14-Day Uganda & Tanzania Ultimate Safari; Gorillas&Lions

Arrival in Entebbe – Welcome to Uganda

Day 1Arrival in Entebbe – Welcome to Uganda Arrival in Entebbe – Welcome to Uganda Your journey begins as you land at Entebbe International Airport (EBB). Upon arrival, you will be warmly met by your safari guide and transferred to your accommodation in Entebbe. This initial day is designed for you to settle in and recover from your international flight. After checking into your hotel, you will have time to relax and acclimate to the beautiful lakeside environment. The evening features a welcome dinner, where you'll be briefed on the exciting days ahead in the 'Pearl of Africa.' The accommodation provides comfort and tranquility, setting a relaxed tone for the extraordinary wildlife experiences that await you. This is an essential soft landing before the active safari days commence. Main Destination: Kampala (City, Uganda) Accommodation: Latitude 0° Hotel Luxury hotel in Kampala (City, Uganda) +6 Photos +5 Photos Meals & Drinks: Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included) Drinks not included

Entebbe to Kibale National Park

Day 2Entebbe to Kibale National Park Entebbe to Kibale National Park After an early breakfast, your scenic drive to Kibale National Park, the 'Chimpanzee Capital of the World,' begins. This journey is an adventure in itself, taking you through the heart of Uganda's stunning western region. You will pass by picturesque tea plantations that carpet the rolling hillsides and skirt the edges of several magnificent crater lakes, offering excellent photo opportunities. The landscapes transition from lush cultivation to dense tropical rainforest as you approach Kibale. Upon arrival at Chimpanzee Capital Lodge, you will check in and have the rest of the afternoon at leisure. This time allows you to unwind, soak in the sounds of the rainforest, and prepare for the exhilarating primate trekking scheduled for the following morning. Main Destination: Kibale National Park (Chimps) Best Time To Visit January to February and June to July (Chimp trekking is easiest) High Season June to September (Peak time for Uganda) Best Weather January to February and June to July (Least rain) Wildlife in Kibale NP ChimpanzeeCommon ElephantOccasional BuffaloOccasional LionVery Rare LeopardVery Rare HippoRare Show more GiraffeNone White RhinoNone Black RhinoNone CheetahNone ZebraNone WildebeestNone Accommodation: Chimpanzee Capital Safari Lodge Budget lodge just outside Kibale NP (Chimps, Uganda) +7 Photos +6 Photos Meals & Drinks: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Community Visit

Day 3Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Community Visit Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Community Visit The highlight of your Kibale visit starts this morning with the thrilling chimpanzee trekking experience. Following an early morning briefing by the Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, you will venture into the dense Kibale Forest. The forest is home to 13 primate species, but the search for the habituated chimpanzee communities is the primary goal. Locating the chimps, observing their social interactions, grooming, and feeding habits in their natural habitat is a truly captivating experience. In the afternoon, you will visit the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. This community-run eco-tourism project offers a guided walk through the marshy environment, where you can spot numerous monkey species and a variety of unique birdlife. The visit also supports the local community, making it a sustainable and enriching cultural experience. Main Destination: Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary (Kibale NP, Uganda) Best Time To Go January to February and June to July (Trails are driest) High Season June to September (Peak time for Uganda) Best Weather Accommodation: Chimpanzee Capital Safari Lodge Budget lodge just outside Kibale NP (Chimps, Uganda) Meals & Drinks: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 4Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park After breakfast, you'll journey south to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda's most visited wildlife reserve and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve spanning 1,978 square kilometers. The scenic 3-hour drive transitions from montane forest to open savannah dotted with acacia trees and spectacular views of the Rwenzori Mountains. Upon arrival and check-in at your lodge, you'll enjoy lunch before embarking on an afternoon game drive through the park's diverse ecosystems. The Kasenyi plains and Mweya Peninsula offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, with herds of Uganda kob grazing peacefully, massive elephant families marching to waterholes, and Cape buffalo wallowing in muddy pools. You'll watch for warthogs trotting with tails erect, bushbucks browsing in the shadows, and if fortune favors, predators like lions and leopards. The park's remarkable biodiversity includes over 95 mammal species and 600 bird species. Main Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park (Uganda) Best Time To Visit January to February and June to July (Dry seasons) High Season June to September (Peak time for Uganda) Best Weather June to July and January to February (Less rainfall) Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth NP ChimpanzeeOccasional ElephantCommon LionCommon BuffaloCommon HippoAbundant LeopardOccasional Show more GiraffeNone White RhinoNone Black RhinoNone CheetahNone ZebraNone WildebeestNon

Safari & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Day 5Safari & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise Safari & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise Your day begins with an exhilarating morning game drive across the Kasenyi plains, known as the prime area for predator sightings in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This time of day is crucial for spotting lions, leopards, and hyenas as they return from their nocturnal hunts. The open plains make for excellent visibility, and the stunning views of the Rwenzori Mountains in the distance provide a magnificent backdrop. In the afternoon, you will experience the famous boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake George and Lake Edward. This is a two-hour wildlife viewing spectacle. The channel shores are lined with hundreds of hippos submerged in the water, enormous Nile crocodiles basking in the sun, and a dazzling array of over 600 species of birdlife, including pelicans, fish eagles, and kingfishers. Main Destination: Kazinga Channel (Queen Elizabeth NP, Uganda) Accommodation: Kazinga Wilderness Safari Camp Budget lodge located just outside Queen Elizabeth NP (Uganda) +2 Photos Meals & Drinks: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

