Uganda Gorillas and Zanzibar Beach Vacation – 10 Days
The 10 Days Uganda Gorillas and Zanzibar Beach Vacation Package offers you the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. This trip lets you experience Uganda’s majestic mountain gorillas and unwind on the serene beaches of Zanzibar. Start your journey in Uganda and finish in Zanzibar before heading home.
This private safari can be customized based on your group size and travel dates. Contact us for a quote, and one of our specialists will respond quickly.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, set off for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda. The scenic drive takes you through rolling hills, lush tea plantations, and banana fields. You will enjoy stunning views along the way. Arrive in the evening, relax at your lodge, and have dinner.
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Drive Time: 8-9 hours
Lodge: Four Gorillas Lodge / Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Have an early breakfast and head to the park headquarters with your packed lunch. Register and attend a briefing on gorilla trekking guidelines. Local dancers will welcome you with cultural performances. Next, begin your trek with an armed ranger. The trek may last from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the gorillas’ movements. Once you find the gorillas, spend one hour observing and photographing them. Afterward, return to the headquarters to receive your certificate. Drive back to the lodge for relaxation and dinner.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Lodge: Four Gorillas Lodge / Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Day 3: Second Gorilla Trekking Experience
Enjoy another early breakfast before heading back to the park headquarters. With your packed lunch, join your group for a second trek. This time, choose a different gorilla family to explore a new experience. Each gorilla group behaves differently, making every trek unique. After the trek, return to the lodge for relaxation and dinner.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Lodge: Four Gorillas Lodge / Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Day 4: Gorilla Habituation Experience
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters with your packed lunch. Meet the researchers and guides who will brief you on the habituation experience. Start the trek with an armed ranger. The duration depends on the gorillas’ movements. Once you locate the gorillas, spend up to four hours with them. Learn how researchers train gorillas to get used to human presence. Capture photos and observe the gorillas’ behavior. Afterward, return to the headquarters for your certificate. Then, drive back to the lodge for relaxation.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Lodge: Four Gorillas Lodge / Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Day 5: Return to Kampala or Entebbe for Overnight
After an early breakfast, check out and drive back to Kampala or Entebbe. Enjoy an en-route lunch and consider a city tour along the way. Arrive in the evening for an overnight stay.
Transfer Time: 8-9 hours
Hotel: Protea Marriott Entebbe / Boma Guest House
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 6: Flight to Zanzibar
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then head to Entebbe International Airport. Board a flight to Zanzibar with Precision Air or Uganda Airlines. Upon arrival, transfer to your beach resort for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Zanzibar Beach Resort / Hotel Melia Zanzibar
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 7: Beach Relaxation and Free Time
Today, enjoy a relaxing day at the beach resort. Spend your time unwinding by the ocean or engaging in optional water sports. Swim, take pictures, or simply soak up the sun. Enjoy the freedom to plan your day as you wish.
Accommodation: Zanzibar Beach Resort / Hotel Melia Zanzibar
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 8: Dolphin Excursion
After breakfast, drive to the southern coast for a dolphin excursion. Enjoy the experience of seeing dolphins in their natural habitat. You will have lunch along the way. In the evening, head to Stone Town for an overnight stay.
The dolphin tour takes place in Kizimkazi village, known for its dolphin population. Spot both bottlenose and humpback dolphins from your boat. If you wish, swim or snorkel for a closer experience. Morning tours begin at 6:00 AM, while afternoon tours start at 2:30 PM.
Accommodation: Zanzibar Serena Hotel
Meal Plan: Half Board
Day 9: Explore Stone Town
After breakfast, enjoy a guided half-day tour of Stone Town. This historic town showcases a blend of African, Arab, Indian, and European cultures. Walk through narrow streets, visit markets, and explore historic buildings.
Stone Town offers many opportunities for shopping and cultural immersion. Have lunch at a local restaurant and spend the afternoon at leisure. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Zanzibar Serena Hotel
Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast
Day 10: Flight Back Home
After breakfast, spend your morning at leisure. In the afternoon, transfer to Zanzibar Airport for your international flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
End of Tour: No Accommodation
Gorilla Permits Cost in Uganda
In Uganda, a gorilla trekking permit costs $800 per person for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens. These permits grant you access to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The cost includes park entry fees, ranger guides, and a one-hour interaction with a gorilla family. Booking in advance is crucial, as permits are limited to protect the gorillas.
Best Time for Gorilla Trekking
The best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the dry seasons, from June to August and December to February. These months offer easier hiking conditions due to less rainfall, making the trails less slippery. Additionally, the chances of spotting gorillas increase as they tend to stay in lower areas.
However, trekking is possible year-round, and the rainy seasons, from March to May and September to November, come with fewer crowds and lower accommodation rates. While trails may be muddy, the forests are lush and scenic, adding to the adventure. Whichever time you choose, gorilla trekking offers an unforgettable experience of connecting with these majestic creatures in their natural environment.
