Where our other four-country routes start in Uganda and finish in Tanzania, this explorer runs the opposite direction — opening on Tanzania and Kenya’s open plains, moving through Rwanda and Uganda’s primate forests, and closing at Murchison Falls and the source of the Nile for those who want an adventure-activity finale rather than a crater-floor one.
Detailed Itinerary
Arrive Kilimanjaro, Transfer to Ngorongoro
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, then a drive up to the Ngorongoro Crater rim.
Ngorongoro Crater Floor Game Drive
A full day descended onto the crater floor among lion, elephant and black rhino.
As above
Transfer to Serengeti National Park
A drive to the Serengeti’s endless plains.
Full Day Serengeti Game Drives
A full day across the plains for lion, leopard and, seasonally, the Great Migration.
As above
Fly to Maasai Mara, Kenya
A cross-border flight from the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara, with an afternoon game drive.
Full Day Maasai Mara Game Drives
A full day across the Mara’s plains for lion, leopard and, in season, migrating wildebeest herds.
As above
Fly Nairobi to Kigali, Transfer to Kinigi
A flight via Nairobi to Kigali, continuing to Kinigi at the base of the Virunga volcanoes.
Gorilla Trekking, Volcanoes National Park
A full day tracking a habituated mountain gorilla family.
As above
Transfer to Nyungwe Forest
A drive south through Rwanda’s terraced hills to Nyungwe Forest.
Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk, Nyungwe
A morning chimpanzee trek followed by Nyungwe’s suspended canopy walkway.
As above
Cross Border to Bwindi, Uganda
A drive back to Kinigi, crossing the border into Uganda toward Bwindi.
Gorilla Trekking, Bwindi
A second gorilla trek through Bwindi’s forest.
As above
Transfer to Kibale Forest
A drive north to Kibale Forest National Park via Queen Elizabeth’s Ishasha sector.
Chimpanzee Trekking, Kibale, Transfer to Murchison Falls
A morning chimpanzee trek, then a drive north to Murchison Falls National Park.
Game Drive and Nile Boat Cruise, Murchison Falls
A morning game drive followed by a boat cruise to the base of the falls, where the Nile forces through a narrow gorge.
As above
Departure via Jinja
A drive south, with an optional stop in Jinja at the official source of the Nile, before continuing to Entebbe for your onward flight.
Permits & Costs
| Ngorongoro Conservation Area fee | ~$70 per person per day, plus crater descent |
| Serengeti & Maasai Mara park/reserve fees | ~$80–$100 per person per day |
| Rwanda gorilla permit | $1,500 per person |
| Nyungwe chimpanzee permit | $100 per person |
| Uganda gorilla & Kibale chimpanzee permits | $800 / $200 per person |
| Murchison Falls entry & boat cruise | ~$100 per person |
Who This Itinerary Suits
Travellers who want the complete four-country experience but prefer to finish on the adventure and scenery of the Nile rather than a second crater visit.
Tour Includes
- All ground transport in 4×4 safari vehicles
- All regional flight segments
- Nile boat cruise at Murchison Falls
- Professional English-speaking driver-guides in each country
- All accommodation per itinerary
- Meals as specified
- All permits & park entry fees
Tour Excludes
- International flights
- Optional white-water rafting at Jinja
- Visas
- Tips & gratuities
- Travel insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we add white-water rafting at Jinja?
Yes — Jinja is East Africa’s adventure sports hub, with grade 3–5 rapids on the Nile; we can extend Day 16 or add an extra night to fit it in.
Why does this route run the opposite direction to your other grand safaris?
It’s designed for travellers who’d rather build up to the primate-trekking days gradually and finish on the drama of the falls and the Nile, rather than opening with gorillas.
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.