12 Days Best of Tanzania & Uganda Safari – The Ultimate East African Experience
The 12 Days Best of Tanzania and Uganda Safari by Ovacado Adventures is an odyssey through two of Africa’s most iconic destinations a journey that merges the golden grasslands of Tanzania with Uganda’s emerald rainforests in a breathtaking celebration of biodiversity. This extraordinary itinerary is designed for the traveler who seeks depth, diversity, and the essence of Africa’s wild beauty.
From the thundering cascades of Murchison Falls and the mystical jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to the vast plains of the Serengeti and the dramatic Ngorongoro Crater, this journey captures the very heart of East Africa. It’s a safari where lions roar across the savanna, chimpanzees swing through ancient canopies, and gorillas sit silently among ferns in mist-shrouded valleys.
The first leg of your safari unfolds in Uganda – the Pearl of Africa, where you’ll experience the power of the Nile at Murchison Falls, trek through Kibale’s rainforest in search of playful chimpanzees, and cruise along the Kazinga Channel amid pods of hippos and crocodiles. Then, venture into Bwindi’s Mountain sanctuary to stand face-to-face with endangered mountain gorillas one of the planet’s most profound wildlife encounters.
From here, the journey shifts south to Tanzania, where the rhythm of the savanna awaits. Explore the legendary Serengeti National Park, where the Great Migration paints the plains with movement and drama, and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a wildlife paradise encircled by ancient volcanic walls. Conclude your adventure in the tranquil beauty of Lake Manyara National Park, home to tree-climbing lions and flamingo-filled shores.
Every day of this 12 Days Best of Tanzania and Uganda Safari has been meticulously crafted by Ovacado Adventures to balance adventure, comfort, and authenticity. With expert local guides, handpicked lodges, and personalized service, this journey offers more than sightseeing it delivers a genuine connection with Africa’s landscapes, people, and wildlife.
Detailed 12 Days Best of Tanzania and Uganda Safari
Day 1: Arrival in Uganda – Welcome to the Pearl of Africa
Your 12 Days Best of Tanzania and Uganda Safari adventure begins at Entebbe International Airport, where an Ovacado Adventures representative warmly welcomes you to Uganda. After a short briefing, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala for rest and acclimatization.
As you drive from the airport, the lush greenery of Uganda greets you immediately banana plantations, tropical gardens, and the glimmering expanse of Lake Victoria stretching toward the horizon. The air feels alive, fresh, and fragrant.
Depending on your arrival time, you might enjoy a quiet evening stroll along the lakefront or visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, where colobus monkeys leap through ancient trees and birds sing in vibrant harmony. As the sun dips below the horizon, the lake reflects the fiery hues of Africa’s first sunset on your journey.
Dinner at your lodge introduces you to Uganda’s hospitality warm smiles, flavorful cuisine, and the anticipation of adventure. Rest well tonight, for tomorrow, you’ll begin the journey north to the thundering heart of Murchison Falls National Park.
Day 2: Journey to Murchison Falls National Park – The Power of the Nile
After breakfast, set off for Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest protected area, where the mighty River Nile explodes through a narrow gorge to create the world’s most powerful waterfall.
The scenic drive takes you through picturesque countryside and small towns bustling with local life. En route, you’ll visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to Uganda’s only population of wild rhinos. Here, you’ll embark on a guided walking safari to observe these majestic creatures up close a thrilling prelude to the wildlife encounters ahead.
By afternoon, you’ll arrive at your lodge, perched near the Nile’s edge. After settling in, enjoy a sunset walk or relax by the pool, taking in panoramic views of the river as hippos grunt in the distance.
Dinner is served under the stars, with the distant thunder of Murchison Falls echoing through the night a powerful reminder that tomorrow, you’ll witness this natural wonder firsthand.
Day 3: Murchison Falls Game Drive & Nile Boat Cruise – Where the Wild Roams Free
Rise at dawn for an early game drive across the northern savanna of Murchison Falls National Park. As the sun paints the landscape gold, wildlife emerges elephants silhouetted against the horizon, giraffes gliding gracefully between acacias, and prides of lions prowling in the morning light.
The park’s diversity is astounding: antelopes, buffaloes, warthogs, leopards, and countless bird species fill the plains. Each moment is a photographer’s dream.
In the afternoon, you’ll embark on a boat cruise along the Nile River toward the base of Murchison Falls. The cruise is a serene yet thrilling experience, offering sightings of hippos wallowing lazily, crocodiles basking on the banks, and elephants coming to drink.
As you approach the falls, the roar intensifies the river narrows to a seven-meter gorge, plunging 43 meters below in a thunderous display of raw power. For the adventurous, an optional hike to the top of the falls rewards you with breath-taking panoramic views.
Return to your lodge for dinner and storytelling around the campfire, reflecting on a day that captures Uganda’s wild, untamed spirit.
Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park – Into the Primate Capital of Africa
After breakfast, depart for Kibale Forest National Park, known as the Primate Capital of Africa for its 13 primate species, including chimpanzees, red colobus, and L’Hoest’s monkeys.
The scenic journey winds through tea plantations, crater lakes, and rolling hills, offering glimpses of rural Ugandan life. Stop in the town of Fort Portal, a charming outpost framed by the snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Upon arrival in Kibale, check into your eco-lodge nestled within the forest’s edge. The sounds of nature envelop you rustling leaves, birdsong, and the distant calls of primates.
In the late afternoon, embark on a guided Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary walk, a community-led conservation project where you’ll encounter diverse birdlife, butterflies, and playful monkeys. This experience reveals Uganda’s remarkable biodiversity and the importance of community-based tourism.
