Planning an East African safari is an exciting challenge. With so many incredible destinations, how do you choose where to go and how long to stay? The best East Africa safari itineraries balance wildlife viewing with travel time, accommodation quality, and your personal interests. Whether you have just five days for a gorilla trekking adventure or fourteen days to combine the Great Migration, gorilla trekking, and a Zanzibar beach holiday, there is a perfect itinerary for you. This guide to the best East Africa safari itineraries covers everything from short five day trips to comprehensive two week adventures. You will find itineraries focused on gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, the Great Migration in Tanzania and Kenya, savannah wildlife in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls, and beach extensions in Zanzibar. Each itinerary includes day by day highlights, accommodation suggestions, best time to travel, and estimated costs. Whether you are a first time safari goer or a seasoned traveller, this guide to the best East Africa safari itineraries will help you plan the adventure of a lifetime. At Nomara Safaris, we customise every itinerary to your specific needs, but these samples will give you a starting point.
Choosing among the best East Africa safari itineraries starts with understanding your priorities. Ask yourself what you most want to see and experience. If gorilla trekking is your number one priority, focus on Uganda or Rwanda. Uganda offers lower permit costs (USD 800) and the chance to combine gorillas with savannah wildlife. Rwanda offers a more polished experience with easier logistics and luxury lodges. If the Great Migration is your dream, focus on Tanzania or Kenya. Tanzania offers the calving season (January to March) and Grumeti River crossings (April to June). Kenya offers the most dramatic Mara River crossings (July to October). If you want both gorillas and the Migration, consider a longer itinerary that combines Rwanda or Uganda with Tanzania.
Consider your available time. With only five to seven days, focus on one country. A five day Uganda gorilla safari or a seven day Tanzania Migration safari are excellent choices. With ten to fourteen days, you can combine multiple destinations. Popular combinations include Tanzania and Zanzibar, Kenya and Tanzania, or Uganda and Rwanda. Consider your budget. Gorilla permits cost USD 800 in Uganda and USD 1,500 in Rwanda. The Great Migration parks have higher park fees. Luxury lodges cost more than mid range. This guide to the best East Africa safari itineraries includes estimated costs for each itinerary.
This five day itinerary focuses on gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, with an optional stop at Lake Mburo National Park. Day one: arrive at Entebbe International Airport. Your driver guide meets you. Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The drive takes approximately eight hours, or you can take a domestic flight to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip. Overnight at your lodge in Bwindi. Day two: gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Wake early, have breakfast, and go to the park headquarters for your briefing. Trek into the forest to find your assigned gorilla family. Spend one unforgettable hour with the gorillas. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight. Day three: second gorilla trek or community visit. Book a second gorilla trek for a deeper experience, or visit the Batwa community to learn about the forest people. Overnight in Bwindi.
Day four: drive to Lake Mburo National Park. The drive takes approximately four to five hours. Arrive at your lodge, have lunch, and take an afternoon game drive. Lake Mburo is known for zebras, eland, impala, and buffalo. Overnight at your lodge. Day five: morning game drive or boat safari on Lake Mburo. After breakfast, drive back to Entebwe for your departure flight. This five day itinerary is perfect for travellers who want the gorilla experience with a short safari add on. Best time to visit is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February. Estimated cost: mid range USD 2,500 to USD 3,500 per person; luxury USD 4,000 to USD 6,000 per person, excluding gorilla permits.
This six day itinerary focuses on gorilla trekking and golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Day one: arrive at Kigali International Airport. Your driver guide meets you. Drive to Volcanoes National Park. The drive takes approximately two to three hours on paved roads. Overnight at your lodge near the park. Day two: gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Wake early, have breakfast, and go to the park headquarters for your briefing. Trek into the forest to find your assigned gorilla family. Spend one hour with the gorillas. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight. Day three: second gorilla trek or rest day. Book a second gorilla trek for a deeper experience, or relax at your lodge and enjoy the views of the volcanoes. Overnight at your lodge.
Day four: golden monkey trekking. The golden monkey permit costs USD 100. Trek into the bamboo forest to find a habituated golden monkey group. Spend one hour watching these beautiful, active primates. Return to your lodge. Day five: drive to Kigali. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial for a moving and educational experience. Overnight in Kigali. Day six: depart from Kigali. This six day itinerary is perfect for travellers who want to maximise their time in Volcanoes National Park. The golden monkey trek is an affordable add on. Best time to visit is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February. Estimated cost: luxury USD 5,000 to USD 7,000 per person, including one gorilla permit and one golden monkey permit.
