This 14-day Uganda & Tanzania safari and beach adventure begins in Uganda with a nature walk in Lake Mburo National Park, an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and thrilling wildlife encounters in Queen Elizabeth National Park, including tree-climbing lions and a Kazinga Channel boat cruise. The journey continues in Tanzania with game drives in Tarangire National Park (famous for elephants and baobabs), the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater (home to the Big Five), and a full-day Serengeti safari, with an optional hot air balloon ride. The adventure culminates in Zanzibar, where you’ll unwind on pristine beaches, explore Stone Town, or enjoy snorkeling and spice tours before departing with unforgettable memories of East Africa’s wildlife, culture, and tropical beauty.
We will begin our safari with an early morning departure from Entebbe, embarking on a drive that will take approximately 4 to 5 hours to Lake Mburo National Park. The journey will offer scenic views of Uganda’s countryside, passing through small towns and lush landscapes. Halfway through the drive, we will stop at the Equator for lunch, where you can stretch your legs, enjoy a meal, and capture photos at this iconic spot. After lunch, we will proceed to Lake Mburo, arriving in the early afternoon. Once at the park, we will go on an afternoon nature walk guided by an expert, allowing you to observe the park's diverse wildlife, including zebras, impalas, and various bird species. After the nature walk, you will check into your lodge, enjoy dinner, and unwind for the night.
Overnight: Mihingo Lodge
We will start the day with an early breakfast and set off for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. This drive will take about 5 to 6 hours, with stunning views of rolling hills, farmland, and rural villages along the way. We will stop for lunch at a local restaurant to break up the journey. The road to Bwindi will become more mountainous as we approach the park, offering a sense of adventure and anticipation. We expect to reach Bwindi in the late afternoon, where you will check into your lodge and spend the evening at leisure, preparing for the gorilla trekking experience the next day.
Overnight: Mahogany Springs Lodge
The day begins with an early breakfast to ensure we reach the park's briefing point by 7:00 AM. Here, rangers will explain the trekking protocols, including safety measures such as maintaining a safe distance from the gorillas, avoiding sudden movements, and minimizing noise. The trek itself can last from 2 to 8 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family being tracked, and will involve navigating through dense forest and steep terrain. Experienced guides and trackers will accompany you, providing information about the forest’s ecosystem. Once you locate the gorilla family, you will have up to one hour to observe their behaviors and interactions—an extraordinary and intimate wildlife encounter. After the trek, we will return to the lodge for a well-earned rest, followed by dinner.
Overnight: Mahogany Springs Lodge
We will depart from Bwindi in the morning for a 4 to 5-hour drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through the Ishasha sector, which is famous for its tree-climbing lions. En route, we will stop for lunch to recharge. Depending on our arrival time in Queen Elizabeth National Park, we may proceed with an afternoon game drive to spot wildlife such as elephants, buffaloes, and perhaps the elusive leopards. The day will conclude with a check-in at your lodge, dinner, and relaxation.
Overnight: The Buffalo Safari Lodge
An early breakfast will prepare us for a morning game drive, which lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours. This is the optimal time to observe the park's wildlife as they are most active during the early hours. Expect to see lions, hyenas, antelopes, and other herbivores. After the game drive, we will return to the lodge for lunch and a brief rest. In the afternoon, we will go on a 2-hour boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George. The channel is known for its high concentration of hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. Wildlife like elephants and buffaloes can often be seen along the banks. The day will end with dinner and an overnight stay at your lodge.
Overnight: The Buffalo Safari Lodge
After breakfast, we will begin our 6 to 7-hour drive back to Entebbe, enjoying the last views of Uganda's beautiful landscape. We will make a stop for lunch along the way. Arrival in Entebbe is expected in the early evening in time for dinner.
Overnight: The Boma Hotel
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a warm welcome awaits you. Your private driver guide will meet you and transfer you to your lodge in Arusha—set at the foot of Mount Meru. Settle in, refresh, and enjoy a peaceful evening as you prepare for the adventure ahead.
Overnight: Lake Duluti Lodge
After breakfast, set off for Tarangire National Park, known for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. You’ll arrive in time for a thrilling game drive with a picnic lunch inside the park. Keep your eyes peeled for lions, giraffes, wildebeests, and over 500 species of birds. In the afternoon, continue to Karatu, a charming town on the edge of the Ngorongoro Highlands.
Overnight: Acacia Farm Lodge
After breakfast, journey to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often called “Africa’s Garden of Eden.” Enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor as you spot rhinos, lions, elephants, and more. In the afternoon, drive onward to Serengeti National Park, with game viewing along the way. Arrive at your lodge and enjoy dinner and rest.
