11 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimpanzees & Tanzania Safari: The Complete Primate and Wildlife Journey
Terenga Africa Safaris and Travel Ltd proudly presents the 11 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimpanzees & Tanzania Safari, a journey crafted for travelers seeking Africa’s finest primate and wildlife encounters. This safari combines Uganda’s mountain gorillas and chimpanzees with Tanzania’s legendary savannah parks. Travelers trek through Kibale’s ancient forest, encounter gorillas in Bwindi, then witness endless herds across Tarangire and the Serengeti. The 11 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimpanzees & Tanzania Safari delivers three primate species alongside classic Big Game viewing.
Uganda opens the adventure with its lush forests and remarkable primate diversity. Kibale Forest National Park hosts one of Africa’s highest concentrations of chimpanzees within pristine tropical jungle. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest follows, sheltering nearly half the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population. From there, the safari crosses into Tanzania, home to two of Africa’s most celebrated parks. Tarangire and Serengeti National Parks deliver elephants, lions, and endless golden grassland scenery.
Terenga Africa Safaris and Travel Ltd designs every element of the 11 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimpanzees & Tanzania Safari around depth and authenticity. Expert guides accompany travelers throughout, sharing knowledge gained from years working across both countries. Guests also engage with local Batwa and Maasai communities, gaining perspectives beyond typical wildlife viewing. This itinerary suits dedicated primate enthusiasts, photographers, and travelers seeking Africa’s ultimate combination journey. Continue reading for a complete day-by-day breakdown of this remarkable adventure.
11 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimpanzees & Tanzania Safari Highlight
Day |
Activities |
Accommodation |
| Day 1 | Arrival in Entebbe, transfer to Kampala, city orientation | Kampala hotel or similar |
| Day 2 | Scenic drive to Kibale Forest National Park | Primate Lodge Kibale or similar |
| Day 3 | Chimpanzee trekking, Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary walk | Primate Lodge Kibale or similar |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park | Buhoma Lodge or similar |
| Day 5 | Mountain gorilla trekking | Buhoma Lodge or similar |
| Day 6 | Batwa community experience, transfer to Entebbe, flight to Arusha | Arusha Coffee Lodge or similar |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Tarangire National Park, afternoon game drive | Tarangire Treetops or similar |
| Day 8 | Transfer to Serengeti via Ngorongoro viewpoint | Serengeti Serena Lodge or similar |
| Day 9 | Full-day game drive in Central Serengeti | Serengeti Serena Lodge or similar |
| Day 10 | Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater, crater floor game drive, transfer to Arusha | Arusha Coffee Lodge or similar |
| Day 11 | Departure from Kilimanjaro International Airport | N/A |
11 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimpanzees & Tanzania Safari
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe and Kampala Orientation
Your 11 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimpanzees & Tanzania Safari begins upon landing at Entebbe International Airport. A Terenga Africa Safaris and Travel Ltd representative welcomes you warmly at arrivals. Following a smooth transfer, guests settle into a comfortable hotel within Kampala city. Uganda’s capital surprises many visitors with its energy, greenery, and hillside neighborhoods. Lake Victoria’s shoreline offers a peaceful contrast to the bustling city streets nearby.
That afternoon, a short orientation tour introduces Kampala’s vibrant markets and historic landmarks. Guests visit the Kasubi Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site honoring Buganda kings. Guides explain traditional Buganda customs, governance structures, and royal history throughout the visit. Afterward, travelers explore local craft markets filled with textiles, baskets, and wooden carvings. Dinner that evening features Ugandan specialties alongside international dishes at your hotel restaurant. This first day establishes cultural context before the primate adventure begins tomorrow. Guests retire early, preparing for the scenic drive toward Kibale Forest ahead. Rest well tonight, since an exciting chimpanzee encounter awaits soon.
