This 15 Days East Africa’s Gorillas, Chimps, Safari & Beach Holiday features four of East Africa’s top travel experiences: mountain gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda, following the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti and a tropical beach holiday in Zanzibar.
Your journey begins in Uganda by trekking in search of wild chimpanzees in Kibale Forest and endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
You then travel to Kigali city of Rwanda for your flight to Tanzania’s Arusha city. Here you will spend a restful before you head off on an African safari adventure in the Serengeti. Once you have had your safari fill, you end with a beach holiday in Zanzibar, where powder soft sands and crystal-clear water of the Indian Ocean beckon with the promise of utter relaxation.
It is an ideal safari for travellers who like their adventure served with plenty of comfort and great service. This 14 Days East Africa’s Gorillas, Chimps, Safari & Beach holiday can be tailored for a couple or a group of friends and will suit families with teens.
Highlights
- Life-changing gorilla trekking in Uganda’s lush rainforests
- Go chimpanzee tracking to see our closest relatives in their natural habitat
- Cultural encounters with the Batwa people
- See the extraordinary Wildebeest Migration in season
- Seek out Big 5 game viewing
- Enjoy a relaxing beach holiday in Zanzibar
- Adventure-filled itinerary that is perfect for groups
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to the Pearl of Africa!
Day 2: Transfer to Kibale National Park & Bigodi Village Walk
Day 3: Chimpanzee trekking & Relaxation
Day 4: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest via Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Day 5: Gorilla trek & relaxation at the lodge
Day 6: Drive to Kigali Rwanda for your flight transfer to Tanzania
Day 7: Journey to the Serengeti
Day 8 – 9: Discover the world’s greatest concentration of wildlife
Day 10: Flight transfer to Zanzibar
Day 12-14: Relax in an idyllic island paradise
Day 15: Farewell East Africa
Details
Day 1: Welcome To The Pearl Of Africa!
Your international flight lands at Entebbe International Airport, where a private transfer will take you to your overnight accommodation in Entebbe.
Entebbe is a small city on the shores of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake. If your flight arrives early in the day, you can go for a guided tour of the city.
You start with a visit to the vibrant Entebbe Crafts Village, where you can shop for one-of-a-kind souvenirs and handicrafts. Stop at the local markets to savor a famous street snack called a Rolex (a tomato and onion omelet rolled with chapati), then explore St. John’s Church, the colonial-era Anglican church.
After exploring the village, your guide will lead you to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens. Stroll through the lush gardens, admiring the vibrant array of colorful flowers and exotic plants. Finally, cap off your walking tour with a visit to the public beach by Lake Victoria.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Protea Hotel Entebbe/Hotel No.5/Serena Lake Victoria Resort
Mid-range: Boma Hotel Entebbe/2 Friends Beach Hotel Entebbe
Budget: Airport Guest House
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2-3: Bigodi Wetland Walk & Chimpanzee Tracking In Kibale Forest
After breakfast, your private transfer vehicle takes you on a scenic drive to your next destination. Pass rolling hillsides, tea plantations and the well-known Ruwenzori Mountain Chain.
You will arrive at your lodge or camp near Kibale Forest in the mid-afternoon, where you can relax and take in the breath-taking views from the lush tropical forest or explosion volcanic crater lakes. A guided walk around the rim of the volcanic Crater Lakes can round off your day.
Day three sees you venturing into two of Uganda’s wonderfully diverse landscapes. First up is a chimpanzee tracking adventure in Kibale Forest National Park. Kibale Forest has the highest concentrations of primates in East Africa, with a habituated community of chimpanzees that are located 99% of the time during treks.
Spend an hour with these majestic primates, learning about their behaviour and lifestyle. Once your chimp trek is wrapped up, stop for a picnic lunch. After the lunch, the adventure does not stop as you go for a community based guided tour of the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. During this walk, you’ll learn more about this community-run initiative that aims to conserve the unique biodiversity and environmental values of the wetlands.
Your day ends back at the lodge time for a delectable dinner.
Please note: No children under the age of 12 years are allowed on the chimpanzee tracking.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Crater Safari Lodge/Primate Lodge Kibale/Kyaninga Lodge
Mid-range: Kibale Forest Camp/Chimpanzee Forest Guest House
Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Guest House/Kibale Forest Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4-5: Meet The Gentle Giants Of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Wake up to the sounds of twittering birds before enjoying a delicious breakfast.
After that, you will hop back in the 4WD vehicle for the 7.5-hour ride to the southernmost end of Uganda and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
The scenic route will take you through the famous Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you may spot wild game, including the famous tree-climbing lions, which only exist in East Africa.
Eventually, you will arrive in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where you will check into your lodge. Located at the edge of the Rift Valley, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a pristine biological and botanical ecosystem covering 331 square kilometres.
