The Highlights of East Africa

Overview

To give an insight into the types of luxury travel experiences we create, please view the sample itinerary below. It can either be treated as a standalone program, incorporated into a longer itinerary, or modified to match your particular interests and budget. Alternatively, you may wish for us to start with a blank canvas, to handcraft a personalised itinerary based on what you want and nothing more. Prices will fluctuate based on the time of year, length of stay, accommodation choices, number of participants and inclusions.

We pride ourselves in our ability to plan and execute every trip to perfection.

Itinerary

Upon arrival at Kigali or Entebbe International Airport, meet your Travulous guide and transfer to your accommodation of choice.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure enjoying your accommodation's facilities or head out and explore Kigali or Entebbe, either on your own or on a guided city tour.
In the evening, there are many charming restaurants in Kigali or Entebbe to choose from for dinner.
Meals: All meals at own arrangement.
Overnight: Speak to us or browse the accommodation section below for inspiration. Your custom itinerary will contain full descriptions of your chosen properties.
Activities: Let's plan your safari! Contact us to learn about available activities.
After an early breakfast, you are met by your Travulous guide at your hotel, after which you either drive or fly to Volcanoes or Bwindi National Park for gorilla tracking. After checking in at your accommodation, spend the remainder of the day at leisure enjoying your accommodation’s facilities.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Speak to us or browse the accommodation section below for inspiration. Your custom itinerary will contain full descriptions of your chosen properties.
Activities: Let's plan your safari! Contact us to learn about available activities.
After an early breakfast, we make our way to the Volcanoes or Bwindi National Park headquarters for a briefing. After the briefing, you depart with the guide and rangers to find the mountain gorillas.
Gorilla tracking does not present a serious physical challenge to a reasonably fit adult, regardless of age, although the altitude and terrain can sometimes be demanding. Gorilla tracking can take from two to six (or more) hours, with the guides stopping frequently to allow people to rest.
After the trek, return to your accommodation and spend the rest of your afternoon at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Speak to us or browse the accommodation section below for inspiration. Your custom itinerary will contain full descriptions of your chosen properties.
Activities: Let's plan your safari! Contact us to learn about available activities.
After an early breakfast we return to Kigali or Entebbe.
Upon arrival, spend the rest of the day at leisure, either enjoying your accommodation's facilities, or discovering the highlights of Kigali or Entebbe on a guided tour. In the evening, choose from a selection of dining options.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Speak to us or browse the accommodation section below for inspiration. Your custom itinerary will contain full descriptions of your chosen properties.
Activities: Let's plan your safari! Contact us to learn about available activities.
After an early breakfast, depart for Kigali or Entebbe airport, to commence your transfer to either the Serengeti NP or the Maasai Mara NR:
- The Serengeti is Tanzania’s best-known national park. Every year, from December to July, enormous herds of wildebeest and zebra migrate across the plains following the rains.
- The Maasai Mara is regarded as the jewel of Kenya’s national parks. The annual wildebeest migration sees over 1.5 million animals arriving in July and departing in November.
Upon arrival, spend the remainder of the day at leisure enjoying your accommodation’s facilities. Time permitting, depart on a late afternoon game drive, followed by dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Speak to us or browse the accommodation section below for inspiration. Your custom itinerary will contain full descriptions of your chosen properties.
Activities: Let's plan your safari! Contact us to learn about available activities.
Today you have an opportunity to enjoy a once in a lifetime adventure, flying across the plains of the Serengeti National Park or Maasai Mara National Reserve in a hot air balloon.
During the early hours of the morning, we depart for the launch-site. Your pilot takes you through the important safety briefing, after which you climb into the basket and prepare to lift into the dawn.
The flight lasts an hour, and each journey is unique as it’s dictated by the direction of the wind. After your basket returns to the plains of the Serengeti or Maasai Mara, you are served breakfast with a glass of bubbly in the middle of the picturesque plains. After breakfast, we depart on a full day game drive.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Speak to us or browse the accommodation section below for inspiration. Your custom itinerary will contain full descriptions of your chosen properties.
