An Ideal Uganda, Tanzania & Zanzibar Itinerary Guide

This extraordinary 18 Days Gorillas, the Big Five, and Beach Escape combines the thrill of gorilla trekking in Uganda, classic Big Five safaris in Tanzania, and serene beach escapes in Zanzibar. Starting in Entebbe, you’ll travel to the misty rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for a close encounter with endangered mountain gorillas. Then, you head south to Tanzania’s iconic parks of Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater where game drives offer unforgettable views of lions, elephants, leopards, and wildebeest herds. Finally, you unwind on the palm-fringed shores of Zanzibar with cultural tours, spice experiences, snorkeling, and leisure time by the Indian Ocean. This Uganda, Tanzania & Zanzibar itinerary offers the perfect blend of adventure, wildlife, culture, and relaxation across East Africa.

Highlights: Uganda, Tanzania & Zanzibar Itinerary

• Gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Cultural immersion with the Batwa community and forest walks
• Game drives in Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater
• Witnessing the Great Migration (seasonal) and spotting the Big Five
• Guided tour of historic Stone Town (UNESCO site) in Zanzibar
• Spice plantation tour and encounter with red colobus monkeys in Jozani Forest
• Traditional dhow sailing and snorkeling in pristine coral reefs
• Time to relax on white-sand beaches with tropical ocean views

Day by Day 18 Days Uganda, Tanzania & Zanzibar Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Entebbe, Uganda

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your local guide and transferred to your hotel for a restful evening. Depending on arrival time, you may opt for a visit to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or Uganda Wildlife Education Centre. Entebbe, nestled on the shores of Lake Victoria, offers a relaxed introduction to East Africa. As you settle in, you’ll receive a detailed briefing on the days ahead. Dinner is served at your lodge, with a blend of local and continental dishes. This first day is all about decompressing from your flight and preparing mentally for the adventures to come. Enjoy your first African sunset as you take in the sounds of birds and distant waves. Overnight stay in Entebbe.

Day 2 – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After breakfast, you’ll begin the journey to Bwindi, home to half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. This can be done via domestic flight or an overland drive through Uganda’s rolling countryside. Either way, you’ll enjoy dramatic views, rural landscapes, and a stop at the Equator for photos and cultural experiences. A local lunch en route offers your first taste of Ugandan hospitality. Upon arrival in Bwindi, check in at Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge—an eco-friendly and budget-conscious property nestled in the forest. The rest of the afternoon is free for rest or light nature walks around the lodge. Dinner is served with views of the misty forested hills. Early sleep is recommended to prepare for tomorrow’s gorilla trek.

Day 3 – Gorilla Trekking Experience

This is the day you’ve been waiting for—a once-in-a-lifetime trek to see the endangered mountain gorillas. After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a mandatory briefing with rangers. Trek durations vary (from 2 to 6 hours) and depend on the location of the gorilla family assigned to your group. The hike takes you through thick, ancient rainforest, filled with birds and butterflies. Once you find the gorillas, you’ll have one magical hour to observe them in their natural habitat. You may see silverbacks, mothers nursing infants, and playful juveniles. It’s an emotional and awe-inspiring moment. Afterward, return to the lodge for a well-earned lunch and afternoon rest. Optional community walks are available in the evening.

Day 4 – Cultural Immersion and Nature Trails

Today offers a change of pace as you explore the people and culture of the Bwindi region. Join a guided walk to a Batwa community—descendants of the original forest dwellers—where you’ll learn about their ancestral traditions, hunting techniques, and forest knowledge. Enjoy storytelling, music, and dance, which offer insight into their close relationship with the land. Later, embark on a gentle nature walk to waterfalls or birdwatching trails near the park boundary. The area is rich in endemic plant and bird species. If you prefer, relax at the lodge and enjoy its panoramic views with a cup of Ugandan coffee. This day balances adventure with reflection. Dinner and overnight at your Bwindi lodge.

Day 5 – Return to Entebbe

After breakfast, bid farewell to Bwindi and begin your journey back to Entebbe by flight or vehicle. The route once again showcases Uganda’s picturesque countryside, dotted with tea plantations, villages, and wildlife sightings along the way. If driving, you’ll stop for lunch and stretch breaks en route. Upon arrival in Entebbe, check in at your lodge or hotel for a final night in Uganda. This transitional day is perfect for resting and reflecting on your gorilla experience. Optional activities include shopping for crafts or enjoying a lakeside dinner. Prepare for your early morning flight to Tanzania tomorrow. Overnight in Entebbe.

