East Africa Wildlife & Culture Tour: Tanzania & Uganda - 21 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Arusha (Tanzania), Half-Day City Tour

Welcome to the bustling Tanzanian city of Arusha, sitting at the base of Mount Meru. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel, where you can stay in to relax and fight off any jet lag. If you're not too tired, join a tour to discover some of the city's landmarks. Start at the National Natural History Museum, where you can dive into the country's geology, paleontology, ethnography, and archaeology. Step inside and browse the fossilized remains, taxidermied animals, botanical specimens, and geological formations.

Make your way to the Uhuru Monument, commemorating the country's independence from British colonial rule in 1961. Your next stop is the Tanzanite Experience, the only Tanzanite museum in the world where you can learn about the history and allure of this rare gem. If you want to take home a souvenir, a piece of Tanzanite jewelry may be the perfect option. You'll finish your tour at the Arusha Central Market and the Maasai Market. Browse the stalls lined with fresh produce, spices, and handmade goods like beaded jewelry and traditional clothing.

Day 2: Game Drive in the Arusha National Park

Leave the city behind for the day as you set off on a one-hour transfer to Arusha National Park for a game drive through the diverse landscapes. When you arrive, meet your guides and jump in a safari vehicle to look for animals in the grassy plains. You may spot herds of buffaloes, zebras, and giraffes searching for food or the more elusive leopards and hyenas lurking in the shadows. Don't forget to look up, as the park is home to an array of bird species, including African fish eagles, lilac-breasted rollers, and Uganda's national bird, the crowned crane. 

As you traverse the park, you'll also learn about the behavior and biology of the animals you encounter along the way. But the animals aren't the only interesting part of the park, as the natural beauty is equally captivating. Stop for panoramic views of Ngurdoto Crater and the serene Momella Lakes, where you can typically spot flocks of flamingoes. On a clear day, you can even spot Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance. After three to four hours of exploring the park, return to your hotel in Arusha to relax. 

Day 3: Transfer to Tarangire National Park, Half-Day Game Drive

Say goodbye to Arusha for now as you set off on a two-hour transfer to Tarangire National Park in Tanzania's Manyara region. Check into Maramboi Tented Lodge, located on the shores of Lake Manyara, and refresh. When it's time, join your guide for a half-day safari, starting with a scenic drive through the park, known for its towering baobab trees and large elephant population. As you follow the reserve's namesake, the life-giving Tarangire River, look out for wildebeests, zebras, buffaloes, and impalas stopping for a drink. You may also spot predators on the hunt, like lions, leopards, and cheetahs.

Don't forget about the park's avian residents, including kingfishers darting along the riverbanks or graceful eagles soaring overhead. Stop for a picnic lunch in the wild to soak up the natural beauty. When you're done eating, the afternoon promises more wildlife sightings. Before the sun sets, return to the lodge, grab a drink, and sit around the campfire to watch the sky transform into warm hues of red and orange. When darkness falls, enjoy a delicious dinner under the sky full of stars uninterrupted by city lights. 

Day 4: Full-Day Game Drive in Tarangire National Park

Spend a full day exploring the national park just after sunrise to take advantage of the cooler temperatures when wildlife is most active. Soak up the crisp morning air and set out in a safari vehicle to watch the reserve's diverse habitats come to life, with elephants lumbering through the acacia woodlands or giraffes grazing on the treetops. You'll be treated to a symphony of chirps and calls as colorful avian species flit among the branches while you look for tree-climbing lions. Around noon, when the heat sets in, take a break to relax in the shade and enjoy a picnic lunch.

As the day cools down, the drive continues along the park's water sources, where large herds of animals, including various antelope species and large flocks of herons, congregate to drink and cool off. Take another break from the game drive to watch the sunset over the savanna, casting the plains and its inhabitants in a warm, golden glow. When darkness starts to fall, return to the lodge in time for another dinner under the stars. 

Day 5: Transfer to Serengeti National Park, Relax at the Lodge

Trade one national park for another today as you transfer four hours to the UNESCO-listed Serengeti National Park, renowned as one of the best places to see the Great Migration—when millions of wildebeest and zebras traverse the plains in search of fresh grazing grounds. Even if you don't visit from July to October when the migration takes place, the park still has plenty to offer.

