Best of Uganda, Rwanda & Tanzania (18 days)
Our 18 days trip brings the best of Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania; where savannah meets the rainforest. Expect to see the big 5 and the other big game on the savannahs and up to 17 primate species, including gorillas and chimps!
This trip includes the most important national parks of Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania: Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi National Park, Volcanoes National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park, Lake Manyara National Park and Tarangire National Park.
We start in Kibale Forest National Park in Uganda. This beautiful jungle has the highest concentration of monkeys and is home to 13 primate species, including chimps. Second stop we make is Queen Elizabeth National Park, where we make a unique boat trip on the Kazinga Channel with elephants, buffaloes, hippos and many bird species. Queen Elizabeth is also home to the famous tree climbing lions in Ishasha. Highlight of the jungle is a meeting with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable. After we cross the border to Rwanda where we visit Volcanoes National Park, this is where Dian Fossey studied the Mountain Gorillas. It is possible to make a second gorilla tracking here.
The first national park we visit in Tanzania is Lake Manyara, one of Tanzania's most dramatically located wildlife areas, consisting of a huge soda lake, located at the foot of the Great Rift Valley's western escarpment. This park is famous for its tree-climbing lions. The next day we drive to Tarangire, which features some of the greatest concentration of game in Tanzania - second only to the Ngorongoro Crater - but less crowded and unspoiled. After that, we go to the Ngorongoro Crater, featuring one of the highest concentrations of game and arguably the densest population of predators and carnivores in Africa. This safari will also take you to the Serengeti, a massive wilderness of 14500 square km, where every day brings a new landscape.
Highlights
- See the chimpanzees and 12 other monkey species in Kibale Forest in Uganda
- Boat trip on the Kazinga Channel with the biggest concentration of hippos
- Search for the tree climbing lions in Ishasha (Queen Elizabeth National Park) and Lake Manyara
- Meet the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda
- The best large game viewing in the world on the endless savannah plains of the Serengeti
- One of the eight Wonders of the world, the Ngorongoro Crater with outstanding wildlife
- Very good chances of seeing the Big Five: Elephant, Rhino, Lion, Leopard and Buffalo
- Meet the local people like the Maasai and the pygmies and see their local way of living
Videos
Kazinga Tours - Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Seeing the mountain gorillas is a very intense and unique experience. Take a look at our Video to get a glimpse of how it is to see them in the wild….
Kazinga Tours - Lake Mburo NP From The Sky
In this video we explore the beautiful Lake Mburo National Park from the Sky. On this day, we were the only ones who saw the giraffes.
Kazinga Tours - Mountain Biking in Uganda
Uganda is a great place for Mountain Biking! We explored Lake Mburo National Park on our MTB and enjoyed it a lot. See all the zebras, Impalas, Ankole Long-Horned Cattle and beautiful nature. We used cameras on our bikes and a drone to film us from above.
Kazinga Tours - Uganda from the Sky - Highlights
See the beautiful landscapes and animals of Uganda from the sky, filmed with a drone. This is the highlights movie, please look at the videos from the specific areas as well. Places visited with our drone: Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mutanda, Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mburo National Park.
Kazinga Tours – Kibale Forest and Tea Plantations
Kibale Forest National Park is one of the highlights of Uganda. This beautiful forest is home to the Chimpanzees and 12 monkey species. The forest creates its own mist. With our drone we have been able to fly above the mist, which gave a spectacular view of the forest with the Rwenzori Mountains behind it. Apart from the National Park, Kibale Forest is surrounded by tea plantations, which gives beautiful views from above. Come and see this beautiful videos for yourself!
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This video is made by www.theworldfromthesky.com
Kazinga Tours - Uganda Highlights
Kazinga Tours – Ishasha and Queen Elizabeth National Park by drone
Queen Elizabeth National Park is a spectacular savannah and seen from the Sky it is even more spectacular! In Queen Elizabeth NP we saw some very interesting Crater Lakes.
