Tanzania Safari & Uganda Gorilla Trekking
12 Days Safari
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Trip Overview
This rare combination brings together the two most iconic wildlife experiences on the planet: the vast, predator-rich plains of the Serengeti and the misty, ancient rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. At Lora Adventures, we have streamlined the complex logistics of cross-border travel, providing a seamless transition from the Tanzanian savannah to the Ugandan highlands. Whether you seek the “Best Seller” circuit or a 100% fly-in luxury experience, these journeys are crafted for clarity, safety, and profound wildlife encounters.
Why Combine Tanzania Safari & Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?
Track the Big Five across the plains of Serengeti
Descend into the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater
See elephant herds among the baobabs of Tarangire
Trek through rainforest to meet endangered mountain gorillas
One trip. Two legendary wildlife experiences.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
| Start / End | Arusha (JRO) / Entebbe (EBB) |
| Destinations | Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Bwindi |
| Best Time | June – Oct & Dec – Feb (Dry Seasons) |
| Accommodation | Luxury Lodges or Premium Tented Camps |
| Physicality | Moderate (Gorilla trekking requires hiking) |
| Transport | 4×4 Custom Safari Vehicles & Executive Bush Flights |
Suggest Itinerary Flow
Tanzania Safari → Fly to Uganda → Gorilla Trek → Departure
International arrival via Kilimanjaro Airport.
Regional flight to Entebbe after your Tanzania safari.
Minimum recommended duration: 12 days
Best season: June – October
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your lodge in Arusha.
Rest after your journey and receive a safari briefing from your guide.
Overnight: Parrot Hotel Arusha or similar mid-range hotel.
Meal Plan: No meals included.
Day 2: Tarangire National Park Safari
Drive to Tarangire National Park, known for large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and seasonal wildlife migration. Enjoy a full-day game drive with picnic lunch before continuing to your lodge.
Overnight: Bouganivillea Safari Lodge or similar mid-range lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park
Travel through the Great Rift Valley escarpment and explore the Lake Manyara National Park , home to birdlife, forest monkeys, and open savannah landscapes.
Continue to your lodge near the Ngorongoro highlands.
Overnight: Bouganivillea Safari Lodge or similar mid-range lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Transfer to Serengeti
After breakfast, go on a 5-6 hours drive to the iconic Serengeti National Park passing through Ngorongoro Conservation Area. You may have several stops for game viewing and witnessing amazing landscapes before you arrive at your accommodation in the Serengeti.
Overnight: Tamba Tented Camp or similar mid-range accommodation.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5 & 6: Full Days in Sserengeti
Spend two full days in the Serengeti, enjoying morning and afternoon game drives searching for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and vast herds of grazing animals.
Seasonal sightings may include the Great Migration.
Overnight: Tamba Tented Camp or similar mid-range accommodation.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater
Drive to the rim and descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive inside this unique wildlife sanctuary. The crater offers one of the best chances to see the Big Five in a single day.
After the lunch break, start your journey to Arusha for an overnight stay, awaiting your transfer to Uganda the following day.
Overnight: Parrot Hotel Arusha or similar mid-range hotel.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 8: Fly to Uganda
2Transfer to the airport for your regional flight to Entebbe, Uganda.
On arrival, connect to a domestic flight toward the Kihihi Airport (KHX) for an overnight stay. From there, our driver will drive you to Bwindi area for an overnight stay.
Overnight: Bwindi Jungle Lodge or similar luxury lodge near the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Day 9: Transfer to Bwindi Forest
Continue to the rainforest surrounding Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Attend the gorilla trekking briefing and prepare for the next day’s experience.
Overnight: Bwindi Jungle Lodge or similar luxury lodge near the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10: Gorilla Trekking Experience
Early morning start for your guided mountain gorilla trek. Walk through dense forest with expert trackers searching for one of the habituated gorilla families.
Once located, spend one unforgettable hour observing the group at close but safe distance.
Return to the lodge for relaxation.
Overnight: Bwindi Jungle Lodge or similar luxury lodge near the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11: Return to Entebbe
Fly back to Entebbe for a relaxing night before your departure the next day.
Overnight: Hotel Number 5 or similar mid-range hotel.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Day 12: Departure
Our driver will be ready to transfer you to Entebbe International Airport for your international flight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Gorilla Trekking Permit Information
Gorilla permits are required for trekking
Permits are limited per day
Advance booking is strongly recommended
Current Uganda permit price approx. $800 per person (subject to change)
Optional Safari Extensions
If you prefer a slower pace or wish to explore more of Uganda, additional days can be added after your gorilla trekking experience.
Popular extensions include chimpanzee trekking, a wildlife safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, or cultural visits in Bwindi communities.
Your itinerary can be customized from 12 to 16 days, depending on your available travel time. Let us know your preferred extension in the inquiry form below, and we can customize this itinerary accordingly.
Included:
Gorilla trekking permit in Uganda (per person)
All national park and conservation area fees in Tanzania and Uganda
Accommodation throughout this trip as specified in the itinerary
All meals as indicated in the daily itinerary
Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for game viewing
Professional English-speaking safari guide/driver
All ground transportation during the safari
Domestic flight(s) where mentioned in the itinerary
Airport transfers in Tanzania and in Uganda
Game drives and wildlife viewing activities as described
Drinking water during game drives and transfers
Government taxes and VAT applicable to tourism services
Excluded:
International flights to/from East Africa
Visa fees for Tanzania and Uganda
Travel and medical insurance
Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and lodge staff
Personal expenses (laundry, telephone calls, souvenirs, etc.)
Alcoholic and premium beverages unless stated otherwise
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Porter fees during gorilla trekking (optional but recommended)
Any government tax or park fee increases beyond our control
Cross-Border Logistics
Crossing from Tanzania to Uganda involves complex flight routing and permit management. Lora Adventures handles the entire process:
- Flight Routing: We coordinate your international arrival at Kilimanjaro (JRO) and your regional jump to Entebbe.
- Permit Security: Gorilla and Chimpanzee permits are limited. We secure these months in advance to ensure your spot is guaranteed.
- Local Expertise: You will be met by our professional Lora guides in Tanzania and our trusted primate specialists in Uganda.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need two different visas?
Yes, but you can apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa, which covers Tanzania (under certain conditions), Kenya, and Uganda in one application. We provide full guidance on this process.
How difficult is the Gorilla Trek?
The trek can range from 2 to 6 hours depending on the movement of the gorillas. We recommend a moderate level of fitness. Porters are available to assist with bags and terrain.
When is the best time to book?
Because Gorilla permits are strictly limited, we recommend booking 6 to 10 months in advance, especially for peak seasons (June–September and December–February).
Do I need a visa for Tanzania?
Yes. Most travelers require a visa. We recommend applying for a Tanzania e-Visa online at least two weeks before arrival to ensure a smooth entry process.
How is the internet connectivity?
While luxury lodges and camps offer Wi-Fi, it can be intermittent in the heart of the bush. It is perfect for checking emails or sending photos, but we encourage guests to embrace the “unplugged” experience.
Why choose a locally owned company?
Beyond keeping the economic benefits within Tanzania, local ownership ensures you are guided by people with a lifelong, intimate connection to the land. We don’t just show you Tanzania; we share our home with you.
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