23-Day East Africa Ultimate: Gorillas, Chimps & Migration

Introduction

Embark on the ultimate 23-day East African safari combining gorilla trekking, chimpanzee encounters, and the Great Migration. Explore Kenya’s Maasai Mara, Tanzania’s Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, Uganda’s Kibale and Bwindi forests, and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Witness Africa’s most iconic wildlife, from elephants and lions to endangered primates. With expert guides, thrilling game drives, and immersive cultural experiences, this safari promises an unforgettable journey through East Africa’s natural wonders.

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi, Kenya

Arrive at Nairobi International Airport, where your safari guide will meet and transfer you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a brief city tour including the Nairobi National Museum, Karen Blixen Museum, or local craft markets. Overnight in Nairobi to prepare for the adventure ahead.

Day 2: Transfer to Maasai Mara National Reserve

After breakfast, depart for the Maasai Mara National Reserve, famous for its abundant wildlife. En route, enjoy scenic landscapes and local villages. Arrive in time for lunch before embarking on your first afternoon game drive to spot lions, elephants, giraffes, and zebras. Overnight in Maasai Mara.

Day 3: Full Day Game Drives in Maasai Mara

Spend a full day exploring Maasai Mara’s rolling savannahs, observing predators and plains game in their natural habitat. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives with a picnic lunch in the reserve. Your experienced guide will take you to the best wildlife viewing areas for photography and unforgettable encounters. Overnight in Maasai Mara.

Day 4: Maasai Mara Morning & Transfer to Nairobi

Enjoy a morning game drive in Maasai Mara to capture sunrise wildlife scenes. Afterwards, drive or fly back to Nairobi. Depending on your schedule, explore the city, visit local markets, or relax at your hotel. Overnight in Nairobi.

Day 5: Flight / Drive to Arusha, Tanzania

Travel from Nairobi to Arusha, Tanzania, the gateway to northern Tanzania’s safari circuit. Check into your lodge and relax after the journey. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a short city tour or visit a nearby cultural village. Overnight in Arusha.

Day 6: Tarangire National Park Safari

Drive to Tarangire National Park, renowned for its elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. Embark on an afternoon game drive to spot lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and buffaloes. The park also offers excellent birdwatching opportunities. Overnight in Tarangire.

Day 7: Lake Manyara National Park Safari

Travel to Lake Manyara National Park, famous for tree-climbing lions and flamingos along its shores. Take a full-day game drive across forested areas, grassy plains, and wetlands. Spot elephants, hippos, baboons, and an abundance of bird species. Overnight near Ngorongoro or Karatu.

Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive

Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day safari in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Observe rhinos, lions, elephants, and buffaloes. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by breathtaking scenery before returning to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 9: Serengeti National Park – Afternoon Game Drive

Drive to Serengeti National Park, Tanzania’s iconic wildlife destination. Check into your lodge or mobile camp and enjoy an afternoon game drive, spotting predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards, as well as herds of zebras and wildebeest. Overnight in Serengeti.

Day 10: Full Day Serengeti Safari

Spend a full day exploring Serengeti’s endless plains. Witness the Great Migration if in season, and track wildlife interactions in their natural habitat. Photograph elephants, giraffes, hyenas, and other animals while enjoying the breathtaking landscapes of the Serengeti. Overnight in Serengeti.

Day 11: Serengeti Morning & Transfer to Ngorongoro Highlands

Enjoy a morning game drive in Serengeti before transferring to the Ngorongoro Highlands. Pass through scenic savannahs, farmland, and local villages. Check into your lodge and relax, preparing for the next stage of your East African adventure. Overnight in Ngorongoro.

Day 12: Fly / Drive to Selous Game Reserve / Ruaha

Transfer to Selous Game Reserve or Ruaha National Park for a remote safari experience. Afternoon game drive to spot elephants, lions, hippos, and crocodiles along rivers. Enjoy the pristine wilderness of these less-visited reserves. Overnight in Selous/Ruaha.

Day 13: Full Day Safari in Selous / Ruaha

Spend a full day exploring the reserve with morning and afternoon game drives. Optional walking safaris or boat safaris allow close encounters with wildlife in a more intimate setting. Overnight in Selous/Ruaha.

Day 16: Transfer to Uganda  – Transfer to Kibale National Park

Cross into Uganda and drive to  drive to Kibale National Park, known for its chimpanzee population. En route, enjoy scenic countryside views and visit local villages. Check into your lodge and prepare for chimpanzee trekking the following day. Overnight in Kibale.

Day 17: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Swamp Walk

Embark on chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest with expert guides. Observe chimpanzees interacting in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, explore Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary on a guided walk, spotting birds, butterflies, and small wildlife. Overnight in Kibale National Park.

Day 14: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Check into your lodge and drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. You will wake up in the morning, have your breakfast and drive to queen Elizabeth national park the medley of wonders.

Day 15: Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise & Game Drive

Start the day with a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Later, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel to observe hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds. Return to your lodge for relaxation or an optional evening game drive. Overnight in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Day 18: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Travel to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to endangered mountain gorillas. Pass through scenic hills, tea plantations, and local villages. Check into your lodge and rest before gorilla trekking the next day. Overnight in Bwindi.

Day 19: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Experience gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest. Guided by trackers, hike through dense forest to locate a habituated gorilla family. Spend up to one hour observing these magnificent creatures, taking photos, and learning about their conservation. Thereafter, check out from the lodge and drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National park, check-in and overnight stay.

Day 20: Golden Monkey Trekking / Cultural Visit

Optional golden monkey trekking or a visit to a nearby Batwa village to learn about local traditions. Explore the forest surroundings and enjoy photography opportunities. Afternoon at leisure to relax or enjoy lodge amenities.

Day 21: Transfer to Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park

Cross into Rwanda and drive to Volcanoes National Park, home to habituated mountain gorillas. Scenic views of rolling hills, tea plantations, and local villages en route. Check into your lodge for overnight and prepare for gorilla trekking tomorrow.

Day 22: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Embark on gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Accompanied by expert trackers, hike through dense forest to find a habituated gorilla family. Spend up to one hour observing these gentle giants. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 23: Transfer to Kigali – Departure

After breakfast, drive to Kigali International Airport for your outbound flight. Depending on your schedule, enjoy a brief city tour or visit local craft markets. Conclude your 23-day safari with memories of Africa’s greatest wildlife spectacles, chimpanzees, and mountain gorillas.