Orika Africa
22 Days Best of East Africa Luxury Safari

22 Days Best of East Africa Luxury Safari

Duration 22 Days / 21 Nights
Best Time June to October
Experience Wildlife · Gorilla-trekking
Group Solo to groups
What to expect

22 days on the ultimate East African safari, an extraordinary journey through four countries where breathtaking landscapes, world-renowned wildlife, exclusive luxury lodges, and unforgettable cultural encounters come together. From the vast savannahs of Kenya and Tanzania to the mist-covered mountains of Rwanda and Uganda, this carefully crafted itinerary brings together the finest safari experiences the region has to offer.

It runs from the elephant plains of Amboseli and the Big Five of the Maasai Mara to the endless Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, then on to two extraordinary gorilla experiences in Rwanda and Uganda before closing in tranquillity on a private island at the source of the Nile. Read more in the Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda destination guides, or compare it with our 24 Days Primates of East Africa.

Day by day

The Journey

Day 1Nairobi

Welcome to Nairobi, Kenya

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and privately transferred to your luxury hotel. Settle into your elegant surroundings, enjoy a delightful dinner, and relax after your international journey.
Day 2Nairobi

Nairobi Wildlife & Cultural Experience

Begin your East African adventure with an exciting exploration of Nairobi. Enjoy a game drive in Nairobi National Park, where wildlife roams against the city's skyline. Continue to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to meet rescued baby elephants before visiting the famous Giraffe Centre for an up-close encounter with endangered Rothschild giraffes. A gourmet lunch at one of Nairobi's finest restaurants completes the day.
Day 3Amboseli

Fly to Amboseli National Park

Following breakfast, transfer to Wilson Airport for your scheduled scenic flight to Amboseli National Park. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and transferred to your luxury safari lodge. After lunch, set out on your first game drive across Amboseli's spectacular plains, renowned for its magnificent elephant herds and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Day 4Amboseli

Discover Amboseli National Park

Spend the day exploring Amboseli on shared morning and afternoon game drives led by expert lodge guides. Watch elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and countless bird species in one of Africa's most picturesque safari destinations.
Day 5Maasai Mara

Fly to the Legendary Maasai Mara

After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for your scheduled flight to the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve. Upon arrival, your private guide will welcome you and transfer you to your luxury camp for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a private game drive in search of Africa's iconic Big Five.
Days 6-7Maasai Mara

Exclusive Maasai Mara Safari

Spend two unforgettable days exploring the endless plains of the Maasai Mara with your private guide. Morning and afternoon game drives provide exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, while an optional sunrise hot air balloon safari offers spectacular aerial views followed by a champagne bush breakfast.
Day 8Serengeti

Fly to Serengeti National Park

This morning, board your scheduled flight into Tanzania's iconic Serengeti National Park. Upon arrival, transfer to your luxury lodge and enjoy lunch before heading out on an afternoon game drive across the vast plains that host one of Africa's richest wildlife ecosystems.
Days 9-10Serengeti

Explore the Endless Serengeti

Experience two full days discovering the incredible Serengeti with expertly guided morning and afternoon game drives. Depending on the season, witness the spectacular Great Migration or enjoy exceptional year-round wildlife encounters. An optional sunrise hot air balloon safari is available for an unforgettable perspective.
Day 11Ngorongoro

Journey to Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for your scheduled flight to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Upon arrival, transfer to your luxurious lodge perched on the crater rim, offering breathtaking panoramic views over this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 12Ngorongoro

Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Descend into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater for a full morning safari, home to one of Africa's highest concentrations of wildlife, including the endangered black rhino. Enjoy a scenic barbecue lunch on the crater floor before returning to your lodge for a relaxing afternoon overlooking the spectacular landscape.
Day 13Kigali

Fly to Kigali, Rwanda

Fly to Kigali, Rwanda's vibrant and remarkably clean capital city. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your luxury hotel. Enjoy lunch before spending the afternoon at leisure, relaxing or exploring at your own pace.
Day 14Kigali

Discover Kigali

Experience Rwanda's rich history and culture with visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial and the vibrant Nyamirambo Women's Centre for a guided community walk. Enjoy a delicious lunch at one of Kigali's renowned restaurants.
Day 15Volcanoes

Journey to Volcanoes National Park

After a leisurely breakfast, travel through Rwanda's beautiful countryside to Volcanoes National Park. Arrive at your luxurious forest lodge in time for lunch before enjoying a peaceful afternoon surrounded by spectacular volcanic scenery.
Day 16Volcanoes

Gorilla Trekking Experience

Today is one of the highlights of your safari. Following an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for your briefing before setting off on an unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking adventure. After your extraordinary encounter, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund to learn more about gorilla conservation.
Day 17Bwindi Impenetrable

Into Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After breakfast, cross into Uganda through the Cyanika Border and continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Arrive at your luxury forest lodge and unwind before enjoying a magical sundowner overlooking the breathtaking forest canopy, weather permitting.
Day 18Bwindi Impenetrable

Gorilla Habituation Experience

Enjoy one of Africa's most exclusive wildlife experiences as you spend up to four hours with a gorilla family alongside researchers during the Gorilla Habituation Experience. This rare opportunity offers unparalleled insight into mountain gorilla behaviour in their natural habitat.
Day 19Jinja

Fly to Jinja, the Source of the Nile

After breakfast, transfer to the nearby airstrip for your scheduled flight to Entebbe. Upon arrival, meet your private driver-guide and continue to Jinja before boarding a boat transfer to your exclusive island retreat on the River Nile.
Days 20-21Jinja

Relax on the River Nile

Conclude your East African adventure with two days of pure relaxation at your exclusive island lodge. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings, spa treatments, nature walks, or choose an optional boat excursion to the legendary Source of the River Nile.
Day 22Departure

Farewell to East Africa

After a leisurely breakfast, depart your island paradise and transfer by road to Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight, bringing an unforgettable East African luxury safari to a close.
What is included

Every Detail, Handled

  • Domestic and regional flights as specified in the itinerary
  • Ground transportation in a private safari 4x4 vehicle
  • Accommodation and meals as shown
  • English speaking driver guides and professional lodge guides
  • Mountain gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation permits
  • Park entrance and conservation fees
  • All game drives, boat cruises and activities mentioned
  • Roundtrip airport transfers and meet and greet
  • Drinking water on safari
  • Medical emergency evacuation cover
Not included
  • International airfares
  • Optional activities unless specified as included
  • Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees)
  • Porterage fees
  • Tips and gratuities for guides and staff
This Journey Could Be Yours

Make It Yours.
We'll Build the Exact Version.

Every itinerary we send is built around your dates, your group, and your way of travelling. No pressure. Just a conversation to start.
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