Where our standard 21-day Grand Safari runs the busiest, most iconic parks in each country, this odyssey deliberately favours the remoter alternatives — Kidepo Valley instead of Murchison Falls, Akagera instead of a lake stopover, Selous instead of a second northern Tanzania park — and closes with several days on Zanzibar’s beaches rather than a final crater visit.
Detailed Itinerary
Arrive Entebbe, Fly to Kidepo Valley
Arrival at Entebbe, then a scheduled domestic flight to Kidepo Valley National Park in Uganda’s remote north-east.
Full Day Kidepo Valley Game Drives
A full day across Kidepo’s dramatic mountain-backed savanna, one of Africa’s least-visited yet most rewarding parks.
As above
Fly to Kihihi, Transfer to Bwindi
A flight back via Entebbe to Kihihi airstrip, continuing by road to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Gorilla Trekking, Bwindi
A full day tracking a habituated mountain gorilla family through Bwindi’s forest.
As above
Cross Border to Akagera National Park, Rwanda
A drive across the border, continuing east through Rwanda to Akagera National Park.
Full Day Akagera Game Drives
A full day across Akagera’s lake-studded savanna, home to Rwanda’s own Big Five population.
As above
Transfer to Kinigi
A drive west across Rwanda to Kinigi at the base of the Virunga volcanoes.
Gorilla Trekking, Volcanoes National Park
A second gorilla trek on the Rwandan side of the Virungas.
As above
Fly Kigali to Nairobi to Lake Nakuru
A transfer to Kigali, flying via Nairobi, then a road transfer to Lake Nakuru National Park.
Full Day Lake Nakuru Game Drives
A full day among Nakuru’s flamingo-lined shores and healthy black and white rhino populations.
As above
Transfer to Amboseli National Park
A drive south to Amboseli, arriving for an afternoon game drive beneath Kilimanjaro.
Full Day Amboseli Game Drives
A full day among Amboseli’s elephant herds, with Kilimanjaro as a backdrop.
As above
Fly to Tarangire National Park, Tanzania
A flight via Kilimanjaro to Tarangire, known for its dense elephant population and baobabs.
Full Day Tarangire Game Drives
A full day exploring Tarangire’s riverine landscape and baobab-studded plains.
As above
Fly to Selous (Nyerere) Game Reserve
A flight to Selous, Africa’s largest protected game reserve, known for the Rufiji River and boat-based game viewing.
Boat Safari and Game Drive, Selous
A boat safari on the Rufiji River in the morning, with an afternoon game drive, walking safari option, or further boat exploration.
As above
Fly to Zanzibar
A flight to Zanzibar via Dar es Salaam, transferring to your beach resort.
Stone Town Cultural Tour
A guided walking tour of Stone Town’s markets and historic architecture.
As above
Beach Day at Leisure
A free day on Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches, with optional snorkelling or a spice farm tour.
As above
Second Beach Day, Optional Watersports
A further beach day with optional diving, sailing or a sunset dhow cruise.
As above
Departure
Transfer to Zanzibar’s airport for your onward international flight.
Permits & Costs
| Kidepo Valley park entry | ~$40 per person per day |
| Uganda & Rwanda gorilla permits | $800 / $1,500 per person |
| Akagera & Lake Nakuru park entry | ~$100 / $60 per person per day |
| Selous/Nyerere entry, boat safari & concession fees | ~$130 per person per day |
| Domestic & regional flights | Multiple segments, quoted separately |
Who This Itinerary Suits
Well-travelled safari-goers who’ve already done the classic parks and want the less-visited alternative in every country, finishing with genuine beach recovery time.
Tour Includes
- All ground transport in 4×4 safari vehicles
- All domestic and regional flight segments
- Rufiji River boat safari
- Stone Town guided tour
- Professional English-speaking driver-guides in each country
- All accommodation per itinerary
- Meals as specified
- All permits & park entry fees
Tour Excludes
- International flights
- Visas
- Tips & gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Watersports at the coast
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Kidepo Valley compare to Uganda’s more famous parks?
It’s far less visited due to its remote location, but rewards the extra travel with genuine wilderness, dramatic mountain scenery and species like cheetah and ostrich found nowhere else in Uganda.
Why Selous over the Serengeti for this route?
Selous offers boat-based game viewing on the Rufiji River, a completely different perspective from vehicle game drives, and sees a fraction of the Serengeti’s visitor numbers.
Ready to Plan This Trip?
Tell us your dates and we’ll confirm flights and lodges within one business day. Get in touch to start planning.