10 Days Bwindi, Serengeti & Zanzibar offers exclusive game viewing with a chance to trek the Gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi, witness the Serengeti Wildebeest great Migration crossing the Mara River and grumeti rivers and as well have uninterrupted time on a Zanzibar beach holiday. The safari presents the very best of East Africa, leading you to the land of the Serengeti and the Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, the decorated palm lined coast of east Africa as well as the pearl of Africa, Uganda. You will explore Uganda’s gorillas within the mist-blanketed forests of Bwindi, Tanzania’s plethora of wildlife at Serengeti National park and enjoy the rest of your time relaxing on a Zanzibar honeymoon holiday.

The safari starts with a memorable encounter with the endangered Mountain Gorillas at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The park is labelled a UNESCO world heritage site and is home to over 459 gorillas, an increase from 400 as of the 2018 census. These 459 gorillas are categorised into 50 gorilla groups or families, 21 of which are currently habituated for tourism. Within the park, there are several species of trees, rivers and waterfalls which form a network of spectacular landscapes that are inhabited by the animals. Within these landscapes, one can find a further 120 species of mammals like elephants, antelopes etc. but with some chances as well, of coming across chimpanzees. Almost 350 species of birds inhabit the forests, something that is remarkably relevant for bird enthusiasts. In time past, the forest made a perfect haven to the Batwa, a native tribe that used to inhabit the forest. While here, you will trek the mountain gorillas, interact with the local people and enjoy the scenic views of nature.

From Bwindi, you will have a transfer to the endless plains of Serengeti National Park. While here, you will witness the spectacle of nature's best, from the great wildlife migration to big lion prides at the maasai kopjes. Serengeti is famous for its annual migration of over 1.5 million white-bearded wildebeest and other animals like zebras. This great migration is rendered to as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Marvel the serengeti plains plus plenty of wildlife safari drives in parks to amplify your chances at spotting a wide variety of wildlife. Imagine yourself live and on the scene as one of nature’s greatest spectacle unfolds right before your eyes when millions of animals gallop across the streams and grasslands of vast Savannah within the Serengeti in search of grazing grounds. You will also have chances to interact with the locals on the Masai village and have a glimpse of the life on the plains.

After your safari in the Serengeti, you will then be transferred to Zanzibar, for relaxation and fun at a Zanzibar beach holiday. Zanzibar beach holiday leads you to a perfect gem at the coast of East Africa. The Zanzibar archipelago consists of more than 50 islands, ranging from tiny outcrops to the larger, more populated islands of Zanzibar (more properly called Unguja) and Pemba. The island is no stranger to the world of fame, and with the presence of exclusive luxurious beaches, it decorates the path that leads to the long-craved for denominator: happiness. While many people usually relate this premium island to the historical stone town, the lively epithet draws its luxury from the multitude of magnificent palm-lined white sand beaches. These beaches are unique and are highlighted by places that wow you with the novelty of the world-class experience, rewarding you with just more than sun and surf. On this 10 Days Serengeti, Bwindi & Zanzibar, you will have uninterrupted time together with as much fun together as possible. The fascinating coastline together with the sparkling emerald seas creates magic like views that simulate the paradisiacal-like kind of perfection that is pictured in the famously known hanging gardens of Babylon.

This 10 Days Bwindi, Serengeti & Zanzibar is altogether interesting, and with the inclusion of in between flights, you’ll maximize the time you’ve got to truly indulge in all the nature and beaches that East Africa has to offer.

Activities

  1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
  2. Serengeti National Park & Zanzibar Island.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

Activity of the Day

Transfer from Kampala/Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Have early breakfast and depart for Bwindi National Park at 7.00 am, driving southwards for at least 8 hours before arriving at your accommodation which is situated just outside of the park on the southern side. The most direct route from Kampala follows a surfaced road to Rukungiri via Mbarara and Ntungamo. A slow dirt road then winds through the highlands to Buhoma via Kihihi and Butogota. The main trailhead at Buhoma is about 460kms from Kampala and can be reached by road from several directions. Ruhija trailhead is best accessed from the Kampala-Kisoro road, turning north from the surfaced highway 18km beyond Kabale town. The southerly Rushaga and Nkuringo trailheads can be reached using dirt roads leading west from Muko, midway on the surfaced Kabale -Kisoro road, and north from Kisoro town. You will see many things along the way, including the equator, plantations, rolling hills and a variety of Ugandans conducting business and other activities within their villages. We will have lunch en-route in Mbarara town at Ajip Motel. Relax in the evening whilst enjoying the magnificent vistas of the beautiful landscape. Have dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 2

