13 days Uganda and Tanzania safari
13 Days Uganda and Tanzania Safari: Gorillas, Chimps and the Serengeti
A 13 days Uganda and Tanzania safari is the best way to see East Africa’s two greatest wildlife stages in one trip. First, you track chimpanzees in Kibale and trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi. Then you fly to Tanzania for the Serengeti plains. Finally, you descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s great wildlife arenas.
This 13-day Uganda and Tanzania safari starts in Entebbe and ends near Kilimanjaro. In fact, it suits first-time visitors, couples, families and photographers. Because the route mixes forest and savannah, every few days feel different.
13 Days Uganda and Tanzania Safari at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 13 days, 12 nights |
| Countries | Uganda and Tanzania |
| Parks visited | Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi Impenetrable, Serengeti and Ngorongoro |
| Start and end | Entebbe in Uganda, Kilimanjaro in Tanzania |
| Transport | 4×4 safari vehicles, plus flights to and within Tanzania |
| Accommodation | Mid-range or luxury lodges and camps |
| Meals | Full board on safari days |
| Price | From about $7,500 per person, depending on lodge level and season |
| Best for | First-time visitors, couples, families and photographers |
Why Choose a 13-Day Uganda and Tanzania Safari?
Uganda and Tanzania offer very different safaris. For instance, Uganda is famous for primates, forests and gorillas. Tanzania, on the other hand, is famous for endless plains and the great migration. As a result, a 13 days Uganda and Tanzania safari gives you the best of both.
In addition, the trip is easy to follow. First, you drive through Uganda’s western parks. Then a single flight takes you across the border. Therefore, you avoid a long overland journey between the two countries.
The route also covers a wide range of landscapes.
- Kibale: tropical rainforest packed with primates.
- Queen Elizabeth: savannah plains, crater lakes and the Kazinga Channel.
- Bwindi: misty mountain forest and mountain gorillas.
- Serengeti: endless plains, lions, cheetahs and the great migration.
- Ngorongoro Crater: a huge volcanic bowl full of wildlife.
Moreover, this Uganda and Tanzania combination builds toward a big finish. Best of all, you end with the crater, which many travelers call the highlight of their trip.
13 Days Uganda and Tanzania Safari Route, Travel Times and Meals
First, this table shows your trip at a glance. Please note that drive and flight times are approximate, because stops and schedules vary.
| Day | Route | Travel time | Meals | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival in Entebbe | Short airport transfer | Dinner | Entebbe |
| 2 | Entebbe to Kibale | 5 to 6 hours by road | Breakfast, lunch, dinner | Kibale |
| 3 | Chimp tracking and Bigodi walk | Short local transfers | Breakfast, lunch, dinner | Kibale |
| 4 | Kibale to Queen Elizabeth | 2.5 to 3 hours by road | Breakfast, lunch, dinner | Queen Elizabeth |
| 5 | Game drive and Kazinga cruise | Local game drives | Breakfast, lunch, dinner | Queen Elizabeth |
| 6 | Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi | 5 to 6 hours by road | Breakfast, lunch, dinner | Bwindi |
| 7 | Gorilla trekking | Short transfer to the trailhead | Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner | Bwindi |
| 8 | Bwindi to Entebbe | 9 to 10 hours by road | Breakfast, lunch en route, dinner | Entebbe |
| 9 | Fly to Kilimanjaro, then drive to Arusha | About 1.5 to 3 hours by air, plus 1 hour by road | Breakfast, lunch, dinner | Arusha |
| 10 | Fly to the Serengeti | About 1 to 1.5 hours by air | Breakfast, lunch, dinner | Serengeti |
| 11 | Serengeti game drives | Local game drives | Breakfast, lunch, dinner | Serengeti |
| 12 | Serengeti to Ngorongoro | 6 to 7 hours by road | Breakfast, lunch, dinner | Ngorongoro area |
| 13 | Ngorongoro Crater and departure | 3.5 to 4 hours to Arusha, then 1 hour to the airport | Breakfast, picnic lunch | Departure |
13 Days Uganda and Tanzania Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Travel time: Short airport transfer. Meals: Dinner at the hotel.
