8 Days Gorillas & Serengeti Safari

Tour Highlights

Imagine waking up to the rhythmic sound of the jungle, where the mist clings to ancient trees and the world's most gentle giants, the mountain gorillas, await your arrival. Now, imagine that same afternoon ending with a flight across the heart of East Africa, landing on the endless plains of the Serengeti just as the sun sets over a golden horizon.

This is more than a holiday; it’s a pilgrimage through Africa’s most iconic landscapes. At Tarec Gorilla Safaris, we specialize in bridging these two worlds, ensuring your transition from the deep forest to the wide‑open savanna is seamless, luxurious, and life‑changing.

Day 1: Arrival & The Flight to the Forest

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by your Tarec Gorilla Safaris representative. From here, you’ll bypass the long bumpy roads with a domestic flight to the Bwindi region. As you soar over the "Switzerland of Africa," you’ll see the Kigezi highlands' terraced hills and volcanic peaks. Upon landing, a short scenic drive brings you to your lodge, nestled right at the edge of the ancient rainforest. Spend the evening enjoying a welcome drink while listening to the "voice" of the forest.
Accommodation: Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp; Mid‑range: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge; Luxury: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp.

Day 2: The Face of a Legend – Gorilla Trekking

Your day begins with an early breakfast before heading to the park headquarters. After a briefing on "gorilla etiquette," you’ll head into the dense undergrowth led by expert rangers and trackers. The trek can last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours depending on where the gorillas nested the previous night. Once you find them, time stands still. You have exactly one hour to watch these magnificent creatures groom, forage, and play. The sheer size of a silverback is humbling, yet their soulful brown eyes reflect a startlingly human intelligence.
Accommodation: Same as Day 1.

Day 3: Forest Life & Cultural Immersion

Today is about the people and the hidden gems of the forest. You’ll take a guided walk through the Munyaga Waterfall trail, spotting L'Hoest's monkeys and vibrant butterflies. In the afternoon, we visit the Batwa Pygmy community. As the original "keepers of the forest," the Batwa will demonstrate their ancient hunting techniques, traditional fire‑making, and herbal medicine secrets. It is a powerful cultural exchange that supports local conservation efforts.
Accommodation: Budget: Broadbill Forest Camp; Mid‑range: Rushaga Gorilla Camp; Luxury: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge.

Day 4: Crossing Borders – Bwindi to Serengeti

Bid farewell to the jungle as you fly back to Entebbe and connect to a flight bound for the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. The transition is striking – the dense green canopy of Uganda gives way to the vast, shimmering golden plains of the Serengeti. After clearing customs, your Tanzanian Tarec guide will pick you up in a custom 4x4 safari vehicle. You'll enjoy a "commuted" game drive on your way to the lodge, likely spotting your first zebras and giraffes before dinner.
Accommodation: Budget: Serengeti Heritage Luxury Tented Camp; Mid‑range: Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge; Luxury: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti.

Day 5: The Pulse of the Migration

Set out with a picnic lunch for a full‑day exploration of the Serengeti. Depending on the time of year, we will position you at the heart of the Great Migration. You'll witness hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebras stretching as far as the eye can see. We’ll track the massive herds and look for the predators – lions and hyenas – that follow in their wake. Your guide will share insights into the complex ecosystem that drives this "Greatest Show on Earth."
Accommodation: Same as Day 4.

Day 6: Predators & the Seronera Valley

Today focuses on the "Big Cats." The Seronera Valley is famous for its high density of leopards, often seen lounging in sausage trees, and prides of lions sunning themselves on "kopjes." We’ll start at dawn, the best time to catch a cheetah on a morning hunt. In the late afternoon, we’ll arrange a private sundowner – drinks and snacks served in a remote spot on the plains as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of violet and crimson.
Accommodation: Budget: Tukaone Serengeti Camp; Mid‑range: Lemala Ewanjan Tented Camp; Luxury: Namiri Plains (Asilia Africa).

Day 7: The Ngorongoro Grandeur

Leave the Serengeti and head toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. You will descend 600 meters into the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater, a collapsed volcano that has created a self‑contained "Eden." Because the walls are so steep, the animals rarely leave, resulting in incredible wildlife density. This is your best chance to see the endangered black rhino. You’ll enjoy lunch by the hippo pool before ascending back to the crater rim for breathtaking panoramic views.
Accommodation: Budget: Rhino Lodge; Mid‑range: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge; Luxury: &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge.

Day 8: Farewell to Africa

After a final leisurely breakfast and a visit to a local Maasai market for some handcrafted souvenirs, you will be transferred to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport. You’ll head home with a camera full of photos and a soul full of stories from the heart of the African wild.

Safari Inclusions & Exclusions