29 Days Self Drive East Africa

This 29 days self drive East Africa safari will not only give you a chance to drive and cross East African borders but will also put you in position to witness everything East Africa has to offer. East Africa consists of many countries but in this safari, we will put much emphasis on the most adventurous and rewarding which are Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania. A self drive safari to these 4 countries is very interesting as they have a lot to offer especially to those travelers seeking for a more adventurous trip.

Our 29 days self drive East Africa will guide you to the Most Powerful Waterfalls in the world (Murchison Falls National Park of Uganda). To the most rewarding activity (Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi National Park of Uganda). To Maasai Mara National Park of Kenya for wild beast Migration, to Serengeti National Park of Tanzania too view the Big Five animals of Africa. And then to Kigali Genocide Memorial Center in Rwanda.

29 days self drive East Africa

Detailed Itenerary

Day 1: Vehicle pick-up and drive to hotel in Entebbe or Kampala

Our driver will be waiting for you at Entebbe airport and as soon as you arrive, he will show you the car and a simple briefing on how you should drive and maintain the car. In case you are too exhausted, our driver can still give you a hand and take you to your hotel provided it is in Entebbe or Kampala.

Accommodation

  • Lake Victoria Hotel/Hotel No.5 (Luxury).
  • Hotels Entebbe/the Boma Hotel (Midrange).
  • Papyrus Guesthouse (Basic)

Day 2: Drive from Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park

You will begin your 2nd day of 29 days self drive East Africa with a delicious breakfast served at your Hotel and after you will check out. You will then embark on a 4-5 hour drive to Murchison Falls National Park. You will make a stopover at Kayabwe to see the equator and then continue.  Another stopover will be at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a 1 to 2 hour guided rhino tracking experience. You then continue to Masindi at Amuka Safari Lodge to have lunch after which will proceed to Murchison Falls NP through Kichumbanyobo gate.

Accommodation

  • Nile Safari Lodge/Paraa Safari Lodge (Luxury)
  • Sambiya River Lodge/Pakuba Safari Lodge (Midrange)
  • Red Chili Rest Camp/Murchison Backpackers (Budget)

Day 3: Game drive, boat cruise on Nile River and hike to the top of the falls.

This beautiful day will begin with a quick breakfast and then embark on an early morning game drive via the Northern circuit of the park. During this game drive, you will have a chance to observe a variety of wildlife such as; warthogs, lions, elephants, cape buffaloes, Rothschild giraffes, and a number of bird species.

After the game drive, you will return to your lodge for have lunch and in the afternoon, you will go for a boat cruise on the Victoria Nile. The boat cruise will take 2 to 3 hours and will let you spot big herds of hippos, Nile crocodiles and water birds such as bee-eaters, fish eagles, cormorants, herons among others. The boat cruise will take you to the foot of the falls where you will hike to the top. After all this, you will return to your hotel.

Accommodation

  • Nile Safari Lodge/Paraa Safari Lodge (Luxury)
  • Sambiya River Lodge/Pakuba Safari Lodge (Midrange)
  • Red Chili Rest Camp/Murchison Backpackers (Budget)

Day 4: Visit Kibale National Park

You will start the day with a quick and heavy breakfast, check out of the hotel and then begin a 4 to 5 hour drive to Kibale National Park. Today’s road trip will involve navigating via Hoima city to Fort Portal where you will stopover for lunch. Then continue to Kibale NP as you view a number of beautiful Crater Lakes. On arrival, you will check in your hotel and then refresh and relax.

Accommodation

  • Ndali Lodge (Luxury)
  • Primate Lodge (Midrange)
  • Isunga Lodge (Budget)
chimpanzee tracking in Kibaale Forest National Park

Day 5: Chimpanzee tracking

After a quick and delicious breakfast served at the hotel, you will head to the park headquarters at Kanyanchu for briefing about chimpanzee trekking. You will be given a park guide who will take you through the trekking experience. Actual trekking begins at 8:00am, lasting for 2-4 hours. During your chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest NP it is very possible for you encounter other primates such as; black and white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys and many more.

