15-Day Uganda & Tanzania Grand Safari
15-Day Uganda & Tanzania Grand Safari: From Gorillas to the Great Migration
Tour Overview
You’ll go on exciting safaris to spot lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, hippos, and even the Great Migration, where tens of thousands of animals move across the plains. You’ll also walk through lush mountain rainforests to see wild chimpanzees and the rare mountain gorillas—an experience you’ll never forget. We’ve handpicked small, charming lodges and camps in stunning locations, chosen for their comfort, style, and atmosphere. For example, you might stay at the beautiful Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp, hidden in a peaceful jungle just ten minutes from the Ngorongoro crater, giving you an early start for your safari.
Almost all the experiences mentioned in this trip are included in the tour price, and we’re always adding new and exciting activities. Want to make your adventure even more special? Our expert team can help you add optional activities like a balloon safari over Serengeti, a night walk in Kibale Forest, tracking lions with GPS in Queen Elizabeth National Park, or paddling a canoe across the peaceful waters of Lake Mutanda. This trip is perfect for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone who wants to experience the very best that Uganda and Tanzania have to offer.
Trip Highlights
- See amazing mountain gorillas up close in Bwindi’s thick rainforest.
- Follow playful wild chimpanzees in the green Kibale Forest.
- Take a boat ride on Kazinga Channel and spot hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and colorful birds.
- Discover lots of wildlife and beautiful views in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Walk among giant baobab trees and big herds of elephants in Tarangire National Park.
- Watch millions of animals move together in the breathtaking Great Migration in the Serengeti.
- Spot lions, cheetahs, and leopards hunting in the Serengeti’s Seronera Valley.
- Explore the amazing Ngorongoro Crater, home to many animals and rare black rhinos.
- Fly over stunning lakes and forests on a scenic flight from Kisoro to Entebbe.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to the pearl of Africa!
Your East African adventure begins today! When you arrive in Uganda, a friendly driver will be waiting to welcome you and take you to your first accommodation in Entebbe Town, just a short 15-minute drive away. After your journey, take some time to relax, sip a refreshing drink, and unwind under the sparkling African sky. Tonight, you’ll enjoy a peaceful rest as you prepare for the exciting days ahead.
Accommodation Options:
Simple: Airport Guest House (Breakfast)
Middle class: Via Via Entebbe (Breakfast)
Semi-luxury: The Boma Hotel Entebbe (Breakfast)
Luxury: No.5 Boutique Hotel (Breakfast)
Day 2: Past tea fields and crater lakes to Kibale Forest
This morning, you’ll meet your guide and have a short briefing about your journey. Then the adventure begins as you drive through the beautiful Ugandan countryside toward Kibale Forest National Park. Along the way, you’ll pass friendly villages, lush rainforests, green tea plantations, and beautiful crater lakes. If the weather is clear, you’ll also catch a glimpse of the majestic Rwenzori Mountains, with their snow-capped peaks rising in the distance. By the time you reach Kibale Forest, it will feel like you’ve stepped into a whole new world—a world full of monkeys!
Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale Forest is one of the best places in Africa to see primates. This rich tropical rainforest is home to 13 different species of primates, including red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, red colobus, mangabeys, galagos, and the beautiful diademed monkey. The forest sits at around 1,300 meters above sea level and is surrounded by tea fields to the north and papyrus swamps to the south. Besides the playful monkeys, the forest and nearby Bigodi Swamp are also full of colorful birds and other unique wildlife. It’s the perfect place to begin your adventure with nature.
Accommodation Options:
Simple: Kibale Forest Camp (Half Board)
Middle class: Turaco Treetops – Standard Cottage (Half Board)
Semi-luxury: Turaco Treetops – Luxury Cottage (Half Board)
Luxury: Crater Safari Lodge (Full Board)
Exclusive: Kibale Lodge (Full board with drinks)
Day 3: Chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi Swamp walk
Today is all about discovering the amazing primates that live in Kibale Forest and the nearby Bigodi Wetlands. In the morning, you’ll head into the rainforest in search of wild chimpanzees, and in the afternoon, you’ll explore the peaceful swamps of Bigodi, home to many monkeys, birds, and other creatures. Between these adventures, you’ll return to your lodge for lunch and a little time to relax. The order of activities depends on your chimpanzee permit. Sometimes, the swamp walk will take place in the morning, and chimp trekking will be in the afternoon.
