18-Day Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda Safari

The 18-Day Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda Safari starts from $7,600 per person sharing, but the net cost depends on your group size, travel season, chosen accommodation level, and whether any internal flights are included. That starting price covers your Bwindi gorilla trekking permit, park entrance fees, game drives, private 4×4 safari transport with an experienced driver-guide, fuel, meals and accommodation as listed in the itinerary, bottled drinking water, and government taxes. International flights, optional internal flights, extra nights before or after the safari, cultural activities, souvenirs, tips, porter hire, and personal expenses are not included. Your final quotation confirms exactly what applies to your chosen accommodation level and travel dates.

Yes. The safari can be customized to suit your interests, budget, pace, and international flight schedule. You can add extra nights in the Maasai Mara or Serengeti, include Zanzibar for a beach extension, add chimpanzee trekking in Kibale, include a second gorilla trek, upgrade to luxury lodges, or adjust the route to begin or end in a different city. Tell us your preferred travel dates, number of travellers, must-see parks, and accommodation level, and we will prepare a tailored itinerary and quotation.

This 18-day journey combines three East African countries: Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. In Uganda, the highlight is gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, with savannah wildlife and scenic drives through western Uganda. In Kenya, the itinerary features the Maasai Mara National Reserve, famous for big cats and the Great Migration during the right season. In Tanzania, you explore the endless plains of the Serengeti National Park and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s best places to see wildlife in a compact area.

Some transfer days involve a good amount of road time, especially in Uganda and between parks in Tanzania, but the routes are scenic and your driver-guide builds in comfort stops. The drive from Entebbe to western Uganda can take most of a day, while transfers between Bwindi and the border, and between Tanzanian parks, vary with road conditions and traffic. In Kenya and Tanzania, road transfers can be long, so the itinerary may use scheduled or charter flights where flying saves time and improves comfort. Exact driving times depend on traffic, road works, border queues, and your final itinerary.

Yes. Because the safari visits Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, you will complete immigration formalities when moving between countries. Your guide assists you throughout the process, but you should keep your passport, visa, vaccination certificate if required, and other important documents in your hand luggage. Expect some waiting time at border posts, as procedures and queues can change. Pack light and keep valuables, medication, and travel documents with you at all times.

In Uganda, you can see mountain gorillas in Bwindi, along with forest birds, monkeys, and savannah wildlife such as elephants, buffaloes, hippos, Uganda kobs, and possibly tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector. In the Maasai Mara, expect lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and large herds of plains game. In the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, you may see the Big Five, including black rhinos in the crater, as well as cheetahs, hyenas, hippos, flamingos, and abundant birdlife. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but early morning and late afternoon game drives offer the best chances.

Your gorilla trekking briefing starts at 7:30am at the park headquarters, and the trek begins around 8:00am. Once trackers locate your assigned gorilla family, you are allowed one hour with them. Visitors are grouped in small numbers, with a maximum of eight people per gorilla family each day, which protects the gorillas and keeps the encounter calm. The time taken to find the family can range from one to six hours depending on where the gorillas moved overnight, so the full trek may be shorter or longer than expected.

Gorilla families are assigned by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers at the morning briefing rather than selected in advance. Rangers consider the fitness levels and preferences of the group, so travellers who prefer a gentler hike can request an easier family, while those seeking a longer trek can ask for a more distant one. Assignments depend on the day and on where each habituated family is located. Mention any mobility or fitness concerns to your driver-guide early so they can communicate them to the rangers.

Yes. Visitors must be at least 15 years old to track mountain gorillas in Uganda, and this rule is strictly enforced by the park authorities. Younger children cannot join the gorilla trek, even when accompanied by a parent. If you are travelling as a family with children under 15, tell us their ages when booking so we can suggest suitable alternative activities and adjust the itinerary where possible.

Follow your ranger’s instructions at all times. Keep the distance the rangers specify, speak quietly, and avoid sudden movements. Do not use flash photography, and never touch or feed the gorillas. Do not eat, drink, or smoke near them. If a gorilla comes close, remain calm and allow it to pass. Mountain gorillas are vulnerable to human illnesses, so rangers may require visitors to wear a face mask during the encounter and follow the hygiene guidance given at the briefing.

Tell your driver-guide and park staff immediately if you have a cold, flu symptoms, diarrhoea, or any other contagious illness. Mountain gorillas can catch human diseases, so rangers may stop unwell visitors from trekking. Whether you can reschedule or receive a refund depends on the permit conditions set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers medical issues, trip interruption, and cancellation, and we encourage you to rest and stay hydrated before the trek.

Sightings of habituated gorilla families are highly likely because trackers follow the animals daily and guide visitors to them. However, gorillas are wild animals, so no operator can offer an absolute guarantee. For big game, the Maasai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater offer excellent wildlife viewing, and the Ngorongoro Crater particularly offers a strong chance of seeing the Big Five. Still, animal movements and weather can affect sightings, so a flexible mindset is part of every authentic safari.

The safari can be enjoyed throughout the year, but the drier months generally offer easier game viewing and more reliable road conditions. For gorilla trekking in Uganda, the drier periods are usually more comfortable, although Bwindi is a rainforest and rain can occur at any time. For the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara, the best period is typically July to October, while the Serengeti offers different migration experiences throughout the year. Your travel dates, budget, and priorities will determine the best season for you.

Entry requirements depend on your nationality, so check the current rules before you travel. Because this trip visits three countries, you must be able to enter Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. Some travellers may qualify for the East Africa Tourist Visa, which covers Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda, but it does not cover Tanzania, so a separate Tanzanian visa may be required. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months and has enough blank pages for entry stamps. Ask your doctor about recommended vaccinations and any yellow fever certificate requirements for your route.

You can choose from mid-range and luxury lodges or tented camps at each stop, subject to availability. In Uganda, accommodation is selected close to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for convenient access to the gorilla trekking briefing. In Kenya, the Maasai Mara offers safari lodges and tented camps inside or near the reserve. In Tanzania, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro area offer a mix of safari lodges and tented camps. Your final quotation lists the confirmed properties before you pay, and upgrades or alternative lodges can be arranged where available.

Internal flights are not automatically included in the starting price unless specifically listed in your final quotation. Depending on your itinerary, a flight may be recommended between Uganda and Kenya, or between Tanzanian parks, to reduce long road transfers and maximize time on safari. We can include scheduled or charter flights in your quotation, subject to availability and luggage limits. If you prefer a road-based journey to reduce cost, we can adjust the itinerary accordingly.

Tips are not included in the safari price, but they are a customary way to thank the people who look after you. Many travellers tip their driver-guide at the end of the trip and give separate tips to rangers, trackers, porters, and camp staff after gorilla trekking and game drives. Porter hire is optional and carries its own fee, and it also supports families living around the parks. There is no fixed amount, so tip according to the service you receive and what feels comfortable.

We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical care, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, and interruption. Carry some US dollars in recent, undamaged notes, and bring a card for lodge extras where accepted. Local currency in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania is useful for small purchases such as souvenirs, drinks, and tips, and small denominations make tipping easier. Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania have restrictions on single-use plastic bags, so avoid packing them in your luggage, as officials may confiscate them at the airport.

Send us your preferred travel dates, number of travellers, and accommodation level. We first check gorilla permit availability and lodge availability across Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, then prepare a detailed quotation with your itinerary, inclusions, and total cost. Once you approve the itinerary and agree the payment terms, we purchase your gorilla permit and confirm the lodge, transport, and any flight reservations. Because gorilla permits and popular safari camps are limited, we recommend booking at least four to six months ahead, and up to ten months ahead for the busy December to February and June to September periods.