After checking into the Lahia Tented Lodge, perched atop a hill overlooking Central Serengeti, the rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish. You can relax by the pool overlooking the vast plains, enjoy a cocktail while the sun sets, and then sit down for dinner in the dining room or dine al fresco. When darkness falls, end your first night in the national park around the cozy campfire.

Day 6: Full-Day Game Drive in the Serengeti National Park

After a restful night at the lodge, you're ready to wake up before dawn for a full-day game drive across the Serengeti. Watch as the sun slowly rises over the vast plains as you try to spot nocturnal creatures, like leopards, hyenas, and African civets before they go into hiding for the day. Then, watch as the rest of the park's inhabitants, including elephants, buffaloes, and gazelles, wake up for their early grazing. Around midday, stop for a picnic lunch under the warm African sun.

When the air begins to cool, delve deeper into the park's varied landscapes, from open grasslands to acacia woodlands and riverine forests, each harboring its own array of animal species. Keep an eye on the skies to spot birds like raptors, martial eagles, and vultures. The day's end is marked by the natural spectacle of a golden sunset, casting a warm glow over the plains. When the sun goes down, return to the lodge for dinner and a drink around the campfire.

Day 7: Hot-Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise, Evening Game Drive

Wake up before dawn for what's sure to be a highlight of the trip—a hot-air balloon ride over the Serengeti at sunrise. Head to the launch site as the first light begins to illuminate the horizon, looking out for nocturnal predators prowling for prey. Watch as the balloons slowly inflate, then jump into the basket and rise above the sprawling plains. Look down as you glide over herds of wildebeest and zebras grazing and roving lions beginning their day. After an hour in the air, touchdown and celebrate your flight with a Champagne toast and breakfast under the shade of an acacia tree.

Return to the lodge to relax by the pool following your early start, then set off on a game drive in the late afternoon. Traverse the diverse ecosystems, from the Grumeti River to the Seronera Valley, looking for wildlife like cheetahs stalking their prey or hippos going for a swim. Continue the safari until the sun starts to cast a warm glow over the plains while it sets. Then, return to the lodge to enjoy dinner and rest after an action-packed day. 

Day 8: Transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Bid farewell to Serengeti this morning and transfer two hours to the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Conservation Area, perched at the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater, often called the eighth wonder of the world. Journey through the Malanja Depression, which reveals an otherworldly expanse of volcanic formations, and arrive at your accommodation: Kitela Lodge, a gorgeous retreat in the highlands surrounded by lush gardens, a coffee plantation, and a working farm. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, relaxing by the pool or unwinding with a massage before dinner. 

Day 9: Full-Day Game Drive, Visit a Maasai Village

Get ready for an early wake-up call to explore the park at sunrise when the wildlife is most active. Look out for the Big Five game animals—lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and Cape buffalo—as you traverse the rugged terrain and descend into the crater. Once in the caldera, you have a better chance of spotting wildlife, including the endangered black rhino. Around midday, enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor, where you can relax and enjoy the wilderness around you. 

Day 10: Transfer to Arusha, Visit the Shanga & Shanga Foundation

After breakfast at the lodge, it's time to return to Arusha on a four-hour transfer. When you arrive, refresh at your hotel, then head to the Shanga & Shanga Foundation. This social enterprise employs differently-abled people to create intricate handmade goods, including glassware, textiles, and jewelry. Go on a guided tour of the space to see the artisans at work, then participate in interactive workshops to learn how to blow glass or weave colorful textiles. This gives you the chance to truly understand and appreciate each artisan's remarkable skills.

You also have the opportunity to learn some Swahili Sign Language to communicate with the deaf and hard-of-hearing artisans. End the tour at the gift shop, where you can browse the array of handmade goods made on-site. Each purchase supports the artist and the foundation's work, and the crafts make great souvenirs. If you're hungry, you could also grab a bite to eat at the adjoining restaurant before returning to your hotel.

Day 11: Fly to Entebbe (Uganda), Transfer to Kampala

Wave goodbye to Tanzania this morning as you head to the airport to catch a 1.5-hour flight to Entebbe, a vibrant city in central Uganda nestled on the shores of Lake Victoria. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer one hour to your hotel in the capital, Kampala. Refresh and enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace, or join a tour of the Kasenyi Fish Landing Site, just 30 minutes outside the city. Here, you can sample delicious, freshly fried fish as you observe locals gathering, selling, and cooking fresh fish and produce.

