How to plan a multi-country safari in East Africa: Your step-by-step roadmap—from visas to vehicles—to craft the ultimate East African safari spanning Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania & Rwanda.
Why East Africa?
East Africa is the epicenter of wildlife wonders: witness the Great Migration thunder across the Serengeti and Maasai Mara, trek alongside mountain gorillas in Uganda’s misty forests, and explore the volcanic landscapes of Rwanda. Each country offers its own magic—yet weaving them together into a single journey transforms a great safari into the trip of a lifetime with Agasaro Safaris.
Introduction: Demystifying Your Multi-Country Safari Plan
Planning a safari across four nations can feel overwhelming. Which visas cover multiple borders? How many days per country deliver real value? What’s the cost breakdown for private vehicles, guided game drives, gorilla permits, and luxury lodges? In this guide, you’ll find a clear, numbered planner—complete with insider anecdotes, budget ranges, downloadable checklists and an FAQ—to ensure your multi-country safari unfolds seamlessly, with no surprises.
All prices USD unless noted
How to plan a multi-country safari in East Africa
1. How Much Does a Multi-Country Safari Cost?
Most operators quote a per-person, per-day rate, which includes accommodation, game drives, park fees, and guiding. Typical ranges:
| Country | Mid-Range ($/pax/night): Est | Luxury ($/pax/night): Est |
| Uganda | 800 – 1,500 | 1,500 – 2,800 |
| Kenya | 600 – 1,200 | 1,200 – 2,500 |
| Tanzania | 650 – 1,300 | 1,300 – 2,400 |
| Rwanda | 700 – 1,400 | 1,400 – 2,600 |
When Mark and Lisa told us they wanted both gorilla trekking and the wildebeest migration in 14 days, we structured 4 nights in Bwindi ($1,600/night) followed by 10 nights split between Maasai Mara and Serengeti ($1,300/night). They said, “Worth every penny for those close-up moments.”
2. Major Cost Components Explained
Breaking down your total lets you tailor splurges and savings:
- Accommodation
- Tented Camps: 600–1,200/night
- Classic Lodges: 800–1,800/night
- Ultra-Luxury Villas: 3,500–10,000+/night
- Visas & Border Fees
- East Africa Tourist Visa (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda): ~$100, multi-entry
- Tanzania E-Visa: ~$50, single country
- Park & Permit Fees
- Uganda Gorilla Permit: $800 per person
- Rwanda Gorilla Permit: $1,500 per person
- Maasai Mara Reserve: $200/day (peak), $100/day (low)
- Ngorongoro Crater Entry: $70.80/day + $250 vehicle descent
- Transfers
- Charter Flights: $400–600 one-way
- Road Transfers (4×4 + guide): $150–300 per leg
- Meals & Extras
- Most lodges include gourmet meals; premium beverages are extra ($30–50/day)
- Hot-air Balloon Rides: $500–600pp
- Guiding & Gratuities
- Guide Tipping: $20–25pp/day
- Lodge Staff: $10–15pp/day
- Conservation Levies
- Eco-levies & community fees: $5–30/night
3. Price Variations by Safari Style
| Safari Type | Typical Range ($/day) | Hidden Costs to Watch For |
| Private Guided | 1,200 – 2,500 | Single-supplement surcharges |
| Small-Group Tours | 800 – 1,500 | Minimum group size penalties |
| Self-Drive | 300 – 600 | Fuel, vehicle insurance, self-drive levies |
| Ultra-Luxury | 3,500 + | Butler service, private chefs, security |
Tip: Self-drive can save on guide fees but incurs insurance and fuel, often narrowing the savings.
4. Seasonal & Planning Factors Affecting Cost
- High Season (Jul–Oct, Dec–Mar): +20–30% nightly rates
- Shoulder/Low (Apr–Jun, Nov): –15–25% discounts; lush scenery, chance of rain
- Booking Horizon:
- Gorilla Permits: Reserve 6–12 months ahead
- Peak-Season Lodges: Book 9–12 months in advance
- Group Size & Supplements: Solo travelers often pay a 25–50% single supplement
5. How to Get the Best Value
- Mix & Match Accommodations
- Splurge on 2–3 big-game nights, mid-range elsewhere.
- Combine Road & Air Transfers
- Road in, charter out (or vice versa) to balance budget and time.
- Choose Conservation-Minded Operators
- Fees support local communities—enhancing both impact and experience.
- Leverage Deals
- Early-bird (–10%) and last-minute flash offers on lodge newsletters.
- All-Inclusive vs. À La Carte
- If planning spa treatments or balloon rides, all-inclusive may be more economical.
6. Example Cost Scenarios
| Itinerary | Duration | Total Cost (pp) | Notes |
| 10-Day Uganda + Kenya Safari | 10 days | $12,500 | 4 nights Bwindi, 6 nights Maasai Mara; mix road & charter |
| 11-Day Ultimate Loop (East Africa Circuit) | 11 days | $18,000 | Uganda → Tanzania → Kenya → Rwanda; private guide |
| 7-Night Self-Drive Tanzania | 7 nights | $4,200 | Vehicle hire, fuel, park fees, mid-range lodges |
Sample Breakdown: 10-Day Uganda + Kenya ($12,500pp)
- Accommodation & Meals: $9,200
- Gorilla Permit: $800
- Transfers & Flights: $1,800
- Guide Tips & Levies: $700
Frequently Asked Questions
What visas do I need for a multi-country safari?
The East Africa Tourist Visa covers Kenya, Uganda & Rwanda. Tanzania requires its own e-visa.
Is gorilla trekking included in safari quotes?
Often itemized separately. Uganda permits are $800, Rwanda’s are $1,500—confirm with your operator.
How far in advance should I book permits and lodges?
Gorilla permits: 6–12 months ahead. Peak-season lodges: 9–12 months in advance.
Are self-drive safaris cheaper?
Base rates are lower, but fuel, insurance and park levies can erode savings.
When are the best months for deals?
April–June and November often see 15–25% lower rates, with the parks lush and uncrowded.
Call to Action
Ready to turn this plan into reality—with crystal-clear costs and expert guidance every step of the way?
Contact Agasaro Safaris today for a bespoke multi-country itinerary tailored to your budget and bucket list:
📞 +256 754 944 397
✉️ bookings@agasarosafaris.com
🌐 agasarosafaris.com
Embark on your dream safari—one seamless adventure across East Africa’s most spectacular landscapes.