12-Day Tanzania Uganda Safari

The 12-Day Tanzania Uganda Safari curated by Deks Safaris and Tours Ltd is an extraordinary journey through East Africa’s most iconic wildlife and primate habitats. This Tanzania Uganda Safari Holiday uniquely combines the breath-taking savannahs of Tanzania with Uganda’s dense tropical forests and Rwanda’s scenic landscapes. Travelers will experience a mix of Tanzania Safaris, Tanzania Wildlife Safari, and Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari, witnessing some of Africa’s most incredible wildlife spectacles.

From the vast plains of the Serengeti to the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater, adventurers will encounter lions, elephants, zebras, and wildebeests in their natural habitat. Transitioning to Uganda, the safari immerses guests in the heart of the rainforest for Gorilla Trekking, chimpanzee tracking, and golden monkey encounters, providing intimate connections with Africa’s primates. Alongside wildlife, cultural experiences such as Batwa community visits, Bigodi Swamp walks, and Lake Bunyonyi relaxation moments offer a deeper appreciation of local traditions and ecosystems.

This multi-country safari is designed with comfort and flexibility in mind, combining road and air transfers, ensuring travelers experience the essence of East Africa without the rush. Each day of this Tanzania Uganda Tour is carefully crafted to maximize encounters with wildlife, primates, and local culture, providing a fully immersive adventure. Whether you seek the thrill of a Tanzania Safari and Gorilla Trekking combination or the serenity of Rwanda’s lush forests, this 12-Day Tanzania Uganda Safari journey represents the pinnacle of African wildlife and primate exploration.

 

12-Day Tanzania Uganda Safari Highlights

Detailed 12-Day Tanzania Uganda Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Arusha Overnight Stay

The 12-Day Tanzania Uganda Safari begins with your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you are warmly welcomed and transferred to Arusha for an overnight stay. Arusha serves as the gateway to Tanzania Safaris, providing an ideal base for safari preparation and orientation. Travelers on the 12-Day Tanzania Uganda Safari enjoy a relaxed introduction to East Africa, with optional visits to local markets or cultural centers to gain insight into Tanzanian heritage. The evening offers a chance to acclimate and rest, setting the stage for an adventurous journey ahead.

Accommodation in Arusha typically ranges from luxury lodges to boutique hotels, all curated to ensure comfort after your long flight. This initial day also allows safari guests to meet their professional guides, who will accompany them throughout the Tanzania Wildlife Safari, providing expert knowledge of wildlife, ecosystems, and safety. Arriving in Arusha provides the perfect balance of rest and anticipation, creating excitement for the upcoming drives to Lake Manyara and the Serengeti.

For travelers on a combined Tanzania Uganda Safari, this day emphasizes the transition from international travel into immersive African exploration, ensuring you begin the journey well-rested and ready to embrace both adventure and wildlife encounters in the days to come.

 

Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park and Serengeti Adventure

The second day of the 12-Day Tanzania Uganda Safari takes you on a journey to Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and diverse wildlife. The park offers a blend of scenic beauty and intimate wildlife encounters, providing a gentle yet exciting introduction to Tanzania Safaris. A morning game drive allows visitors to observe giraffes, elephants, and baboons in their natural habitats. Beyond wildlife, cultural experiences with local Maasai communities offer insight into traditional lifestyles and rituals, enhancing your understanding of Tanzania’s cultural heritage.

Following the Lake Manyara visit, travelers proceed to the Serengeti National Park, the crown jewel of Tanzania Wildlife Safari. The Serengeti’s vast plains are home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, and the ever-migrating wildebeest and zebras. Arriving in the Serengeti in the late afternoon provides a chance to witness the golden sunset over the savannah, a scene that epitomizes the African safari experience. Accommodation options range from luxury tented camps to lodges nestled within the park, offering comfort while remaining close to nature.

This day highlights the seamless transition from Tanzania’s woodland ecosystems to the Serengeti’s iconic grasslands, blending wildlife spotting with cultural encounters. The combination of scenic drives, expert guiding, and wildlife observation sets a high standard for the rest of the 12-Day Tanzania Uganda Safari Holiday, promising an unforgettable journey through Africa’s diverse landscapes.

