12-Day Kenya, Tanzania & Uganda Grand Safari
Destinations: Kenya (Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara), Tanzania (Serengeti, Ngorongoro), Uganda (Bwindi)
DAY-BY-DAY BREAKDOWN
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi, Kenya
- Morning/Afternoon: Arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). Meet your guide.
- Afternoon: Transfer to hotel, rest.
- Evening: Welcome briefing, dinner.
- Meals: Dinner
- Accommodation: Nairobi hotel
Day 2-3: Amboseli National Park
- Day 2 Morning: Drive to Amboseli (4 hours)
- Day 2 Afternoon: Game drive with Kilimanjaro views
- Day 3: Full day game drives in Amboseli focusing on elephant herds
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner each day
- Accommodation: Amboseli lodge
Day 4: Lake Nakuru National Park
- Morning: Drive to Lake Nakuru (5 hours)
- Afternoon: Game drive for rhinos, flamingos, Rothschild’s giraffes
- Evening: Dinner at lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Lake Nakuru lodge
Day 5-6: Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Day 5 Morning: Drive to Maasai Mara (5 hours)
- Day 5 Afternoon: Game drive upon arrival
- Day 6: Full day game drives in Mara
- Optional: Hot air balloon safari
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner each day
- Accommodation: Maasai Mara camp
Day 7: Fly to Serengeti, Tanzania
- Morning: Fly from Mara airstrip to Serengeti (2 hours via Migori border)
- Afternoon: Game drive en route to camp
- Evening: Dinner at camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Serengeti camp
Day 8-9: Two Full Days in Serengeti
- Each Day: Morning and afternoon game drives following migration
- Optional: Balloon safari
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner each day
- Accommodation: Same Serengeti camp
Day 10: Ngorongoro Crater
- Morning: Drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area (3 hours)
- Afternoon: Descend into Crater for game drive (rhinos guaranteed)
- Evening: Overnight on crater rim
- Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Ngorongoro Crater rim lodge
Day 11: Fly to Entebbe & Transfer to Bwindi
- Morning: Fly from Manyara airstrip to Entebbe (2.5 hours via Kilimanjaro)
- Afternoon: Connect to domestic flight to Kihihi/Bwindi (1.5 hours)
- Late Afternoon: Transfer to Bwindi lodge
- Evening: Gorilla trek briefing, dinner
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Bwindi lodge
Day 12: Gorilla Trekking & Departure
- Early Morning: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi (2-6 hours)
- Afternoon: Transfer to Kihihi airstrip, fly to Entebbe
- Late Afternoon: Connect to international departure (or overnight)
- Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch
- Accommodation: None (departure)
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
| Inclusions | Exclusions |
|---|---|
| All airport transfers | International airfare |
| All internal flights (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda) | Visas: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda |
| Private 4×4 vehicles with expert guides | Travel insurance |
| Accommodation (11 nights full-board) | Personal expenses |
| All park and conservancy fees | Alcoholic drinks |
| Gorilla trekking permit ($800) | Tips ($20-30/day total) |
| Game drives as per itinerary | Hot air balloon safaris |
| Bottled water throughout | Laundry services |
| All applicable government taxes | Optional activities |
BEST TIME TO VISIT
| Season | Months | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak | July – October | Mara crossings, dry everywhere, excellent gorilla trekking | Crowded, premium rates |
| Good | January – March | Calving in Serengeti, good gorilla trekking | Hot in Kenya |
| Fair | June | Good wildlife, lower rates | Mara crossings not yet started |
| Avoid | April – May | Lowest rates | Heavy rains, some camps closed |
WHAT TO PACK
| Category | Essential Items |
|---|---|
| Safari Wear | Neutral colors, long pants (6 pairs), long-sleeved shirts (6), fleece (essential), waterproof jacket, wide-brimmed hat, swimwear |
| Gorilla Trekking | Waterproof hiking boots, gaiters, gardening gloves, daypack |
| Gear | Binoculars, camera with 200-400mm lens, extra batteries, power bank, headlamp |
| Health | DEET repellent, high-SPF sunscreen, personal medications, anti-malarial |
| Documents | Passport, visas, Yellow Fever certificate, travel insurance |
| Luggage | Soft-sided duffel bags only (15kg limit for flights) |
RECOMMENDED LODGES & CAMPS
| Category | Kenya | Tanzania | Uganda | Price Range (per person/night) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-Range | Mara Sopa, Amboseli Sopa | Serengeti Sopa, Ngorongoro Sopa | Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge | $200-350 |
| Luxury | Mara Serena, &Beyond | Four Seasons, &Beyond | Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp | $500-1,000 |
| Ultra-Luxury | Angama Mara | Singita properties | Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge | $1,200-2,000 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Is this itinerary too ambitious?
A: For experienced travelers with 12+ days and budget for flights, it’s feasible. Requires careful timing and reliable connections.
Q: What’s the fitness level required?
A: Moderate to high—gorilla trekking plus long travel days. You’ll need stamina for trekking after 11 days of safari.
Q: How do I handle visas for three countries?
A: East Africa Tourist Visa ($100) covers Kenya and Uganda. Tanzania requires separate visa ($50). Apply online before travel.
Q: What’s the luggage situation with multiple flights?
A: Strict 15kg soft-sided bags. Pack light, do laundry at lodges (included or small fee). Leave hard cases in Nairobi storage.
Q: Can I reduce costs?
A: Yes—use mid-range lodges, reduce internal flights (but adds driving time). Budget version available.