Day 2: Journey to Kibale Forest National Park
Morning brings a scenic drive west toward Kibale Forest National Park‘s lush tropical jungle. The route passes through rolling hills, tea plantations, and small trading towns throughout. Uganda’s famous “Pearl of Africa” landscape unfolds gradually across this beautiful highland journey. Many travelers stop briefly to photograph terraced farmland and distant crater lakes.
Upon arrival, guests check into Primate Lodge Kibale, nestled directly within the forest reserve. Wooden cottages offer immersive views across dense jungle canopy and surrounding vegetation. Kibale hosts thirteen primate species, earning recognition as East Africa’s premier primate destination. That afternoon, guests enjoy a guided nature walk introducing the forest’s rich biodiversity. Guides point out red colobus monkeys, various bird species, and unique tropical plant life. This gentle introduction prepares travelers for tomorrow’s dedicated chimpanzee trekking experience. Evening dinner features fresh, locally sourced ingredients prepared with Ugandan culinary expertise. This cultural stop adds meaningful depth to the 11 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimpanzees & Tanzania Safari beyond wildlife alone. Rest well tonight, since tomorrow delivers an unforgettable primate encounter.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland
Today focuses entirely on tracking Kibale’s habituated chimpanzee community through dense rainforest. After an early breakfast, guests travel to the trailhead for a ranger briefing session. Rangers explain chimpanzee behavior and safety guidelines before the trek begins. Porters remain available for hire, offering support across sometimes muddy, uneven terrain.
The trek varies from one to four hours depending on chimpanzee movement patterns. Every step feels worthwhile once trackers spot the first chimpanzees high in the canopy. Visitors spend up to one hour observing chimpanzees feeding, grooming, and calling within the forest. Watching these intelligent primates interact creates a profound, humbling connection with nature. Afterward, guests explore the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run conservation project. Local guides showcase over 200 bird species alongside additional primates within this vibrant wetland. Proceeds from this walk directly support surrounding villages, blending conservation with cultural tourism. This encounter ranks among Africa’s most exciting primate experiences for any traveler. Many travelers describe this day as a true highlight within the 11 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimpanzees & Tanzania Safari. Tomorrow, the journey continues toward mountain gorilla territory.
Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Morning brings a scenic drive south toward Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The route winds through Queen Elizabeth National Park, offering possible wildlife sightings along the way. Elephants, buffalo, and antelope occasionally appear near the roadside during this transitional drive. Guides often stop briefly at scenic viewpoints overlooking the western Rift Valley.
As the drive continues, the terrain gradually shifts toward dense, mountainous forest. Bwindi’s name translates to “impenetrable,” reflecting the thick vegetation covering these ancient hills. Upon arrival, guests check into Buhoma Lodge, perched along the forest’s edge. Wooden cottages offer stunning views across the jungle canopy and distant hills. This UNESCO World Heritage Site shelters nearly half the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population. Evening dinner features fresh, locally sourced ingredients prepared with genuine Ugandan culinary techniques. Guides share fascinating details about tomorrow’s trekking experience and forest ecology. This cultural stop adds meaningful depth to the 11 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimpanzees & Tanzania Safari beyond chimpanzee trekking alone. Rest well tonight, since tomorrow delivers the safari’s most anticipated highlight.
Day 5: Mountain Gorilla Trekking Adventure
Today marks the true centerpiece of the 11 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimpanzees & Tanzania Safari. After an early breakfast, guests travel to park headquarters for a briefing session. Rangers assign trekking groups based on fitness levels and current gorilla family locations. Porters remain available for hire, offering valuable support across Bwindi‘s steep, muddy terrain.
The trek itself varies from two to six hours depending on gorilla movement patterns. Dense forest vegetation, thick vines, and steep slopes make this a genuinely active adventure. Every step feels worthwhile once trackers spot the first silverback in the distance. Visitors spend exactly one hour observing gorilla families within their natural forest habitat. Watching young gorillas play while adults forage creates an emotional, unforgettable connection. Photographers capture stunning close-range images within Bwindi‘s lush, ancient forest setting. This encounter ranks among Africa’s most humbling wildlife experiences for any traveler. Afterward, guests return to Buhoma Lodge for a well-earned hot lunch. Evening relaxation allows time to reflect on this profound wildlife encounter. Many travelers describe this single day as reason enough to book the 11 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimpanzees & Tanzania Safari entirely.
