Arrival in Nairobi – Welcome to East Africa

Your 15-Day Uganda Rwanda Kenya Safari journey begins in Nairobi, the vibrant gateway to East Africa’s wilderness. Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, a professional guide from Winton Africa Safaris will greet you warmly and ensure a smooth transfer to Radisson Blu Hotel, a luxurious property in the city’s heart. This first day is designed to give you time to rest after your international flight while adjusting to the rhythm of Africa.

Depending on your arrival schedule, you may choose to unwind at the hotel’s elegant facilities or embark on an optional short city excursion. Nairobi offers unique attractions such as the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, home to orphaned elephants, or the Giraffe Centre, where you can interact with endangered Rothschild giraffes. For cultural enthusiasts, a visit to the Karen Blixen Museum provides a glimpse into Kenya’s colonial history and literary legacy.

In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, featuring a mix of international and African cuisine. As night falls, the bustling city outside contrasts with the calm sanctuary of your hotel, allowing you to prepare for the adventures that lie ahead. This first night sets the stage for the 15-Day Uganda Rwanda Kenya Safari comfort, attention to detail, and anticipation of unforgettable experiences in the wild.

• Accommodation: Radisson Blu Hotel Nairobi
• Meal Plan: Dinner and Breakfast

Scenic Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park – Afternoon Game Drive

After a refreshing breakfast, you will set off on a scenic drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, located within the Great Rift Valley. The 15-Day Uganda Rwanda Kenya Safari journey itself is breath-taking, with panoramic views of the escarpment, fertile highlands, and rural landscapes dotted with small towns and farms. Stops will be made at strategic viewpoints for photography, ensuring you capture the dramatic scenery before descending into the Rift Valley basin.

Upon arrival at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, you will check in and enjoy lunch before heading out for your first afternoon game drive. Lake Nakuru is a compact yet rich park, often described as a bird lover’s paradise. When conditions are right, the lake’s shores shimmer with thousands of flamingos, while pelicans, storks, and fish eagles soar above. Beyond birds, the park is home to a thriving population of white and black rhinos, Rothschild giraffes, buffaloes, and zebras. If lucky, you may spot lions lounging in the grass or leopards camouflaged among the trees.

The combination of scenic landscapes and diverse wildlife makes Lake Nakuru an excellent introduction to Kenya’s safari circuit. As the sun sets behind the Rift Valley escarpment, the golden glow over the lake creates a magical photography opportunity. Return to the lodge for dinner and relaxation, preparing for another day of exploration.

• Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Morning Game Drive in Lake Nakuru – Transfer to Masai Mara National Reserve

The day begins with an early morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, when wildlife is most active. This is the best time to catch predators winding down after a night of hunting or antelopes grazing peacefully in the soft morning light. The lake is especially enchanting at sunrise, with birds in flight and hippos emerging from the water.

After the game drive, return to the lodge for breakfast before checking out. You will then embark on a journey to the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve, the jewel of Kenya’s safari destinations. The drive passes through scenic farmlands and rolling savannahs, giving you glimpses of everyday Kenyan life. A stop for lunch will be made en route before reaching the Masai Mara Sopa Lodge in the afternoon.

The lodge, located on the edge of the reserve, offers sweeping views of the Mara plains. After check-in, spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing at the lodge, enjoying its facilities, or exploring the surroundings. The anticipation builds as you prepare for the following day’s adventure into the Mara, where wildlife spectacles unfold daily. Dinner will be served at the lodge, with the night filled by the distant sounds of the wilderness a perfect prelude to your 15-Day Uganda Rwanda Kenya Safari experience.

• Accommodation: Masai Mara Sopa Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Full-Day Exploration of Masai Mara – Wildlife, Maasai Culture, and Nature Walks

Today is dedicated to exploring the Masai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s richest and most diverse ecosystems. After an early breakfast, you will embark on an extended game drive across the sweeping plains, where every turn reveals new wonders. The Mara is famed for its dense wildlife population, including the Big Five; lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos. Large herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles graze the open plains, attracting predators such as cheetahs and hyenas.

Mid-morning, you will have the opportunity to visit a Maasai village, where you will be welcomed with traditional songs and dances. The Maasai are custodians of the Mara, known for their vibrant attire, cattle-herding lifestyle, and strong warrior traditions. A guided tour of a traditional homestead offers insights into their culture, rituals, and resilience. This cultural immersion adds depth to your safari, connecting wildlife conservation with community heritage.

In the afternoon, you may enjoy a guided nature walk in designated areas around the reserve. Led by Maasai guides, the walk offers an intimate perspective on the Mara ecosystem, from medicinal plants to animal tracking skills. You will gain a deeper appreciation for the small details that game drives often overlook.

