8 Days Tanzania Safari & Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour

January 12, 2026

Uganda Gorilla Trekking from Kenya

January 19, 2026

12 Days Tanzania Safari & Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour

This 12 Days Tanzania Safari & Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour is a perfectly crafted African adventure by Giant Holiday Safaris, combining world-famous wildlife parks with an unforgettable mountain gorilla encounter. The journey begins in northern Tanzania, where you will explore iconic safari destinations including Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, the endless plains of the Serengeti, and the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater. These parks offer excellent opportunities to spot the Big Five, witness diverse ecosystems, and enjoy scenic landscapes filled with abundant wildlife.

After completing your Tanzania safari, you will fly to Uganda for a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. You will also enjoy a cultural visit with the Batwa community and relax at beautiful Lake Bunyonyi, known for its peaceful waters and stunning scenery. Throughout the journey, Giant Holiday Safaris provides professional guides, carefully selected lodges, private transport, and personalized service to ensure comfort, safety, and memorable experiences. This safari is ideal for wildlife lovers, photographers, honeymooners, and adventurous travelers seeking the very best of East Africa.

Day 1: Pickup from Kilimanjaro Airport and Transfer to Your Hotel

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your professional safari guide will warmly welcome you and assist with your luggage. After a short briefing about your Tanzania safari adventure, you will enjoy a comfortable drive to your lodge. Along the way, you can relax and take in views of local villages, coffee plantations, and Mount Kilimanjaro landscapes, depending on weather conditions.

Once you arrive at Pembeni River House, you will check in and settle into your cozy room. This peaceful lodge offers a perfect place to rest after your international flight. Later in the evening, enjoy a freshly prepared dinner while listening to the sounds of nature around you. Finally, unwind and prepare for the exciting wildlife experiences ahead.

Accommodation: Pembeni River House
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Day 2: Pickup from Hotel and Transfer to Tarangire National Park

After an early breakfast, your guide will pick you up from the hotel at 8:00 am and begin the scenic drive to Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s best wildlife destinations. As you enter the park, your first game drive begins immediately. Tarangire is famous for its massive baobab trees and large elephant herds that roam freely across the open savannah.

During the day, you will spot animals such as giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, and many bird species. Around midday, you will stop at a safe picnic site inside the park to enjoy lunch surrounded by nature. In the afternoon, continue exploring the park before driving to your lodge for dinner and overnight rest.

Accommodation: Farm of Dreams Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Day 3: Transfer to Lake Manyara National Park and Game Drive for the 12 Days Tanzania Safari & Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour

After breakfast, you will depart for Lake Manyara National Park, a beautiful and green park located at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. This park is well known for its groundwater forest, which feels like a jungle filled with tall trees, vines, and fresh air.

As you enjoy a full-day game drive, look out for large troops of baboons, blue monkeys, elephants, and many colorful birds. Lake Manyara is also famous for its rare tree-climbing lions, often seen resting on tree branches. In the afternoon, enjoy wildlife viewing near the soda lake, where flamingos gather seasonally. Later, exit the park and transfer to your lodge for dinner and a relaxing overnight stay.

Accommodation: Lake Manyara Serena Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Day 4: Transfer to Serengeti National Park with En-route Game Drive

Following breakfast, you will begin your journey to the legendary Serengeti National Park, driving through scenic landscapes and open plains. Along the way, enjoy an en-route game drive, where wildlife sightings may start even before reaching the park gates. A picnic lunch will be served during the journey.

You may also choose an optional visit to Olduvai Gorge, one of the world’s most important prehistoric sites, or stop at a Maasai village to learn about local culture and traditions. Once inside Serengeti, the vast grasslands open before you, offering chances to see predators and large herbivores. By evening, transfer to your lodge for dinner and overnight in the heart of the park.

Accommodation: Serengeti Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Day 5: Full-Day Adventure in Serengeti National Park

Today on the 12 Days Tanzania Safari & Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour is dedicated entirely to exploring Serengeti National Park, one of Africa’s greatest wildlife areas. After an early breakfast, set out for a morning game drive when animals are most active. You may spot lions hunting, leopards resting in trees, and cheetahs scanning the plains.

You can choose to carry a picnic lunch and stay out for the full day, following animal movements, or return to the lodge for a hot lunch before heading out again. Throughout the day, expect to see large herds of buffaloes, elephants, giraffes, wildebeests, and zebras. The Serengeti also hosts all three African jackal species and many bird species. In the evening, return to the lodge for dinner and relaxation.

