This trail is built entirely from parks that see a fraction of the visitor numbers of the Maasai Mara or Serengeti — Queen Elizabeth and Kibale in Uganda, Akagera in Rwanda, and Ruaha in Tanzania — for travellers who value solitude and genuine wilderness over famous names.
Detailed Itinerary
Arrive Entebbe, Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Arrival at Entebbe, then a drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise and Ishasha Game Drive
A boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, then a drive to the Ishasha sector for its famous tree-climbing lions.
As above
Transfer to Kibale Forest
A drive north to Kibale Forest National Park.
Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Walk
A morning chimpanzee trek, followed by a community-run walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.
As above
Fly to Kigali, Transfer to Akagera
A transfer to Entebbe, flying to Kigali, then continuing east to Akagera National Park.
Full Day Akagera Game Drives
A full day across Akagera’s lake-studded savanna, seeing some of the lowest visitor traffic of any park on this route.
As above
Boat Safari, Lake Ihema
A morning boat safari on Lake Ihema for hippo, crocodile and waterbirds, with an afternoon game drive.
As above
Fly to Dar es Salaam, Transfer to Ruaha, Tanzania
A transfer to Kigali, flying via Dar es Salaam to Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest park and one of its least visited.
Full Day Ruaha Game Drives
A full day across Ruaha’s rugged baobab-studded terrain, home to one of Tanzania’s largest elephant and lion populations.
As above
Walking Safari, Ruaha
An optional guided walking safari along the Great Ruaha River, one of the few parks on this route where walking is permitted.
As above
Second Ruaha Game Drive Day
A further day exploring different sectors of the park.
As above
Departure
A flight to Dar es Salaam for your onward international connection.
Permits & Costs
| Queen Elizabeth NP entry & boat cruise | ~$70 per person |
| Kibale chimpanzee permit | $200 per person |
| Akagera park entry & boat safari | ~$120 per person per day |
| Ruaha park entry | ~$50 per person per day |
Who This Itinerary Suits
Repeat safari travellers who’ve done the famous parks and now want genuine solitude — days where you may not see another vehicle.
Tour Includes
- All ground transport in 4×4 safari vehicles
- Kazinga Channel & Lake Ihema boat safaris
- Regional flight segments
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Will we genuinely see fewer other vehicles on this route?
Yes — Akagera and Ruaha in particular see a fraction of the traffic of the Mara or Serengeti, largely due to their less convenient access, which is exactly what keeps them quiet.
Is game density lower in these quieter parks?
Not necessarily — Ruaha has one of Tanzania’s largest elephant and lion populations; it’s visitor numbers that are lower, not wildlife 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.