The 12-Day Great Migration & Apes Safari is the ultimate East African adventure, blending the awe-inspiring drama of the Great Migration with the rare and humbling experience of tracking endangered mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in lush rainforests. Witness millions of wildebeest thunder across the savannahs of the Serengeti or Masai Mara, then step into the misty jungles of Uganda or Rwanda for intimate moments with our closest primate relatives. This itinerary offers a perfect balance of wildlife spectacle, natural beauty, and cultural discovery.
12-Day Great Migration & Apes Safari Highlights
Great Migration Game Drives in Serengeti (Tanzania) or Masai Mara (Kenya)
Big Five Encounters: lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos
River Crossings (seasonal) and predator-prey interactions
Hot Air Balloon Safari over the African plains (optional)
Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi or Volcanoes National Park
Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale (Uganda) or Nyungwe (Rwanda)
Bigodi Wetland or Cultural Village Walks
Two iconic ecosystems: Savannah and Rainfores
12-Day Great Migration & Apes Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi or Arusha
Arrive in Arusha (Tanzania), where your journey begins. After airport pickup and hotel check-in, enjoy a short orientation, and depending on your arrival time, You can relax in Spacious lodge. or explore local highlights such as the Cultural Heritage Centre.
Day 2: Fly to Serengeti
Board a light aircraft to the heart of Serengeti National Park, the stage of the Great Migration. Upon arrival, head straight out on your first game drive, scanning the savannah for elephants, giraffes, and prides of lions.
Days 3–5: Tracking the Migration
Spend three full days immersed in one of the world’s most dramatic wildlife spectacles. Depending on the season (July–October in the Mara; December–March in the Serengeti), you may witness:
Wildebeest river crossings—as herds plunge into crocodile-filled waters
Lion and cheetah hunts—fast, fierce, and unforgettable
Massive herds of zebra and gazelles, moving in unison across the plains
Scenic landscapes from open grasslands to acacia-dotted hills
Each day includes early morning and evening game drives, with time to relax at a luxury tented camp or safari lodge. Optional activities include hot air balloon rides, bush breakfasts, and Maasai cultural visits.
Day 6: Final Game Drive – Transfer to Kigali
Enjoy a final sunrise game drive before flying to Kigali, Rwanda to begin the rainforest portion of your journey. After arrival, transfer to your hotel and rest before tomorrow’s scenic transfer to the mountains.
Day 7: Transfer to Gorilla Country
After breakfast, start a the day Kigali Genocide tour and learn about History of Rwanda, then journey to Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda). The parks is home to the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas and Golden Markey. The drive is scenic and rewarding, with views of rolling hills, crater lakes, and rural villages. Settle into your lodge and enjoy a peaceful evening.
Day 8: Golden Markey Trekking and Transfer to Bwindi
This is the day for Golden Monkey Trekking. After a briefing, hike through dense forest, led by trackers who locate a habituated Golden Markey.. The trek may take 2–6 hours depending on the location, but the reward is immense: one full hour in the presence of the Golden Markey. Have Lunch and Cross the border to Uganda, check in the Lodge and relax for Gorilla trekking the next day.
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking – A Life-Changing Encounter
This is the day you’ve been waiting for. After a briefing, hike through dense forest, led by trackers who locate a habituated gorilla family. The trek may take 2–6 hours depending on the group’s location, but the reward is immense: one full hour in the presence of the gorillas. Watch them feed, groom, and interact—often just meters away.
Return to the lodge for refresh, rest, and reflection or Visit the Batwa and experience they Culture
Day 10: Transfer to Chimpanzee Territory
Travel to Kibale Forest National Park in Uganda the best destinations in Africa for chimpanzee tracking. The journey offers stunning scenery through valleys, plantations, and highland forests. Arrive in time for dinner and an overnight stay near the forest.
Day 11: Chimpanzee Trekking in the Rainforest
Start early for your chimpanzee trekking expedition. These intelligent and social animals can be heard from a distance as they hoot and call through the treetops. Once found, spend an hour watching them groom, forage, and swing from vines. The forest itself is teeming with other primates, birds, and butterflies.
In the afternoon, enjoy a visit to the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary or similar eco-project, offering community engagement and excellent birding.
Day 12: Return to Entebbe – Departure
After breakfast, transfer back to the city for your international flight. Depending on your schedule, enjoy a visit to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, or local craft markets before departure.
The 12-Day Great Migration & Apes Safari captures the full spectrum of East Africa’s wild beauty—from the vast plains where lions hunt among wildebeest herds to the shadowy forests where gorillas and chimps live in tight family groups. Few experiences rival this journey for its diversity, depth, and emotional impact. Whether it’s your first time in Africa or your tenth, this safari will leave a lasting impression on your soul.
- Accommodation in mid-range-priced lodges and meals as indicated in itinerary
- 2 gorilla trekking permits, Golden Monkey Permit, chimpanzee trekking permit and Park Entry Fees
- 2 Domestic flights
- All excursions and activities as indicated in the itinerary under the supervision of a professional English-speaking guide.
- Ground transport and transfers in a 4×4 Custom Safari Landcruiser with a profesional driver-guide.
- AMREF Evacuation Insurance cover
- Travel insurance
- International flights
- Visa fees and processing
- Extra activities and meals not indicated in the itinerary
- Extra luggage on domestic flights
- Service tips, gratuities, souvenirs, and snacks
- Accommodation after the end of the trip