20 Day Uganda Gorillas, Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach Escape

20 Day Uganda Gorillas, Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach Escape

Experience the best of East Africa on this unforgettable 20 Day Uganda Gorillas, Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach Escape. This carefully crafted itinerary by Trek Africa Expeditions blends primate encounters in lush rainforests, classic wildlife safaris across iconic savannahs, and serene moments on the Indian Ocean shores.

Trip Highlights:

• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

• Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest

• Game drives in Queen Elizabeth & Serengeti National Parks

• Hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti

• Cultural tours and local experiences

• Relaxing beach holiday in Zanzibar

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Uganda – Entebbe to Kampala City Tour

Welcome to Uganda! Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you’ll be met by a Trek Africa Expeditions representative and transferred to your hotel in Kampala. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a relaxed city tour exploring key landmarks such as Namirembe Cathedral, Nakasero Market, and the Uganda Museum.
Overnight: Latitude 0 Degrees Hotel, Kampala

Day 2: Transfer to Kibale Forest – The Primate Capital of East Africa

After breakfast, journey west to Kibale Forest National Park, home to 13 primate species including chimpanzees. Settle into your lodge and, if time allows, enjoy a guided walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for birdwatching and nature viewing.
Overnight: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge

Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking & Cultural Experience

Head deep into the forest this morning for an exciting chimpanzee tracking experience, one of the top highlights of Uganda. Later, visit a nearby community to enjoy traditional music and dance performed by local women.
Overnight: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge

Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes. In the afternoon, set off on a game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, home to lions, elephants, and Uganda kobs.
Overnight: Elephant Hab Lodge

Day 5: Wildlife Safari & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Start the day with a morning game drive, then cruise along the Kazinga Channel, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and countless bird species along the shoreline.
Overnight: Elephant Hab Lodge

Day 6: Tree-Climbing Lions & Drive to Bwindi

Head south through the Ishasha sector, renowned for its tree-climbing lions, then continue to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the gateway to gorilla trekking adventures.
Overnight: Bakiga Lodge

Day 7: Gorilla Trekking & Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Embark on the once-in-a-lifetime experience of gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Later, visit the Batwa community to learn about their forest-dwelling heritage, then drive to the scenic Lake Bunyonyi for a peaceful evening.
Overnight: Birdnest Resort Lake Bunyonyi

Day 8: Lake Bunyonyi Canoe Tour & Transfer to Lake Mburo

Start your day with a wooden canoe ride exploring some of Lake Bunyonyi’s 29 islands. Afterwards, drive to Lake Mburo National Park for an evening game drive featuring zebra, giraffe, and eland.
Overnight: Kigarama Wilderness Lodge

Day 9: Nature Walk in Lake Mburo & Return to Entebbe

Enjoy a guided nature walk in the park, offering close-up encounters with wildlife on foot. Later, drive back to Entebbe, arriving in time to relax by Lake Victoria and enjoy dinner by the beach.
Overnight: 2 Friends Beach Hotel, Entebbe

Day 10: Flight to Tanzania – Welcome to Arusha

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in Tanzania. Upon arrival, you’ll be picked up and taken to your hotel in Arusha.
Overnight: Mount Meru Hotel

Day 11: Safari Begins – Tarangire National Park

Drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for its vast elephant herds and giant baobab trees. Enjoy an afternoon game drive through this lesser-visited gem of northern Tanzania.
Overnight: Tarangire Sopa Lodge

Day 12: Cultural Tour & Transfer to Serengeti

En route to the Serengeti, stop in Mto wa Mbu village for a local bike tour, offering a close-up look at Tanzanian rural life. Continue to your tented camp in central Serengeti.
Overnight: Serengeti Katikati Tented Camp

Day 13: Hot Air Balloon Safari & Full-Day Game Drive

Start with an optional hot air balloon safari at sunrise (highly recommended!). Spend the rest of the day on game drives in the Serengeti, searching for lions, cheetahs, elephants, and – if in season – the Great Migration.
Overnight: Serengeti Katikati Tented Camp

Day 14: More Game Viewing in the Serengeti

Another day to soak up the magic of the Serengeti with morning and afternoon game drives across the sweeping plains.
Overnight: Serengeti Katikati Tented Camp

Day 15: Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater & Olduvai Gorge

After breakfast, drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Stop en route at the Olduvai Gorge, an important paleoanthropological site. In the afternoon, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive in one of Africa’s most unique safari destinations.
Overnight: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge

Day 16: Fly to Zanzibar – Start of Beach Holiday

Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, a warm breeze and turquoise waters welcome you to island life. Transfer to your beach resort.
Overnight: White Paradise Zanzibar

Days 17–19: Relax & Explore Zanzibar’s Coast and Culture

Spend your days unwinding on the beach or exploring Stone Town, enjoying spice tours, snorkeling, or sailing on a traditional dhow cruise. (Please note: Zanzibar tours and excursions are optional and paid separately. Accommodation, meals, and transfers are included.)
Overnight: White Paradise Zanzibar

Day 20: Departure from Zanzibar

After breakfast, say goodbye to the island and transfer to Zanzibar Airport for your onward journey. Your East African adventure ends here, leaving you with unforgettable memories of gorillas, wildlife, and white sand beaches.

