11 days of exploring gorillas, wildlife and chimps in Uganda
Uganda 11 Days / 10 Nights 1-6 people
$4,875 per person (02 travelers)
Overview
The 11-day safari package aims to provide an exceptional and unforgettable experience in Africa. The safari ensures that you witness the Big Five of Africa. As a result, you will go to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you will track white rhinos by participating in a walking safari. You'll also go to the national parks of Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Lake Mburo, where you'll conduct game drives to maximize your chances of viewing various species of wild animals.
This safari package includes tracking primates in their natural setting as a key component. First, you will have an incredible encounter with the chimpanzees in Kibale Forest. You further experience the incredibly thrilling aspect of the safari: tracking the gentle mountain gorillas in the dense forest of Bwindi.
In addition to wildlife viewing and primate tracking, this safari package includes social interaction with local communities through organized community visits and walks. These experiences provide an opportunity to observe and learn about the daily activities of the local people firsthand.
Quick Safari Notes
- The safari begins and ends in Entebbe at the airport or in town and involves pick-up and drop-off.
- It is a fully guided tour, with a professional and experienced Tour Guide accompanying you for the entire duration of the safari.
- It involves many captivating activities such as game drives, bird watching, gorilla and chimpanzee tracking, boat rides, community visits, cultural experiences, and general sightseeing.
- It is a day-by-day fixed program and payment for services such as accommodation and some activities are paid upfront. Any abrupt or late changes are subject to availability and may attract additional charges.
- It involves trekking for about 2-5 hours through the steep forest of Bwindi in search of gorillas. Travelers, therefore, should be physically fit to conduct this moderately demanding activity.
- The safari is suitable for all categories of people, such as large groups, couples, families with kids, youths, and solo travelers. However, chimpanzee and gorilla tracking are restricted to persons between 12 and 16 years of age and above, respectively.
- It features accommodation types that provide budget, standard and midrange comfort levels. These accommodations include guest houses, cottages, and tented tents, all providing clean, spacious, and moderate lodging.
- It involves road transport in a 4x4 Toyota Hiace van to connect to various destinations. The safari van has a pop-up roof for wildlife viewing.
Itinerary
A company guide or driver will warmly receive you upon arrival at Entebbe airport and completion of immigration procedures. He or she will transfer you to your reserved accommodation in or around Entebbe town.
Meal Plan: Dinner
You will begin your day with an early morning breakfast before embarking on an incredibly thrilling road drive (about 7 hours) to Murchison Falls National Park. En route, you will stop at Luwero fruit market (roadside market), where you can taste a selection of delicious organic fruits locally grown.
At Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, you will enjoy 1-2 hours of a walking safari while tracking the white rhinos. The Sanctuary is home to more than 30 white rhinos and other wildlife species, including over 300 species of birds. You will explore Ziwa Sanctuary by embarking on a rhino-tracking adventure on foot alongside highly trained, armed rangers. This exclusive experience offers a rare and unforgettable encounter with these majestic endangered giants, providing an extraordinary opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat.
Following thrilling moments while tracking rhinos, you will continue with the road drive (about 3 hours) to Murchison Falls National Park.
The road passes through the park’s diverse ecosystems, from the lush riverine forests and woodlands of the south to the sweeping savannah plains of the north.
After arriving, you will check into your accommodation for relaxation and an overnight stay.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today, you will explore Uganda's largest and most diverse national park- Murchison Falls National Park. Following an early breakfast, you will enter the park and conduct a game drive over the plains of the northern sector. The game drive offers spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities, with an impressive array of species to observe that include elephants, warthogs, giraffes, patas monkeys, buffaloes, and different species of antelope (Uganda kobs, bushbucks, Jackson's Hartebeests, oribi, and waterbucks). You might have a chance to spot other animals in the park, including lions, hyenas, and leopards. For those interested in birds, Murchison Falls National Park is home to a wide range of bird species, including the Secretary Bird, Black-chested Snake Eagle, Black Winged and Northern Red Bishops, Tawny and Marshal Eagles, Carmine and Swallow-tailed Bee-eaters, Abyssinian ground hornbill, among others.