First, arrive at Entebbe International Airport. Then your driver-guide meets you and takes you to your hotel. After your flight, rest and unwind.
Next, your guide briefs you on your 13 days Uganda and Tanzania safari. You also confirm your plans and any dietary needs.
Mid-range stay: Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe
Luxury stay: Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa
Day 2: Entebbe to Kibale Forest
Travel time: 5 to 6 hours by road. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
After breakfast, drive west toward Kibale National Park, the primate capital of the world. On the way, you may see tea plantations and the Amabere ga Nyinamwiru Caves. By evening, you reach your lodge. Rest well, because tomorrow starts early.
Mid-range stay: Kibale Cottages
Luxury stay: Primate Lodge Kibale
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Wetland Walk
Travel time: Short local transfers. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
First, join a ranger briefing. Then walk into Kibale Forest to track habituated chimpanzees. The forest is home to 13 primate species, so you will see and hear much more than chimps.
In the afternoon, visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. Once there, a local guide leads you along the swamp trail. Also look out for monkeys and birds.
Stay: Same lodge as Day 2.
Day 4: Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Travel time: 2.5 to 3 hours by road. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Today you drive south to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The route passes scenic crater lakes, so keep your camera ready. After lunch, join an afternoon game drive. In fact, early evening is a good time to spot animals on the plains.
Mid-range stay: Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge
Luxury stay: Mweya Safari Lodge
Day 5: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Travel time: Local game drives. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Start with a sunrise game drive across the savannah. You may find elephants, buffaloes, lions and kobs. In fact, early morning is the best time for lions.
After lunch, board a boat on the Kazinga Channel. This waterway is 32 kilometers long. It is packed with hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds. In addition, elephants often come to the shore to drink.
Stay: Same lodge as Day 4.
Day 6: Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Travel time: 5 to 6 hours by road, including the Ishasha route. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Today you travel south toward Bwindi. On the way, search the Ishasha Sector for the famous tree-climbing lions. Then the road climbs through the terraced hills of Kigezi, often called the “Switzerland of Africa.”
By late afternoon, you reach your lodge. Prepare your gear for tomorrow’s trek, because the forest can be wet and steep.
Mid-range stay: Gorilla Mist Camp
Luxury stay: Buhoma Lodge
Day 7: Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Travel time: Short transfer to the trailhead. Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner.
This is the highlight of the Uganda half of your 13-day Uganda and Tanzania safari. After a briefing, trackers lead you into the forest to find a habituated gorilla family. The hike can be short or long. Either way, the reward is worth it.
Once you find the gorillas, you spend one magical hour with them. You watch them feed, play and care for their young. Later, you can visit the Batwa community. However, this visit is optional.
Stay: Same lodge as Day 6.
Day 8: Bwindi to Entebbe
Travel time: 9 to 10 hours by road. Meals: Breakfast, lunch en route and dinner.
Have an early breakfast, then begin the long drive back. Later, you cross the Equator and stop at the Kayabwe monument for photos. By evening, you reach Entebbe. Because the drive is long, ask us about a domestic flight from the Bwindi area instead.
Mid-range stay: Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe
Luxury stay: Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa
Day 9: Fly to Kilimanjaro and Drive to Arusha
Travel time: About 1.5 to 3 hours by air, depending on the route, plus about 1 hour by road. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and fly to Kilimanjaro. Then your Tanzanian guide meets you and drives you to Arusha. Here your 13 days Uganda and Tanzania safari crosses into a new country.
Once you arrive, rest and enjoy a relaxed evening. Meanwhile, your guide confirms the plan for the Serengeti.
Mid-range stay: The Arusha Hotel
Luxury stay: Arusha Coffee Lodge
Day 10: Fly to the Serengeti
Travel time: About 1 to 1.5 hours by air. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip and fly to the Serengeti. Because flying saves a long drive, you gain a full afternoon in the park. Once you land, your guide meets you for your first game drive.
