7 Days Best of Tanzania Uganda Safari – A Journey of Two Worlds
The 7 Days Best of Tanzania Uganda Safari by Ovacado Adventures offers a breathtaking fusion of East Africa’s two most iconic safari worlds—the boundless savannahs of Tanzania and the mystical rainforests of Uganda. This safari creates an unforgettable balance between the dramatic wildlife encounters of Tanzania’s Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater and the intimate primate experiences in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kyambura Gorge.
Every moment of this Tanzania Uganda Safari speaks of adventure, diversity, and connection with nature’s finest wonders. In just seven days, travelers explore vibrant ecosystems, from the golden grasslands teeming with lions, elephants, and wildebeests to the emerald forests echoing with the calls of chimpanzees and tropical birds. Each landscape offers something unique, and together, they form one seamless African story.
This exclusive Tanzania Uganda Wildlife Safari is tailored for travelers who crave variety—those who wish to witness the classic Big Five in Tanzania’s vast plains and then cross into Uganda’s tranquil wilderness for intimate encounters with chimpanzees and other wildlife species. The itinerary combines thrilling game drives, cultural encounters, and cross-country flights to maximize your time and deliver a complete East African experience.
From Arusha’s warm hospitality to the legendary plains of the Serengeti and the crater floor of Ngorongoro, every detail is crafted to ignite wonder. Then, as the journey continues to Uganda, travelers find new rhythm and life in the lush beauty of Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kyambura Gorge.
A Tanzania Safari and Gorilla Safari (or chimpanzee safari in this case) is more than an expedition it’s a symphony of nature’s finest moments. Ovacado Adventures brings together professional expertise, authentic cultural immersion, and unforgettable encounters to create a safari that defines what it means to explore Africa in depth and style.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Gateway to Tanzania’s Safari Magic
Your Tanzania Uganda Safari begins in Arusha, the bustling safari capital of northern Tanzania. On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you are warmly welcomed by an Ovacado Adventures representative who provides a smooth transfer to your lodge. The gentle breeze, views of Mount Meru, and the rhythmic hum of local life introduce you to Tanzania’s enchanting character.
After check-in, you’ll unwind and prepare for your first adventure the drive to Lake Manyara National Park, a compact but spectacular gem known for its scenic beauty and diverse ecosystems. The journey offers glimpses of rural landscapes, bustling markets, and traditional homesteads. Lake Manyara’s shimmering waters reflect the skies as large flocks of flamingos, pelicans, and storks wade gracefully along the shores.
In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive through acacia woodlands and open plains. You may spot tree-climbing lions lounging lazily on branches, troops of baboons along the roadside, or herds of elephants moving in the distance. The park’s mix of dense forest, open grasslands, and lake habitats makes it a paradise for bird lovers and wildlife photographers alike.
As the sun sets, you return to your lodge for dinner and an evening of relaxation. The night sounds of crickets, distant calls of hyenas, and the soft rustling of leaves signal your initiation into Africa’s wild rhythm.
Overnight: Lake Manyara Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park – Game Drives and Cultural Encounters
The day begins with an early breakfast, followed by a full-day exploration of Lake Manyara National Park. The morning light paints the landscape in gold as you set out on another exciting game drive. The park is small but incredibly rich in biodiversity ideal for spotting elephants, buffaloes, zebras, and giraffes.
Your guide interprets the language of the bush, sharing insights about animal behavior and the park’s delicate ecosystems. You’ll visit the hot springs, watch hippos wallow in the lake, and photograph flamingos shimmering across the horizon. The forest canopy echoes with the calls of blue monkeys and hornbills, reminding you that Africa’s beauty lies not only in its large mammals but also in its intricate web of life.
In the afternoon, Ovacado Adventures adds a special cultural twist to your Tanzania Wildlife Safari a visit to a nearby Maasai community. Here, you experience authentic traditions, dance performances, and an introduction to the Maasai’s way of life. Learn about their cattle culture, beadwork, and community resilience that has thrived alongside nature for centuries.
This interaction adds depth to your journey, revealing how human life and wildlife coexist harmoniously in East Africa.
Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner, storytelling around the campfire, and a peaceful night under the stars.
Overnight: Lake Manyara Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Journey to Serengeti National Park – The Land of Endless Plains
After breakfast, your Tanzania Uganda Wildlife Safari continues north toward the legendary Serengeti National Park. The drive passes through the Ngorongoro Highlands, offering spectacular scenery and stops for panoramic photographs. By midday, you enter the gates of the Serengeti Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife destination.
The name Serengeti, meaning “endless plains” in the Maasai language, perfectly captures the essence of this vast ecosystem. The plains stretch as far as the eye can see, dotted with acacia trees and herds of animals moving in synchronized motion.
After a picnic lunch en route, enjoy an evening game drive where you might witness lions stalking prey, cheetahs sprinting across the plains, or elephants slowly grazing as the sun dips behind the horizon. The Serengeti’s beauty is timeless; its landscapes have remained unchanged for millennia, providing the stage for the Great Wildebeest Migration the world’s most dramatic wildlife spectacle.
