What are the best national parks to visit in Tanzania and Uganda during October?

October provides excellent conditions for visiting Tanzania's Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater where wildlife congregates around remaining water sources. In Uganda Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi offer clear viewing conditions for both big game and primates. The Kalinzu Forest Reserve stands out for its chimpanzee populations. Visitors can stay at properties like Fort Murchison The Bush Lodge and Kontiki Africa which serve as convenient bases for exploring multiple parks.

What is the driving time between major attractions in October?

The dry October weather keeps roads accessible making travel times predictable. Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi takes 4-5 hours while Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater requires 2-3 hours. The journey from Bwindi to Kampala spans 8-9 hours. Many visitors choose accommodations like Fort Murchison Lodge and Kontiki Africa which help reduce time spent traveling between destinations.

What wildlife can I expect to see in Tanzania and Uganda in October?

October's dry conditions create prime wildlife viewing across both countries. The Serengeti hosts the Big Five (lion leopard elephant rhino buffalo) along with large wildebeest and zebra herds. Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Park are home to mountain gorillas chimpanzees and a rich variety of birdlife with over 600 recorded species. A TourRadar traveler shared: "We saw everything from gorillas in Bwindi to massive elephant herds in the Serengeti and the guides at Aardvark Safari Lodge were exceptional at tracking wildlife."

What accommodation options are available in October?

October offers good availability across all lodging categories from high-end lodges to authentic tented camps. Popular choices include Rushaga Gorilla Lodge in Bwindi Aardvark Safari Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Ole Serai Luxury Camp in the Serengeti. A TourRadar traveler commented: "The mix of accommodations from Serena Sweetwaters Camp to the lodges in Bwindi provided great comfort and authentic experiences."

Are gorilla trekking permits more readily available in October?

October falls in the shoulder season which means slightly better permit availability compared to peak months. However permits remain limited to 8 people per gorilla family daily and advance booking is essential. Most operators including Absolute Africa incorporate permit fees (approximately USD 995) into their tour packages. According to TourRadar travelers: "Even in October the gorilla trek was the absolute highlight worth every penny of the permit cost."

What special cultural experiences are available in Tanzania and Uganda in October?

The October calendar features visits to traditional Maasai communities near the Serengeti coffee plantation tours in Karatu and community projects in Uganda's Ishasha region. Visitors can participate in traditional dance performances watch basket weaving demonstrations and explore local markets. As one TourRadar traveler noted while staying at Ride4 a Woman lodge: "The guide was very connected in each location and explained daily cultural experiences."

