6 Days Uganda Gorilla Trek & Serengeti Safari

Mountain gorilla trekking is undoubtedly the most rewarding wildlife encounters in the world. Although chimpanzees are more closely related to humans, mountain gorillas have proved to connect more to people than any other creature. Nothing prepares you for being stared at by a giant gorilla. This 6 Days Uganda gorillas and Serengeti however gives you an opportunity to encounter these rare apes in addition to unmatched wildlife experiences in Africa’s most lovely national park – Serengeti in northern Tanzania.

Bwindi Gorilla Trekking & Serengeti Wildlife Viewing Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Traverse Uganda’s most scenic places and punctuate the journey with stopovers to capture moments and take a few photos. The first stop over will be made at the equator and have a chance to stand amidst the universe. Grab a cup of coffee to rejuvenate your energy ahead of yet another long journey to Bwindi impenetrable national park.

Along the way, enjoy rolling landscapes in the far country side, farmlands and banana plantation. These offer chances for photography and stretching to ease the trip. Have lunch in Mbarara and proceed south west wards to check in at your lodge in the evening. Bwindi impenetrable forest is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to different species of primates including red colobus and red tailed monkeys and of course the endangered mountain gorillas. Beneath the forest canopy is a habitat to an array of butterflies, numerous bird species like the native broadbills, Great blue Turaco, joyful greenbul, olive long tailed cuckoo and so many Rwenzori and Albertine rift endemics.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is boasts host to Uganda’s most famous primates, the mountain gorillas. Have breakfast at 7:00am, get your trekking gear ready, attend a pre-trek briefing at the headquarters and proceed to the gorilla trek starting point. Together with a ranger guide, porter (may be hired to carry your luggage) and gorilla trackers, you set off into the misty jungle and begin the search for mountain gorillas.

Gorilla trekking duration may be unpredictable, but usually lasts 1-8 hours, depending on the location of the allocated gorilla family and weather. Nothing matches the joy of meeting face –to – face with the mighty; find them deep in the jungles, watch them feed, play, breastfeed and care for the juveniles, though this experience will soon be cut short when your one hour maximum duration comes to an end. Retreat back to the starting point, and join your driver to transfer back to the lodge. Relax in the afternoon, and in the evening, head to the neighboring Batwa communities for an epic cultural encounter.

Day 3: Transfer to Kigali, Outbound flight to JRO International Airport

Leave Bwindi forest this morning, and transfer to Kigali airport. Traverse through the Kigezi highlands, and make a stopover at Lake Bunyonyi, to view one of the most scenic lakes in Africa, learn about its history and continue on the drive to Katuna boarder. Cross the boarder and head for Kigali city. The city is Africa’s cleanest and one of the fastest growing metropolitan towns; have lunch in the heart of the city and take a short city or do some souvenir shopping. Drop off at the airport and catch a connecting flight to Tanzania – Arusha airport. Meet with your Tanzania safari guide, who will pick you up from the airport and drive you to the hotel in Arusha.

Day 4: Transfer to Serengeti National Park

Have breakfast as early as 6:00am and depart from Arusha in a 4×4 popup-roof safari land cruiser and head for Serengeti National Park. The journey takes about 4-5 hours and you will arrive at Serengeti via Ngorongoro gate and check in at the lodge. Have lunch, relax as you prepare for an evening game drive within the beautiful plains of Serengeti.

Serengeti national park is undoubtedly a destination with the highest concentration of elephants in all East African national parks. It also boasts a magnificent number of mammals including greater and lesser Kudus Sable, buffaloes, zebras, lions, leopards, cheetahs and Roan antelopes which can be easily sighted in Miombo woodland. Later return to your safari lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5: Game Drive in Serengeti & Ngorongoro

This day you will have a full day game drive in Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. These two places are among the best places for wildlife viewing in the world. You will find all the big five game animals here with a lot of ease. You will have an overnight at Lake Eyasi.

Day 6: Morning Boat Ride & Departure

Have an early breakfast at your lodge and depart for an exciting boat ride on Lake Eyasi. After this boat cruise, you will exit Ngorongoro Conservation Area and proceed with your drive to Arusha to catch your flight back home.