It protects ancient rainforests that are a habitat for around 500 wild mountain gorillas, which represent about half the entire world’s population of these apes. A late afternoon arrival at your lodge ensures that you have plenty of time to rest before your unforgettable Gorilla trekking tour the next day.
Day five kicks off with a hearty breakfast. Then it is off for a trek through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in search of the endangered mountain gorillas who call. The up-close encounter you will have with these gentle giants is truly lifechanging – trust us, you will feel it the moment you stare deep into their expressive brown eyes.
Optional Activity: Batwa Pygmies Cultural Experience
The Batwa people have inhabited the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for thousands of years and have not forgotten the old ways of life. As part of your stay, you are invited to witness a re-enactment of life as it was for the Batwa in the rainforest, and have the opportunity of interacting with these incredible people.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Haven Lodge Buhoma/Gorilla Forest Camp/Buhoma Lodge
Mid-range: Gorilla Mist Camp/Ichumbi Lodge/Agandi Uganda Lodge
Budget: Trekkers Tavern Cottages
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Drive To Kigali Rwanda For Your Flight Transfer To Tanzania
Wake up to the beautiful views of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and scenic hills and enjoy a tasty breakfast. Then it is time to leave Bwindi and its majestic gorillas behind, travelling from Uganda into neighbouring Rwanda. This stunning drive takes you through the hilly countryside of Rwanda, dubbed the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’.
Connect to Kigali International Airport for the regional flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport; meet our representative who will then transfer you to Arusha.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Impala Hotel/Arusha Coffee Lodge/Kibo Palace Hotel
Midrange: Outpost Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 7: Journey To The Serengeti
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Arusha Airport for your scheduled flight to the Serengeti National Park. From there, you will take an introductory game drive up to your booked camp or lodge. Settle in and get ready for a few days of Serengeti magic.
Day 8 – 9: Discover The World’s Greatest Concentration Of Wildlife
For the next couple of days, you will explore one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, renowned for its large population of lions and home to the biggest terrestrial mammal migration on the planet, the Wildebeest Migration.
If you choose to stay at a mobile camp like Asilia’s Olakira Migration Camp between June and November, you will be camping in the northern Serengeti’s Bolongoja region, a mere 300 metres (980 feet) from a Migration crossing point at the Mara River.
Between December and March, Olakira moves south to Ndutu where you will enjoy superlative game viewing and witness the Migration’s birthing season (from about February). Aside from the seasonal Wildebeest Migration, the Serengeti’s pleasant climate and abundance of resident wildlife like buffalo, elephant, giraffe and all the big cats make it is an excellent year-round game viewing destination.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Serengeti Sopa Lodge/Serengeti Serena Lodge/Olakira Migration Camp
Midrange: Serengeti Kati Kati Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Flight Transfer To Zanzibar
After breakfast, you will drive to the nearest airstrip for your scheduled short-haul flight to Zanzibar Island. Upon landing at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, you will be driven straight to the superb Matemwe Lodge on the north-eastern coast. Settle into your spacious suite, set in a beautiful garden with sensational views of the powdery white-sand beach and clear aquamarine waters from your private veranda. The comfortable hammock and couch are sure to be your ideal companions for the next few days.
Day 12-14: Unwind In Paradise On Zanzibar Island
After all the Serengeti action, you might want to do nothing except soak up the sun beside the pool or in your hammock with a refreshing cocktail from the lodge’s bar. Pamper yourself with wonderful, de-stressing massages and spa treatments.
If you are feeling active, set out on diving and snorkelling excursions to discover the Mnemba Atoll – a renowned reef and fascinating underwater world. Or simply hop onto one of the lodge’s complimentary kayaks and explore the surrounding turquoise waters. Day trips can also be arranged to explore the historical cobbled streets of Stone Town, the island capital’s old quarter, buzzing with colourful markets and local flavours.
Feast on fresh seafood combined with local produce in Matemwe’s cosy lounge area or around the pool. Lunch is usually a buffet-style blend of African and European dishes, and dinner features various fish, meat and vegetarian options. Marvel at the gorgeous sunset every night with a delicious drink in hand.
Day 15: Your Time In East Africa Comes To An End
On your fifteenth and final day, bid the sandy shores of Zanzibar Island goodbye. As you are driving through the island roads back to Zanzibar’s airport for your trip home, you’ll have two weeks of wonderful experiences to look back on.
Inclusions
- Gorilla trekking permit & experience
- Chimpanzee trekking permit
- Bigodi wetland walk
- Road transfers between all accommodation
- Road transfer to Kigali
- Flight from Kigali to Arusha
- Flight from Arusha to Serengeti
- Flight from Serengeti to Zanzibar
- Stone Town & Spice Island Tour
Exclusions
- Your Visas and international flights
- Airport taxes
- All meals and drinks not specified
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Items of a personal nature