Chimpanzee Trekking – Kibale Forest (Morning or Afternoon)
With the help of expert rangers, you’ll walk through the forest in search of chimpanzees. You may hear them calling from the treetops before you see them swinging from branch to branch or foraging on the ground. Watching these intelligent and playful apes in their natural habitat is truly unforgettable.
Bigodi Swamp Walk (Morning or Afternoon)
This guided walk takes you through a scenic wetland just outside the forest. It’s a great place to spot red colobus monkeys, mangabeys, and colorful birds like the great blue turaco. The swamp is especially lively in the cooler parts of the day when the animals are most active.
Accommodation Options:
Simple: Kibale Forest Camp (Half Board)
Middle class: Turaco Treetops – Standard Cottage (Half Board)
Semi-luxury: Turaco Treetops – Luxury Cottage (Half Board)
Luxury: Crater Safari Lodge (Full Board)
Exclusive: Kibale Lodge (Full board with drinks)
Day 4: On safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
After your time in the rainforest, today you’ll head to a completely different landscape—the golden savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The drive is full of scenic beauty as you pass through rolling hills, tea plantations, crater lakes, and small villages. Along the way, you’ll spot roadside markets selling green bananas, a staple food in Uganda. By afternoon, you’ll arrive at Queen Elizabeth National Park and go on your very first jeep safari!
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Covering nearly 2,000 square kilometers, Queen Elizabeth is one of Uganda’s most famous and diverse parks. It lies in the Great Rift Valley, bordered by the Rwenzori Mountains to the north and Lake Edward to the west. At the heart of the park is the Kazinga Channel—a natural waterway linking Lake Edward and Lake George—famous for boat safaris and incredible wildlife sightings. West of the channel, the land is dotted with beautiful volcanic craters, while to the east lies Kyambura Gorge, a deep crack in the savannah filled with tropical forest—home to chimpanzees and many bird species. This park is rich in wildlife, including elephants, buffalos, hippos, lions, leopards, crocodiles, topis, and over 600 species of birds.
Jeep Safari – Afternoon
As the sun begins to set, you’ll head out on a game drive to search for animals and take in the stunning views of the Kazinga Channel and crater-dotted landscapes. Keep your eyes peeled—you never know what you might spot! After your safari, enjoy a tasty dinner back at your lodge under the stars of the African night sky.
Accommodation Options:
Simple: Pumba Safari Cottage
Middle class: Enganzi Game Lodge (Full Board)
Semi-luxury: Park View Lodge (Full Board)
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge – Deluxe room (Full board)
Exclusive: Kyambura Gorge Lodge (Full board with drinks)
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari Activities
Today is all about exploring the incredible wildlife and landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park. You’ll begin the day with an early morning jeep safari and later enjoy one of the most unforgettable boat safaris in all of Africa. Between these exciting experiences, you’ll return to your lodge for lunch and some rest.
After breakfast, you’ll set off on a morning game drive. As the sun rises, the savannah is still covered in mist, and the fresh morning air is filled with the sounds of birds and wild animals. It’s a perfect time to see wildlife when the animals are most active, moving through the open grasslands before the heat of the day sets in.
In the afternoon, you’ll take a relaxing boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George. This is one of the best places in Africa to view wildlife up close. Along the way, you’ll see countless hippos, giant crocodiles sunbathing on the shores, herds of buffalo cooling off in the water, and perhaps even elephants splashing and playing. The channel is also a bird lover’s paradise, with hundreds of colorful species flying overhead or resting on the banks.
If you choose the optional predator tracking activity, your morning safari will be even more exciting. Guided by expert rangers using tracking technology, you’ll go deeper into the park in search of lions, leopards, and other big cats. This activity offers a thrilling behind-the-scenes look at how wildlife is monitored and protected. Another optional experience is taking the boat safari on a private boat. A private trip gives you more flexibility to move at your own pace, get closer to the animals, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings with just your group. It’s perfect for families, photographers, or anyone who wants a more personal encounter with nature. After a day filled with unforgettable sights and sounds, you’ll return to your lodge to relax, share stories, and enjoy dinner under the African sky.
