12 Day East Africa Combined Safari: Primates, Big Five & Great Migration Adventure

12 Day East Africa Combined Safari: Embark on an extraordinary 12 Day East Africa Combined Safari that weaves together the continent’s most iconic wildlife experiences across four countries: Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.

This multi-country journey begins with intimate chimpanzee tracking in Rwanda’s lush forests, transitions to the awe-inspiring mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda‘s misty mountains, explores Kenya’s classic Big Five safaris in the Masai Mara, and culminates in Tanzania’s spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti.

Witness chimpanzees swinging through ancient canopies, come face-to-face with endangered silverback gorillas, spot lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffaloes on open savannahs, and marvel at millions of wildebeest during dramatic river crossings.

This Rwanda Uganda Kenya Tanzania safari itinerary offers luxury and mid-range options, expert guides, and seamless cross-border logistics for an unforgettable primate and plains adventure. Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts seeking depth and diversity in East Africa. Updated for 2026 travel.

12 Day East Africa Combined Safari Brief Itinerary

This 12-day adventure starts in Kigali (Rwanda) and ends in Arusha or Kilimanjaro (Tanzania), using domestic flights and road transfers for efficiency in this multi-country East Africa safari.

• Days 1–3: Rwanda – Nyungwe Forest chimpanzee tracking and forest exploration.
• Days 4–6: Uganda – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest mountain gorilla trekking.
• Days 7–9: Kenya – Masai Mara National Reserve Big Five game drives.
• Days 10–12: Tanzania – Serengeti National Park Great Migration viewing, with Ngorongoro option.

Total travel involves short flights (e.g., Kigali to Entebbe/Kampala, then to Nairobi, then to Serengeti/Arusha) to minimize fatigue. Private 4×4 vehicles, expert guides, and comfortable lodges ensure a premium experience.

12 Day East Africa Combined Safari: Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

This comprehensive itinerary maximizes wildlife immersion while accounting for border crossings and logistics.

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda – Transfer to Nyungwe Forest

Arrive at Kigali International Airport (KGL). Meet your guide for a private transfer (about 5–6 hours scenic drive) to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and a primate paradise.

Settle into your lodge with views of misty hills. Afternoon nature walk or canopy walkway for birdwatching (over 300 species) and forest introduction.

Evening briefing on chimpanzee tracking rules. Overnight in luxury like One&Only Nyungwe House or mid-range Gisakura Guest House.

Day 2–3: Nyungwe Forest – Chimpanzee Tracking & Forest Adventures

Early rise (5–6 AM) for chimpanzee permit briefing at park headquarters. Trek into the dense forest (2–7 hours round-trip, moderate-strenuous) to habituated chimp groups. Observe playful behaviors, tool use, and family dynamics up close (1-hour viewing limit).

Nyungwe hosts 13 primate species, including colobus monkeys and rare birds. Afternoons feature guided walks, waterfall hikes, or optional colobus monkey tracking. Evenings include cultural talks or stargazing. These days highlight Rwanda’s biodiversity, with chances to see L’Hoest’s monkeys and Albertine Rift endemics.

Day 4: Transfer to Uganda – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Morning drive or short flight to Uganda (via Kigali to Entebbe, then domestic to Kisoro or Bwindi airstrip, ~2–4 hours total).

Cross into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO site home to half the world’s mountain gorillas. Settle into your lodge. Optional community walk or Batwa cultural experience. Prepare for gorilla trekking with an early dinner and rest.

Day 5–6: Bwindi – Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Dawn briefing and gorilla permit allocation. Trek into the misty rainforest (2–8 hours, variable difficulty) to meet a habituated family.

Spend one magical hour with silverbacks, mothers, and playful infants—observing feeding, grooming, and chest-beating. Bwindi’s 400+ gorillas offer profound, emotional encounters.

Afternoons relax or add birding/batwa pygmy interactions. Stay in luxury like Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp or mid-range Buhoma Lodge, with forest views and hot showers post-trek.

Day 7: Transfer to Kenya – Masai Mara Arrival

Fly from Bwindi/Kisoro to Nairobi (via Entebbe/Kampala if needed, 3–5 hours total). Drive or fly to Masai Mara National Reserve (1-hour flight).

Afternoon game drive in the iconic reserve, spotting elephants, lions, and vast plains. Overnight in Mara tented camp like Mara Serena or luxury like &Beyond Bateleur Camp.

Day 8–9: Masai Mara – Big Five Game Drives & Migration Action

Full days of game drives in open 4×4 vehicles with pop-up roofs. Track the Big Five: lions lounging, leopards in trees, elephants at waterholes, rhinos grazing, buffaloes in herds.

In peak migration months, witness wildebeest herds and predator pursuits. Optional hot air balloon at sunrise for panoramic views.

Visit Maasai villages for cultural insights. Sundowners and bush dinners under stars. These days deliver classic African safari thrills.

Day 10: Transfer to Tanzania – Serengeti National Park

Fly to Serengeti (via Nairobi to Kilimanjaro/Arusha, then domestic, ~4–6 hours). Arrive in Central or Northern Serengeti (season-dependent). Afternoon game drive amid endless plains, spotting migration herds. Overnight in mobile camp or luxury like Serengeti Migration Camp.

Day 11–12: Serengeti – Great Migration Viewing & Departure

Game drives tracking wildebeest/zebra herds. In July–October, focus on Northern Serengeti for Mara River crossings—dramatic plunges, crocodile ambushes, and chaos. Predator action peaks with lions and cheetahs. Explore kopjes for big cats. Optional balloon ride.