This seven day itinerary focuses on the Great Migration in the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater. Day one: arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Your driver guide meets you. Drive to Arusha for overnight. Day two: drive to Tarangire National Park. Tarangire is known for its elephant herds and baobab trees. Afternoon game drive. Overnight at a lodge in Tarangire. Day three: drive to Ngorongoro Crater rim. Afternoon at leisure, enjoying the views of the crater. Overnight on the crater rim. Day four: descend into the Ngorongoro Crater at dawn for a full day game drive. The crater is home to the Big Five, including the endangered black rhino. Afternoon drive to the Serengeti. Overnight in the Serengeti.
Day five: full day game drive in the Serengeti. Depending on the season, you will be in the southern Serengeti for calving (January to March), the western corridor for Grumeti crossings (April to June), or the northern Serengeti for Mara River crossings (July to October). Overnight in the Serengeti. Day six: morning game drive in the Serengeti, then fly to Arusha. Overnight in Arusha. Day seven: depart from Kilimanjaro. This seven day itinerary is perfect for travellers who want the Great Migration experience in a week. Best time to visit is from June to October for river crossings, or January to March for calving season. Estimated cost: mid range USD 3,500 to USD 5,000 per person; luxury USD 7,000 to USD 10,000 per person.
This seven day itinerary focuses on the Masai Mara National Reserve and the Great Migration river crossings. Day one: arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Your driver guide meets you. Overnight in Nairobi. Day two: fly to the Masai Mara. The flight takes approximately 45 minutes. Afternoon game drive in the Mara. Overnight at your lodge or camp in a private conservancy. Day three: full day game drive in the Masai Mara. Search for the Great Migration herds and river crossings. The Mara River crossings are most dramatic from July to October. Overnight in the Mara.
Day four: full day game drive in the Mara. Explore different sectors of the reserve. Visit the Mara Triangle for lower vehicle density. Overnight in the Mara. Day five: morning game drive, then afternoon at leisure. Enjoy a night drive in the conservancy to spot nocturnal wildlife. Overnight in the Mara. Day six: morning game drive, then fly back to Nairobi. Overnight in Nairobi. Day seven: depart from Nairobi. This seven day itinerary is perfect for travellers who want to focus exclusively on the Masai Mara. The private conservancies offer off road driving and night drives. Best time to visit is from July to October for the river crossings. Estimated cost: mid range USD 3,000 to USD 4,500 per person; luxury USD 7,000 to USD 10,000 per person.
This eight day itinerary combines gorilla trekking in Bwindi with chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest and game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Day one: arrive at Entebbe International Airport. Drive to Kibale Forest. The drive takes approximately five to six hours. Overnight near Kibale. Day two: chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest. Spend one hour with a habituated chimpanzee community. Afternoon drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Overnight near the park. Day three: morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth on the Kasenyi Plains, known for lions. Afternoon Kazinga Channel boat safari for hippos, elephants, and birds. Overnight in Queen Elizabeth.
Day four: morning game drive in the Ishasha sector, famous for tree climbing lions. Afternoon drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Overnight in Bwindi. Day five: gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Spend one hour with a mountain gorilla family. Overnight in Bwindi. Day six: second gorilla trek or community visit. Book a second trek for a deeper experience, or visit the Batwa community. Overnight in Bwindi. Day seven: drive to Lake Mburo National Park. Afternoon game drive or boat safari. Overnight in Lake Mburo. Day eight: morning game drive, then drive to Entebbe for departure. This eight day itinerary is perfect for travellers who want both primates and savannah wildlife. Best time to visit is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February. Estimated cost: mid range USD 3,500 to USD 5,000 per person; luxury USD 6,000 to USD 9,000 per person, excluding gorilla permits.
This ten day itinerary provides a comprehensive northern Tanzania safari experience. Day one: arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Drive to Arusha for overnight. Day two: drive to Tarangire National Park for elephant viewing. Afternoon game drive. Overnight in Tarangire. Day three: drive to Lake Manyara National Park for flamingos and tree climbing lions. Afternoon game drive. Overnight near Lake Manyara. Day four: drive to Ngorongoro Crater rim. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight on the crater rim. Day five: descend into the Ngorongoro Crater at dawn for a full day game drive. See the Big Five. Afternoon drive to the Serengeti. Overnight in the Serengeti.
