25 Days Tanzania Uganda Road Trip itinerary – Self drive tour
Looking for prefect holidays to explore Tanzania from southern coastal region to northern Tanzania using the best Tanzania Safari circuits before connecting to Uganda for the Primate trekking experiences in the wilderness of tropical rain forests. On this Tanzania Uganda self drive road trip you will explore Selous National Park, Mikumi, Udzungwa Mountains National Park and head to Lake Eyasi ( 25 Days Tanzania road Trip itinerary) for the cultural experience of hadzabe, datoga and hare tribes within the area before proceeding to explore Ngorongoro crater, Serengeti , burigi chato game reserve and Ruhonda Islands for chimpanzee tracking and later cross to Uganda known as the unspoiled , most pleasant country within east Africa offering unforgettable experiences in Lake mburo for horse riding , bwindi impenetrable national Park for gorilla trekking and mgahinga national park for golden monkey tracking with out missing the shoe bill watching experience on the shores of Lake Victoria in Entebbe.
Uganda has half the number of the world’s Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and share half with Rwanda and DR Congo although self drive itineraries are possible in Uganda and Rwanda!
Shoe bill is a huge stork like grey bird with a big shoe like hooked bill. The inhabit undisturbed wetlands and Uganda is where you could almost be guaranteed superb sightings even right opposite Entebbe international Airport.
Trip Summary 25 Days Tanzania Uganda Self Drive itinerary – Self Drive Tours
Day 1: pick up from Dar es salaam
Day 2: transfer to Nyerere national park and enjoy evening game drive
Day 3: game drive and boat cruise
Day 4: transfer to Mikumi National Park
Day 5: game drive full day
Day 6: transfer to Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Day7: hike to the falls and nature walk .
Day 8: transfer to Dodoma
Day 9: transfer to Lake Eyasi .
Day 10:Cultural Experiences and Hunting with local community
Day11: visit the cultural experience and transfer to lake Natron
Day 12: visit the lake and culture experience
Day 13: transfer to Serengeti national park
Day 14: game drive full day
Day 15: transfer to mwanza town
Day 16: transfer to Chato town
Day 17: boat to Ruhonda island national park and chimpanzee tracking , wildlife watching and return to Chato beach resort .
Day 18: transfer to lake mburo national park
Day 19: game drive and horse riding tour
Day 20: transfer to bwindi impenetrable national park
Day 21 : gorilla trekking in bwindi
Day 22: nature walk and transfer to mgahinga national park
Day 23: Golden monkey hike
Day24: transfer to Nkima lodge
Day25: visit to shoeBill and transfer to airport for flight back home .
Detailed 25 Days Tanzania Uganda Road Trip – Self Drive itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam
Upon arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport you will welcomed by the team of Self drive East Africa and the specialist guide will transfer you to your accommodation on the shoes of Indian ocean and he will orient about the car operation , route and journey planning for classic Tanzania Journey, Shopping is recommended to be done on this day as you prepare for the long Tanzania self drive Safari. Enjoy a relaxing evening and take time to rest. Go wild Tanzania with Self drive East Africa the experts in 4×4 Tanzania rental with classic camping gears
Camping Public campsite
Day 2: Transfer from Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park
After morning breakfast at the hotel , you will head to explore Kilwa Kisiwani Centre and later proceed to Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous game reserve), the largest protected area in Tanzania.
Camping Public campsite
Day 3: Nyerere National Park
Spend a full day exploring Nyerere’s vast miombo woodlands and river channels. You may spot elephants, lions, wild dogs, and hippos. A boat safari on the Rufiji River is a great optional experience to see crocodiles, birds, and animals coming to drink.
Self Drive East Africa recommends getting a local Safari guide to take you around the park during the game drive in Nyerere as they are always available at 20$
Camping Public campsite
Day 4: Transfer from Nyerere National Park to Mikumi National Park
After morning breakfast , you will set off to Mikumi National Park , Remember that your only leaving these parks with a story to tell other travelers. You will be driving to northwest part of Tanzania heading to Mikumi, passing through the scenic Uluguru Mountains. You will arrive in the afternoon and enjoy a short game drive in Mikumi’s open plains, where giraffes and elephants are commonly seen.
Camping Public campsite or Mantis Lodge Camping Section.
Day 5: Game drive in Mikumi National Park
You will Spend the entire day on game drive through Mikumi, often called a “mini-Serengeti” for its wide savannas and good wildlife viewing. Look for herds of impala, buffalo, and zebra, as well as predators like lions and hyenas, its among the best places that have good road and trucks for game drive , We do recommended that you plan to book local guide to help you see a lot of Wildlife and even elephants.
Camping Public campsite
Day 6: Transfer from Mikumi to Udzungwa Mountains National Park
You will drive to Udzungwa Mountains National Park which is a unique park known for its rain forest, waterfalls, and rare primates. Go for a hike through dense tropical vegetation to Sanje Falls, where you can swim in natural pools and enjoy panoramic views. its known as the
Camping public campsite
Day 7: Nature walk and hike to Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Enjoy an early breakfast at Camp Bastian, preparing for an adventurous day in Udzungwa Mountains National Park. Depart from the camp for a short 20-minute drive to the Udzungwa Mountains National Park entrance. Meet your park ranger and begin an exhilarating hiking trek through the lush rainforest.