Optional: Stop at a traditional Maasai village en route for a cultural visit.
Overnight: Serengeti Acacia-Bliss
Today is dedicated to a full-day safari in the central Serengeti, a region rich in wildlife year-round. With your guide, explore river valleys and open plains teeming with action—from lions lounging in the grass to cheetahs on the move and vast herds of wildebeest. Enjoy a picnic lunch out in the wild as you continue your safari.Return to your lodge for dinner and rest.
Optional: Begin your day with a hot air balloon safari followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush.
Overnight: Serengeti Acacia-Bliss
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive as you make your way to the Seronera Airstrip for your scheduled domestic flight to Zanzibar, departing at 11:00 AM. Upon arrival at Zanzibar Airport (14:20 PM), a private driver will transfer you to your beachside hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax by the ocean, sip fresh coconut juice, and soak in the coastal air.
Overnight: Neptune Pwani Beach Resort and Spa-(Deluxe Beach Side)
Wake up to the sound of waves and enjoy a slow breakfast. This day is yours to do as little or as much as you like. Relax on the beach, swim in the warm Indian Ocean, or choose from optional activities such as:
Overnight: Neptune Pwani Beach Resort and Spa-(Deluxe Beach Side)
Optional: Excursions and activities
Spend another full day enjoying the beach or exploring the island at your own pace. Whether it’s a morning yoga session, spa treatment, diving trip, or simply a book under the palm trees—today is all about you.
Overnight: Neptune Pwani Beach Resort and Spa-(Deluxe Beach Side)
After breakfast, depending on your international flight time, your private driver will transfer you to Zanzibar International Airport. Depart with beautiful memories of East Africa´s wildlife, warm culture, and tropical charm.
With our exceptional personalised safaris throughout East Africa, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the debut wildlife safaris in Tanzania, magical gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, and experiential cultural tours that take you to the soul of Africa.
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Cheryl, the eldest daughter of Olive, has embraced the responsibility of carrying forward her mother’s legacy with resilience and determination. After losing her father at the age of six, she was raised by her mother, Olive, with the support of Christer. Olive’s passing in 2017, when Cheryl was just 19, became a defining moment in her journey.
Having been involved in the foundations of Sunset Hotel Entebbe and Olive Safari Uganda from a young age, Cheryl stepped up to manage the businesses alongside Christer. Under his mentorship, she navigated the complexities of entrepreneurship and discovered her passion for tourism.
With a Master’s degree in Business Administration and hands-on leadership, Cheryl has been instrumental in maintaining loyal clientele at Sunset Hotel Entebbe, adapting it to post-COVID standards, and expanding Olive Safari Uganda. As a certified tour guide for Uganda, Tanzania and Zanzibar, she remains committed to upholding her mother’s vision of exceptional service and unforgettable travel experiences.
Christer, a Swedish education consultant with over 40 years of experience guiding travelers across Africa, co-founded Olive Safari Uganda with a deep passion for the continent’s wonders. His extensive journeying, particularly through Zimbabwe, Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya, enriched his understanding of Africa’s landscapes and cultures. As a consultant, he also contributed to education and development, notably establishing an automotive school in Zimbabwe. His work with the Global Journey program brought him to Uganda, where he collaborated with municipalities and fell in love with the country’s heritage.
During this time, he met Olive, whose exceptional leadership and organizational skills later turned their professional relationship into a personal one. Their shared vision led to the creation of Olive Safari Uganda in the early 2000s, followed later by Sunset Hotel Entebbe. While Christer split his time in Sweden managing the Global Journey program, Olive oversaw daily operations. Today, Olive Safari Uganda embodies Christer’s seasoned expertise as a guide and strategic insight, paired with Olive’s dedication, delivering outstanding safaris that showcase Uganda’s beauty and beyond.
Ayebale Olive, co-founder of Olive Safari Uganda, brought over 20 years of community service experience into the world of tourism. As secretary to Entebbe’s Mayor, she honed her skills in program management and international partnerships, playing a key role in the Global Journey program that linked Uganda and Sweden.
It was through this program that she met Christer—three years after the passing of her first husband, while raising three children. United by a shared passion for travel and discovery, they founded Olive Safari Uganda in the early 2000s. Their commitment to exceptional service quickly set the company apart.
As demand grew, they expanded their vision by establishing Sunset Hotel Entebbe, creating a welcoming space for travelers exploring Uganda. Olive’s legacy lives on, shaping the company’s dedication to authentic and unforgettable safari experiences