Categories
- Accommodation
- Accommodation at Kibale Forest
- Active
- Active Tour Lodges
- Best Bwindi Guides
- Best Lodges
- Best Luxury
- Birding Guides
- Budget accommodation at Kibale
- Budget accommodation in Uganda
- Budget Hotels in Entebbe
- Budget Murchison Falls Accommodation
- Bwindi Guides
- Bwindi Lodges
- Bwindi National Park Guides
- Culture
- Culture & Nature
- Entebbe Hotels
- Exclusive Lodges In Bwindi
- Exclusive Lodges In Murchison Falls National Park
- Exclusive Lodges in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Family Friendly Lodges
- Good lodges
- Gorilla Trekking
- Gorilla trekking guides
- great blogs
- Guides
- Health Travel Informations
- High End Accommodation At Kibale
- Jinja Accommodation
- Kampala Hotels
- Kibale
- Kibale Guides
- Lodges in Mgahinga
- Luxury accommodation at Kibale
- Luxury Accommodation in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Luxury Accommodation Options
- Luxury Hotels In Entebbe
- Luxury Lodges In Bwindi
- Luxury Murchison Falls Accommodation
- Midrange accommodation at Kibale
- Midrange Hotels In Entebbe
- Midrange Lodges In bwindi
- Midrange Murchison Falls Accommodation
- Murchison Falls Guides
- Murchison Falls Lodges
- Murchison Lodges
- Nature and Culture lodges
- News
- News and Blogs
- Popular
- Primate Lodges
- Primates
- Queen Elizabeth Guide
- Queen Elizabeth National Park Accommodation
- Queen Guides
- Semi Luxury Lodges In Bwindi
- Semi-Luxury Entebbe Hotels
- Travel Guide
- Travel Inspirations
- Uganda Honeymoon Lodges
- Uncategorized
14 Days Gorillas, Wildlife, & Zanzibar Beach Holiday
From
From $5957 per person for two sharing
Tour Overview
This 14-day tour combines some of Uganda’s most remarkable wildlife experiences with a relaxing beach stay in Zanzibar. In Uganda, you will explore the savannas and forests of the southwest, from searching for tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park to meeting mountain gorillas in the misty forests of Bwindi. Comfortable accommodation and carefully planned activities make this an enjoyable safari without making the trip unnecessarily expensive. After your safari in Uganda, fly to Zanzibar for a few days of relaxation at The Loop Beach Resort in Jambiani. Set beside a beautiful white-sand beach, the resort is a perfect place to slow down after your time in the bush. Spend your days swimming in the clear waters of the Indian Ocean, walking along the beach, enjoying the village atmosphere, or trying activities such as kayaking, sailing and reef excursions.
Highlights
- Private guide/guide on safari
- Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Boat trip on the Kazinga Canal
- Tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi
- Relaxation at the picturesque Lake Bunyonyi
- Diverse wildlife and zebras in Lake Mburo National Park
- Walking safari and night game drive
- Shoebill search in the Mabamba wetlands
- White sandy beaches and relaxation in Zanzibar
Itinerary IN dETAIL
Discover your route below. This itinerary is the starting point, tailor your adventure with the specific experiences.
Day 1 | Arrival Entebbe Airport, Meet & Greet
Welcome to Uganda! As soon as you step off the plane at Entebbe International Airport (EBB), you will be enveloped by the pleasant, tropical warm weather of Uganda. Right outside the exit, the gateway to your adventure opens: your personal Ugandan guide will be waiting for you with a beaming smile and your name sign. “The Pearl of Africa”—that is what Winston Churchill once called this fascinating country, deeply impressed by its lush nature and unmatched diversity. A name that stands like a promise over your journey. After the warm welcome, your driver will take you to your charming accommodation. Here you will have time to relax after your flight, soak up your first African impressions, and settle in completely before your safari adventure begins.