Follow trails surrounded by towering trees, vibrant birdlife, and rare primates like the Udzungwa red colobus monkey and Sanje mangabey. Learn about the unique flora and fauna from your knowledgeable guide. Reach the stunning Sanje Waterfalls, a 170-meter cascading waterfall offering breathtaking views of the Kilombero Valley.
Enjoy a packed picnic lunch near the waterfalls while taking in the serene environment. Begin your descent back down, taking another route to spot more wildlife and unique plant species. Arrive back at the park entrance and drive back to Camp Bastian for well-deserved relaxation, leisure & Overnight Stay.
Camping Public campsite
Day 8: Transfer to Dodoma
Drive to Dodoma, the capital of Tanzania, passing through rural countryside. This is a travel day, so relax and enjoy the changing scenery. Campsite: Dodoma Rock Hotel
Day 9: Drive to Lake Eyasi
Continue your journey to Lake Eyasi, a remote Salt Lake near the Ngorongoro highlands. The area is home to the Hadzabe and Datoga communities. Campsite: Lake Eyasi Campsite
Day 10: Cultural Experience and Hunting Walk
Spend the morning with the Hadzabe, a local hunter-gatherer group. Join them for a morning hunting trip and learn about their traditional way of life. In the afternoon, visit the Datoga blacksmiths. Campsite: Lake Eyasi Campsite
Day 11: Transfer to Lake Natron via Rift Valley
Drive through remote and stunning landscapes to Lake Natron, a salty and shallow lake famous for flamingos and volcanic views. Campsite: Maasai Giraffe Eco Lodge Campsite or Worldview Campsite
Day 12: Visit Lake Natron and Cultural Tour
Walk to the edge of Lake Natron to see flamingos and enjoy a short hike to the nearby waterfall. Later, visit a local Maasai village for a cultural experience. Campsite: Worldview Campsite or Maasai Giraffe Eco Lodge Campsite
Day 13: Transfer to Serengeti National Park
Today you enter Serengeti National Park via Klein’s Gate. Enjoy a game drive as you head toward the central Serengeti, home to abundant wildlife. Campsite: Seronera Public Campsite
Day 14: Full Day Game Drive in Serengeti
Explore the endless plains of Serengeti. You’ll have a full day to look for lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and more. Pack lunch for a picnic in the wild. Campsite: Seronera Public Campsite
Day 15: Drive to Mwanza via Western Corridor
Exit Serengeti through the western corridor and drive to Mwanza on the shores of Lake Victoria. It’s a scenic and less-visited route. Campsite: Charming Bungalow
Day 16: Transfer to Chato Town
Drive along the lake to Chato, a quiet lakeside town. Relax at the beach or prepare for the next day’s adventure to Rubondo Island. Campsite: Chato Beach Resort
Day 17: Rubondo Island – Chimpanzee Tracking and Wildlife Tour
Take a boat from Chato to Rubondo Island National Park. Enjoy chimpanzee tracking, bird watching, and possibly see sitatungas and crocodiles. Return by boat to Chato in the evening. Campsite: Chato Beach Resort
Day 18: Cross Border – Drive to Lake Mburo, Uganda (Tanzania–Uganda Border)
Cross the border into Uganda and head to Lake Mburo National Park. The park is home to zebras, antelopes, and hippos. Campsite: Leopard Campsite
Day 19: Game Drive and Horseback Safari
Enjoy a game drive in the morning to see elands, zebras, and buffaloes. In the afternoon, take a horseback safari – a fun and unique way to see wildlife. Campsite: Leopard Campsite
Day 20: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Today, drive through hills and farmlands to Bwindi, one of the most famous parks in Africa for gorilla trekking. Campsite: Ruhija Community Camp
Day 21: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Spend the day trekking through the forest with a guide to find mountain gorillas. Once you find them, spend one magical hour with the gorilla family. Simple Facts about Bwindi, a World Heritage Park, is home to just over half of the world’s last surviving mountain gorilla population of 1,000 individuals. Although the hike can be physically demanding, the anticipation of the exciting experience ahead is invigorating, and the beauty of the forest and its inhabitants is fascinating. You will have early morning breakfast and transfer to the park headquarters for briefing by the ranger guide and later head into the forest trekking until you encounter the mountain gorillas. This could take 2-4 hours depending on the movement of the gorillas. On finding them, you will be allowed to spend one hour with these gentle giants and later return and transfer back to the campsite where you will unwind. overnight at Ruhija Community Camp
Day 22: Nature Walk and Transfer to Mgahinga National Park
Enjoy a relaxed nature walk in the morning. Later, drive to Mgahinga, another great park for primate viewing and scenic hiking. Campsite: Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp
Day 23: Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga
Take a guided hike to track the golden monkeys, which are only found in this region. It’s a rewarding and less crowded experience. Campsite: Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp
Day 24: Drive to Nkima Forest Lodge (Near Mabamba Swamp)
Head toward Entebbe and stop near Mabamba Swamp, a known spot for the rare Shoebill stork. Rest at a quiet lodge or campsite. Campsite: Nkima Forest Lodge (budget camping option available)
Day 25: Shoebill Stork Watching – Transfer to Entebbe Airport
Take an early boat ride through Mabamba Swamp to search for the Shoebill stork. After the birding tour, drive to Entebbe Airport for your flight home. End of Tour