11-Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking + Tanzania Wildlife Safari

11Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking, visit two amazing countries in East Africa with different climatic zones. Start in Uganda by visiting Bwindi one of the strong hold of the gorilla in the region and have the only chance to come face to face with the Silverback in their natural habitat and wildlife like  Elephants, duikers, buffaloes, golden cats, bush pigs, giant forest hogs, black-fronted Duiker, yellow-backed duiker, clawless otter, side-striped jackal, civet, numerous bats and rodents among others. Also visit Tanzania for some amazing wildlife like zebras, giraffes, elephants, wildebeest,buffaloes,hippos,antelopes and gazelles, lions, cheetahs , leopards among others and has  areas with awesome game viewing. Tarangire witness some great sighting of elephants, followed by Lake Manyara with its overwhelming bird spices, Serengeti, Ngorongoro great sighting of the big five.

Highlight itinerary

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are two remarkable protected areas located in southwestern Uganda. These parks are renowned for their populations of critically endangered mountain gorillas, making them prime destinations for gorilla trekking and wildlife enthusiasts. Here’s an overview of each park:

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:

• Mountain Gorillas: Bwindi is perhaps most famous for its population of mountain gorillas. It’s estimated that almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas inhabit this park. Gorilla trekking is a major activity, allowing visitors to embark on guided treks to observe and interact with these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
• Biodiversity: Bwindi is not only home to mountain gorillas but also boasts a high level of biodiversity. The park’s dense montane rainforest harbors numerous other primate species, including chimpanzees, as well as various bird species, butterflies, and unique plant life.
• Cultural Experiences: The park is situated in an area inhabited by the Batwa people, one of the indigenous communities in Uganda. Cultural tourism programs allow visitors to learn about the traditional lifestyle, practices, and history of the Batwa people.
• Gorilla Conservation: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park plays a crucial role in the conservation of mountain gorillas. Efforts are made to protect their habitat and ensure their survival, and tourism revenue contributes to these conservation initiatives.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park:

• Gorillas and Volcanoes: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a smaller park but equally important for gorilla conservation. It’s part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, which spans Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park is home to a single habituated gorilla group, and gorilla trekking here offers the unique opportunity to hike in the Virunga Mountains.
• Golden Monkeys: In addition to mountain gorillas, Mgahinga is known for its population of golden monkeys. Visitors can participate in golden monkey tracking, observing these colorful and playful primates in their natural habitat.
• Volcanic Landscapes: The park is characterized by its stunning volcanic landscapes. It is situated within the Virunga Mountains, which are part of the East African Rift system. The park features three extinct volcanoes: Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo. Hiking these volcanoes is a popular activity, offering both natural beauty and panoramic views.
• Cultural Experiences: Similar to Bwindi, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in an area with indigenous communities, including the Batwa people. Visitors can engage in cultural encounters and learn about the Batwa’s traditional way of life.

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is another captivating wildlife conservation area in Tanzania, known for its unique landscapes, diverse wildlife, and impressive baobab trees. Situated in the northern part of the country, it’s a popular destination for safari enthusiasts and offers a different experience compared to other parks in the region. Here’s some key information about Tarangire National Park:

• Landscape and Baobab Trees:
• Tarangire is characterized by its diverse landscapes, which include open grasslands, acacia woodlands, swamps, and the iconic baobab trees. These massive trees create striking silhouettes against the horizon and provide shade for wildlife.
• Wildlife:
• While Tarangire may not have the same volume of large predators as some other parks, it is known for its high density of elephants. During the dry season (June to October), large herds of elephants gather around the Tarangire River, making it a great place to see these majestic creatures up close. Other animals commonly seen in the park include giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, impalas, buffaloes, and various antelope species.
• Birdlife:
• Tarangire National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 550 bird species recorded. You can spot various birds of prey, vibrant bee-eaters, and other avian species in different habitats throughout the park.
• Lesser-Known Wildlife:
• While predators like lions and leopards are present, Tarangire is also home to less common species like fringe-eared oryx and greater kudu. These unique animals add to the park’s biodiversity.
• Tarangire River:
• The Tarangire River is a lifeline for the park’s wildlife, especially during the dry season when water sources are scarce. Animals congregate around the river to drink and cool off, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing.
• Scenic Views:
• The landscapes in Tarangire National Park are picturesque, with rolling hills, expansive grasslands, and the distinct baobab trees creating a backdrop for memorable safari experiences.

Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is a compact yet ecologically diverse national park located in northern Tanzania. It’s a relatively small park but offers a wide range of landscapes, wildlife, and birdlife. Here’s an overview of what you can expect to experience in Lake Manyara National Park:

• Lake Manyara:
• The park is named after Lake Manyara, a shallow soda lake that stretches along its eastern border. The lake is known for its vibrant pink flamingos, which flock to its shores in large numbers. The lake’s alkaline waters support a variety of bird species and provide a scenic backdrop for wildlife viewing.
• Wildlife:
• Despite its size, Lake Manyara National Park is home to diverse wildlife. The park is known for its tree-climbing lions, which are a unique sight as they lounge in acacia trees. Other animals that can be spotted in the park include elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, hippos, impalas, and various monkey species.
• Birdlife:
• Lake Manyara is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 400 bird species recorded. Along with the flamingos, you can see pelicans, storks, herons, and a wide range of other waterbirds. The park’s varied habitats also attract numerous other bird species, including raptors, forest birds, and more.
• Ecological Diversity:
• The park’s landscapes range from open savannah to acacia woodlands and groundwater forests. The diversity of habitats supports a variety of animal species, making it possible to encounter different wildlife as you explore the park.
• Hot Springs:
• Lake Manyara National Park is also known for its hot springs, which are found in a section of the park known as Maji Moto. These springs are a result of the volcanic activity in the region.

The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania

One of the most famous and iconic wildlife conservation areas in the world. It is known for its vast savannah landscapes, diverse wildlife, and the annual Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores move in search of water and greener pastures. Here’s a glimpse of the incredible wildlife you can encounter in the Serengeti:

Big Five:

The Serengeti is home to all members of the “Big Five” — lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinoceros. These animals are some of the most sought-after sightings on safari, and the Serengeti provides excellent opportunities to see them in their natural habitat.

Great Migration:

The Great Migration is one of the most spectacular wildlife events on Earth. Each year, over a million wildebeest, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and other ungulates, make a circular journey between the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya in search of food and water. The migration is a dramatic display of nature’s cycles and survival instincts.

The Ngorongoro Crater

A natural wonder and one of the most iconic and unique features of the African continent. It is located in northern Tanzania, within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Ngorongoro Crater is often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”. Due to its stunning beauty and incredible biodiversity. Here’s some key information about the Ngorongoro Crater:

• Geological Formation:
• The Ngorongoro Crater is actually a large volcanic caldera, formed millions of years ago. By the collapse of a massive volcano. The caldera floor covers an area of about 260 square kilometers (100 square miles), and its walls rise steeply to heights of up to 600 meters (2,000 feet).
• Wildlife:
• The Ngorongoro Crater is a natural haven for wildlife. Often referred to as a “natural zoo.” The diverse ecosystems within the crater support a wide range of animals. Including lions, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, leopards, cheetahs, hippos, and various antelope species. The concentration of animals in the relatively small area of the crater. Makes it a prime location for wildlife viewing and photography.
• Big Five:
• The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the few places in Africa. Where you can find all members of the “Big Five” (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros) within a relatively small area.

Detailed itinerary

Day 1; Arrive Entebbe

Upon arrival at Entebbe Airport our representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Entebbe. You will check on your hotel, refresh and then our guide will meet you for briefing about your safari. Retire for dinner and overnight will be at 2Friends Hotel.

Main destination: Entebbe (City, Uganda)

Accommodation option:

2 Friends Beach Hotel is a Mid-range hotel located in or near Entebbe

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Day 2; Entebbe – Bwindi Forest

Early departure to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park located in Southwestern Uganda with a stopover at the equator for some informative talk, photography and some experiments before proceeding to Mbarara town arriving in time for Lunch. Drive through the rolling green hills of Banana and Tea plantations arriving in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the evening. While, dinner and overnight will be at Chameleon Hill Lodge.

Main destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)

 Accommodation option:

Chameleon Hill Lodge is a Mid-range lodge located in or near Lake Mutanda

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 3; Gorilla Trekking – Bwindi Impenetrable

After an early breakfast and a briefing by a ranger guide, penetrate the impenetrable Bwindi Forest for your adventure. The beauty of this rain forest is spectacular. The area offers dramatic steeply forested landscape and is incredibly dense, but crisscrossed by numerous animal trails allowing access to tourists.

The time taken and the terrain vary with the movements of these great primates. The thrill of spending time observing these gentle and endangered giants is an awesome, exciting experience to be long savored. Many find it to be a rare and moving opportunity. A unique and unforgettable experience! Lastly, dinner and overnight will be at Chameleon Hill Lodge (B-L-D).

Main destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)

Accommodation option:

Chameleon Hill Lodge is a Mid-range lodge located in or near Lake Mutanda

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 4; Golden Monkey Tracking

With packed lunch, our guide will pick you from the lodge and drive you to Mgahinga briefing point. You will rally behind your ranger from briefing and later hike over the volcanic terrain in search for golden monkeys. Enjoy the most amazing views as the park stands at three volcanoes of Muhavura, Sabinyo and Gahinga. Wind off the evening with the Batwa Trail, a firsthand introduction to one of the original people & the most unique cultures worldwide.

