Best 10-Day Gorillas and Great Migration Safari with a Beach Relaxation
Epic 10-Day Safari: Rwanda/Uganda Gorilla Trekking, Big Five Wildlife Safari and Great Migration in Tanzania and a Zanzibar Beach Relaxation
This 10-Day Gorillas and Great Migration Safari is one of the most remarkable journeys you can take across East Africa. The journey combines the thrill of Gorilla Trekking in the lush rainforests of Rwanda or Uganda, the legendary Great Migration and Big Five encounters in Tanzania, and the soothing tropical White Sand Beaches of Zanzibar.
The 10-Day Gorillas and Great Migration Safari is designed for travelers who want the full African Experience — from mist-covered volcanoes and thundering wildebeest herds to turquoise ocean waves. You’ll explore three iconic destinations:
- Central & East African forests for gorillas and chimps,
- Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit for the Big Five and migration spectacle,
- Zanzibar Island for a sun-drenched, cultural and oceanfront finale.
This 10-Day Gorillas and Great Migration Safari itinerary beautifully balances adventure, wildlife, and relaxation. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this trip captures the very essence of East Africa’s magic.
Why Choose This 10-Day Gorillas and Great Migration Safari
- All-in-one experience: Gorilla trekking, the Big Five, and Zanzibar — a perfect East African triad.
- Flexible start: Begin in either Rwanda or Uganda depending on your interests and budget.
- Balanced pace: Adventure-filled days in the wild followed by tranquil beach relaxation.
- Midrange or Luxury options: Stay in carefully selected lodges, tented camps, or beach resorts.
- Expert guides: Professional driver-guides and trackers ensure safe, seamless travel.
- Peak-season optimized: Timed for July–October to coincide with ideal weather and the Great Migration.
Summary of 10-Day Gorillas and Great Migration Safari
- Day 1 -3: Gorilla Trekking Rwanda vs. Uganda
- Days 4-8: Tanzanian Safari: Big Five, Wildlife Safari & Great Wildebeest Migration
- Days 9–10: Zanzibar Relaxation
10-Day Gorillas and Great Migration Safari Tour Highlights
- Gorilla Trekking: Encounter endangered mountain gorillas in their misty jungle habitat.
- Chimpanzee Tracking: Spot playful chimps in Nyungwe or Kibale forests.
- Big Five Safari: Experience lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos in their natural savanna.
- Great Migration: Witness millions of wildebeest and zebras crossing the Serengeti plains.
- Ngorongoro Crater: Discover one of the densest wildlife concentrations in the world.
- Zanzibar Beach: Relax on pristine white-sand beaches and explore the spice-scented island.
- Cultural Encounters: Interact with local communities and enjoy authentic East African hospitality.
Detailed 10-Day Gorillas and Great Migration Safari Itinerary
Day 1 -3: Gorilla Trekking Rwanda vs. Uganda
Mountain gorilla trekking is the thrilling introduction to the 10-Day Gorillas and Great Migration Safari journey. You will hike through dense rainforest to spend one hour with a habituated gorilla family. Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park) is the easier option with less challenging access and terrain
It’s within a 2-hour transfer from Kigali Airport to Volcanoes National Park, and the bamboo forest is fairly open, so the trek can be of a lesser duration.
Compared to this, Uganda (Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga NP) is farther away and steeper: it can take 8–10 hours to transfer from Entebbe (Kampala) to Bwindi, and the trail is a steep, slippery jungle, so treks are longer.
The Gorilla Trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that needs stamina as well as fitness. The Rwandan treks are less strenuous and faster with wider trails, whereas the Ugandan treks are challenging and longer.
Pros & Cons
- Rwanda’s permit is costly ($1,500) but the trek is less strenuous and accommodations are high-end.
- Uganda’s permit is less costly ($800) and has a range of budget/midrange lodges, but be prepared to drive long distances over rough roads.
A seasoned traveler said: “I always suggest Gorilla Trekking Rwanda to those wishing to lavish expenses, or with limited time. Uganda is preferable to the cost-conscious”
- In a nutshell, Rwanda = convenience & high-end accommodation (higher price),
- Uganda = value & adventurous travel (longer journey).
When to Go
- The seasons are the same in both nations. The trek is always possible, though the dry season offers the best weather conditions (June–September, December–February).
- Peak season in Rwanda/Uganda gorilla lands is July–October, the same as the high season in the Tanzanian safari region.
- The time of year avoids the heavy rains as well as optimizes wildlife viewing, though gorilla permit slots should be reserved months in advance (high season demand)
- In Uganda consider basic or community camps in Bwindi.
