Combined Uganda and Tanzania Safari with Zanzibar Beach Holiday

Embarking on a combined Uganda and Tanzania safari, capped with a luxurious 5-night beach stay in Zanzibar, offers one of the most diverse and breathtaking travel experiences in Africa. From the misty mountains of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to mountain gorillas, to the vast plains of the Serengeti and the sparkling white sands of Zanzibar, this itinerary seamlessly blends adventure, wildlife, culture, and relaxation.

Organized by Experiya Tour Company, this journey ensures every moment is memorable from thrilling wildlife encounters to serene beach retreats.

Top Destinations for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Uganda is one of the world’s premier destinations for gorilla trekking. The crown jewel is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the southwest of the country. Home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, Bwindi offers trekkers the chance to visit more than 20 habituated gorilla families.

Another excellent option is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located on the borders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. While smaller, it is home to one habituated gorilla family, making it a more intimate trekking experience.

Gorilla trekking is more than an adventure it is a unique conservation effort. Permits currently cost $800 USD per person (2025), and due to high demand, booking months in advance is essential.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking

The dry seasons, June to September and December to February, are ideal for gorilla trekking. Trails are less muddy, making the hike more manageable. However, gorilla trekking is a year-round activity, and sightings are almost always guaranteed regardless of the season.

How to Obtain Gorilla Trekking Permits

Trekking permits can be secured through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or via licensed tour operators. Most travelers include permits as part of a full tour package for convenience. To secure your spot, book 3–6 months in advance, especially during peak periods.

Essential Packing for Gorilla Trekking

For a safe and comfortable trek, pack:

• Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots
• Long-sleeved shirts and trousers
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Gardening gloves (for gripping vegetation)
• Insect repellent
• Daypack with water, snacks, and a camera (no flash)
• Walking stick (often provided by guides or lodges)

Tanzania: Iconic Safari Destinations

Tanzania is synonymous with safari adventures. Some of its most renowned parks include:

• Serengeti National Park: Famous for the Great Wildebeest Migration and Big Five safaris.
• Ngorongoro Crater: The world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, offering incredible wildlife sightings and scenic beauty.
• Tarangire National Park: Known for massive elephant herds and iconic baobab trees.
• Lake Manyara National Park: Famous for tree-climbing lions and flocks of flamingos.

Each park provides unique wildlife experiences, and together, they create an unparalleled safari journey.

Witnessing the Great Migration

The Great Migration is a continuous natural spectacle. The dramatic river crossings, where wildebeest and zebra face crocodile-infested waters, occur from July to October in the northern Serengeti. Meanwhile, December to March marks calving season in the southern Serengeti near Ndutu, attracting predators and creating intense wildlife interactions.

Why Visit Ngorongoro Crater?

The Ngorongoro Crater is a must-see for its unmatched biodiversity and stunning landscapes. It is one of the few places in Africa where visitors can see the Big Five lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino within a single day.

Wildlife Highlights on a Tanzanian Safari

Expect to encounter:

• Lions, leopards, and cheetahs
• Elephants and buffalo
• Wildebeest and zebra
• Giraffes, hippos, and crocodiles
• A wide variety of birds, including flamingos, hornbills, and eagles

Zanzibar: Best Beaches and Activities

After thrilling wildlife adventures, unwind on Zanzibar’s pristine beaches:

• Nungwi Beach: Perfect for swimming and vibrant nightlife.
• Kendwa Beach: Wide sands and upscale resorts ideal for relaxation.
• Paje Beach: A kite surfer’s paradise, popular with backpackers.
• Matemwe Beach: Peaceful, secluded, and close to Mnemba Atoll for diving.

A 5-night stay allows for a mix of relaxation and exploration, including:

• Snorkeling and diving in coral reefs
• Exploring Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in Swahili culture
• Visiting spice farms
• Sunset dhow cruises
• Jozani Forest excursions to see red colobus monkeys

Many travelers spend 1 night in Stone Town and the remaining 4 nights on the beach for a perfect balance of culture and relaxation.

Suggested Itinerary for Uganda, Tanzania, and Zanzibar

A smooth 2-week itinerary could look like this:

• Days 1–3: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi, Uganda
• Days 4–5: Travel to Entebbe and fly to Arusha, Tanzania
• Days 6–9: Safari in Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire
• Days 10–14: Flight to Zanzibar for beach holiday

This schedule allows time for adventure, wildlife immersion, and relaxation while minimizing fatigue.

Travel, Visas, and Logistics

Flights are the most efficient way to move between Uganda, Tanzania, and Zanzibar:

• Entebbe to Kilimanjaro/Arusha (via Nairobi or direct)
• Kilimanjaro/Arusha to Zanzibar (direct flights available)

Visa requirements:

• Uganda: Single-entry visa online or on arrival ($50)
• Tanzania: Visa on arrival for most nationalities ($50–$100)
• Zanzibar: No separate visa needed; entry through Tanzania

For convenience, Experiya Tour Company handles all transfers, flights, and logistics for a seamless experience.

Accommodations Across Destinations

• Uganda: Eco-lodges, mid-range forest lodges, luxury tented camps
• Tanzania: Safari lodges, luxury tented camps, boutique hotels
• Zanzibar: All-inclusive beach resorts, boutique beachfront hotels, luxury villas

Packing for a Multi-Country Safari and Beach Holiday

• Neutral-colored, lightweight safari clothes
• Layers for cool mornings and warm afternoons
• Swimwear and flip-flops for Zanzibar
• Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
• Personal medications and travel insurance documents
• Travel adapter and power bank

Recommended Vaccinations

• Yellow Fever (required in some cases)
• Hepatitis A and B
• Typhoid
• Tetanus
• Malaria prophylaxis is strongly advised

Consult a travel clinic at least 4–6 weeks before departure

Safety Tips

• Travel with a reputable operator like Experiya Tour Company
• Follow park rules and guide instructions
• Avoid displaying valuables
• Use hotel safes and avoid walking alone at night
• Purchase travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage

Is a Combined Uganda, Tanzania, and Zanzibar Safari Worth It?

Absolutely. This itinerary captures the full essence of East Africa: the soulful gaze of mountain gorillas in Uganda, dramatic predator-prey interactions on the Serengeti plains, and the turquoise serenity of Zanzibar’s beaches. With rich cultural encounters, thrilling wildlife experiences, and luxurious downtime, this journey is truly an unforgettable African adventure.

For travelers seeking authenticity, beauty, and memories that last a lifetime, a combined safari and beach holiday with Experiya Tour Company is one of the best East African experiences available.