Day 6: Batwa Culture and Flight to Tanzania
Before departing Bwindi, guests experience Uganda’s indigenous Batwa people and their forest heritage. Once forest-dwelling hunter-gatherers, the Batwa now share traditions through guided community experiences near the lodge. Elders demonstrate traditional hunting techniques, fire-making methods, and medicinal plant knowledge throughout the visit. Their songs and dances offer moving insight into a rapidly changing way of life.
This cultural encounter provides genuine insight into Batwa resilience amid modernizing surroundings. Afterward, travelers transfer back toward Entebbe for a scheduled flight to Tanzania. Landing at Kilimanjaro or Arusha marks a dramatic shift from misty forests to sun-baked plains. Guests transfer to Arusha Coffee Lodge, nestled amid working coffee plantations near town. Mount Meru rises dramatically in the background, offering a stunning welcome to Tanzania. That evening, guests receive a detailed safari briefing covering wildlife etiquette and packing essentials. Dinner features fresh, farm-grown ingredients alongside regional Tanzanian specialties. This transition day bridges Uganda’s primate forests with Tanzania’s classic savannah wilderness beautifully. The 11 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimpanzees & Tanzania Safari now shifts fully into its wildlife-viewing chapter.
Day 7: Elephants and Baobabs in Tarangire
This morning, travelers depart Arusha and drive roughly two hours toward Tarangire National Park. Baobab trees begin appearing along the roadside, signaling the approach to this iconic landscape. Upon entering the park, guests immediately encounter large elephant herds near seasonal water sources. Tarangire hosts one of Africa’s densest elephant populations outside peak migration season.
Throughout the afternoon, game drives reveal lions, giraffes, and various antelope species across golden grasslands. Tarangire River sustains wildlife during dry months, attracting animals from surrounding drier regions. Birdwatchers particularly enjoy this park, since over 550 species inhabit its diverse habitats. Ancient baobab trees, some over a thousand years old, dominate the striking scenery throughout. Guides share fascinating stories about these “upside-down trees” and their ecological significance. Later, guests might visit a nearby Maasai boma for authentic cultural exchange. Warriors demonstrate traditional jumping dances while women showcase intricate beadwork craftsmanship. Evening returns to Tarangire Treetops, where rooms perch among ancient baobab branches. Sundowners on the lodge deck provide perfect opportunities for watching wildlife below.
Day 8: Crossing into the Serengeti
Following breakfast, travelers depart Tarangire and head toward the vast Serengeti plains. The route passes near Ngorongoro Conservation Area, offering spectacular crater rim viewpoints along the way. Guests often stop for photographs overlooking this UNESCO World Heritage Site’s dramatic caldera. Lunch takes place at a scenic viewpoint restaurant with panoramic crater views.
Continuing westward, the landscape transforms into endless golden grassland stretching toward the horizon. Serengeti, meaning “endless plains” in the Maasai language, lives up to its name. Wildlife sightings often begin before reaching the official park entrance gate. Giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest herds appear scattered across the seemingly infinite savannah. Upon arrival at Serengeti Serena Lodge, guests settle into rooms overlooking the plains. This lodge’s design reflects traditional Maasai architecture while offering modern comfort throughout. An orientation game drive introduces the immediate surroundings before dinner service begins. Staff share insights about current migration patterns and recommended game drive routes. This evening builds excitement for a full day exploring Africa’s most famous ecosystem. The 11 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimpanzees & Tanzania Safari now enters its wildlife-viewing peak.
