802: 16 days Tanzania – Uganda safari

Ref: 802, 16 days

802: 16 days Tanzania – Uganda safari

$10390 per person

This itinerary incorporates two of East Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations. It’s designed to give you time to explore a wide range of habitats in search of Uganda’s and Tanzania’s best known inhabitants like the mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, Big 5 game and over 1,000 bird species. This all starts from Tarangire, Ngorongoro crater, Serenegeti plains on to the mountainous rainforest of Bwindi, the savannah plains of Queen and Murchison falls in the pearl of Africa. You will visit some of Uganda’s successful conservation projects such as the rhino sanctuary as well. All this by vehicle, on foot and by boat to give you the best experiences. This safari doesn’t stop at wildlife though; there are also opportunities to meet the friendly local people and gain an insight into their culture and daily life style.

Highlights

Thrilling Gorilla and chimpanzee tracking experience
Explore East Africa’s savannah plains for host of wildlife including Big 5
Boat cruises on some of Uganda’s breath-taking water bodies
Go behind the scenes at Entebbe
Meet the local communities on village visits

Overview

Day 1: Morning arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Transfer to Tarangire
Day 2: Transfer to Ngorongoro crater. Continue to Serengeti national park
Day 3: Explore Serengeti national park
Day 4: Full day game drive in Serengeti national park
Day 5: Return to Arusha
Day 6: International flight to Entebbe. Go behind the scenes at Entebbe
Day 7: Domestic flight to Bwindi Impenetrable national park. Village walk
Day 8: Gorilla tracking in Bwindi’s impenetrable forest.
Day 9: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth national park. Game drive for tree-climbing lions
Day 10: Lion tracking. Boat cruise on kazinga channel
Day 11: Coffee tour and experience. Transfer to Kibale national park
Day 12: Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale. Bigodi swamp walk
Day 13: Drive to Murchison Falls national park
Day 14: Game drive. Boat cruise to the Murchison falls. Hike to the falls
Day 15: Rhino tracking. Drive to Kampala
Day 16: African craft market. Flight home

When is the best time of year to visit Uganda?

Although Ugandan seasons have become less predictable in recent years, peak tourist seasons usually coincide with dry seasons. When choosing your dates consider:

Uganda is an all-year round destination with a pleasant climate and temperatures averaging in the mid 20s⁰C. The huge variety in altitude means temperatures vary around the country (but this also means increased biodiversity)
Flight prices often increase in European/American holiday seasons
There are fewer tourists in low seasons so you can have the place to yourselves!
Many hotels offer all-year prices so the price of your visit may not change much between seasons
Most major roads going from the capital, Kampala, up-country are tarmac. Conditions on murram roads may worsen, to varying degrees, in rainy season
Rainy season can be good for birding as there is more food (bugs) available
If you are targeting certain birds, ask our advice on breeding and migration seasons
Should you plan to climb the Rwenzori mountains, dry seasons are best
Hiking may be better in rainy seasons when it is cooler

View similar itineraries

16 days

East Africa

Gorilla Tracking

Wildlife

Our gallery

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Transfer to Tarangire national park

Upon arrival at JRO airport meet and greet with your guide then transfer to Tarangire one of the thrilling parks in Tanzania. It hosts big concentrations of wildlife outside the Serengeti area.

Accommodation: Octagon Lodge - Tarangire.

Meal plan. Dinner

Day 2: Drive to Ngorongoro crater. Continue to Serengeti national park

Depart this morning with picnic lunch boxes for Ngorongoro Crater. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a unique biosphere which has remained virtually unchanged since the dawn of time. Visit one of the biggest Caldera in the world. Then continue to Serengeti – the most famous of the world’s safari parks. Your safari in Tanzania isn’t complete without this amazing one, even the long drive to your accommodation is one continuous safari - enjoy the game!

Accommodation: Embalakai Authentic Camp - Serengeti national park.

