Full Itinerary of the Uganda & Tanzania Safari Tour

Mutanda Lake Resort offers one of the best views in Uganda! Perched on a peninsula in Lake Mutanda, isolated in the shadow of the Virunga Mountain Range. This lodge offers comfortable accommodation in a very unique corner of the country. However,with small islands dotting the surrounding lake and a backdrop of misty volcanoes this setting never fails to impress visitors. Situated between Kisoro town, Mgahinga and Bwindi National Parks the Resort makes a perfect base for a gorilla trekking. More so, volcano hikers, and bird-lovers as well for those looking for a secluded magical place in nature.
Furthermore, Don’t forget to take your chance to dip in the lake as it is Bilharzia free. In addition, its so safe to swim, peddle board or canoe amongst the locals going about their daily business on the lake! Again, the sunset scenes are spectacular so make sure you’re one of the verandas (with a sundowner drink in hand) at that time.

Note: Your international flight must arrive at 1 pm local time or earlier. Meanwhile, If your flight is arriving later we will book a room for you in Kigali at costs price. More over,we will then pick you up from Kigali the next day.

Note 2: We advise you to arrange an East-Africa visa in advance. Moreover, this is $100 pp and will allow you to muliple enter both Uganda and Rwanda

Journey Time:  4, 5 hours

Accommodation: Mutanda Lake Resort

Meal Plan:  Dinner

This is the big day. Prepare yourself for an encounter with one of Bwindi’s gentle giants. In fact, the rare Mountain Gorilla in the world. For most people this is the absolute highlight of their tour in Uganda. Equally important, do not forget to bring your gorilla permit and passport (original)!

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a highlight for many visitors. This is because is where they visit the home of the gentle giants. In addition,  what’s more, park lies in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the Rift Valley. Uganda’s oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests lies on the mist-covered hillsides. By comparison, this magnificent forest dates back over 25,000 years. More so, surviving the last Ice Age (most forests disappeared). Bwindi forest has an incredible diversity of flora and fauna.  In addition, it is the only forest in Africa which hosts both mountain gorillas and chimpanzees.

In fact, half the worlds’ population of gorillas live here divided over nine habituated family groups. Furthermore, 5 other primate species, 120 species of mammal, over 220 butterflies and 360 birds species call Bwindi home.  Indeed this is the place to see the critically endangered mountain gorillas up close for your very own.  ‘Gorillas in the Mist’ moment.

The trekking

The gorillas you trek belong to one of nine family groups. the gorillas that can tolerate the presence of humans for a brief period every day. Mean while, your trek is an exciting (for some also challenging) journey along forested. This is sometimes (sometimes slippery) slopes, entwined vines, bushes and bamboo before you eventually reach the gentle giants. En-route, your guide points out signs of previous gorilla activity. Think of dung, nests and chewed bamboo shoots. Again, the time to complete the gorilla trekking is as little as 2 hours to as much as 7 hours! Once the the family of gorillas  is located, you’re allowed a maximum of one hour observing them. Evidently, Coming face-to-face with the mountain gorillas is a truly humbling and emotional experience. Obviously, this is a fantastic part of your tour you definitely remember for the rest of your life.

Accommodation: Mutanda Lake Resort

Meal Plan:  Breakfast, packed lunch & Dinner 

In the morning you can do one of the optional activities at Lake Mutanda. And then the driver of Mutanda Lake resort takes you to Kigali in Rwanda. What’s more you’re to visit the Genocide memorial and Education Centre, which opened in 2004, 10 years after the genocide. Morever, is  a dignified tribute to the victims, including a poignant Children’s Memorial, and a history of the tragedy.

You can visit some of Kigali’s craft markets. To browse amongst the pottery, carvings, batik, weaving, sculpture, musical instruments, leather and fabrics on offer. Prepare to haggle! All activities today are at your own cost. And then, You will spend the night at a lovely accommodation. Flame tree village is ideally located on the outskirts of Kigali.

Journey Time      4 hours to Kigali

Accommodation:  Flame tree Village

Meal Plan:  Breakfast

The driver of Flame tree village takes you to Kigali airport for your morning flight to Tanzania with Rwandair.  Of course, this flight is included in the price! Your Tanzanian driver/guide will pick you up from Kilimanjaro airport and transfer you to Ilboru Safari Lodge.  Unquestionably, it is a pleasant lodge with a beautiful garden and swimming pool. Harmoniously woven into the surrounding African landscape, Ilboru Safari Lodge rests at the base of the majestic Mt. Meru.

Depending on your time of arrival you can do an optional activity organized by the lodge.