Activity of the Day

Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Rest of the Day at Leisure at the Lodge

Today we will have the amazing opportunity to observe the gorgeous scenery of Uganda's tropical rainforest and experience a breathtaking encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas. Bwindi Impenetrable NP occupies the size of about 321 sq km between 1,160m and 2,607m above sea level and it's the home to a number of 479 endangered mountain gorillas. The park is divided into 4 gorilla tracking sectors including Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors. Within the park, there are 21 groups of gorillas habituated for tourism. Five of these groups are found in the vicinity of Buhoma in northwest Bwindi; four at Ruhija in the east; and ten at the park’s southern trailheads at Rushaga and two are found at Nkuringo. Have early breakfast, pick your packed lunch from the lodge, carry enough drinking water and transfer to the briefing point by 7.30am. While here, you will carry out registration and join others for a gorilla trekking briefing about the precautions and guidelines of the gorilla trekking activity. You will then be assigned a gorilla group, meet the ranger guide and start the trek into the forest. The gorillas are located in different places across the forest and therefore the time taken to find one group varies and can not be estimated before. Once you reached them, you are allowed to stay for one hour to observe these gentle giants, after which you return to meet the driver guide and transfer back to the lodge for relaxation and overnight.

Day 3

Activity of the Day

Transfer to transfer to Serengeti

After an early morning breakfast your driver/guide will transfer you to Kigali City for departure through Kigali airport. You will have scenic views of nature and enjoy the rolling landscapes of a thousand hills. You will then board your flight to Arusha. Transfer to your lodge for pre-safari briefing. There are chances of seeing flamingoes on the lake on your way. Enjoy the scenic views of nature and the atmosphere around the lodge. Dinner and overnight.

Day 4

Activity of the Day

Visit to Lake Manyara.

We transfer into Lake Manyara for morning game drive and lunch, a classic safari picnic, and enjoy our final glimpse of the great wilds of the Northern Tanzania. Lake Manyara offers an insight into the Great Rift Valley system and the adaptation of many herd animals and magnificent birdlife. The park is gifted with a variety of ecosystems which are responsible for hosting a variety of animals, including the famous tree climbing lions, buffalos, blue monkeys etc. We continue to Esilalei Maasai Village to explore the area and our school project. Meet the local women engineers who have installed clean cook stoves throughout these communities. In the afternoon, opt to visit the Mto wa Mbu village to enjoy a local lunch and cultural experience. In the late afternoon, we zig zag our way up the Rift Valley Escarpment and onto the crater highlands for overnight.

Day 5

Activity of the Day

Visit to Ngorongoro crater.

Early morning transfer to Ngorongoro. Along the way, you will have chances of passing by Olduvai George, one of the most outstanding paleoanthropological sites in the world, with traces of pre-historic man. Ngorongoro is collapsed volcano - an incredible natural Amphitheatre, 25 km across and teeming with all of the African big game. The places features one of the highest concentrations of animals in Africa.Early morning descent into the crater for spectacular scenery and game viewing in what has been described as the eighth wonder of the world. While here, you will have chances of scenic views of the big five. The crater is arguably the best place in Tanzania to see the big five in one day. After lunch, transfer to the incredible central areas of the Serengeti.

Day 6

Activity of the Day

Game drives at the Serengeti.

After breakfast, spend the entire day exploring the vast plains of the Serengeti, giving a great opportunity to explore all through the kopjes and riverine areas. Serengeti is Tanzania's oldest park and contains a plethora of animals. It is popular for the annual migration of over 1.5 mllion white-bearded wildebeests, over 200,000 zebras etc.  The park probably hosts the largest population of Lions in all of Africa with margins reaching an estimated 3000. Other predators include the spotted hyenas, leopards, wild dogs, cheetahs among others. Serengeti also hosts other different species of mammals including Elephants, the rare Black Rhinos, Wildbeest and many more; the Serengeti's diversity of wildlife is unrivaled. Serengeti is a wild part of the world, ethereal landscape that has to be seen to be believed! You will do game drives and have scenic views of nature.

Day 7

Activity of the Day

Transfer to Zanzibar.

