14-Day Grand East Africa Circuit – Amboseli, Mara, Serengeti, Tarangire & Bwindi

Overview Itinerary

This journey takes you across three iconic safari countries—Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda—blending wildlife adventures with cultural encounters and scenic flights. You’ll explore Amboseli’s elephant herds, Maasai Mara’s Big Five, Serengeti’s migration, Ngorongoro’s unique caldera, Tarangire’s baobab-dotted savannah, and Uganda’s mountain gorillas.

Day-by-Day Breakdown

Kilimanjaro Vistas, Big Cats & Gorillas

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi (Kenya)
•Airport pickup and private transfer to your hotel.
•Safari briefing over dinner.
🛏 Suggested Stay: Tamarind Tree Hotel / Nairobi Serena
 
Day 2: Nairobi → Amboseli National Park
•Scenic drive to Amboseli (approx. 4 hrs).
•Afternoon game drive with Kilimanjaro backdrops.
🛏 Suggested Stay: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge / Tortilis Camp
 
Day 3: Amboseli National Park – Full Day Safari
•Morning and afternoon drives in Amboseli.
•Expect elephants, lions, cheetahs, and 400+ bird species.
•Sunset photography opportunities with Kilimanjaro.
 
Day 4: Amboseli → Maasai Mara
•Drive or fly to Maasai Mara.
•Evening game drive in search of the Big Five.
🛏 Suggested Stay: Mara Serena Safari Lodge / Ashnil Mara
Day 5: Maasai Mara – Full Day Safari
•Sunrise drive followed by full-day safari.
•Optional hot air balloon safari over the Mara.
•Visit to a traditional Maasai village.
 
Day 6: Maasai Mara → Serengeti (Tanzania)
•Cross into Tanzania via Isebania border.
•Afternoon drive in Serengeti.
🛏 Suggested Stay: Serengeti Serena Lodge / Melia Serengeti
 
Day 7: Serengeti National Park – Full Day
•Morning and evening game drives.
•During July–Oct, follow the wildebeest migration herds.
•Year-round, expect lions, leopards, elephants, and giraffes.
 
Day 8: Serengeti → Ngorongoro Crater
•Morning drive in Serengeti before heading to Ngorongoro.
•Overnight on the crater rim.
🛏 Suggested Stay: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge / Rhino Lodge
 
Day 9: Ngorongoro → Tarangire National Park
•Early descent into the crater for half-day safari.
•Continue to Tarangire, famous for elephants and baobabs.
🛏 Suggested Stay: Tarangire Sopa Lodge / Maramboi Tented Lodge
Day 10: Tarangire → Arusha → Entebbe (Uganda)
•Morning game drive in Tarangire.
•Transfer to Arusha for flight to Entebbe.
•Overnight in Entebbe.
🛏 Suggested Stay: Hotel No.5 / Lake Victoria Serena
 
Day 11: Entebbe → Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
•Scenic drive through rolling hills, tea plantations, and villages.
•Evening at leisure in Bwindi.
🛏 Suggested Stay: Buhoma Lodge / Mahogany Springs
 
Day 12: Bwindi – Gorilla Trekking
•Early start for gorilla trekking in Bwindi (approx. 2–6 hrs).
•Spend 1 magical hour with a gorilla family.
•Receive official trekking certificate.
Day 13: Lake Bunyonyi Retreat
•Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, known as “the Switzerland of Africa.”
•Canoe ride, community visits, or relaxation at your lodge.
🛏 Suggested Stay: Birdnest Resort / Arcadia Cottages
 
Day 14: Return & Departure
•Drive to Entebbe or Kigali for departure.
•Optional flight back to Nairobi for international departure.

• Combines three countries and their best wildlife parks in one seamless route
• Chance to witness the Great Migration in Maasai Mara/Serengeti (seasonal)
• Ngorongoro Crater—a UNESCO World Heritage site
• Close encounters with elephants, lions, and gorillas
• Balanced pace with a mix of game drives, scenic flights, and relaxation

Q: Is this trip family-friendly?
A: Yes, children can join safaris (age restrictions apply for gorilla trekking—minimum 15 years). For younger kids, child-friendly activities are arranged at lodges.

Q: Do I need multiple visas?
A: Yes. You’ll need an East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) for Kenya & Uganda, plus a separate visa for Tanzania.

Q: How heavy can my luggage be?
A: Bush flights typically allow 15 kg per person in soft-sided bags. Larger suitcases are not permitted on small aircraft.

Q: When is the best time to travel?
A: June–October (dry season, Great Migration peak), or December–March (short dry season, excellent wildlife visibility). April–May and November are wetter but less crowded.

Q: Is gorilla trekking guaranteed?
A: Gorilla sightings are highly likely—Bwindi’s trekking success rate is over 95%. You’ll be accompanied by experienced rangers.

Q: Can I customize this trip?
A: Absolutely! You can add Zanzibar, extend beach time in Kenya, or shorten/lengthen safari days depending on your schedule.

✅ What’s Included
•13 nights’ accommodation in lodges/camps
•Daily meals (safari: full board, cities/beach: half board)
•Professional English-speaking guide
•Park entry fees & gorilla trekking permit (US$800 pp in Uganda)
•All transfers (private 4×4 vehicle & flights where listed)
•Bottled water during safaris
 
❌ Not Included
•International flights
•Visas (EATV for Kenya/Uganda + Tanzania visa)
•Travel & medical insurance
•Optional excursions (balloon safari, cultural visits, Wasini dolphin tour, etc.)
•Personal expenses & gratuities