12-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking & Tanzania Wildebeest Trip
Discover the Beauty of East Africa
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure across East Africa, where you will witness the breathtaking landscapes of Uganda and Rwanda alongside the iconic vast savannahs of Tanzania. This exclusive journey offers more than just sightseeing – it provides you with a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, culture, and unforgettable wildlife experiences.
Close Encounters with Gorillas
One of the highlights of this adventure is the chance to get up close with the majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. You won’t just observe these incredible creatures; you will have the opportunity to interact with them in ways that few have experienced. Your knowledgeable guides will share insights about their behavior, ensuring that your encounter is not only thrilling but also educational.
Explore Diverse Landscapes and Cultures
Your journey through East Africa won’t stop at gorillas. Explore the lush jungles, vibrant wildlife, and rich biodiversity of Uganda and Rwanda, where you will encounter various animal species in their natural environments. Transitioning to Tanzania, discover the stunning savannahs, where you can witness the Great Migration and other spectacular wildlife events. Throughout your travels, you will encounter local cultures and traditions that enrich your experience and provide a deeper understanding of this fascinating region.
This adventure is designed for those seeking an exhilarating yet meaningful exploration of East Africa. Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, an avid traveler, or someone looking to broaden your horizons, this journey offers an unparalleled mix of nature, culture, and adventure. Get ready for memories that will last a lifetime!
Included/Excluded
- Park fees (For non-residents)
- Gorilla trekking permit
- All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
- All flights during the tour
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
- International flights (From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinks
Tour Plan
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our local representative holding a personalized signboard. After a quick briefing, you’ll be transferred to the comfortable hotel in the heart of the capital. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to relax or take a short walk through the city to explore local art galleries, cafes, or craft markets. Overnight at Hotel Des Melli Collines or Similar.
- Main Destination:
- Kigali (Rwanda)
- Accommodation:
- Hotel Des Mille Collines
- Meals & Drinks:
After a leisurely breakfast, begin your day with a guided visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a sobering and moving tribute to the victims of the 1994 genocide. From there, enjoy a scenic drive northwest through Rwanda’s lush highlands to Volcanoes National Park, base of Dian Fossey’s legendary gorilla research.
After check-in and lunch at your lodge, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, home to an immersive gorilla conservation museum. Continue to the nearby Gorilla Guardian Cultural Village, where you’ll engage in traditional Rwandan music, dance, and storytelling. Overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or Similar.
- Main Destination:
- Volcanoes National Park (Gorillas)
Wildlife in Volcanoes NP
- Accommodation:
- Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Start the day early with a hearty breakfast before heading to Kinigi Park Headquarters. Today you have two adventure options to either go for an included Golden Monkey Trekking – a lighter but lively hike to observe playful and rare golden monkeys in their natural habitat and or to upgrade for Gorilla Trekking (Permit required at an add on USD$1,500) in Volcanoes National Park – hike through dense rainforest to observe a habituated gorilla family for a magical hour.
After your trek, enjoy a hot lunch and then transfer across the border into Uganda, arriving at Bwindi/Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, home to over half the world’s mountain gorilla population. Overnight at Chameleon Hill Lodge or Similar.
- Main Destination:
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Gorillas)
Wildlife in Mgahinga Gorilla NP
- Accommodation:
- Chameleon Hill Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Today is another unforgettable moment – your second opportunity to trek and observe mountain gorillas in the wild. After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a safety briefing before venturing into the jungle with experienced rangers.
Trekking times vary from 2 - 10 hours depending on gorilla movement, but once found, you’ll spend one magical hour observing their behavior, social interactions, and the gentle nature of these incredible primates from a safe 10-meter distance. Return to the lodge for a well-deserved rest and a warm dinner. Overnight at Chameleon Hill Lodge or Similar.
- Main Destination:
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Gorillas)
- Accommodation:
- Chameleon Hill Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
After breakfast, dive into a fascinating cultural experience with the Batwa people, the original forest dwellers. Learn about their traditional lifestyle, medicine, and hunting practices, accompanied by lively dance and music.
