12 Days Uganda, Tanzania & Zanzibar

Day 1: Mestil Hotel & Residences, Kampala

Kampala Bordering the magnificent Lake Victoria, Uganda’s capital city - Kampala - sprawls out over a series of undulating hills and despite the development, this ‘Garden City’ is known for its tree-lined avenues. It serves as the commercial hub of the country boasting a blend of African markets, modern skyscrapers, international hotels, bars, and casinos. It provides an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding area. Visitors can look forward to learning about the country’s rich and colourful history at the Uganda Museum; enjoying a number of activities on Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake; and visiting the Namugongo Martyrs Shrines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the nearby Mburo National Park to catch a glimpse of local wildlife including: hippo, zebra, gazelles, crocodiles, warthog, and a variety of magnificent birdlife.

Day Itinerary

Meet and greet at Entebbe International Airport where your Uganda Adventure Safari starts by our representative who will warmly welcome you and facilitate seamless arrival formalities. Your will then be transferred to your  hotel where you will be briefed about your adventure safari.

Depending on the time of arrival you are advised to have money Changed on this day ,If time allowing you may go for a city tour. All activities today are at your own cost. You may visit the  botanical gardens at a supplement of $10 per person or visit the Uganda Wildlife Educational centre  at supplement of $15 per  pesrson or go for a cheese and wine sundowner on Lake Victoria at a supplement of $85 per person.

Overnight: Mestil Hotel & Residences

Located in the periphery of Kampala, Nsambya Hill. Méstil Hotel & Residences presents guests the privilege of living in an exclusive and serene space overlooking the skyline and other historical hills of Kampala with proximity to Embassies, Nsambya Hospital, Art & Crafts centers and fresh food Markets among other areas of interest. The Méstil Hotel & Residences are the epitome home for business travelers and families. 

Their quality residences allow guests a comfortable degree of flexibility and independence with larger units ideal for families.

Dine at the Amber restaurant where they offer delicious international buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is a menu full of international favorites from the Far East Cuisine to continental grills, finger licking snacks and mouthwatering desserts. If you want to have your business breakfasts and business lunches, this is the ideal venue.

Basis

Bed and Breakfast

Included

Airport Transfer

Day 2: Crater Safari Lodge, Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale Forest National Park, situated in Western Uganda, is famous for its high density of primates, breathtaking crater lakes, and thick, beautiful jungle. Thirteen primate species inhabit the beautiful tropical forest, including red-tailed monkey, L’Hoest's monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, red colobus, and black and white colobus monkeys. Visitors may spot some of the 300 bird species and 250 butterfly species, and buffalo, forest elephants, leopards, bushbucks, and sitatungas also live in the park but are generally shy. The area is decorated by around 50 enthralling crater lakes and numerous pristine hiking trails. Several cultural tours are on offer which delve into the rich traditions of the Batoro people, giving travellers a chance to see Batoro dancing, singing and traditional healing up close.

Day Itinerary

Pick up from your hotel and drive west to Fort Portal through verdant countryside passing through traditional homesteads and farms. Fort Portal rests in the shadow of the fabled Mountains of the Moon. The drive approximately takes 5 -6hours.

Alternatively you may opt to fly to Kibale Forest National Park Via Kasese Airstrip  at a supplement of $300 per person.

Arrive at the lodge in time for a late lunch. Relax at the lodge or take an unguided walk around the lodge to enjoy the beauty of the scenery.

Optional Activities

Canoeing-$25 pp if in a group of 3 + but 1 or 2people -$50 per person

Crater lakes visit -$25 per person

Cycling around the crater lakes /tea estates-$30 per person

Top of the world hike-$15 per person

Birding-$20per person

Kayaking -$90 per person per 2 hours

Overnight: Crater Safari Lodge

Crater Safari Lodge has been designed in such a way

that it doesn’t intrude on its pristine surrounds. Thatched

chalets with expansive wooden balconies provide the

perfect luxurious jungle escape. Hammocks and garden

swings on the grounds of the lodge add an extra

element of tranquility to your remote safari experience.