After enjoying a delicious meal, return to Entebbe to relax on White Sands Beach. Soak up the sun on the fine white sand, swim in the refreshing water, and listen to the palm trees sway. Those who want a little adventure can rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the beach from the water. Stay until sunset to watch the sky transform from golden yellows to fiery oranges and soft pinks while you enjoy a cold beer or juice. When darkness starts to fall, return to your hotel in Kampala.

Day 12: Full-Day Tour of Kampala's Landmarks

Join your guide for a half-day tour of the capital, starting at the Uganda Museum, where you can browse the impressive collection of tools, musical instruments, and ceremonial objects that offer insight into the daily lives of Uganda's various ethnic groups. Then, take a 30-minute ride in a boda-boda, bicycle, or motorcycle taxi to weave through the chaotic traffic and stop for a rolex (a chapati roll filled with eggs, tomatoes, and onions). Don't fill up too much, as luwombo (a traditional Ugandan dish of meat, peanuts, and beans wrapped and steamed in a banana leaf) awaits at your next stop.

After eating, head to Kabaka's Palace, the official residence of the Buganda tribe's king since 1885. Although you can't enter the opulent building, your guide will share stories of the royal family as you admire the grand gates, lush gardens, and traditional thatched roof structures. End your tour at a local craft market to witness the skill of local artists offering handmade souvenirs, then return to your hotel.

Day 13: Transfer to Murchison Falls, Rhino Sanctuary, Game Drive

It's time to discover Uganda's abundant wildlife, starting with a four-hour transfer to Murchison Falls National Park, the country's oldest and largest national park. Break up the drive with a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where you can see the white rhino up close in their natural habitat. Follow your knowledgeable guide on a walking safari through the sanctuary and learn about its conservation efforts. When you find the rhinos, observe them from afar before sitting down for a delicious lunch at Amuka Lodge, nestled within the sanctuary's lush surroundings.

After eating, jump back in the car and continue your drive to Paraa Safari Lodge, a luxury lodge within the park overlooking the Nile River. You'll have time to relax and cool off in the large swimming pool before this evening's game drive. When it's time, hop in a safari vehicle with your guide and go in search of the nocturnal wildlife that comes out to play. You may also see lions start to stir as they set off on their nightly prowl for food. After a few hours exploring the park, return to your lodge in time for dinner. 

Day 14: Dawn Game Drive, Murchison Falls River Cruise & Hike

Wake up just before dawn to set off on a game drive, which starts with the compelling sight of the sun rising over the park. The cooler morning temperatures bring heightened activity, so it's a great time to keep an eye out for wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos. Don't forget to look up; you may spot some of the reserve's 451 bird species flying overhead. You'll also witness the magnificent Murchison Falls, where the cascades plunge 147 feet (45 m) into the Nile.

This afternoon's river cruise takes you back to the falls for a closer look. Board your boat and keep your eyes peeled for hippos and crocodiles basking on the shore as you reach the bottom of the cascade. Disembark, and after a 1.5-hour hike to the summit, you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of the waterfall and a welcome cool mist. After an action-packed day and early start, you'll return to the lodge, where you can relax on your veranda with a drink while the sun goes down.

Day 15: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Enjoy one last breakfast at the lodge, then transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, nestled between Lake Edward and Lake George. Drive through rural landscapes and small towns, making regular stops to stretch your legs and eat as you head south toward the equatorial belt. After the seven to nine-hour drive, depending on your driver's route, settle into Mweya Safari Lodge and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Go for a refreshing swim at the pool overlooking the Kazinga Channel, visit the on-site gift shop, and sit down for dinner in the formal dining room or veranda.

Day 16: Morning Game Drive, Kazinga Channel Water Safari

Venture on another memorable game drive while the sun rises over the vast savanna. This gives you a chance to spot nocturnal animals, like hyenas and leopards, as they wind down from their nighttime activities and wildlife that's typically elusive during the heat of the day, such as the famous tree-climbing lions that like to perch high in the branches of fig trees to sleep. Follow the Ishasha River to find hippos and crocodiles along the banks before returning to the lodge to relax by the pool.