Tanzania and Uganda Tours in October 2026

10 best Tanzania and Uganda trips in October 2026

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Overland Truck
Uganda to Tanzania Overland Safari with Participation Camping
Duration
19 days
Destinations
Uganda Kenya Tanzania
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% Off
From $5,549
US$4,162per person
Price based on Shared Room
7 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
21 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Overland Truck
Gorilla Trek, Kenya & Tanzania (Accommodated) - 28 days
Duration
28 days
Destinations
Kenya Uganda Tanzania
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
10% Off
From $7,835
US$7,052per person
+$1,025 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
3 Oct, 2026
4 spaces left
31 Oct, 2026
4 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Overland Truck
Taste of Africa
4.8 (2 traveler reviews)
"was an amazing trip!!! wouldnt have changed a thing!"
Maryann, traveled in February
Duration
26 days
Destinations
Uganda Rwanda Tanzania
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Absolute Africa
10% Off
From
US$2,150per person
+$550 local payments
Price based on Shared Room
23 Oct, 2026
4 spaces left
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Safari
11 Day Rwanda Uganda Tanzania Primate and Safari Expedition
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Rwanda Uganda Tanzania
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English, German,Italian,French,Spanish+3 more
Operator
Safari 2 Gorilla Tours (U) Ltd
10% Off
From
US$5,500per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Oct, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Oct, 2026
10 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Overland Truck
28-day Game Parks, Gorillas & Zanzibar (Camping)
5.0 (5 traveler reviews)
"The trip in a whole was amazing! His meals were amazing!!"
A, traveled in October
Duration
28 days
Destinations
Kenya Uganda Tanzania
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Acacia Adventure Holidays
20% Off
From $6,595
US$5,276per person
+$995 upfront costs
+$1,025 local payments
Price based on Shared Room
3 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
31 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Overland Truck
Gorillas and Game Parks
4.5 (12 traveler reviews)
"Fantastic trip! Would recommend again!"
Billie-Jo, traveled in September
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Uganda Rwanda Tanzania
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Absolute Africa
20% Off
From
US$3,550per person
Price based on Shared Room
4 Oct, 2026
4 spaces left
28 Oct, 2026
4 spaces left
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Overland Truck
Zanzibar to Gorillas
4.5 (2 traveler reviews)
"The trip exceeded my expectations. The campsites were good and the tents were comfortable."
Abigail, traveled in September
Duration
19 days
Destinations
Tanzania Rwanda Uganda
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Absolute Africa
20% Off
From
US$4,360per person
Price based on Shared Room
21 Oct, 2026
4 spaces left
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Safari
Uganda and Zanzibar - From the Land of the Mountain Gorillas to Zanzibar
Duration
19 days
Destinations
Entebbe, Ngamba Island, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary,Murchison Falls National Park,Kibale Forest National Park,Queen Elizabeth National Park,Bwindi Impenetrable National Park,Lake Mburo National Park,Zanzibar+6 more
Operated in
Only: German
Operator
Gebeco
20% Off
From
US$7,817per person
Price based on Private Double Room
5 Oct, 2026
10 spaces left
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Safari
8 Day Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania Gorilla & Wildlife Safari
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Rwanda Uganda Tanzania
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English, Italian,French,Spanish+2 more
Operator
Safari 2 Gorilla Tours (U) Ltd
20% Off
From
US$5,590per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Oct, 2026
8 spaces left
2 Oct, 2026
8 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Safari
14 Days Serengeti, Masai Mara & Gorilla Trekking Experience
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"The natural beauty of Arusha National Park, the huge herd of elephants in Tarangire, and the animals of Ngorongoro Crater were captivating."
Hailey, traveled in August
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Tanzania Kenya Uganda
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, German,French,Spanish+2 more
Operator
Rumara Safaris
5% Off
From $4,980
US$4,731per person
+$800 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
10 Oct, 2026
8 spaces left
18 Oct, 2026
8 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Explorer
Gorillas & East Africa Safari
Duration
18 days
Destinations
Rwanda Uganda Kenya Tanzania
Age Range
Ages 15+
National Park
Queen Elizabeth National ParkMasai Mara National Reserve+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
10% Off
From $11,090
US$9,981per person
Price based on Shared Room
1 Oct, 2026
5 spaces left
15 Oct, 2026
4 spaces left
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$17 Days Safari to experience Uganda\'s gorillas, Kenya\'s Masai Mara, Tanzania\'s Serengeti and Ngorongoro ( Private tour) Tour$
$17 Days Safari to experience Uganda\'s gorillas, Kenya\'s Masai Mara, Tanzania\'s Serengeti and Ngorongoro ( Private tour) - 19 destinations$
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Safari
17 Days Safari to experience Uganda's gorillas, Kenya's Masai Mara, Tanzania's Serengeti and Ngorongoro ( Private tour)
Duration
17 days
Destinations
Uganda Kenya Tanzania
Age Range
Ages 16+
Operated in
English
Operator
Mukisa Safaris Uganda
10% Off
From
US$13,995per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Oct, 2026
6 spaces left
11 Oct, 2026
6 spaces left
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Safari
15 days discovery of Uganda & Tanzania
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Uganda Kenya Tanzania
Age Range
Ages 16+
Operated in
English
Operator
Mukisa Safaris Uganda
10% Off
From
US$12,260per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Oct, 2026
6 spaces left
11 Oct, 2026
6 spaces left
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Overland Truck
East Africa & Zanzibar Overland Safari & Participation Camping
Duration
24 days
Destinations
Kenya Uganda Tanzania
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% Off
From $6,799
US$5,099per person
Price based on Shared Room
2 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
16 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Overland Truck
Rainforests and Reefs
4.3 (7 traveler reviews)
"the tour was very good, itinerary excellent, driver perfect."
joanna, traveled in March
Duration
18 days
Destinations
Rwanda Uganda Tanzania
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Rainforest
Operated in
English
Operator
Absolute Africa
25% Off
From
US$3,630per person
Price based on Shared Room
7 Oct, 2026
4 spaces left
31 Oct, 2026
4 spaces left
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