Accommodation Options:
Simple: Pumba Safari Cottage
Middle class: Enganzi Game Lodge (Full Board)
Semi-luxury: Park View Lodge (Full Board)
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge – Deluxe room (Full board)
Exclusive: Kyambura Gorge Lodge (Full board with drinks)
Day 6: On to the fairytale Lake Mutanda
This morning, you’ll leave the wide-open savannahs behind and begin your scenic journey toward the volcanic highlands of southern Uganda. The drive is stunning and shows just how diverse Uganda really is.
Along the way, you’ll pass through lush rainforests, crater lakes, coffee farms, and rolling hills, with views that grow more dramatic as you approach the towering volcanoes near Lake Mutanda. Depending on your chosen accommodation, your overnight stay may be in different locations. The luxury version of the trip takes you to Buhoma, on the northern edge of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, just a three-hour drive from Queen. The other options offer a night at the beautiful Mutanda Lake Resort, about six hours from Queen Elizabeth. No matter where you stay, the views and setting are unforgettable.
Lake Mutanda is one of the most enchanting places in Uganda. Located in the far southwest of the country, it lies at the foot of the dramatic Virunga Volcanoes, which stretch across Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These volcanoes are surrounded by thick rainforests that are home to one of the world’s most endangered animals—the mountain gorilla. This makes Lake Mutanda the perfect base for gorilla trekking in either Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
The area around the lake is rich in wildlife. You may spot colorful kingfishers, Uganda’s national bird—the grey crowned crane—as well as playful otters, shy chameleons, frogs, lizards, and even snakes along the shoreline. The mix of water, forest, and mountains creates an incredible variety of habitats, making this one of the most biodiverse places in the region. As you arrive at the lake and take in the peaceful surroundings, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook. This is a perfect place to rest, explore, and prepare for one of the most special experiences of your journey—meeting the mountain gorillas.
Accommodation Options:
Middle class: Mutanda Lake Resort – Standard Cottage (Half Board)
Semi-luxury: Mutanda Lake Resort – Luxury Cottage (Half Board)
Luxury: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp (Full board with drinks)
Day 7: Face to face with the mountain gorillas
This morning, you’ll head to the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for what might be the most unforgettable moment of your trip—gorilla trekking. In the afternoon, you’ll have time to reflect on this extraordinary experience and take in the peaceful beauty of your surroundings. Even if you’re not joining the gorilla trek, there’s plenty to enjoy around Lake Mutanda. The lake is safe for swimming and even has otters to keep you company.
You can also go stand-up paddleboarding, take out a kayak or sailing boat, or cruise across the water in a motorboat. If you prefer to stay on land, you can explore the nearby hills on foot or go for a challenging hike across the volcanoes of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Another amazing option is tracking the playful Golden Monkeys in the same park. If you’re planning to trek the gorillas, we highly recommend staying an extra night at the lake. This gives you time to either rest your legs after the trek or enjoy the beautiful area at a slower pace.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Bwindi’s lush mountain rainforest is one of the best places in the world for gorilla trekking. Together with Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains, it protects nearly half of all the mountain gorillas left in the wild. This small but rich forest is also home to over 120 species of mammals and 350 bird species, making it a wildlife treasure in every way.
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest (optional)
On the trek, you’ll follow skilled rangers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority deep into the thick forest. You’ll quietly track the gorilla family by looking for signs such as broken branches, nests, and droppings. The excitement builds as you get closer. Then suddenly, there they are—massive yet calm, a silverback watching over his family, barely a few meters away. It’s a moment that will stay with you forever.
Gorilla Habituation Experience (optional)
Instead of the regular one-hour visit, you can choose to join researchers for a gorilla habituation day. This experience allows you to spend up to four hours with a gorilla family as they slowly get used to human presence. It’s a rare and intimate chance to learn more about gorillas in a small group of just four people.
Accommodation Options:
Middle class: Mutanda Lake Resort – Standard Cottage (Half Board)
Semi-luxury: Mutanda Lake Resort – Luxury Cottage (Half Board)
Luxury: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp (Full board with drinks)
Day 8: Beautiful domestic flight to Entebbe
This morning, your driver-guide will take you to the small airstrip in Kisoro, about a 40-minute drive away. Here, you’ll say goodbye and board your domestic flight of about 1 hour back to Entebbe. This flight not only saves you from an 11-hour road journey—it’s a breathtaking experience in itself.