 

Day 3: Full-Day Serengeti Game Drives

A highlight of any Tanzania Safari is a full day exploring the Serengeti National Park, renowned for its biodiversity and epic migrations. Day three of the 12-Day Tanzania Uganda Safari involves early morning departures to maximize wildlife viewing during the most active hours. Guests traverse the endless plains and kopjes, observing predators such as lions lounging in the sun, cheetahs on the hunt, and elephants roaming the savannah. The Serengeti is home to the legendary Great Migration, a spectacle that draws wildlife enthusiasts from across the globe.

During your Tanzania Wildlife Safari, experienced guides provide insights into animal behavior, conservation efforts, and ecological dynamics, making each encounter both educational and awe-inspiring. Picnic lunches in the heart of the park offer moments to soak in the vastness and tranquility of the landscape. Afternoon game drives continue, providing ample opportunities for photography, bird watching, and tracking elusive species.

This day exemplifies the essence of Tanzania Safaris, blending adventure, education, and nature immersion. As the sun sets over the Serengeti, the dramatic colors of the sky reflect on the endless plains, leaving a lasting impression on every traveler. The full-day Serengeti experience ensures that guests on a Tanzania Uganda Safari witness the pinnacle of African wildlife in its natural splendor, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater Exploration

Day four of the 12-Day Tanzania Uganda Safari introduces travelers to the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the world’s most famous natural wonders. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a collapsed volcano, hosting an unparalleled concentration of wildlife within its 260-square-kilometer caldera. A morning descent into the crater offers close encounters with elephants, rhinos, hippos, and lions, alongside a diverse array of bird species.

The Ngorongoro Crater is unique for its combination of geological marvels and abundant wildlife, making it a must-visit destination on any Tanzania Wildlife Safari. Guides provide interpretive commentary on the crater’s formation, conservation significance, and ecological balance. Visitors can also explore the nearby Maasai villages to witness traditional practices and crafts, connecting culture with nature. A picnic lunch within the crater allows guests to savor the incredible scenery while listening to the sounds of the wild.

By the afternoon, travelers ascend back to the rim, enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding highlands. This day emphasizes the diversity of a Tanzania Uganda Safari, combining vast savannahs, rich wildlife, and deep cultural experiences. The Ngorongoro adventure underscores the unique opportunities available on a Tanzania Safari and Gorilla Trekking itinerary, offering both adventure and education in one of Africa’s most remarkable landscapes.

 

Day 5: Transfer to Uganda – Primates Await

The fifth day marks the transition from Tanzania’s plains to Uganda’s dense forests, beginning the Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari portion of the journey. Travelers fly from Arusha or Kilimanjaro to Entebbe or Kigali, followed by road transfers to Uganda’s primate destinations. This leg of the 12-Day Tanzania Uganda Safari is carefully coordinated to maximize comfort and minimize travel fatigue.

Uganda’s tropical forests provide a sharp contrast to Tanzania’s open savannahs, introducing visitors to lush greenery, rolling hills, and diverse ecosystems. Upon arrival, guests can rest and prepare for the intense adventure of Africa Gorilla Trekking, which begins the following day. Evening orientations familiarize travelers with safety, etiquette, and expectations for gorilla encounters. The day also includes optional cultural excursions or relaxation at lodge facilities, allowing travelers to acclimate to Uganda’s environment.

By bridging Tanzania and Uganda, this segment of the Tanzania Uganda Safari Holiday highlights the diversity of East Africa’s wildlife experiences, offering both savannah predators and primate encounters in one seamless itinerary. Preparation on this day ensures that the Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari portion is safe, enjoyable, and truly transformative.

 

Day 6: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park and Bigodi Swamp Walk

On Day 6 of the 12-Day Tanzania Uganda Safari, travelers transition from Tanzania’s expansive savannahs to the lush, tropical landscapes of Uganda, beginning the primate portion of the journey. After a scenic road transfer to Kibale Forest National Park, guests have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the verdant environment with an afternoon visit to the Bigodi Swamp. This swamp is a haven for birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, and those interested in the ecological balance of East African wetlands.

The Tanzania Uganda Safari Holiday experience here is a perfect introduction to Uganda’s biodiversity, with abundant sightings of primates such as red colobus monkeys and blue monkeys, alongside vibrant birdlife and unique flora. The Bigodi Swamp Walk offers a gentle trekking experience suitable for all fitness levels, providing informative insights from local guides about conservation efforts and the intricate ecosystems that sustain wildlife. Travelers gain firsthand exposure to how Uganda’s forests differ from Tanzania’s open plains, highlighting the richness of a Tanzania Wildlife Safari combined with Uganda Gorilla Trekking.