Accommodation: The Boma Entebbe
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
Day 2: Entebbe – Queen Elizabeth National Park (travel time approx. 7 hours)
After good breakfast at around 7:30 am, you will leave Entebbe and travel to western Uganda. The route takes you through diverse Uganda landscapes, past towns, small rural villages, colorful markets, herds of cattle, and sprawling tea plantations. Your driver will provide fascinating insights into daily life and the local culture in Uganda along the way. Around mid-afternoon, you will reach the Queen Elizabeth National Park area. Even on the last few kilometers, you will often have your first opportunities for wildlife viewing before checking into your accommodation. Surrounded by the park and bordering the stunning Kazinga channel, the authentic lodge has a truly unique setting. Animals literally roam in and out the camp and the sounds of hippos and hyaenas will complement your star-lit dinners… It really has a great outdoor safari atmosphere, and a close-to-nature experience with excellent food and friendly service. Relax and enjoy the unique atmosphere.
Accommodation: The Bush Lodge – Banda
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3: Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
In the soft light of early morning, the savanna awakens. You will take advantage of these cool, active hours for an extensive game drive through the Kasenyi Plains. You will have a chance to tick some impressive African big game species, including African Elephant, African Buffalo, Kob, Bushbuck, Hippopotamus, Giant Forest Hog, Common Warthog, Nile Crocodile, Spotted Hyaena, and various smaller creatures. The Kasenyi area also is the preferred hunting ground of lions, who lie in wait for the large herds of Uganda kob. With a bit of luck, you might also spot shy leopards in the dense undergrowth. This section, apart from the great wildlife, is also one of the prettiest in the park, especially in the golden light of the morning. You will also look to pick some of Queen Elizabeth National Park 600 bird species during your drive.
After your game drive we will return to the lodge for relaxation and lunch. In the afternoon, we have another fantastic activity planned! You will gather at the Mweya jetty for an afternoon boat cruise starting at 2pm. Taking the boat tour on the Kazinga channel is a real must-do activity when visiting the park. You’ll glide slowly along the banks, experiencing one of the world’s densest populations of hippos and snapping Nile crocodiles up close, while huge herds of elephants come ashore to quench their thirst. After the boat cruise you will do a short game drive along the channel track as you head back to the lodge. In the evening, you will relax and have dinner at lodge as you reflect on the day’s events under the vast African starry sky. After your exciting day you will all get a good night’s sleep.
Accommodation: The Bush Lodge – Banda
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4: Queen– Ishasha Sector – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
You will start with an early breakfast at the lodge and then you will check out. You will head further south. Before leaving the park, you will undertake a game drive in the Ishasha sector in search of the famous tree climbing Lions, whose males sport black manes, that tend to lie on fig tree branches scanning the plains for prey. Besides the famous lions, Ishasha offers a charming, sparsely visited landscape of open plains and acacia woodlands. Large herds of buffalo and elephants, topi, Uganda kobs, and numerous bird species live here.
You then exit “Queen” and continue towards your next park, the world-famous Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. As you leave the savanna, the landscape changes dramatically. The road winds its way up into the so-called “Kigezi Highlands,” which, due to its green, terraced slopes, is also known as the “Switzerland of Africa.” Finally, you reach Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. In the afternoon, you check into your accommodation on the edge of the rainforest. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and prepare for one of the highlights of your trip – the encounter with the mountain gorillas the following day.
Accommodation: Engagi Lodge (Buhoma)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5: Bwindi– Gorilla Trekking – Lake Bunyoni (travel time approx. 1.5 hours)
Today is going to be an undoubted highlight. And we don’t mean just of this safari, but of your life. Gorilla trekking really is a bucket list experience that naturalists from all over the world dream of doing! You will have breakfast at your lodge and then head to the park offices to get briefed by the expert local guides. At 8 am you will set off with the ranger into the mountain rainforest. The ranger follows the instructions and tracks of the trackers who started their trek at sunrise. The trackers first went to the spot where they encountered the gorillas the previous day and are now following their movements.
