The 22 Days Grand East Africa Safari Tour to Uganda, Tanzania & Kenya is a comprehensive package that incorporates adventure, primate tracking and wild game viewing. The Safari features summiting Africa’s highest peak- Mount Kilimanjaro, 3 days hike exploring the lower ridges of Africa’s third highest Mountain Rwenzori, Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi, Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale and rewarding game viewing experience in all the three countries with in the popular sites of Maasai Mara and Serengeti with their Great Migration if its season, Queen Elizabeth and Lake Manyara National Parks well known for their tree climbing lions.
Day 1 of the 22 Days Grand East Africa Safari Tour to Uganda, Tanzania & Kenya with Rwenzori & Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure: Transfer to Kibale National Park / Fort Portal Area, visit the Amabere g’ Nyinamwiru caves & hike the Fort Portal Crater field
Day 2 of the 22 Days Grand East Africa Safari Tour to Uganda, Tanzania & Kenya with Rwenzori & Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure: Do Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest & transfer to Kasese
Day 3, 4 & 5 of the 17 22 Days Grand East Africa Safari Tour to Uganda, Tanzania & Kenya with Rwenzori & Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure: Undertake the 3 days / 2 nights trek of Rwenzori Mountains – Explore the Mahoma trail
Day 6 of the 22 Days Grand East Africa Safari Tour to Uganda, Tanzania & Kenya with Rwenzori & Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure: Morning extensive game drive in Kasenyi sector & afternoon boat safari along Kazinga Channel
Day 7 of the 22 Days Grand East Africa Safari Tour to Uganda, Tanzania & Kenya with Rwenzori & Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & do Ishasha sector game drive in search of tree climbing lions
Day 8 of the 22 Days Grand East Africa Safari Tour to Uganda, Tanzania & Kenya with Rwenzori & Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure: Undertake Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 9 of the 22 Days Grand East Africa Safari Tour to Uganda, Tanzania & Kenya with Rwenzori & Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure: Transfer to Kigali & fly to Arusha Tanzania. Here, you can also fly from Kisoro to Entebbe and then fly from Entebbe to Kilimanjaro
Day 10 of the 22 Days Grand East Africa Safari Tour to Uganda, Tanzania & Kenya with Rwenzori & Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure: Hike from Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Day 11 of the 22 Days Grand East Africa Safari Tour to Uganda, Tanzania & Kenya with Rwenzori & Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Day 12 of the 22 Days Grand East Africa Safari Tour to Uganda, Tanzania & Kenya with Rwenzori & Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Day 13 of the 22 Days Grand East Africa Safari Tour to Uganda, Tanzania & Kenya with Rwenzori & Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
Day 14 of the 22 Days Grand East Africa Safari Tour to Uganda, Tanzania & Kenya with Rwenzori & Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
Day 15 of the 22 Days Grand East Africa Safari Tour to Uganda, Tanzania & Kenya with Rwenzori & Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure: Mweka Camp back to the lodge & relax
Day 16 of the 22 Days Grand East Africa Safari Tour to Uganda, Tanzania & Kenya with Rwenzori & Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure: Transfer to Lake Manyara, visit the community & afternoon game drive
Day 17 of the 22 Days Grand East Africa Safari Tour to Uganda, Tanzania & Kenya with Rwenzori & Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure: Half day game drive in Lake Manyara National Park & transfer to Ngorongoro crater
Day 18 of the 22 Days Grand East Africa Safari Tour to Uganda, Tanzania & Kenya with Rwenzori & Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure: Ngorongoro Game Drive in the morning and transfer to Serengeti National Park
Day 19 of the 22 Days Grand East Africa Safari Tour to Uganda, Tanzania & Kenya with Rwenzori & Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure: Full day game drive in Serengeti National Park