- Midrange in Rwanda might be lodges like Kinigi, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, or mid-range Volcanoes Village.
With both countries You have the possibility of choosing luxury eco-lodges if you wish to indulge.
Whatever the country, arrive rested (at least one rest day in the rainforest) to be capable of trekking early on Day 2 of 10-Day Gorillas and Great Migration Safari
Days 4-8: Tanzanian Safari: Big Five, Wildlife Safari & Great Wildebeest Migration
Then, the 10-Day Gorillas and Great Migration Safari Tour proceeds to Tanzania’s famous northern safari circuit. Fly or drive to Arusha (safari centre). Arusha has a small airport (ARK), serviced by regional carriers, or use Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), near Moshi. From there you will safari Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
During your 10-Day Gorillas and Great Migration Safari, Leave Arusha heading southwest towards the Tarangire National Park area. Tarangire National Park is famous for gigantic baobab trees and among the largest elephant populations in Tanzania.
Indeed, “Tarangire is home to a dense concentration of baobab trees which provide a wonderful home for elephants” See double hundreds of elephants, as well as lions, leopard, buffalo and additional plains game among the acacia and baobabs.
Then go to Lake Manyara National Park. This small park packs in varied habitats – soda lake with shallows, riverine forest and open woodlands. It’s known for tree-climbing lions (a uncommon trait found basking in acacia branches) and for huge flocks of pink flamingos along the shore of the lake.
Lake Manyara is also a bird enthusiast’s paradise with over 400 species. Wildlife at the park includes lions, hippos in the lake, elephants, giraffes and baboons. A guide tells us that Manyara’s “tree-climbing lions can be found basking on branches” and that “millions of flamingos” converge to feed off the algae in the lake
The Tarangire as well as the Manyara can be done both as day excursions or one night each in the area. They are both quite near Arusha (Tarangire ~2–3 hours, Manyara ~2 hours). There will be chances to game-drive each park to look for buffalo, elephant, as well as predators, in pretty scenery of baobabs as well as swamps.
Proceed next to the Serengeti National Park, the crown jewel of Tanzania safaris. The Serengeti spans sweeping savannah where the Big Cats (lions, leopards, cheetahs) and millions of wildebeest and zebra roam. Visiting in July–October means you may witness The Great Migration – millions of wildebeest moving north in search of rain.
The classic river crossings (over Grumeti/Mara Rivers) occur July–Sept, drawing crocs and predators.
During July–October, We recommend timing travel “between July and September for classic sightings and peak weather”. Even if some herds have crossed into Kenya’s Masai Mara by August, about half usually remain in northern Serengeti.
The Serengeti plains during the Great Migration are alive with huge populations of wildebeest and zebra. Traveling in the months of July–October (the dry season) will afford you the best chance to view these crossings.
Day 5–6 of the 10-Day Gorillas and Great Migration Safari features full-day safari excursions to the central Serengeti (say Seronera region) or northern Serengeti (Lamai, Grumeti). Scour the landscapes to spot lions, hyenas, giraffes, elephants and huge herds of grazing ungulates.
(Even during non-migration months, Serengeti offers wonderful density of wildlife throughout the year.) After a couple of days here, you will have seen dozens of species – ranging from hippos along the rivers to jackals and brightly-hued antelopes.
Then go east to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The star of the show is the Ngorongoro Crater – a 2,000-foot-deep volcanic caldera. This extraordinary “garden of Eden” offers year-round game watching because its walls surround a self-contained environment. It is actually “one of the best places in Africa to view the Big Five (buffalo, lion, leopard, elephant, and rhino)”
The crater floor is home to some 30,000 wildlife, including some 70 lions, enormous buffalo herds, 40 black rhinos, and big tusker elephants. (Leopards exist but are harder to spot.) A safari across the crater early morning is unforgettable – picture lonely lions among flamingos at the alkaline lake, or a gigantic bull elephant passing across open-grasslands.
The self-contained wildlife world of the Ngorongoro Crater offers year-round “Big Five” animal watching. e.g. the crater hosts ~70 lions along with herds of buffalo, rhinos and elephants
You will then go back to the crater rim or nearby to spend the night (or go back all the way to Arusha). Ngorongoro game drives must pay the park fee ($60) plus vehicle charge ($100), and July–August is peak season
Summary of Tanzania Travel
You will spend between 4–5 days on safari in Tanzania in total. The routing may be Tarangire → Manyara → Serengeti → Ngorongoro, or vice versa.
The transfers between parks may be long-distance (e.g. Serengeti → Lake Manyara ~4 hours, Ngorongoro → Serengeti ~3–4 hours).