You’ll also visit a local coffee plantation for a hands-on demonstration of Uganda’s famous bean-to-cup process. After lunch, journey to the stunning Lake Bunyonyi, a peaceful haven known for its terraced hills and birdlife. Spend the evening relaxing by the lakeshore. Overnight at Arcadia Cottages Lake Bunyonyi or Similar.
- Main Destination:
- Lake Bunyonyi (Uganda)
- Accommodation:
- Arcadia Lodge Lake Bunyonyi
- Meals & Drinks:
Enjoy a relaxed morning breakfast before setting off on a scenic road trip north to Kibale National Park, passing through rolling hills, banana plantations, and tea estates. This lush rainforest is home to 13 primate species, including chimpanzees.
Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon and unwind amid the tranquil forest surroundings. Overnight at Chimpanzee Forest Lodge or Similar.
- Main Destination:
- Kibale National Park (Chimps)
Wildlife in Kibale NP
- Accommodation:
- Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Chimpanzee Trekking, Kibale National Park - Mbarara
After an early breakfast, head to Kanyanchu Visitor Center for your chimpanzee trekking experience. Accompanied by a ranger guide, you’ll track these intelligent primates, often encountering them swinging overhead or feeding on forest fruits.
After the trek, enjoy lunch and begin your drive southwest to Mbarara, one of Uganda’s cultural and agricultural hubs. Spend the evening at a scenic farm lodge surrounded by Ankole cattle. Overnight at Emburara Farm Lodge or Similar.
- Main Destination:
- Mbarara (Town, Uganda)
- Accommodation:
- Emburara Farm Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Following an early breakfast, cross the border into Tanzania via the Mutukula Border Post, then continue to Bukoba for your short domestic flight to Mwanza, a lakeside city on the shores of Lake Victoria.
Upon arrival, a driver will transfer you to your lakefront resort where you can relax and enjoy the evening breeze. Overnight at Malaika Beach Resort or Similar.
- Main Destination:
- Mwanza (City, Tanzania)
- Accommodation:
- Malaika Beach Resort
- Meals & Drinks:
Today begins your Tanzanian safari adventure! After an early breakfast, drive to Serengeti National Park via Ndabaka Gate, with a packed lunch for the journey.
Enjoy a game drive through the Grumeti River region – watch for hippos basking in pools and crocodiles lurking near the banks. Continue searching for big cats like lions and leopards, plus herds of giraffes, wildebeest, and zebras.
Check in to your tented camp and soak in the sounds of the wild under starry African skies. Overnight at Kon Tiki Tented Camp or Similar.
- Main Destination:
- Western Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)
Wildlife in Serengeti NP
Start with an early morning game drive in the Seronera Valley, known for abundant wildlife and predator activity. If lucky, you may witness part of the Great Migration – thousands of wildebeest and zebras on the move.
After lunch, begin your journey to Ngorongoro Conservation Area, ascending the highlands to your lodge located on the crater rim, offering spectacular sunset views. Overnight at Ngorongoro Kuhama Camp or Similar.
- Main Destination:
- Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)
Wildlife in Ngorongoro Crater
- Accommodation:
- Ngorongoro Kuhama Camp
- Meals & Drinks:
After breakfast, descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and wildlife haven. This massive caldera hosts nearly 30,000 animals, including rhinos, elephants, lions, flamingos, and more.
After a thrilling game drive, transfer to Lake Manyara National Park, nestled at the foot of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Overnight at Jangwani river view or Similar.
- Main Destination:
- Lake Manyara National Park (Tanzania)
Wildlife in Lake Manyara NP
- Accommodation:
- Jangwani River View
- Meals & Drinks:
Lake Manyara National Park - Kilimanjaro Airport
Enjoy one last morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions, diverse birdlife, and lush groundwater forest.
Afterward, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight, ending an unforgettable journey through the heart of East Africa. End.
- Main Destination:
- Kilimanjaro Airport (Tanzania)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
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