Uganda Primate Encounters & Tanzania’s Iconic Wildlife Migration.
The 13 Days Uganda Gorillas & Great Migration Tanzania Safari is an exceptional multi-country African safari combining Uganda’s primate-rich rainforests with Tanzania’s world-famous Great Wildebeest Migration.
This expertly curated journey delivers encounters with chimpanzees and mountain gorillas in Uganda, followed by thrilling Big Five safaris and dramatic river-crossing spectacles in Tanzania’s Northern Circuit.
Beginning in Entebbe International Airport (Uganda) and ending at Kilimanjaro International Airport (Tanzania), this safari seamlessly connects two of East Africa’s most rewarding destinations.
Travelers experience chimpanzee habituation in Kibale Forest, mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and the awe-inspiring Great Migration in Serengeti National Park, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
This itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking depth, diversity, and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters in a single, well-paced adventure.
Safari Highlights
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Chimpanzee Habituation Experience in Kibale National Park
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Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
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Scenic drives through Queen Elizabeth National Park & Rwenzori Mountains
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Cross-border flight from Kigali to Kilimanjaro
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Lake Manyara biking experience & game drive
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Great Wildebeest Migration tracking in Northern Serengeti
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Unlimited game drives in Serengeti National Park
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Ngorongoro Crater safari – Africa’s largest intact caldera
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Tarangire National Park – elephant capital of Tanzania
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Uganda – Entebbe International Airport
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a relaxed evening overlooking Lake Victoria as you prepare for your Ugandan primate adventure.
Overnight: Entebbe
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Transfer to Fort Portal – Kibale National Park
After breakfast, depart Entebbe for the lush Fort Portal region, home to Kibale Forest National Park, Africa’s best destination for chimpanzee tracking. The drive offers scenic countryside views, tea plantations, and traditional villages.
Optional Activity:
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Visit Amabere g’ Nyinamwiru Caves
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Hike through the Fort Portal crater lakes region
Overnight: Kibale area
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Full-Day Chimpanzee Habituation Experience
Today you participate in the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX)—a full-day immersion alongside researchers as wild chimpanzees are gradually accustomed to human presence. This experience allows up to 4 hours with chimpanzees, offering unparalleled behavioral insights.
Overnight: Kibale area
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Journey southwest to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, passing through the savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park and enjoying spectacular views of the Rwenzori Mountains. This scenic drive transitions from open grasslands to dense rainforest.
Overnight: Bwindi area
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Mountain Gorilla Trekking & Transfer to Kigali
This is the highlight of your Uganda safari mountain gorilla trekking. After an early briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, trek into the forest to spend one unforgettable hour with a habituated gorilla family.
After the trek, transfer by road to Kigali, Rwanda, enjoying rolling hills and scenic countryside en route.
Overnight: Kigali
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Fly Kigali to Kilimanjaro – Transfer to Arusha
After breakfast, fly from Kigali International Airport to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). On arrival in Tanzania, meet your safari team and transfer to Arusha, the gateway to the Northern Safari Circuit.
Overnight: Arusha
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 7: Lake Manyara Biking Adventure & Game Drive
Begin the day with a guided cycling experience near Lake Manyara, interacting with local communities and enjoying scenic landscapes. After a hot local lunch, embark on a game drive in Lake Manyara National Park, famous for tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and groundwater forests.
Overnight: Karatu area
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Karatu to Serengeti National Park
Drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area en route to the legendary Serengeti National Park. As the plains open up, wildlife sightings increase dramatically, offering your first taste of Serengeti’s vast ecosystem.
Overnight: Central Serengeti
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Central Serengeti to Northern Serengeti – Following the Migration
Travel north toward the Mara River region, tracking the Great Wildebeest Migration. This area hosts dramatic river crossings involving millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles navigating crocodile-infested waters.
Overnight: Northern Serengeti
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Northern Serengeti – Unlimited Game Drives
Enjoy a full day of unlimited game drives in Northern Serengeti. With patience and expert guiding, you may witness river crossings, large lion prides, cheetahs, and massive herds gathering along the Mara River.
Overnight: Northern Serengeti
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
After a final Serengeti game drive, proceed to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, ascending to the crater rim for breathtaking panoramic views of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight: Ngorongoro / Karatu area
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12: Ngorongoro Crater – Tarangire National Park
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day safari, one of the best places in Africa to spot black rhinos. Later, transfer to Tarangire National Park, renowned for its giant baobab trees and large elephant herds.
Overnight: Tarangire area
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 13: Tarangire – Kilimanjaro International Airport
Enjoy a final morning game drive in Tarangire before transferring to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your onward flight, marking the end of your remarkable East African safari.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Safari Inclusions
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All airport transfers
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Domestic & regional flights (Kigali–Kilimanjaro)
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Gorilla trekking permit (Uganda)
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Chimpanzee habituation permit
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All park entry fees
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Professional English-speaking safari guides
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Accommodation & meals as specified
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All ground transportation in 4×4 safari vehicles
Safari Exclusions
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International flights
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Visa fees
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Travel insurance
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Tips & personal expenses
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Optional activities not mentioned
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Related Journeys of Interest to Uganda and Rwanda.
- 1-Day Chimpanzee Trekking Tour Experience Budongo Forest
- 1-Day Lake Mburo Uganda Wildlife Adventure Safari
- 1-Day Trip to the Uganda Equator
- 1-Day Uganda White Water Rafting Trip from Entebbe
- 2-Day Chimpanzee Trek & Canopy Walk Adventure in Nyungwe
- 2-Day Kibale Chimp Trekking Tour
- 2-Day Lake Mburo Wildlife Viewing Safari Uganda
- 2-Day Murchison Falls Budget Big Five (5) Safari Tour
- 2-Day Uganda Chimpanzee and Rhino Tracking Safari
- 1-Day Gorilla Tracking Bwindi from Kigali
- 1-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour from Kigali
- 2-Day Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari from Kigali
- 2-Day Bwindi National Park Budget Tour
- 2-Day Gorilla Rwanda Golden Monkey Trekking Safari
- 2-Day Uganda Chimpanzee and Rhino Tracking Safari
- 5-Day Short Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari (by road)
- 4 Days Uganda Gorillas and Chimps Trekking Safari
- 4 Days Double Gorilla Trekking Safari Rwanda & Uganda
- 4 Days Uganda Chimpanzee Trek and Gorilla Trek Safari
- 5 Days Chimpanzee Trek and Gorilla Safari – Uganda Rwanda
- 5 Days Uganda Chimpanzee & Gorilla Habituation Safari
- 5 Days Double Gorilla Trek – Flying
- 5 days gorilla habituation & Batwa-flying
- 5 days gorilla trekking by road