The flight lasts around one and a half hours and offers incredible views from the air. As you soar over southwestern Uganda, you’ll get to see Lake Mutanda, the dense Bwindi rainforest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the vast waters of Lake Victoria below (flight route may vary). Once you arrive in Entebbe, a driver from your accommodation will be waiting to take you to your hotel or guesthouse. You’ll have the rest of the day to relax, reflect on your time in Uganda, and prepare for the next chapter of your East African adventure—tomorrow, you fly to Tanzania.
Accommodation Options:
Simple: Airport Guest House (Breakfast)
Middle class: Via Via Entebbe (Breakfast)
Semi-luxury: The Boma Hotel Entebbe (Breakfast)
Luxury: No.5 Boutique Hotel (Breakfast)
Day 9: Flight to Arusha
This morning, you’ll pack your bags and board your flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport in northern Tanzania. When you arrive, your friendly driver will be waiting to greet you with a warm welcome. From the airport, you’ll drive to your first lodge nestled in the green, peaceful landscapes around Arusha. Once you’ve settled in, you can enjoy a refreshing welcome drink and chat with your driver about the exciting plans for tomorrow. Your Tanzanian adventure has begun—Karibu sana (you’re very welcome) to Tanzania!
Accommodation Options:
Middle class: African View Lodge (Breakfast)
Semi-luxury: Kili Villa (Breakfast)
Luxury: Rivertrees Country Inn (Breakfast and Lunch)
Exclusive: Arusha Coffee Lodge (Breakfast)
Day 10: Elephants and baobabs in Tarangire National Park
This morning, you’ll meet your private driver and guide. After some warm introductions, your real adventure begins as you head to Tarangire National Park. To make the most of your day, a packed lunch will be prepared at your lodge so you can enjoy every moment in this stunning game reserve.
Tarangire National Park is famous for its breathtaking landscapes filled with towering baobab trees and one of the largest elephant populations in Tanzania. The Tarangire River winds through the park like a lifeline, drawing countless animals to its banks. Nearby, the Silale Swamp is another hotspot for wildlife, attracting a diverse array of creatures.
In the afternoon, you’ll go on a thrilling jeep safari, searching for elephants roaming near the river and spotting many other animals and tropical birds. Keep your eyes peeled—you might even spot elusive predators or the rare African rock python. As the sun begins to set, the park comes alive with sounds and sights that make your safari truly unforgettable. Afterward, relax by a campfire under the vast African sky, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the wilderness.
Accommodation Options:
Middle class: Sangaiwe Tented Lodge (Full Board)
Semi-luxury: Tarangire Tortilis Camp (Full Board)
Luxury: Tarangire River Camp (Full Board)
Exclusive: Sanctuary Swala Camp (Full board with drinks)
Day 11: On to the world-famous Serengeti National Park
Get ready for an exciting day as you travel to the world-famous Serengeti National Park! Along the way, you’ll stop for photos at the stunning Ngorongoro Crater before your safari adventure begins on the road to your camp. For those interested, there’s an optional walking safari in southern Tarangire with a professional ranger. This walk takes you through the Silale Swamp, where you can spot many colorful birds and wildlife like elephants, zebras, buffalo, giraffes, and various antelopes. Walking through the wilderness lets you feel even closer to nature—the sounds, smells, and sights make it a truly unforgettable experience.
Serengeti National Park is one of the world’s most iconic wildlife destinations. It is home to the largest concentration of animals on Earth and has one of the most complex and untouched ecosystems. The name Serengeti means “endless plain” in the Maasai language, perfectly describing the vast, open landscapes. Every year, over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles migrate here and to Kenya’s Masai Mara in search of fresh grazing.
In the afternoon, you’ll set out on a jeep safari across the Serengeti’s sweeping plains. The Seronera Valley is famous for its abundance of big cats, and your guide will do everything possible to spot lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Besides the big cats, you’ll see many other incredible animals as they become more active as the day cools down. After an exhilarating day, relax by a campfire under the African night sky, surrounded by the sounds of the wild.
Accommodation Options:
Middle class: Thorn Tree Camp (Full Board)
Semi-luxury: Serengeti Tortilis Camp (Full Board)
Luxury: Mbali Mbali Soroi Serengeti Lodge (Full Board)
Exclusive: Namiri Plains Camp (Full board with drinks)
Day 12: Full day safari in Serengeti National Park
Today is all about exploring the magnificent Serengeti. You can choose to spend the entire day on safari, enjoying a packed lunch at a beautiful picnic spot. Or, you might prefer to go on an early morning safari, return to your accommodation for a relaxed brunch, and then head out again for an afternoon safari. You can decide what suits you best with your guide when you arrive.
