Safari Description.
This 31 days Self Drive safari highlights in East Africa combines a visit to all the 5 East African Community countries that rewards you with the a visit to renowned East Africa destinations starting with Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya and Tanzania.
Day 1; Arrive in Entebbe, Uganda
Upon arrival at entebbe international Airport , you will be welcomed by the team of Self Drive East Africa ( Booking Handler and the Driver guide ) where by one is to orient you about the car operation and traffic rules and the handler is to orient you about the various safari activities booked with us during your East Africa Self drive holiday .
Later they will drive you to Via Via Guest House or Entebbe backpackers where you will set up your first camp site in Uganda. Opening of the rooftop tents and other specifications will be handled by the team on ground.
Recommended Place of shopping is the Victoria Mall.
Day 2; Entebbe – Murchison Falls National Park
You will start on your journey to explore Uganda with the visit to the Murchison falls national Park , passing through Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for the Rhino tracking, and later proceed to Murchison Falls National Park. entering the park through Kichumbanyobo gate. Then proceed to your Camping site at either of the following: Red Chili Camp , UWA Campsite and other selected place.
Day 3: Morning game drive & Cruise on River
We begin the day with an early morning game drive on the Buligi, Albert or Queens tracks north of the river Nile. Here we have the chance to observe those animals closely associated with the African Savannah like lion, leopard, giraffe, antelope, elephant, and warthog.
After lunch we have a cruise on the Nile River. The cruise takes to the bottom of the thundering falls where you will see huge crocodiles, hippo, buffalo, elephant and a variety of water birds like herons, cormorants, ducks, bee-eaters, kingfishers, skimmers, fish eagle and the rare shoebill.
Camping at the Delta is recommended as the best option since its the last day in Murchison fall, sleep close to River Nile under the watch of the Uganda wildlife authority Ranger guide.
Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
You will enjoy your breakfast and start on the drive to see that you exit the park and start on connecting to Kibale Forest national Park. The scenic journey to Kibale national park takes approximately 6 hours to connect to Fort portal and later connect to Kibale forest national Park the home for the primates . Dinner and overnight at the campsite.
Camping sites: Rweteera Safari Camp
Day 5; Kibale Chimpanzee Tracking – Queen Elizabeth National Park
You will wake up early morning and head to the park headquarter for briefing about the chimpanzee tracking rules and registration of your passport and chimpanzee permits Kibale National Forest has one of the highest diversity and concentration of primates in Africa, and is one of the best places not only in Uganda, but in the world, to see chimpanzees. Drive to Fort Portal for lunch and after proceed to where Kibale Park is connected to Queen Elizabeth National Park in the South, hence allowing wildlife to freely move. This park has a total population of approximately 1,450.
Camping at Bush lodge
Day 6; Morning game drive & Boat cruise Queen
This morning we embark on a game drive in open Savannah covered by acacia trees on the edge of the Albertine Rift Valley. We will search for the typical tree climbing Lions (among other things), a population which is found only in this part of the country. It is impressive to see the animals while they are resting on top of the fig trees.
This afternoon we cruise up the Kazinga Channel, a narrow band of water connecting lakes Edward and George. This is one of the most memorable experiences of a visit to Uganda, offering an opportunity to cruise amid members of Africa’s largest hippo population. In addition to these giant semi-aquatic mammals, the launch affords unique opportunities to view other mammals and birds as they come to the water’s edge to drink and bathe. Birding is excellent, and we expect to see species ranging in size from the tiny, brilliant Malachite Kingfisher to the giant Goliath Heron.
Day 7; Queen Elizabeth National Park – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
After Morning breakfast, you will drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via ishasha sector for the search for the tree climbing lions and later enjoy lunch at Enjojo Camp , proceed to drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with in Ruhija Sector for the camping at Ruhija Rest Camp. Dinner and overnight at the lodge
Day 8; Gorilla Trekking Bwindi
Simple Facts about Bwindi, a World Heritage Park, is home to just over half of the world’s last surviving mountain gorilla population of 1,000 individuals. Although the hike can be physically demanding, the anticipation of the exciting experience ahead is invigorating, and the beauty of the forest and its inhabitants is fascinating.
You will have early morning breakfast and transfer to the park headquarters for briefing by the ranger guide and later head into the forest trekking until you encounter the mountain gorillas. This could take 2-4 hours depending on the movement of the gorillas. On finding them, you will be allowed to spend one hour with these gentle giants and later return and transfer back to the lodge where you will unwind, have dinner and stay overnight as above.
Day 9; Lake Bunyonyi Boat Cruise and Bwindi, Uganda – Transfer to Rwanda
After an early breakfast and transfer to Rwanda via Lake Bunyonyi in Kabale where you will embark on a boat cruise visiting the different islands while enjoying the magnificent scenery and a lot of bird-life. Have Lunch and after continue to Rwanda through Cyanika Border. After immigration procedures, proceed to Volcanoes National Park for the best experience of Rwanda’s epic centre for Gorilla Trekking within the entire east African region.
