14 Days Uganda Primates and Tanzania Wildlife Safari

The Ultimate East Africa Safari Experience

A 14 days Uganda primates and Tanzania wildlife safari combines two of Africa’s most iconic safari experiences into one unforgettable journey. From tracking endangered mountain gorillas and playful chimpanzees in Uganda’s lush rainforests to witnessing the endless plains and incredible wildlife of Tanzania, this itinerary offers the perfect balance of primate adventures, classic game drives, cultural encounters, and breathtaking landscapes.

This East African safari is ideal for travelers seeking a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that includes gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, Big Five safaris, the Great Migration experience, and authentic African hospitality.

Whether you are a wildlife photographer, honeymooner, family traveler, or adventure enthusiast, this 14-day safari promises unforgettable memories across Uganda and Tanzania.


Safari Highlights

  • Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
  • Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park
  • Wildlife safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Tree-climbing lions in Ishasha Sector
  • Big Five safari in Serengeti National Park
  • Ngorongoro Crater game drive
  • Cultural interactions with local communities
  • Scenic flights and breathtaking landscapes
  • Luxury, mid-range, or budget safari options available

Primate Safaris

Detailed 14 Days Uganda Primates and Tanzania Wildlife Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe, Uganda

Your East African safari begins with arrival at Entebbe International Airport in Uganda. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by your safari guide and transferred to your hotel.

Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to relax at the hotel, visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, or enjoy a sunset along the shores of Lake Victoria.

Accommodation Options

Luxury

  • Protea Hotel Entebbe
  • Hotel No.5 Entebbe

Mid-Range

  • 2 Friends Beach Hotel
  • Boma Guest House

Budget

  • Airport Guesthouse
  • ViaVia Entebbe

Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast


Day 2: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast, depart Entebbe and drive west towards Kibale Forest National Park, one of Africa’s best destinations for chimpanzee trekking.

The scenic drive takes you through traditional villages, tea plantations, rolling hills, and beautiful crater lakes.

You will arrive in the evening and check into your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Driving Time

Approximately 5–6 hours

Accommodation Options

Luxury

  • Kyaninga Lodge
  • Ndali Lodge

Mid-Range

  • Turaco Treetops
  • Chimpanzee Forest Lodge

Budget

  • Kibale Forest Camp
  • Isunga Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner


Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Wetland Walk

Today you will enjoy one of Uganda’s most exciting primate experiences — chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest.

Kibale Forest is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees and several other primate species including red colobus monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and vervet monkeys.

During the trek, experienced ranger guides will lead you through the rainforest while explaining the forest ecosystem and wildlife.

After lunch, enjoy a guided nature walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, famous for birds, monkeys, and community tourism initiatives.

Highlights

  • Chimpanzee encounters
  • Birdwatching
  • Rainforest photography
  • Cultural interactions

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner


Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most popular savannah park.

The journey offers beautiful scenery including crater lakes, mountain views, and rural communities.

In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive where you may spot elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, lions, hyenas, and leopards.

Accommodation Options

Luxury

  • Mweya Safari Lodge
  • Kyambura Gorge Lodge

Mid-Range

  • Twin Lakes Safari Lodge
  • Elephant Hab Lodge

Budget

  • Bush Lodge
  • Pumba Safari Cottages

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner


Day 5: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

Start the day with an early morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The park is home to over 95 mammal species and more than 600 bird species, making it one of Africa’s most biodiverse protected areas.

After lunch, enjoy a boat safari along the famous Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake George and Lake Edward.

This boat cruise offers excellent opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and a variety of birds along the shoreline.

Safari Highlights

  • Elephants
  • Hippos
  • Buffaloes
  • Crocodiles
  • African fish eagles
  • Water birds

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner


Day 6: Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions and Transfer to Bwindi

After breakfast, depart for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Ishasha is famous for its rare tree-climbing lions that are often seen resting in fig trees.

After a game drive in Ishasha, continue to Bwindi, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

Accommodation Options

Luxury

  • Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
  • Buhoma Lodge

Mid-Range

  • Silverback Lodge
  • Gorilla Mist Camp

Budget

  • Rushaga Gorilla Camp
  • Broadbill Forest Camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner


Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Today is the highlight of your Uganda safari.

After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before starting your gorilla trekking adventure.

The trek can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours depending on the movement of the gorilla family.

Once you locate the gorillas, you will spend one magical hour observing them in their natural habitat.

Watching mountain gorillas interact, feed, and care for their young is one of the most emotional and unforgettable wildlife experiences on Earth.

Gorilla Trekking Tips

  • Carry waterproof hiking boots
  • Bring gloves and rain gear
  • Hire a porter for assistance
  • Carry drinking water and snacks
  • Maintain a 7-meter distance from gorillas

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner


Day 8: Fly from Uganda to Arusha, Tanzania

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Tanzania.

Upon arrival in Arusha, you will meet your Tanzanian safari guide and transfer to your lodge.

Arusha is the safari capital of Tanzania and serves as the gateway to the Northern Safari Circuit.

Accommodation Options

Luxury

  • Gran Melia Arusha
  • Arusha Coffee Lodge

Mid-Range

  • Four Points by Sheraton Arusha
  • Mount Meru Hotel

Budget

  • Planet Lodge
  • Green Mountain Hotel

Meal Plan: Breakfast


Day 9: Tarangire National Park Safari

After breakfast, drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for giant elephant herds and ancient baobab trees.