In total, there are 11 thatched stand-alone wooden cabins

and 10 standard pool facing cabanas, each catering for a

different style of guest.

Crater Safari Lodge is the perfect place to base yourself

for a true jungle and wilderness experience in Uganda.

The lodge is an award winning eco-lodge, and offers an

unsurpassed remote wilderness experience.

standard pool facing cabanas

• Romantic bush dinner options on the shores of the

lake

• Lodge is ideal for both honeymoons and weddings

• From swamp walks, to fishing, canoeing and hiking;

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Included

Transfer to the Lodge

Day 3: Crater Safari Lodge, Kibale Forest National Park

Day Itinerary

After breakfast at your lodge, transfer to the starting point of your Chimpanzee tracking experience in Kibale Forest National Park which is reputed to have the greatest variety and highest concentration of primates in East Africa. The most famous of its 13 species is the Chimpanzee, man’s closest relative. Kibale’s 1450 Chimpanzee represent Uganda’s largest population of this endangered primate. Kibale is also a home to the rare I’Hoest’s monkey. Other primates include the black and white Colobus, Blue monkey, Grey cheeked mangabey, Red tailed monkey, Olive baboon to mention but a few. So you will enjoy a guided nature walk in the tropical rainforest in search of the wild chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys and many others.  Although chimp  sightings are not guaranteed, visitors stand a good chance of hearing and seeing our distant cousins as they gloom and bond with one another.

Alternatively you may opt for  chimpanzee habituation with a supplement of $50 per person. You spend the Whole day with the chimps, availability is limited so booking should be made in advance.

After lunch, head to Bigodi for an afternoon swamp walk. Bigodi was established by a local development organization to protect the 4sq-km Magombe Swamp that's home to around 200 species of birds (highlights include papyrus gonolek, White-winged warbler and great blue turaco). The highlight of this tour is catching a glimpse of the great blue turaco. The swamp is also good for spotting butterflies and primates, with eight different species here, including grey-cheeked mangabey. Experienced local guides who interact with the guests and make the trip both enjoyable and exciting lead the 2-3 hour guided walk.

Activities

Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

chimps tracking

Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is a community development enterprise located on the fringe of Kibale National Park where guided tours are conducted along a path through the wetland at time along boardwalk trail.  Bigodi is a birder's paradise with 138 bird species having been identified there including the crowd please Great Blue Turaco. The sanctuary is also home to 8 primate species including the black and white colobus, red colobus, mangabey, red tail, vervet, and L’Hoest.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Included

1 chimp Permit per person

Bigodi Swamp walk

Day 4: Gorilla Safari Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park Located in southwestern Uganda, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is said to be Africa’s oldest rainforest. It is world-renowned for its excellent gorilla-sighting opportunities - the forest is home to half of the remaining mountain gorillas on earth. This gorilla experience takes place among a rugged landscape of dense jungle, cascading waterfalls, sparkling mountain streams, deep valleys, and steep ridges. The untouched forest has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its breathtaking natural beauty and unique ecological significance, and aside from the amazing gorilla interactions, there are other drawcards such as a network of forest walks, over 340 species of bird to spot, and a variety of brightly-coloured butterflies to identify. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the spectacular Virunga Volcanoes, three of which are still active.

Day Itinerary

After breakfast pack your bags and you will have a morning game drive as you travel to Bwindi.The drive takes you through the Switzerland of Africa area known as the Kigezi Highlands with its terraced hillside and winding roads. Check into the lodge for dinner and your overnight stay.

Alternatively, you would fly to Bwindi Forest via Kisoro Airstrip at a supplement of $300 per person

Bwindi forest is Located in southwestern Uganda, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is said to be Africa’s oldest rainforest. It is world-renowned for its excellent gorilla-sighting opportunities. The rugged landscape features dense jungle, cascading waterfalls, sparkling mountain streams, deep valleys and steep ridges. This untouched forest has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its breathtaking natural beauty and unique ecological significance. Aside from the amazing gorilla interactions, there are other drawcards such as a network of forest walks, over 340 species of bird to spot and a variety of butterflies. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the spectacular Virunga Volcanoes.