Journey Time: 45 minutes

Accommodation: Ilboru Safari Lodge

Meal Plan:  Breakfast                        

After an early breakfast, continue  your Uganda & Tanzania Safari with a game drive out of the park and travel to ‘Mto wa Mbu’. The bustling farming community of Mto Wa Mbu is home to around 18,000 people. On this walk you’ll discover a side of Tanzania many visitors miss out on. A melting pot of cultures.

Mto Wa Mbu is one of the only places in Tanzania where there are representatives from all 120 tribes. During your visit, you’ll get a good feel for the social side of the village. The farms and the milling machines, the schools, markets and churches. Certainly, you’ll likely visit the village banana plantation as well as a youth art project. More so, a wood workshop where you can watch skilled Makonde tribe members carve intricate figurines. Furthermore,  masks and household objects.

Your accommodation for tonight is the Manyara Wildlife Camp, situated in the rolling grasslands. Again, all rooms have large beds, en-suite bathroom and a private balcony. Against the dramatic angles of the Rift Valley Escarpment and overlooking Lake Manyara, this camp stands out. The renowned restaurant caters to all tastes, and the full-service sports bar, upstairs lounge house (with flat screen tv) and infinity swimming pool are available for your ultimate enjoyment as well.

Journey Time: 1 hour (Tarangire – Mto wa Mbu

Accommodation: Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp

Meal Plan:  Breakfast, local lunch, dinner

Day 5: Tarangire National Park

Today, after an early breakfast, you’re going to travel to Tarangire National Park. The game drive can begin! Tarangire is best known for its many gigantic baobab trees and its large herds of elephants. It is a home to roughly 2,500 individuals and large herds are regularly viewed. Elephants gathering at the Tarangire River to drink. This is makes a perfect panoramic picture! You also find many other animals like leopard, zebra, impala, warthog, eland, buffalo, waterbuck and lion. Also the birders will have so much to see; More than 500 different bird-species are present. This park hosts the biggest concentration of wildlife outside the Serengeti. Also it is the only place in Tanzania where the oryx and gerenuk are regularly spotted.

Your driver/guide  have a lunch-box for you so you can picnic at a beautiful spot in the park. After your lunch your safari continues.

Sangaiwe Tented Lodge

At the end of the safari you head for Sangaiwe Tented Lodge. It is situated across forty acres of hillside in a beautiful forest with indigenous African hardwoods. The local villagers have kept it untouched for future generations.  In this case, creating a wonderful environment for the lodge. They have landscaped with mostly indigenous plants to minimize water usage.

On arrival you’re welcomed at their “boma” with a welcome drink. Further more, you receive refreshing towel before walking up the hill to the reception.

Wildlife wanders in and out of the lodge grounds and it’s possible to climb the hill behind the lodge. More so, take a guided nature walk. The Sangaiwe Gate to Tarangire National Park is less than a kilometre down the road. The safari tents all have views over Tarangire National park. And then are a comfortable base for your game drives in the park. The safari tents have a thatched roof, veranda, and a genius en-suite bathroom with purely solar heated showers. Take a refreshing dip in the inviting outdoor pool. Furthermore, enjoy the fantastic sunset with a cold drink on the veranda!

Journey Time: 2 hours to the park entrance

Accommodation: Sangaiwe Tented Lodge

Meal Plan:  Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

A Tanzania tour of Uganda & Tanzania Safari is not complete without safari in the most famous safari park in the world: Serengeti National Park. In addition, this park hosts the most extensive population of wild animals on earth and has a complex and untouched ecosystem. Meanwhile, Serengeti means “endless plains” in the language of the Maasai.  A description that the Serengeti completely lives up to. Even the (long) drive towards your accommodation is one continuous safari!

The park is usually described as divided into three regions: Serengeti plains, Western corridor and Northern Serengeti. The latter is where we can witness wildebeest and zebra migrating in their millions during the Great Migration, following the ancient rhythm of Africa’s seasons.  In fact, This is one of the most impressive natural events in the world. No matter which part of the park and in which season you visit, very few people forget their first encounter with the Serengeti!

At the accommodation

After the incredible impressions of the Serengeti. You drive to your accommodation for a delicious diner and a good night’s sleep.

Named after the distinctive Tortilis tree of the Serengeti. More so, This tented camp combines comfort with the real Africa safari experience. With the great comfort of kingsize beds, luxurious decoration and bathroom facilities in the safari tents.  Obviously, you will feel right at home in the middle of the Serengeti. In the dining tent the chefs prepare your bush meal with a bit of magic for extra delight. Before you crawl into bed, take a moment in their lounge. More so, You can wind down with a sunset at the fireplace. Dine, sleep and relax knowing the best of Africa’s natural wonders is gently knocking on your door.