Evening accommodations in nearby lodges provide comfortable rest in the heart of nature, preparing visitors for the adventure-filled Day 7, where chimpanzee tracking awaits. This day emphasizes the diversity of experiences on a Tanzania Uganda Safari, blending serene forest walks with immersive wildlife encounters, setting the stage for the intimate primate encounters that define East Africa’s unique safari offerings.

 

12-Day Tanzania Uganda Safari

Africa Chimpanzee Tracking Safaris

Day 7: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Park Game Drive

Day 7 of the 12-Day Tanzania Uganda Safari is dedicated to one of Uganda’s most sought-after wildlife experiences: chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park. Early morning treks increase the likelihood of observing chimpanzees in their natural habitat as they forage, play, and communicate. Under the guidance of expert primate trackers, travelers gain a rare opportunity to witness these intelligent primates at close range while learning about their behavior, social structures, and conservation challenges.

After an exhilarating morning, the journey continues with a road transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park for an afternoon game drive. Here, guests encounter the savannah’s iconic wildlife, including elephants, lions, buffaloes, and leopards, providing a unique contrast between Uganda’s tropical forests and savannah ecosystems experienced in Tanzania Safaris. The combination of primate trekking and traditional game drives exemplifies the versatility of a Tanzania Uganda Safari Holiday, offering both immersive forest experiences and classic African wildlife encounters.

Expert guides ensure travelers understand the ecological interplay between different habitats while providing photography tips and safety briefings. Accommodations in Queen Elizabeth National Park are strategically located to offer panoramic views and immediate access to wildlife, ensuring every moment of the Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari is seamless and memorable. Day 7 highlights the duality of East Africa’s ecosystems, making it a pivotal point in the Tanzania Uganda Tour for wildlife enthusiasts and primate lovers alike.

 

Day 8: Queen Elizabeth National Park Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

On Day 8 of the 12-Day Tanzania Uganda Safari, guests spend the entire day exploring the remarkable landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its biodiversity and scenic beauty. Morning and afternoon game drives allow visitors to witness lions lounging under acacia trees, elephants grazing on riverbanks, and buffalo herds roaming the plains. This day also includes a leisurely boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, providing an intimate perspective of aquatic wildlife.

Hippos, crocodiles, and countless bird species thrive along the channel, making it one of the most dynamic ecosystems in Uganda. The combination of terrestrial and aquatic exploration enhances the Tanzania Wildlife Safari experience by offering multiple viewpoints of wildlife activity. Guides share insights into animal behavior, conservation initiatives, and ecosystem dynamics, ensuring that every encounter is educational as well as thrilling. Travelers also enjoy the scenic backdrop of lush hills and the Rwenzori Mountains on the horizon, creating exceptional photography opportunities.

Day 8 exemplifies the breadth of experiences available on a Tanzania Uganda Safari, blending forest and savannah, land and water, while maintaining a comfortable and luxurious travel rhythm. By the end of the day, guests return to lodges within the park, reflecting on the diversity of Uganda’s wildlife before transitioning to the dense forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where Gorilla Trekking will begin. This day reinforces the uniqueness of the Tanzania Uganda Safari Holiday, demonstrating the unparalleled variety of wildlife and habitats East Africa has to offer.

 

12-Day Tanzania Uganda Safari

Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari

Day 9: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Batwa Cultural Experience

Day 9 of the 12-Day Tanzania Uganda Safari takes travelers to the heart of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, home to the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Before the trekking adventure begins, visitors have the opportunity to engage in an afternoon Batwa cultural experience. The Batwa people, among Africa’s earliest inhabitants, provide a fascinating glimpse into traditional forest-based lifestyles, showcasing their music, dances, and survival techniques.

This cultural immersion complements the Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari, offering both social and ecological perspectives of the region. Travelers on a Tanzania Uganda Tour witness the integration of wildlife conservation and local heritage, learning how communities live in harmony with their environment. Bwindi’s dense rainforest offers a completely different safari experience compared to Tanzania’s open plains, with mist-covered hills, towering trees, and diverse flora and fauna.

This combination of cultural and ecological exploration enhances the Tanzania Safari and Gorilla Trekking experience, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of East African travel. Evenings in eco-lodges within or near Bwindi allow guests to relax and prepare for the highly anticipated gorilla trekking on Day 10. This day highlights the balance between adventure, learning, and cultural appreciation, making it an unforgettable chapter of the 12-Day Tanzania Uganda Safari.