After the tracking experience, you will return to the hotel for lunch and in the late afternoon, you will head to Bigodi Wetland for a guided nature walk. During the nature walk, you will spot very many primates, birds and floral species.

Accommodation

  • Ndali Lodge (Luxury)
  • Primate Lodge (Midrange)
  • Isunga Lodge (Budget)

Day 6: Drive to Queen Elizabeth NP

A delicious breakfast served at your hotel in Kibale Forest National Park, check out of the hotel and then embark on a 1 to 2 hour drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. On arrival, you will check in your hotel and relax till in the afternoon, have lunch and then embark on a guided game drive. During this game drive, you will catch up with plenty of small and large animals that reside in this park including buffaloes, elephants, lions, and antelopes.

Accommodation

  • Ndali Lodge (Luxury)
  • Primate Lodge (Midrange)
  • Isunga Lodge (Budget)

Day 7: Morning Game drive and Boat cruise on Kazinga channel

On this 7th day of your 29 days self drive East Africa safari, you will wake up a bit earlier than usual, have a breakfast and then go for a morning game drive in Kasenyi plains at around 6:00am. During this time of the day, animals are expected to be more active and you will have a chance to spot some of the nocturnal animals with their prey. These nocturnal animals such as hyenas, lions and leopards. You will view a number of other animal species including buffaloes, elephants, warthogs, Uganda Kobs, bushbucks and a variety of bird species. After the game drive, you are expected to drive early so that you reach the hotel in time and have enough relaxation before lunch. After lunch, you will head to the Kazinga channel for a boat cruise.

Accommodation

  • Ndali Lodge (Luxury)
  • Primate Lodge (Midrange)
  • Isunga Lodge (Budget)

Day 8: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

A leisurely breakfast will be served at your hotel after which you will check out and embark on a 5 to 6 hour drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth NP. While driving through the Ishasha sector, mind to keep your eyes on tree branches for tree climbing lions. You will have a bush lunch still in Ishasha sector and then continue to Rushaga, Ruhija, and Buhoma or Nkuringo sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park provided on where you want to trek.

Accommodation for Buhoma

  • Buhoma Lodge (Luxury)
  • Silverback Lodge (Standard)
  • Buhoma Community Rest Camp (Budget)

Accommodation for Rushaga

  • Rushaga Gorilla Safari Lodge (Luxury)
  • Bwindi Jungle Lodge (Mid-range)
  • Gorilla Valley Lodge (Budget)

Accommodation in Ruhija

  • Kiho Gorilla Safari Lodge (Luxury)
  • Bakiga Lodge (Mid-range)
  • Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort (Budget)

Accommodation in Nkuringo

  • Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (Luxury)
  • Lake Mutanda Resort (Mid-range)
  • Mutanda Eco Community Center (Budget)
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Day 9: Gorilla trekking Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

A quick breakfast will be served at your hotel and you will then head to the headquarters for briefing. During the briefing session, you will be highlighted on gorilla trekking regulations. You will be added to a trekking group and given a certain Gorilla Family which you will trek. At exactly 8:00am, you will embark on an actual Gorilla Trekking Safari which will take2 to 6 hours. The trekking will include strictly one hour of observing the behavior of Mountain Gorillas and taking pictures with them. You will head back to your Hotel for lunch and relaxation.

Later in the afternoon, a local guide will accompany you to the Batwa pygmy community for cultural experience. You will meet the original inhabitants of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest “The Batwa”. For the time you will spend with this amazing group of people, you will get to learn about their unique traditions and culture. The Batwa Pygmies will perform for you their cultural dances and as well tell you stories about their history. After the cultural experience, you will drive back to your hotel.

Day 10: Drive to Lake Bunyonyi & then to Rwanda via Katuna Border

Enjoy a delicious breakfast served at your Hotel in Bwindi, check out and then set off for Lake Bunyonyi. Have great time at Lake Bunyonyi on a boat ride and view number of water birds such as grey crowned crane, African king fisher, herons, egrets and many more. After cruising on Lake Bunyonyi, you will have lunch in the nearby lodge and then embark on a 3 to 4 hour drive Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park) via Katuna or Chanika border. You will cross the border and check in your hotel for relaxation.