Journey Time: 2 hours to the park entrance

Accommodation: Tortilis Camp

Meal Plan:  Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

Early in the morning in this Uganda & Tanzania Safari, after all you will leave your accommodation for a full day safari! Furthermore, This is when Africa can reveal its cool side. Therefore, should wrap up warm for the start of your day. In addition, your guide will bring you as close as possible to the wildlife. However, Few predators hunt during the heat of the day, so the early morning is the best time to observe the thrill of the chase. It is also a magical time, with the subtle light dappling the landscape. More so,the birds awakening and the sense of a great adventure beginning to unfurl.

You visit the heart of the Serengeti, Seronera Valley. Moreover, this valley is often termed as the ‘classic’ Serengeti.  Short grass plains with all different kind of wild animals ranging from the impressive lion to the naughty mongoose. Obviously these full day safaris are the best way to see the full range of what this magnificent park has to offer.

More so, find you a nice picnic spot to enjoy your packed lunch. Furthermore,  you continue your safari back to Tortilis Camp.  Again this is where you have an excellent dinner and some time to relax. Tired but satisfied, you go to bed with dreams of Serengeti plains!

Accommodation: Tortilis Camp

Meal Plan:  Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner 

Today in this Uganda & Tanzania Safari, you’re to enjoy a game drive on your way en-route out of the beautiful Serengeti. Later continue to the Ngorongoro Crater. In the afternoon, you will have a game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater! Since this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a unique biosphere. Which has remained virtually unchanged since the dawn of time.

Further more there are very few places in the world where you can find such a large population of wildlife throughout the year. Deep within the crater, enclosed by towering walls, you have a good chance of spotting ‘The Big 5’. These iclude lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard. More so, other wildlife includes serval cat, cheetah, jackal, Grant’s and Thompson’s gazelle, flamingo and bat-eared foxes. In addition, there is approximately 400 species of colorful birds

Country Inn Lodge Karatu

After this great experience, you will go to your accommodation for tonight. Country Inn Lodge Karatu is located on the outskirts of Karatu. it is a quaint country town on the Great Escarpment.  Moreover, is in the centre of Northern Tanzania’s green belt district and farming community. The lodge symbolizes simple country comforts, providing beautiful lodging in the heart of Tanzania’s rich and scenic highlands. The rooms are tastefully furnished with soft lighting, inviting and comfortable beds and mosquito netting. Thereafter your safari you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the swimming pool or relax on your verandah. On chilly nights, request your fireplace be lit and return from dinner to glowing warmth, you never slept better!

Accommodation: Country Inn Karatu

Meal Plan:  Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

Today is unfortunately the last day of your trip with Umarella Voyage Safari! Depending on the time of your international flight you can decide to do an optional activity.

Optional activity Ngorogoro highlands walk: US$ 50 per person

This 1,5 to 2 hour activity guided by an armed ranger. More so,  The rugged and beautiful Ngorongoro Highlands offers one of the finest blends of culture, landscapes and wildlife in Tanzania. In fact, the best way to experience the highlands is no doubt on foot. Its diverse landscapes consisting of elevated volcanoes and craters. In addition,  forests and vast grassy plains offer a remarkable experience for those hiking through this area. Hikers will experience first-hand how the Masai people, who inhabit these highlands and the wildlife, coexist. This excursion gets you close to nature in a different way than from a safari vehicle and allows you the chance to get an authentic taste of the local culture at the same time.

Your driver/guide takes care of your transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport. If you are not ready to go home, continue your holiday in one of our other destinations in Africa.

Journey Time: 5-6 hours

Accommodation: Not included

Meal Plan:  Breakfast

End of your Uganda & Tanzania Safari.

Transport in Tanzania

Transport:

Transport is provided in an extended 4wd Land cruiser with pop-up roof for excellent game viewing. The Land cruiser contains a fridge and 220-volt plugs.

Driver/Guide:

Your driver/guide is a professional and experienced English-speaking Tanzanian guide.

Journey times:

All journey times are close approximations, as you can never quite guarantee what will happen on the African roads. Youre in for a bumpy ride on parts of the route (which adds to the excitement of being on safari!), we may encounter road works and, of course, there are the photo stops.

Although you may sometimes be seated for long periods, youre also passing some spectacular countryside and there are something of interest to see along the way!

Thank you for choosing to travel with Umarella Voyage Safaris.