As soon as they spot the gorillas, they inform the guide. You will carefully approach the gorilla family and the silverback. It’s a truly amazing moment to stand face to face with these gentle giants of the rainforest. You must limit your visit to the gorilla family to one hour to minimize disruption to their natural rhythms. The trek to the gorillas can be strenuous, depending on the specific family you are visiting. The sight of these majestic great apes quickly makes you forget about any concerns, but a certain level of fitness is recommended. It’s also crucial that you are in good health. Even a cold can prevent you from seeing the gorillas to ensure their safety.
The length of the hike varies depending on the gorilla family. Proper equipment is essential. Good footwear, gaiters, and rain gear are standard. Gloves are also highly recommended, especially when encountering thorny plants. Enjoy your time with the gorillas. This visit is much more than “just” wildlife viewing. When you look into the eyes of these gentle giants, you see so much of ourselves. Over 98% of our genes are identical to those of gorillas, and you experience a truly sublime feeling when you stand close to these magnificent creatures. The young ones are playful and frolic within the gorilla family.
After the impressive encounters with the mountain gorillas, you will return to the starting point to receive your gorilla trekking certificates. You will enjoy a packed picnic lunch, after which you will leave for Lake Bunyonyi, about 90 minutes away. You will drive through the fascinating Kigezi Highlands. You will arrive at Lake Bunyonyi in the late afternoon. This is an ideal stopover for your tour, because your final park of the safari, Lake Mburo, is unreachable today. The “Lake of Many Little Birds” is one of Uganda’s most beautiful landscapes, characterized by verdant terraced hills and numerous small islands. On the lake’s shores awaits the BirdNest Resort, which impresses with its tranquil setting and magnificent views across Lake Bunyonyi. Spend the rest of the afternoon reflecting on the day’s experiences and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.
Accommodation: The BirdNest Resort
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & Dinner
Day 6: Bunyonyi – Lake Mburo National Park (travel time approx. 4 hours)
After a relaxed breakfast, you will leave the mountainous regions of southwestern Uganda and travel towards Lake Mburo. The country’s smallest national park lies on the way to Kampala/Entebbe and is often overlooked by travelers. It offers a diverse landscape of rolling hills, acacia woodlands, wetlands, and open grasslands. You will arrive at your accommodation in time for lunch. In the afternoon, you will embark on an extensive game drive through the national park. Lake Mburo is one of the best places in Uganda to observe large herds of zebra. Impalas, eland, buffalo, topi, oribi, and numerous other animal species also inhabit the park. Birdwatchers will be in their element: over 350 bird species can be spotted here. In the evening, you can enjoy the special atmosphere of your lodge and take in the views across the landscape of the national park.
Accommodation: Mihingo Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Lake Mburo – Game Walk & Night Game Drive
Lake Mburo National Park offers a rare opportunity to experience nature not only from a vehicle but also on foot. In the soft morning light, you will embark on a game walk. Accompanied by an experienced ranger, you will set off on foot through the bushland, where he will be happy to share his knowledge of the local flora and fauna. Savor the special moment when you come face to face with zebras or antelopes. The first rays of the rising sun will bathe the savanna in a mystical, golden light – the perfect backdrop for unforgettable photos.
After the walk, you will have time to relax at the lodge or enjoy another game drive in the afternoon. As darkness falls, you will set off on a night drive, using the headlights of your 4×4 to track down the nocturnal inhabitants of the savanna. With a bit of luck, you might spot bushbabies in the treetops, porcupines, genets, or other shy creatures of the savanna.
Accommodation: Mihingo Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Lake Mburo – Mabamba Shoebills – Entebbe (travel time approx. 4 hours)
One last time, the gentle rustling of the acacia trees awakens you. After breakfast, you begin your return journey towards Entebbe. Shortly before reaching Entebbe, you visit the Mabamba Wetlands on Lake Victoria. You board a traditional wooden canoe and glide through the dense papyrus channels with a local guide. The area is known for its excellent opportunities to observe the rare shoebill bird, which, with a bit of luck, can be spotted here in its natural habitat. Afterwards, you continue to Entebbe and check into The Boma Hotel. Here you can freshen up and relax after your trip.