Accommodation

  • Singita Kwitonda Lodge/Bisate Lodge (Luxury)
  • Le Bambou Lodge/La Palme Hotel (Midrange)
  • Kinigi Guesthouse (Budget)

 

Day 11: Golden monkey tracking & Visit Iby’Iwacu

After a delicious breakfast served at your hotel, you will head to the headquarters for briefing about golden monkey tracking regulations at Kinigi. You will be assigned to a park guide to take you through a search for golden monkey troop. The Golden monkey tracking experience is likely to take 2-4 hours including one hour of getting close to the golden monkeys to witness their behavior. After tracking, you will return to your hotel for lunch and relax until afternoon when you will embark on a cultural tour in Iby’Iwacu community.

Accommodation

  • Singita Kwitonda Lodge/Bisate Lodge (Luxury)
  • Le Bambou Lodge/La Palme Hotel (Midrange)
  • Kinigi Guesthouse (Budget)

Day 12: Drive to Nyungwe National Park

Your 12th day of 29 days self drive East Africa will begin with delicious and heavy breakfast after which you will set off for a 4 to 5 hour drive to Nyungwe NP. Along your way, you will enjoy beautiful views of Lake Kivu as you continue to the park to check in at your lodge for relaxation.

Accommodation

  • One & Only Nyungwe House
  • Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
  • Gisakura Guesthouse

Day 13: Drive to Kigali and then flight to Nairobi           

Early morning, you will have breakfast served at your hotel in Nyungwe National Park and you will set off for Kigali. On your way, you will branch off for a visit at Ethnography museum and Nyanza King’s palace. Then continue to Kigali and the drive will take about 6 to 7 hours. On arrival, you will be connect to Nairobi by air starting at Kigali airstrip. Within 1 to 2 hours, you will be in Nairobi and you will continue to your hotel for relaxation.

Day 14: Drive to Lake Nakuru

You will start your 14th day of 29 days self drive East Africa with a delicious breakfast after which you will embark on a self-drive tour to Lake Nakuru NP. On arrival, you will settle at the lodge, enjoy lunch and relax. Later in the afternoon, you will embark on a game drive in search for wild dogs, zebras, lions, Rothschild giraffes, waterbucks, buffaloes, waterbucks, and birds like pink flamingos.

Accommodation

  • Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge
  • Ziwa Bush Lodge
self drive in Lake Nakuru National Park

Day 15: Full day in Lake Nakuru N/Park

In the morning, you will enjoy a hefty breakfast at the comfort of your lodge and then set off for a full day wildlife safari in Lake Nakuru National Park. Many wildlife species will be encountered on game viewing and they include; buffaloes, giraffes, lions, waterbucks, zebras and birds such as the African Fish Eagle, African Harrier Hawk, and Grey headed Gull, African Spoonbill and many more.

Accommodation

  • Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge
  • Ziwa Bush Lodge

Day 16: Drive to the Great Maasai Mara National Reserve

You will wake up a bit earlier today, have a quick breakfast served at your lodge in Lake Nakuru National Park and check out. You will then embark on a 3 to 4 hour drive to Maasai Mara National Reserve. This national reserve is one of Africa’s most explored places due to its exceptional natural treasures. It harbors a number of animals including wildebeest, hippos, zebras, elephants, cheetahs, rhinos, leopards, and many birds such as; Yellow-Billed Stork, saddle-billed stork, Black-headed  Heron, crowned cranes and many more. On arrival to the reserve, you will start by checking in your hotel/lodge, have lunch, relax and later in the afternoon go for a game drive.