The plains seem to stretch forever. Meanwhile, lions rest on rocky outcrops called kopjes, and herds of zebras and wildebeest move across the grass.
Mid-range stay: Serengeti Sopa Lodge
Luxury stay: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
Day 11: Serengeti Game Drives
Travel time: Local game drives. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Today you spend the full day in the Serengeti. First, go out early, when the big cats are most active. Then return to camp for lunch and rest during the midday heat.
In the afternoon, head out again in the golden light. For example, cheetahs scan the plains, and leopards sleep in trees near the rivers. However, the great migration moves all year, so where the herds are depends on the season.
Optional: Take a hot air balloon flight at sunrise.
Stay: Same camp as Day 10.
Day 12: Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Area
Travel time: 6 to 7 hours by road. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
After a last early game drive, drive toward the Ngorongoro highlands. On the way, you may pass Olduvai Gorge, a famous site in human history. By evening, you reach your lodge on the crater rim. Then rest, because the crater descent starts early.
Mid-range stay: Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
Luxury stay: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Day 13: Ngorongoro Crater and Departure
Travel time: 3.5 to 4 hours to Arusha, then about 1 hour to Kilimanjaro Airport. Meals: Breakfast and a picnic lunch.
At dawn, drive down the steep road into the Ngorongoro Crater. The crater floor is a huge bowl about 600 meters deep. In fact, it is one of the best places in Tanzania to see black rhinos.
After a picnic lunch by a hippo pool, climb out of the crater. Then drive to Kilimanjaro Airport to end your 13 days Uganda and Tanzania safari. Please book an evening flight, because the drive is long.
Where You Will Stay on a 13-Day Uganda and Tanzania Safari
Your lodge is more than a bed. After a long day, it is where you rest, eat and share stories. Here is how the two levels compare.
| Area | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|
| Entebbe | Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe | Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa |
| Kibale | Kibale Cottages | Primate Lodge Kibale |
| Queen Elizabeth | Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge | Mweya Safari Lodge |
| Bwindi | Gorilla Mist Camp | Buhoma Lodge |
| Arusha | The Arusha Hotel | Arusha Coffee Lodge |
| Serengeti | Serengeti Sopa Lodge | Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti |
| Ngorongoro area | Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge | Ngorongoro Crater Lodge |
Mid-range lodges and camps offer comfortable rooms or tents with private bathrooms. They also serve good food and have friendly service.
Luxury lodges and camps offer spacious suites, fine dining and excellent views. Therefore, they suit honeymooners and special occasions.
Lodges near Bwindi and in the Serengeti sell out early. For this reason, book your 13 days Uganda and Tanzania safari well ahead for the dry months.
Meals on Your Safari
Good food keeps you strong on a 13 days Uganda and Tanzania safari. For this reason, your lodge serves three meals a day on safari days.
- Breakfast: Hot or continental, often before the morning activity.
- Lunch: A lodge lunch, a picnic or a packed lunch on trek days.
- Dinner: A multi-course meal, often with local dishes.
Please tell us about any dietary needs when you book. Most lodges can then adapt meals with notice. Drinking water is also provided in the vehicle.
Travel Time on a 13-Day Uganda and Tanzania Safari
Overall, this trip mixes road and air travel. Roads in western Uganda are scenic but slow. For this reason, we plan early starts on long driving days.
- Entebbe to Kibale: 5 to 6 hours by road.
- Kibale to Queen Elizabeth: 2.5 to 3 hours by road.
- Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi: 5 to 6 hours by road.
- Bwindi to Entebbe: 9 to 10 hours by road.
- Entebbe to Kilimanjaro: about 1.5 to 3 hours by air.
- Arusha to the Serengeti: about 1 to 1.5 hours by air.
- Serengeti to Ngorongoro: 6 to 7 hours by road.