Ishasha is home of the tree climbing lions and the Ishasha River. Beautiful to see from the Sky. Please enjoy flying with us!
This video is made by www.theworldfromthesky.com
Please subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Kazinga Tours - Bwindi from the Sky
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the highlights of Uganda. This jungle is home of the Mountain Gorillas! And it is also beautiful seen from the sky. With our drone we have been able to fly above the mist, which gave a nice view of the forest and the ‘sharp line’ with the surrounding rural land. Come and see this beautiful videos for yourself!
This video is made by www.theworldfromthesky.com
Please subscribe to our YouTube channel.
And for more other drone videos, please check www.theworldfromthesky.com
Route
Day to day program
Entebbe Airport - Entebbe
Arrival at Entebbe Airport (Uganda). Your guide will be there waiting for you. Pick up and proceed to your accommodation.
Included: airport transfer
Entebbe - Kibale Forest
After breakfast we drive to Kibale Forest. You can make a self-guided walk around the lodge, night forest walk (optional).
Kibale Forest is a spectacular jungle, with 13 primate species! Including chimps, baboons, black and white colobus, red colobus, grey cheeked mangabey and L’Hoest monkey.
Kibale Forest
Chimpanzee tracking in the morning or in the afternoon. It is also possible to upgrade this 1-hour tracking to a Chimpanzee Habituation Experience, 4 hours tracking.
For people interested in primates and birds and willing to make another walk, we can make a community walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary as well. It is also possible to visit the local people or the crater lakes.
It is also possible to make a night walk through the forest to see the animals of the night, like bush babies (optional).
Included: chimp tracking, Bigodi Swamp Walk
Kibale Forest - Queen Elizabeth National Park
Transfer to the Queen Elizabeth National Park. On our way we pass the equator. Game drive in the afternoon.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the best places in Uganda to see lions. Expect to see elephants, lions, many hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes and maybe leopards.
Included: game drive
Queen Elizabeth National Park - Ishasha
After breakfast we drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park to the Ishasha sector in the South.. It is also possible to go for a chimp tracking in Kyambura Gorge or Kalinzu Forest reserve, or make a forest walk and visit the bat caves in Maramagambo (all optional).
Game drive in the afternoon in Ishasha in search of the tree climbing lions
In Ishasha there are 4 prides of lions that climb the trees. Unique in the world! The other attraction of Ishasha are the Topis, not found anywhere else in this National Park.
Included: game drives
Ishasha - Bwindi Impenetrable
Today we drive to Bwindi Impenetrable. On our way we pass through interesting villages and have some breath taking views of the mountains.
Bwindi Impenetrable is a unique jungle, with many monkey species. Bwindi is one of the two places in the world where you can find Mountain Gorillas!
(Driving time depends on the area in Bwindi we stay).
Bwindi Impenetrable
Gorilla tracking!!! Early morning departure with your ranger to search for one of the world's most interesting and endangered animal, the Mountain Gorilla! You will spend one hour with one of our closest relatives. An experience you will never forget.
Relaxing in the afternoon. It is also possible to do an optional visit to the local people or the pygmies.
Bwindi Impenetrable - Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)
Transfer to the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. On a clear day we can see the 3 volcanoes on the border between Uganda and Rwanda. It is possible to visit a pygmy village on the way (optional).
Volcanoes National Park is part of the Virunga Mountains, covering 3 countries: Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. Together with Bwindi this is the only place in the world to see the Mountain Gorilla's.
Volcanoes National Park - Kigali
Optional activities for today: Do a second gorilla tracking (must be booked in advance to be sure), visit the golden monkeys, make a nature walk in the national park, climb a volcano, visit Dian Fossey’s Grave, or visit the Twin Lakes, Lake Ruhondo and Lake Burera (all activities optional)..
Kigali - Flight - Arusha (Tanzania)
Transfer to the Airport for your flight to Tanzania.
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania. Pick up and proceed to Arusha.
