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

View Map
Safari
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 $7,199
US$5,399per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $269
16 Oct, 2026
8 spaces left
View tour

View Map
Safari
Gorillas and Game Parks
4.5 (12 traveler reviews)
"No faults, great group, great food, great tours, unforgettable gorillas."
Glenn, traveled in November
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Uganda Rwanda Tanzania
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Absolute Africa
25% Off
From
US$3,558per person
Price based on Shared Room
Sign up and save up to $177
4 Oct, 2026
4 spaces left
View tour
View Map
Safari
Gorilla Trek, Kenya & Tanzania - 28 days
Duration
28 days
Destinations
Kenya Uganda Tanzania
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
25% Off
From $7,505
US$5,629per person
+$1,025 local payments
Price based on Shared Room
Sign up and save up to $281
3 Oct, 2026
4 spaces left
31 Oct, 2026
4 spaces left
View tour
View Map
Safari
11 Day Rwanda Uganda Tanzania Primate and Safari Expedition
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Rwanda Uganda Tanzania
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English, Italian,French,Spanish+2 more
Operator
Safari 2 Gorilla Tours (U) Ltd
25% Off
From
US$5,500per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $275
1 Oct, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Oct, 2026
10 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
View tour
View Map
Discover the freshest adventures available
New on TourRadar
Safari
Epic East Africa: Gorillas, Chimps and Game Parks
Duration
19 days
Destinations
Uganda Kenya Tanzania
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From $8,345
US$6,676per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $333
View tour
View Map
Safari
East African Classical Adventure - Maasai Mara & Serengeti, Gorilla Trekking and more - 21 days
Duration
21 days
Destinations
Tanzania Kenya Uganda
Age Range
Ages 10+
Operated in
English, Spanish,Chinese+1 more
Operator
Rumara Safaris
20% Off
From
US$11,900per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $595
2 Oct, 2026
6 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
View tour
View Map
Safari
16 Day East Africa Gorilla Trekking and Safari Wildlife Adventure
Duration
16 days
Destinations
Rwanda Uganda Tanzania
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English, French
Operator
Safari 2 Gorilla Tours (U) Ltd
20% Off
From
US$10,500per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $525
1 Oct, 2026
8 spaces left
2 Oct, 2026
8 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
View tour
View Map
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
Sign up and save up to $279
1 Oct, 2026
8 spaces left
2 Oct, 2026
8 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
View tour
View Map
Safari
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
25% Off
From $7,255
US$5,441per person
+$995 upfront costs
+$1,025 local payments
Price based on Shared Room
Sign up and save up to $321
3 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
31 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Safari
12 Days – Gorilla Trekking – Maasai Mara – Serengeti and Crater Safari
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Uganda Kenya Tanzania
Age Range
Ages 10+
Operated in
English, German,Italian,French,Spanish+3 more
Operator
Wonders of Creation Tours and Safaris
25% Off
From
US$12,754per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $637
1 Oct, 2026
6 spaces left
2 Oct, 2026
6 spaces left
View tour
View Map
Safari
Gorillas, Game Parks & Beaches
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"Perfect balance of camping and sightseeing at a good rate. Well looked after and enjoyed every moment."
Duration
27 days
Destinations
Kenya Uganda Rwanda Tanzania
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From $7,660
US$6,128per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $306
3 Oct, 2026
3 spaces left
10 Oct, 2026
6 spaces left
View tour
View Map
Safari
18-Day Best of East Africa Safari – Visit 4 Countries
Duration
18 days
Destinations
Kenya Tanzania Rwanda Uganda
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English, German,French,Spanish+2 more
Operator
Ovacado Adventures
20% Off
From
US$8,480per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $424
1 Oct, 2026
6 spaces left
2 Oct, 2026
6 spaces left
View tour
View Map
Safari
14 Days Serengeti, Masai Mara & Gorilla Trekking Experience
4.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"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
Ages 8+
Operated in
English, German,French,Spanish+2 more
Operator
Rumara Safaris
20% Off
From
US$5,130per person
+$800 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $256
10 Oct, 2026
8 spaces left
18 Oct, 2026
8 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
View tour
View Map
Safari
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 $11,830
US$10,647per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $532
1 Oct, 2026
4 spaces left
15 Oct, 2026
5 spaces left
View tour
View Map
Safari
Ultimate East Africa: Mountains & the Masai Mara
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"Amazing Safaris, many wonderful Close Up animal sightings, many countries and different landscapes."
Simona, traveled in August
Duration
24 days
Destinations
Kenya Uganda Rwanda Tanzania
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
10% Off
From
US$6,649per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $332
30 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour

Contact our Tanzania and Uganda travel experts

Kaitlyn

Expert in Tanzania and Uganda at TourRadar

Kaitlyn is one of our seasoned Tanzania and Uganda Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Tanzania and Uganda tours answered!

Choose from 24+ Tanzania and Uganda tours
32 verified reviews by TourRadar customers
24/7 customer support

Write us a message

Call us

+1 844 311 8331

Tanzania and Uganda Tours in October 2026

Earn while you share

10 best Tanzania and Uganda trips in October 2026

Contact our Tanzania and Uganda travel experts