This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through that link, I will make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your continued support!

If you’ve ever dreamed of a once-in-a-lifetime African safari, this is the itinerary to inspire it all. Our 13-day babymoon adventure took us across Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania with unforgettable moments like trekking with mountain gorillas, watching lions feast in the Serengeti, and waking up to breakfast with giraffes at the iconic Giraffe Manor. It was the trip that turned our travel dreams into reality during one of the most emotionally intense seasons of our lives.

Why We Chose East Africa for Our Babymoon

Africa has always held a special place in my heart. As a child, I dreamed of seeing the animals I loved in the wild, roaming freely across vast savannahs. In 2016, we made our first trip to the continent, an epic safari in Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa that sparked our deep love for Africa and wildlife travel.

Fast forward to 2021. While waiting to meet our daughter through adoption in South Africa plus newly pregnant with a surprise baby, we decided to return to the continent for a very different kind of trip. One that would bring us closer to our daughters’ birthplace and help us reconnect with joy and adventure in the midst of uncertainty. The result? A life-changing babymoon across three East African countries, with a custom itinerary created by our longtime friend and safari expert, Allen from Bush Bound Africa Safaris.

13-Day East Africa Babymoon Itinerary: Uganda, Kenya & Tanzania

This adventure-packed two-week trip included everything from gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking in Uganda, to Big Five safaris in Kenya and Tanzania, and finally relaxing beach time in Zanzibar. Here’s the day-by-day breakdown:

Day 1: Arrive in Uganda – Transfer to Kibale National Park

Arrival in Entebbe
Meet our private guide and transfer to Kibale National Park
Afternoon community walk through Bigodi Wetlands, spotting monkeys and exotic birds
Visit to a local traditional healer and taste homemade banana beer

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking & Transfer to Bwindi

Morning chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale
Scenic transfer through Queen Elizabeth National Park (and our first leopard sighting!)
Overnight near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Early morning gorilla trek with the Oruzogo family (not pregnancy-friendly, but worth every step!)
Afternoon drive to Lake Bunyonyi, a peaceful sunset dinner on the water

Day 4: Return to Entebbe

Leisurely morning at the lake
Full-day scenic drive back to Entebbe for an overnight stay

Day 5: Fly to Kenya – Giraffe Manor

Flight to Nairobi, Kenya
Check-in at the world-famous Giraffe Manor
Visit to the Giraffe Centre and afternoon tea with giraffes on the lawn

Day 6: Transfer to Maasai Mara Safari Lodge

Magical breakfast with giraffes
Drive to the Maasai Mara for afternoon game drive with our new Kenyan safari guide

Day 7: Full-Day Game Drive in Maasai Mara

Full-day safari with a mission: find the elusive rhino to complete our Big Five sightings (mission accomplished!)

Day 8: Cross the Border into Tanzania

Long drive and border crossing from Kenya to Tanzania (note: park border between Masai Mara and Serengeti is closed, requiring a detour)
Arrival and check-in at our glamping safari camp in the Serengeti

Day 9: Serengeti National Park Safari

Full-day safari in Serengeti National Park
Witnessed a lion kill and a pride feasting on a zebra, an intense, raw glimpse of nature

Day 10: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive

Early drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Game drive inside the massive Ngorongoro Crater, a wildlife-rich caldera

Day 11: Lake Manyara & Flight to Zanzibar

Early game drive in Lake Manyara National Park
Flight to Zanzibar
Sunset cruise to Prison Island and walking tour of Stone Town

Day 12: Zanzibar Island Adventure

Lunch at the iconic The Rock Restaurant
Free time to explore Stone Town
Private sunset dhow cruise with snorkeling

Day 13: Departure Day

Enjoy one last breakfast on the beach
Transfer to Zanzibar airport for our return journey home

Why East Africa is the Ultimate Babymoon Destination

If you’re looking for a bucket list worthy babymoon, East Africa offers everything: jaw-dropping wildlife encounters, diverse landscapes, romantic lodges, and the kind of life-affirming adventure you’ll remember forever. From trekking with gorillas in Uganda to safari drives in the Serengeti and Maasai Mara, and finally relaxing by the Indian Ocean in Zanzibar, every part of this itinerary felt like a dream.

Despite being pregnant (and dealing with all the symptoms that come with first-trimester nausea), the magic of Africa carried me through. This wasn’t just a babymoon, it was a chance to reconnect with our hearts and spirits during a season filled with waiting, uncertainty, and hope.

Ready to Plan Your Own African Safari Babymoon or Honeymoon?

Planning a trip to Africa can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! As a travel advisor who has lived through and loved every step of this journey, I’d be honored to help you plan your own safari.

Whether it’s a romantic babymoon, an adventure-filled honeymoon, or your first family safari, I’ll create a custom itinerary tailored to your dreams. Let's make it happen. Reach out today!

The Ultimate 13-Day Babymoon Safari in East Africa: Uganda, Kenya & Tanzania