The Best 10-Day East Africa Safari Plan

Few adventures on Earth can match the thrill, beauty, and wonder of an East African safari. It’s a journey through some of the most spectacular landscapes on the planet — from golden savannas teeming with wildlife to mist-shrouded mountains and tranquil crater lakes. In just 10 days, you can witness the drama of the Great Migration, track endangered mountain gorillas, meet local tribes, and unwind on the shores of Africa’s Great Lakes or the Indian Ocean.

For travelers seeking a balance of adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery, a 10-day safari across East Africa offers the perfect introduction to the region’s diversity. Whether you’re exploring Kenya’s Maasai Mara, Tanzania’s Serengeti, Uganda’s rainforests, or Rwanda’s volcanic peaks, this itinerary blends the best of East Africa’s landscapes and wildlife into one unforgettable journey.

Here’s your ultimate 10-day East Africa safari plan — carefully designed to capture the spirit, soul, and rhythm of Africa.

Why Choose a 10-Day East Africa Safari?

A 10-day itinerary strikes the perfect balance: long enough to experience multiple destinations, but compact enough for travelers with limited time. It’s an ideal duration for exploring two or three countries while keeping travel smooth and enjoyable.

This plan focuses on Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, offering a mix of classic savanna safaris, gorilla trekking, and cultural immersion. It can easily be adjusted for Rwanda or extended with a Zanzibar beach escape.

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi, Kenya – The Gateway to the Wild

Your East African adventure begins in Nairobi, Kenya’s vibrant capital and one of Africa’s most exciting cities. After arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you’ll be greeted by the warmth of Kenyan hospitality and the distant call of the wild.

Spend your first day settling in and exploring the city’s unique mix of modern energy and natural charm. Visit:

• Nairobi National Park, the only national park in the world located within a capital city, home to rhinos, lions, and giraffes against a city skyline.

• David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where orphaned baby elephants are cared for before being reintroduced to the wild.

• Giraffe Centre, where you can feed endangered Rothschild giraffes.

Enjoy your first African sunset at the Carnivore Restaurant or your hotel terrace before resting for the adventure ahead.

Overnight: Hemingways Nairobi or Giraffe Manor

Day 2–3: Masai Mara National Reserve – The Great Migration Plains

After breakfast, fly or drive southwest to the Masai Mara, Kenya’s most famous wildlife reserve. The Mara is part of the greater Serengeti ecosystem, making it one of the best places in the world for Big Five sightings — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino — as well as cheetahs, zebras, and wildebeests.

Between July and October, the Mara becomes the stage for the Great Wildebeest Migration, when millions of animals cross the Mara River in a breathtaking struggle for survival.

Spend two days exploring the park on game drives at dawn and dusk, when the light is golden and the animals are most active. Optional activities include:

• A hot-air balloon safari at sunrise — floating above herds of wildebeests and elephants.

• A cultural visit to a Maasai village, where you’ll learn about their traditions, dances, and way of life.

Every evening, return to your lodge for sundowners overlooking the plains, where the horizon glows orange and purple.

Overnight: Angama Mara, Mahali Mzuri, or Mara Serena Safari Lodge

Day 4: Cross into Tanzania – Serengeti National Park

After a morning drive or flight, cross the border into Tanzania, where the endless plains of the Serengeti National Park await. The journey from the Mara to the Serengeti can be done via the Isebania border, with a scenic drive through rolling hills and Maasai settlements.

The Serengeti, meaning “endless plains” in the Maasai language, is one of the most iconic safari destinations in the world. It’s home to Africa’s largest concentration of wildlife, including over 3,000 lions, 1,000 leopards, and countless elephants, wildebeests, and zebras.

Depending on the season, your lodge will be strategically located to follow the migration herds:

• Southern Serengeti (Ndutu): Calving season (December–March).

• Central Serengeti (Seronera): Year-round wildlife viewing.

• Northern Serengeti (Kogatende): River crossings (July–October).

Enjoy an evening under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of the wilderness — hyenas whooping in the distance, lions roaring softly beyond the acacias.

Overnight: Four Seasons Safari Lodge, Singita Sabora, or Lemala Ewanjan Camp

Day 5–6: Serengeti National Park – The Ultimate Safari Experience

Spend the next two days exploring the Serengeti’s vast landscapes. Early morning and late afternoon game drives reveal Africa’s full drama — predators stalking prey, elephants grazing in family herds, and giraffes silhouetted against a blazing sunset.