Day 20 of the 22 Days Grand East Africa Safari Tour to Uganda, Tanzania & Kenya with Rwenzori & Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure: Drive from Serengeti to Maasai Mara National Park
Day 21 of the 22 Days Grand East Africa Safari Tour to Uganda, Tanzania & Kenya with Rwenzori & Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure: Full day game viewing in Maasai Mara National Reserve with optional evening cultural tour to the Maasai people
Day 22 of the 22 Days Grand East Africa Safari Tour to Uganda, Tanzania & Kenya with Rwenzori & Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure: Transfer to Nairobi
After breakfast at the lodge, you embark on the 300km drive about 4 – 5 hours to Fort Portal enjoying the impressive views of the countryside including the en route towns of Mityana, Mubende and Kyenjonjo. The Mubende Inselbergs, the distant views of Lake Wamara and the lush tea plantations are also exciting to explore along the drive. Upon reaching Fort Portal town, you settle for lunch after which you will spend the afternoon visiting the Amabere g’Nnyinamwiru caves exploring the history behind this rich heritage site with the beautiful Nyakasura falls flowing over the caves in the rainy season. The breast-like features are traditionally known to be breasts of Nnyinamwiru the maiden daughter of Bukuku the self enthroned King of the Bachwezi who denied his daughter a chance to breast feed her son Ndahura in fear that the grand child would take over his throne. You also undertake a hike to the Fort Portal crater field summiting the famous Kyeganywa hill offering uninterrupted views of the surrounding crater lakes and crater hollows. Retreat to Kibale Area for relaxation, dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Primate Lodge – Luxury Cottages / Ndali Lodge, Midrange / Standard: Kibale Forest Camp – Safari Tent, Budget / Basic: Rwenzori View Guesthouse
The morning is dedicated to Chimpanzee trekking encounter commencing with briefing at 8am at Kanyanchu Tourism Center. Kibale is a verdant forest marked by lush flora including tall and mature trees that are over 50m tall and 200 years old, 375 species of birds including the Green Breasted Pita and Kibale ground thrush and 13 primate species which include; common chimpanzees, the Black and White colobus monkeys, Olive Baboons, Vervet Monkeys among others. The Chimpanzee trekking takes about 2 -5 hours and includes one full hour of chimpanzee viewing encounter. Retreat from the activity and embark on 157km about 3 hours transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park enjoying the scenic views of the snow capped Rwenzori Mountains en route. Retire for relaxation, dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge / Katara Lodge, Midrange / Standard: Enganzi Game Lodge / Kasenyi Safari Camp, Budget / Basic: Pumba Safari Cottages
Day 3: Hike from Ibanda to Omuka Kizza Rest Camp (2977m)
You set off from your lodge after breakfast to start off the trek via the Kyambogho pristine forest overlooking the famous Mubuku Valley. The continuous hike through the forest offers possible views of primates including Black and White Colobus, rare L’hoest Monkey and the Blue Monkey. You settle at Omuka Kizza Rest Camp at 2,977 metres enjoying the remarkable views of the Rwenzori foot hills and the Kasese town at 2,160m below. The sight of the Rwenzori Turaco may not be missed on this trek.
Accommodation: Omuka Kizza Rest Camp
Day 4: Hike from Omuka Kizza to Mahoma Lake
Embark on the hike to Mahoma Lake after breakfast. You follow the trail through the forest before approaching a narrow ridge covered by moss hiking up to 3,515 metres passing through a beautiful area covered by giant heather forest covered by bright green moss layers. The Mountain elephant footprints traversing the bamboo and heather forest may not be missed and you may be so lucky and encounter them drinking water at the hot spring. The ridge gives way to Rukenga Valley where the everlasting flowers also known as mimulopsis eliotti along with giant lobelia might be explored. You retire for overnight at Mahoma lake camp and if the sky is clear, you enjoy the views of Mount Stanely, Mt Baker along with the Portal Peaks.
