10 Days Uganda and Zanzibar Holiday Itinerary
This 10-day Uganda and Zanzibar holiday itinerary brings gorilla trekking and beach vacation into one trip. You will start with three full days in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. This includes two gorilla treks and one day of gorilla habituation. After the jungle experience, you will relax by the beaches of Zanzibar. The journey ends with a short tour of Stone Town and a dolphin excursion. You will enjoy luxury lodges, scenic drives, and comfortable flights between destinations.
What the Price Covers
- All luxury lodge stays and meals as listed in the plan
- Gorilla trekking permit worth $800
- Entry fees to all parks and protected areas
- Services of a professional English-speaking birding guide
- All activities in the itinerary
- Local flights between Uganda and Zanzibar
- Ground transfers in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Emergency evacuation insurance through AMREF
- Government-related fees and taxes
Itinerary
Day 1: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, the driver will pick you from your hotel for a journey to southwest Uganda. The long drive passes tea plantations, banana farms, and green hills with beautiful views. Along the way, you will enjoy packed lunch and occasional stops for photos. You will reach Bwindi Impenetrable National Park by evening. Check into the lodge and relax before dinner. Enjoy the forest air and prepare for your first gorilla trek.
Drive Time: Around 8 to 9 hours
Lodge: Four Gorillas Lodge or Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest
Wake up early and have a heavy breakfast before leaving for the gorilla trekking point. Carry packed lunch and water. You will join other visitors at the park office for briefing. Rangers will explain how to stay safe and respectful near gorillas. Traditional music and dance may welcome you before the trek begins. Rangers will guide you through thick forest paths until you find the gorilla family. You will spend one full hour observing and taking pictures. Return to the lodge later for rest and dinner.
Lodge: Four Gorillas Lodge or Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3: Second Gorilla Trekking in a New Group
Today offers a second chance to meet a different gorilla family deep in the forest. After breakfast, you will head back to the park headquarters with another packed lunch. You may request to visit a group that behaves differently from the first one. Rangers will guide you again until you find them. Every family has unique habits and structure. Spend another hour observing and taking photos. Head back to the lodge later and rest your body after the walk.
Lodge: Four Gorillas Lodge or Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4: Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi
After breakfast, join researchers and guides at the park office for gorilla habituation. Carry enough food and drinking water. The briefing will prepare you for a longer trek than usual. Rangers will lead you to a group still getting used to people. This process allows you to stay near gorillas for four hours. You will learn how rangers make wild gorillas feel safe with human presence. You will take pictures, watch behaviors, and see forest life closely. Return to the lodge for a relaxed evening.
Lodge: Four Gorillas Lodge or Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 5: Drive to Entebbe or Kampala for Overnight
Wake up early, eat breakfast, and leave the forest for the return journey to Entebbe. You will pass farms, roadside markets, and towns during this long drive. Stop for lunch on the way. If time allows, explore a bit of the city upon arrival. Spend the night in Entebbe near the airport, ready for your next flight.
Drive Time: Around 8 to 9 hours
Hotel: Protea Hotel by Marriott or Boma Guest House
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 6: Fly to Zanzibar and Rest at the Beach
After breakfast, head to Entebbe International Airport for your flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival at Zanzibar Airport, your driver will take you to the hotel or beach resort. The rest of the day is yours to relax by the sea. Feel free to take a beach walk or enjoy the pool before dinner.
Accommodation: Zanzibar Beach Resort or Melia Zanzibar
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 7: Full Beach Day for Relaxation
This full day is for beach rest and personal time. Sleep in or wake up early and explore the beach. Swim, read a book, or enjoy a drink by the ocean. The resort also offers water sports like snorkeling and paddle boarding. You may book extra activities at your own cost or take photos by the sea.
Accommodation: Zanzibar Beach Resort or Melia Zanzibar
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 8: Dolphin Watching Tour and Trip to Stone Town
After early breakfast, drive to Kizimkazi village on the southern coast for dolphin watching. This is one of the best places in Zanzibar to see wild dolphins. You may see bottle-nose or humpback dolphins during the boat ride. Depending on the weather, you might swim or snorkel. Lunch is provided during the tour. Later, transfer to Stone Town and check into your hotel for the night.
Accommodation: Zanzibar Serena Hotel
Meal Plan: Half Board
Day 9: Stone Town Walking Tour and Shopping
Today you will explore Stone Town on foot after breakfast. Visit old buildings, narrow streets, spice markets, and craft shops. The guide will explain how African, Arab, and Indian cultures mixed here. Stone Town is full of stories from the past. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Use the afternoon to shop or take photos before returning to the hotel.
Accommodation: Zanzibar Serena Hotel
Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast
Day 10: Airport Transfer and Fly Back Home
After breakfast, relax at the hotel or take a short walk nearby. Later, your driver will transfer you to the airport. You will take your international flight back home, bringing memories from the forest and beach.
Accommodation: None
Meal Plan: Breakfast
