If you are looking for a safari experience that goes beyond the ordinary, combining Uganda chimpanzee trekking with a Serengeti safari is the ultimate choice. This unique journey allows you to explore two of East Africa’s greatest treasures: the lush tropical rainforests of Uganda, home to wild chimpanzees, and the vast savannahs of Tanzania’s Serengeti, famous for the Great Wildebeest Migration and Big Five.
This combination offers the best of both worlds – close encounters with playful primates in Uganda and thrilling wildlife safaris across one of the world’s most iconic ecosystems in Tanzania.
Most travelers visit Africa either for safari game drives or primate trekking, but combining the two offers a rare chance to experience:
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest or Kyambura Gorge in Uganda.
World-class safaris in the Serengeti, home to lions, elephants, cheetahs, and wildebeest herds.
A diverse landscape mix – from tropical forests and crater lakes in Uganda to endless plains in Tanzania.
A more authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventure, compared to sticking with only one country.
This itinerary is ideal for nature lovers, wildlife photographers, and anyone seeking a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience.
Uganda is known as the primate capital of Africa, with over 5,000 chimpanzees spread across its forests.
Kibale Forest National Park
Nicknamed the “Primate Capital of the World.”
Home to more than 1,500 chimpanzees and 12 other primate species.
Guided trekking tours take 2–5 hours, offering close-up encounters.
Kyambura Gorge (Queen Elizabeth National Park)
Known as the “Valley of Apes.”
Trek through a stunning gorge with rivers and dense forest.
Great for combining with a savannah safari in Queen Elizabeth.
Budongo Forest (near Murchison Falls)
One of Uganda’s oldest forests.
Offers chimp trekking and eco-tourism experiences.
👉 Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX) is also available in Kibale – where you spend a full day following chimps as they interact, feed, and socialize.
After your Uganda chimpanzee trekking, the journey continues south to Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.
The Great Wildebeest Migration – over 1.5 million wildebeest and zebras migrate between Serengeti and Masai Mara.
Predator sightings – lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas dominate the plains.
Big Five safaris – elephants, lions, leopards, buffalos, and rhinos.
Varied landscapes – endless plains, kopjes (rocky outcrops), and seasonal rivers.
Here’s a suggested 10–12 day itinerary combining Uganda and Tanzania:
Day 1–2: Arrival in Entebbe, Uganda → Kibale Forest
Fly into Entebbe International Airport.
Drive to Kibale (or fly to Kasese).
Trek through the forest for your first chimpanzee encounter.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale
Guided chimpanzee trek (morning or afternoon).
Optional: Bigodi Swamp Walk for birding and primates.
Day 4–5: Queen Elizabeth National Park (Optional Extension)
Game drives in Uganda’s savannah.
Boat safari along the Kazinga Channel.
Day 6: Flight from Uganda to Tanzania (Arusha)
Fly to Kilimanjaro or Arusha via Entebbe.
Overnight in Arusha.
Day 7–9: Serengeti Safari
Fly or drive into Serengeti.
Full-day game drives exploring different regions of the park.
Witness predators, the Great Migration (seasonal), and classic savannah wildlife.
Day 10: Ngorongoro Crater (Optional)
Descend into the crater for incredible wildlife density.
Spot black rhinos, lions, and herds of buffalo.
Day 11–12: Departure or Zanzibar Extension
Return to Arusha.
Option to fly to Zanzibar for a beach holiday.
Luxury Safari Packages – Fly-in safaris, exclusive lodges, luxury tented camps, private guides.
Mid-Range Packages – Comfortable lodges, scheduled flights, shared game drives.
Budget Packages – Group tours, camping safaris, guesthouses in Uganda.
Primate & Wildlife Combo Tours – Includes gorilla trekking in Bwindi plus Serengeti safari.
Uganda (Chimpanzee Trekking): Year-round, but best in dry seasons – June to September and December to February.
Serengeti Safari: Best from June to October (dry season and migration crossings).
Great Migration Calving Season: January–March in southern Serengeti.
👉 For the best combination, plan between June and October when both Uganda trekking and Serengeti safaris offer ideal conditions.
Prices vary depending on accommodation and travel style:
Budget: $250 – $400 per person/day.
Mid-range: $500 – $700 per person/day.
Luxury: $900 – $1,500+ per person/day.
Chimpanzee trekking permits in Uganda cost around $200 per person (Kibale).
Book chimp trekking permits early – spots are limited.
Use regional flights (Entebbe → Kilimanjaro/Arusha → Serengeti) to save time.
Carry light clothing, hiking boots for trekking, and neutral-colored clothes for game drives.
Vaccinations and yellow fever certificates are required.
Get travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage.
1. Can I combine gorilla trekking with this safari?
Yes! Many travelers combine chimp trekking in Kibale, gorilla trekking in Bwindi, and Serengeti safari.
2. How difficult is chimpanzee trekking?
Moderate difficulty – treks last 2–5 hours, but chimps are usually found faster than gorillas.
3. How do I travel from Uganda to Serengeti?
The easiest way is to fly from Entebbe to Kilimanjaro or Arusha, then connect to Serengeti.
4. Is this safari family-friendly?
Yes, though children under 15 are not allowed on chimpanzee treks. Families can adjust with wildlife safaris instead.
5. Do I need visas for both countries?
Yes. Separate visas are required for Uganda and Tanzania.
Combining Uganda chimpanzee trekking with Serengeti safari is one of the most rewarding ways to experience East Africa. It brings together the thrill of walking through lush forests to meet wild chimpanzees and the awe of driving across endless plains filled with lions, elephants, and migrating wildebeest.
For travelers who want more than just a standard safari, this itinerary offers the perfect mix of primate encounters and iconic African wildlife – making it an unforgettable adventure.
EXPERIENCES
BEST TOURS
copyright©2025 . Enjore Safaris