Arusha - Lake Manyara National Park
Transfer to Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania's most dramatically located wildlife area, consisting of a shallow but huge soda lake, at the foot of the Great Rift Valley's western escarpment. Game drive in the afternoon.
Lake Manyara is famous for its tree climbing lions.
Lake Manyara National Park - Serengeti National Park (Lobo)
Today we drive to the Serengeti National Park. On our way we drive through the Ngorongoro Highlands, where we have a magnificent view of the crater. On this day it is possible to visit a Maasai Boma (kraal) or Olduvai Gorge (famous and interesting place where our ancestors have been found). Both activities optional.
Game drive en route and in the afternoon in the Serengeti National Park if time allows.
Serengeti (Lobo) – Serengeti (Seronera)
Early morning game drive in the Lobo area searching for active animals in kopjes, especially the massive groups of lions, before breakfast. After breakfast we drive to the Seronera area, game drive on the way. Game drive in Seronera in the late afternoon.
Seronera has much water all year round, so many animals. Seronera is also home to a permanent population of hippos.
Serengeti National Park (Seronera)
Full day safari in the Seronera area (Central Serengeti). It is also possible to make a balloon safari in the morning (optional).
Serengeti National park is a massive wilderness of 14500 square km and one of the best places in the world to see the big 5!
Serengeti National Park (Seronera) - Ngorongoro Crater
Game drive in the morning. Afterwards we drive to the Ngorongoro Crater. Game drive en route.
The Ngorongoro Crater, featuring one of the highest concentrations of game in Africa. Here you will witness an amazing spectacle of African wildlife, inside a self-contained world teeming with animals, with very good chances of seeing The Big Five!
Ngorongoro Crater - Tarangire National Park
Today we enter the Ngorongoro Crater. Afternoon lunch at the Hippo Pool Picnic site. Game drive afterwards. In the afternoon we ascend the crater and drive to Tarangire National Park.
Tarangire National Park - Arusha
Early morning game drive in Tarangire National Park. Transfer to Arusha afterwards.
Tarangire gives high chances of lions, elephants, wildebeest, eland, zebra, hartebeest, oryx and many more.
Accommodations
Legend: BB = Bed and Breakfast / HB = Half Board / FB = Full Board
* Depending on the group of gorillas you will be tracking we will choose where to sleep in Bwindi. There are 4 areas for Gorilla tracking in Bwindi: Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga
Lodges we use:
- Buhoma: Buhoma Haven Lodge (FB)
- Ruhija: Bakiga Lodge (FB)
- Nkuringo: Gorilla Close up Lodge (FB)
- Rushaga: Rushaga Gorilla Camp (FB)
Prices 2024
Price on request, please send an email to mail@kazingatours.com
Includes
- Airport transfers
- Accommodations with meals mentioned
- Bottled drinking water
- Private 4x4 custom built safari van with knowledgeable driver/guide and fuel
- Entrance fees to the included National Parks
- Activities mentioned as included
Excludes
- Flights
- Visa
- All optional activities
- Insurances
- Meals not mentioned and beverages
- Tips and personal expenses such as laundry and communication
The Government of Uganda requires mandatory proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination for travelers 1 year of age and above. Travelers should possess a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (vaccine received at least 10 days ago) prior to entry into Uganda. Travelers who do not meet this requirement must be vaccinated at the Airport (with possibility of isolation as determined by the Aiport health authority) prior to entry into Uganda at the travelers own costs.
Furthermore all required inoculations must be recorded by your health practitioner on a valid vaccination certificate. You must carry this document with you throughout the tour. All visitors should take malaria prophylactic drugs. We also advise that you bring a mosquito repellent with you. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for up to date requirements, inoculations and personal recommendations!
Normally you need the following vaccinations (but please always consult a doctor):
- Yellow Fever
- DTP
- Hepatitis
For Malaria you need to take tablets, Malarone or Lariam. Malarone is mostly used (please always consult a doctor).
