12 Days Tanzania Safari & Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour
This 12 days Tanzania safari and Uganda gorilla trekking adventure with Giant Holiday Safaris offers the perfect blend of classic African wildlife and rare primate encounters. Designed for travelers seeking unforgettable experiences, this journey takes you through Tanzania’s most iconic national parks and into the misty forests of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Your 12 Days Tanzania Safari & Uganda Gorilla Trekking safari begins in northern Tanzania, where you explore Tarangire National Park, famous for massive elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. You then continue to Lake Manyara National Park, known for tree-climbing lions, lush forests, and rich birdlife. From there, the adventure moves to the legendary Serengeti National Park, home to endless plains, big cat sightings, and incredible wildlife action throughout the year.
Next, you descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s greatest natural wonders, where the Big Five roam freely in a breathtaking volcanic caldera. After your Tanzania safari, you fly to Uganda, where the journey continues to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Here, you experience a once-in-a-lifetime mountain gorilla trekking, guided by expert rangers.
The safari ends at Lake Bunyonyi, a peaceful retreat surrounded by rolling hills and calm waters. Throughout the trip, Giant Holiday Safaris provides professional guides, hand-picked lodges, smooth transfers, and personalized service to ensure a safe, comfortable, and truly memorable African safari experience.
Day 1: Pickup from Kilimanjaro Airport and Transfer to Hotel
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our 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 near Arusha. This drive allows you to relax after your flight while enjoying views of local villages, rolling hills, and Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days.
Once you arrive at Pembeni River House, you will check in and settle into your peaceful surroundings. The lodge offers a calm atmosphere, perfect for resting before your safari begins. Later in the evening, enjoy a freshly prepared dinner featuring local and international flavors. This first night helps you adjust to the time zone and prepares you for the exciting wildlife experiences ahead.
Accommodation: Pembeni River House
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water
Day 2: Transfer from Arusha to Tarangire National Park
After an early breakfast, your guide will pick you up at 8:00 am and drive you to Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s best wildlife destinations. The journey takes you through scenic countryside before reaching the park gates. Once inside, your first game drive begins immediately.
Tarangire is famous for its large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and open savannah landscapes. As you explore, you may spot giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, lions, and many bird species. Around midday, you will stop at a shaded picnic site to enjoy lunch inside the park.
In the afternoon, continue with a relaxed game drive as animals gather near the Tarangire River. Later, exit the park and transfer 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
Following breakfast, depart for Lake Manyara National Park, a beautiful park known for its lush forests and rich wildlife. Although smaller in size, Lake Manyara offers diverse scenery, from groundwater forests to open grasslands and the alkaline lake itself.
During your game drive, you will see large troops of baboons, blue monkeys, and many colorful bird species. The park is also famous for its tree-climbing lions, which often rest in acacia trees. Hippos gather along the lake shores, while elephants move quietly through the forest.
You will enjoy a picnic lunch during the game drive before continuing wildlife viewing in the afternoon. As the day ends, transfer to your lodge where a warm dinner and peaceful overnight stay await you.
Accommodation: Lake Manyara Serena Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water
Day 4: Transfer to Serengeti National Park with En-Route Game Drive
After breakfast, begin your journey to the world-famous Serengeti National Park. This scenic drive offers changing landscapes as you move from the highlands into vast open plains. Along the way, you may stop at Olduvai Gorge or visit a Maasai village for cultural insight.
Upon entering the Serengeti, enjoy an exciting game drive as you head toward the central area. Wildlife viewing starts immediately, with chances to see zebras, giraffes, antelopes, and predators searching for prey. A picnic lunch will be served during the drive.
As sunset approaches, arrive at your lodge in central Serengeti. Relax, enjoy dinner, and listen to the sounds of nature under the African sky.
Accommodation: Serengeti Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water
Day 5: Full-Day Wildlife Adventure in Serengeti National Park for the 12 Days Tanzania Safari & Uganda Gorilla Trekking
Today is dedicated entirely to exploring the Serengeti, one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife parks. After an early breakfast, head out for a morning game drive when animals are most active. You may see lions on the hunt, leopards resting in trees, and large herds moving across the plains.
You can choose to enjoy a full-day game drive with a picnic lunch or return to the lodge for a hot lunch before heading out again in the afternoon. This flexible schedule allows you to follow wildlife movements for the best sightings.
