Day 1: Arrival in Arusha โ Gateway to an Africa Safari Package
Your Africa Safari Package begins the moment your plane touches down at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport. A professional safari guide greets you warmly, offering a refreshing smile and reassurance after your long journey. As you drive through the bustling yet charming streets of Arusha, the cool mountain air and the distant view of Mount Meru signal that your East African adventure has truly begun.
Upon check-in at the Venice Hotel, youโll have the option of resting in your room or joining a light city orientation. A stroll through Arushaโs lively markets introduces you to colorful fabrics, spices, and the rhythm of everyday Tanzanian life. For those with energy to spare, a coffee plantation tour is an enriching choice. Here youโll discover how some of the worldโs best coffee is grown and roasted, while enjoying a cup brewed fresh from the plantationโs beans.
As evening approaches, return to your lodge where dinner is served. The chef offers both international and traditional Swahili dishes such as nyama choma and ugali. Over dinner, your guide briefs you on the detailed plan for your Africa Safari Package, setting the stage for the days of adventure to come. Retire early, knowing tomorrow marks your first encounter with Africaโs legendary wilderness.
Accommodation: Venice Hotel
Day 2: Arusha to Ngorongoro โ Immersing in an Africa Safari Package
The morning sun filters through your window as you awaken to the second day of your Africa Safari Package. After a hearty breakfast, you depart Arusha and begin the scenic drive to Ngorongoro, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most breathtaking natural wonders on Earth. The road passes through highlands dotted with Maasai homesteads, where red-cloaked warriors tend their cattle against the dramatic backdrop of rolling hills.
By mid-day, you arrive at the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. As your vehicle climbs the crater rim, the panoramic view leaves you speechless. Spread before you lies a vast volcanic calderaโan enclosed Eden that shelters nearly every species found in East Africa. This day is a defining feature of the Africa Safari Package, as you descend into the crater for game viewing like no other.
Within the crater floor, elephants with massive tusks graze the lush grasslands, while prides of lions lounge lazily in the sun. The soda lake shimmers with thousands of flamingos, and spotted hyenas stalk warily in search of prey. Your guide positions you at prime viewing spots to witness the drama of predator and prey unfold. A picnic lunch beside a hippo-filled pool allows you to eat while absorbing the sounds of Africaโs wilderness.
By late afternoon, you ascend the crater walls and head to Karatu Tented Lodge. Here, nestled among green highlands, you can relax around the campfire with a drink in hand, reflecting on your first full day in the wild heart of this Africa Safari Package.
Accommodation: Karatu Tented Lodge
Day 3: Full-Day Ngorongoro Exploration โ Classic Africa Safari Package Adventure
Rise early to golden rays illuminating the highlands and enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading back into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive. Today your Africa Safari Package plunges you even deeper into this self-contained ecosystem, often described as a โNoahโs Arkโ of wildlife.
Descending once more into the crater floor, you find yourself surrounded by an extraordinary density of animals. In a single sweep of the binoculars, itโs possible to spot wildebeest grazing alongside zebras, lions resting in the grass, and elephants ambling gracefully through the acacia groves. With luck, you might catch sight of the elusive black rhino, a rare and precious highlight for any Africa Safari Package traveler.
As you venture across the crater, your guide shares stories of how this caldera was formed by a massive volcanic eruption two million years ago. The fertile soils and permanent water sources explain the abundant wildlife found here year-round. Mid-morning, pause at Lerai Forest, where baboons chatter noisily in the trees, and leopards may occasionally be seen slinking through the shadows. Lunch is once again enjoyed picnic-style, giving you uninterrupted time to soak in the atmosphere.
By afternoon, you drive across grassy plains where cheetahs are often spotted in pursuit of gazelles. The day concludes with your return to Karatu Lodge for a hot shower, a delicious meal, and stargazing under clear African skies. This unforgettable day epitomizes why Ngorongoro is one of the crown jewels of any Africa Safari Package.
Accommodation: Karatu Tented Lodge
Day 4: Ngorongoro to Serengeti โ Africa Safari Package Across Endless Plains
After breakfast, your Africa Safari Package takes you from Ngorongoroโs highlands into the legendary Serengeti National Park. The journey itself is remarkable, climbing out of the crater rim to reveal rolling landscapes that stretch endlessly. Along the way, you stop at a viewpoint offering sweeping panoramas of Ngorongoro Crater before descending toward the Serengeti plains.