Accommodation in Maasai Mara

  1. Mara Serena Safari Lodge (Luxury)
  2. Ashnil Mara Camp(Mid-range)
  3. Ol Moran Tented Camp (Budget)

 

Day 17: Game viewing –full day at Masai Mara

Leave your lodge when you have had a heavy breakfast and prepare to spend 3 to 5 hours in the jungle searching for wildlife. While on your morning Game drive, expect to spot all Africa’s big five animals which include, Lions, cape buffaloes, leopards, elephants and rhinos. Most importantly, you will have a chance to witness the wild beest migration. After the morning game drive, you will head back to your hotel for lunch and relaxation and come back to the wild later in the afternoon for another game drive.

Accommodation in Maasai Mara

  1. Mara Serena Safari Lodge (Luxury)
  2. Ashnil Mara Camp(Mid-range)
  3. Ol Moran Tented Camp (Budget)
balloon safaris in Maasai Mara

Day 18: Balloon experience & Horse Back safaris

On this day, you will get a chance to have an aerial view of the Great Maasai Mara National Reserve. Wake up very early in the morning, have a quick cup of coffee and head for Balloon excursion which is once in a lifetime experience. Enjoy the sunrise with incredible sights of dozens of wildlife such as African elephants, buffaloes, cheetahs, wildebeests, zebras, giraffes, rhinos, and more.

Return from your balloon excursion and have lunch break at your lodge. In the afternoon, you will go for horseback riding after which you will head back to your lodge.

Day 19: Drive to Serengeti NP

Immediately after breakfast, you will drive from Maasai Mara National Reserve to Serengeti National Park. Cross via Isebania border which is found in the western side of Serengeti. As soon as you cross, you will head directly to your lodge for refreshment and relaxation.

Accommodation

  • Bushtop Luxury Tented Camp/Lamai Camp (Luxury)
  • Serengeti Acacia Migration Camp/Serengeti Safari Lodge (Midrange)
  • Nyikani Camp/Lobo Wildlife Lodge (Budget).

Day 20: Full day big 5 game viewing inn Serengeti National Park

 A delicious breakfast will be enjoyed at your hotel and then embark on a full-day search for the complete big five game list in the savanna grassland of Serengeti. During the search, you will have a chance to spot cape buffaloes, elephants, rhinos, lions, and leopards. The morning and afternoon game drives will come with sights of different wildlife species such as grant’s gazelles, elands, topis, giraffes, impalas, cheetahs, hyenas and several bird species.

Accommodation

  • Bushtop Luxury Tented Camp/Lamai Camp (Luxury)
  • Serengeti Acacia Migration Camp/Serengeti Safari Lodge (Midrange)
  • Nyikani Camp/Lobo Wildlife Lodge (Budget).
wild beest migration in Maasai mara

Day 21: Wildebeest Migration Experience & Visit to Maasai People

On this 21st day of your 29 days self drive East Africa, you will wake up a bit early, have a heavy breakfast and start your long day safari in Serengeti NP. On this day, you will have a chance to witness the wildebeest migration. You will observe a huge concentrations of wildebeest trek over 800km looking for greener pastures and water. The Wildebeest migration usually takes place from July to November, and the most remarkable of all is the river crossing. Late in the afternoon, you will also pay a visit to the Masai people to explore their unique tradition and culture.

Accommodation

  • Bushtop Luxury Tented Camp/Lamai Camp (Luxury)
  • Serengeti Acacia Migration Camp/Serengeti Safari Lodge (Midrange)
  • Nyikani Camp/Lobo Wildlife Lodge (Budget).

Day 22: Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater

Immediately after a quick breakfast, you will check out of your hotel and then embark on a 1 to 2 hour drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area.  The conservation area contains extinct volcanic caldera known as the Ngorongoro Crater and it also harbors all the African big five game members.

As soon as you arrive at Ngorongoro, you will check in at your lodge for a leisurely lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, you will go for a guided game drive  through the conservation area to see several species of wildlife such as Buffaloes, Rhinos, zebras, lions, leopards, wildebeest, jackals, bushbucks, hyenas, elands, cheetahs, hartebeest and many others.