Lion Tracking & Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day 6Lion Tracking & Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Lion Tracking & Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park An early start awaits a unique lion tracking experience. This activity, conducted in partnership with researchers, allows you to venture off-road with a UWA ranger to locate radio-collared lions, providing invaluable insights into their behavior and ecology. It's a highly exclusive and educational opportunity. Following the tracking, you will drive south through the Ishasha sector of QENP, renowned for its iconic tree-climbing lions, often seen draped lazily on the branches of fig trees. From Ishasha, you will continue your scenic drive into the misty highlands of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The journey is long but rewarding, as you pass through terraced hillsides leading to the ancient forest. Your accommodation, Gorilla Bluff Lodge, offers stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere to prepare for tomorrow's main event. Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas) Best Time To Visit June to August and December to February (Gorilla trekking is easiest) High Season June to September (Gorilla permits are scarce) Best Weather June to July and December to February (Less rainfall) Wildlife in Bwindi Impenetrable NP GorillaCommon ChimpanzeeRare ElephantRare White RhinoNone Black RhinoNone LionNone Show more GiraffeNone LeopardNone CheetahNone BuffaloNone ZebraNone WildebeestNone HippoNone Accommodation: Gorilla Blu

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day 7Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Today is the pinnacle of the Ugandan leg of your safari: the mountain gorilla trekking experience. After an early breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a briefing on the tracking rules and etiquette. You will then be assigned to a gorilla family and begin your trek with experienced guides and trackers. The trek can range from a few hours to a full day, depending on the gorillas' location, traversing challenging terrain through the dense, humid forest. Finding the gorillas is an emotional and deeply moving moment. You are permitted one awe-inspiring hour to observe them in their natural habitat. Watching the silverback interact with its family, the juveniles playing, and the mothers tending to their infants is a truly unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime encounter. The afternoon is dedicated to rest and reflection at the lodge. Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas) Accommodation: Gorilla Bluff Lodge Mid-range lodge just outside Buhoma (Bwindi Impenetrable NP, Uganda) Meals & Drinks: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

Fly to Kilimanjaro Airport, Transfer to Arusha

Day 8Fly to Kilimanjaro Airport, Transfer to Arusha Fly to Kilimanjaro Airport, Transfer to Arusha After a final breakfast overlooking the Bwindi forests, you will be transferred to a nearby airstrip (such as Kihihi or Kisoro) for a chartered flight, or you will take a scenic road transfer to Entebbe International Airport (EBB) or Kigali International Airport (KGL) for your outbound flight. This flight will take you across borders to Tanzania, landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Upon arrival at JRO, you will be met by your Tanzanian guide and transferred directly to Arusha, the gateway city for Tanzania's Northern Safari Circuit. You will check into your hotel for dinner and a well-deserved night's rest, preparing for the start of the Tanzanian wildlife adventure tomorrow. Main Destination: Arusha (City, Tanzania) Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel Mid-range hotelnear Arusha (City, Tanzania) +9 Photos +8 Photos Meals & Drinks: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

Arusha to Tarangire National Park – Land of Giants

Day 9Arusha to Tarangire National Park – Land of Giants Arusha to Tarangire National Park – Land of Giants The Tanzanian leg of your safari begins with a drive from Arusha to Tarangire National Park, celebrated for its massive elephant population and the iconic baobab trees that dot its landscape. After checking into your lodge, you will embark on an extensive afternoon game drive. Tarangire is often overshadowed, yet it provides one of the best dry-season wildlife viewing experiences in East Africa, especially along the Tarangire River. You will look for migrating wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, and giraffe, all converging at the water sources. The park is also famous for its large lion prides and good opportunities to spot elusive leopards. The stunning baobab-studded scenery offers a unique photographic backdrop to the wildlife action. Main Destination: Tarangire National Park (Tanzania) Best Time To Visit July to November (Animals come to the Tarangire River) High Season June to October (The park is full of visitors) Best Weather June to October (Little rainfall) Wildlife in Tarangire NP ElephantAbundant GiraffeCommon LionCommon BuffaloAbundant ZebraAbundant WildebeestAbundant Show more HippoCommon HyenaOccasional LeopardRare CheetahRare Wild DogVery Rare White RhinoNone Black RhinoNone Accommodation: Eileen's Trees Inn Mid-range lodge located 1-2hr drive from Tarangire NP (Tanzania) +5 Photos +4 Photos Meals & Drinks: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