Accommodation: Serengeti Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Day 6: Full Day Game Viewing in Serengeti National Park : 12 Days Tanzania Safari & Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour

Another exciting day awaits in the endless plains of the Serengeti. After breakfast, head out with your guide for more wildlife viewing on the 12 Days Tanzania Safari & Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour. Since each day in the Serengeti is different, new sightings are always possible. You may follow lion prides, watch elephants crossing open plains, or observe hippos relaxing in water pools.

Your guide will use experience and radio communication to locate key wildlife areas. Enjoy a relaxed pace with plenty of photo opportunities. Lunch will be served either as a picnic in the bush or back at the lodge. Later, enjoy an afternoon game drive before returning to the lodge at sunset. Dinner and overnight stay complete this unforgettable safari day.

Accommodation: Serengeti Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Day 7: Game Drive and Transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

After an early breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in Serengeti as you begin your journey toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This drive offers another chance to spot wildlife before leaving the plains behind.

As you travel, the landscape slowly changes from open savannah to highland forests. Lunch will be served en route. By late afternoon, arrive at your lodge near the Ngorongoro Crater. Enjoy cool highland air, stunning views, and a peaceful evening. Dinner will be served at the lodge as you prepare for the next day’s crater adventure.

Accommodation: Ngorongoro Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Day 8: Full-Day Ngorongoro Crater Tour and Game Viewing

After an early breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest unbroken volcanic caldera. This natural wonder is home to nearly 30,000 animals, making wildlife viewing excellent throughout the year.

During the full-day crater tour, you may spot the Big Five lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and the rare black rhino. You will also see zebras, wildebeests, hippos, and flamingos near the soda lake. A picnic lunch will be served at the hippo pool site, allowing you to enjoy the scenery while watching animals nearby. In the afternoon, ascend the crater walls and return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Ngorongoro Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Day 9: Transfer to Arusha Airport for Onward Flight to Uganda for the 12 Days Tanzania Safari & Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour

After breakfast, you will drive to Arusha Airport for your onward flight to Uganda. This marks the end of your Tanzania safari experience and the beginning of your gorilla trekking adventure. Along the way, enjoy your final views of Tanzania’s landscapes.

Upon arrival, you will check in at a comfortable guest house near the airport to rest and prepare for the next day’s journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Meals will be provided, and your guide will brief you on what to expect during your Uganda adventure.

Accommodation: Airport Guest House
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Day 10: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest & Batwa Cultural Experience

After breakfast, transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. The drive offers scenic views of Uganda’s rolling hills, forests, and local communities.

Upon arrival, you may take part in a Batwa Cultural Experience, where you learn about the forest’s original inhabitants. The Batwa people share traditional dances, storytelling, and survival skills once used in the forest. This cultural visit adds meaning to your gorilla trekking experience. Later, check in at your lodge, enjoy dinner, and rest in preparation for the next day’s trek.

Accommodation: Gorilla Valley Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Day 11: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Today is the highlight of your Uganda safari. After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before beginning your gorilla trekking experience. Guided by rangers, you will hike through the forest to find a gorilla family. Once found, spend one unforgettable hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch, then drive to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s most beautiful lakes. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing canoe ride on the calm waters surrounded by green hills and islands. Dinner and overnight follow at the lakeside lodge.

Accommodation: Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Drinking Water

Day 12: Transfer Back to Entebbe International Airport end of the 12 Days Tanzania Safari & Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour

After breakfast, begin your journey back to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight. Enjoy the scenic drive through Uganda’s countryside as you reflect on your unforgettable 12 Days Tanzania Safari & Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour.

Your guide will assist you upon arrival at the airport, marking the end of your incredible Tanzania and Uganda safari experience.

Accommodation: None
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Drinking Water

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is one of Tanzania’s most scenic and wildlife-rich safari destinations, located in the northern safari circuit. This park is best known for its large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and the Tarangire River, which attracts animals throughout the year. During the dry season, thousands of animals gather along the river, making wildlife viewing excellent and rewarding.

As you explore Tarangire National Park, you will see elephants moving in family groups, giraffes feeding on tall acacia trees, and zebras crossing open plains. In addition, the park is home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, and many antelope species. Bird lovers will also enjoy Tarangire, as it hosts over 500 bird species, including ostriches, eagles, and colorful bee-eaters.