Day 23: Full Day wildlife safari in Ngorongoro Conservation Area

After breakfast, you will embark on a long game drive which will run up to 4:30pm. In your 4×4 tourist car, look out for diverse wildlife species including the big 5 game, descend down into the Ngorongoro Crater while spotting more wildlife and birds.

Day 24: Drive to Lake Manyara NP

Lake Manyara National Park is situated in the Northern circuit of Tanzania and is one of Tanzania’s oldest park created in 1960 & spans over 320sq.km. The park contains 5 different vegetation zones, over 300 recorded species of birds, and several species of animals such as bushbucks, impalas, giraffes, elephants, baboons, hippos, leopards and many more. As soon as you arrive at Lake Manyara National Park, you will have lunch and relax for some time. In the afternoon, you will embark on a game drive to observe the different animals living in this park.

Accommodation

  • AndBeyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge/Tarangire Treetops by Elewana
  • Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp/Kirurumu Tented Lodge (Midrange)
  • Fig Tree Lodge and Camp/Karatu Safari Camp Lodge (Budget)

Day 25: Full day wildlife viewing at Lake Manyara National Park

Your 25th day of 29 days self drive East Africa will begin with a quick breakfast and after which you will set off for a full day game viewing in Lake Manyara National Park. The different wildlife today will include elephants, giraffes, spotted hyenas, black & white rhinos, zebras and many bird species, mostly pink flamingos.

Accommodation

  • AndBeyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge/Tarangire Treetops by Elewana
  • Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp/Kirurumu Tented Lodge (Midrange)
  • Fig Tree Lodge and Camp/Karatu Safari Camp Lodge (Budget)

Day 26: Lake Manyara National Park to Tarangire

Wake up very early, have breakfast served at your hotel in Lake Manyara National Park, check out and then start your 3 to 4 hour road trip to Tarangire National Park in a 4×4 self-drive safari vehicle. Get to the park early, check in your hotel, have lunch and then relax at the comfort of your lodge. Tae is one of the best places to go for birding safaris in Tanzania as it holds over 550 species of birds. You will embark on the afternoon game drive to see variety of wildlife and birds.

Accommodation

  • Tarangire Treetops by Elewana/Mbali Mbali Tarangire River Camp
  • Nyikani Tarangire Camp/Tarangire Sopa Lodge/Tarangire Safari Lodge
  • Whistling Thorn Tented Camp

Day 27: Game drive and birding safaris

A very delicious breakfast will be enjoyed early morning and then set off for a long day game drive through Tarangire National Park. While in this national park, expect to spot animals such as gazelles, dik-dik, zebras, buffaloes, lions, waterbucks, elephants, warthogs, Kudus, and others. During your game drive, you also encounter varied bird species such as the yellow necked spur fowl, ostriches, rufous tailed weavers ashy starling, Kori bustards, and striped swallows among others.

Day 28: Nature walks and community visit

Your 2nd last day of 29 days self drive East Africa will begin with a delicious breakfast after which you will embark on a guided nature walk. You will enjoy the close interaction with wildlife in the various tracks of the park. Return to your hotel to have lunch and later in the afternoon go for a cultural visit to the Maasai villages to explore the different traditions, culture. You can also purchase some of their local products for memories.

Accommodation

  • Tarangire Treetops by Elewana/Mbali Mbali Tarangire River Camp
  • Nyikani Tarangire Camp/Tarangire Sopa Lodge/Tarangire Safari Lodge
  • Whistling Thorn Tented Camp

Day 29: Departure

Early morning, wake up and have a tasty breakfast at your leisure, check out your hotel and embark on a 5 to 6 hour drive to Nairobi where you will s

End of Safari

Safar Includes;

  • Park entry fees
  • A 4×4 safari Vehicle
  • Game drives
  • Boat cruises
  • Gorilla & chimp permits.
  • Nature walks
  • All trip activities
  • Accommodation and meals
  • Travel to and from all destinations

Safar Excludes;

  • Passport
  • Decision
  • Tips
  • Visas
  • Insurance
  • Telephone bills

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