Activities: Let's plan your safari! Contact us to learn about available activities.
After an early breakfast, enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in the Serengeti or Maasai Mara.
Both the Serengeti and Maasai Mara are home to a spectacular array of wildlife. The further north in the Serengeti one travels, the more similar it becomes to the Maasai Mara, which boasts a higher density of trees and more of a hilly landscape.
Apart from seeing the wildebeest and plains wildlife that make up the Great Migration, you will also have an excellent chance of spotting the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino). In addition, you should also keep a lookout for giraffe, cheetah, hyena, crocodile, hippo, and an incredible selection of bird species.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Speak to us or browse the accommodation section below for inspiration. Your custom itinerary will contain full descriptions of your chosen properties.
Activities: Let's plan your safari! Contact us to learn about available activities.
After breakfast, depart on your last day of morning and afternoon game drives in the Serengeti or Maasai Mara. An optional activity includes visiting a traditional Maasai village and immersing yourself in authentic Maasai culture. There is no better way of gaining an understanding of the ancient way of life of this famous tribe, that still flourishes today.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Speak to us or browse the accommodation section below for inspiration. Your custom itinerary will contain full descriptions of your chosen properties.
Activities: Let's plan your safari! Contact us to learn about available activities.
Today we depart for Zanzibar located off the Tanzanian coast, or Lamu in northern Kenya, or Diani beach near Mombasa in Kenya. Upon arrival, spend the rest of the day at leisure:
- Few names evoke such a romantic image as the spice islands of Zanzibar. It’s beaches are the Indian ocean at its very best, and its capital Stone Town a beautiful World Heritage site.
- Voted Africa's leading beach destination five years running, Diani’s activities include Dhow trips, playing golf, snorkelling and scuba diving, and visiting Fort Jesus World Heritage site.
- Founded in the 14th century, Lamu island is a World Heritage site and one of the best-preserved Swahili settlements in East Africa. Highlights include long beach strolls and dhow trips.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Speak to us or browse the accommodation section below for inspiration. Your custom itinerary will contain full descriptions of your chosen properties.
Activities: Let's plan your safari! Contact us to learn about available activities.
After breakfast, you meet your guide at your hotel for a walking tour of Zanzibar’s capital Stone Town, or Diani, or Lamu. You will visit the main attractions in each location.
After lunch, transfer to your beach accommodation. Time to unwind on the beautiful beaches and enjoy a selection of optional land and water based activities, including historical tours, cultural excursions, sailing tours, snorkelling and diving.
Spend the remainder of the day at leisure. For dinner, consider sampling the local Swahili cuisine at one of the many excellent restaurants.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Speak to us or browse the accommodation section below for inspiration. Your custom itinerary will contain full descriptions of your chosen properties.
Activities: Let's plan your safari! Contact us to learn about available activities.
Time to unwind and spend your days at leisure enjoying your accommodation’s facilities. Relax by the pool or go for a swim to cool down in the heat of the day.
Alternatively, discover the local beaches and many optional activities and tours on offer.
Another option is to spend your days learning about the rich history of the area, its culture or stunning marine life.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Speak to us or browse the accommodation section below for inspiration. Your custom itinerary will contain full descriptions of your chosen properties.
Activities: Let's plan your safari! Contact us to learn about available activities.
Time to unwind and spend your days at leisure enjoying your accommodation’s facilities. Relax by the pool or go for a swim to cool down in the heat of the day.
Alternatively, discover the local beaches and many optional activities and tours on offer.
Another option is to spend your days learning about the rich history of the area, its culture or stunning marine life.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Speak to us or browse the accommodation section below for inspiration. Your custom itinerary will contain full descriptions of your chosen properties.
Activities: Let's plan your safari! Contact us to learn about available activities.
After breakfast, we depart for the airport.
Alternatively, consider extending this trip by adding one of our Extension Ideas (see below) to this program.
Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner at own arrangement.

