How Much Does a 2 Week African Safari Cost: Uganda, Kenya & Rwanda 2026

How Much Does a 2 Week African Safari Cost: A 2-week African safari visiting Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda typically costs $5,000–$15,000+ per person, depending on accommodations, parks visited, and travel style.

This guide breaks down the expenses for a multi-country adventure, including gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, game drives in Kenya’s Masai Mara, and key logistics.

We’ll cover cost scenarios, sample itineraries, best times to visit, and tips to save money. Whether you’re planning a budget trip or a luxury escape, understanding these factors will help you budget effectively for an unforgettable journey through East Africa’s wildlife wonders.

What Determines a 2-Week Safari Cost?

Several variables influence the price of a 2-week safari across Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. Here’s a breakdown of the main drivers:

Country Combination: Combining three countries adds complexity and cost due to permits, transfers, and varying park fees. Uganda offers affordable gorilla trekking, Kenya has iconic Big Five safaris, and Rwanda provides premium gorilla experiences.
Season and Demand: Peak dry seasons (June–October and December–February) increase prices by 20–50% due to higher demand. Shoulder seasons offer savings.
Permits and Park Fees: Non-negotiable costs like gorilla permits ($800 in Uganda, $1,500 in Rwanda) and park entries (e.g., $100–$200/day in Masai Mara) form a big chunk.
Accommodation Level: Budget options start at $50–$130/night, mid-range at $150–$300, and luxury at $450+.
Transportation: Internal flights between countries cost $200–$500 per leg; 4×4 vehicles add $100–$200/day.
Number of Travelers: Solo trips cost more per person; groups of 4+ reduce shared expenses like guides and vehicles.

Factor	Budget Impact	Mid-Range Impact	Luxury Impact
Permits & Fees	$2,500–$3,500	$3,000–$4,000	$3,500+
Accommodation	$700–$1,200	$2,000–$3,000	$5,000+
Transport	$800–$1,200	$1,200–$1,800	$2,000+
Other (Meals, Guides)	$500–$800	$800–$1,200	$1,500+

Cost Breakdown Scenarios

For a 2-week safari combining Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda, expect to visit key sites like Bwindi for gorillas, Masai Mara for wildlife, and Volcanoes National Park. Costs are estimates for 2026, based on foreign non-resident rates, and assume double occupancy. Prices can fluctuate with inflation or policy changes—always verify with operators.

Uganda + Kenya + Rwanda Safari

This classic route balances primate trekking and savanna safaris. Assume one gorilla trek in Uganda, one in Rwanda, chimp trekking in Uganda, and 3–4 days in Masai Mara (high season fees applied for conservatism).

Category	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Accommodation (13 nights)	$700–$1,300	$2,000–$3,000	$4,500+
Uganda Permits (Gorilla $800 + Chimp $250)	$1,050	$1,050	$1,050
Kenya Park Fees & Activities (Masai Mara $200/day x 4)	$800–$1,000	$1,000–$1,400	$1,600+ (incl. balloon)
Rwanda Gorilla Permits ($1,500)	$1,500	$1,500	$1,500
Transport (4×4 & Flights: Entebbe-Nairobi $250, Nairobi-Kigali $200)	$800–$1,200	$1,200–$1,600	$1,800+ (private)
Meals & Guide	$500–$800	$800–$1,200	$1,500+
Total Estimate	$5,350–$7,850	$7,550–$9,750	$12,000–$16,000+

Notes: Excludes international flights ($1,000–$2,000 from US/Europe). Group discounts can shave 10–20%. Peak season adds 20%.

Sample 2-Week Safari Itineraries

Itineraries help visualize your trip and costs. These assume starting in Uganda (Entebbe Airport) for easier logistics.

Option 1: Classic Uganda + Kenya + Rwanda Safari

This mid-range focus emphasizes wildlife and trekking, with a mix of game drives and cultural stops.

Day 1-2: Uganda – Arrival in Entebbe, transfer to Murchison Falls National Park. Boat safari on the Nile, game drives spotting elephants and lions. (Cost: Park fee $45/day, accommodation $150/night.)
Day 3-5: Uganda – Kibale Forest for chimp trekking. Track chimpanzees, birdwatching. Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP for Big Five. (Chimp permit $250, accommodation $200/night.)
Day 6-7: Uganda – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Gorilla trekking, optional community visit. (Gorilla permit $800.)
Day 8: Transfer to Kenya (flight to Nairobi). Rest in Nairobi.
Day 9-11: Kenya – Masai Mara National Reserve. Game drives for wildebeest migration (if July–Oct), Maasai village tour. (Park fee $200/day, hot air balloon optional $500.)
Day 12: Travel to Rwanda (flight to Kigali).
Day 13-14: Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park. Gorilla trekking, optional golden monkey trek ($100). Depart from Kigali. (Gorilla permit $1,500.)

Total estimated cost: $8,000–$10,000 mid-range.

Option 2: Luxury Loop Safari

For upscale travelers, emphasizing exclusive lodges and add-ons.

Day 1-3: Uganda – Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth NP. Luxury lodge stay, private game drives, boat safaris. (Accommodation $500+/night.)
Day 4-6: Uganda – Bwindi. Private gorilla trek, spa treatments. Include chimp habituation ($1,500).
Day 7: Fly to Kenya, Masai Mara. Luxury tented camp, hot air balloon ride ($500), night drives.
Day 8-10: Masai Mara. Exclusive conservancy access, Maasai cultural immersion.
Day 11: Fly to Rwanda, Kigali city tour.
Day 12-14: Volcanoes NP. VIP gorilla trek, helicopter transfer optional ($1,000+), luxury lodge with volcano views.

