s past, especially in relation to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and to witness the progress the country has made since then.

One of the most profound experiences of your day will be visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, one of Rwanda’s most significant cultural sites. The memorial provides an insightful and moving account of the 1994 genocide, displaying photographs, personal stories, and historical details about the events. The memorial also serves as the final resting place for over 250,000 victims of the genocide, and as such, it offers a somber but important reflection on the importance of peace and reconciliation. You will also gain a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s journey towards healing and rebuilding, a testament to the resilience of its people.

Enjoy a Half Day Kigali City Tour

After your visit to the memorial, your Kenya Tanzania & Uganda 15-Day Safari will continue with a visit to local markets, where you can immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of Kigali’s daily life. These markets showcase Rwanda’s artisan culture, offering a range of crafts, including traditional baskets, pottery, and textiles. As you wander through the vibrant stalls, you can interact with local vendors and experience the warmth of the Rwandan people. The markets also offer an excellent opportunity to purchase unique souvenirs to remember your time in Kigali.

In the afternoon, you will embark on a scenic road transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda. The drive takes about 4 to 5 hours, and the journey through the lush landscapes of Rwanda and Uganda provides a captivating contrast to the bustling city environment. As you travel, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the rolling hills, terraced farms, and dense forests that dominate the area. Upon arrival in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, you will check into your lodge, where you can rest and prepare for the next day’s extraordinary Kenya Tanzania & Uganda 15-Day Safari adventure: tracking the mountain gorillas.

• Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge

Day twelve is dedicated to the once-in-a-lifetime experience of mountain gorilla trekking, one of the highlights of any Kenya Tanzania & Uganda 15-Day Safari. After an early breakfast, you will gather at the park headquarters for a briefing by the park rangers. The briefing is essential for your safety and for understanding the importance of gorilla conservation. The rangers will provide guidelines on how to behave around the gorillas, emphasizing the need for silence, respect for the animals, and maintaining a safe distance from them.

Once the briefing is complete, you will set off on your trek through the dense Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Known for its rugged terrain and rich biodiversity, the forest is home to over 400 species of plants and an array of animals, including butterflies, monkeys, and birds. The trek to find the gorillas can take anywhere from one to several hours, depending on where the gorillas were last spotted. As you move through the forest, the air is thick with the scent of vegetation, and the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves create a serene atmosphere. Your Kenya Tanzania & Uganda 15-Day Safari guide will share insights into the forest’s ecology and the challenges of conserving the gorillas in such a remote and challenging environment.

What Happens When You Meet a Mountain Gorilla Family?

Once you reach the gorilla family, the moment will be nothing short of magical. Watching a group of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is an awe-inspiring experience. You may observe them foraging, grooming, or interacting with each other, and you’ll get a chance to see the dominant silverback, the leader of the family, up close. The opportunity to be within meters of these endangered creatures, who share approximately 98% of their DNA with humans, creates an unforgettable emotional connection to the conservation efforts taking place in Uganda.

How About the Batwa Cultural Experience?

In the afternoon, after a day filled with unforgettable memories, you will have the opportunity to visit the Batwa Cultural Village. The Batwa people are the indigenous forest dwellers of the region, and their way of life was traditionally centered around the dense forests of Bwindi. During your visit, you will learn about the Batwa’s traditional hunting and gathering practices, their spiritual beliefs, and the challenges they face today as they have been relocated to the edges of the park due to conservation efforts. The Batwa’s unique songs, dances, and stories offer a rich cultural experience that provides insight into the heritage of one of East Africa’s oldest communities. After the visit, you will return to your lodge for a restful evening, reflecting on your profound experiences in the forest and with the Batwa people.

• Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge

On day thirteen, you will journey to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda’s most picturesque and serene lakes, located about 2-3 hours away from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Lake Bunyonyi is known for its deep waters, clear blue reflections, and the stunning backdrop of steep hills covered in lush vegetation. The name Bunyonyi translates to “Place of Many Little Birds,” which is apt, as the lake is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 200 species of birds inhabiting the area.

Upon arrival, you will check into a lakeside lodge and enjoy a relaxing afternoon exploring the area. A boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi is the highlight of the day. As you glide across the calm waters, you’ll be surrounded by scenic islands, some of which are historically significant. One of the most notable islands is Punishment Island, which is steeped in local legend. Your boat guide will explain the history of the islands and share fascinating insights into the lake’s cultural importance.

Optional Canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi

For the more adventurous, you can opt for an adrenaline-filled activity, such as canoeing or swimming in the lake, as the clear, refreshing waters provide the perfect environment for a water-based adventure. The surrounding hills offer ample opportunities for nature walks or photography, as the area is blessed with incredible vistas of terraced farmland and dense forests.

After the day’s activities, you can relax at your lodge, enjoying the tranquility of the lake and its surroundings. The serene environment of Lake Bunyonyi provides a perfect contrast to the earlier excitement of gorilla trekking, allowing you to unwind in nature’s embrace.

• Accommodation: @Birdnest Resort Bunyonyi

On day fourteen, you will travel to Jinja City, located on the shores of the River Nile. The drive takes about 4-5 hours, and as you make your way through Uganda’s countryside, you will pass through rolling hills, farms, and villages, giving you a glimpse of rural life in Uganda. Upon arrival in Jinja, you will check into your lodge, which is located near the mighty River Nile. Jinja is known as the source of the Nile, and its scenic location on the riverbank makes it a perfect destination for adventure and relaxation.

After settling in, the rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax and explore the town at your leisure. Jinja is known for its historic charm, with colonial-era buildings, bustling markets, and the tranquil atmosphere of the river. For those interested in cultural exploration, you can visit the Source of the Nile, where the river begins its journey to the Mediterranean. Alternatively, you can choose to visit local craft shops or explore the nearby villages.

As the day winds down, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a peaceful evening at your lodge, reflecting on your incredible East African adventure.

• Accommodation: 2Friends Guest House

On your final day, you will have the chance to experience one of the most exhilarating activities in East Africa: white-water rafting on the Itanda Rapids of the River Nile. This adrenaline-pumping adventure will take you through some of the world’s most exciting rapids, offering a thrilling experience as you navigate the powerful currents of the Nile. The rapids are classified as Class V, meaning they are suitable for experienced rafters looking for an exciting challenge. You will be accompanied by professional rafting guides who will ensure your safety while offering a fun and dynamic experience.

The full-day rafting adventure will take you through a series of heart-pounding rapids, as well as calmer sections of the river, where you can relax and take in the stunning surroundings. Along the way, you will have the chance to see local wildlife such as birds and crocodiles along the riverbanks. This experience is ideal for thrill-seekers, offering a perfect way to end your safari on an adrenaline high.

Road Transfer to Entebbe Airport for Night Departures

After a day of white-water rafting, you will enjoy a late afternoon road transfer back to Entebbe Airport, marking the end of your unforgettable Kenya Tanzania & Uganda 15-Day Safari adventure. Your time in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania will have left you with lasting memories of incredible wildlife encounters, rich cultural experiences, and heart-racing adventures. As you board your flight, you can reflect on the extraordinary sights and experiences of the past Kenya Tanzania & Uganda 15-Day Safari, cherishing the memories of East Africa’s wilderness and people.

End of Kenya Tanzania & Uganda 15-Day Safari