9 Days Tanzania Uganda and Rwanda

This 9-day Tanzania Uganda and Rwanda Itinerary offers an exciting journey through three of East Africa’s most captivating countries: Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. The tour combines wildlife safaris, cultural experiences, and natural beauty, providing a deep understanding of the region’s rich diversity. From Tanzania’s famous Serengeti National Park to Uganda’s breathtaking Rwenzori Mountains and Rwanda’s remarkable Volcanoes National Park, this itinerary showcases the best of East African landscapes, wildlife, and culture.

Highlights:
Explore the Serengeti, one of the world’s most iconic wildlife destinations.
Trek through Uganda’s misty mountains in search of chimpanzees and gorillas.
Visit Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas.
Discover East Africa’s vibrant cultures and beautiful landscapes.
Enjoy game drives, boat cruises, and guided treks through national parks.

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha, Tanzania Your journey begins upon arrival in Arusha, Tanzania. Arusha serves as a gateway to the Northern Safari Circuit, making it the perfect place to rest and acclimatize before your wildlife adventure. Explore the town, visit local markets, or relax at your lodge. In the evening, meet your guide for a briefing about the upcoming days, followed by a delicious dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel.

Day 2: Arusha to Serengeti National Park After an early breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Serengeti National Park, one of the world’s most famous wildlife reserves. The journey takes you through the Great Rift Valley and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Upon arrival in Serengeti, begin your first game drive to spot lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest. Serengeti is renowned for its annual wildebeest and zebra migration, as well as its healthy predator population. In the afternoon, relax at your camp or lodge before another late afternoon game drive. Spend the night surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.

Day 3: Full Day in Serengeti National Park Your third day is dedicated to exploring Serengeti’s diverse regions. Early morning game drives offer the best chance to spot predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Traverse the park from the central Seronera area to the open savannahs and kopjes, home to lions and leopards. Keep your camera ready for sightings of large elephant herds, buffalo, hippos, and various bird species. Return to your lodge for dinner and enjoy a spectacular African sunset.

Day 4: Serengeti to Entebbe, Uganda After breakfast, enjoy a final game drive before heading to the airstrip for your flight to Entebbe, Uganda. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and relax. Entebbe, located on Lake Victoria’s shores, offers a peaceful environment for unwinding. Depending on your arrival time, explore the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or take a boat ride on Lake Victoria. Prepare for the next phase of your adventure focused on chimpanzee trekking and wildlife encounters in Uganda.

Day 5: Kibale National Park – Chimpanzee Trekking Depart early for Kibale National Park, renowned for its chimpanzee population. On your scenic drive, pass tea plantations, crater lakes, and local villages. After arriving at Kibale, embark on a thrilling chimpanzee trekking adventure. The trek takes you deep into the forest to observe these fascinating primates in their natural habitat. Kibale is also home to other primate species like colobus monkeys and mangabeys. Return to your lodge for relaxation and perhaps explore the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for birdwatching.

Day 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Game Drive and Boat Safari Travel from Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most popular savannah park. The park is famous for its diverse ecosystems, making it ideal for a wide variety of wildlife. After arrival, go on an afternoon game drive to spot elephants, buffalo, lions, antelopes, and more. Later, embark on a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, home to hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species, including African fish eagles and pelicans. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 7: Queen Elizabeth to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda After breakfast, head toward the Uganda-Rwanda border, continuing on to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, one of Africa’s premier gorilla trekking destinations. Enjoy the picturesque landscape of rolling hills and terraced farms as you cross into Rwanda. After arriving at your lodge near Volcanoes National Park, relax and prepare for the exciting gorilla trek the following day.

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park Day eight is the highlight of your adventure: gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park! After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before embarking on your trek with experienced guides and trackers. Trek through the misty forests in search of a family of mountain gorillas. Depending on the location of the gorillas, the trek may take from 1 to 4 hours. Once you find them, you’ll have an unforgettable hour observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Return to your lodge for relaxation or visit nearby cultural villages to learn about Rwanda’s vibrant heritage.

Day 9: Departure from Kigali On your final day, leave Volcanoes National Park and drive to Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a city tour, visiting sites like the Kigali Genocide Memorial and local craft markets. Reflect on the incredible experiences and diverse landscapes you’ve encountered throughout this Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda Itinerary. Head to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, taking home unforgettable memories of East Africa’s stunning beauty and wildlife.