3 Weeks in East Africa - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Epic Wildlife Adventure in Kenya & Tanzania

Explore Aberdare, Nakuru, Arusha, Tarangire, and Serengeti National Parks on this fast-paced adventure through Kenya and Tanzania. Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, you'll have a chance to spot elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, rhinos, and more during game drives and from the lodges you'll be calling home. Additionally, visiting a traditional Maasai village, spending time at the Shanga & Shanga Foundation, and going on a coffee plantation tour top up your itinerary with cultural insights. 

Welcome to East Africa! Your adventure kicks off in Kenya's bustling capital of Nairobi, where a guided city tour and visits to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and Nairobi Giraffe Centre help you adjust to your new surroundings. Then, spend the following two days in Aberdare National Park, conquering thrilling game drives and lazing at your primely located lodge. Nakuru, another epic Kenyan city, awaits next, but your time here will be spent exploring its outskirts. Embark on a trek across the massive Menengai Crater and venture to Lake Nakuru for a duo of game drives searching for zebras, antelopes, and more.

Your final destination in Kenya is the Masai Mara National Reserve. After a relaxing first evening, you'll take to the skies for a bucket list-worthy hot-air balloon ride, followed by a full-day safari. An overnight back in Nairobi follows next on your itinerary, then you're off to the grassy plains of Tanzania's Arusha National Park for a day of wildlife spotting. From Arusha, continue to Tarangire National Park and check into Karatu Tented Lodge for a two-night stay. Here, when you're not seeking out elephants and exotic birds, you'll enjoy sundowners and dinners under the stars.

Continuing north, you'll soon find yourself in Serengeti National Park, soaring above sprawling plains in a hot-air balloon, embarking on a full-day game drive, and relaxing at the impressive Serena Safari Lodge. Afterward, set your sights on Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where a heritage tour of a traditional Maasai village and another game drive awaits. Then, return to Arusha for an overnight stay before transferring to your final destination, Nairobi. Here, visits to the Karen Blixen Museum and the Kazuri Beads Factory round off your itinerary with a healthy helping of culture. Learn more

Itinerary #2: East Africa Safari Adventures & Gorilla Trecking: Kenya, Tanzania & Uganda

Soar above Kenya's expansive savanna in a hot-air balloon, embark on numerous game drives in Tanzania's Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro regions, and trek in search of the rare mountain gorilla in Uganda on this action-packed adventure. With roughly a week each in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, you'll get to know the similarities and differences of these countries while also enjoying uninterrupted time in nature. 

Straight after arriving in Nairobi, you'll get your first taste of Kenya's wildlife during a visit to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. Then, trade the city for the verdant ravines of Aberdare National Park, where your home, The Ark, provides the perfect place to unwind between a duo of 4WD game drives. Next, pause for an evening safari and an overnight in the flamingo-filled Lake Nakuru National Park before continuing to Masai Mara National Reserve. A leisurely first night here ensures you're well-rested for a sunrise balloon ride, as well as a full-day safari and a visit to a traditional Maasai village. 

Week two of your grand adventure takes you into Tanzania, and while it's a bit of a long transfer, the open plains, rolling hills, and traditional villages you'll be passing make it well worth the journey. Plus, staying overnight in Arusha en route promises to be a memorable part of your trip. Yet, your attention will quickly be shifted back to wildlife, with full-day safaris in Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area on the agenda. In between, unwind at beautiful lodges hand-picked for their privileged amenities amid bush settings. 

The third week of your trip is about Uganda, but before transferring to its capital, Kampala, you'll learn about local culture in Arusha and Nairobi. Then, visits to the Uganda Museum and Kabaka's Palace continue your deep dive into time-tested traditions, while a transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park marks the start of your epic gorilla tracking adventure. Between nights at Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, follow an expert guide through endless to spot these incredible animals in their natural habitat. Lastly, settle in for a drive to Kampala, where your departing flight awaits. Learn more

Itinerary #3: East Africa Wildlife & Culture Tour: Tanzania & Uganda

This wildlife and culture itinerary takes you on a whirlwind tour through the renowned national parks of Tanzania and Uganda, with a few city breaks sprinkled in. Starting in Arusha, you'll experience historical monuments and the lush grassy plains of Arusha National Park. Then, before flying to Uganda, embark on game drives in Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Here, more wildlife excursions await in Murchinson Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks, while time in Kampala and Arusha marks the end of your adventure.

Upon arrival in Arusha, a fascinating visit to the Tanzanite Experiences promises to help shake off any jet lag, while a detour to Arusha National Park gives you a taste of the country's grassy plains. Refreshed, you'll next drop your bags at the lovely Maramboi Tented Lodge in Tarangire National Park. Spend your first afternoon here on a half-day safari, which furthers your anticipation for a sunrise-to-sunset game drive. Afterward, a three-night stay in Serengeti National Park allows you to slow down and take in the vast plains by 4WD, hot-air balloon, and from the comfort of your lodge.