The day ends with arrival at your lodge, where you relax and enjoy a hearty dinner. The evening sky is ablaze with stars, and the sounds of nature create a perfect symphony of wilderness.
Overnight: Serengeti Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Full-Day Game Drive in Serengeti National Park
This is the heart of your Tanzania Safari and Gorilla Trekking (chimpanzee trekking extension) adventure. Today is dedicated to exploring the Serengeti in depth. Wake up early for a sunrise game drive, the best time to see predators on the hunt and the plains coming alive with activity.
You’ll traverse different sections of the park open plains, kopje outcrops, and river valleys. Each zone holds its own treasures. The central Serengeti, known as Seronera, is a hotspot for leopards and lions. The western corridor offers crocodile-filled rivers, while the northern plains may showcase herds of migrating wildebeests and zebras.
As you explore, your experienced guide interprets the stories written in paw prints, bird calls, and shifting light. Break for a bush lunch surrounded by the serenity of nature, then continue your exploration into the afternoon.
Optional activities such as a hot air balloon safari can elevate this experience floating above the plains as the sun rises, offering breathtaking aerial views of wildlife below.
Return to your lodge at sunset, where you can unwind by the campfire, sip a drink, and share your experiences under the starlit Serengeti sky.
Overnight: Serengeti Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: From Serengeti to Uganda – Fly to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, your journey transitions from Tanzania’s plains to Uganda’s rainforests. You’ll board a flight from Serengeti’s airstrip to Entebbe, Uganda (via connecting routes), and then continue to Kasese Airstrip, near Queen Elizabeth National Park.
On arrival, the lush greenery of Uganda welcomes you. The contrast between Tanzania’s open savannahs and Uganda’s rolling landscapes creates a beautiful shift in atmosphere. You’ll transfer to your lodge located near Queen Elizabeth National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and one of Africa’s most biodiverse wildlife areas.
If time allows, enjoy an evening game drive through the park’s open grasslands. You may encounter elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and the famous tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha sector.
The day concludes with dinner at your lodge overlooking the park’s vast expanse. Uganda’s gentle wilderness invites calm reflection here, every rustling leaf and distant call of a nightjar tells a story of life unfolding under Africa’s sky.
Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Game Drives and Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge
Today’s adventures showcase Uganda’s distinctive magic within your Tanzania Safari and Gorilla Safari journey. After breakfast, set out for a morning game drive across the Kasenyi Plains. The area’s scenic beauty and dense wildlife populations make it ideal for photography and exploration. You’ll likely spot elephants, kob antelopes, hyenas, and majestic lions.
Later, embark on a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, where hippos yawn lazily in the water and crocodiles bask on the banks. Hundreds of bird species pelicans, kingfishers, and African fish eagles decorate the shores, making it a paradise for bird lovers.
In the afternoon, prepare for an exhilarating chimpanzee trekking experience in Kyambura Gorge. This lush valley, nicknamed “The Valley of the Apes,” is home to a small but vibrant chimpanzee population. The trek leads you through tropical forests filled with the calls of primates and colorful butterflies. When you finally encounter a chimp family, the experience is both intimate and unforgettable their playful behavior, human-like expressions, and forest songs leave a lasting impression.
Return to your lodge for dinner and a relaxed evening. Uganda’s warm hospitality ensures that you feel part of the land, embraced by its people and wilderness.
Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Departure from Uganda – End of an Extraordinary Journey
Your final morning begins with a leisurely breakfast overlooking the peaceful landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park. It’s a reflective moment to appreciate how this Tanzania Uganda Gorilla Safari has transformed your understanding of Africa.
You’ll be transferred to the airstrip for your flight to Entebbe, connecting to your international departure. The journey might be ending, but the memories remain vivid the lion roars of Serengeti, the laughter of chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge, and the friendly smiles of local communities.
As you depart, you carry with you the spirit of two nations Tanzania’s wild heart and Uganda’s soulful embrace. The 7 Days Best of Tanzania Uganda Safari leaves you not just with photographs, but with stories, friendships, and a renewed sense of connection to nature’s rhythm.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Safari Inclusions
- Airport transfers in Tanzania and Uganda
- Domestic flights between Tanzania and Uganda
- Full-board accommodation (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Park entry fees for all mentioned parks
- Professional English-speaking safari guides
- Game drives and boat safaris as per itinerary
- Chimpanzee trekking permit in Kyambura Gorge
- All ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Drinking water on safari
- Cultural visits as mentioned
Safari Exclusions
- International flights
- Visa fees for Tanzania and Uganda
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities (balloon safari, tips, etc.)
- Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses
- Laundry services
Final Word by Ovacado Adventures
The 7 Days Best of Tanzania Uganda Safari is more than a tour it’s a gateway into the heart of Africa. With Ovacado Adventures, every journey is personal, every experience meaningful, and every destination a story worth sharing.
From the Great Migration’s thunderous plains to the whispering forests of Uganda, this itinerary captures the true spirit of East Africa a land of wonder, warmth, and wildlife like nowhere else on Earth.