Moreover, the park’s peaceful atmosphere makes it less crowded than other parks, allowing for relaxed game drives and beautiful photography. The landscape changes from grasslands to riverine forests, offering a unique safari experience. Because of its diverse wildlife and stunning scenery, Tarangire National Park is an ideal start to any Tanzania safari adventure.

Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is a small but incredibly diverse safari destination located at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Despite its size, the park offers a wide range of landscapes, from lush groundwater forests to open grasslands and the shallow soda lake that covers much of the park. This variety creates excellent conditions for both wildlife and birdlife.

One of the park’s most famous attractions is the tree-climbing lions, often seen resting on branches during the day. In addition, Lake Manyara is home to large troops of baboons, blue monkeys, elephants, giraffes, and hippos. As you drive through the forested areas, you will enjoy cool shade and fresh air, making game drives comfortable and enjoyable.

Furthermore, Lake Manyara National Park is a paradise for bird lovers. Flamingos, pelicans, storks, and many migratory birds gather around the lake, creating colorful scenes that are perfect for photography. Because of its beauty and rich wildlife, Lake Manyara is often described as one of Tanzania’s hidden gems. It is an excellent destination for travelers seeking scenic beauty, birdwatching, and unique wildlife encounters.

Serengeti National Park : 12 Days Tanzania Safari & Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour

Serengeti National Park is Tanzania’s most famous wildlife destination and one of the best safari parks in the world. The park is known for its endless plains, abundant wildlife, and the world-famous Great Migration, where millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles move in search of fresh grass.

As you travel through the Serengeti, you will experience incredible game viewing all year round. The park is home to large populations of lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and buffaloes. Because of its open landscape, spotting wildlife is often easy, making every game drive exciting and rewarding.

In addition, the Serengeti offers breathtaking sunrises and sunsets that paint the plains in golden colors. The park also supports a rich ecosystem with over 500 bird species and many smaller animals. Whether you visit during the migration season or any other time of year, Serengeti National Park guarantees unforgettable safari experiences. It remains a top choice for photographers, wildlife lovers, and first-time safari travelers.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a unique UNESCO World Heritage Site that combines wildlife conservation with human settlement. At its heart lies the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest unbroken volcanic caldera. This natural wonder supports an incredible number of animals in a relatively small area, making wildlife viewing outstanding.

Inside the crater, you can spot the Big Five lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and the endangered black rhino. In addition, large herds of zebras, wildebeests, and gazelles roam the crater floor, while hippos rest in freshwater pools. The crater’s soda lake attracts flamingos and other water birds, adding color to the landscape.

Beyond the crater, the conservation area includes forests, grasslands, and Maasai villages. This mix of wildlife and culture creates a truly special safari experience. Because of its rich biodiversity and stunning scenery, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is considered one of Africa’s greatest natural attractions and a must-visit destination on any Tanzania safari.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is one of Uganda’s most important wildlife destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is located in southwestern Uganda and is famous for protecting nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Its dense forest, steep hills, and misty atmosphere create a truly magical setting.

Besides gorillas, Bwindi is home to many other species, including forest elephants, chimpanzees, monkeys, and over 350 bird species. As you move through the forest, you will notice ancient trees, thick vegetation, and natural trails that make the park feel untouched and wild.

In addition, Bwindi supports local communities through tourism and conservation programs. Visitors can also enjoy cultural experiences with nearby villages, learning about traditional lifestyles and forest conservation. Because of its biodiversity, conservation importance, and unique scenery, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park stands out as one of Africa’s most special safari destinations.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park for the 12 Days Tanzania Safari & Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience. After an early morning briefing, visitors are guided by professional rangers into the forest to track a habituated gorilla family. The trek can take several hours, depending on the gorillas’ location, but every step is rewarding.

Once the gorillas are found, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat. You may see young gorillas playing, mothers caring for their babies, and powerful silverbacks watching over the group. This close encounter creates a deep connection with these gentle giants and leaves lasting memories.

Moreover, gorilla trekking supports conservation and local communities by funding park protection and employment. While the trek can be physically challenging, it is suitable for most travelers with moderate fitness. Because of its emotional impact and conservation value, gorilla trekking in Bwindi is considered one of the best wildlife experiences in the world and a highlight of any Uganda safari.