Hygiene is not at the same standard as in your home country, so we advise you to bring a disinfectant cream with you. Always drink bottled water instead of tap water.
A certificate proving that you have received a yellow fever vaccination is obligatory. Furthermore all required inoculations must be recorded by your health practitioner on a valid vaccination certificate. You must carry this document with you throughout the tour. All visitors should take malaria prophylactic drugs. We also advise that you bring a mosquito repellent with you. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for up to date requirements, inoculations and personal recommendations!
Normally you need the following vaccinations (but please always consult a doctor):
- Yellow Fever (you must have this can even be checked on arrival, especially when flying within East Africa)
- DTP
- Hepatitis
For Malaria you need to take tablets, Malarone or Lariam. Malarone is mostly used (please always consult a doctor).
Hygiene is not at the same standard as in your home country, so we advise you to bring a disinfectant cream with you. Always drink bottled water instead of tap water.
A certificate proving that you have received a yellow fever vaccination is obligatory. Furthermore all required inoculations must be recorded by your health practitioner on a valid vaccination certificate. You must carry this document with you throughout the tour. All visitors should take malaria prophylactic drugs. We also advise that you bring a mosquito repellent with you. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for up to date requirements, inoculations and personal recommendations!
Normally you need the following vaccinations (but please always consult a doctor):
- Yellow Fever (you must have this can even be checked on arrival, especially when flying within East Africa)
- DTP
- Hepatitis
For Malaria you need to take tablets, Malarone or Lariam. Malarone is mostly used (please always consult a doctor).
Hygiene is not at the same standard as in your home country, so we advise you to bring a disinfectant cream with you. Always drink bottled water instead of tap water.
On arrival on the airport our guide will be there waiting for you. During safari we use custom made safari vehicles, custom made for an optimal view of the wildlife. Safari vehicles (and small aircrafts) provide limited space for luggage. It is therefore recommended to travel with light bags since bulky suitcases will overload and might be difficult to be taken on board.
Uganda visa information
The Government of Uganda has an online visa application When you are visiting Uganda you must apply for a visa online:
- Go to the website https://visas.immigration.go.ug/
- Please make sure you have the following documents in .pdf, .jpeg, .png or .bmp format: a copy of your passport, copy of recent passport size photograph and a vaccination certificate (Yellow Fever)
- Fill in the form:
- Visit Uganda only: single entry: “ordinary” visa, USD 50
- Visit 2 countries or more: East Africa / multi entry visa, USD 100 (participating in the East African visa: Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya)
- When you send the form you will immediately receive a tracking code. This code helps you to keep track of how far your application has progressed. You can check its status from this webpage
- The Ugandan authorities will send you a letter in the email after they have approved your application (please check you SPAM folder too)
- Print this letter and bring it with you when you arrive at the overland border or at Entebbe International Airport. You need this letter to be allowed to purchase the entree visa there for USD 50 (Uganda) or USD 100 (East Africa-Multi Entry).
Some nationalities do not require a visa, please check this in advance.
The Rwandan authorities made their Visa one of the easiest to get.
- All Visitors Going to Rwanda can get Visa on arrival at the Immigration desk at $30
Some nationalities (like Americans and Germans) do not require a visa, please check this in advance.
It is your own responsibility to inform yourself about the visa procedures (as the information given above can change at any time) and to arrange your visa(s) correctly and timely, but if anything is unclear of course we will be glad to assist you.
Note: This information is subject to change! Always consult the Rwandan embassy in your country if you are not sure.
Visa - for those who require one - can be purchased in advance through the Tanzanian embassy or consulate in your home country. Visa can also be obtained upon arrival at Kilimanjaro / Dar es Salaam International Airport or at any overland border. The price for a single entry visa is USD 50 per person.
It is your own responsibility to arrange your visa(s) correctly and in time, but if anything is unclear of course we will be glad to assist you.
Note: This information is subject to change! Always consult the Tanzanian embassy in your country if you are not sure.