After breakfast, we do a short game drive towards seronera central airstrip for a charter flight back to Arusha. At Arusha, you will have another flight to Zanzibar. On reaching the Zanzibar airport/seaport, you will be transferred to Sunshine Marine Lodge on Matemwe Beach where you will check in at the hotel. You will have several hours to rest as you look out to nothing but spectacular views of the Beach. Overnight stay, lunch and supper will happen here.

Day 8

Activity of the Day

Water sports at a Zanzibar beach.

Zanzibar turquoise waters are identified as suitable pockets for a variety of water sports. There is also a prevalence of exceptional sea creatures and reefs as well as the gentle oceanic creatures, that makes you feel the need to view more, quietly as you take in the phenomenal views of the ocean. Therefore, you will have a 20 minutes sail to Mnemba marine park for snorkelling after breakfast. In this place, the reefs are good and impressive to see. In the evening, you can relax at the lodge and have sunset views with a special dinner under artistically made lights.

Day 9

Activity of the Day

Transfer to Stone town.

From Matemwe Beach, you will be transferred to Stone town at the hotel of your choice. After checking in, our guide will pick you up for a walking historical Stone town tour where you will get an introduction to the historical town. Stone town gives you a sense of culture with tradition as you navigate through the walk ways and have views of old buildings and ancient sites of slave trade. After the tour, you will have dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 10

Activity of the Day

Stone town tour and departure.

In the morning, you will have breakfast, after which pick up for a half day Spice tour with an opulent Swahili lunch served in a local house will happen. During this tour, you will also get more insights into old history at the Mtoni palace ruins. After the tour, you will go back to the hotel for packing and transfer to Zanzibar airport for departure.

Genaral Tips :

  • Please note the age limit of 15 years and above for gorilla tracking.
  • Book your permits well in advance as only 8 permits are issued per gorilla group in a day. There are 21 habituated gorilla groups in Bwindi.
  • You should be free from infectious diseases such as Flu which can be passed to the gorillas since humans share 98% DNA with gorillas. If you are found to carry an infectious disease you will not be allowed to track.
  • Every participant has the chance to hire a trekking assistance (porter) who will help carring the bags and support whenever it is needed. For the trekking assitant an additional fee of US$ 15 is charged. Even those who consider themselves very old and don’t think they are hikers or adventurous can also successfully visit the gorillas. This can be done through hiring personal assistants to carry your daypack also to assist you in difficult areas.
  • Do not use flash photography.
  • Littering in the forest is not allowed! 
  • You are required to maintain a distance of 7 metres when you reach the gorillas. In certain  instances the young gorillas may come closer to you out of curiosity to touch you. However, you are not expected to respond because the silverback could respond violently as it tries to protect the young one from you.

Languages Spoken: Swahili is the official language of Tanzania while Arabic is widely understood on Zanzibar. In swahili “Jumbo,” or “Mambo” means hello. “Habari” means how are you and “Asante Sana” means thank you. English and Luganda are the main languages spoken in Uganda.

Currency: Tanzanian Shilling. (TZS)

Visa: Most nationalities need a visa to enter Tanzania, which is $50 for a three-month single entry paid in USD and can be obtained at the border. If you are a US Citizen, the visa is $100 USD for a three-month multiple-entry visa.

Weather: There are two seasons in Tanzania and Uganda– dry and wet. The wet season brings long rains falling from March to May. June-November is the dry season during this time low lying areas are hot and humid.

What to Pack: If you’re going on safari make you’re wearing the right safari clothes, with a great safari hat, a good pair of safari boots, and at least one jacket as it can get very cold at night. If you’re heading to the coast, you’ll want a bathing suit. Bring proper walking boots, long trousers and rain gears as you will be hiking through Bwindi Forest. Hiking boots, gloves, rain jacket camera and extra batteries. Waterproof bags to protect cameras and other equipment when hiking, just in case it rains. Insect repellant is recommended.

Stay Connected: Vodacom and Airtel are the service providers on the mainland. Holatel is the most widely used in Zanzibar, however most hotels and lodges have internet connection (wifi).

Water: The water in Tanzania is not safe to drink. Bottled water is available for purchase for cheap.

 
Gorilla trek bwindi Taken by Ellington Safaris
Gorilla Trek at Bwindi National Park Taken by Ellington Safaris
Wildebeest migration at serengeti Taken by Ellington Safaris
Cats of Serengeti Taken by Ellington Safaris