Day 6 – Fly to Tanzania: Kilimanjaro to Arusha

This morning, transfer to Entebbe Airport for your international flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania. Upon arrival, meet your safari guide and transfer to Arusha—the gateway to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit. Arusha sits at the base of Mount Meru and offers a comfortable mix of culture and convenience. Check into your lodge and enjoy a leisurely afternoon. Depending on your arrival time, you may visit local craft markets or cultural centers. Your guide will also brief you on the safari days ahead. Dinner is served at your lodge, with options for local Tanzanian cuisine. Rest well tonight—the savannah adventure begins tomorrow.

Day 7 – Travel to Serengeti National Park

Depart Arusha after breakfast, heading west to the world-renowned Serengeti National Park. The journey takes you through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where landscapes shift from green hills to golden plains. Along the way, you may stop at a Maasai village or the famous Olduvai Gorge. Once inside the Serengeti, the safari begins immediately with a game drive toward your lodge. Look out for zebras, giraffes, elephants, and the big cats that prowl the open plains. Arrive at your tented camp in time for sunset and a hearty dinner. The campfire experience under the stars offers a true taste of Africa. Overnight in the central Serengeti.

Day 8 – Full-Day Safari in Serengeti

Today is dedicated to a full day of game viewing in the Serengeti, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The central area, known as Seronera, is rich in wildlife year-round, including lions, leopards, hyenas, and cheetahs. Your expert guide will take you through varied terrain—from open savannah to rocky kopjes—searching for dramatic predator-prey encounters. A picnic lunch is served at a scenic site in the park. In the afternoon, continue your game drive, possibly following herds of wildebeest or spotting a leopard in a tree. The day concludes with a return to your camp and time to relax before dinner. Enjoy stories around the fire and fall asleep to the sounds of the wild.

Day 9 – Optional Balloon Safari & More Wildlife Viewing

Begin your day with an optional hot air balloon safari—an unforgettable way to see the Serengeti from above, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush. If not ballooning, opt for an early morning game drive to catch predators in action. Return to camp for brunch and relaxation, then head out again in the late afternoon for more wildlife encounters. Today may bring sightings of large elephant herds, crocodiles at waterholes, or even the elusive serval cat. With each game drive, your understanding of the ecosystem deepens. Return to camp for dinner under the stars. This is your last night in Serengeti—make it count.

Day 10 – Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, begin your journey to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, one of the most remarkable geological and ecological sites on earth. En route, enjoy game viewing as you exit the Serengeti. Stop at Olduvai Gorge, where some of the earliest human fossils were found, and take a brief museum tour. Arrive at a lodge perched on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, offering sweeping views of the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. The cool highland climate and lush greenery contrast beautifully with the Serengeti’s open plains. Settle in, enjoy dinner with a view, and rest up for your crater adventure tomorrow.

Day 11 – Safari in Ngorongoro Crater

Today you descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater, a wildlife paradise often described as a natural zoo. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to over 25,000 animals, including all of the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. The crater floor has a rich concentration of predators and prey in a relatively compact area, making for excellent and reliable game viewing. Enjoy a picnic lunch near a hippo pool and continue exploring the crater’s diverse habitats—from lakes and grasslands to acacia forests. Your guide will share fascinating insights into the area’s geology and ecology. After a rewarding day, ascend back to the rim for dinner and a peaceful evening at the lodge. Overnight at the Ngorongoro Crater rim.

Day 12 – Fly to Zanzibar via Arusha

After breakfast, depart the crater region and drive back to Arusha, enjoying final views of the Great Rift Valley along the way. Upon arrival, connect to your domestic flight to Zanzibar, the spice-scented island off Tanzania’s coast. Once in Zanzibar, transfer to your beach resort on the island’s east or north coast—known for its white sand beaches and clear turquoise waters. Check in and unwind as the pace of your journey shifts from wildlife exploration to coastal relaxation. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps with a sunset cocktail and fresh seafood dinner by the ocean. Overnight at a beach resort in Zanzibar.