Camping at Da Vinci Lodge
Day 10; Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, you prepare to start journey to Rwanda. Volcanoes national park is located within the virunga massif that houses the mountain gorillas and the golden monkey alongside various mountaineering trips and winding roads in the land of a thousand hills.
Day 11; Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Wake up for an early morning breakfast and after drive to the headquarters for a briefing a head of your mountain gorilla trekking. Enter the forest hike for 2 hours until you meet the Gorilla family of the day. After Gorilla trekking, you will head back to the lodge for lunch, and later in the evening, you may take an optional cultural tour at Iby’iwachu cultural center. Return to the hotel for dinner and another night.
Day 12; Volcanoes – Kigali
Today we drive back to Kigali. In Kigali we will have a brief look at Kigali and the Genocide Museum, opened in 2004 to mark the tenth anniversary of the Rwandan genocide. While the genocide occurred as a result of a complex series of factors, it can only be seen as an absolute tragedy to Rwanda and its people. Time spent at the Genocide Museum is moving and important in understanding the sheer courage and resilience of this beautiful, tiny nation.
Camping in Kigali City.
Day 13; Kigali, Rwanda – Burundi
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Bujumbura city cross via Rusizi border and arrive to Bujumbura hotel or Roca golf in the evening to refresh, dinner and a night.
Day 14; Karera falls and source of the Nile
After breakfast, embark on a trip to the source of the Nile. It is located in Rutovu province close to wonderful Karera falls, visit the source of the Nile and Karera falls which is located in Rutana.
Day 15; Gishora drum sanctuary and Gitega museum
After breakfast, you drive to Gishora drum sanctuary and meet one of the oldest and drumming groups that began at the beginning of the 19 c. Later visit Burundi national museum in Gitega museum and Mushasha catholic village. Return to your lodge for dinner and a night.
Day 16&17; Burundi – drive to Tanzania
After an early breakfast, start your journey to Tanzania in Dodoma city of about 2 days driving. You might want to check out interesting stops along the way, enroute lunch and maybe even find a hotel to stay overnight. Based on the length of this trip, we think you could spread out this fun road trip over more than one day. After reaching Dodoma city, check in, have dinner and night at the lodge
Day 18: Transfer to Serengeti National Park
This morning we enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a beautiful rolling landscape with periodic views over the Ngorongoro Crater. Before descending onto the Serengeti Plain, we’ll stop at a viewpoint overlooking the crater. The name “Serengeti” derives from a Maasai word meaning “Land-without-end.” This is a land of superlatives, both in the vast landscape that surrounds you and the incredible biodiversity it supports. It is here that you have a chance to witness one of the most compelling natural dramas on earth the annual migration, a sight unparalleled anywhere in the natural world. Our afternoon game drive provides an excellent introduction to this fantastic landscape and the biodiversity it supports.
Public Camp
Day 19; Serengeti National Park
Today we have a full day of game viewing on the Serengeti. We will visit the “kopjes,” a series of low, incongruous hills dotting the open landscape that often provide a vantage point for hungry predators contemplating the endless stream of hoofed animals parading past them. Depending on the season and the timing of the rains, up to 1.5 million wildebeest and a half a million zebra embark on a single-minded and perilous quest for water and grazing land.
Even outside of “migration” time, large herds are still seen as they bear their young and feed, gaining strength for their annual return to the parks northern reaches. Resident species that do not migrate make for rewarding animal viewing in any season. It may be possible to take an optional hot-air balloon safari over the plains at daybreak; today is the best day to participate in this activity
Day 20; Serengeti – Olduvai Gorge – Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Traveling back to Ngorongoro today we make a stop at Olduvai Gorge, site of the Leakey excavations in the 1960s and 70s that established this region as the prehistoric habitat of some of the earliest species of hominids with some finds dating back 1.8 million years.
Called the ‘eighth wonder of the world’ and stretching across some 8300 sq km, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area boasts a blend of landscapes, wildlife, people and archaeology that is unsurpassed in Africa. The volcanoes, grasslands, waterfalls and mountain forests are home to an abundance of animals and to the Maasai. Ngorongoro Crater is one of the world’s greatest natural spectacles and its magical setting and abundant wildlife never fail to enthral visitors. Balance of the day at leisure to enjoy our lodge overlooking the crater.
Day 21; Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Today we enjoy a half-day tour in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. After an early breakfast we descend into the crater far below for a game drive in this incredible setting. We explore the Ngorongoro Crater, 20 km (13 miles) wide and 700 m (2,300 feet) high where we may see the “Big Five” as well as many herbivores like wildebeest, gazelle, zebra and hippopotamus, as well as thousands of flamingos on Lake Magadi.