- Ngorongoro to Arusha: 3.5 to 4 hours by road.
Your driver-guide stops often for photos, meals and breaks. As a result, the drives feel like part of the safari. Small planes also have luggage limits, so pack in a soft bag.
How Much Does a 13 Days Uganda and Tanzania Safari Cost?
A 13 days Uganda and Tanzania safari costs from about $7,500 to $20,000 per person. The table shows typical prices for two travelers sharing a room. In short, your final cost is set by the choices that follow.
| Lodge level | Low season (March to May, November) | High season (June to October, Christmas) |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range | $7,500 to $8,700 per person | $9,100 to $10,600 per person |
| Luxury | $12,500 to $14,500 per person | $16,000 to $20,000 per person |
These prices usually cover lodges, meals, park fees, gorilla and chimp permits, the 4×4 vehicles and flights within the trip. Meanwhile, solo travelers pay a single supplement. However, larger groups often pay less per person, because they share vehicle costs.
- Lodge level: mid-range or luxury.
- Group size: larger groups share vehicle costs.
- Season: July to October and the Christmas period are the busiest and costliest.
- Add-ons: balloon flights, the Batwa visit and extra nights.
Gorilla permits and Serengeti park fees are large parts of the cost. However, these fees change from time to time. Therefore, ask us for the current rates when you request a quote.
What Is Included and Not Included
Usually included
- Airport pickup and drop-off.
- 4×4 safari vehicles with professional driver-guides in both countries.
- Flights between Entebbe and Kilimanjaro, and from Arusha to the Serengeti.
- Accommodation and meals as listed.
- Gorilla and chimpanzee permits as listed.
- Park, conservation and crater fees, plus the Kazinga Channel boat cruise.
- Drinking water during the trip.
Usually not included
- International flights to Entebbe and from Kilimanjaro.
- Visa or travel authorization fees and travel insurance.
- Tips and personal items.
- Optional activities such as balloon flights.
Inclusions on your 13 days Uganda and Tanzania safari depend on the package you choose. However, we confirm every detail in writing before you pay.
Best Time for a 13-Day Uganda and Tanzania Safari
Overall, you can travel all year. However, some months suit this route better.
| Month | Conditions | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| January to February | Dry and warm | Good for gorilla treks and Serengeti game viewing |
| March to May | Long rains | Green scenery, fewer visitors, muddy trails |
| June to October | Driest season | Peak season, best trails and game viewing |
| November to December | Short rains | Fresh landscapes, good birding, busy at year end |
The dry months are the easiest for trekking and game viewing. Because trails are drier, gorilla hikes are easier. On the other hand, the green season has its own charm, with fewer visitors and lower prices.
Wildlife You Can See on a 13-Day Uganda and Tanzania Safari
This 13 days Uganda and Tanzania safari covers five different habitats. As a result, you see a wide range of animals.
Kibale National Park
Kibale has one of the highest primate counts in Africa. Chimpanzees are the stars. In addition, you may spot red colobus and black-and-white colobus monkeys.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth offers classic savannah wildlife. Expect elephants, buffaloes, hippos and warthogs. Also, lions are possible on game drives. In the Ishasha Sector, they sometimes rest in fig trees.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi protects around half of the world’s mountain gorillas. The dense forest also shelters other primates, forest birds and butterflies.
Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti is the star of the Tanzania half. It holds lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants and huge herds of wildebeest and zebras. Birdlife is rich, too.
Ngorongoro Crater
The crater holds dense wildlife in a small space. Expect lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos and flamingos. In fact, it is also one of the best places to see the black rhino.
Who Is This Safari For?
This 13-day Uganda and Tanzania safari works well for many travelers. For example, couples enjoy the lodges and sunset game drives. Families with older children also enjoy the variety. Finally, photographers love the changing light and landscapes.
It is also a strong choice for first-time visitors. Because the route is easy to follow, you see East Africa’s highlights without stress. If you want more time, we can add days at Lake Manyara or on Zanzibar.