At 14:00, you will embark on a three-hour shared boat journey on the Victoria Nile, which will take you to the base of the Murchison Falls. As you sail along the river, you will spot an array of aquatic wildlife—from birds, crocodiles, and hippos to other mammals gathering along the banks to drink and seek respite from the sweltering heat.
After arriving at the base of the falls, you will climb (along the designated paths) for 30 to 40 minutes to reach the top and enjoy stunning views of the falls. While at the top of the falls, you will enjoy the sighting of water pouring through a 7-meter narrow gorge to create powerful and thunderous waterfalls.
Following your day's adventures, you'll return to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, you embark on a thrilling road drive to Kibale Forest in the Kabarole district, western Uganda. The journey is quite long (about 6 hours), but you will find it less tiring since there are numerous exciting encounters as you drive along. First, the journey takes you through an extended part of Bugungu Reserve, home to several animal species. Baboons and monkeys frolicking along the roadside will captivate you. The Butiaba escapement offers breathtaking views of Lake Albert's winding landscape and the meandering road.
Along the way, you will have some stopovers to enjoy captivating, beautiful views of undulating hills with lush vegetation and sprawling tea plantations. Similarly, the road to Kibale goes through various small towns and villages, offering an overview of the upcountry local setting.
The drive time from Murchison Falls National Park to Kibale Forest is 7 hours.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Following an early breakfast, you will have a short drive to the Kibale Forest briefing center, where experienced park rangers will take you through the guidelines and procedures regarding chimpanzee tracking. After a briefing, you will head to the forest (by foot) to embark on the thrilling experience of tracking the habituated chimpanzees. Chimpanzees are closest cousins to humans, sharing a DNA composition that is 98.7% similar to humans. During the tracking experience, you will have the opportunity to observe the fascinating characteristics of chimpanzees. They can gather water from empty pods, crush nuts with stones, and catch termites in their tunnels with sticks.
After a fruitful chimpanzee tracking experience, you will return to the lodge for a hot lunch.
Following a delicious meal and a few hours of relaxation, you will go for a guided walk (about 2 hours) through the Bigodi community. The walk through the Bigodi community neighborhood is fascinating because it allows you to fully immerse yourself in the rich local culture and get a personal glimpse into the locals' everyday lives. During the community walk, you will learn how to make the local brew, meet a traditional doctor (healer) who will gladly share traditional knowledge about spirits and herbs, and visit one of the homesteads to observe the preparation of some local meals. This insightful expedition provides an exclusive opportunity for connecting with the community's core values, fostering an in-depth appreciation for their unique social lifestyle.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After checking out of the lodge, you will take a 2-hour drive to Mweya Peninsula for a scheduled boat trip of 2-3 hours along the famous Kazinga Channel, the vital waterway linking Lake George and Lake Edward. This immersive adventure offers unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities - from basking crocodiles and lazy, yawning hippos to herds of striking Uganda kob with their spiral horns. You might even witness elephants bathing playfully, spraying cooling showers over themselves in the scorching afternoon heat.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Early in the morning, you will explore Queen Elizabeth National Park’s northern region, home to several wild animals and bird species. After breakfast, you will go on a thrilling adventure of game viewing in the Kasenyi Plains. During the game drive, you can spot several wildlife species, including antelopes (water bucks, Uganda kobs), buffalos, hippos, warthogs, hyenas, and birds like ibises, vultures, and fish eagles.
After the morning adventure, you will embark on a 4–5-hour drive to Bwindi Forest National Park. Along the way, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the undulating hills and expansive banana plantations that characterize the surrounding landscape. When you arrive, you will check into your reserved accommodation. You will spend the rest of the day relaxing and getting ready for the breathtaking adventure of gorilla trekking scheduled for the next day.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After an early breakfast, you will take a short drive to the briefing center in time for the 8:00 a.m. start of the briefing exercise. Experienced Park rangers conduct the briefing exercise to provide guidelines and rules to the tracking participants. Following the briefing, the experienced park rangers will assign you to a specific habituated gorilla family with other 7 participants. You will embark on an exhilarating trekking expedition through steep and heavily forested slopes until you eventually locate the gorillas within the dense forest.