Evening finds you savoring a hearty dinner surrounded by forest sounds. The anticipation builds for tomorrow’s chimpanzee trekking adventure an unforgettable encounter that rivals even gorilla trekking in emotion and excitement.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest – A Day Among the Primates
Today, the forest comes alive as you set out to track Uganda’s wild chimpanzees. After an early briefing at the park headquarters, join experienced rangers and venture deep into Kibale’s dense jungle.
The trek is exhilarating sunlight filters through the canopy, butterflies flutter, and the air hums with the sound of life. Soon, you’ll hear distant calls echoing through the forest high-pitched hoots and rhythmic drumming the language of chimpanzees.
Upon finding a troop, spend an unforgettable hour observing their behavior: grooming, feeding, playing, and interacting with a complexity that mirrors our own. Watching these intelligent creatures in their natural habitat is both humbling and awe-inspiring.
In the afternoon, you may visit local coffee farms or cultural villages to engage with Ugandan communities whose lives are beautifully intertwined with the forest ecosystem.
Dinner back at your lodge is filled with conversation and laughter a celebration of the day’s magic.
Day 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Savanna Meets Lake
After breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, a diverse landscape where the savanna meets rainforest, lakes, and volcanic craters.
Upon arrival, embark on an afternoon game drive through the Kasenyi Plains, famous for lions and large herds of Uganda kob. The park is home to over 90 mammal species and 600 bird species a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.
Later, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lakes Edward and George. Here, hippos jostle for space, crocodiles sunbathe on the banks, and elephants wade gracefully along the shoreline. The concentration of wildlife along the channel is unparalleled.
Return to your lodge overlooking the plains, where the sun sets in a blaze of orange and crimson. The evening is serene the perfect end to your last night in Uganda before crossing into Tanzania’s vast wilderness tomorrow.
Day 7: Fly to Tanzania – From Uganda’s Jungles to Tanzania’s Savannahs
After breakfast, transfer to Entebbe Airport for your flight to Arusha or Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by your Tanzanian guide and transferred to your lodge in Arusha the safari capital of the country.
Relax and recover from your flight while enjoying magnificent views of Mount Meru or Kilimanjaro in the distance. Arusha’s vibrant energy and cool highland air provide the perfect bridge between the lush forests of Uganda and the open plains of Tanzania.
As evening falls, dine under the stars and prepare for the next chapter of your 12 Days Best of Tanzania and Uganda Safari the legendary Serengeti National Park.
Day 8: Into the Serengeti – The Land of Endless Plains
Depart after breakfast for the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania’s most celebrated safari destination. The drive offers glimpses of rural life, Maasai herders tending their cattle, and landscapes that shift from fertile farmlands to open plains.
Upon entering the park, your first game drive begins a thrilling introduction to one of Earth’s greatest ecosystems. The Serengeti teems with life: elephants grazing, lions lounging, giraffes stretching toward acacia leaves, and herds of wildebeest covering the horizon.
Evening finds you at a luxury tented camp in the heart of the Serengeti. Around the campfire, share stories as the stars blanket the sky the true rhythm of the African wilderness.
Day 9: Full-Day Game Drive in the Serengeti – Witnessing Nature’s Grandeur
Today is dedicated entirely to exploring the Serengeti. With picnic lunches packed, set out early to catch predators in action during the cool morning hours.
Depending on the season, you might witness the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras traverse the plains in search of greener pastures. It’s one of the most spectacular wildlife events on Earth a living drama of life, death, and rebirth.
Throughout the day, your expert guide ensures you encounter the Serengeti’s rich diversity — leopards, cheetahs, jackals, buffaloes, and countless bird species. Each moment feels timeless.
Return to camp at sunset, with the golden plains glowing under the fading light. Tonight, sleep to the lullaby of distant lion roars the soundtrack of the wild.
Day 10: Ngorongoro Crater – The Eden of Africa
After breakfast, journey to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the famous Ngorongoro Crater the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera.
Descending 600 meters to the crater floor feels like entering a lost world teeming with wildlife. Lions, elephants, black rhinos, and flamingos thrive within this self-contained ecosystem.
Enjoy a full-day game drive and picnic lunch by the hippo pool before ascending to the crater rim in the afternoon. The sweeping view at sunset is breathtaking one of Africa’s most iconic vistas.
Dinner and overnight stay near the crater complete this day of natural wonder and quiet reflection.
Day 11: Lake Manyara National Park – The Home of Tree-Climbing Lions
Today, head to Lake Manyara National Park, a lush oasis at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. The park’s compact size belies its rich biodiversity from pink flamingos wading in the lake to elephants roaming through acacia woodlands.
Game drives reveal giraffes, hippos, baboons, and, if luck allows, the park’s famous tree-climbing lions. The scenery here is spectacular a blend of forest, grassland, and water that creates a photographer’s paradise.
After your adventure, relax at your lodge and enjoy your final dinner in Tanzania, reminiscing about the unforgettable moments of the past twelve days.
Day 12: Departure – Farewell to East Africa
After breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your outbound flight. As you gaze out the window, the landscapes you’ve explored from Uganda’s rainforests to Tanzania’s savannas linger vividly in your heart.
Your 12 Days Best of Tanzania and Uganda Safari with Ovacado Adventures concludes, but the memories of gorillas in the mist, lions in the grass, and sunsets over the Serengeti will remain forever etched in your soul.
12 Days Best of Tanzania and Uganda Safari Inclusions and Exclusions
Safari Inclusions
- All airport transfers and domestic flights
- Full-board accommodation in mid-range to luxury lodges
- All park entrance fees and permits
- Gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking permits
- Professional English-speaking guides in both countries
- Game drives in 4×4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs
- Boat cruises in Murchison Falls and Kazinga Channel
- Cultural and community visits
- Bottled drinking water throughout the safari
- Government taxes and conservation fees