General Info

Tailor-made

4 Countries

Duration: 13 days

Lodges/Camps: 4>5*

SUV or Traditional 4x4

Fitness: Demanding

Your money: protected

Travel Notes: see below

Highlights

**GORILLA TRACKING**
Go gorilla trekking in Volcanoes or Bwindi NP, and spend a magical hour with the mountain gorillas

**WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES**
Visit a selection of world famous wildlife sanctuaries located across Kenya and Tanzania

**BIG 5 & GREAT MIGRATION**
Marvel at the Great Migration and Big Five from a hot air balloon in the Maasai Mara or Serengeti

**SWAHILI COAST BEACHES**
Relax on the palm-fringed and white sand beaches of the Zanzibar Archipelago, Diani or Lamu

Accommodations

When it comes to choosing accommodations in East Africa, we can suggest a wide range of properties. View a sample of some of our favourite hotels, lodges and camps below:

If you have an alternative property in mind, contact us as we contract with a large variety of accommodation providers.

Map

Extension Ideas

**SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS**

Visit world famous safari highlights including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and the Gorillas

**BEHIND THE SCENES**

Gain unique insights into Wildlife Conservation, Educational Experiences and History & Traditions

**BEACH DESTINATIONS**

Round-off your safari in East Africa with a great choice of world-class Indian Ocean beach destinations

**WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES**

Visit a wildlife sanctuary and learn about the incredible work they do to safeguard Africa’s wildlife

Your Money

Travulous, a trading name of Travaleur Limited, is a member of Protected Trust Services (PTS). Our PTS membership number is:

5472

All business-to-consumer (B2C) and business-to-business (B2B) clients of Travulous benefit from its PTS trust account and insurance model.

Regardless of your location, book with confidence knowing all monies are fully protected and safely held in a separate trust account, managed by independent trustees, with the funds only used to pay for each booking.

Travel Notes

KENYA
Kenya is a year-round destination with a diverse climate influenced by its vast size, varying altitudes, and coastal areas. Picking the 'best time' will depend on your interests, where you are travelling to and for what purpose. While generally tropical, Kenya is broadly divided into dry and wet seasons.
The approximate seasons are: short dry season - January to mid-March long wet season - mid-March to May; long dry season - June to October and short wet season - October to December. These are generalised weather patterns, and regional variations can be significant. During the rainy seasons, the landscape is lush and green with fewer tourists around.
UGANDA
Uganda is a year-round destination with temperature fluctuations mainly determined by altitude and the presence of lakes. Rain is commonplace in parts of Uganda. While generally tropical, Uganda is broadly divided into dry and wet seasons. The driest months are typically June to October and December to February. The wettest months tend to be from March to May and October to November.
Rainfall patterns can be unpredictable and localised showers can occur at any time, especially in the high-altitude and forested areas of the country. Although the dry months can be more popular for gorilla trekking, the wetter months offer excellent birding opportunities, calving in national parks and fewer tourists.
RWANDA
Rwanda has a year-round tropical highland climate. Temperatures remain relatively consistent throughout the year, though these can vary significantly by location and altitude. Rain is commonplace in Rwanda. The driest months are typically June to mid-September and December to February. The wettest months tend to be from March to May and October to November.
Rainfall patterns can be unpredictable and localised showers can occur at any time, especially in the high-altitude areas like Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks.
TANZANIA
Tanzania is a year-round destination with a diverse climate influenced by its vast size, varying altitudes, and proximity to the Indian Ocean. Picking the 'best time' will depend on your interests, where you are travelling to and for what purpose. While generally tropical, Tanzania is broadly divided into dry and wet seasons.