Meal plan. B, L, D

Day 3: Explore Serengeti national park

Serengeti in the local language means ‘endless plains’. Spend the day exploring the vast plains and its untouched ecosystem for host of wildlife. From witnessing the wildebeest and zebra migration in millions, to the different wildlife that call this park home. Most never forget their experience in the Serengeti plains.

Accommodation: Embalakai Authentic Camp - Serengeti national park.

Meal plan. B, L, D

Day 4: Full day game drive in Serengeti national park

Moving with your lunch box on this second day in Serenegti, you will head to find the wild side of Africa at its most active hours, wrap up warm and enjoy the drive. Your guide will take you as close as possible to the wildlife reaching a wide range, exploring the heart of this park. This full day safari is the best way to see a wide range of what this amazing park has got to offer.

Accommodation: Embalakai Authentic Camp - Serengeti national park.

Meal plan. B, L, D

Day 5: Return to Arusha

Prepare to make your return journey to Arusha. Spend the night in Arusha.

Accommodation: Tulia Boutique Hotel, - Arusha.

Meal Plan. B, L, D

Day 6: Flight to Entebbe. Go behind the scenes at Entebbe

Today you enjoy the aerial view of the beautiful East African landscape as you take your regional flight to Entebbe – Uganda. A representative from Venture Uganda will welcome and transfer you to your hotel in Entebbe, a short drive from the airport. In the afternoon, enjoy a conservation experience in Entebbe, when you go behind-the-scenes with the animal care takers. An amazing opportunity to come up close and personal with the animals.

Accommodation: The Boma Hotel – Entebbe.

Meal Plan. B, L, D

Day 7: Domestic flight to Bwindi Impenetrable national park.

Your hotel representative will transfer you to the airport for your scenic domestic flight to Bwindi Impenetrable national park. Upon arrival at Kihihi airstrip, your safari guide will be there to transfer you to your lodge in Buhoma approx. two hours away. In the evening, you will have a community walk and meet some of the locals in the area. The projects they are carrying out are amazingly changing livelihood of many people in the village.

Accommodation: Engagi Lodge – Bwindi Impenetrable national park.

Meal Plan. B, L, D

Day 8: Gorilla tracking in Bwindi’s impenetrable forest.

The big highlight is here! After an early morning briefing at 7:30am, enjoy the jungle walk (3-8 hours) with your ranger guide and group. When you locate your gorilla family, you are allowed one full hour in the company of the gentle giants – a truly humbling experience and emotional feeling. Watch them as they go about their daily business in the forest.

Accommodation: Engagi Lodge – Bwindi Impenetrable national park.

Meal Plan. B, L, D

Day 9: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth national park. Game drive for tree-climbing lions

Drive (2 hours) further north to Queen Elizabeth’s Ishasha sector, home to the famous tree-climbing lions. Enjoy a game drive in search of these big cats and other animals. Your safari today continues as you drive northwards to the stunning Kyambura section of the park.

Accommodation: Mazike Valley Lodge – Queen Elizabeth national park.

Meal Plan. B, L, D

Day 10: Lion tracking. Boat cruise on kazinga channel

Today provides another outstanding wildlife experience as you move out early to spend 2-3 hours with the lion researchers. Participate in their activities on the day which may include monitoring species, climate and habitat, learning about tracking and how tracking devices are used and learning about the animals. Later, in the afternoon, take a fabulous boat cruise for approx. 2-3 hours along the Kazinga Channel which links Lakes Edward and George. Keep your eyes peeled for elephant, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles and a wide variety of birds and pass a typical Uganda fishing village en route.

Accommodation: Mazike Valley Lodge – Queen Elizabeth national park.

Meal Plan. B, L, D

Day 11: Coffee tour and experience. Transfer to Kibale national park.