Bwindi Forest is home to half of the world's mountain gorilla population, 350 different kinds of birds, various primate species, including baboons and monkeys, mammals such as forest elephants, antelopes (duikers and bushbucks), and more. Once you find gorillas, you will have a limited time of one hour close to them, during which time you can take photos and watch them go about their regular lives.
After the gorilla trekking experience, you will return to the lodge for relaxation and an overnight stay.
In the evening, you may opt to walk (not included) around the neighborhoods surrounding the lodge. Your guide will gladly give you a walking tour of the community. The community walk usually takes participants to several options, including the Batwa (pygmies), who were once residents of the Bwindi Forest but were relocated out of the forest to preserve it and its wildlife. Despite their forced departure from the forest, the Batwa (pygmies) continue to cherish their traditional, simple way of life.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After touring Uganda's north, west, and southwestern regions, you will head to Lake Mburo National Park to further explore wildlife. Immediately after breakfast, you will embark on 3-4 hours of road driving to Lake Mburo National Park. You, however, will have lunch en route from Mbarara City, the largest city in western Uganda.
When you arrive at the lodge, you will relax for a few hours before entering the park to conduct a game drive where you will encounter a variety of animals and birds.
Lake Mburo National Park is home to about sixty (60) distinctive species of mammals, including antelopes (Topis, Elands, Impalas, Reedbucks, Deffassa Waterbucks, Oribis), hyenas, zebras, buffaloes, warthogs, hippos, and more. This protected area provides a sanctuary for numerous bird species, including aquatic and acacia trees. Some birds found in Lake Mburo National Park include the Bare-faced go-away bird, the Black-bellied bustard, the uncommon Shoe Bill stork, the African finfoot, the African wattled lapwing, and others.
Alternatively, you may socially interact with the Bahima (pastoralists) and actively participate in herding the Ankole cows (long-horned cattle). Participating in Ankole cow herding gives you a hands-on opportunity to learn about cattle management, a tradition passed down through generations. Under the guidance of experienced local herders, you will learn the various ways of leading and guiding the cows.
Drive Time from Bwindi to Lake Mburo National Park is about 5 hours.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Enjoy your early breakfast, then travel to Kampala, the capital city and the largest city in Uganda. Along the way, you will have a brief stopover at the Equator monument in Kayabwe to take photos and enjoy the unique experiments that illustrate how the gravitational pull at the Equator line varies from that at other latitudes. The experiments show how water swirls differently on either side of the Equator latitude. Although not scientifically proven, these experiments will provide an entertaining and instructive experience while you learn about the geographical importance of the Equator.
After arriving in Kampala, you will tour the downtown Owino and Nakasero markets. Additionally, you will walk through a few selected shopping centers, including Kikubo, Ham Shopping Mall, and Buganda Road Craft Market. Touring Kampala allows visitors to experience vibrant street life and markets and have an in-depth observation of the business setup. While in your safari vehicle, you will be thrilled with the expertise of your driver as he maneuvers the rowdy Boda-Boda (motorcycle) riders.
In the evening, you will enjoy a breathtaking 3-hour colorful and vibrant show at Ndere Troupe Center in Kampala, which exhibits the diverse traditions and heritage of Ugandan tribes. Be prepared to be fascinated by the performances of experienced dancers and feel their vibrating energy as they showcase their skill and passion. This cultural performance presents a unique glimpse into Uganda's diverse cultures.
Note: Please note that the Ndere Troupe Center only hosts weekly performances on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
Drive time from Lake Mburo National Park to Kampala City is about 6 hours.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Your extraordinary 11-day Uganda safari adventure concludes today with your transfer to Entebbe Airport for your departure flight. We are confident that during the transfer to the airport, you will be reflecting on the incredible experiences you had during your safari.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Safari Highlights
- Enjoy the thrilling experience of tracking endangered mountain gorillas through the dense forest of Bwindi.