The word Serengeti means โendless plainsโ in the Maasai language, and the moment you see it you understand why. Golden savannah stretches as far as the eye can see, dotted with acacia trees and herds of wildebeest. This park is home to the worldโs greatest spectacle of wildlifeโthe Great Migrationโwhich is central to many Africa Safari Package itineraries. Over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles journey across this land, pursued by lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.
Arrive at Mawe Camp in time for a hot lunch and some relaxation. In the afternoon, head out for your first Serengeti game drive. Here you may spot prides of lions resting on kopjes (granite outcrops), giraffes browsing on tall acacias, and elephants trudging across the savannah. The Serengeti is also birdwatcherโs paradise, with species ranging from the lilac-breasted roller to secretary birds striding across the grasslands.
As the sun sets in hues of orange and red, return to camp where dinner awaits. Fall asleep to the sounds of hyenas whooping and lions roaring in the distance, knowing that tomorrow your Africa Safari Package promises even deeper immersion in the Serengeti wilderness.
Accommodation: Mawe Camp
Day 5: Full-Day Serengeti Exploration โ Africa Safari Package in the Wild Heart
Waking up in the Serengeti is a moment that defines every Africa Safari Package. The dawn chorus of birds mixes with the distant calls of lions, while the first rays of sunlight bathe the endless plains in gold. After a hearty breakfast at Mawe Camp, you set out for a full-day game drive. Today is about immersing yourself in the Serengeti, one of Africaโs greatest wilderness areas.
Your safari vehicle follows the movement of the herds across the savannah. Depending on the season, you might witness the calving period in the southern Serengeti, when tens of thousands of wildebeest give birth simultaneously, flooding the plains with new life. This cycle of birth and survival is what keeps predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs active and alert. To see a lioness stalk through the grass or a cheetah sprint across the plain is to witness the raw drama that makes an Africa Safari Package unforgettable.
By mid-morning, you pause beneath an acacia tree for refreshments, your eyes scanning the horizon for wildlife movement. Later, your guide positions you near the Mara River (season permitting), where wildebeest cross the crocodile-filled waters in one of the worldโs greatest spectacles. The thunder of hooves, the splashing water, and the cries of both predator and prey combine into an extraordinary display of survival instinct.
Lunch is served picnic-style in the bush, surrounded by panoramic views. The afternoon drive may reveal elephants ambling in family herds, giraffes stretching for leaves, and perhaps a leopard draped lazily over a branch. As sunset approaches, painting the sky in fiery reds and oranges, you return to camp. Around the campfire, you share stories with fellow travelers, grateful for a day that epitomized the essence of an Africa Safari Package.
Accommodation: Mawe Camp
Day 6: Serengeti to Masai Mara โ Crossing Borders on Your Africa Safari Package
This morning, after breakfast, you embark on another game drive as you exit the Serengeti. Wildlife continues to surprise you, as every corner of this park offers something new: perhaps a hyena clan squabbling over a kill, or hippos wallowing in a muddy pool. By mid-morning, you reach the Isebania border where Tanzania meets Kenya. The immigration process takes around 30 minutes, and soon youโre officially in Kenyaโthe second country of your Africa Safari Package.
From Isebania, the journey to the Masai Mara takes around four hours, with a blend of rugged landscapes and rural villages lining the way. By the time you reach the Mara, the evening light is soft and golden. Before arriving at your lodge, you enjoy a short en-route game drive, a teaser of what lies ahead. The Masai Mara is famed for its high density of predators and the Great Migration, making it an essential stop on any Africa Safari Package.
In the evening, you might enjoy a sundownerโa cherished safari traditionโwhere drinks are served as the sun sinks over the savannah. The colors of the Mara at dusk are mesmerizing, with silhouettes of acacia trees and distant wildlife creating a timeless scene. Dinner is served at Sopa Lodge, where the warmth of Kenyan hospitality welcomes you. The day ends with the anticipation of tomorrowโs adventures in one of the most celebrated safari destinations in the world.