The kyambura has been known as the coffee store in this area. Just before you make your journey to Kibale, you will head for a coffee tour and experience. You will visit the coffee gardens, learn how its grown, harvested, processed locally and make a cup for yourself. In the afternoon, you travel to Kibale national park. The drive is incredibly scenic taking you through the crater lakes region approx. 3 hours.

Accommodation: Papaya Lake Lodge – Kibale national park.

Meal Plan. B, L, D

Day 12: Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale. Bigodi swamp walk

Today you have the exciting opportunity to walk through this beautiful tropical rainforest tracking a chimpanzee group. When you find them, you may spend one hour with them observing their natural behaviour, in their natural habitat. Your site guide will tell you all about the chimps, the other flora and fauna in the forest, how they track forest animals and about the avifauna Kibale is famous for. In the late afternoon, travel a short distance to a swamp conservation project where a community guide will take you on nature walk in search of primates like the Red Colobus monkey, Grey-cheeked Mangabey and Red-tailed monkey. Also, look out for birds like the Great Blue Turaco, Hairy-breasted Barbet and various Sunbirds.

Accommodation: Papaya Lake Lodge – Kibale national park.

Meal Plan. B, L, D

Day 13: Drive to Murchison Falls national park

Transfer to Murchison Falls national park through Hoima – a town fast developing due to the discovery of oil. Enjoy amazing scenery, interesting villages and plenty of birdlife. Arrive at your beautiful lodge located in the heart of the park and with good views over the legendary Nile. Relax for your evening and rest from the journey and you prepare for a nature filled day.

Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge – Murchison Falls national park.

Meal Plan. B, L, D

Day 14: Game drive. Boat cruise to the Murchison falls

Start this nature-filled day with a game drive on the north bank – possible sightings include: lions, elephant, giraffe, various antelope, warthogs, buffalo, jackal, hyena, Patas monkeys, baboons and numerous bird species. Have your lunch at paraa and then take a boat cruise, along the Nile with excellent chances of game viewing including hippos, crocodiles and maybe some elephant, antelope and buffalo. Birds may include Goliath Heron, African Fish Eagle and many others. Alight from the falls and hike (approx. 30 mins) to the top for spectacular views over the falls and across the park

Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge – Murchison Falls national park.

Meal Plan. B, L, D

Day 15: Rhino tracking in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Drive to Kampala

Leaving Murchison Falls early, you will drive approx. 3 hours to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. You will be given a briefing by your ranger guides who will then lead you in to the bush tracking the southern white rhino as well as enjoying a nature walk. Later, you will make your 3-hour journey to Kampala.

Accommodation: Cassia Lodge – Kampala.

Meal Plan. B, L, D

Day 16: Visit the African craft market. Flight home

Have a relaxed morning at the lodge. Then visit Kampala’s African craft village – for some craft souvenirs. Have your lunch and after head to Entebbe. Your guide will take you to the airport in time for flight.

Meal Plan. B, L

Tree climbing lion spotted on safari in Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth national park Uganda

Boat Cruise on the River Nile in Uganda for game viewing.

Southern white rhinos at Ziwa Rhino sanctuary.

Enjoying photo moments on a hike to the top of Murchison Falls Uganda

Guide price: from US$ 10,390 per person

Based on 2 adults sharing a double room, in mid-range accommodation, in low season and travelling in a safari Land Cruiser (all our safaris and tours can be adapted to high-end, mid-range or budget versions)

The price for every safari depends on the number of people travelling, their ages, the time of year, whether or not international flights are included, the type of transport and accommodation used and the activities undertaken.

We calculate according to the specific dates of your booking because after we publish our itineraries some things may change. For example, hotels may increase their prices, exchange rates fluctuate, the government may introduce new taxes or some discounts may become available. Unfortunately, we also have to pass on surcharges imposed on us by, for example, airlines when fuel prices or airport taxes are unexpectedly increased.

We would be happy to prepare a quotation, based on your requirements. We normally include most costs in the price so all you need to bring with you is ‘pocket money’ for items like drinks, tips and personal shopping e.g. souvenirs.