As the day winds down, return to the lodge for dinner. The experience of the Mara its wildlife, landscapes, and people create memories that remain vivid long after your safari ends.

• Accommodation: Masai Mara Sopa Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Another Day in Masai Mara – Game Drives, Photography, and Great Migration

Your second full day in the Masai Mara is designed to maximize wildlife encounters and photographic opportunities. After breakfast, set out for another day of game drives across the reserve, following wildlife hotspots and seasonal activity. If your 15-Day Uganda Rwanda Kenya Safari coincides with the Great Wildebeest Migration (typically July–October), today’s focus will be on witnessing this breath-taking spectacle. Millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles cross the Mara River in search of greener pastures, pursued by predators on land and lurking crocodiles in the water. The drama of life and death unfolds before your eyes a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife event.

Outside of migration season, the Mara still delivers exceptional game viewing. You may spot cheetahs sprinting after prey, elephants leading their herds across the savannah, or prides of lions resting under acacia trees. The diversity of birdlife, from ostriches to crowned cranes, adds another dimension to the Mara’s richness.

This day is also perfect for photographers, as the wide-open landscapes and golden evening light create stunning backdrops for capturing wildlife action and dramatic silhouettes. Optional activities such as a hot air balloon safari can also be arranged for an additional cost, offering an aerial view of the plains at sunrise an unforgettable perspective of the Mara.

In the evening, return to the lodge for dinner and relaxation, reflecting on two incredible days in one of the greatest wildlife reserves on the planet. Tomorrow, your journey transitions from Kenya to Uganda for the next chapter of this 15-Day Uganda Rwanda Kenya Safari adventure.

• Accommodation: Masai Mara Sopa Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Flight from Masai Mara to Entebbe – Arrival in the Pearl of Africa

After breakfast, you will bid farewell to the sweeping plains of the Masai Mara as you board a scenic flight back to Nairobi. From here, connect to Entebbe International Airport, where your Ugandan adventure of 15-Day Uganda Rwanda Kenya Safari begins. Uganda, fondly known as the Pearl of Africa, welcomes you with lush greenery, rolling hills, and the shimmering waters of Lake Victoria the world’s largest tropical lake.

Upon arrival, a professional guide from Winton Africa Safaris will meet you and provide a warm introduction to the next leg of your safari. You will be transferred to your accommodation at 2 Friends Beach Hotel Entebbe, a charming lakeside retreat offering the perfect balance of comfort and relaxation. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to unwind by the hotel pool, stroll along the sandy lakeshore, or enjoy birdwatching. Entebbe is famous for its tranquil environment, and species such as pied kingfishers, African fish eagles, and marabou storks are common sightings around Lake Victoria.

This evening, savor a delicious dinner featuring a blend of Ugandan and international flavors. As you relax on your balcony or terrace, you will begin to sense the transition from Kenya’s wide savannahs to Uganda’s lush forests. Tomorrow’s journey to Kibale Forest marks the start of unforgettable primate adventures.

• Accommodation: 2 Friends Beach Hotel Entebbe
• Meal Plan: Dinner and Breakfast

Scenic Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park – Primate Capital of the World

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive toward Kibale Forest National Park, often celebrated as the Primate Capital of the World. The journey reveals Uganda’s captivating countryside rolling tea plantations, banana groves, and local markets buzzing with activity. Along the way, your 15-Day Uganda Rwanda Kenya Safari guide may arrange short stops for cultural encounters or photographs of the lush crater lakes that dot the landscape.

Kibale Forest is a tropical paradise, home to an astonishing 13 species of primates, including the largest population of chimpanzees in East Africa. Other residents include red colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys. Beyond primates, Kibale supports forest elephants, duikers, and over 325 bird species, making it a haven for biodiversity lovers.

Arrive at Turaco Treetops Lodge, a comfortable lodge nestled in the forest’s edge, and settle into your room with sweeping views of the canopy. After lunch, you may choose to take a short-guided walk around the lodge area, where you can often spot monkeys leaping through the treetops or hear the haunting calls of distant chimpanzees.

As evening sets in, enjoy dinner surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest the chirping of crickets, croaking frogs, and occasional rustle of nocturnal animals. Tomorrow’s chimpanzee tracking adventure will be a highlight of the entire 15-Day Uganda Rwanda Kenya Safari, offering an intimate glimpse into the social life of our closest relatives.

• Accommodation: Turaco Treetops Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest – Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Experience

This morning begins with an early breakfast before heading to the Kanyanchu Visitor Centre for a briefing on chimpanzee tracking. Armed with knowledge from experienced rangers, you will enter the dense Kibale Forest in search of its star residents. The trek can last anywhere from one to three hours, depending on where the chimpanzees nested the previous night. Along the way, you will encounter other primates, birds, and unique forest vegetation.