Day 12: Morning drive, then transfer to Arusha/Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) for departure, with optional Ngorongoro Crater detour if time allows.

End of the 12 Day East Africa Combined Safari

12 Day East Africa Combined Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions:

• All accommodations (11 nights).
• Meals (full board, picnics).
• Park fees, gorilla/chimp permits.
• Game drives, trekking with expert guides.
• Transfers/flights (domestic).
• Bottled water, basic insurance.

Exclusions:

• International flights.
• Visas, travel insurance.
• Tips (~$15–30/day/guide).
• Optional activities (balloon ~$500).
• Drinks, personal expenses.

Pricing for 2026: Mid-range $8,000–$12,000/person; Luxury $15,000–$25,000+ (double occupancy, excluding peaks; gorilla permits add significantly).

What to Expect on Your East Africa Safari

Expect a transformative mix of intimate primate encounters and vast savannah spectacles. Trekking involves physical effort (hilly, muddy trails for gorillas/chimps), with rewards of close animal proximity.

Safari drives offer comfort in vehicles, spotting from dawn to dusk. Weather: Warm days (20–28°C), cool nights; rain possible but enhances greenery. Cultural interactions enrich the trip. Challenges: Altitude in mountains, insects, early starts—but expert guides ensure safety and magic.

Best Time to Travel for This Combined Safari

Timing is crucial for maximizing sightings across primates and migration. East Africa’s seasons vary by activity and region, with dry periods generally best for trekking and game viewing due to better trails and animal visibility.

• Dry Seasons (Prime Overall): June–September and December–February offer the most favorable conditions. Gorilla trekking in Uganda (Bwindi/Mgahinga) and chimpanzee tracking in Rwanda (Nyungwe) are easier with firmer trails and less mud. In Kenya’s Masai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti, wildlife concentrates around water sources for excellent Big Five and migration viewing.
• Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking (Rwanda/Uganda): Dry months (June–September, December–February) provide optimal trekking with drier paths and gorillas often lower in forests. Rainy seasons (March–May, October–November) make trails slippery but offer fewer crowds and lower permit prices; chimps in Nyungwe are trackable year-round, sometimes easier in wetter months when they feed lower.
• Big Five in Kenya (Masai Mara): Year-round, but July–October aligns with migration arrivals for dramatic predator action and river crossings.
• Great Migration in Tanzania (Serengeti): July–October for peak Mara River crossings (Northern Serengeti/Masai Mara border); December–March for calving in Southern Serengeti; April–June for northern movement with Grumeti crossings.

For this 12-day itinerary, aim for July–September or December–February 2026 to catch peak gorilla/chimp sightings, strong Big Five in Mara, and migration drama in Serengeti. Book gorilla permits (Uganda $800, Rwanda similar) and chimp permits, 6–12 months ahead, as they sell out fast in peak season. Monitor weather patterns, as 2026 could see slight shifts due to climate.

How to Be Well Prepared

Secure visas (East Africa Tourist Visa for Kenya/Uganda/Rwanda ~$100; Tanzania separate). Yellow fever vaccination required; malaria prophylaxis advised. Fitness: Moderate for trekking (no age limit for chimps/gorillas in some cases, but 15+ typical). Book permits early.

Pack for variable weather, respect wildlife rules (distance, silence). Travel insurance mandatory (evacuation cover). Hydrate, use sunscreen/insect repellent.

Packing List to Consider

Pack in soft duffels (for flights). Essentials:

• Clothing: Neutral colors, long sleeves/pants, rain jacket, warm layers, sturdy boots, hat.
• Trekking Gear: Gloves, gaiters, walking sticks (provided often).
• Health: Sunscreen, DEET repellent, meds, first-aid, hand sanitizer.
• Optics/Gear: Binoculars, camera/zoom lens, power bank, adapter.
• Documents: Passport (6+ months validity), visas, permits, insurance.
• Misc: Reusable bottle, snacks, journal, cash (USD tips).

Camps provide laundry/basics.

Accommodation Options

• Luxury: Exclusive lodges/tented camps (e.g., One&Only Nyungwe, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest, &Beyond Serengeti) with en-suites, pools, fine dining (~$800–$1,500+/night).
• Mid-Range: Comfortable lodges like Gisakura, Buhoma Lodge, Mara Serena (~$300–$600/night).
• Private Options: Custom vehicles/camps for groups.

Mobile camps follow migration for prime locations.

Why This Multi-Country Combination?

This itinerary covers East Africa’s best: primates in rainforests, Big Five on plains, migration spectacle. Diverse ecosystems, cultures, and wildlife density. Seamless logistics via flights make it feasible in 12 days.

FAQs: 12 Day East Africa Combined Safari

Is 12 days enough for primates and migration?

Yes—focused on highlights with efficient travel; allows 2–3 days per key activity for depth without rushing.

Which is better: Uganda or Rwanda for gorillas?

Both excellent; Uganda often more affordable/accessible, Rwanda scenic.

Best for migration: Serengeti or Mara?

Serengeti for vast scale, Mara for intimate crossings; this trip covers both ecosystems.

Visa requirements?

East Africa Visa for Rwanda/Uganda/Kenya; separate for Tanzania. Yellow fever cert needed.

Physical demands?

Trekking moderate-strenuous; safaris relaxed. Consult doctor.

Experience this ultimate East Africa adventure. Contact us today to customize your 12-day primate and migration safari.