Price includes

1 domestic flight

1 gorilla and 1 Chimp tracking permit each

A double room in mid-range, non-air-conditioned accommodation with a full board meal plan

Private safari vehicle with driver and fuel for this itinerary

All entrance and other fees for the activities included in the itinerary

Mineral water in transit

All government taxes

Price does not include

International flights

Visas

Travel insurance

Personal expenses: alcohol, laundry services and souvenirs

Tips (normally 5–10% and around $10 per day for your guide).

Booking

All bookings are governed by our Booking Conditions not the regulations in place in the different countries where our clients or their tour operators/travel agents come from.

Note: if you want to track gorillas, we recommend that you book your holiday as early as possible (6+ months) when permits are more readily available, so you can book and pay at leisure. Last minute permits can sometimes be found, especially if you are flexible with dates, but there will always be a rush to pay and secure them.

If you would like to book or adapt one of our safaris or tours or if you would like a tailor-made itinerary, please send us an enquiry form telling us about your requirements.

When we receive this we will check the availability of your preferred gorilla tracking permits (for a certain date and forest sector) and your accommodation. If changes are necessary, we will inform you and suggest alternatives.

Unfortunately, there is no system in Uganda for reserving permits, they can only be secured with payment and, once bought, they are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Once your itinerary is agreed, we will send you a booking form and an invoice for the full costs of any international flights, 30% deposit (40% for Rwanda) for gorilla and chimp tracking permits (this payment is non-refundable in any circumstances but permits can be rescheduled) and a 20% deposit on the rest of your holiday upon booking. Kindly send us a remittance note so that we know your payment is on the way and, once it is received, we can secure your preferred permits and confirm your booking.

If we are very unlucky and permits sold-out in the meantime, we will call you to suggest an alternative forest sector or date. Booking early should help to avoid this.

Full payment is due 90 days before arrival. If travel plans are not clear at this point, this payment can be reviewed and paid closer to arrival (at our sole discretion) or the holiday can be rescheduled.

Payments and Cancellation

We charge in US dollars. Payment is by bank transfer into our Standard Chartered USD bank account in Uganda.

For bookings from within Uganda, cash can be deposited on our bank account.

Payment instructions are given on our invoices.

If clients are unable to travel and their holiday has to be cancelled (for example if the Uganda Government closes the borders), we will reschedule their holiday, free-of-charge, within 1 year, for the same price. It may not be possible for us to obtain refunds from our suppliers and therefore we cannot guarantee being able to issue refunds to our clients.

When we book your safari, we have to pay non-refundable deposits on your behalf, for example to hotels. Therefore, we charge cancellation fees as follows:

If you cancel more than 90 days before your arrival date you lose your deposit

If you cancel 90 – 61 days before your arrival date you lose 50% of your total holiday price

If you cancel 60 – 31 days before your arrival date you lose 75% of your total holiday price

If you cancel 30 days or fewer before your arrival date you lose 100% of your total holiday price

We are subject to our suppliers’ cancellation policies. Payments already made to them cannot be refunded to you at any stage.

If one or more group members cancels, the price for remaining members may increase.

Cancellations must be made in writing and acknowledged by Venture Uganda Travel. Charges will be applied based on the date of our written acknowledgement.

We recommend clients include cancellation cover and Covid-19 cover in their travel insurance.

Insurance

AMREF flying doctors provide a medevac service in case of illness or injury during your safari. This costs $25pp for 31 days. We recommend this service and can include it in your package price.

Travel Information

Please see our Travel Information page for information on flights, visas, currency, packing lists, books and field guides, health and safety, emergency contacts and much more general information. If there is anything you cannot find just ask us (sales01@ventureuganda.org).

Responsible Tourism

See our Responsible Tourism pages for information about our approach to tourism and advice on how to travel responsibly.

For general advice please see our travel information webpage.

802: 16 days Tanzania – Uganda safari