9-Day Uganda Gorilla & Serengeti Safari – Overview
Embark on an unforgettable East African adventure combining the misty rainforests of Uganda with the iconic savannahs of Tanzania. This 9-day safari features double gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, offering two magical encounters with endangered mountain gorillas, and immerses you in the lush biodiversity of Uganda’s forests.
The journey continues to Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, where thrilling game drives provide close encounters with lions, elephants, cheetahs, and vast herds of wildebeest and zebras. Conclude at the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to witness one of the densest concentrations of wildlife on the planet within a stunning volcanic caldera.
Along the way, enjoy scenic drives, cultural experiences with local communities, and diverse landscapes from forested hills to open savannahs. Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and adventure seekers, this safari blends primate encounters, Big Five safaris, and breathtaking scenery into one seamless East African journey.
Tour Highlights
Day 1: Arrive in Kigali and transfer overland to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda.
Day 2: First gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi – encounter your assigned gorilla family.
Day 3: Second gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi with a different gorilla family.
Day 4: Drive back to Kigali and catch a flight to Tanzania.
Day 5: Travel to Serengeti National Park and enjoy an afternoon game drive.
Day 6: Full-day safari exploring the wildlife-rich Serengeti plains.
Day 7: Morning game drive in the Serengeti, then transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Day 8: Wildlife safari in the Ngorongoro Crater, witnessing its dense animal populations.
Day 9: Transfer to Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport for your onward flight.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Transfer to Bwindi, Uganda
Arrive at Kigali International Airport and meet your guide. Begin a scenic 6–8 hour drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, passing rolling hills, tea plantations, rural villages, and stunning viewpoints over the Virunga Volcanoes. Check into your lodge, relax, enjoy dinner, and get ready for the first gorilla trekking adventure the next morning.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – First Gorilla Family Encounter
Wake up early for breakfast and head to the park headquarters for registration and briefing. Trek into the dense rainforest to find your assigned gorilla family, following experienced rangers. Spend up to an hour observing the gorillas, witnessing silverbacks, mothers with infants, and playful juveniles. Return to your lodge for lunch and optional short walks or cultural visits. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – Second Gorilla Family Encounter
After breakfast, embark on your second gorilla trek. Today you may visit a different gorilla family, offering new wildlife behaviors and photographic opportunities. Trek through lush forest trails, cross streams, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the rainforest. Spend another magical hour with the gorillas before returning to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight stay.
Day 4: Transfer to Kigali and Flight to Tanzania
After breakfast, drive back to Kigali through scenic hills and villages. Upon arrival, board your flight to Tanzania. Continue to the Serengeti region and check into your lodge or camp. Depending on timing, enjoy a short game drive or relax and take in the savannah surroundings. Dinner and overnight in the Serengeti area.
Day 5: Serengeti National Park Game Drive
After breakfast, embark on your first full game drive in the Serengeti. Explore the golden plains, kopjes, and acacia-dotted landscapes in search of lions, leopards, elephants, zebras, wildebeest, and diverse bird species. Pause for a picnic or lodge lunch and continue your afternoon safari before returning to camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Full-Day Safari in Serengeti National Park
Rise early for a full-day safari across the Serengeti. Track the Big Five — lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo — and observe predator-prey interactions. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives, photography opportunities, and a scenic picnic lunch amidst the wilderness. Return to your lodge in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight.
Day 7: Morning Game Drive in Serengeti – Transfer to Ngorongoro
Start the day with an early morning game drive in the Serengeti to catch wildlife at its most active. Afterward, drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, enjoying highland scenery and views of the crater rim. Check into your lodge near the crater, enjoy dinner, and prepare for tomorrow’s wildlife adventure in this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day 8: Wildlife Viewing in Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full day of wildlife viewing. Spot lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, and flamingos. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the crater, and take in the dramatic scenery of the volcanic caldera. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 9: Transfer to Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport – Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport for your onward flight. Depending on your schedule, you may enjoy a short morning stroll, last wildlife sightings, or optional scenic stops. Depart with unforgettable memories of gorilla trekking in Uganda and wildlife adventures in Tanzania.