Day six: full day game drive in the central Serengeti, known for resident lions and leopards. Overnight in the Serengeti. Day seven: drive to the northern Serengeti for Mara River crossings (July to October) or to the western corridor for Grumeti crossings (May to June). Overnight in the Serengeti. Day eight: full day game drive in the northern or western Serengeti. Overnight in the Serengeti. Day nine: morning game drive, then fly to Arusha. Overnight in Arusha. Day ten: depart from Kilimanjaro. This ten day itinerary is perfect for travellers who want a deep dive into Tanzania’s northern circuit. Best time to visit is from June to October for river crossings, or January to March for calving season. Estimated cost: mid range USD 4,000 to USD 6,000 per person; luxury USD 8,000 to USD 12,000 per person.
This ten day itinerary combines the best of Kenya and Tanzania: the Masai Mara and the Serengeti. Day one: arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Overnight in Nairobi. Day two: fly to the Masai Mara. Afternoon game drive. Overnight in the Mara. Day three: full day game drive in the Masai Mara, searching for river crossings. Overnight in the Mara. Day four: morning game drive in the Mara, then fly to the Serengeti (via Kilimanjaro or Arusha). Afternoon game drive in the Serengeti. Overnight in the Serengeti. Day five: full day game drive in the Serengeti. Overnight in the Serengeti.
Day six: drive to the Ngorongoro Crater rim. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight on the crater rim. Day seven: descend into the Ngorongoro Crater at dawn for a full day game drive. Afternoon drive to Arusha. Overnight in Arusha. Day eight: drive to Tarangire National Park for elephant viewing. Afternoon game drive. Overnight in Tarangire. Day nine: morning game drive in Tarangire, then drive to Arusha. Overnight in Arusha. Day ten: depart from Kilimanjaro. This ten day itinerary is perfect for travellers who cannot choose between Kenya and Tanzania. Best time to visit is from July to October for river crossings. Estimated cost: luxury USD 10,000 to USD 15,000 per person.
This twelve day itinerary combines gorilla trekking in both Uganda and Rwanda, along with chimpanzee tracking and savannah wildlife. Day one: arrive at Kigali International Airport. Drive to Volcanoes National Park. Overnight in Rwanda. Day two: gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Overnight in Rwanda. Day three: golden monkey trekking or second gorilla trek. Overnight in Rwanda. Day four: drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, crossing the border at Cyanika. Overnight in Bwindi. Day five: gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Overnight in Bwindi. Day six: second gorilla trek or community visit. Overnight in Bwindi.
Day seven: drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Afternoon game drive. Overnight in Queen Elizabeth. Day eight: morning game drive on the Kasenyi Plains, afternoon Kazinga Channel boat safari. Overnight in Queen Elizabeth. Day nine: drive to Ishasha sector for tree climbing lions. Afternoon game drive. Overnight in Ishasha. Day ten: drive to Kibale Forest. Overnear Kibale. Day eleven: chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest. Afternoon drive to Fort Portal. Overnight in Fort Portal. Day twelve: drive to Entebbe for departure. This twelve day itinerary is perfect for dedicated primate enthusiasts who want the complete gorilla and chimpanzee experience. Best time to visit is during the dry seasons. Estimated cost: luxury USD 8,000 to USD 12,000 per person, including both gorilla permits.
This fourteen day itinerary combines a northern Tanzania safari with a relaxing beach holiday in Zanzibar. Day one: arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Drive to Arusha. Overnight in Arusha. Day two: drive to Tarangire National Park. Afternoon game drive. Overnight in Tarangire. Day three: drive to Lake Manyara National Park. Afternoon game drive. Overnight near Lake Manyara. Day four: drive to Ngorongoro Crater rim. Overnight on the crater rim. Day five: descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full day game drive. Afternoon drive to the Serengeti. Overnight in the Serengeti. Day six: full day game drive in the central Serengeti. Overnight in the Serengeti.