When you finally encounter a troop of chimpanzees, the forest comes alive with their energy. Watching them groom, play, and communicate is an awe-inspiring reminder of the deep connection’s humans share with these intelligent creatures. You are allowed a full hour with the chimpanzees a magical experience where every expression and gesture tells a story of survival and community.

After lunch at the lodge, your afternoon is dedicated to the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-managed project renowned for its birdlife and primates. The guided walk takes you through swampy vegetation, where the rare great blue turaco is often spotted, along with red-tailed monkeys and sitatunga antelopes. This excursion not only enhances your wildlife experience but also supports local conservation and community livelihoods.

As the day concludes, return to the lodge for dinner and reflection. Kibale’s blend of close primate encounters and rich community engagement makes it one of the most rewarding stops on the 15-Day Uganda Rwanda Kenya Safari.

• Accommodation: Turaco Treetops Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Evening Game Drive

After a hearty breakfast, depart Kibale Forest and travel south toward Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most iconic and diverse safari destinations. The journey passes through the Ndali-Kasenda Crater Lakes region, offering breathtaking panoramas of volcanic landscapes, before descending into the rift valley floor.

Arriving at Elephant Hub Lodge, you will check in and enjoy lunch before setting out on an evening game drive. The park is home to over 95 species of mammals, including elephants, buffaloes, lions, and leopards. The open savannahs, interspersed with euphorbia trees and acacia woodland, create a classic African safari setting.

During the game drive, keep your eyes peeled for the park’s famous tree-climbing lions, especially in the Ishasha sector. These unique lions are known for resting in large fig trees, a behavior rarely observed elsewhere. The drive also offers a chance to encounter large herds of Uganda kob, warthogs, and the occasional elusive leopard.

As the sun dips toward the horizon, the park’s landscapes transform with golden hues, providing perfect photography opportunities. Return to the lodge in time for dinner under the stars, accompanied by the distant calls of hippos and nightjars. This marks the beginning of your Queen Elizabeth safari chapter, where savannah wildlife blends seamlessly with wetland ecosystems.

• Accommodation: Elephant Hub Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise – Wildlife Encounters on Land and Water

Today offers a perfect combination of land and water-based safari experiences in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The day begins with an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, an area known for its predator-prey interactions. Lions are often spotted stalking Uganda kob herds, while elephants move gracefully across the grasslands. Bird enthusiasts will delight in the diversity, with species such as saddle-billed storks, black-bellied bustards, and African skimmers gracing the skies.

After returning to the lodge for breakfast and some relaxation, the afternoon highlights the park’s most famous feature the Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise. This natural waterway links Lake Edward and Lake George and is renowned for its dense concentration of wildlife. As the boat glides along the channel, you will encounter pods of hippos wallowing, crocodiles basking on the shores, and elephants cooling off by the water. The banks also host buffalo herds, while bird species such as kingfishers, fish eagles, and pink-backed pelicans add vibrant color to the scene.

The Kazinga Channel experience is both tranquil and exhilarating, offering a different perspective of the park compared to game drives. Returning to the lodge in the evening, you will enjoy dinner while recounting the day’s sightings. Few places in Africa offer such a rich blend of savannah and aquatic wildlife encounters in a single day.

• Accommodation: Elephant Hub Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Encounter with the Gentle Giants

Today is one of the most anticipated moments of the 15-Day Uganda Rwanda Kenya Safari gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to nearly half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. After an early breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a briefing by experienced rangers. The guides will explain gorilla behavior, trekking etiquette, and conservation efforts before assigning groups to different gorilla families.

The trek itself can take between two and six hours, depending on where the gorillas nested the night before. The forest is thick, with tangled vines, giant ferns, and towering mahoganies, giving the sensation of entering a prehistoric wilderness. As you follow trails created by forest elephants and primates, the atmosphere builds with excitement. Suddenly, the moment arrives you find yourself face-to-face with a gorilla family.

Watching these gentle giants is a life-changing experience. You may see a dominant silverback surveying his territory, mothers nursing infants, or playful juveniles swinging from branches. Their eyes reflect intelligence, curiosity, and a depth of emotion that is profoundly moving. You will spend one magical hour with them, observing their behavior in silence, capturing photographs, and soaking in the rare privilege of their presence.

In the afternoon, return to your lodge for relaxation and then join a guided Batwa cultural experience, where you’ll meet one of Africa’s oldest forest-dwelling communities. The Batwa share their traditions of hunting, music, and herbal medicine, enriching your understanding of the human connection to the forest.

• Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Lake Bunyonyi Relaxation – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)

After the intensity of gorilla trekking, today is designed for tranquility and scenic beauty. Following breakfast, you will be transferred to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s most picturesque and serene lakes. Nicknamed the Switzerland of Africa, Lake Bunyonyi is framed by terraced hills and dotted with 29 emerald islands, each with its own story.

Here, you will enjoy a boat cruise gliding across the calm waters, with opportunities to visit some of the islands such as Akampene (Punishment Island), which holds cultural history, or Bwama Island, once used as a leper colony. Birdwatchers will be in paradise, as “Bunyonyi” literally means “place of many little birds.” Expect to see species such as malachite kingfishers, grey crowned cranes, and weaverbirds.

Later in the afternoon, you will continue your 15-Day Uganda Rwanda Kenya Safari journey across the border into Rwanda, arriving at Volcanoes National Park. This region is famous not only for gorillas but also for golden monkeys, rich volcanic landscapes, and cultural heritage. Your accommodation at Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge provides breath-taking views of the Virunga Volcanoes and a comfortable base for exploring this pristine wilderness.

Enjoy dinner while gazing at the towering volcanoes in the distance, their peaks often draped in mist. The blend of Ugandan lakeside serenity and Rwanda’s mountainous grandeur makes this day a perfect transition between two remarkable destinations.

• Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Golden Monkey Tracking, Dian Fossey Experience, and Iby’Iwachu Cultural Village

Today promises a mix of adventure, conservation, and cultural discovery in Volcanoes National Park. After breakfast, you’ll embark on a guided trek to track the endangered golden monkeys, a rare species endemic to the Virunga region. Unlike gorilla trekking, golden monkey encounters are often lively and playful. These monkeys leap energetically from bamboo stems, their golden-orange coats shimmering in the sunlight, making for excellent photography opportunities.

Following the trek, you will visit the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund or hike to her historic research site. Fossey dedicated her life to protecting mountain gorillas, and her work laid the foundation for modern conservation in the region. The visit offers a deeper appreciation of the struggles and triumphs in safeguarding gorilla populations.

In the afternoon, your 15-Day Uganda Rwanda Kenya Safari journey continues with a visit to the Iby’Iwachu Cultural Village, a community initiative designed to preserve and showcase Rwandan traditions. Here, you can participate in traditional dances, learn about banana beer brewing, try your hand at archery, or meet local medicine men who explain herbal healing practices. It is an authentic cultural immersion that connects wildlife tourism with the vibrant human culture of Rwanda.

As evening falls, return to your lodge for a warm meal and relaxation. The combination of golden monkey encounters, conservation history, and rich cultural experiences makes today a highlight of your Rwandan journey.

• Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Kigali City Tour – A Journey Through Rwanda’s Culture and History

After breakfast, you will depart the Virunga slopes and travel to Kigali, Rwanda’s clean, modern, and vibrant capital city. Upon arrival, embark on a full-day city tour that captures the heart and spirit of this remarkable nation.

Your first stop will be the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a solemn yet important site dedicated to honoring the victims of the 1994 genocide. The memorial provides deep insights into Rwanda’s painful history while highlighting its resilience and 15-Day Uganda Rwanda Kenya Safari journey toward reconciliation. This visit is moving and reflective, offering context for Rwanda’s present-day unity and strength.

Afterward, the tour shifts to the colorful side of Kigali. You will explore bustling local markets, where fresh produce, crafts, and textiles fill the air with vibrant energy. Art lovers will enjoy a stop at Inema Arts Center, one of East Africa’s leading contemporary art galleries, showcasing local creativity through paintings, sculptures, and installations.

The day also includes visits to Kigali Museum, historic neighborhoods, and scenic viewpoints that reveal the city’s rolling hills. Lunch will be enjoyed at a local restaurant, where Rwandan cuisine such as brochettes, plantains, and fresh fruit provides authentic flavors.

In the evening, check in at Chez Lando Hotel, a charming property that embodies Rwandan hospitality. Dinner will be served in the lush gardens as you prepare for your final day of 15-Day Uganda Rwanda Kenya Safari in East Africa.

• Accommodation: Chez Lando Hotel
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Relaxation and Departure from Kigali

Your final day of this remarkable 15-Day Uganda Rwanda Kenya Safari begins with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Depending on your departure time, you may choose to relax in the gardens, take a short walk-through Kigali’s safe neighbourhood, or purchase last-minute souvenirs from local craft shops.

Your guide will then transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your 15-Day Uganda Rwanda Kenya Safari. Though the journey concludes, the memories of gorilla encounters, golden savannahs, mountain landscapes, and cultural experiences will remain vivid for years to come.

Winton Africa Safaris ensures every detail of your adventure has been thoughtfully curated, offering a seamless and unforgettable East African safari experience.

• Accommodation: None (Departure Day)
• Meal Plan: Breakfast