In most of the cities it is possible to withdraw money from an ATM. Travelers Cheques are not widely accepted and it is very difficult or impossible to pay by credit card outside the cities. The US dollar is traditionally the hard currency of preference. We advise to bring some Dollars for daily expenses and tips.
Dollar bills should not be older than 10 years.
The unit of currency is the Ugandan Shilling. Please check the latest exchange rates before you go to your destination. This will be a guideline. Please note you will get a better exchange rate in the bigger cities.
The unit of currency is the Rwandan Franc. Please check the latest exchange rates before you go to your destination. This will be a guideline. Please note you will get a better exchange rate in the bigger cities.
The unit of currency is the Tanzanian Shilling. Please check the latest exchange rates before you go to your destination. This will be a guideline. Please note you will get a better exchange rate in the bigger cities.
We advise you to apply for a Flying Doctors membership. The membership provides a quick and reliable air evacuation and medical care if needed.
AMREF Flying Doctors offers 2 covers (Annual and Short Term). You can choose between the Maisha Silver (Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar), Maisha Gold (Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi) or Maisha Platinum (Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and Ethiopia).
Please check out the AMREF Flying Doctors website for more information and to become a member.
Educated Ugandans are generally fluent in English, which is the official language in Uganda. Next to English there are about 30- plus different indigenous languages.
The official languages of Rwanda are French and English, the local language is Kinyarwanda.
The national language of Tanzania is Kiswahili but English is widely spoken and is the main language in the tourist areas.
Uganda is a tropical country, with higher temperatures at lower altitudes (Kampala, Murchison Falls, Kidepo and Bundibugyo).
Areas around Bwindi, Mgahinga, and Lake Bunyonyi are generally cooler.
Uganda can be visited at any time throughout the year. But please keep in mind that mountain hikes, gorilla tracking and other forest walks are more challenging during the rainy seasons (March - May and October - November).
For birders the rainy season is considered to be the best time to visit Uganda.
Rainy season means it rains more often, but not every day and not the whole day.
Rwanda is a tropical country, with higher temperatures at lower altitudes (Akagera).
Areas around Nyungwe, Lake Kivu and Volcanoes National Park are generally cooler.
Rwanda can be visited at any time throughout the year. But please keep in mind that mountain hikes, gorilla tracking and other forest walks are more challenging during the rainy seasons (March - May and October - November).
For birders the rainy season is considered to be the best time to visit Rwanda.
Rainy season means it rains more often, but not every day and not the whole day.
Tanzania is a tropical country, with high temperatures along the coast and at lower altitudes (especially in the Southern Part). The Northern part is at higher altitudes (except for Lake Natron and Tarangire).
Areas around the Ngorongoro Crater, Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt. Meru and Arusha are generally cooler.
Daytime temperatures are generally warm to hot, so bring lots of light clothing. Evenings are cooler, especially at high altitudes (areas around Bwindi, Mgahinga, Lake Bunyonyi and Kabale) so carry a couple of sweaters too.
Those who intend to do mountain hiking will be exposed to alpine temperatures and should pack accordingly. Do not forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a waterproof jacket.
During safaris we advise to avoid black and dark blue clothes (because they can attract tsetse flies).
If you are planning on doing a community walk or visit the local people, we advise you to wear appropriate clothing. For example women putting on long skirts and a top that covers the shoulders
Daytime temperatures are generally warm to hot, so bring lots of light clothing. Evenings are cooler, especially at high altitudes (areas around Volcanoes National Park and the Virungas), so carry a couple of sweaters too.
Those who intend to do mountain hiking will be exposed to alpine temperatures and should pack accordingly. Solid walking shoes and sturdy clothing are ideal for forest walks.
When you are doing gorilla tracking some gardeners gloves are handy because of the thick vegetation and thorns.
Do not forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a waterproof jacket. During safaris we advise to avoid black and dark blue clothes (because they can attract tsetse flies).
