12 Day Gorilla Trekking and Tanzania Safari
The 12 Day Gorilla Trekking and Tanzania Safari is an exciting East Africa adventure that takes you to some of the most beautiful wildlife destinations in Uganda and Tanzania. This tour combines the thrill of Tanzania’s big game safaris with the unforgettable experience of trekking mountain gorillas in Uganda’s thick forests. It is perfect for travelers who want a mix of wildlife, nature, and local culture in one well-planned holiday.
During this safari, you explore famous spots such as Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Each day is designed to give you great wildlife moments, comfortable stays in selected lodges, and meaningful cultural experiences. Whether this is your first safari or you have traveled before, this 12-day tour brings you closer to East Africa’s most amazing natural wonders.
You enjoy a variety of activities, including guided game drives, nature walks, hot-air balloon rides, and canoe trips. In Serengeti, you may see the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras. In Bwindi, you will trek through the forest to meet the rare mountain gorillas. At Ngorongoro Crater, you explore a vast volcanic landscape filled with wildlife like lions, elephants, buffalos, and flamingos.
This 12 Day Tanzania Safari and Gorilla Trekking Tour promotes responsible travel by supporting conservation and local communities. It also ensures comfort, safety, and an authentic African safari experience from start to finish.
12 Day Gorilla Trekking and Tanzania Safari Holiday Tour
Detailed 12 Day Gorilla Trekking and Tanzania Safari Holiday Tour
Detailed 12 Day Gorilla Trekking and Tanzania Safari Holiday TourDay 1: Arrival in Arusha and Transfer to Serengeti National Park
When you arrive at Arusha Airport, a Giant Holiday Safaris team member welcomes you and drives you to Serengeti National Park. The road trip offers beautiful views as you head to Kontiki Safari Lodge, where your Tanzania Safari adventure begins.
The Serengeti is famous for its wide open plains and rich wildlife, making it the perfect start to your 12-Day Tanzania Safari and Gorilla Trekking Tour. After checking in, enjoy lunch and dinner as you relax from the flight and prepare for the days of adventure ahead.
Accommodation: Kontiki Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drives and Maasai Cultural Visit
Your second day is packed with action. You go on morning and afternoon game drives across the Serengeti, one of the best wildlife parks in the world. Expect to see elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes, and more. During this season, your Tanzania Safari may even match the Great Migration, where millions of animals move across the plainsa truly amazing sight. Later, visit a Maasai community to learn about their traditions, beadwork, and way of life. In the evening, return to the lodge for a relaxing night.
Accommodation: Kontiki Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water
Day 3: Hot Air Balloon Safari, Nature Walk, and Game Drive
Day three brings a new level of excitement. Start with a sunrise hot air balloon safari for stunning views of the golden Serengeti. It’s a perfect chance for amazing photos. You also enjoy guided nature walks to learn more about plants, birds, and smaller wildlife. In the afternoon, another game drive takes you deeper into predator territories where you may spot lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.
Accommodation: Kontiki Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water
Day 4: Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater
Begin the day with one last Serengeti game drive before traveling to the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most famous wildlife areas. After arrival, check in at Ngorongoro Farm House. Later, enjoy an evening game drive along the crater rim with beautiful views of the sunset.
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Farm House
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water
Day 5: Full-Day Exploration in Ngorongoro Crater
Spend day five inside the Ngorongoro Crater, home to lions, elephants, zebras, black rhinos, and flamingos. The crater’s ecosystem is small but extremely rich in wildlife. A guided nature walk gives you a closer look at plants and landscapes, and you also learn about the local Maasai people who live near the crater.
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Farm House
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water
Day 6: Morning Game Drive and Flight to Uganda
After a morning drive in the crater, you head back to Arusha for a scheduled flight to Entebbe, Uganda the start of your Uganda Gorilla Trekking experience. Stay at Lake Victoria Hotel, where you can rest and prepare for the next adventure.
Accommodation: Lake Victoria Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water
Day 7: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Rushaga Sector
Travel to the Rushaga Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to Uganda’s famous mountain gorillas. Check in at Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, located close to the trekking starting point. Spend the afternoon relaxing, exploring the forest surroundings, or interacting with local communities.
Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water
Day 8: Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Cultural Tour
This is the big day Mountain Gorilla Trekking. With trained guides, you hike through the dense forest to meet a gorilla family. Watching them feed, play, and interact is an unforgettable moment. In the afternoon, visit the Batwa community to learn about their traditions, music, and forest lifestyle.
Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water
Day 9: Lake Bunyonyi – Boat Cruise and Nature Walk
Travel to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s most beautiful lakes. Enjoy a boat cruise, visit islands, and take nature walks perfect for wildlife spotting and photography. Stay at Arcadia Bunyonyi Lodge and enjoy the peaceful lake views.
Accommodation: Arcadia Bunyonyi Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water
Day 10: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
Drive to Lake Mburo National Park, a small but rich wildlife park. You enjoy guided game drives and nature walks where you may see zebras, impalas, buffaloes, and many birds. Stay at Rwakobo Rock Lodge for the night.
Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water
Day 11: Lake Mburo Game Drive, Cultural Visit, and Transfer to Entebbe
Start with a morning game drive, then enjoy an Ankole cultural tour where you learn about local cattle-keeping communities. Later, drive back to Entebbe for your final night at Lake Victoria Hotel.
Accommodation: Lake Victoria Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water
Day 12: Shoebill Tracking in Mabamba Swamp and Departure
Your last day includes a canoe trip through Mabamba Swamp to search for the rare shoebill stork, one of Uganda’s most iconic birds. After the activity, you are transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Accommodation: None
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Drinking Water
Inclusions for the 12 Day Gorilla Trekking and Tanzania Safari Holiday Tour
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- All road transfers
- Flight from Arusha to Entebbe
- Full-board accommodation
- All meals
- Drinking water on activities
- Unlimited game drives in Serengeti and Ngorongoro
- Hot air balloon safari in Serengeti
- Nature walks in Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Lake Mburo
- All park entrance fees
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Batwa cultural experience
- Lake Bunyonyi boat cruise
- Game drives and cultural tour in Lake Mburo
- Shoebill canoe experience
- Professional English-speaking guide
- 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Government taxes
Exclusions for 12 Day Gorilla Trekking and Tanzania Safari Holiday Tour
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities
- Tips for staff
- Extra meals or drinks not listed
- Vaccination and health-related costs
Why Choose This 12 Day Gorilla Trekking and Tanzania Safari Holiday Tour
This tour is perfect for travelers who want a mix of wildlife, culture, adventure, and comfort. You explore the best parks in Tanzania and Uganda, from the Great Migration in the Serengeti to meeting endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest.
Designed by Giant Holiday Safaris this itinerary provides expert planning, smooth travel, and high-quality experiences that make it one of the best combined Tanzania Safari and Uganda Gorilla Trekking holidays in East Africa.