What’s Included in Your 20-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking & Tanzania Safari with Zanzibar Beach Holiday

Your once-in-a-lifetime adventure through Uganda and Tanzania is thoughtfully packaged to provide a seamless and immersive experience. This all-inclusive tour covers:

• Gorilla trekking permit – USD 800 per person

• Chimpanzee trekking permit – USD 250 per person

• Personalized meet and greet service on arrival

• Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary walk and local community tour

• Game drives and boat safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park

• All national park entry fees for the destinations listed in the itinerary

• Accommodation in handpicked lodges and camps, including daily meals

• Private transport in a customized 4×4 safari vehicle

• Services of a professional, English-speaking safari guide throughout your trip

What’s Not Included

While we’ve included most essentials, the following costs are not covered:

• International airfare and visa fees

• Optional activities not listed in the itinerary

• Personal expenses such as tips, souvenirs, and alcoholic beverages

Additional Inclusions for the Tanzania & Zanzibar Segment

• Exclusive hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti

• Relaxing stay on the idyllic beaches of Zanzibar Island

• All related national park and activity entry fees

• Seamless transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle

• Accommodation, meals, and guiding as described above

Visa Requirements for Uganda & Tanzania

For your smooth entry into both countries, please note the following visa guidelines:

• Uganda Visa: Apply online up to 90 days before your arrival at https://www.immigration.go.ug/services/tourist-visa

• Tanzania Visa: Apply online at https://visa.immigration.go.tz/ at least 90 days before travel. The visa can also be issued on arrival at the airport.

🟡 Important: A valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry into both Uganda and Tanzania. If you have medical conditions that prevent vaccination, ensure you provide a doctor’s exemption letter when applying for your visa.

Tipping Guidelines (Optional, But Appreciated)

Tipping is customary in East Africa and reflects your appreciation of good service. Here’s a guide for what’s generally considered appropriate:

• Gorilla & Chimpanzee Guides: Around USD 15 per guest, given to the lead guide or placed in a tip box for equal distribution

• Porters: Typically hired for USD 15 per trek. Tip between USD 15–20 per porter depending on the workload

• Safari Driver-Guides: USD 5–10 per guest per day

• Lodge/Camp Staff: USD 3–5 per guest per stay (many lodges have a central tip box)

• National Park Guides (boat/birding walks): USD 3–5 per guide per guest

• Hotel Porters: USD 5–10

• Waitstaff/Bar Staff: Around 10% of your total bill

Packing List for Your Uganda & Tanzania Adventure

Here’s a recommended packing guide to help you prepare for the diverse landscapes—from lush forests to open savannah and tropical beaches.

Clothing:

• Long-sleeved shirts and long pants for protection from insects and brush

• Waterproof jacket or raincoat

• Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots

• Gaiters to keep out mud and insects

• Gardening gloves for gorilla trekking

• Hat and sunglasses for sun protection

Gear:

• Daypack for personal items

• Camera and binoculars (bring extra batteries and memory cards)

• Refillable water bottle

• Walking stick (can be provided at some lodges)

• Rain cover or poncho for your backpack

Personal Essentials:

• Insect repellent

• High SPF sunscreen

• Personal first-aid kit and any prescribed medications

• Energy snacks like nuts or protein bars

• Hand sanitizer and wet wipes

Cancellation Policy

We understand that plans may change, and we aim to be as flexible as possible. However, accommodations and permits in Uganda and Tanzania come with strict cancellation penalties.

General Tour Cancellation Fees:

• USD 200 per person deposit is non-refundable but transferable

• More than 90 days before tour start – 10% cancellation fee

• 60–89 days – 30% cancellation fee

• 30–59 days – 60% cancellation fee

• 8–29 days – 80% cancellation fee

• 0–7 days – No refund

Gorilla & Chimpanzee Permit Refunds:

• 61+ days before trekking – 75% refund

• 46–60 days – 50% refund

• 15–45 days – 25% refund

• 14 days or less – No refund

Changes to Your Booking

If you wish to amend your itinerary or change your travel dates after confirming your booking, Trek Africa Expeditions will make every effort to accommodate your request based on availability.

Book Your Journey with Trek Africa Expeditions

Ready for a life-changing journey through the wild beauty of Uganda’s forests, the endless plains of Tanzania, and the pristine beaches of Zanzibar?

Book your 20-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking, Tanzania Wildlife Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday with Trek Africa Expeditions today and let us handle the details while you make the memories.