Tarangire offers excellent wildlife viewing, especially during the dry season when animals gather along the Tarangire River.

You may see elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, lions, cheetahs, leopards, and many bird species.

Highlights

  • Massive elephant herds
  • Baobab landscapes
  • Predators and plains game
  • Scenic game drives

Accommodation Options

Luxury

  • Tarangire Treetops
  • Chem Chem Lodge

Mid-Range

  • Sangaiwe Tented Lodge
  • Farm of Dreams Lodge

Budget

  • Panorama Safari Camp
  • Zion Camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner


Day 10: Serengeti National Park

Today you travel to the world-famous Serengeti National Park.

The Serengeti is one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations and home to the Great Wildebeest Migration.

Enjoy game drives en route as you travel through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and into the endless plains of Serengeti.

Wildlife You May See

  • Lions
  • Leopards
  • Cheetahs
  • Elephants
  • Hyenas
  • Wildebeests
  • Zebras
  • Gazelles

Accommodation Options

Luxury

  • Four Seasons Serengeti
  • Serengeti Migration Camp

Mid-Range

  • Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
  • Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge

Budget

  • Into Wild Africa Camp
  • Tukaone Camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner


Day 11: Full-Day Serengeti Safari

Spend the entire day exploring Serengeti National Park.

Depending on the season, your guide will take you to the best wildlife viewing areas, including migration hotspots.

The Serengeti offers incredible opportunities to witness predator-prey interactions and dramatic African landscapes.

Optional activities include:

  • Hot air balloon safari
  • Bush breakfast
  • Sundowner experience
  • Cultural village visit

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner


Day 12: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in Serengeti before continuing to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Along the way, you may visit Olduvai Gorge, one of the world’s most important paleoanthropological sites.

Arrive at the Ngorongoro rim in time to enjoy breathtaking sunset views over the crater.

Accommodation Options

Luxury

  • Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
  • The Highlands

Mid-Range

  • Rhino Lodge
  • Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

Budget

  • Simba Campsite
  • Eileen’s Trees Inn

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner


Day 13: Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Return to Arusha

Today you descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for an unforgettable safari experience.

The crater is home to one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa, including the endangered black rhino.

You may also spot lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, hyenas, zebras, and flamingos.

After your game drive and picnic lunch, return to Arusha for overnight stay.

Highlights

  • Big Five safari
  • Spectacular crater landscapes
  • Black rhino sightings
  • Excellent photography opportunities

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch


Day 14: Departure

Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight.

This marks the end of your unforgettable 14 days Uganda primates and Tanzania wildlife safari.


Best Time for Uganda and Tanzania Safari

The best time for this combined safari is during the dry seasons:

Uganda

  • June to September
  • December to February

Tanzania

  • June to October
  • January to March

These months offer excellent gorilla trekking conditions and outstanding wildlife viewing.


Gorilla Trekking Permit Costs

Uganda gorilla permits currently cost:

  • Foreign Non-Residents: $800 per person
  • Foreign Residents: $700 per person
  • East African Citizens: UGX 300,000

Permits should be booked several months in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.


What to Pack for This Safari

Essential Safari Packing List

  • Hiking boots
  • Lightweight safari clothing
  • Rain jacket
  • Insect repellent
  • Sunscreen
  • Binoculars
  • Camera with extra batteries
  • Daypack
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Hat and sunglasses

Why Combine Uganda and Tanzania?

Combining Uganda and Tanzania allows travelers to experience two very different but complementary safari styles.

Uganda focuses on intimate rainforest encounters with primates, while Tanzania delivers classic African savannah safaris with vast wildlife populations.

This combination creates one of the most complete safari experiences available in Africa.


Frequently Asked Questions

Is gorilla trekking difficult?

Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding depending on the terrain and location of the gorilla family. However, people of different fitness levels successfully complete the trek every day.

Can this itinerary be customized?

Yes. The itinerary can be customized for luxury, mid-range, budget, honeymoon, family, or photography safaris.

Is this safari suitable for children?

Children above 15 years can participate in gorilla trekking. Wildlife safaris are suitable for families with older children.

Can I add Zanzibar beach holidays?

Absolutely. Many travelers combine this safari with a Zanzibar beach extension after Tanzania.

How much does a 14 days Uganda and Tanzania safari cost?

Prices vary depending on accommodation level, season, group size, and internal flights. Typical prices range from budget to ultra-luxury experiences.


Conclusion

A 14 days Uganda primates and Tanzania wildlife safari is one of Africa’s most rewarding travel experiences.

From standing face-to-face with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest to watching lions roam the endless Serengeti plains, this journey offers unmatched diversity and adventure.

Whether you seek thrilling wildlife encounters, luxury safari lodges, cultural immersion, or extraordinary photography opportunities, this East African safari delivers memories that will last a lifetime.

If you are planning your next African adventure, this Uganda and Tanzania safari should be at the very top of your bucket list.


Book Your Uganda and Tanzania Safari

Ready to experience the best of East Africa?

Contact our safari specialists today to customize your 14 days Uganda primates and Tanzania wildlife safari with expert guides, handpicked lodges, reliable 4×4 safari vehicles, and unforgettable wildlife experiences.

Your African dream safari starts here.

Scroll to Top