7 Days Uganda and Tanzania Safari | Gorilla Trekking & Serengeti Adventure

Embark on an unforgettable 7 Days Uganda and Tanzania Safari, a perfect blend of gorilla trekking in Uganda’s lush forests and wildlife adventures in Tanzania’s iconic Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater.

This Uganda and Tanzania combined safari offers travelers a chance to witness the best of East Africa’s biodiversity, from rare mountain gorillas to the Big Five.

Itinerary Overview: 7 Days Uganda and Tanzania Safari

This carefully crafted 7-day itinerary balances adventure, wildlife, and cultural experiences, ensuring you maximize your time in both countries. Below is a day-by-day breakdown of what to expect on your Uganda and Tanzania wildlife safari itinerary.

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe, Uganda / Transfer to Kibale or Bwindi

Your journey begins with your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, the gateway to Uganda. Here, your travel guide will meet you and transfer you directly to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, depending on your preferences.

Activities: Airport pickup, scenic drive (approx. 6–8 hours to Bwindi ).
Wildlife: Spot monkeys and birds en route.
Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge or Chameleon Hill Lodge (Bwindi) or Primate Lodge (Kibale).
Meals: Dinner included.
Highlight: Enjoy Uganda’s lush landscapes and rolling hills during the drive.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Today is the highlight of your Uganda safari—gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the ranger station for a briefing before trekking into the forest to meet a gorilla family.

Activities: Gorilla trekking (2–6 hours, depending on gorilla location).
Wildlife: Mountain gorillas, forest birds, and possibly colobus monkeys.
Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge or Gorilla Mist Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner.
Highlight: A face-to-face encounter with mountain gorillas, one of the world’s most endangered species.

Day 3: Transfer to Tanzania via Entebbe or Kigali

After breakfast, you’ll transfer back to Entebbe or cross the border to Kigali, Rwanda (a shorter drive option), for a flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania. A guide will meet you in Tanzania and transfer you to Arusha for an overnight stay.

Activities: Road transfer and flight to Tanzania (approx. 1.5-hour flight).
Wildlife: Limited wildlife viewing during travel.
Accommodation: Arusha Coffee Lodge or similar.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Highlight: Seamless cross-border travel to prepare for Tanzania’s wildlife wonders.

Day 4: Serengeti National Park Game Drive

Your Tanzania adventure begins with a transfer to Serengeti National Park, either by a short domestic flight or a scenic road trip. Upon arrival, embark on an afternoon game drive to explore the vast plains.

Activities: Afternoon game drive in Serengeti (3–4 hours).
Wildlife: Lions, elephants, cheetahs, wildebeests, zebras, and giraffes.
Accommodation: Serengeti Serena Lodge or a luxury tented camp.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Highlight: Witnessing the Serengeti’s endless plains teeming with wildlife.

Day 5: Full-Day Serengeti Wildlife Viewing

Spend a full day exploring the Serengeti, one of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations. Your guide will take you to prime spots for viewing the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) and, if timed right, the Great Migration.

Activities: Morning and afternoon game drives (6–8 hours total).
Wildlife: Leopards, hyenas, antelopes, and possibly the Great Migration (seasonal).
Accommodation: Serengeti Serena Lodge or similar.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Highlight: Capturing stunning photos of the Serengeti’s golden savanna at sunset.

Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater Exploration

After breakfast, drive to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s largest intact volcanic calderas. Descend into the crater for a full-day game drive, spotting dense populations of wildlife in this natural amphitheater.

Activities: Full-day crater tour (5–6 hours).
Wildlife: Black rhinos, flamingos, hippos, and large prides of lions.
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge or similar.
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner.
Highlight: Exploring the “Eighth Wonder of the World” with its unique ecosystem.

Day 7: Return to Arusha / Departure

After breakfast, return to Arusha for some last-minute shopping or relaxation before your transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure.

Activities: Transfer to Arusha (2–3 hours), optional city tour.
Wildlife: None on this day.
Accommodation: None (departure day).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch.
Highlight: Reflecting on an epic East African adventure.

Safari Highlights: Why Choose a Uganda and Tanzania Combined Safari?

