Tanzania Wildlife Safari & Uganda Gorilla Trekking Experience

The Ultimate East African Safari Combination

Combining a classic Tanzania wildlife safari with chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park and mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the most rewarding safari experiences in Africa. This thoughtfully designed itinerary merges the drama of the African savannah, the Great Migration, and iconic Big Five game viewing with intimate, once-in-a-lifetime encounters with our closest relatives in the lush tropical rainforests of Uganda.

This journey is ideal for travelers seeking a complete East African experience from endless golden plains teeming with wildlife to misty forests echoing with primate calls. At All Budget Gorilla Safaris Ltd, we specialize in crafting seamless cross-border itineraries that maximize comfort, conservation value, and unforgettable experiences.

Itinerary Overview: Tanzania & Uganda Primate Safari

This combined safari itinerary focuses on:

Tanzania’s Northern Circuit for world-class game viewing
Efficient flights between Tanzania and Uganda
Uganda’s premier primate destinations: Kibale Forest and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

The itinerary can be customized for luxury, mid-range, or budget travelers, but below is a classic 13-day sample itinerary that balances safari depth, travel efficiency, and immersive experiences.

Detailed Day-by-Day Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha, Tanzania – Safari Begins

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide from All Budget Gorilla Safaris Ltd. You will be transferred to your lodge in Arusha, Tanzania’s safari hub, nestled at the foot of Mount Meru.

Highlights

Airport meet and greet
Safari briefing
Relaxation after international travel

Overnight: Safari lodge or hotel in Arusha
Meal Plan: Dinner

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park – Elephant Kingdom

After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, famous for its large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and rich birdlife. During the dry season, wildlife congregates along the Tarangire River, creating excellent game-viewing opportunities.

Wildlife Highlights

Elephants
Lions and leopards
Giraffes, zebras, wildebeests
Over 500 bird species

Enjoy a full-day game drive with a picnic lunch before heading to your lodge.

Overnight: Tarangire National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Tarangire to Ngorongoro Highlands

After a relaxed breakfast, drive toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. En route, enjoy scenic landscapes and optional cultural visits to local Maasai communities.

Arrive at your lodge perched on the crater rim or nearby highlands, offering spectacular views and cool mountain air.

Overnight: Ngorongoro Highlands
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater – Big Five Safari

Descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most remarkable natural wonders. The crater floor hosts an extraordinary concentration of wildlife, making it one of the best places in Africa to spot the Big Five in a single day.

Wildlife Highlights

Black rhinos
Large lion prides
African buffalo
Elephants
Hippos and flamingos

After a picnic lunch on the crater floor, ascend and continue toward the Serengeti.

Overnight: Lodge or tented camp in Serengeti
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5–6: Serengeti National Park – Great Migration & Big Cats

Spend two full days exploring the legendary Serengeti National Park, renowned for its vast plains and incredible predator sightings. Depending on the season, you may witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth.

Safari Highlights

Lions, cheetahs, leopards
Thousands of wildebeests and zebras
Optional hot air balloon safari
Sunrise and sunset game drives

Overnight: Safari lodge or luxury tented camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Serengeti to Arusha – Flight Preparation

After a final morning game drive, take a light aircraft flight from the Serengeti to Arusha Airport (ARK) or drive back by road, depending on your preference.

Enjoy a relaxing evening preparing for the next leg of your journey.

Overnight: Arusha
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: Fly from Tanzania to Entebbe, Uganda

Today, you will take a scheduled flight from Kilimanjaro or Arusha to Entebbe International Airport (EBB) in Uganda. Upon arrival, meet your Ugandan safari guide and transfer to your hotel near Lake Victoria.

Highlights

Seamless cross-border transition
Scenic flight over East Africa

Overnight: Entebbe
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9: Entebbe to Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive or domestic flight to Kibale Forest National Park, home to the highest density of primates in Africa. The journey passes through lush countryside, tea plantations, and traditional villages.

Overnight: Lodge near Kibale Forest
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest

Today is dedicated to chimpanzee trekking, one of Uganda’s most exciting wildlife experiences. Accompanied by expert guides and rangers, you will trek through the rainforest to encounter habituated chimpanzee families.

Experience Highlights

Close-up chimpanzee encounters
Observation of social behavior
Forest birds and other primates

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run conservation area rich in birdlife and cultural encounters.

Overnight: Kibale Forest
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Kibale to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Travel south to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The drive is scenic, passing through rolling hills, forests, and rural communities.

Overnight: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

This is the highlight of the entire safari. After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before entering the forest for your mountain gorilla trekking experience.

Trekking times vary, but once you find your assigned gorilla family, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat.

Experience Highlights

Face-to-face gorilla encounters
Professional ranger guides
Strict conservation and ethical standards

Overnight: Bwindi
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13:Bwindi to Entebbe – Return Journey and Departure

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your onward international flight, marking the end of your unforgettable East African safari.

Inclusions

All park entrance fees
All scheduled game drives and activities
Gorilla trekking permit (USD 800 per person – non-residents)
Chimpanzee trekking permit
Professional English-speaking guides
Accommodation and meals as specified
All ground transportation and domestic flights
Airport transfers

Exclusions

International flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Optional activities (e.g., hot air balloon safari)
Personal expenses (laundry, tips, drinks)

Best Time to Travel

This itinerary is possible year-round. The best months are June–September and December–February, offering excellent wildlife viewing in Tanzania and favorable trekking conditions in Uganda. March to May are wetter months but offer fewer crowds and lush scenery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can Tanzania and Uganda be combined in one safari?

Yes. With efficient flights and professional planning, combining Tanzania wildlife safaris with Uganda primate trekking is seamless and highly rewarding.

How difficult is gorilla trekking?

Gorilla trekking can be moderately challenging, but no technical skills are required. Porters are available to assist.

How far in advance should permits be booked?

We recommend booking 3–6 months in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Is this safari suitable for families?

Yes, but gorilla and chimpanzee trekking are restricted to persons 15 years and above.

Why Book with All Budget Gorilla Safaris Ltd?

Cross-border safari expertise
Guaranteed primate permits
Customizable safari packages
Ethical and conservation-focused tourism
Competitive pricing across all comfort levels

Start Planning Your East African Safari Today

A Tanzania wildlife safari combined with Uganda’s gorilla and chimpanzee trekking is the ultimate African adventure. Let All Budget Gorilla Safaris Ltd design a seamless, unforgettable journey tailored to your travel style and budget.