Overnight: Gorilla Safari Lodge

Gorilla Safari Lodge is an up market facility tucked away at the boundary line of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - home of the endangered mountain gorilla. It is the ideal base from which to trek the Nshongi group of Gorillas, the biggest group ever habituated. The lodge offers accommodation in eight, en suite spacious luxurious units with individual verandas allowing excellent views towards the pristine tropical rain forest. All bathrooms have hot and cold running water and flush toilets. The camp is composed of a main lodge which includes a restaurant, bar, lounge and campfire overlooking the tropical Rain Forest.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Included

Transfer to Bwindi Forest

Day 5:Gorilla Safari Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Day Itinerary

After an early breakfast depart to the starting point for briefing about your gorilla trekking adventure, after which you will be led by experienced gorilla trackers on the slopes of the volcanoes. You will start from the site where the gorillas were encountered the day before and from here the gorilla tracking begins. Although the hike can be physically demanding, the anticipation of the exciting experience ahead is amazing, and the beauty of the gorilla forest and its inhabitants are fascinating. One of Africa’s major highlights is when you encounter these amazing apes. It is a humbling experience to stand just meters from man’s distant cousins as they eat rest, play and bond with their young ones.

Follow the mountain gorillas as they range freely in the impenetrable forest, and discover their gorgeous natural habitual and the many species they share it with. You are allowed an hour with the gorillas before finally sloping down back to your lodge. If your trek was relatively short, you may opt for optional activities.

Don’t forget to carry your rain gear, packed lunch, plenty of water, gloves, hat, and water proof bag for protection of your camera in case of rain

You may opt for Gorilla Habituation on supplement of $900 per person – here you will be sure of meeting and spending enough time with the Gorillas.

Expert Tips

Details on what to pack for gorilla tracking in Uganda and Rwanda

When travelling to foreign destinations it is always respectful to dress modestly and we suggest the emphasis is on comfortable clothing. It is often warm on the plains and at lower altitudes but cold in the hilly and mountainous areas of Uganda and Rwanda; a rain jacket, fleece and good quality walking shoes/boots are essential.

When trekking the gorillas and chimpanzees we recommended wearing sturdy clothing to help protect against scratches, i.e. long sleeve shirt, trousers and a good pair of lightweight walking boots. Protective leather gloves or gardening gloves are also useful, as well as a pair of gaiters.

As the temperature is variable and weather conditions can change; we also recommend taking a fleece or light jumper (layers of clothing are best especially with moisture-wicking undergarments) and lightweight breathable waterproof jacket/trousers or poncho. A small backpack is useful to carry your water, pack lunch, camera and binoculars. Walking sticks are available at the park head quarters as are porters (it is worth taking a porter as it provides local people with employment and they will give you a helping hand on any steep terrain).

Whilst on safari neutral coloured, loose fitting and relaxed clothing is the most appropriate. Most hotels and lodges have laundry services, so an excessive amount of clothing should be unnecessary. Please note that most hotels and lodges hand wash clothing.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Included

1 Gorilla  permit per person 

Day 6:  The African Tulip, Arusha

Arusha resting at the foot of Mount Meru, the sprawling city of Arusha is known as the safari capital of northern Tanzania. It serves as an excellent base from which to explore the remarkably scenic surrounding area which includes majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as the Manyara, Tarangire and Ngorongoro National Parks. Arusha is a good spot to take a day or two off from the safari circuit as it features a temperate climate and lush surrounds. Visitors can look forward to exploring the wildlife-abundant Serengeti National Park; the magnificent Arusha National Park; and taking on the challenge of climbing Mount Meru, Africa’s fifth highest mountain.

Day Itinerary

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport to catch your flight to  your next destination.  You will catch your flight to Kilimanjaro.

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be met by our guide who will transfer you by road to Arusha. This attractive little town is situated beneath the towering peaks of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro. Arusha, renowned as the safari capital of Tanzania, offers a range of attractions and adventures.