Just when you think you've seen the best of East Africa, you'll find yourself amid the great Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world. Additionally, visit a Maasai village in Ngorongoro before pausing in Arusha for a tour of the Shanga & Shanga Foundation. Next, transfer to Uganda's capital, Kampala, and join an expert guide for a full-day tour featuring the Uganda Museum, Kabaka's Palace, and local eateries. Then, turn your attention back to wildlife during a two-night stay in Murchinson Falls National Park, featuring game drives, a river cruise, and a short but challenging hike.

The final week of your adventure begins in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you'll explore vast savanna and the Kazinga Channel by 4WD and boat. Next, transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, and between leisurely evenings, embark on an incredible trek in search of the rare mountain gorilla. Afterward, settle in for a return journey to Kampala, which gives you a chance to roam the upscale Kololo district before catching a flight to Arusha. Upon arrival, the day is yours to spend as you please, then squeeze in a visit to a local coffee cooperative prior to bidding farewell. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Wild East African Odyssey: Savannas & Beaches in Kenya & Tanzania

Crafted especially for travelers eager to experience the many wonders of Kenya and Tanzania, this three-week adventure whisks you between national parks, traditional villages, historic cities, and Zanzibar beaches. While packed with activities, including game drives, a sunrise hot-air balloon ride, and walking tours, you'll still find plenty of time to relax and unwind at well-equipped bush lodges and during scenic transfers. Enjoy the company and knowledge of expert guides, and experience the crystal clear waters surrounding the Zanzibar archipelago.

Your adventure begins in Nairobi, the perfect place to get your bearings while joining a local-led walking tour and meeting rescued animals at the Giraffe Centre. Then, transfer to Aberdare National Park and witness elephants, black rhinos, and more during game drives and from the comfort of your luxury safari lodge. A two-night stay in Masai Mara lands next on your itinerary, and thanks to a sunrise hot-air balloon ride, a 4WD safari, and a visit to a traditional Maasai village, you'll discover the splendors of unspoiled savanna. Afterward, journey through the Great Rift Valley on your way back to Nairobi.

The next portion of your journey brings you into Tanzania, starting with a quick overnight in Arusha, followed by a two-day stay in Tarangire National Park. Spot giraffes, gazelle, and more during game drives and from your lavish accommodation—Maramboi Tented Lodge. Then, continue to Serengeti National Park, where a leisurely night at the Lahai Tented Lodge ensures you're ready for a sunrise hot-air balloon ride and a full-day 4WD safari. Yet, Ngorongoro Conservation Area still awaits, and during your visit, you'll zip across plains searching for the Big Five animals and mingle with locals in a Maasai village.

After two weeks of safari adventures, the beach is sure to be calling, and soon, you'll board a flight bound for Zanzibar. This pristine archipelago is renowned for its powdery white sand beaches, which you'll have plenty of time to laze on between a tour and cooking class combo and a lovely sunset cruise. Additionally, dedicate a day to snorkeling amid the Indian Ocean's fascinating underwater world before catching a flight back to Arusha. Spend this visit exploring nearby Lake Duluti by canoe, then continue to Nairobi, where an insightful visit to the Karen Blixen Museum marks the end of your adventure. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Ultimate Culture & Wildlife Tour of Rwanda & Uganda

Spotting gorillas and chimpanzees in the wild is a privilege not often experienced, yet on this journey through Rwanda and Uganda, you'll witness them in three different destinations. While you'll need to pack along your trekking shoes and sense of adventure, in return, you'll watch these magnificent primates playing, feeding, and lazing in Nyungwe Forest, Volcanoes, and Kibale National Parks. In between, spend time learning about local culture in Kigali and Kampala, and squeeze in a visit to Jinja to witness the Nile's starting point.

Rwanda's bustling capital of Kigali serves as the starting point for your three-week excursion, and thanks to a full-day history and culture tour, you'll gain an understanding of the country's storied past and long-held traditions. Next, you're off to Nyungwe Forest National Park, where you'll conquer a canopy walk and seek out chimpanzees on foot. More unique wildlife excursions await in the lake-dotted grasslands of Akagera National Park, including a game drive in search of hippos and crocodiles. Then, spend your final days in Rwanda trekking in search of gorillas within Volcanoes National Park.

An overnight in Kigali is next on the agenda, which sets you up for a flight to the Ugandan city of Entebbe and a transfer to Kampala. By now, you may need a break from all the travel, and a full-day city tour in Kampala lets you hand the reins to a guide, who'll introduce you to highlights like the Uganda Museum and the Ndere Cultural Center. Then, it's right back to the nature. Spend two nights each in Murchinson Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park, both excellent destinations to spot wildlife and enjoy the amenities of your luxury lodges. 

Don't pack away your safari clothes yet, as a transfer to Kibale National Park lands next on your itinerary. Here, guide-led treks give you the rare opportunity to spot chimpanzees in their natural habitat, while your accommodation, Kyaninga Lodge, is the perfect spot to enjoy panoramic views. Later, transfer back to Kampala and take an afternoon to explore at your leisure before continuing to Jinja. A quick overnight allows you to witness Lake Victoria turning into the mighty Nile, then return to Kampala and squeeze in one final adventure–a heartwarming visit to the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Learn more

More Great Tanzania Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Tanzania? Check out these other Tanzania itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.