Set yourself up to withstand multi-hour drives over mixed terrain. All parks are located within northern Tanzania’s “Northern Circuit,” so roads tend to be good and wildlife is abundant during 10-Day Gorillas and Great Migration Safari
Peak Season: July–October is peak tourist season. This dry season yields mild weather, optimal game viewing, and the migration spectacle, It also means more tourists (especially in Ngorongoro and Serengeti), but your chances of wildlife sightings are highest.
Travel in shoulder months (June or October) can reduce crowds slightly.
Pack light layers – This 10-Day Gorillas and Great Migration Safari mostly has warm mornings/evenings and hot midday sun.
Accommodation: We blend budget with midrange accommodations. There are lodges, tented camps as well as safari lodges in Tanzania. As an example, the midrange lodges such as the Tarangire River Camp or Manyara Tree Lodge are beautiful
The budget-conscious may utilize basic tented camps or safari campsites.
At Serengeti/Ngorongoro area, the mid-range tented camps (Seronera Wilderness, Karatu Simba Camp) are comfortable, and budgets can be at the Karatu homestays or the public campsites. Pre-book highly in advance during July–October.
Days 9–10: Zanzibar Beach Bliss Relaxation
Then end your 10-Day Gorillas and Great Migration Safari with two beach days on Zanzibar. From Arusha or Kilimanjaro, take a flight to Zanzibar Island (ZNZ). There are regular 1.5-hour flights from Arusha or close-by Arusha-Kilimanjaro (JRO) airports (direct links are offered by Precision Air and Coastal Aviation; otherwise, you can transfer through Dar es Salaam or Nairobi. Arusha→Zanzibar non-stop takes around 1h35)
Zanzibar is a paradise island in the Indian Ocean with white sandy beaches and clear blue waters. Unwind at a beach resort or beach bungalow. The sand is soft and the ocean is warm and clear – ideal for swimming, snorkelling or simply relaxing.
There are many hotels with Spa facilities and aquatic activities. Allow time to go to historic Stone Town (a UNESCO world heritage site) or take a spice plantation tour.
Zanzibar beaches provide the ultimate tropical touch. Here, a beautiful white-sand beach and palms induce relaxation after the adrenaline rush of gorilla trekking and safari (as one visitor writes, Zanzibar remains “a gem of an island” with wonderful beaches).
You will use Day 9 beach arrival relaxation with possibly a sunset dhow cruise, followed by Day 10 beach time and final shopping. Fly home from Zanzibar (Abeid Amani Karume Airport) to end your 10-Day Gorillas and Great Migration Safari
This 10-Day Gorillas and Great Migration Safari – gorilla trekking, then the wildlife gems of Tanzania, wrapping up with beach time in Zanzibar – will give you the best natural sights of East Africa. The program blends activity with downtime; combines budget with midrange accommodations; and takes place during July–October, the prime months to see wildlife. Bon voyage!
What to Pack
Essential Gear for your 10-Day Gorillas and Great Migration Safari
- Lightweight hiking boots (for gorilla trekking)
- Neutral-colored safari clothing
- Long-sleeved shirts and trousers (for forest hikes and sun protection)
- Light rain jacket and fleece for cool mornings
- Hat
- Sunglasses and Sunscreen
- Binoculars
- Camera with extra batteries
- Personal medications and insect repellent
- Copy of passport
- Travel insurance
What You’ll See
Inclusions
- Gorilla trekking permits (Uganda or Rwanda)
- All national park and conservation fees
- Accommodation (budget, midrange, or luxury options available)
- All meals during safari
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with professional driver-guide
- Internal flight(s) as per itinerary (e.g., Arusha–Zanzibar)
- Airport transfers
- Bottled water during game drives
Exclusions
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic drinks and soft beverages
- Optional activities (e.g., hot-air balloon, dhow cruise)
- Tips and personal expenses
- Souvenirs
- Cigarettes
Best Time to Visit
- June–October: Best for gorilla trekking and wildlife viewing — dry season, minimal rain, great migration activity.
- December–February: Good alternative dry season; fewer crowds and lush scenery.
- March–May: Green season, ideal for photographers but expect rain.
- July–October: Peak months when both gorillas and wildebeest migration coincide — the ultimate 10-Day Gorillas and Great Migration Safari window.
Safari Enroute
Accommodation Pricing for 10-Day Gorillas and Great Migration Safari
| Accommodation Type | 2 People | 4 People | 6 People |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Lodges | From $4,850 | From $4,450 | From $4,150 |
| Mid-range Lodges | From $5,600 | From $5,200 | From $4,950 |
| Luxury Lodges | From $7,200 | From $6,850 | From $6,500 |