Your guide will share insights about animal behavior, the ecosystem, and the region’s fascinating history. If you’re lucky, you might witness a river crossing or a cheetah sprinting across the open plains.

Between drives, relax at your camp, enjoy a bush breakfast, or sip cocktails by the campfire as the Milky Way lights up the night sky.

Overnight: Singita Faru Faru or Dunia Camp

Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater – Africa’s Natural Wonder

After breakfast, take a scenic drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most breathtaking natural wonders.

The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera — a lush, enclosed ecosystem home to over 25,000 animals, including lions, elephants, hippos, zebras, and the rare black rhino.

Descend into the crater floor for a game drive unlike any other. The landscapes change dramatically — from open grasslands to acacia forests and shallow lakes dotted with flamingos. It’s often said that the Ngorongoro is the best place in Africa to see all of the Big Five in a single day.

End the day at a luxury lodge on the crater rim, where panoramic views stretch across the entire caldera.

Overnight: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge or The Highlands Ngorongoro

Day 8: Flight to Uganda – The Land of Gorillas and Green Hills

After your Tanzanian adventure, fly from Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport to Entebbe, Uganda. The landscape changes dramatically — from golden plains to lush green hills and crater lakes.

Depending on your arrival time, you can visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or take a sunset cruise on Lake Victoria, the largest freshwater lake in Africa.

Uganda, known as the Pearl of Africa, is famous for its warm people, rich wildlife, and unforgettable primate experiences.

Overnight: Hotel No.5 or Lake Victoria Serena Resort

Day 9: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Gorilla Trekking

Fly to Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip in southwestern Uganda, then drive through rolling hills and tea plantations to reach Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

The following morning, embark on your gorilla trekking adventure — one of the most emotional and transformative wildlife experiences imaginable.

Guided by rangers, hike through misty forests until you encounter a gorilla family in their natural habitat. Watch as they feed, groom, and play — a silverback’s sheer strength balanced by tenderness as he guards his young.

The trek can last from one to five hours, but every step is worth it. The moment you meet the gorillas, everything else fades away — it’s just you and these gentle giants, connected by the unspoken language of nature.

After your trek, return to your lodge to unwind with a massage or enjoy views of the rainforest as you reflect on the experience.

Overnight: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, or Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

Day 10: Return to Entebbe – Reflection and Farewell

After breakfast, take a short flight back to Entebbe for your onward journey. Depending on your schedule, you may visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, shop for local crafts, or simply relax before your flight home.

As you watch the sun set over Lake Victoria, you’ll carry with you a collection of moments — the thrill of lions hunting in the Mara, the serenity of the Serengeti, the awe of Ngorongoro, and the gentle gaze of a gorilla in the mist.

Your 10-day East Africa safari may end here, but its spirit will stay with you forever.

Alternative Extension: Zanzibar or Rwanda

If you have extra days, extend your safari with a relaxing escape to Zanzibar’s beaches or a second primate encounter in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

• Zanzibar Extension (3–4 Days): White sand beaches, spice tours, and romantic sunsets by the Indian Ocean.

• Rwanda Extension (2–3 Days): Visit Kigali and track gorillas or golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park.

Best Time to Go

• June to October: Dry season and best for wildlife safaris in Kenya and Tanzania.

• December to February: Ideal for gorilla trekking in Uganda and calving season in the Serengeti.

• March to May: Green season with lush landscapes, fewer tourists, and great photography opportunities.

What to Pack

• Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing

• Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots

• Camera with zoom lens and binoculars

• Sunscreen, insect repellent, and hat

• A sense of adventure and curiosity

Experience the Ultimate 10-Day Safari with Moreen Tours & Travel

Planning a multi-country safari across East Africa can be complex — but with Moreen Tours & Travel, it becomes effortless and unforgettable. As specialists in East African safaris, Moreen Tours & Travel crafts seamless journeys that connect Kenya’s wildlife-rich plains, Tanzania’s iconic parks, and Uganda’s mystical rainforests.

From luxurious lodges and scenic flights to professional guides and personalized service, every detail is designed to give you the best of East Africa — safely, comfortably, and authentically.

Whether it’s your first safari or your tenth, Moreen Tours & Travel ensures that your 10-day adventure feels timeless — a journey that captures Africa’s rhythm, beauty, and wild heart.

When you travel with Moreen Tours & Travel, you don’t just see East Africa — you experience it, feel it, and carry it with you long after you return home.