Tanzania and Uganda Tours in October 2026

What our customers ask about Tanzania and Uganda Tours in October 2026

• 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."