Total estimated cost: $12,000–$18,000+.

These itineraries target “Big Five” (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhino) in Kenya/Uganda and primates in all three, satisfying adventure seekers.

Country-by-Country Cost Drivers

Uganda

Known for affordable gorilla trekking and diverse parks.

Gorilla permit: $800 (Bwindi or Mgahinga).
Chimp permits: $250 (Kibale), $100 (Kyambura).
Park fees: $40–$50/day.
Accommodation: Lower rates ($100–$300 mid-range) due to emerging tourism.
Other: Safari vehicles $150/day shared; cultural tours $50.

Uganda’s value shines in multi-activity trips.

Kenya

Iconic for Masai Mara and migration.

Park fees: $100 (low season) to $200 (high) per day in Masai Mara.
Activities: Balloon safaris $450–$550.
Accommodation: $200–$600 mid-range; private drives add $200/day.
Other: Maasai visits $30–$50.

Kenya’s costs rise with seasonal demand.

Rwanda

Premium gorilla experiences in a compact country.

Gorilla permit: $1,500 (Volcanoes NP).
Park fees: Included in permits; golden monkey $100.
Accommodation: $300–$800 mid-range, due to high-end focus.
Other: Short distances reduce transport ($100–$200 for transfers); Kigali hotels $150+.

Rwanda emphasizes sustainability, justifying higher fees.

Best Time to Go on a 2-Week Safari

The dry seasons—June to October and December to February—are ideal for safaris, with clear skies, easier wildlife spotting, and better roads.

In Kenya, July–October coincides with the Great Migration in Masai Mara, boosting sightings but prices. Uganda and Rwanda’s gorilla trekking is year-round, but dry months reduce mud.

Pros of Dry Season: Animals congregate at waterholes; lower malaria risk.
Green Season (March–May, November): Lush landscapes, fewer crowds, 20–40% savings, but rain can disrupt drives.
Pricing Variations: Peak adds $1,000–$2,000 to totals; shoulder seasons balance value.

Plan around migration for Kenya, and book permits 6–12 months ahead.

Transportation & Logistics

Efficient travel is key for multi-country safaris.

International Flights: Arrive via Entebbe (Uganda), Nairobi (Kenya), or Kigali (Rwanda). Costs $800–$1,500 round-trip from Europe/US.
Regional Flights: Entebbe–Nairobi $200–$300; Nairobi–Kigali $150–$250. Airlines like RwandAir or Kenya Airways.
Overland Transfers: Bus/taxi Uganda–Kenya $50–$100 (8–12 hours); not recommended for time constraints.
Safari Vehicles: 4×4 with pop-top roof $150–$300/day, essential for rough terrain.
Visas: East Africa Tourist Visa $100 (covers all three for 90 days).

Flying saves time but adds $500–$800; plan routes to minimize backtracking.

What’s Usually Included vs Excluded

Tour packages vary, but clarify to avoid surprises.

Typically Included:

Park entry fees and permits.
Safari vehicle, driver-guide.
Accommodations (full-board often).
Some meals (breakfast/lunch/dinner).
Internal transfers/logistics.

Often Excluded:

International flights.
Travel insurance ($100–$200).
Visas ($50–$100).
Tips ($10–$20/day per guide).
Personal items, alcohol.
Optional activities (balloon $500, habituation $1,500).

Budget an extra 10–15% for extras.

How to Save Money on a 2-Week Safari

Shoulder Season Travel: March–May or November for discounts.
Book Early: Secure permits and flights for lower rates.
Group Bookings: Share costs; 4+ people drop per-person price 15–25%.
Mix Accommodations: Budget in Uganda, mid-range in Kenya/Rwanda.
Self-Drive Options: In Kenya/Uganda, but not for beginners.
Local Operators: Avoid international markups; save 10–20%.

These tips can reduce costs to under $6,000 without sacrificing experiences.

FAQs about a 2 Weeks African Safari

How much does a 14-day safari in Africa cost?

A 2-week safari in Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda ranges from $5,000 (budget) to $15,000+ (luxury) per person, excluding international flights.

Is a 2-week safari worth it?

Absolutely— it allows deep immersion in diverse ecosystems, from gorillas to savannas, offering better value than shorter trips.

Can I combine gorillas with Big Five in one trip?

Yes, this itinerary does: Gorillas in Uganda/Rwanda, Big Five in Kenya’s Masai Mara and Uganda’s parks.

What accommodation levels matter most?

Mid-range offers comfort without excess; prioritize locations near parks to cut transport time.

Do flights count in safari cost?

Internal flights add $400–$800; international are separate but factor into total budgeting.

What’s the best way to book permits?

Through licensed operators like Uganda Wildlife Authority or Rwanda Development Board; book 6–12 months ahead.

How does season affect wildlife viewing?

Dry seasons improve sightings; wet seasons bring birdlife and newborns but muddier trails.

Are there hidden costs?

Tips, insurance, and options like balloons can add $500–$1,000; always review inclusions.

Ready to embark on this adventure? At Gorilla Nests Safaris, we specialize in tailored Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda trips that blend affordability with authentic experiences.

Our expert guides ensure seamless logistics, exclusive access, and sustainable tourism. Book now for 2026 specials—contact us today to customize your dream safari and create memories that last a lifetime!