Accommodation: The Boma Hotel Entebbe
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 9: Entebbe – Zanzibar
Afterwards a hearty breakfast, a driver will transfer you to Entebbe International Airport for your direct flight to Zanzibar. Your beach stay begins: At Zanzibar airport, you will be met by our driver, who will be holding a sign with your name on it. He will then take you to your resort beach hotel. Slip off your dusty safari boots, feel the soft sand beneath your feet, and look forward to the relaxing days ahead.
Accommodation: The Loop Beach Resort
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
Day 10 – 13: Zanzibar
After your safari in Uganda, it is time to slow down and enjoy a few relaxing days on Zanzibar. Stay at The Loop, a beachfront resort in the heart of Jambiani village, right on a beautiful stretch of white sandy beach. The resort has 18 comfortable and stylish rooms, many with private verandas where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner. Jambiani is a great place to enjoy Zanzibar at your own pace. Spend your days swimming in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, walking along the beach, relaxing by the water or simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the village. The beach changes with the tides, creating different ways to enjoy your time here. At low tide, you can walk along the exposed reef and explore the coastline. When the tide comes in, you can swim, kayak, sail or take a boat trip to explore the reef and surrounding waters. The evenings are for slowing down even more. Enjoy dinner by the beach, watch the sunset and listen to the sound of the Indian Ocean before another peaceful night in Jambiani. These days are left open for you to relax and enjoy Zanzibar after your Uganda adventure.
Accommodation: The Loop Beach Resort
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
Day 14: Zanzibar – Return flight home
Even the most wonderful dream trip eventually comes to an end. Your driver will pick you up from your hotel in a relaxed manner, timed to coincide with your international flight and take you to Zanzibar Airport. With sun-kissed skin, a refreshed mind, and a suitcase full of unforgettable memories, you’ll begin your journey home. We wish you a pleasant flight!
Meals: Breakfast
Tour Price
|
Number of People |
Price per Person |
|
1 People |
USD 7154 |
|
2 People |
USD 5957 |
|
3 People |
USD 5410 |
|
4 People |
USD 5248 |
|
5 People |
USD 5061 |
| 6 People | USD 5011 |
Inclusions
- All park entrance fees
- Transport in a safari-equipped off-road vehicle
- Experienced English-speaking driver/guide
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Game drives as indicated in the itinerary
- Drinking water in the vehicle
- 2 nights at The Boma Hotel Entebbe
- 2 nights at the Bush Lodge
- 1 overnight stay at Engagi Lodge
- 1 night at the BirdNest Resort
- 2 nights at Mihingo Lodge
- 5 nights bed & breakfast at The Loop Beach Resort - Suite with Seaview
- Boat trip on the Kazinga Channel
- Game drive in Ishasha
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park
- Walking safari and night game drive at Lake Mburo
- Mabamba Shoebill Tour by dugout canoe
- Regional flight Entebbe- Zanzibar
- All airport and runway transfers in Uganda and Zanzibar
- Drinking water during game drives
Exclusions
- International flights to/from Uganda
- Optional excursions or activities not pre-booked
- Uganda visa costs (USD 50)
- Travel Insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Drinks
Related Tour Packages
From $9794 per person
14 Day Uganda Wild Diversity & Zanzibar Beach Escape
Entebbe – Queen Elizabeth National Park / Kyambura Gorge / Ishasha – Biwindi National Park – Mabamba – Entebbe- Zanzibar
From $5957 per person
14 Days Gorillas, Wildlife, & Zanzibar Beach Holiday
Entebbe – Queen Elizabeth National Park – Ishasha / Bwindi National Park – Lake Bunyonyi – Lake Mburo National Park – Mabamba – Entebbe - Zanzibar
From $8996 per person
15 Days In-depth Uganda Primate Tour & Zanzibar Beach Holiday
Entebbe - Mabamba - Kibale Forest - Queen Elizabeth National Park - Bwindi National Park - Lake Mburo – Entebbe-Zanzibar