- Embark on captivating game drives through expansive Savannah parks to encounter diverse wildlife species.
- Take boat trips to have a clear view of the wildlife that gathers around the banks and shorelines of the Nile and the Kazinga Channel.
- Engage in community walks to allow participants to personally interact with the locals, providing insight into their customs, traditions, and lifestyle.
- Enjoy a fascinating chimpanzee tracking adventure in Kibale Forest to observe the interesting traits of chimpanzees and human-like actions.
- Take a walking safari through the Ziwa Sanctuary to experience rhino tracking.
- Indulge in a stunning cultural dance presentation to personally enjoy Uganda’s colorful culture, leaving you thrilled by the vibrant performances and the rich heritage of Uganda.
Price Per Person (USD)
| 1 Pax | 2 Pax | 3 Pax | 4 Pax | 5 Pax | 6 Pax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6490 | 4875 | 4530 | 4240 | 4110 | 3960 |
Price Includes
- Gorilla tracking permit
- Chimpanzee tracking permit
- Accommodation for 10 nights as indicated in the itinerary
- Road transport using 4 X 4 Toyota Hiace Safari Van
- Services of the English-speaking guide/driver
- All meals during the safari period as stipulated in the day-by-day section
- Entrance fees to all the parks indicated in the itinerary
- Bottled water in the safari vehicle
- Boat rides as mentioned in the itinerary
- Community walks as mentioned in the itinerary
- Airport transfers
- Rhino tracking at Ziwa sanctuary
Price Excludes
- International travel to/from Entebbe
- Personal /travel insurance
- Entry Visa fees into Uganda
- Domestic flights (if required)
- Payment charges (when using online payment methods)
- Tips (gratuity) to guides (recommended)
- Any activity indicated as optional
- Activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- All kinds of drinks apart from water
Accommodations
| Nights | Destination | Lodge/Hotel | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Night 1 | Entebbe Town | Airport Link Guest House | Budget |
| Nights 2 & 3 | Murchison Falls National Park | Fort Murchison | Mid-Range |
| Nights 4 & 5 | Kibale National Park | Kibale Forest Camp | Mid-Range |
| Night 6 | Queen Elizabeth National Park | The Bush Lodge | Mid-Range |
| Nights 7 & 8 | Bwindi Impenetrable National Park | Gorilla Valley Lodge | Mid-Range |
| Night 9 | Lake Mburo National Park | Mpogo Safari Lodge | Mid-Range |
| Night 10 | Kampala City | Hilton Garden Hotel-Kampala | Mid-Range |
Please note that the accommodation options listed above are subject to availability at the time of booking. If there’s no availability at the quoted facilities, we will consider an alternative facility of a similar standard. You will be notified of any such changes before we confirm booking at the alternative facilities.
Additionally, modifications such as changes to your preferred accommodation or upgrades to luxury options are permitted. However, please note that such changes may result in an adjustment to the original tour cost.
Please contact us for special accommodation requests.Safari Highlights
- Enjoy the thrilling experience of tracking endangered mountain gorillas through the dense forest of Bwindi.
- Embark on captivating game drives through expansive Savannah parks to encounter diverse wildlife species.
- Take boat trips to have a clear view of the wildlife that gathers around the banks and shorelines of the Nile and the Kazinga Channel.
- Engage in community walks to allow participants to personally interact with the locals, providing insight into their customs, traditions, and lifestyle.
- Enjoy a fascinating chimpanzee tracking adventure in Kibale Forest to observe the interesting traits of chimpanzees and human-like actions.
- Take a walking safari through the Ziwa Sanctuary to experience rhino tracking.
- Indulge in a stunning cultural dance presentation to personally enjoy Uganda’s colorful culture, leaving you thrilled by the vibrant performances and the rich heritage of Uganda.