This 10-day tour through Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania showcases the best African safari tours with unforgettable primate experience, scenic landscapes, and iconic wildlife. From golden monkeys and gorillas to the Big Five and the Great Migration, each day blends nature, culture, and conservation. The best African safari tours culminate in Ngorongoro’s crater, offering a rich finale to a seamless cross-border adventure.
Venturing on one of the best African safari tours across Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania offers a rare opportunity to experience East Africa’s most iconic landscapes and wildlife encounters in a single, seamless journey. This 10-day itinerary is crafted for travelers seeking depth, diversity, and authenticity from the misty mountains of Volcanoes and Bwindi to the golden plains of Serengeti and the dramatic crater of Ngorongoro. Each destination is chosen not only for its ecological significance but also for its cultural richness, ensuring that every moment contributes to a meaningful and unforgettable adventure. The best African safari tours begin with primate tracking in Rwanda and Uganda, where golden monkeys, chimpanzees, and mountain gorillas reveal the region’s conservation triumphs.
As the journey transitions into Tanzania, the focus shifts to classic savannah safaris, showcasing the Big Five, the Great Migration, and the geological wonder of Ngorongoro Crater. Carefully timed and logistically refined, this itinerary blends high-impact wildlife viewing with scenic travel and cultural immersion. Whether it’s sipping sundowners in Serengeti or gliding across Lake Bunyonyi, the best African safari tours offer more than just sightseeing they deliver a narrative of nature, resilience, and connection across borders. This introduction sets the tone for a journey that celebrates East Africa’s wild heart with elegance and purpose
Day 1: Arrival in Rwanda, Top Kigali Attractions and Transfer to Volcanoes
Day 2: Golden Monkey Trekking with Cross Border to Bwindi
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking with Lake Bunyonyi Adventures
Day 4: Transfer to Kibale National Park via Queen Elizabeth
Day 5: Chimps Trekking and Proceed to Entebbe via the Equator
Day 6: Fly to Tanzania and Transfer to Serengeti
Day 7: Big Five Safari in Serengeti, Walking Safari and Sundowners
Day 8: Witness the Migration and Continue to Ngorongoro
Day 9: Descend into Ngorongoro Crater on Game Drives and Rhino Tracking
Day 10: Airport Transfer and End the Tour
The best African safari tours begin with arrival in Kigali, Rwanda’s clean and vibrant capital. A guided city tour includes the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local craft markets, and cultural centers that offer insight into Rwanda’s resilience and creativity. After lunch, the journey continues north to Volcanoes National Park, passing through scenic hills and rural villages. This region is the gateway to Rwanda’s primate encounters and conservation legacy. The best African safari tours use this day to blend urban exploration with a transition into nature, setting the stage for the adventures ahead in the Virunga Mountains
Start the day with golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park, a fast-paced hike through bamboo forests to observe these energetic, golden-furred primates. Their playful behavior and vibrant habitat make this a standout moment in the best African safari tours. After the trek, cross the border into Uganda via Cyanika, heading toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive offers views of terraced hills and local life, with arrival at a lodge near the forest. This day of the best African safari tours combines primate encounters with cross-border exploration, linking two iconic destinations in one seamless experience
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is a highlight of the best African safari tours, offering a rare hour with a habituated gorilla family deep in the forest. The trek is demanding, with steep trails and dense vegetation, but the reward is unmatched. After the trek, transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, known for its serene waters and terraced shores. Enjoy canoeing, swimming, or relaxing at the lodge with views of the lake’s islands. This day of the best African safari tours balances intense wildlife encounters with peaceful lakeside activities, showcasing Uganda’s ecological and scenic diversity
Depart Lake Bunyonyi and travel north through Queen Elizabeth National Park, a route that adds scenic value to the best African safari tours. Spot wildlife along the way, including elephants and antelope, and enjoy a stop at the equator for photos and local crafts. Continue to Kibale National Park, arriving in the afternoon at a forest lodge. This park is known for its dense primate population and lush rainforest. The best African safari tours use this day to connect Uganda’s southern and western highlights, offering glimpses of savannah, crater lakes, and forest ecosystems in one journey
Begin with chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, one of the most rewarding primate experiences in the best African safari tours. Track noisy, fast-moving chimps through the forest, observing their social behavior and vocal interactions. After the trek, drive to Entebbe via Fort Portal and the equator line, stopping for lunch and cultural insights along the way. Arrive in Entebbe in the evening, ready for the next leg of the journey. This day of the best African safari tours blends active exploration with scenic travel, linking Uganda’s rainforest treasures to its lakeside gateway
Fly from Entebbe to Tanzania and transfer to Serengeti National Park, one of the most iconic destinations in the best African safari tours. Upon arrival, enjoy a scenic drive through the park’s vast plains, spotting wildlife en route to the lodge. The Serengeti’s golden grasslands and acacia-dotted horizons set the tone for immersive game viewing. This day of the best African safari tours marks a transition from Uganda’s forests to Tanzania’s savannah, offering a fresh landscape and new species to encounter. Settle in for sunset views and prepare for the Big Five experience ahead
Spend the day on game drives in Serengeti National Park, tracking the Big Five lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino across diverse habitats. The best African safari tours include a walking safari led by armed rangers, offering a ground-level perspective of the bush and its smaller wonders. In the evening, enjoy sundowners overlooking the plains, a signature moment of relaxation and reflection. This day of the best African safari tours combines classic wildlife viewing with intimate nature immersion, showcasing the Serengeti’s grandeur and subtle beauty in equal measure
If timed right, witness the Great Migration thousands of wildebeest and zebra moving across the Serengeti in search of water and grazing. This spectacle is a defining feature of the best African safari tours, offering dramatic scenes of predator-prey interaction and herd movement. After the morning game drive, transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area, stopping at viewpoints along the way. Arrive at a lodge on the crater rim with panoramic views. This day of the best African safari tours captures the scale and rhythm of East Africa’s ecosystems, linking two legendary parks in one unforgettable trip
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full day of game drives in one of the most biodiverse landscapes featured in the best African safari tours. The crater floor hosts lions, elephants, hippos, and the rare black rhino, which guides help track through open grasslands. The enclosed ecosystem offers concentrated wildlife viewing and stunning scenery. Picnic lunch is served in the wild, surrounded by nature. This day of the best African safari tours delivers high-impact sightings and geological wonder, making it a favorite for photographers and conservation enthusiasts alike
After breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport for departure, concluding the journey across Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania. The best African safari tours end with reflections on diverse landscapes, unforgettable wildlife encounters, and cultural connections made along the way. Whether it was gorilla trekking, chimp tracking, or witnessing the migration, each moment added depth to the experience. This final day of the best African safari tours offers a smooth transition home, with memories that will last a lifetime and stories ready to be shared