Overnight: The African Tulip

The African Tulip is an elegant and charming Luxury Boutique Hotel in the heart of Arusha. A warm and friendly welcome awaits guests who want to experience the best of Tanzanian hospitality. The hotel has been designed with safari travellers, business persons, families, honeymooners, elite and leisure travellers in mind. It has amenities of convenience whilst offering a high standard of luxury.

The hotel has 29 guest rooms, 7 of which are suites. The rooms are individually and stylishly decorated using warm African tones. A lot of African material and local art has been used reflecting the common thread that runs throughout the hotel which is one of consistence and quality.

Basis

Bed and Breakfast

Included

Airport Transfers

Excluded

Flight to Arusha

Day 7: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, Lake Magadi

Lake Magadi not to be confused with the Kenyan lake of the same name set only a hundred kilomtres away, the Tanzanian Lake Magadi is an exquisite soda lake in the Ngororongo crater, named the Swahili word for salt. This is a wonderful destination for nature photographers, a scene that changes exquisitely through the seasons, moving through lush greens into striking oranges and bright pinks. Along with the changes come captivating, changing groups of animals including rhino, eland and lion, as well as golden jackals who come to hunt the flamingos. Spread over 11.2 square kilometres, the lake cultivates a unique ecosystem with its blue-green algae, which nourishes the plants and small creatures here. The surrounding crater is filled with incredible other natural attractions and a much wider variety of wildlife.

Day Itinerary

Today ,you will proceed to Ngorongoro crater were you will descend 2,000 feet (over 600 meters) to the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day crater tour with picnic lunch. The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact caldera (collapsed volcano) and is home to more than 30,000 animals, making it the most densely packed concentration of wildlife in Africa. Explore the forest areas that are inhabited by monkeys and elephants, the lake area, where you may see flamingos, and the open savannah, where the lions hunt for food. If you are really lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the elusive black rhino! Late afternoon, proceed to your lodge which is located on the crater rim.

Overnight: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

Nestled high on the jagged rim of the Ngorongoro Crater and shrouded in mist, the Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is a stunning example of ecological and architectural harmony. The boulder-built buildings of the Lodge are camouflaged by indigenous creepers and linked by timber walkways that skirt ancient trees. Inside, guests are greeted by the hushed ambiance of a game-viewing hide and the ochre, rust, and charcoal imagery of a prehistoric cavern, decorated with Maasai iron spears, bright-beaded robes, and intricately-carved artifacts. The rooms, strung around the crater rim, are adorned with brass lamps, wildwood mirrors, and Maasai carvings, each featuring its own rock-enclosed balcony and uninterrupted views of the Crater below. After a day of adventure, guests can follow a gentle nature trail, take a guided walk to the Crater's rim, or simply relax with a herbal massage as the sun sets behind the mountains. Explore the Cradle of Mankind at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge and experience one of the most unique travel experiences in the world.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Included

Game Drive

Day 8: Ole Serai Luxury Camp Turner Springs, Seronera

Seronera the Seronera region, in the central Serengeti, is set directly on the Great Migration route and offers excellent viewing of this incredible annual phenomenon, when countless wildebeest flood the area and move across the plains. While migratory game populations fluctuate seasonally, Seronera is still a wildlife hotspot at other times of the year, sheltering the Big Five, among many other species. A number of small campsites provide accommodation and visitors can enjoy hot air balloon trips and walking safaris as well as guided game drives.

Day Itinerary

After breakfast, you will proceed to The Central Serengeti with picnic lunch on hand to maximize your game viewing; Experience game drives in the world’s most famous wildlife preserve. Late afternoon/early evening, proceed to your lodge for relaxation and dinner. The evening is yours to enjoy.

Overnight: Ole Serai Luxury Camp Turner Springs

This Camp will be yet another addition to the Wellworth Collection of Luxury camps, adding onto the list of the 8 (Eight) Luxury Camps in the making, which are all to be built in the most sought after locations in and across the vast Serengeti National Park, Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority(NCAA).