Accommodation: Sopa Lodge
Day 7: Masai Mara Balloon Safari & Game Viewing โ Iconic Africa Safari Package Moment
Today promises to be one of the most memorable highlights of your Africa Safari Package. Before dawn, you are driven to the balloon launch site. As the burner roars and the balloon inflates, excitement builds. Soon, youโre gently lifted into the sky, floating silently above the savannah as the sun rises. Below you, the Masai Mara comes alive: herds of wildebeest grazing, elephants moving slowly through the grass, and lions prowling in the early light.
The balloon safari lasts about an hour, offering breathtaking views of the Mara River, forests, and endless plains. Upon landing, youโre treated to a champagne breakfast right in the wildernessโa once-in-a-lifetime experience that epitomizes the romance of an Africa Safari Package.
The rest of the day is dedicated to game viewing in the Masai Mara. This reserve is famous for its predators, and you may spot lions hunting, cheetahs sprinting, or even leopards lounging in trees. During migration months, the Mara is filled with millions of wildebeest and zebra, pursued by crocodiles in the rivers and predators on land. Your guide ensures youโre in prime spots to witness the drama.
As the afternoon cools, you may visit a Maasai village for a cultural encounter. Here, warriors demonstrate traditional dances, and you gain insight into the pastoral lifestyle that has endured for centuries. Returning to your lodge in the evening, you savor dinner and recount the dayโs highlights, recognizing why the Masai Mara is an irreplaceable part of any Africa Safari Package.
Accommodation: Sopa Lodge
Day 8: Masai Mara to Entebbe โ Africa Safari Package in Transition
The eighth day of your Africa Safari Package begins with an early-morning game drive, offering one last chance to spot elusive predators or catch the herds in the golden light of dawn. After breakfast, you depart the Mara and journey to Nairobi, a five-hour scenic drive that takes you past rolling hills, small towns, and the Rift Valley escarpment.
Upon arrival in Nairobi, you enjoy lunch before transferring to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your flight to Entebbe, Ugandaโthe third country of your Africa Safari Package. The flight offers aerial views of East Africaโs diverse landscapes, from endless plains to lush greenery.
Landing in Entebbe, you are welcomed by your Ugandan guide who drives you a short distance to Papyrus Guest House. The atmosphere shifts here: from wide savannahs to a more tropical environment filled with banana plantations and lush vegetation. After checking in, you can relax in the garden, enjoy a cool drink, and savor dinner. The evening is spent reflecting on the extraordinary transitions of your journey so far. In just over a week, youโve explored Tanzaniaโs Serengeti, Kenyaโs Masai Mara, and now you stand on the doorstep of Ugandaโs great primate forests. The depth of diversity makes this Africa Safari Package truly unique.
Accommodation: Papyrus Guest House
Day 9: Entebbe to Kibale Forest & Bigodi Walk โ Primate Capital of the Africa Safari Package
This morning you set off on another chapter of your Africa Safari Package, traveling from Entebbe toward the lush green landscapes of western Uganda. The drive to Kibale Forest takes around four hours, winding through fertile farmlands where banana groves, tea plantations, and rolling hills create a picturesque backdrop. Along the way, your guide shares stories about Ugandaโs unique culture and history, preparing you for the primate encounters ahead.
By midday, you arrive at Isunga Lodge, perfectly positioned near Kibale National Park. After settling in and enjoying a hearty lunch, you embark on the Bigodi Wetland Walkโa community-based eco-tourism project famous for birding and nature walks. Here, you encounter a variety of primates including red colobus monkeys, LโHoestโs monkeys, and vervet monkeys swinging through the treetops.
This immersive nature walk highlights how your Africa Safari Package combines not only wildlife adventure but also conservation and community empowerment. By late afternoon, you return to your lodge, where dinner is served overlooking the surrounding hills. As night falls, the forest hums with nocturnal calls, reminding you that tomorrow brings the thrill of chimpanzee trekking in the primate capital of the world.
Accommodation: Isunga Lodge
Day 10: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale โ Signature Africa Safari Package Encounter
Day ten of your Africa Safari Package begins with an early breakfast before heading into Kibale Forest, home to over 1,500 chimpanzees. After a briefing from park rangers, you enter the dense jungle accompanied by an expert guide. The trek may last between two and four hours depending on the movements of the chimpanzees, but every step is rewarding as you pass towering fig trees, exotic birds, and butterflies dancing in shafts of sunlight.