If you are planning on doing a community walk or visit the local people, we advise you to wear appropriate clothing. For example women putting on long skirts and a top that covers the shoulders. We also advise you not to wear purple clothes. Rwanda has “adopted” purple as the official color of mourning after the Genocide of 1994.
Daytime temperatures are generally warm to hot, so bring lots of light clothing. Evenings are cooler, especially at higher altitudes, so carry a couple of light sweaters too.
Those who intend to do mountain hiking will be exposed to alpine temperatures and should pack accordingly.
Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunglasses and a waterproof jacket. During safaris we advise to avoid black and dark blue clothes (because they can attract tsetse flies). For hiking and walking safaris Solid walking shoes and sturdy clothing are ideal for forest walks.
If you are planning on doing a community walk or visit the local people, we advise you to wear appropriate clothing. For example women putting on long skirts and a top that covers the shoulders.
A valid passport is mandatory (passport must be valid for at least 3 months after re-entry) and visa requirements for all countries you are planning to visit should be checked before you travel.
To make the most of your visit to the game reserves and national parks, we advise you to carry binoculars and field guides.
Photographers will need a zoom lens for wildlife (70-300 or more). Please make sure to carry enough memory cards with you. Toiletries and other essentials can be bought in the cities.
A torch (flashlight) can proof to be very useful
We advise you to take an international adapter with you for your electric equipment. The system used in Uganda is the British system. In most lodges it is possible to charge your batteries.
We advise you to take an international adapter with you for your electric equipment. The system used in Rwanda is the Western European system. In most lodges it is possible to charge your batteries.
We advise you to take an international adapter with you for your electric equipment. The system used in Tanzania is the British system. In most lodges it is possible to charge your batteries.
Driving in Uganda is on the left-hand side.
Visitors without experience of African roads are advised to travel with a 4x4 vehicle driven by a knowledgeable driver/guide, rather than self-drive.
All our guides are well trained in "Defensive Driving".
Driving in Rwanda is on the right-hand side.
Visitors without experience of African roads are advised to travel with a 4x4 vehicle driven by a knowledgeable driver/guide, rather than self-drive.
All our guides are well trained in "Defensive Driving".
Driving in Tanzania is on the left-hand side.
Visitors without experience of African roads are advised to travel with a 4x4 vehicle driven by a knowledgeable driver/guide, rather than self-drive.
All our guides are well trained in "Defensive Driving".
Please mind that washrooms along the road are sometimes not to European standards, for example squatting toilets, no flushing toilets or no toilet paper available. Like the locals say: T.I.A. This Is Africa.
Bathroom facilities and accommodations can be more basic when traveling on a medium to low budget. In the eco lodges mind that the water reserves are limited and in most cases there are no sockets in the room, but you can always charge your devices at the reception.
Tipping will always be appreciated. It is normal to tip 5-10% in hotels and restaurants. Guides, drivers and carriers should always be tipped. Indication: for carriers USD 1-3 and for your driver/guide USD 5-15 per day, depending on the group size, number of days and your satisfaction.
The Bradt Travel Guide is the most detailed guidebook for Uganda. The Lonely Planet (East Africa), Footprint Guides and Spectrum Guides produce other guidebooks. For wildlife, the best guidebook is ‘Watching Wildlife East Africa’ from the Lonely Planet. For birding, the best guidebook is ‘birds of East Africa’. It is advisable to get the most updated copy.
The Bradt Travel Guide is the most detailed guidebook for Rwanda. The Lonely Planet produces another guidebook (Lonely Planet East Africa). For wildlife, the best guidebook is ‘Watching Wildlife East Africa’ from the Lonely Planet. For birding, the best guidebook is ‘birds of East Africa’. It is advisable to get the most updated copy.
The Lonely Planet and Bradt Travel Guide are the most detailed guidebooks for Tanzania. For wildlife, the best guidebook is ‘Watching Wildlife East Africa’ from the Lonely Planet and The Bradt ‘East African Wildlife’. For birding, the best guidebook is ‘birds of East Africa’. It is advisable to get the most updated copy.