This particular camp is located 17kms from Seronera HQ / Airstrip, and lies right in the heart of central Serengeti. The spectacular and secluded location of this camp boasts all year round game which choose to graze around the camp due to its lagoon type contoured landscape, where the camps is surrounded on three sides by water catchments. 

There are also large acacia trees spread sparingly across the camp which adds on to create a tranquil feel of the camp and also helps provide natural shading assisting to keep cool the tents during the hot summer months.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Included

Game Viewing

Day 9: Ole Serai Luxury Camp Turner Springs, Seronera

Day Itinerary

Delight yourself with a full day of game viewing in the Central Serengeti. Millions of animals and birds thrive in the park’s vast savannah and hilly woodlands. You will see plentiful species of plains game, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalos, elephants, hippos, giraffes, and numerous fascinating lesser-known animals. While the Serengeti may be best known for its great annual migration, the resident populations of animals are excellent all year-round. Late afternoon/early evening, return to your lodge for relaxation.

Optional Extra: Hot-Air Balloon Flight

Hot-air ballooning over the vast Serengeti plains is the ultimate game viewing experience. Arrive at your launch site before dawn, and take off as the sun rises over the hills. Your journey gives you a bird’s eye view of the wildlife as you look for leopard in the branches of an acacia tree. After your 40-60--minute ride, you will be met by the ground crew for a traditional “Champagne toast” followed by a magnificent breakfast, cooked and served in the Serengeti bush. The special cost for this optional excursion is $590 per person when purchased with this safari. Advance reservations are required at time of booking your safari

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Included

Game Drives

Day 10: Melia Zanzibar, Kiwengwa

Kiwengwa Situated on the spectacular northeastern coast of Tanzania’s Unguja island, between the quaint coastal villages of Pwani Mchangani and Pongwe, Kiwengwa is best known for its scenic beach of glittering white sands, lapped by azure crystalline waters. Visitors can explore the local village, and enjoy a host of water-based activities including snorkelling, diving, kitesurfing, and boating. Sample the local flavours of Zanzibar’s unique cuisine, sip on a delicious cocktail at a beachfront bar, and discover the fascinating underwater wonderland that lies offshore. Visitors should be able to spot turtles, starfish, octopuses and seahorses quite easily. Animal lovers will also delight in the chance to visit the nearby Cheetah Rock Conservation Centre, which protects lions, zebras, and many other rescued animals.

Day Itinerary

After breakfast, you will proceed to Seronera airstrip with game drives en-route in time for your flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, you will be met by our  representative and transferred to your overnight accommodation.

Overnight: Melia Zanzibar

Built on a 40-acre estate with a beautiful beach of pearlescent white sand lapped by warm ocean waters, Meliá Zanzibar is an all-inclusive luxury resort on the northeast coast of the exotic island of Zanzibar, also known as the Spice Island. Accommodation consists of spacious guest rooms and suites, each equipped with air conditioning, a television, a minibar and a private terrace or balcony. Guests can enjoy dining at any one of the onsite restaurants or unwind with a refreshing drink at the bar. Additional amenities include meeting facilities and a spa with six private treatment rooms, a fitness centre, sauna and an infinity lap pool.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch 

All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included

Excluded

Flight to Zanzibar

Day 11: Melia Zanzibar, Kiwengwa

Day Itinerary

Optional Island excursions: Stone Town Visit, dhow trip to an island for scuba diving, Dolphin tour, Jozani Forestry National Park

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch 

All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included

Day 12: End of Itinerary

Day Itinerary

Today you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Zanzibar International Airport in time for your flight back home (Breakfast).

Basis

Bed and Breakfast

Included

Airport transfer

Included

• All ground transportation in a normal land cruiser with all fuel
• Full time driver/ English speaking guide with all his associated expenses
• Full board accommodation as per above itinerary a part from Kampala/Entebbe  where it is Bed and breakfast only.
• 1 Gorilla permit per person 
• 1  Chimp permit per person
• Drinking water in the vehicle
• Any other items included in the above itinerar

Excluded

• International Air tickets 
• Visas
• Personal insurance
• Personal expenses such as drinks, tips, telephone calls