In the afternoon, jump on a boat and cruise down the Kazinga Channel, fed by streams from the Rwenzori Mountains and connecting the two lakes surrounding the park. As you cruise, marvel at herds of elephants bathing in the channel, crocodiles sunning themselves on the shore, and the park's large concentrations of hippos. The area is also a birdwatcher's paradise, as there are over 58 species to spot, such as African shoebills, black bee eaters, and pink-backed pelicans. After the early start and boat cruise, head back to the lodge for the night.

Day 17: Transfer to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Today, you head to your final national park, the UNESCO-listed Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, on a six-hour transfer. Drive past picturesque villages, vibrant markets, and lush farmlands, making regular stops to stretch your legs or grab a bite to eat. Watch as the rolling hills and dense greenery give way to rugged mountains as you approach the national park.

When you arrive, check into the luxurious and secluded Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, then spend the rest of the day enjoying the lodging's amenities. You can unwind at the spa, grab a cocktail from the bar, and then sit down for a delicious dinner around the campfire to end the night.

Day 18: Gorilla Trek in the National Park

One of the national park's most famous residents is the gorilla, so today, you're going to try to find them deep in the forest. Meet your guide at the ranger's station at 8 am, complete a safety and etiquette briefing, then set off down the path on foot, looking for gorilla footprints to follow. The trek's duration varies, from 3-6 hours, depending on how long it takes to find the resident gorilla troops, so wear a good pair of hiking shoes.

When you finally spot them, watch them go about their daily lives—feeding, playing, and resting—in their natural habitat. Conservation protocols allow you to spend one hour with these incredible creatures, so when it's time, return to the park's entrance along the same path. After a day in the forest, return to the lodge to relax and enjoy another delicious dinner al fresco.

Day 19: Transfer to Kampala, Relax at Leisure

Today's journey takes you back to Kampala on a 7-8 hour transfer, leaving the dense forests of Bwindi behind as you drive through rolling hills, terraced farmland, and small villages. Make regular stops to stretch your legs or grab a bite to eat from streetside stalls. When you arrive, check into your hotel, where you can relax for the rest of the evening. If you'd rather get out and explore a bit, head to the Kololo district for dinner, an upscale area known for its diverse dining options and vibrant nightlife. End the night with a drink at one of the nearby rooftop bars for panoramic views of the city.

Day 20: Fly to Arusha, Free Afternoon

Return to Entebbe this morning, where you can catch a one-hour flight back to the trip's starting point, Arusha. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel to refresh. The rest of the day is then yours to spend as you wish. If you want an active adventure, you could hike partway up Africa's fifth-largest peak, Mount Meru, as reaching the summit can take 3-4 days. Lace up your shoes, stretch your legs, and follow one of the trails into the lush forest. On the way, you may spot various species of monkeys, including blue monkeys and colobus monkeys. 

The higher you get, the better the views will be, but whenever you're ready, you can trek back down the mountain. Those who want a more relaxed day can wander down to Boma Road, a bustling thoroughfare in the central business district with shops, cafés, and restaurants. Browse for souvenirs, then find an international restaurant or sit down for a local meal, like nyama choma, beef, or goat roasted over an open flame and served with vegetables. End the day with a sweet treat, like mandazi, a deep-fried doughnut flavored with coconut or spices.

Day 21: Coffee Plantation Tour in Uru Shimbwe, Depart 

Although it's your last day in Tanzania, the adventure doesn't stop just yet, as you transfer 2.5 hours to Uru Shimbwe, nestled on the slope of Mount Kilimanjaro. Here, you can join a three-hour tour of a local coffee cooperative to learn about the entire coffee-making process. From bean to brew, gain insights into the meticulous harvesting, roasting, and brewing techniques that yield Tanzania's famed Arabica beans. Immerse yourself in the process by picking and roasting your own coffee beans.

Amid the fragrant aroma of freshly roasted coffee, savor a cup while soaking in panoramic views of the surrounding coffee plantation and Africa's tallest peak. Finish off the tour with a traditional Chaga lunch, then head to Moshi to browse the vibrant markets for souvenirs and try one last cup of Tanzanian coffee at Union Café. When it's time, transfer 50 minutes to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. Safe travels!