 

Day 10: Golden Monkey Tracking in Mgahinga and Lake Bunyonyi Relaxation

Day 10 of the 12-Day Tanzania Uganda Safari focuses on the vibrant primate life of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Early morning treks allow travelers to track golden monkeys, small, agile primates endemic to this region. Under the guidance of expert trackers, visitors observe these playful creatures moving through bamboo forests and volcanic slopes, learning about their behaviors and conservation significance.

Following the primate encounter, the afternoon is dedicated to relaxation at the serene Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s most picturesque highland lakes. Travelers enjoy canoeing, birdwatching, or simply soaking in the tranquil scenery, providing a peaceful contrast to the morning’s activity. This day epitomizes the diversity of the Tanzania Uganda Safari Holiday, offering both active wildlife exploration and restorative nature experiences.

The combination of Africa Gorilla Trekking and leisure by Lake Bunyonyi ensures guests experience the full spectrum of East African adventure, from rainforest ecosystems to highland serenity. By integrating wildlife, primates, and scenic relaxation, Day 10 reinforces the transformative quality of a Tanzania Uganda Safari, allowing travelers to connect with nature, wildlife, and themselves.

 

Day 11: Lake Mburo National Park – Afternoon Game Drive and Nature Walk

Day 11 of the 12-Day Tanzania Uganda Safari brings travelers to Lake Mburo National Park, renowned for its diverse landscapes and wildlife. After a scenic road transfer, guests enjoy an afternoon game drive through rolling hills, acacia woodlands, and savannah plains, spotting zebras, impalas, elands, and buffalo. Lake Mburo is also famous for its birdlife, including the African fish eagle and myriad waterfowl.

Following the game drive, a guided nature walk allows for close encounters with smaller wildlife and plant species, emphasizing conservation education and the ecological significance of Uganda’s protected areas. This day provides a balance of exploration and relaxation, highlighting the versatility of a Tanzania Wildlife Safari combined with Uganda’s primate and savannah adventures. Expert guides provide engaging commentary on animal behavior, tracking techniques, and park history, enhancing the educational value of the safari.

Accommodations in eco-lodges or tented camps within or near the park ensure comfort while maintaining proximity to nature. Day 11 exemplifies how the 12-Day Tanzania Uganda Safari Holiday seamlessly blends diverse ecosystems, from Bwindi’s dense forests to Lake Mburo’s open woodlands, creating a comprehensive wildlife experience for travelers seeking both adventure and immersion in East Africa’s natural wonders.

 

12-Day Tanzania Uganda Safari

Buchel Zebra in Lake Mburo National Park

Day 12: Morning Adventure in Lake Mburo and Departure from Entebbe

The final day of the 12-Day Tanzania Uganda Safari offers a morning adventure in Lake Mburo National Park before transferring to Entebbe Airport for departure. Guests may choose a final game drive or nature walk to witness the park’s early morning wildlife activity, including grazing zebras, elusive antelopes, and birdlife beginning their day. The scenic drive back to Entebbe provides reflections on the rich diversity experienced throughout the Tanzania Uganda Safari, from Tanzania’s iconic savannahs and Ngorongoro Crater to Uganda’s tropical forests, primate encounters, and serene lakes.

Travelers depart with memories of lions, elephants, chimpanzees, gorillas, golden monkeys, and countless other species, as well as meaningful cultural interactions with local communities. This day concludes the Tanzania Uganda Safari Holiday on a reflective and celebratory note, emphasizing the journey’s transformative impact on both nature appreciation and personal growth. Deks Safaris and Tours Ltd ensures a seamless transfer to the airport, marking the conclusion of an exceptional, multi-country East African adventure.

The combination of wildlife, primate tracking, cultural immersion, and scenic relaxation positions this 12-day Tanzania Uganda Safari as a premier choice for travelers seeking the ultimate Tanzania Uganda Tour experience.

 

12-Day Tanzania Uganda Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Safari Inclusions

  • All airport transfers and domestic flights as outlined
  • Accommodation in lodges, luxury tented camps, or hotels
  • Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during safari days
  • Park entrance fees and permits, including Gorilla Trekking permits
  • Professional English-speaking guides and drivers
  • Game drives, boat cruises, and cultural excursions as per itinerary
  • Bottled water during safari drives

 

Safari Exclusions

  • International flights to/from East Africa
  • Travel insurance covering medical evacuation
  • Personal expenses, tips, and gratuities
  • Visa fees for Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda
  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary