11 Days Gorillas and Tanzania Safari

11 Days Tanzania Safari and Uganda Primates Tour

This unforgettable 11 Days Gorillas and Tanzania Safari combines two of East Africa’s greatest wildlife experiences, an immersive Tanzania safari across the legendary parks of Tanzania and a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with the mountain gorillas of Uganda. Beginning in Tanzania, you will explore the vast plains of the Serengeti, the elephant-dotted landscapes of Tarangire, and the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, home to Africa’s highest density of wildlife. Each day promises exhilarating game drives, awe-inspiring scenery, and the comfort of handpicked lodges.

After your safari adventure, the journey continues to Uganda, known as the “Pearl of Africa.” Here, you’ll venture deep into the misty forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where the highlight awaits: trekking to see the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Travelers can choose between the classic 1-hour gorilla trek or upgrade to the Gorilla Habituation Experience, a rare opportunity that allows you to spend up to 4 hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family, observing their behavior and capturing incredible photographs. You will also do Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park.

This carefully designed itinerary blends the drama of the African savannah with the intimacy of a close-up gorilla encounter, ensuring a perfect balance of excitement, discovery, and relaxation. It is an ideal safari for those seeking both the spectacle of the Great Migration landscapes and the rare, life-changing privilege of meeting the great apes of Uganda.

Itinerary Summary

Day 1: Upon arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport – JRO (Time: TBD), you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel for relaxation & overnight.

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Day 3: Transfer to Serengeti National Park

Day 4: Full day Serengeti National Park

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater

Day 6: Return to Arusha & Departure, you will fly either to Entebbe International Airport in Uganda or Kigali International Airport in Rwanda.

Day 7: Pick up from the Hotel in Entebbe/Kigali and Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Day 8: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest and Bigodi Wetland and Community walk

Day 9: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Day 10: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi or Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi

Day 11: Transfer back to Entebbe or Kigali to end the tour

Tour Itinerary

Includes & Excludes

Included	All transportation as scheduled All park entrance fee, crater service and concession fee Meals breakfast, lunch, and dinner as indicated above Four wheel transportation for safari with pop up roof ideal for game view English speaking driver guide Complementary bottled water while doing game drive All activities as per above proposal
Excluded	Uganda visas Meals, transport, and lodging outside the regular itinerary Alcoholic beverages and bottled drinks Any items of personal nature International vaccinations Insurance

Tour Map

Travel Days

Day 1 – Arrival in Tanzania

Arrival: Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), your driver/guide will meet you and transfer you to your lodge.
Activity: No activities are scheduled for today—this is a day to relax, recover from your flight, and prepare for the safari. If time permits, you may explore Arusha town or enjoy an optional dinner at a recommended restaurant.
Overnight: Airport Planet Lodge – Standard Room, Bed & Breakfast (BB).
- A peaceful lodge located close to the airport with a lush garden setting, pool, and comfortable rooms. Perfect for your first night in Tanzania.

Day 2 – Tarangire National Park

Morning: After breakfast, check out and begin your drive to Tarangire National Park, about 2–3 hours from Arusha.
Safari Experience: Enjoy a full-day game drive in the park, famous for its iconic baobab trees and largest elephant herds in Africa. You may also spot lions, leopards, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, and a wide variety of bird species.
Lunch: Picnic lunchboxes will be served at a scenic spot inside the park.
Afternoon/Evening: Continue your game viewing before driving onward to Karatu town, located on the edge of the Ngorongoro Highlands. Enjoy sunset views before dinner.
Overnight: Marera Valley Lodge – Standard Room, Full Board (FB).
- A cozy lodge surrounded by gardens and hills, with excellent hospitality and views of the valley.

Day 3 – Serengeti National Park

Morning: After breakfast, check out and drive toward Central Serengeti via the scenic Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Safari Experience: You’ll enjoy a game drive en route, passing through Ngorongoro’s highlands and entering Serengeti via Naabi Hill Gate. Along the way, expect to see herds of wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and predators such as lions and cheetahs.
Lunch: Picnic boxes at a designated site.
Afternoon: Arrive at your lodge in the Central Serengeti, relax, and enjoy the stunning sunset over the plains.
Overnight: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge – Standard Room, Full Board (FB).
- Built in traditional African style with thatched domes, perched on a hilltop with panoramic views of the Serengeti plains.

Day 4 – Full Day in Serengeti

Morning: After breakfast, head out for a full-day game drive across the endless Serengeti plains.
Safari Experience: This is prime predator country, with high chances of spotting lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Depending on wildlife movements, you might witness thrilling predator-prey interactions or large herds during the migration season.
Lunch: Picnic boxes at a designated scenic spot inside the park.
Afternoon: Continue your game drive until late afternoon, then return to your lodge to relax with sundowners.
Overnight: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge – Standard Room, Full Board (FB).

Day 5 – Ngorongoro Crater

Morning: After breakfast, check out and depart Serengeti. Drive via Naabi & Seneto gates and onward to Ngorongoro Crater.
Safari Experience: Descend 600 meters into the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” The crater floor hosts almost every species of African wildlife—lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, wildebeest, and an astonishing diversity of birdlife.
Lunch: Picnic boxes on the crater floor.
Afternoon/Evening: Ascend the crater and transfer to your camp on the crater rim for a breathtaking sunset.
Overnight: Ngorongoro Lions Paw Camp – Standard Room, Full Board (FB).
- A tented camp with luxury comforts, located at the crater rim with dramatic views into the caldera.

Day 6 – Return to Arusha & Departure to Entebbe, Uganda or Kigali, Rwanda

Morning: After breakfast, check out and begin your drive back to Arusha.
Lunch: A hot lunch will be provided at a local restaurant in Arusha (choice of restaurant based on your preference).
Afternoon: After lunch, proceed to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your onward flight.
You will fly to Entebbe, Uganda or Kigali, Rwanda

Day 7: Entebbe or Kigali to Kibale Forest

Option A (Uganda start): Arrival at Entebbe International Airport, meet your driver-guide, and transfer westwards to Kibale Forest National Park (5–6 hrs). You will pass through the lush countryside, tea plantations, and crater lakes.
Option B (Rwanda start): From Rwanda, cross into Uganda via the Cyanika or Katuna border, and drive north toward Kibale (approx. 6–7 hrs).
Evening: Arrive at your lodge for dinner and overnight, surrounded by the tropical forest sounds.
Overnight: Guereza Canopy Lodge.

Day 8: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale & Bigodi Wetland Walk

Morning: After breakfast, head to Kanyanchu Visitor Centre for a briefing, then embark on a thrilling chimpanzee trekking experience. Guided by park rangers, you will track wild chimps through the dense forest and spend 1 hour observing them feeding, grooming, and socializing.
Alternative: You may choose the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience, spending up to 4 hours with chimps alongside researchers.
Lunch: Return to the lodge for lunch.
Afternoon: Explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community conservation project known for primates, birds, and local cultural encounters.
Overnight: Guereza Canopy Lodge.

Day 9: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Morning: After breakfast, depart Kibale and drive south toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (approx. 6–7 hrs).
Lunch: Picnic en route.
Afternoon/Evening: Arrive at your Bwindi lodge, relax with the stunning views of the forest.
Overnight: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge

Day 10: Gorilla Trekking (or Gorilla Habituation Experience)

Morning: After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for briefing. You will be assigned a gorilla family to track with your ranger guides. Trekking can take 2–6 hours depending on the gorillas’ location. Once found, you spend 1 full hour observing and photographing them.
Alternative: Opt for the Gorilla Habituation Experience (only offered in Uganda, Rushaga sector), which allows 4 hours with a semi-habituated family alongside researchers and trackers. This is a unique, extended wildlife encounter ideal for photographers and enthusiasts.
Lunch: Packed lunch provided during the trek.
Afternoon/Evening: Return to the lodge, enjoy relaxation, or a cultural village walk to meet the Batwa people.
Overnight: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge

Day 11: Return to Entebbe or Kigali

Option A (Uganda end): After breakfast, drive back to Entebbe/Kampala (8–9 hrs). A hot lunch stop en route and a stop at the Uganda Equator. Evening drop-off at Entebbe International Airport for departure.
Option B (Rwanda end): After breakfast, transfer via Cyanika or Katuna border to Kigali (4–5 hrs). Depending on flight time, enjoy a short Kigali city tour (Genocide Memorial, local markets, crafts centers) before transfer to Kigali International Airport.

End of the Tour