Day 9: Central Serengeti Game Viewing
A full day awaits within the Seronera Valley, Serengeti’s wildlife-rich central region. This area sustains resident predator populations throughout the year, regardless of migration timing. Lion prides frequently rest along riverbanks, while leopards hide within sausage tree branches. Cheetahs patrol open plains, using termite mounds as convenient lookout points.
Morning game drives typically yield the most active wildlife behavior before midday heat arrives. Guides possess exceptional tracking skills, often locating predators through subtle environmental clues. Hippos and crocodiles inhabit the Seronera River, adding aquatic drama to the landscape. Picnic lunches occur at designated scenic spots overlooking the sprawling savannah below. Afternoon drives explore different sections, maximizing chances of diverse wildlife encounters throughout the day. Serengeti’s biodiversity remains unmatched, hosting over two million large mammals across its ecosystem. Evening returns to Serengeti Serena Lodge for dinner and wildlife discussion around the fire. Guests share photographs and stories from an exhilarating day of exploration. Star-filled skies over the plains create a magical, unforgettable backdrop for reflection. Tomorrow, the journey continues toward volcanic Ngorongoro Crater.
Day 10: Ngorongoro Crater and Return to Arusha
Morning departure brings travelers toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area‘s spectacular crater floor. This collapsed volcanic caldera creates a natural enclosure teeming with concentrated wildlife populations. Black rhinos, among Africa’s most endangered species, sometimes appear grazing near crater lakes. Flamingos gather in pink clusters along soda lake shores, creating stunning visual contrast.
Lions rest confidently in open grass, unbothered by nearby vehicles and observers. Ngorongoro hosts one of Africa’s highest predator densities within its compact, enclosed boundaries. Picnic lunch happens beside Lerai Forest, where elephants occasionally wander through the trees. Before departing, guests visit an authentic Maasai village near the crater rim. Warriors welcome visitors with traditional greeting songs and rhythmic jumping dances. Elders explain age-old customs surrounding cattle herding, marriage rites, and community governance. Afterward, the journey continues toward Arusha, Tanzania’s northern safari hub city. Arrival at Arusha Coffee Lodge offers a peaceful setting amid working coffee plantations. Farewell dinner celebrates this incredible journey through Uganda and Tanzania’s finest destinations. The 11 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimpanzees & Tanzania Safari nears its conclusion after eleven remarkable days.
Day 11: Departure and Farewell
Your final morning allows leisurely breakfast amid Arusha Coffee Lodge’s beautiful plantation grounds. Depending on flight schedules, guests might enjoy a short coffee estate tour. Alternatively, last-minute souvenir shopping happens at nearby craft markets and curio shops. A Terenga Africa Safaris and Travel Ltd representative ensures smooth, timely airport transfer arrangements.
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport takes approximately fifty minutes from the lodge. Guests depart with countless photographs, cherished memories, and a completed primate checklist. From chimpanzee forests to gorilla mountains and endless plains, this journey delivered extraordinary diversity. Terenga Africa Safaris and Travel Ltd thanks every traveler for choosing this remarkable adventure. The 11 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimpanzees & Tanzania Safari concludes here, though its impact lingers long afterward. Many guests already begin planning future African adventures before boarding their departure flight. Safe travels, and thank you for exploring Uganda and Tanzania with our dedicated team.
11 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimpanzees & Tanzania Safari Inclusions & Exclusions
Safari Inclusions
- Airport transfers in Entebbe and Arusha/Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation as listed throughout the itinerary
- All park entrance fees and conservation area fees
- Gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking permits
- Professional English-speaking driver-guides throughout the safari
- 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- All game drives as specified in the itinerary
- Meals as indicated (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Bottled drinking water during game drives
- Domestic flight between Entebbe and Arusha/Kilimanjaro
- Batwa cultural experience and Bigodi Wetland walk
- Government taxes and service charges
Safari Exclusions
- International flights to and from Uganda and Tanzania
- Visa fees for Uganda and Tanzania
- Travel insurance
- Optional hot air balloon safari
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
- Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, souvenirs)
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
- Medical expenses and vaccinations