Day seven: drive to the northern Serengeti for Mara River crossings (July to October). Overnight in the Serengeti. Day eight: full day game drive in the northern Serengeti. Overnight in the Serengeti. Day nine: morning game drive, then fly to Arusha. Overnight in Arusha. Day ten: fly from Arusha to Zanzibar. Transfer to your beach resort. Overnight in Zanzibar. Days eleven to thirteen: relax on the beach, swim, snorkel, dive, or take a spice tour in Stone Town. Overnight in Zanzibar. Day fourteen: depart from Zanzibar. This fourteen day itinerary is perfect for travellers who want both adventure and relaxation. Best time for the safari is from June to October. Best time for Zanzibar is also June to October. Estimated cost: mid range USD 5,000 to USD 7,000 per person; luxury USD 9,000 to USD 14,000 per person.
| Itinerary | Duration | Destinations | Highlights | Best Time | Estimated Cost (Mid Range) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uganda Gorilla Trekking | 5 days | Bwindi, Lake Mburo | Gorilla trekking, zebras, boat safari | Jun-Sep, Dec-Feb | 2,500 to 3,500 USD |
| Rwanda Gorilla & Golden Monkey | 6 days | Volcanoes NP | Gorilla trekking, golden monkeys | Jun-Sep, Dec-Feb | 5,000 to 7,000 USD* |
| Tanzania Migration | 7 days | Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire | Great Migration, Big Five, crater | Jun-Oct, Jan-Mar | 3,500 to 5,000 USD |
| Kenya Masai Mara | 7 days | Masai Mara | River crossings, lions, conservancies | Jul-Oct | 3,000 to 4,500 USD |
| Uganda Gorilla & Chimp | 8 days | Bwindi, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth | Gorillas, chimpanzees, tree climbing lions | Jun-Sep, Dec-Feb | 3,500 to 5,000 USD |
| Tanzania Deep Dive | 10 days | Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Manyara | Full northern circuit, Migration | Jun-Oct, Jan-Mar | 4,000 to 6,000 USD |
| Kenya & Tanzania Combined | 10 days | Masai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro | Both sides of the Migration | Jul-Oct | 10,000 to 15,000 USD* |
| Uganda & Rwanda Circuit | 12 days | Volcanoes, Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth, Kibale | Gorillas in both countries, chimps | Jun-Sep, Dec-Feb | 8,000 to 12,000 USD* |
| Tanzania & Zanzibar | 14 days | Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Zanzibar | Migration, crater, beach | Jun-Oct | 5,000 to 7,000 USD |
*Includes gorilla permits
The best duration for an East African safari depends on your goals and available time. For a single destination like gorilla trekking or the Masai Mara, five to seven days is sufficient. For combining two countries or multiple parks, ten to fourteen days is recommended. This guide to the best East Africa safari itineraries shows that longer itineraries allow for deeper immersion and better wildlife viewing.
Yes, you can combine gorilla trekking with a Great Migration safari, but you need at least ten to fourteen days. A typical combination would be Rwanda or Uganda for gorillas (four to five days) followed by Tanzania or Kenya for the Migration (seven to ten days). The best time to combine them is during the dry seasons from June to September, which is good for both gorilla trekking and the Migration.
The best time for most safari itineraries is during the dry seasons. For gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, the dry seasons from June to September and December to February are best. For the Great Migration in Tanzania and Kenya, the dry season from June to October is best for river crossings. For beach extensions in Zanzibar, the dry season from June to October is also best.
The cost of these best East Africa safari itineraries varies widely. A five day Uganda gorilla safari costs USD 2,500 to USD 3,500 for mid range. A seven day Tanzania Migration safari costs USD 3,500 to USD 5,000. A fourteen day Tanzania and Zanzibar safari costs USD 5,000 to USD 7,000. These estimates exclude international flights. Luxury options cost significantly more. Contact Nomara Safaris for a detailed quotation based on your specific preferences.
Yes, all of these best East Africa safari itineraries can be customised. You can add or remove days, change accommodation, add activities, or combine different destinations. Nomara Safaris specialises in custom itineraries. Contact us with your preferred travel dates, group size, and interests. We will design a unique itinerary just for you.
Choosing from the best East Africa safari itineraries is the first step toward your dream adventure. Whether you have five days or fourteen, whether you want gorillas, the Migration, or a beach holiday, there is a perfect itinerary for you. At Nomara Safaris, we customise every itinerary to your specific needs. Contact Nomara Safaris to begin planning your East Africa safari. Tell us your preferences and travel dates. We will create a custom itinerary just for you.