The Best Multi-Country Safari: Linking Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda

Dreaming of an East African safari that spans multiple countries? Discover how to combine Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda into one unforgettable adventure — including gorilla trekking, the Great Migration, and more.

Why Choose a Multi-Country Safari in East Africa?

East Africa is one of the best regions in the world for a multi-country safari experience. Each country offers something unique: Tanzania is home to the Great Migration and the Serengeti, Kenya boasts iconic reserves like Maasai Mara, and Uganda offers rare mountain gorilla trekking.

Combining these countries gives you the ultimate African adventure — blending wildlife, landscapes, cultures, and bucket-list moments.

What Makes Each Country Unique?

TZ Tanzania: The Heart of Safari

  • Serengeti National Park for the Great Migration.
  • Ngorongoro Crater for year-round Big Five sightings.
  • Zanzibar for a relaxing beach finish.

Best For: Classic big-game safaris, luxury lodges, dramatic landscapes.

KE Kenya: The Birthplace of Safari

  • Maasai Mara Reserve, especially during the migration crossing (July–October).
  • Amboseli National Park for views of Mount Kilimanjaro and elephants.
  • Vibrant culture and well-developed safari infrastructure.

Best For: Cultural experiences, photography, family-friendly safaris.

UG Uganda: The Primate Capital of Africa

  • Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for gorilla trekking.
  • Queen Elizabeth National Park for tree-climbing lions and boat safaris.
  • Kibale Forest for chimpanzee tracking.

Best For: Adventure travelers, primate lovers, and eco-tourism.

Benson Safaris | Baby gorilla in the nature of Uganda during daylight

How to Structure a Multi-Country Itinerary

A 12- to 18-day itinerary is ideal to enjoy all three countries without rushing. Here’s a sample structure:

Sample 14-Day East Africa Safari Itinerary

Days 1–4: Uganda (Gorilla Trekking & Wildlife)

  • Arrive in Entebbe
  • Transfer to Bwindi for gorilla trekking
  • Optional: Visit Lake Bunyonyi or Queen Elizabeth NP for a boat safari

Days 5–9: Kenya (Maasai Mara & Nairobi)

  • Fly to Nairobi
  • Safari in Maasai Mara (witness the Great Migration if timed right)
  • Optional visit to Giraffe Centre or Karen Blixen Museum in Nairobi

Days 10–14: Tanzania (Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater)

  • Fly to Kilimanjaro or direct into Serengeti
  • Game drives in Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater
  • Depart from Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport

Customize based on season, flight availability, and personal interests

How to Travel Between Countries

  • Regional flights are the fastest and easiest way to travel between Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
  • Use trusted carriers like AirKenya, Auric Air, Precision Air, or Ethiopian Airlines for inter-country connections.
  • Some travelers opt for private charters or overland transfers between Kenya and Tanzania (especially from Maasai Mara to Serengeti via Isebania border).

Visa Requirements & Health Tips

  • Consider applying for the East Africa Tourist Visa, which allows travel between Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda (note: Tanzania requires a separate visa).
  • Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory when traveling between these countries.
  • Carry proof of travel insurance and consult your doctor about malaria prevention.

Best Time to Travel

  • June to October: Dry season and Great Migration viewing in Kenya/Tanzania.
  • December to March: Calving season in Southern Serengeti and ideal for gorilla trekking.

Gorilla trekking is available year-round but expect rain in Uganda’s forests.

Types of Experiences to Include

  • Gorilla trekking in Uganda
  • Big Five safaris in Tanzania and Kenya
  • Boat safaris on the Kazinga Channel or Lake Naivasha
  • Walking safaris or cultural village tours
  • Zanzibar beach extension (optional for relaxation)

Final Thoughts: One Safari, Three Destinations

A multi-country safari in East Africa isn’t just a trip — it’s a journey through diverse landscapes, rare wildlife encounters, and rich cultural stories. By linking Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, you open the door to a safari experience that’s as wild and varied as Africa itself.

Want help designing your custom East African safari? We’ll take care of flights, permits, lodges, and all logistics — so you can focus on adventure.

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