The Serengeti is huge—about the size of Belgium—and full of amazing wildlife and breathtaking scenery. The Seronera Valley is famous for its large populations of big cats, and your guide will do everything possible to help you spot lions, cheetahs, and leopards. But it’s not just the big cats—there’s a wonderful variety of animals to see everywhere you look. After a day filled with adventure and incredible wildlife sightings, you’ll return to your accommodation in the late afternoon. There, you can unwind with a refreshing sundowner, reflecting on your unforgettable day in the heart of the Serengeti.
Accommodation Options:
Middle class: Thorn Tree Camp (Full Board)
Semi-luxury: Serengeti Tortilis Camp (Full Board)
Luxury: Mbali Mbali Soroi Serengeti Lodge (Full Board)
Exclusive: Namiri Plains Camp (Full board with drinks)
Day 13: Another safari in the Serengeti and a trip to Karatu
Start your last full day with a morning safari in the Serengeti, taking in the beautiful savannahs and searching for your final wildlife encounters. Many predators are still active early in the day, making it an exciting time to see lions, cheetahs, leopards, and more. Around midday, you’ll leave the Serengeti and drive to your accommodation near the Ngorongoro Crater or in Karatu.
This afternoon is yours to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of your lodge. If you are staying at Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp or Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp, you can take a lovely guided walk along the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. This walk lasts about an hour and takes you through a magical ancient forest, where Spanish moss hangs from the trees, shaped by the mist that often settles there. Through the trees, you might catch stunning views of the vast crater below. It’s a wonderful way to unwind and connect with nature after your morning safari, before the final adventures ahead.
Accommodation Options:
Middle class: Country Lodge Karatu (Full board)
Semi-luxury: Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp (Full Board)
Luxury: Kitela Lodge (Full board with drinks)
Exclusive: Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp (Full board with drinks)
Day 14: Full Day Safari in the gigantic Ngorongoro crater
Today is dedicated to an unforgettable full-day safari in the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater. You will spend your morning exploring this unique and vast natural wonder, taking in the incredible wildlife and stunning landscapes. After the safari, you will leave the crater and drive back to Arusha, where you can unwind and enjoy a delicious dinner at your accommodation.
The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most densely populated wildlife areas in the world, with around 25,000 large mammals calling it home. This massive volcanic caldera stretches between 17 and 21 kilometers wide, covering about 260 square kilometers at its floor. The crater rim rises about 600 meters above the floor, creating a breathtaking natural enclosure, and in the center lies a soda lake that adds to the crater’s unique ecosystem. During the morning jeep safari, you will descend into the crater and explore its diverse wildlife and landscapes. This is one of the best places to spot a rare rhinoceros, along with many other animals roaming freely across the crater floor. Around midday, you will stop for lunch at a picnic site before ending your adventure inside the crater and heading back to the lodge for a relaxing evening.
Accommodation Options:
Middle class: Country Lodge Karatu (Full board)
Semi-luxury: Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp (Full Board)
Luxury: Kitela Lodge (Full board with drinks)
Exclusive: Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp (Full board with drinks)
Day 15: Enjoy the morning and return flight in the evening
On your final day, enjoy a peaceful morning relaxing in the beautiful garden of your lodge, soaking in the last moments of your African adventure. Take your time to unwind and reflect on the incredible experiences you’ve had throughout the trip. Later in the morning, you’ll pack your belongings and begin the journey back to Arusha. The drive takes about four hours, giving you one last chance to admire the stunning landscapes of Tanzania. Once in Arusha, you’ll have the opportunity to stop for a meal before heading to the airport. Finally, you’ll be dropped off at Kilimanjaro International Airport to catch your return flight home.
What Is Included
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- Domestic flights within Uganda (e.g., Kisoro to Entebbe)
- Regional flight from Uganda to Tanzania
- All ground transportation in comfortable safari vehicles with experienced driver-guides
- Accommodation in lodges, camps, or hotels as per selected category
- Daily meals as specified (breakfast, half board, or full board depending on accommodation)
- All park entrance fees and permits, including gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits
- Guided safari game drives and nature walks
- Boat safari on Kazinga Channel
- Bottled water during safaris and game drives
- Professional English-speaking guides and rangers
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