14-Day Uganda, Kenya & Tanzania Itinerary | Gorillas & Big 5

A 14-day safari across Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania offers a premier East African experience, combining mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi (Uganda) with the Big Five game drives in Masai Mara (Kenya) and Serengeti/Ngorongoro (Tanzania). This fast-paced itinerary typically requires regional flights to maximize time, focusing on iconic wildlife, diverse landscapes, and cultural visits.

The 14-Day Uganda, Kenya & Tanzania Itinerary begins with a gorilla trekking in the lush rainforests of Uganda, then takes you by plane to Kenya’s Masai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, two of the most iconic wildlife encounters in East Africa. After that, you’ll head to the Ngorongoro Crater to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) and a plethora of other creatures. The day will end with a cup of coffee and a view of Mount Meru at a coffee resort.

Compared to driving, flying between places is more efficient and requires less energy. Large, elegant tents with private toilets and outdoor seating areas are your safari lodging options at small, intimate tented camps situated in excellent game-viewing regions. You get to know the neighbourhood on morning and afternoon wildlife drives and meet interesting people along the way. Extras like hot air balloon trips are available upon request.

Wildlife photographers and ecotourists will love this Uganda, Kenya & Tanzania safari for its abundance of unique experiences and flora and fauna. Because of the excellent quality of the rooms and the attentive staff, it is also a good choice for honeymooners, romantic vacationers, and anybody else looking for a luxurious safari experience.

A Detailed 14-Day Uganda, Kenya & Tanzania Itinerary | Gorillas & Big 5

Day 1-2: A Night at Lake Victoria | 1 Nights

Upon your arrival at Uganda’s Entebbe International Airport, a tour representative will be there to greet you and arrange for a short transfer to The Boma Hotel Entebbe, where your experience will commence. The hotel’s location near Lake Victoria gives it a great jumping off point for tours. The hotel has a swimming pool, an on-site restaurant, and free Internet connection, so you can relax after a long day on the road.

Days 2-4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest | 3 Nights

Following your morning meal at the hotel, you will be driven to Entebbe Airport to catch a flight to Kihihi. Upon arrival, you will be escorted to Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp for a three-night stay. Rest and rejuvenate in your room, one of just eight at the camp, with views into the verdant jungle canopy. Then, meet the locals and go on an educational walk with knowledgeable guides.

Over the next two days, you will be escorted by knowledgeable park rangers as you explore Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. There are a variety of primates to see, including magnificent birds and butterflies, but the highlight is definitely an encounter with gorillas (you get two gorilla day permits). After a long day of trekking, nothing beats returning to camp for a warm soak in the deep tub in your suite, listening to the sounds of the local musicians, and crackling bonfire.

Days 5-7: From Rainforest to the Masai Mara | 3 Nights

After breakfast, you will be transferred back to Kihihi to catch a scheduled aircraft to Entebbe. Today is a travel day. At the airport, someone will be waiting to help you board a flight to Masai Mara Kichwa Tembo Airstrip in Kenya. The person who will transport you to camp is your guide, whom you will meet here. You are about to reach Sanctuary Olonana, a plush tented camp located in the Masai Mara National Reserve, which sits on the banks of the Mara River. No matter the season, it’s a great place to see animals, but predators in particular thrive there.

The Mara River crossings, a particularly dramatic part of the Wildebeest Migration, take place in this region from July to October. Regardless of the season, you’ll enjoy two full days to experience the action on morning and afternoon game drives, led by experts. At the end of each day, you’ll return to a camp that combines ecological design with elegant comfort, complete with a mini-spa and a private pool.

Days 8-10: Under Canvas in the Serengeti | 3 Nights

There will be more travelling today, so stop at the lodge for a picnic lunch before you depart. After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the village of Tarime in Tanzania from the Kenyan border town of Migori. After a short flight from Tarime to a Serengeti National Park airstrip, you’ll be met and taken to your three-night stay at Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti Camp.

Located in prime viewing areas for the rumbling herds and their constant predators, the modern and chic Kichakani is a camp that specialises in migration. Your two full-day game drives will take you right into the heart of the action, so charge your cameras in your suite before you go.

Days 11-12: Search for the Big 5 in Ngorongoro | 2 Nights

The Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s biggest complete volcanic crater, is reached by a car transfer after a short flight from the Serengeti to Manyara. Located in a forested valley next to the Crater’s entry road, Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp is an ideal place to stay if you want to beat other vehicles to the Crater.

The vistas from camp are breathtaking, but they will be even more so on the full-day tour around the Crater bottom the following day. In addition to the Big 5, hippos, hyenas, flamingos, and big herds of antelope and zebra make this location famous for its frequent and easy sightings. Your tent suite at camp is basic yet cosy, and it comes with its own bathroom.

Days 13-14: Coffee with Mount Meru Views | 1 Nights

Arusha, the international airport for Tanzania, is less than an hour’s flight away from Manyara. The Arusha Coffee Lodge is conveniently located just five minutes from the airport and offers breathtaking views of Mount Meru, the second tallest mountain in Tanzania, and the country’s largest coffee plantation. Upon arrival, you will be greeted and driven to the lodge.

In the tranquil setting of the lodge, guests may savour gourmet meals, the finest coffee imaginable, spa treatments, and cosy fires. With Wi-Fi, you can easily check your forthcoming travel arrangements and any important documents from the comfort of your home. Your 14-Day Uganda, Kenya & Tanzania safari comes to a close after breakfast at the lodge as you are driven to Kilimanjaro International Airport to catch your flight home.

End of the 14-Day Uganda, Kenya & Tanzania Itinerary | Gorillas & Big 5

Inclusions

  • Meals:
    The Boma Entebbe : Bed & Breakfast
    Gorilla Forest Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary : Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages)
    Olonana Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary : Game Package
    Kichakani, an A&K Sanctuary : Game Package
    Ngorongoro Crater Camp, an A&K Sanctuary : Game Package
    Arusha Coffee Lodge : Bed & Breakfast
  • All necessary permits, conservancy and park fees
  • All activities specified, including morning and evening game drives each full day on safari
  • 24/7 assistance and support during your trip

Exclusions

  • Your international flights to and from Africa + any related taxes
  • Any travel visas you require (though we help you with this)
  • Tips
  • Personal items (eg. travel insurance, souvenirs)