The small loop of East Africa
Between mountain forests, Serengeti savannas and Zanzibar beaches: East Africa in all its splendor.
Duration
15 days
Ideal seasons
Jan, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
In two weeks, treat yourself to a condensed version of the splendors that East Africa has to offer. Departing from Rwanda, discover the heart of Africa and its vast tropical forests, refuges of the last mountain gorillas. These lush mountains are also home to a rich variety of primates and remarkable birdlife, set against a backdrop of endless hills. Then set off to discover the African Big Five in the immense plains of the Serengeti, the stage each year for the great migration of wildebeest and zebras, one of the most breathtaking natural spectacles on the planet. You will then traverse the spectacular Ngorongoro caldera, where lions, elephants and black rhinoceros coexist in the heart of an exceptional volcanic landscape. You will end your stay in style on the fine sandy beaches of the mythical island of Zanzibar, where Swahili history and turquoise waters are discovered over a few well-deserved days of relaxation. This itinerary is a must for the traveler seeking those stark contrasts that the African continent still offers.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Kigali!
Upon your arrival at the Kigali international airport, you are welcomed by your English-speaking driver-guide.
You are then transferred to your hotel, where you take possession of your room.
The rest of the day is free, for you to rest after your journey.
Kigali and its surroundings
This day is dedicated to Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. You visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, the presidential residence as well as the Kimironko market.
You then head to Bugesera Lodge for lunch before continuing your day with a visit to the Nyamata and Ntarama memorial sites.
In the land of a thousand hills
You leave Kigali and drive through the Rwandan countryside towards the Lake Kivu.
Along the way, you discover Rwanda's rolling landscapes, among eucalyptus, cypress, rice paddies and cultivated plots. Coffee, sorghum, tobacco, beans, potatoes and corn make up the agricultural landscapes you pass through.
You then reach the shores of Lake Kivu, situated at 1,460 meters altitude. In the afternoon, you set off on a boat excursion on the lake, an opportunity to discover the bay and its surroundings.
Lake Kivu - Virunga Volcano - Bwindi Forest
You leave the Lake Kivu and take the road towards Cyanika, through a succession of hills, banana plantations, coffee plantations and cultivated fields. The route rises in places to over 2,000 meters altitude and crosses several villages as well as vast tea plantations.
You then reach the Virunga Mountains, which you skirt around to the north before reaching the Cyanika border post.
Cyanika → Parc national de Bwindi
After your time in Ouganda, you continue your journey through the hills to the Bwindi forest.
Note: gorilla permits are allocated for different sectors of Bwindi National Park. The sector and gorilla group visited are determined on the morning of the trek, so accommodation and travel times may vary depending on permit availability.
Encounter with the Mountain Gorillas
Early in the morning, you join the Bwindi National Park to meet the mountain gorillas. Accompanied by trackers and your specialized guide, you venture deep into the forest in search of the group assigned to you.
The hike lasts between 3 and 7 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas. You then discover these primates in their forest environment. Groups can consist of 8 to 20 individuals, including the dominant male, recognizable by his silvery back, adult females and adolescents.
Parc national de Bwindi → Lac Bunyonyi
After this meeting, you head back towards the Lake Bunyonyi. You discover its landscapes of terraced cultivated hills and its 29 islands and islets, at almost 2,000 meters altitude.
You then enjoy a walk around the lake, where nearly 200 bird species are recorded. You can also swim in the lake.
Kibale Forest & Bigodi Swamp
Lac Bunyonyi → Parc national de Kibale
After a few hours of leisure time to enjoy the surroundings of Lake Bunyonyi, you head towards the Kibale National Park, via the town of Kabale.
The road crosses the Kigezi region, between eucalyptus, cypress and rice fields nestled in the valleys. Further on, the landscapes evolve between hills, herds of Banyankole pastoralists and plantations of banana and coffee plants.
You arrive at the edge of the Kibale forest in early afternoon and settle into your accommodation.
In the afternoon, you set out to discover the Bigodi wetlands, which are home to over 300 bird species.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale - Road to Entebbe
You will discover the Kibale Forest during a walk of approximately 4 hours. This forest is home to a significant primate population and you will be able to observe several species of monkeys, including the chimpanzee, red colobus and blue monkey.
Parc national de Kibale → Entebbe
In the afternoon, you head back towards Entebbe through the foothills of the Ruwenzori, tea plantations, plateaus and valleys. You also pass through several villages where agricultural and pastoral activities are concentrated.
You finally reach Entebbe, located on the shores of Lake Victoria.
From Entebbe to Serengeti National Park
Entebbe → Parc National du Serengeti
You enjoy a visit to Entebbe before heading to the airport for your direct charter flight to the Serengeti National Park.
Upon arrival in Tanzania, you are welcomed by your local team and set off on a safari heading to your camp.
In the evening, you enjoy another safari in the Serengeti.
Serengeti Park Safari Day
You spend this day on a safari in the Serengeti National Park, discovering its wildlife.
Along the way, you can observe large herds of zebras and wildebeest, as well as different species of antelopes. Elephants, buffalo and giraffes also frequent the plains, bushy areas and riverbanks, while big cats are numerous in the park.