Day 22: Transfer to L.Mayara
After breakfast, transfer to Lake Manyara is the smallest of the northern parks in Tanzania (330 sq km, of which two thirds is the actual lake) hosting a wide variety of vegetation, ranging from savannah to ground water forest to riparian habitats. The park is host to thousands of pelicans, ibis and flamingo that can be heard from afar. Other common visitors to this beautiful lake are hippos and the majestic African fish eagle, which can be seen swooping down from its perch to snatch a fish from the still waters of the lake.
After lunch at our lodge we will have an afternoon game drive in the park, located at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment and comprising of forest, woodland, grasslands, and swamps. Wildlife interest at Lake Manyara is not confined to bird life only; animals such as buffalo, elephant, giraffe, impala, hippo and a great variety of smaller animals also inhabit the park.
Day 23: Transfer to Amboseli National Park
This park is situated on the African plain at the foot of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, the continent’s tallest mountain at 5894 m (19,300 feet). Here the cone-shaped mountain seems to hover majestically over the shimmering African plains.
The Amboseli National Park is also famous for its large herds of elephants. Here they cover themselves in red dust, giving them an even more imposing appearance. On this afternoon’s game drive we hope to view animals grazing on the open plain with Mt Kilimanjaro providing the classic backdrop (weather-permitting).
Day 24; Full day Amboseli NP
You will have early morning breakfast then head to the park for a full day of navigating and touring the park’s landscape, Amboseli national park is famed for the magnificent backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro and huge population of elephants with impressive tusks. On the game drive you will enjoy sights of animals like lions, buffaloes, zebras, elephants, hartebeests, elands, antelopes and many bird species. At lunch you will drive back to your lodge for lunch or have picnic lunch at any picnic spot in the park, in the afternoon you will go for another game drive visiting other parts of the park you have not visited. In the evening you will return to your lodge, have dinner and overnight stay.
Day 25; Transfer to Masai Mara NP
Have breakfast and check out and depart Hell’s gate for a journey to Maasai Mara which is a drive via Narok town one of the best cultural town in Kenya arriving at the reserve in lunch time. Upon your arrival, you will check into your lodge, have lunch and go for an afternoon game drive. On the game drive through the plains of the reserve you will enjoy views of many animals such as lions, cheetah, elephant, buffaloes and many more. In the evening you will head back to your lodge, have dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 26; Full day exploring Masai Mara NP
Well, after morning breakfast at your lodge, you will head to Masai Mara national reserve for a full day of game drive, while in Maasai plains you will go on a game drive on routes running through the savannah plains of the reserve for sights of animals such as lions, leopards, elephants, cheetahs, buffaloes, antelopes, wildebeests, zebras and many more. At lunch you will have picnic lunch set at any of picnic sites in the reserve while enjoying the beautiful nature. In the afternoon you will go for another game drive visiting the other parts of the reserve you did not visit in the morning game drive. In the evening you will have dinner and stay overnight at your lodge as above.
Day 27: Transfer to Lake Nakuru
After breakfast proceed northwards to arrive in Lake Nakuru National park in time for lunch. After proceed to an afternoon game drives in the park. Dinner and overnight at the lodge
Day 28: Full day game viewing in Lake Nakuru
Full day game viewing at Lake Nakuru National Park, where you will have a chance to visit a unique sanctuary catering for a sizeable number of the endangered rhinoceros and the Rothschild giraffe. Waterbucks as well as the predators such as the lion and leopard are common at the park. Flamingoes are also plenty at the lake. Also to be seen is a myriad different variety of birdlife in and around the lake.
Day 29; Transfer to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Today we travel from Nairobi, through the “White Highlands,” so called because of the large number of Europeans who settled here, northwards to the lower slopes of Mt Kenya, rising to 5199 m (16,728 feet), Africa’s second highest peak. Our drive will take us into the Central Highlands, the heartland of the Kikuyu people. This is a very fertile region, well-watered, intensively cultivated, and thickly forested. The land was coveted by the Europeans who began arriving in ever-increasing numbers once the railway through the area was completed. The settlers established coffee and tea plantations on the eastern slopes of Mt Kenya and cultivated wheat on the western slopes.
Day 30; Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Ol Pejeta is a mosaic of grass plains, wooded grassland, acacia woodland and evergreen thicket extending for over 350 square kilometers. The conservancy boasts an astounding variety of animals, including the “Big Five.”
We will have morning and afternoon game drives today, as well as a chance to visit the Sweet waters Chimpanzee Sanctuary the only place in Kenya where this highly endangered and remarkably intelligent species can be seen. The facility was initially established to receive and provide lifelong refuge to orphaned and abused chimpanzees from West and Central Africa. Here the chimpanzees are carefully nursed back to health so they can enjoy the rest of their days in the safety of a vast natural enclosure.
Day 31: Transfer to Nairobi for departure
After breakfast, transfer to airport for departure back home.