Suddenly, the forest comes alive with high-pitched callsโthe chimpanzees are near. Watching them swing effortlessly through the canopy, groom each other, or forage on the forest floor is a mesmerizing experience. This intimate primate encounter is one of the defining features of any Africa Safari Package, allowing you to connect deeply with our closest relatives in the wild.
After spending an hour observing the chimpanzees, you return to your lodge for lunch. The afternoon is free for leisure: you may explore the crater lakes nearby, or simply relax at the lodge, taking in the serene landscapes. As the sun sets, you enjoy dinner under the stars, reflecting on the extraordinary day spent with chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The thrill of today will stay with you long after your Africa Safari Package ends.
Accommodation: Isunga Lodge
Day 11: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest โ Africa Safari Package Meets the Gorilla Highlands
The day begins with an early breakfast before embarking on a scenic journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of the last strongholds of the endangered mountain gorillas. The drive takes you through Ugandaโs beautiful countryside, with terraced hills, villages, and endless greenery. Every turn of the road reminds you that this Africa Safari Package is more than a safariโitโs a passage through landscapes and cultures that make East Africa unique.
By late afternoon, you arrive at Buhoma Gorilla Camp, nestled at the edge of the forest. Here, the cool mountain air greets you, and the mist rising from the forest hints at the adventure awaiting you tomorrow. Dinner is served in the open-air dining area, with views of the forest canopy silhouetted against the night sky.
In the evening, you have the option of joining a cultural encounter with the Batwa pygmies, the indigenous people of this region. Their storytelling, songs, and dances reveal a deep bond with the forest, adding another layer of richness to your Africa Safari Package. Retire early tonight, because tomorrow is the day youโve been waiting forโthe unforgettable gorilla trekking experience.
Accommodation: Buhoma Gorilla Camp
Day 12: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi โ Pinnacle of the Africa Safari Package
Today is the crown jewel of your Africa Safari Package. After an early breakfast, you head to the Bwindi Park headquarters for a briefing from the rangers. Youโre assigned to a gorilla family, and with your trekking group, you begin the hike into the dense forest. The trek can be challenging, with steep slopes, thick vegetation, and humid conditions, but every step heightens your anticipation.
Then, at last, you find them: a gorilla family in their natural home. The silverback watches over his group with calm authority, while juveniles tumble playfully nearby. Mothers nurse their infants, and the entire scene feels almost surreal. For one magical hour, you are immersed in their world, standing just a few meters away from these gentle giants. Few experiences on Earth compare to this, and itโs no wonder that gorilla trekking is considered the pinnacle of any Africa Safari Package.
After your trek, you return to the lodge for lunch and a chance to process the experience. In the afternoon, you may visit the Batwa community again or choose to relax at Lake Bunyonyi, whose tranquil waters provide the perfect setting for reflection. Dinner is served at Arcadia Lodge, where the views of the lakeโs islands are as unforgettable as the day itself.
Accommodation: Arcadia Lodge Lake Bunyonyi
Day 13: Return to Entebbe โ Closing Chapter of the Africa Safari Package
Your final day of this Africa Safari Package begins with breakfast at the lodge before departing for the long but scenic drive back to Entebbe. Along the way, you stop at the Equator for photos and a chance to shop for souvenirs. The symbolic crossing from the southern to the northern hemisphere is a fitting reminder of the global significance of your journey.
Arriving in Entebbe by late afternoon, you have a dayโs room at the Boma Hotel to freshen up before your international flight. As you relax in the gardens, you think back on the extraordinary diversity of this safari: from lions in the Serengeti to balloon rides over the Masai Mara, from chimpanzee tracking in Kibale to gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Few travel experiences rival the scope and depth of this Africa Safari Package.
In the evening, your guide transfers you to Entebbe Airport for your flight home. Though the journey ends here, the memories will remain forever: the roar of lions at night, the sight of wildebeest rivers crossing, the touch of mountain air in Bwindi. This has been not just a trip, but a life-changing adventure across three of Africaโs most iconic countries.