8 Days Tanzania Safari & Uganda Gorilla Trekking

The 8 Days Tanzania Safari & Uganda Gorilla Trekking experience offers a perfect blend of classic African wildlife safaris and unforgettable primate encounters. This carefully designed itinerary takes you through Tanzania’s top safari destinations, including Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater, before connecting you to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda for an extraordinary gorilla trekking adventure. Throughout the journey, you enjoy scenic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural experiences that highlight the true beauty of East Africa.

In Tanzania, the safari focuses on game drives in world-famous parks where you can spot the Big Five, large elephant herds, powerful predators, and countless bird species. The open plains of the Serengeti and the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater provide excellent photography and wildlife viewing opportunities. In Uganda, the journey shifts to lush rainforest landscapes, where you trek through Bwindi to meet endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The safari also includes a Batwa cultural experience and a relaxing canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi, adding depth and balance to the adventure.

This safari is ideal for travelers seeking a well-paced, multi-country African experience that combines wildlife, culture, and nature. It is suitable for couples, families, and small groups looking for an authentic and rewarding safari holiday in East Africa.

Day 1: Pickup and Transfer to Tarangire National Park for the 8 Days Tanzania Safari & Uganda Gorilla Trekking

Your adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel. From there, you will travel to Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s most scenic wildlife areas. As soon as you enter the park, your first game drive starts. Tarangire is famous for its ancient baobab trees and large elephant herds. During the drive, you may also spot giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, lions, and many colorful bird species.

Later in the day, you will stop at a shaded picnic site to enjoy your lunch while surrounded by nature. After lunch, the afternoon game drive continues, allowing you to explore more of the park’s open plains and riverbanks. As the sun sets, you exit the park and head to your lodge for relaxation and dinner. This day offers a perfect introduction to Tanzania’s rich wildlife and landscapes.

Accommodation: Suricata Boma Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Day 2: Transfer to Serengeti National Park & Evening Game Drive

After an early breakfast, you begin a scenic journey to the world-famous Serengeti National Park. The drive takes about seven hours and passes through beautiful countryside and Maasai villages. Along the way, you may choose to visit Olduvai Gorge, a historic site known as the “Cradle of people.” This short stop adds a cultural and historical touch to your safari.

Upon arrival at the Serengeti gate, you enjoy your packed lunch before entering the park. Shortly after, an evening game drive begins. The Serengeti is known for endless plains and abundant wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, and antelopes. As the sun slowly sets, predators become more active, offering great photo opportunities. Later, you drive to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay inside the park.

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

Day 3: Morning Game Drive in Serengeti & Transfer to Ngorongoro for the 8 Days Tanzania Safari & Uganda Gorilla Trekking

Today starts with an early breakfast, followed by a sunrise game drive in Serengeti National Park. Morning hours are the best time to see predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards returning from night hunts. You will also see large herds of buffaloes, zebras, elephants, and many antelope species grazing on the plains.

After several hours of wildlife viewing, you stop for lunch before beginning your journey toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Along the way, you enjoy a game drive en route, offering more chances to spot animals and enjoy scenic views. As you climb toward the Ngorongoro highlands, the landscape changes to lush forests and rolling hills. You arrive at your lodge in the evening, where you relax, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the crater tour the next day.

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

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater Tour & Game Viewing

After an early breakfast, you descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest unbroken volcanic caldera. This natural wonder is home to nearly 30,000 animals living in a small area, making wildlife viewing easy and exciting. During the game drive, you may see lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, and hippos. The crater is also one of the best places to spot the rare black rhinoceros.

Midday, you stop at the hippo pool picnic site for lunch while enjoying views of the wetlands and surrounding crater walls. After lunch, the game drive continues through grasslands, forests, and soda lakes filled with flamingos. Later in the afternoon, you ascend from the crater and return to your lodge. This day offers one of the most rewarding wildlife experiences in Africa.

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

Day 5: Transfer from Tanzania to Entebbe, Uganda for the 8 Days Tanzania Safari & Uganda Gorilla Trekking

After breakfast, you begin your transfer from Tanzania to Entebbe, Uganda. Depending on flight schedules, you will be transferred to the airport for your international connection. This travel day allows you to relax and reflect on your incredible Tanzania safari experience.

Upon arrival in Entebbe, you are warmly welcomed and transferred to your guest house near the airport. Entebbe sits on the shores of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake, and offers a calm and refreshing atmosphere. If time allows, you can enjoy a short walk or relax at the lodge. Dinner is served at the guest house as you prepare for the exciting gorilla trekking adventure ahead. This day smoothly connects your Tanzania safari with Uganda’s primate experience.

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

Day 6: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest & Batwa Cultural Experience

After breakfast, you begin a scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, located in southwestern Uganda. The journey passes through rolling hills, tea plantations, and rural villages, offering a true glimpse of local life. Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to endangered mountain gorillas.

Upon arrival, you check in at your lodge and enjoy lunch. Later in the afternoon, you take part in a Batwa Cultural Experience. The Batwa people are the original forest dwellers of Bwindi, and this experience allows you to learn about their traditional lifestyle, music, hunting skills, and forest knowledge. This cultural visit adds deep meaning to your safari and supports community tourism. Afterward, you return to your lodge for dinner and rest.

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

Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for the 8 Days Tanzania Safari & Uganda Gorilla Trekking

Today is the highlight of your journey gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After an early breakfast, you attend a briefing by park rangers before entering the forest. The trek may take several hours, depending on gorilla movements. Once you find a gorilla family, you spend one unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat.

After the trek, you return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. Later, you transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s most beautiful lakes, surrounded by green hills and small islands. In the afternoon, you enjoy a peaceful canoe ride on the lake, perfect for relaxation after the trek. The calm environment makes this an ideal place to unwind and reflect on your experience.

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

Day 8: Transfer Back to Entebbe International Airport

After breakfast, you begin your return journey to Entebbe International Airport. The drive takes you through scenic countryside and local towns, offering final views of Uganda’s natural beauty. Along the way, you may stop for lunch and short breaks.

Upon arrival in Entebbe, your driver transfers you directly to the airport for your departure flight. This marks the end of your 8 Days Tanzania Safari & Uganda Gorilla Trekking adventure. You leave with unforgettable memories of African wildlife, landscapes, and cultures. This safari combines the best of Tanzania’s classic game parks with Uganda’s unique gorilla trekking experience, making it a perfect choice for nature and adventure lovers.

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

8 Days Tanzania Safari & Uganda Gorilla Trekking Inclusions

  • 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
  • All park entrance fees
  • Gorilla trekking permit
  • Batwa cultural experience
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
  • Government taxes

8 Days Tanzania Safari & Uganda Gorilla Trekking Exclusions

  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Optional activities
  • Tips for staff
  • Extra meals or drinks not listed
  • Vaccination and health-related costs