Day 13 – Beach Leisure Day in Zanzibar

I Found Paradise in Zanzibar

Today is all about relaxation and enjoying the warm Indian Ocean. Wake up to the sounds of waves and a leisurely beachfront breakfast. Spend the day lounging on the beach, swimming in the sea, or exploring the resort’s amenities. For those seeking adventure, optional activities include kite surfing, paddle boarding, or traditional dhow sailing. Zanzibar’s calm waters and coral reefs also make it a great spot for snorkeling and diving. Whether you’re sunbathing or sipping fresh coconut juice in a hammock, this is your time to unwind. End the day with dinner by candlelight on the sand. Overnight in Zanzibar.

Day 14 – Explore Stone Town

After breakfast, embark on a half-day guided tour of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and cultural heart of Zanzibar. Wander through narrow, winding alleys and discover historic sites like the former slave market, Sultan’s Palace, House of Wonders, and ancient Swahili doors. You’ll learn about the island’s complex blend of Arab, African, Indian, and European influences. The tour includes time at local markets and spice shops, where you can sample and purchase Zanzibar’s world-famous spices. Return to your beach resort in the afternoon for relaxation. This day offers a perfect mix of culture and comfort. Dinner and overnight at the beach.

Day 15 – Spice Tour and Jozani Forest

Today starts with a visit to a spice plantation, where you’ll see, touch, and taste spices like cloves, nutmeg, vanilla, and cinnamon growing in the open air. Learn how these spices shaped Zanzibar’s history and economy. Continue to Jozani Forest, home to the endangered red colobus monkey found only on this island. Walk through its shaded paths and mangrove boardwalks while learning about its biodiversity and conservation efforts. Return to your resort for an afternoon of leisure. You may opt for a beach walk or massage. Enjoy a tropical dinner and overnight stay by the sea.

Day 16 – Dhow Cruise and Snorkeling Adventure

This morning, set sail on a traditional wooden dhow boat for a full-day snorkeling and sailing experience, often around Mnemba Atoll or another pristine reef area. You’ll snorkel in crystal-clear waters teeming with colorful coral and tropical fish. A beach picnic or seafood lunch is served on a sandbank or remote island, depending on tides. After some time to swim, sunbathe, or simply relax, you’ll sail back to the coast in the late afternoon. This is often one of the most peaceful and memorable experiences of a Zanzibar stay. Return to your lodge for dinner and a relaxed evening.

Day 17 – Final Day at the Beach

Spend your final full day in Zanzibar however you wish. Whether it’s enjoying the beach, visiting a local village, or indulging in spa treatments, today is yours to reflect and recharge. You might want to do some souvenir shopping, take a yoga session by the sea, or enjoy fresh fruit and seafood throughout the day. If you haven’t yet tried local dishes like octopus curry or Zanzibari biryani, tonight is the perfect opportunity. Cap off your East African journey with a magical beachside farewell dinner under the stars. Overnight at your resort.

Day 18 – Departure from Zanzibar

After breakfast, check out from your resort and transfer to Zanzibar International Airport for your departure flight. Depending on your flight schedule, there may be time for a brief stop in Stone Town for any last-minute shopping or sightseeing. As you leave the island, reflect on the Uganda, Tanzania & Zanzibar journey you’ve just taken—from the dense jungles of Bwindi to the vast savannahs of the Serengeti, and finally the tranquil beaches of Zanzibar. This journey combines the best of East Africa’s wildlife, culture, and coastline—an unforgettable adventure that touches every sense and stays with you for a lifetime.

End of the An Ideal 18 Days Uganda, Tanzania & Zanzibar Itinerary

Inclusions

• 17 nights of accommodation (lodges, tented camps, beach resorts)
• All meals as specified in the itinerary (typically full board)
• One gorilla trekking permit per person
• All park entry fees and conservation charges
• All ground transfers and transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof
• Domestic flights (Entebbe–Bwindi, Serengeti–Zanzibar via Arusha)
• Experienced English-speaking driver-guides
• Guided tours in Stone Town, spice plantations, and Jozani Forest
• Dhow cruise and snorkeling excursion
• Bottled drinking water during transfers and game drives
• Emergency evacuation insurance (AMREF or similar)
• Airport pickups and drop-offs in Entebbe, Arusha, and Zanzibar

Exclusions

• International flights to/from Uganda and Zanzibar
• Visa fees for Uganda and Tanzania
• Travel and comprehensive medical insurance (required)
• Optional activities (e.g., Serengeti balloon safari, scuba diving in Zanzibar)
• Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (unless specified)
• Laundry services (unless offered at specific lodges)
• Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff
• Personal expenses (souvenirs, phone use, extra meals)