The Batwa pygmies are a forest people displaced from the rainforest they shared with mountain gorillas. This experience will give you the opportunity to learn more about their age old culture while you enjoy a hike with the Batwa guides, see how they lived and hunted, hear ancient legends and learn about medical plants. The revenue generated from these activities directly benefits the Batwa to strengthen their community. While, dinner and overnight will be at Chameleon Hill Lodge (B-L-D).

Main destination: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Gorillas)

Accommodation option:

 Chameleon Hill Lodge is a Mid-range lodge located in or near Lake Mutanda

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 5; Bwindi – Entebbe

Eventually, enriched with an experience of a lifetime and unforgettable memories you will say goodbye to the Land of Mountain gorillas. Meanwhile, our guide will drive you to the airstrip and take your flight back to Entebbe arriving in the afternoon, and connect your flight to Kilimanjaro. Lastly on arrival, your guide will be there to welcome you and followed by a transfer to Arusha Villa.

Main destination : Entebbe (City, Uganda)

Accommodation option:

 Arusha Villa is a Luxury lodge located in or near Arusha

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Day 6; Arusha – Tarangire National Park

In the morning you will be picked from your hotel and dive to Tarangire National Park for game viewing the Giant baobab trees, bush savannah and the seasonal marshes add to the wonder of this nature reserve. However, the Tarangire National Park is considered as one of the best places to view elephants up close, not only because there are thousands of animals but also because they are not disturbed by the presence of vehicles. Finally, the park is also home to buffaloes, zebras and wildebeests which are always closely followed by a range of predators such as lions, Leopard, and cheetah late evening drive to tour camp for dinner and overnight.

Main Destination: Tarangire National Park (Tanzania

Accommodation option:

 Tarangire Tortilis Camp is a Mid-range tented camp located inside Tarangire NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 7; Tarangire – Lake Manyara National Park

Afterward your breakfast onward to Lake Manyara the park is known for its over 400 bird species, primate-filled forests and grassy plains. However, a large area of the park is covered by the alkaline Lake,11Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking the seasonal breeding grounds for large colonies of water birds, the forest around the gate is a good nesting area for pelicans, herons and marabou stock, The park is also home to giraffes, hippos, wildebeests, impalas and groups of noisy monkeys and baboons. Afternoon drive to Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge.

Main destination: Lake Manyara National Park (Tanzania

 Accommodation option:

Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge is a Luxury lodge located just outside Lake Manyara NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)

Day8; Manyara – Serengeti National Park 11Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking

Afterward your breakfast, you will travel via the cooler highlands towards the southern Serengeti and at mid-day you will reach the plains of the Serengeti plains. However, this park is the oldest and famous in Tanzania and has a diversity of habitats and landscapes – short grass plains, savannah, thick bush, swamps and lakes. Meanwhile, Bizarre rock formations called kopjes dot the grassy landscape where predators are often seen. While, the Serengeti is famous for the yearly migration when hundreds of thousands of wildebeests and zebras trek to find fresh grass and water.

Main destination is Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)

Accommodation option:

Serengeti Tortillas Camp is a Mid-range tented camp located inside Serengeti NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 9; Serengeti Full Day

The entire day is dedicated to game viewing in the Serengeti National Park. The areas that you visit will depend upon where the migrating herds are. Predators usually follow closely behind the trekking animals and include lions, leopards (in the acacia trees) and cheetahs. During the short rainy season in November and December the herds move from the hills in the north to the plains in the south.

During the longer rainy season from April to June they return up north. As the migration is completely dependent on the yearly rainfalls, the location of the herds may vary from year to year but your guide will know where to locate the animals and where to see them best. You will spend another night at last night’s camp.

Main destination: Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)

Accommodation option:

Serengeti Tortilis Camp is a Mid-range tented camp located inside Serengeti NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 10; Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater 11Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking

After breakfast, am game drive in Serengeti National Park with picnic lunch, until noon, where you will have again game drive to see the beauty of this great park. Afternoon after lunch game en route to Ngorongoro Crater for dinner while, overnight will be at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge.

Main destination: Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)

Accommodation:

Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge is a Mid-range lodge located on the crater rim of Ngorongoro Crater

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day11; Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha

Rise and shine! After breakfast at daybreak descend down to the crater floor. Meanwhile, the massive collapsed volcano is home to over 25,000 mammals ranging from the “Big Five” – lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard to spotted hyenas, rare golden jackal and some of the more than 350 bird species of the area. Afterward an extensive game drive and a picnic lunch, you will leave the caldera in the afternoon onward to Arusha, drop off at your accommodation or straight to the Airport. Thus, end of Service!

Main destination: Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)

 Accommodation option:

However, there is no accommodation. Thus, end of tour

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

However, the additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.

Meanwhile, you’ll be dropped off at the airport for your flight back home.