This 7-Day Uganda Gorillas and Serengeti National Park Safari is one of the most rewarding short safaris in East Africa. It combines mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda with classic wildlife viewing in Tanzania. The safari starts in Rwanda and ends in Tanzania, making it suitable for travelers who want to see primates and big game in one smooth journey.
During this safari, you will trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is home to a large population of the world’s remaining gorillas. You will then fly to Tanzania to explore Serengeti National Park, famous for its wide plains and Big Five animals. The safari ends in Arusha, the main safari hub in northern Tanzania.
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali Airport and Transfer to the Hotel
On arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by your driver guide. After a short welcome and briefing about the 7-day Uganda Gorillas and Serengeti National Park Safari, you will be driven to your hotel in Kigali.
The briefing mainly covers the safari plan and travel guidelines. After check-in, you will have dinner at the hotel and rest overnight.
Day 2: Transfer from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, you will check out of the hotel and start your drive from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda. The drive passes through the Rwanda Uganda border and continues through countryside areas.
Along the way, you will enjoy views of the Virunga area and local communities. You may stop for lunch before continuing to Bwindi. On arrival, check in at your lodge near the park, have dinner, and rest in preparation for gorilla trekking the next day.
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Cultural Experience
After an early breakfast, drive to the park headquarters for gorilla trekking registration and briefing. Park rangers will explain the rules of gorilla trekking and assign you to a gorilla family.
The trek can take between one and eight hours, depending on where the gorillas nested the previous night. When you find the gorillas, you are allowed to spend one hour with them. During this time, you can watch them feed, rest, and interact, and you may take photos without flash.
After the trek, return to the park offices to receive your gorilla trekking certificate. In the evening, take part in a Batwa cultural experience. You will learn about their forest life, enjoy traditional dances and songs, and interact with the community. Later, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4: Transfer Back to Kigali and Fly to Arusha
Wake up early, have breakfast, and check out of the lodge. Drive back to Kigali to catch your scheduled flight to Arusha.
On arrival at Arusha Airport, you will be welcomed by a Tanzanian driver guide who will brief you about the next part of the safari. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Arusha for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: Transfer to Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, leave Arusha and drive to Serengeti National Park. The journey takes about five to six hours and passes through open countryside.
You will make stops for photos and short breaks along the way. On arrival in Serengeti, check in at your lodge and have lunch. Later in the afternoon, you may enjoy an optional evening game drive to see animals as they become active. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 6: Full-Day Game Drive in Serengeti National Park
This day is dedicated to a full-day game drive in Serengeti National Park. After breakfast, drive deep into the park with a packed lunch.
You may see lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, rhinos, zebras, wildebeests, gazelles, and many other animals. Lunch will be taken in the park before continuing the game drive in the afternoon, following areas where animals gather to feed and rest.
In the evening, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7: Departure from Serengeti and Transfer to Arusha Airport
After breakfast, check out of the lodge and drive out of Serengeti National Park. Enjoy views of Tanzania’s countryside as you travel back to Arusha.
Your driver guide will drop you at Arusha Airport or your selected hotel. This marks the end of your 7-Day Uganda Gorillas and Serengeti National Park Safari, combining gorilla trekking and classic African wildlife viewing in one memorable journey.