Custom East Africa Safari Holidays | Santaviva Luxury Tours

9-Day Tanzania-Uganda Luxury Tour

You'll embark on a wildlife adventure of a lifetime through Tanzania’s legendary Northern Circuit—Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara—where nature unfolds in its rawest form. Then, you'll step into the misty jungles of Bwindi for a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trek, locking eyes with the great apes of Africa. You'll expect thrilling game drives, magical moments with mountain gorillas, and a journey that will awaken your wild spirit.

What do I need to bring?

Essential Gear

Hiking boots (waterproof, with good grip)
Long-sleeved shirt (to protect from stinging nettles)
Long hiking trousers (lightweight but durable)
Rain jacket / poncho (weather in the forest changes quickly)
Warm fleece or light jacket (cool mornings)

Cancellation policy

Bookings are non-refundable. All sales are final.

Accessories

Garden gloves (helpful for grabbing vines & branches)
Hat or cap (sun protection)
Sunglasses (optional)
Gaiters (if available, protect against mud & insects)
Reusable water bottle or hydration pack

Please note

Passport required
Dress code

More Info

Experience type

Multi day tour

Difficulty

Moderate

Booking in advance

Cut off: 1 week

Categories

Safari / wildlife , Adult Only

Duration

9 days

Live tour guide

English

Know before you go

Minimum age of participants is: 18

Accommodation & Meals

Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost

Day

Accommodation

Meals

Mbali Mbali Tarangire River Camp

Day 1: Lunch & Dinner Included

Luxury Lodge outside the Tarangire National Park

Ngorongoro Lions Paw

All Meals Included

Luxury Lodge at the Rim of the Crator

Ngorongoro Lions Paw

All Meals Included

Luxury Lodge at the Rim of the Crator

Serengeti Acacia Bliss Luxury Tented Camp

All Meals Included

Luxury Lodge in Serengeti National Park

Serengeti Acacia Bliss Luxury Tented Camp

All Meals Included

Luxury Lodge in Serengeti National Park

Kigali Serena Hotel

All Meals Included

Luxury Hotel in Kigali City

Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge

All Meals Included

Luxury Lodge outside Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Kigali Serena Hotet

All Meals Included

Luxury Lodge in Serengeti National Park

End of Tour

Breakfast & Lunch included

No accommodation

What's included?

National park entrance fee
Gorilla trekking permits (for non-residents)
All activities mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)
All accommodation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional upgrade)
Roundtrip airport transfer
Domestic Flights
A professional driver/guide
All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
All flights during the tour

Exclusions

Tip or gratuity
International flights (from/to the client's home country)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees and other personal items)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees

Day 1 : Transfer from Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Upon arrival at Arusha’s JRO Airport, you'll enjoy a warm meet and greet before heading straight to the stunning Tarangire National Park. You'll savor a picnic lunch amidst the wild, then embark on a thrilling full-day game drive. You'll marvel at giant baobabs, elephant herds, and rich wildlife. As the sun sets, you'll transfer to your lodge, where comfort and the sounds of nature welcome you to the heart of Tanzania.

Day 2 : Early morning Game drive and afternoon Canopy walk in Lake Manyara

You'll wake up early to enjoy breakfast before packing your lunch for the day. Afterward, you’ll set off for a morning game drive, taking in the stunning sights of nature. A delicious bush lunch awaits you during your adventure, and then you'll head to Karatu for a canopy walk in Lake Manyara. Later, return to the hotel for dinner and a restful overnight stay.

Day 3 : Ngorongoro Crater Tour

You'll wake up early at your Lake Manyara lodge and journey toward one of Africa’s most iconic natural wonders—the Ngorongoro Crater. En route, you will enjoy scenic views of the highlands before descending 600 meters into the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Your guided game drive through the crater floor reveals an extraordinary concentration of wildlife: black rhinos, lions, elephants, hippos, and abundant plains game roam freely across grasslands, marshes, and woodlands. The soda lake at the center often attracts flamingos and other birdlife, adding to the visual spectacle.

With a picnic lunch enjoyed in the heart of this natural amphitheater, the day offers unmatched opportunities for photography and connection with the wild. As the sun begins to dip, you'll ascend the crater walls and transfer to your Ngorongoro lodge, where panoramic views and the cool highland air provide a peaceful end to an awe-inspiring day.

Day 4 : Guided Game Drive in Serengeti National Park

You'll wake up in the highlands of Ngorongoro and set off for the legendary Serengeti—Tanzania’s crown jewel and home to one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth. As you journey across the endless plains, the landscape opens up to reveal the raw beauty and boundless freedom of the savannah.

You'll arrive in time for an afternoon game drive where magical moments await—witness lions lounging under acacia trees, elephants parading through golden grasses, and cheetahs scanning the horizon. Depending on the season, you may catch a glimpse of the Great Migration: thousands of wildebeest and zebras moving in unison, a sight that stirs the soul.

Our expert guide will share stories of the land and its inhabitants, bringing the wilderness to life. As the sun sets in a blaze of orange and gold, you'll arrive at your Serengeti lodge or camp for dinner under the stars and a night immersed in nature’s rhythm.

Day 5 : Hot Air Ballon Tour of Serengeti National Park

You'll wake up before dawn for an unforgettable hot air balloon adventure over the Serengeti. As the balloon lifts gently into the morning sky, you'll watch the golden light spill across the endless plains below—an ethereal sight that stirs the soul.

Float silently above herds of wildebeest, elephants, and giraffes as they begin their day, undisturbed in their natural rhythm. The view from above offers a magical perspective of the vast, untouched wilderness—rivers winding through the land, acacia trees casting long shadows, and predators on the move.

With every passing moment, the Serengeti reveals a new wonder. As you descend, a champagne breakfast awaits in the bush, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the wild. It’s a surreal, once-in-a-lifetime experience that captures the heart of Africa most breathtakingly. You'll return to the camp with memories etched forever into your spirit.

Day 6 : Flight to Kigali

After a peaceful morning in the Serengeti, you'll board a scenic flight that whisks you from the savannah, enjoy a seamless transfer to Arusha followed by a scenic flight to Kigali, the clean and vibrant capital of Rwanda. Upon arrival, you'll settle into your hotel and unwind as you take in the city’s charm. From Kigali’s rolling hills to its rich cultural heartbeat, this stopover offers a perfect blend of comfort, history, and warm hospitality—the ideal transition between your East African adventures.

Day 7 : Transfer to Bwindi & Tour of Diane Fossey Campus

You'll begin your day with a scenic transfer from Kigali to Bwindi, passing through lush countryside and rolling hills. Along the way, you will enjoy an inspiring visit to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Campus, where you'll learn about her legacy and ongoing conservation work to protect mountain gorillas. This enriching stop adds depth to your journey before arriving in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to one of the world's most awe-inspiring wildlife encounters.

Day 8 : Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Arise in the morning to the sounds of the forest and prepare for a life-changing gorilla trek deep within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Venture through misty jungle trails as expert trackers lead you to a rare and humbling encounter with the majestic mountain gorillas—a magical moment you'll never forget. After this unforgettable experience, you'll return to your lodge to relax and unwind, soaking in the serenity and beauty of the surrounding wilderness.

Day 9 : Transfer to Kigali

You'll wake up in the morning to your final moments in the tranquil forests of Bwindi. After breakfast, you'll embark on a scenic transfer from Bwindi to Kigali, journeying through rolling hills, vibrant villages, and breathtaking landscapes. Reflect on the unforgettable memories made during your adventure as you cross back into Rwanda. This marks the end of your incredible journey, filled with wild encounters, cultural richness, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

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