Accommodation: Mahoma Lake Camp
Day 5: Transfer from Mahoma Lake to Ibanda
Take a walk around the lake after breakfast after which you will descend to Ibanda passing through the Nyabitaba ranger post, the Mpanga ridge before adjoining the Mubuku Valley – the home for the three horned Chameleon. Connect to the lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park for relaxation, dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge / Katara Lodge, Midrange / Standard: Enganzi Game Lodge / Kasenyi Safari Camp, Budget / Basic: Pumba Safari Cottages
The game drive starts at 6am if you slept inside the park and 7am if the lodge is outside the park gates taking you to Kasenyi plains where the range of wild game are known to thrive and a breeding ground to many. The 3 – 4 hour encounter offers possibility of exploring wild game like lions, elephants, Buffaloes, leopard, the Uganda Kobs, defassa waterbucks, wart hogs, bushbucks, Topis among others. The mid day siesta can be spent at the lodge or in Mweya peninsular taking lunch before gathering at Mweya jetty for a two (2) hour boat cruise along the magical Kazinga Channel. The channel shores offer impressive views of the wild game drinking water including Buffalos, Elephants and a range of antelopes, the range of bird species including Great Cormorants, African Skimmers among others and aquatics like Nile Crocodiles and Hippos. The evening game drive along the channel track as you connect to the lodge offers more wild game views and the sunset views over the savannah Optional activities that can be undertaken in this day include; the Hot Balloon Safari and the Lion tracking experience
Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge / Katara Lodge, Midrange / Standard: Enganzi Game Lodge / Kasenyi Safari Camp, Budget / Basic: Pumba Safari Cottages
After breakfast, embark on the transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to the south of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Ishasha sector in the south of Queen Elizabeth National Park is another wild game viewing haven and a home to the famous tree climbing lions. A 1 – 2 hour game drive en route to Bwindi is a rewarding adventure to undertake as you gain possibilities of viewing them hanging on the fig tree branches in the mid morning sun. Proceed to arrive in Bwindi Impenetrable Park for relaxation, dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Chameleon Hill Lodge, Midrange / Standard: Gorilla Mist Camp, Budget / Basic: Broadbill Forest Camp
The gorilla trekking activity commences at 8am with briefing by the park rangers about the conduct of the activity after which you set off to the forest in search of these critically endangered apes. The gentle giants thrive in the dense forested landscapes in rugged mountainous ecosystem of Bwindi which presents a rather challenging trek as you traverse the steep hills, slop down narrow valley and cross streams. The forest also features lush flora and a myriad of bird species. The moment with gorillas is limited to one hour but the entire trek can range from 2 – 8 hours. Retreat from the activity and spend the afternoon relaxing at the lodge. You can take an optional community tour visiting the Batwa people one of the last groups of short people left in the world.
Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Chameleon Hill Lodge, Midrange / Standard: Gorilla Mist Camp, Budget / Basic: Broadbill Forest Camp
Embark on the transfer to Kigali International Airport in Rwanda to catch up with a flight to Kilimanjaro Airport and connect to Kilimanjaro area for relaxation and overnight.
Accommodation: Up market Luxury: Sal Salinero Hotel, Midrange / Standard: Marangu Hotel, Budget / Basic: Mount Kilimanjaro View Lodge
Elevation (m): 1830m to 3100m Elevation (ft): 6000ft to 10,200ft Distance: 18km Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Montane Forest The drive from Arusha to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about one and half hours. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. We now leave the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.
Accommodation: Overnight: Machame Camp
Elevation (m): 3100m to 3840m Elevation (ft): 10,200ft to 12,600ft Distance: 9km Walking Time: 4-6 hours Habitat: Moorland After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. The route now turns west onto a river gorge.
Accommodation: Overnight: Shira campsite.
Elevation (m): 3840m to 4630m to 3860m Elevation (ft): 12,600ft to 12,700ft Distance: 15 km Walking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Semi-desert From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 4,876 meters. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 3,860 meters. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Elevation (m): 3860m to 4600m Elevation (ft): 12,700ft to 15,100ft Distance: 13km Hiking Time: 8 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall, through the Karanga Valley (lunch at 4200m), and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.
Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Elevation (m): 4600m to 5895m (and down to 3100m) Elevation (ft): 15,100ft to 19,300ft (and down to 10,200ft) Distance: 7km ascent / 23km descent Hiking Time:6- 8 hours ascent / 7-8 hours descent Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point (5685m), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting).From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. You will want clothing for both extremes with you. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Accommodation: Mweka Hut
Elevation (m): 3100m to 1830m Elevation (ft): 10,200ft to 6000ft Distance: 15 km Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Forest After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you to the hotel for relaxation and overnight.
Accommodation: Upmarket Luxury: Sal Salinero Hotel, Midrange / Standard: Marangu Hotel, Budget / Basic: Mount Kilimanjaro View Lodge
After breakfast, embark on the transfer to Lake Manyara National Park and upon arrival, you take up a village walk in the Mto Wa Mbu where you have an opportunity to explore the local community and their traditions including methods of food preparation, local banana beer brewing, the Makonde wood carvings and eventually settling for a traditional lunch which you participated in its preparation. In the afternoon, you enter the park for a game drive offering possible views of tree climbing lions, Zebras, warthog, baboon, giraffe, elephant, impala, hippo and wildebeest. Retire for relaxation, dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge, Midrange / Standard: Manyara Kirurumu Camp, Budget / Basic: Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp
crater After breakfast enjoy half day game drive in Lake Manyara National Park before returning for lunch at the camp or lodge. Later in the afternoon hours, transfer to Ngorongoro where you will arrive in the late afternoon hours. Rest of the afternoon at leisure enjoying the beautiful scenery or engage in optional activities that may include nature walks, biking.
Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Accommodation: Mweka Hut
Elevation (m): 3100m to 1830m
Elevation (ft): 10,200ft to 6000ft
Distance: 15 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you to the hotel for relaxation and overnight.
Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, Midrange / Standard: Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge, Budget / Basic: Karatu Simba Lodge
Depart after breakfast with lunch box for half day Ngorongoro Crater Tour. Later on proceed to Serengeti to arrive with game drive in Serengeti National Park (time permitting you may stop at the Ol Duvai Gorge Museum, the cradle of mankind).
Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Serengeti Sopa Lodge Midrange / Standard: Serengeti Kati Kati Camp, Budget / Basic: Kijereshi Tented Camp (Bungalow)
After breakfast time to enjoy full day in Serengeti with morning and evening game drive. Serengeti National Park is one of the Africa’s best National Parks where a rewarding game drive can be undertaken. The park features the Big five including 3000 counts of Maasai Lion, about 1000 African leopards, Black Rhinos, Elephants and Buffaloes along with other wild game like Grant’s Gazelle, Thomson’s Gazelle, Eland, Wildebeest not forgetting over 500 species of birds. It is a very amazing park worth exploring.
Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Serengeti Sopa Lodge, Midrange / Standard: Serengeti Kati Kati Camp, Budget / Basic: Kijereshi Tented Camp (Bungalow)
Depart Serengeti after early breakfast with lunch box driving to Isebania, the Tanzania/Kenya boarder. After clearing with immigration formalities change vehicles and proceed to Maasai Mara arriving with an introductory game drive to the camp or lodge.
Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Midrange / Standard: Keekorok Game Lodge, Budget / Basic: lkeliani Camp
After breakfast time to enjoy full day in Maasai Mara with morning and evening game drive. Maasai Mara Game Reserve which is part of the greater Serengeti Ecosystem is also a rich habitat for a myriad of wild game including the millions of Wildebeest, the Big five, Cheetah, Hyenas, other antelopes like Thomson gazelles, Zebras among other wild game. The evening can be reserved for your exploration to the Maasai people to learn more about their ancient heritage.
Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Midrange / Standard: Keekorok Game Lodge, Budget / Basic: lkeliani Camp
Depart Maasai Mara after breakfast driving back to Nairobi to arrive in the early afternoon hours with drop off at a Nairobi city hotel or at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in time for your onward flight to a beach destination (Kenya Coast of Mombasa or Zanzibar Island).
End of the 22 Days Grand East Africa Safari Tour to Uganda, Tanzania & Kenya with Rwenzori & Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure
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