The approximate seasons are: short dry season - mid-January to February; long wet season - mid-March to May; long dry season - June to October and short wet season - November to mid-January. These are generalised weather patterns, and regional variations can be significant. During the rainy seasons, the landscape is lush and green with fewer tourists around.
KENYA
All foreign nationals will require a Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) for entry to Kenya. Please check with your local Kenyan Embassy or our travel team for further information. ETAs can not be obtained, on arrival, at any port of entry. The Kenyan government has introduced an online eTA application system for issuing eTAs in advance of travel. Travellers should carry a printed copy of their eTA to present to immigration officials.
UGANDA
Most foreign nationals require a visa for entry to Uganda. Please check with your local Ugandan Embassy or our travel team for further information. Tourist visas can no longer be obtained, on arrival, at any port of entry. The Ugandan government has introduced an online ‘e-visa’ application system for obtaining tourist visas in advance of travel. Travellers should carry a printed copy of their visa to present to immigration officials.
RWANDA
All foreign nationals require a visa for entry to Rwanda. Please check with your local Rwandan Embassy or our travel team for further information. Tourist visas can be obtained, on arrival, for all travellers at all ports of entry. Visitors from the African Union, the Commonwealth of Nations and Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie are waived visa fees for visits up to 30 days. For travellers of other nationalities, a visa fee is payable. The Rwandan government has introduced an online ‘e-visa’ application system for obtaining tourist visas in advance of travel. Travellers who choose to arrange their visa prior to arrival should carry a printed copy of their visa to present to immigration officials.
TANZANIA
Most foreign nationals will require a visa for entry to Tanzania. Please check with your local Tanzanian Embassy or our travel team for further information. Tourist visit visas can often be obtained, on arrival, at most ports of entry. The Tanzanian government has introduced an online 'e-visa' application system for obtaining visas in advance of travel. Travellers who require a visa prior to arrival should carry a printed copy of their visa to present to immigration officials.
KENYA
Kiswahili and English are the official languages of Kenya. Kiswahili is spoken by most Kenyans, with English fluency varying outside of major towns and cities. There are over 65 languages spoken throughout Kenya, which mainly belong to the various Bantu and Nilotic tribal populations.
UGANDA
English and Kiswahili are the official languages of Uganda. There are over 40 languages spoken throughout Uganda, with Luganda being the most geographically spread language.
RWANDA
The official languages of Rwanda are Kinyarwanda, English, French and Swahili. Nearly all Rwandans speak Kinyarwanda. English and French are widely spoken in tourist areas, with varying degrees of fluency.
TANZANIA
Kiswahili and English are the official languages of Tanzania. Kiswahili is spoken by most Tanzanians and Zanzibaris, with English fluency varying outside of major towns and tourist areas. In Zanzibar, many residents also speak Arabic. There are 126 languages spoken throughout Tanzania, making it one of the most linguistically diverse countries in East Africa.
KENYA
The local currency is the Kenyan shilling, which divides into 100 cents. US dollars are often acceptedin hotels and at tourist attractions; local currency is required for dining in restaurants, tipping and small purchases. Some vendors will only accept USD dated 2013, or newer. Hotels in tourist areas generally accept credit cards; however, surcharges are commonplace. Remote lodges often accept cash only. Access to cash machines is available in most major towns, and exchanging currency can be done in banks and foreign exchange bureaus.
UGANDA
The local currency is the Ugandan shilling. US dollars are widely accepted in hotels and at tourist attractions; local currency is required for dining in restaurants, tipping and small purchases. Some vendors will only accept USD dated 2013, or newer. Larger hotels in tourist areas may accept credit cards; however, surcharges are commonplace. The national parks are cash-free and only card payments are accepted. Primate tracking permits must be purchased well in advance from UWA in Kampala. Access to cash machines is available at the airport, in major towns, and exchanging currency can be done in banks and foreign exchange bureaus.
RWANDA
The local currency is the Rwandan franc, which divides into 100 centimes. US dollars are widely accepted in hotels and at tourist attractions; local currency is required for dining in restaurants, tipping and small purchases. Some vendors will only accept USD dated 2013, or newer. Few places accept credit cards outside of the major hotels. The national parks are cash-free and only card payments are accepted. Access to cash machines is available at the airport and in major towns (Kigali, Musanze and Rubavu), and exchanging currency can be done in banks and foreign exchange bureaus.
TANZANIA
The local currency is the Tanzanian shilling, which divides into 100 senti. US dollars are widely accepted in hotels and at tourist attractions; local currency is required for dining in restaurants, tipping and small purchases. Some vendors will only accept USD dated 2013, or newer. Larger hotels in tourist areas may accept credit cards; however, surcharges are commonplace. Do not rely on using credit cards other than as a backup. Remote lodges often accept cash only. Access to cash machines is limited outside of major towns and cities. Exchanging currency can be done in banks and foreign exchange bureaus.
KENYA
Kenya has three international airports; Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi (NBO), Moi International Airport in Mombasa (MBA) and Moi International Airport in Eldoret (EDL).
UGANDA
Entebbe International Airport (EBB) is the primary airport serving Uganda.
RWANDA
Kigali International Airport (KGL) is the primary airport serving Rwanda.
TANZANIA
Tanzania has several international and regional airports. The main airports are Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam (DAR), Kilimanjaro International Airport in Kilimanjaro (JRO) and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar (ZNZ).