Scenic Transfer from Karatu to Serengeti National Park

Day 10Scenic Transfer from Karatu to Serengeti National Park Scenic Transfer from Karatu to Serengeti National Park Today is entirely dedicated to the exhilarating journey from the highlands into the heart of the Serengeti, promising continuous scenic beauty and wildlife sightings along the way. After an early breakfast at Eileen's Trees Lodge in Karatu, you will depart, ascending the Great Rift Valley escarpment and entering the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA). This drive offers magnificent panoramic views as you pass along the crater rim, providing a final, stunning visual highlight of the Ngorongoro region. You will then continue westward, traversing the vast short-grass plains of the NCA. Your guide will conduct an extended "en route" game drive as you officially enter the legendary Serengeti National Park through the Naabi Hill Gate. This allows you to immediately begin spotting resident wildlife, including gazelles, zebras, and various big cats, as the landscapes open up into the iconic endless plains. Main Destination: Central Serengeti National Park (Tanzania) Best Time To Visit January to February and June to October (Different areas are best at different times) High Season July to March (The Seronera area is crowded) Best Weather June to October (Little to no rainfall) Wildlife in Serengeti NP ElephantCommon LionCommon CheetahCommon BuffaloAbundant ZebraAbundant WildebeestAbundant Show more GiraffeCommon HippoCommon HyenaCommon LeopardOccasional Bl

Full-Day Safari in Serengeti National Park

Day 11Full-Day Safari in Serengeti National Park Full-Day Safari in Serengeti National Park Today is dedicated to exploring the magnificent Serengeti National Park, which in the Maasai language means "Endless Plains." You will enjoy a full day of game driving, traversing the vast savanna in search of the Great Migration (depending on the time of year) and the Big Five. The central Serengeti, or Seronera Valley, is famous for its exceptional year-round wildlife, particularly its high concentration of resident big cats, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Your expert guide will use their knowledge of the area and animal behavior to take you to the best wildlife viewing spots. The sheer scale of the landscape, dotted with acacia trees and granite kopjes, combined with the abundance of animals, makes the Serengeti an unparalleled safari destination. Main Destination: Serengeti National Park (Tanzania) Accommodation: Serengeti Wild Camp Mid-range tented camp located inside Central Serengeti NP (Tanzania) Meals & Drinks: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

Full-Day Safari in Serengeti National Park

Day 12Full-Day Safari in Serengeti National Park Full-Day Safari in Serengeti National Park Another full day of adventure awaits in the Serengeti. Today, your game drives may focus on a different sector of the park, depending on the seasonal movement of the massive herds. You'll spend time tracking the movements of wildebeest and zebra, always vigilant for the predators that stalk them. You might visit one of the iconic kopjes—island-like rock formations that serve as lookouts for lions and cheetahs. A picnic lunch out in the bush allows you to fully immerse yourself in the wilderness experience, providing a unique moment of tranquility amidst the action. The late afternoon drive provides spectacular photo opportunities as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the savanna in golden hues. The experience reinforces why the Serengeti is considered the heart of the African safari. Main Destination: Serengeti National Park (Tanzania) Accommodation: Serengeti Wild Camp Mid-range tented camp located inside Central Serengeti NP (Tanzania) Meals & Drinks: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive

Day 13Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive An early start sees you depart the Serengeti and drive towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The highlight of the morning is the descent into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. The crater floor is a natural wildlife sanctuary, hosting an astonishing density of animals, including the highest concentration of lions and the endangered black rhino. You will spend a substantial portion of the day on the crater floor, enjoying unparalleled game viewing. After a picnic lunch inside the crater, you will ascend the crater rim and drive to the village of Mto wa Mbu. This vibrant village, located near Lake Manyara, will be your stop for the night, providing a cultural contrast to the previous days spent in the deep wilderness. Main Destination: Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania) Best Time To Visit June to October (Wildlife viewing is best) High Season Most of the year – July to March (Expect crowds) Best Weather June to October (Rainfall is little to none) Wildlife in Ngorongoro Crater Black RhinoCommon LionCommon BuffaloAbundant ZebraAbundant WildebeestAbundant HyenaAbundant Show more ElephantCommon HippoCommon LeopardOccasional GiraffeNone White RhinoNone CheetahNone Wild DogNone Accommodation: Fig Tree Lodge Budget hotel located 1-2hr drive from Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania) +6 Photos +5 Photos Meals & Drinks: A

Local Tours & Drop-off in Arusha/Airport

Day 14Local Tours & Drop-off in Arusha/Airport Local Tours & Drop-off in Arusha/Airport Your final day offers a unique cultural immersion before your departure. In the morning, you will participate in local tours and a bike tour through the bustling and colorful village of Mto wa Mbu. This is an excellent opportunity to interact with the diverse local tribes, see banana plantations, rice paddies, a local market, and observe Tanzanian village life up close. The bike tour is an easy ride that allows you to experience the local pace of life. After the tour, you will enjoy a final traditional Tanzanian lunch. Following lunch, your guide will transfer you directly to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your international flight back home, carrying a lifetime of memories from the ultimate East African safari adventure. Main Destination: Arusha (City, Tanzania) Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Non-alcoholic drinks End of tour (See Getting There for more details)End of tour (See Getting There for more details) Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport. Interested in This Tour? Request a Quote We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators (Learn why) Requests are sent directly to the tour operator If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly Next: Overview Next: Day by Day Next: Rates Next: Inclusions Next: Getting Th