This 7-day East Africa safari package combines the best of two iconic destinations, offering unparalleled wildlife and cultural experiences:

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Track endangered mountain gorillas in Uganda’s misty forests, a bucket-list experience for wildlife enthusiasts.
Big Five Viewing in Serengeti National Park: Spot lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, and rhinos in Tanzania’s most famous park.
Ngorongoro Crater Exploration: Discover a unique ecosystem teeming with wildlife, including rare black rhinos, in this UNESCO site.
Optional Stopovers: Add a visit to Lake Mburo or Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda for extra wildlife viewing, including zebras and hippos.
Scenic Cross-Border Journey: Experience the cultural and natural diversity of East Africa as you travel between Uganda and Tanzania.

Safari Cost and Inclusions

Understanding the Uganda Tanzania tour cost is key to planning your trip. The average cost for a 7 Days Uganda and Tanzania Safari ranges from $4,000 to $5,000 per person, depending on the season, accommodation level, and group size.

What’s Included:

Park Fees and Permits: Gorilla trekking permit ($800 per person in Uganda), Serengeti and Ngorongoro entry fees.
Accommodation: Mid-range to luxury lodges or camps (e.g., Buhoma Lodge, Serengeti Serena Lodge).
Transport: 4×4 safari vehicles, domestic flights (if applicable), and airport transfers.
Meals: Full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) as outlined in the itinerary.
Guide Services: Experienced English-speaking guides for gorilla trekking and game drives.

What’s Excluded:

International flights to Entebbe or Kilimanjaro.
Visas for Uganda and Tanzania (approx. $50–$100 each, depending on nationality).
Tips for guides and drivers.
Personal expenses like souvenirs or additional activities.

Accommodation Options

Your safari experience is enhanced by staying in carefully selected lodges and camps that blend comfort with nature. Here are some recommended options:

Uganda:
- Buhoma Lodge: A luxurious eco-lodge near Bwindi’s gorilla trekking starting point.
- Chameleon Hill Lodge: Offers stunning views of Lake Mutanda and vibrant decor.
- Gorilla Mist Camp: A mid-range option with cozy cottages in Bwindi.
Tanzania:
- Serengeti Serena Lodge: A blend of luxury and authentic safari vibes in the heart of the Serengeti.
- Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge: Perched on the crater rim with breathtaking views.

Best Time to Visit

Timing your 7 Days Uganda and Tanzania Safari is crucial for the best wildlife experiences and weather conditions:

June to October (Dry Season): Ideal for gorilla trekking in Bwindi due to less muddy trails. In Tanzania, this is peak season for the Great Migration in the Serengeti, with millions of wildebeests and zebras on the move.
December to February: Great for wildlife viewing and photography in both countries, with clear skies and lush greenery in Uganda.

Climate Comparison:

Uganda: Tropical climate with temperatures of 20–28°C (68–82°F). Rainy seasons are March–May and October–November, but gorilla trekking is possible year-round.
Tanzania: Similar tropical climate, but the Serengeti and Ngorongoro are drier. Expect 22–30°C (72–86°F) during the dry season.

How to Get There

Traveling between Uganda and Tanzania is straightforward with the right planning:

International Arrival Airports: Fly into Entebbe International Airport (EBB) for Uganda or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for Tanzania. Some travelers opt for Kigali International Airport (KGL) in Rwanda for a shorter drive to Bwindi.
Cross-Border Transfers: The most common route is a flight from Entebbe to Kilimanjaro (approx. 1.5 hours). Alternatively, a road transfer from Bwindi to Kigali followed by a flight is faster and more cost-effective.
Flight Connections: Airlines like Precision Air, RwandAir, or Kenya Airways offer daily flights between Entebbe and Kilimanjaro or Arusha.

Travel Tips for Your Safari

To make your Uganda and Tanzania wildlife safari itinerary seamless, keep these tips in mind:

Gorilla Trekking Permits: Book your $800 Uganda gorilla permit at least 6 months in advance, as they are limited.
Visa and Health Requirements: Obtain visas for Uganda and Tanzania (check e-visa options online). A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for both countries.
What to Pack: Bring hiking boots for gorilla trekking, a good camera for wildlife photography, insect repellent, sunscreen, and lightweight clothing in neutral colors.
Travel Insurance: Opt for a policy covering adventure activities like gorilla trekking and medical evacuation.
Currency: Uganda uses Ugandan Shillings (UGX), and Tanzania uses Tanzanian Shillings (TZS). US dollars are widely accepted for tips.

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