In the beds of the Grumeti and Orange rivers, you may spot crocodiles and hippopotamuses. The Serengeti is also home to numerous birds: eagles, marabous, ibis, geese, storks, hornbills, ostriches and bustards.
Hot air balloon flight - Serengeti - Olduvai - Ngorongoro
Parc National du Serengeti → Ngorongoro
Early in the morning, before sunrise, you depart for a hot air balloon flight over the Serengeti, accompanied by a team of English-speaking professionals. For approximately one hour, you fly over the plains and observe the savanna from above. Upon your return to the ground, a breakfast awaits you at the foot of the balloon basket.
You then continue your day with a safari across the vast central plain of the Serengeti, heading towards the Olduvai Gorges. You visit the museum dedicated to this site linked to human paleontology.
You then resume your journey towards the Ngorongoro
Ngorongoro Crater Safari Day
You dedicate this day to discovering the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a reserve of over 8,000 km² composed of volcanoes and plains, east of the Serengeti. The Maasai live there alongside wildlife.
You descend into the Ngorongoro crater, a caldera approximately 20 km in diameter and 600 meters deep, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You spend the day in the heart of the crater, which is home to a significant concentration of animal species.
From Ngorongoro to Zanzibar
You leave the Ngorongoro region and head towards Karatu. Along the way, you make a stop at the edge of a ravine offering views of Lake Manyara.
You then board a direct flight to Zanzibar.
Upon arrival, you are welcomed by your English-speaking representative and transferred to your hotel. You then set off to discover Stone Town.
Indian Ocean - Zanzibar beaches
You leave Stone Town to join your beachfront hotel.
Along the way, you make a stop at a spice plantation before continuing towards the coast.
You then settle in for a two-day stay by the Indian Ocean, with half board.
Last moments in Zanzibar
Depending on your flight schedule, you enjoy your last moments by the sea in Zanzibar.
You then benefit from a private transfer to Zanzibar airport, where you board your return flight.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights
- Meals not mentioned in the program above
- Alcoholic and recreational beverages
- Tips
- The visa
- Personal Expenses
Included
- All meals from breakfast on day 2 to breakfast on day 15, excluding lunch on day 14
- An English-speaking driver guide for the Rwanda-Uganda section, an English-speaking driver and an English-speaking guide for the Serengeti-Ngorongoro section, an English-speaking driver/guide in Zanzibar
- Private vehicle transfers with open roof for Rwanda-Uganda and Serengeti-Ngorongoro sections, with closed roof for Zanzibar transfers
- Private table in hotel restaurants
- 1 gorilla trekking permit - 700 USD
- 1 chimpanzee visit permit - 200 USD
- Park entry taxes in Tanzania with visit to Olduvai Museum
- Boat in Kibuye Bay
- Charter flights from Entebbe to Seronera in the Serengeti and from Manyara to Zanzibar
- Hot air balloon flight in the Serengeti
- Mineral water in vehicles and during walks
- Mandatory Insurance for Emergency Evacuation in Rwanda
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Uganda for a tourist stay. As entry requirements may change, we recommend verifying this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Uganda, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of entry into the country and must contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada must obtain a visa to enter Uganda. This visa can be obtained in two ways:
online, before departure, via the official East African Visa portal or the Uganda online visa (e-Visa),
on arrival, at the border post or Entebbe International Airport (visa on arrival), subject to availability and current conditions.
The standard tourist visa permits a stay of up to 90 days. An extension can be requested from the Ugandan immigration services before the visa expires.
The authorities may also request:
a departure ticket from the country (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
a confirmation of accommodation reservation.
East African Tourist Visa
There is also an East African tourist visa allowing you to visit Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda with a single visa. This multiple-entry visa is valid for 90 days and can be particularly advantageous for travelers wishing to explore several countries in the region.
This visa must be requested online before departure and entry into the designated zone must be made through one of the designated entry points.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate
Presentation of an international yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow booklet) is mandatory to enter Uganda. This certificate must be obtained at least 10 days before entry into the country and is valid for life.
Without this document, the Ugandan authorities may refuse entry into the country or impose vaccination on arrival.
Health
In addition to yellow fever, several health precautions are recommended before traveling to Uganda:
malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended, as malaria is present throughout the country,
updating routine vaccinations (tetanus, diphtheria, poliomyelitis, hepatitis A and B, typhoid) is advised,
it is recommended to consult a doctor or international vaccination center at least four to six weeks before departure.
Traveling with Children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay and a valid visa.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the country may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other Nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Uganda in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have evacuation assistance and medical expense coverage abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partners CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one of these.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claim procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claim notification procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
An e-visa is required and must be applied for online before departure. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory. Processing takes 72 hours. Before booking, check with the consular authorities of your destination for specific conditions applicable to your nationality.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailored trip, budget between €200 and €350 per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers, permits and activities. International flights (€800-1,200 return) are additional. The gorilla permit at Bwindi (USD 800) is the major expense.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to match travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, your budget and your dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and depart with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST guarantee (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Southwest Highlands
English-speaking advisor in the heart of Lake District Africa, based in Entebbe
Uganda often surprises travelers. You come for the big wildlife, then you leave remembering mostly the landscapes, the smiles, and the energy of the country.
— Charles