The Serengeti is home to elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, cheetahs, and all three African jackal species. As the day ends, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight rest.
Accommodation: Serengeti Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water
Day 6: Another Full Day of Game Viewing in Serengeti
Enjoy another full day in Serengeti National Park, giving you more time to explore different areas of this vast ecosystem. After breakfast, set out for morning game drives that focus on spotting predators and large herbivore herds.
Your guide will adjust the route based on animal movements and seasonal wildlife activity. This increases your chances of seeing rare moments, such as hunting scenes or animal interactions. A picnic or lodge lunch will be arranged depending on your preference.
In the afternoon, continue game viewing across open plains and river areas where animals gather to drink. As the sun sets, return to the lodge for dinner and relaxation after a rewarding day in the wild.
Accommodation: Serengeti Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water
Day 7: Game Drive and Transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area for the 12 Days Tanzania Safari & Uganda Gorilla Trekking
After an early breakfast, enjoy a final game drive in Serengeti as you begin your journey toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This drive offers one last chance to spot wildlife before leaving the Serengeti plains.
As you travel, the landscape changes to rolling hills and highlands. You will stop for lunch along the way while enjoying scenic views. In the afternoon, continue to your lodge near the Ngorongoro Crater rim.
Arrive in time to relax and enjoy dinner while overlooking the conservation area. The cooler highland air provides a refreshing change and prepares you for the incredible crater tour the next day.
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water
Day 8: Full-Day Ngorongoro Crater Tour
Start the day early with breakfast, then descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest unbroken volcanic caldera. This natural wonder is home to nearly 30,000 animals, making it one of the best wildlife viewing areas in Africa.
During the full-day crater tour, you may see the Big Five lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and the rare black rhino. The crater floor also hosts flamingos, hippos, zebras, and many antelope species.
You will enjoy a picnic lunch at the famous Hippo Pool site, surrounded by stunning scenery. After a full day of game viewing, ascend from the crater 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 Flight to Uganda for the 12 Days Tanzania Safari & Uganda Gorilla Trekking
After breakfast, depart the Ngorongoro area and drive back to Arusha Airport for your onward flight to Uganda. This transfer marks the end of your Tanzania safari and the beginning of your gorilla trekking adventure.
Upon arrival, you will check in at a comfortable guest house near the airport. The day allows you to rest, refresh, and prepare for the next phase of your journey. Meals will be provided, and your guide will brief you on the upcoming Uganda itinerary.
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 mountain gorillas. The journey takes you through scenic countryside, terraced hills, and rural villages.
Upon arrival, enjoy a Batwa cultural experience, where you learn about the indigenous forest people and their traditional way of life. This visit adds cultural depth to your wildlife safari.
Later, check in at your lodge located near the forest. Relax, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the unforgettable gorilla trek the following day.
Accommodation: Gorilla Valley Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water
Day 11: Gorilla Trekking & Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
Today begins early with a briefing from park rangers before your gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Forest. Guided by experts, you will hike through dense forest in search of a habituated gorilla family. The trek can take several hours, but meeting the gorillas is a life-changing moment.
After spending one magical hour with the gorillas, return to the lodge for lunch. Later, transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s most beautiful lakes. In the evening, enjoy a peaceful canoe ride across calm waters surrounded by green hills.
Accommodation: Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Drinking Water
Day 12: Transfer to Entebbe International Airport end of 12 Days Tanzania Safari & Uganda Gorilla Trekking
After breakfast, begin your return journey to Entebbe International Airport. Enjoy scenic views along the way as you reflect on your incredible safari and gorilla trekking experience.
Upon arrival, connect with your international flight, marking the end of the 12 Days Tanzania Safari & Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari.
Accommodation: None
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Drinking Water
12 Days Tanzania Safari & Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour Inclusions
- Park fees (for non-residents)
- Gorilla permits (one per person, non-resident)
- All specified activities (unless labeled as optional)
- Accommodation throughout the tour (unless upgraded)
- Professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All internal flights during the 12 Days Tanzania Safari & Uganda Gorilla Trekking
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfers
- Meals as specified in the day-by-day itinerary
- Drinking water provided daily
12 Days Tanzania Safari & Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour Exclusions
- International flights (to/from home)
- Additional accommodation before and after the tour
- Tips (recommended tipping guideline of US$10.00 per person per day)
- Personal expenses (such as souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
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