What to Pack for Uganda and Tanzania
Good packing makes every day of your 13 days Uganda and Tanzania safari easier. First, choose light, quick-dry clothing in neutral colors. Next, bring a warm layer for cool forest mornings and crater evenings. Also pack sturdy boots, gardening gloves and a rain jacket for gorilla trekking. A camera with a zoom lens and binoculars are useful, too. Finally, use a soft bag, because small planes have luggage limits.
Visas, Health and Safety
In general, most visitors need an entry visa or travel authorization for each country. Fortunately, both Uganda and Tanzania let you apply online before you travel. Please check the latest rules for your passport on each official immigration website. Also, make sure your passport has enough validity and blank pages.
- Carry a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
- Ask your doctor about malaria tablets.
- Take out travel insurance that covers medical care.
- Do not trek if you feel ill. Gorillas can catch human illnesses.
Uganda and Tanzania are welcoming countries, and a 13 days Uganda and Tanzania safari is generally safe. Moreover, your guides know the roads and the rules of each park.
Tips for Your 13 Days Uganda and Tanzania Safari
- Book early. Gorilla permits sell out in busy months.
- Pack layers. Mornings are cool, and afternoons are warm.
- Keep luggage to a soft bag of about 15 kilograms for the flights.
- Carry cash for tips and small purchases.
- Ask about fitness levels. Gorilla treks can be steep.
- Book an evening international flight for Day 13.
Ways to Extend Your 13-Day Uganda and Tanzania Safari
Thirteen days is a great trip. However, some travelers want more. Here are popular add-ons.
- Murchison Falls National Park: see the mighty falls and a game-rich savannah.
- Lake Manyara and Tarangire: add two more Tanzanian parks before the Serengeti.
- Zanzibar: relax on the Indian Ocean coast.
- Lake Bunyonyi: relax on a calm, scenic lake near Bwindi.
- Kenya: add the Maasai Mara for a three-country trip.
Ask us about a custom plan. We can then add days at either end of your trip.
Why Book With Steady Safaris?
Steady Safaris Limited is a Uganda-based tour operator. We plan trips across Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania. Our team knows the region well and plans every 13 days Uganda and Tanzania safari with care.
First, we keep groups small and plans flexible. In addition, we answer messages quickly. As a result, you get one clear price and a clear itinerary.
Want a different route? Explore our other Uganda and Tanzania safari packages. Alternatively, ask us to build a custom plan.
13 Days Uganda and Tanzania Safari FAQs
How much is a 13 days Uganda and Tanzania safari?
Prices start from about $7,500 per person for mid-range and about $12,500 for luxury, with two travelers sharing. Prices rise in the peak months. Therefore, please contact us for a clear quote.
Which parks does the 13-day Uganda and Tanzania safari visit?
It visits Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi in Uganda. It also visits the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania.
Does the safari include gorilla trekking?
Yes. You trek mountain gorillas on day 7. As a result, you spend one hour with a gorilla family.
How do we travel between Uganda and Tanzania?
You fly from Entebbe to Kilimanjaro, then drive to Arusha. However, flight times depend on the airline and the route, so we confirm them before you travel.
How long are the drives on this safari?
The longest drive is Bwindi to Entebbe, at 9 to 10 hours. Meanwhile, the other drives take 2.5 to 7 hours. Your driver-guide makes regular stops.
Are meals included?
Yes. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included on safari days. Please tell us about any dietary needs when you book.
When is the best time to go?
June to October is the driest season and the busiest. January and February are also good. Meanwhile, the green season has fewer visitors.
How fit do I need to be?
Gorilla and chimp treks involve hiking in hills. However, moderate fitness is enough. Please tell us about any concerns, and we will then adjust the plan.
Plan Your 13-Day Uganda and Tanzania Safari
Ready to see gorillas, chimps and the Serengeti in thirteen days? Contact Steady Safaris today. Then tell us your dates and group size. We will send a clear quote within a day.
