8-day Uganda Gorilla And Wildlife Safari
About this tour
Experience the best of Uganda on an unforgettable 8-day gorilla and wildlife safari combining thrilling game drives, primate encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and the once-in-a-lifetime experience of trekking mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Your adventure begins with rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, followed by wildlife viewing in Murchison Falls National Park, where you can encounter elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, hippos and crocodiles. Continue to Kibale National Park, renowned for its chimpanzee population, for an exciting chimpanzee trekking experience and a visit to the Bigodi Wetland. The safari then takes you through the scenic landscapes of southwestern Uganda to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to endangered mountain gorillas. The highlight of the journey is a guided gorilla trekking experience, offering an extraordinary opportunity to observe these magnificent primates in the wild.
Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park
Visit to the spectacular Murchison Falls
Boat cruise on the Victoria Nile to the base of the falls
Opportunity to see elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos and crocodiles
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Entebbe International Airport, Entebbe, Uganda to Entebbe, Uganda
Our representative will meet you at Entebbe Airport, pick you up, and drive to your hotel in Entebbe for hotel check in. When you arrive at the hotel, you will check in and receive your room assignment. Typical hotel amenities include a restaurant, bar, an outdoor swimming pool, and a fitness center; rooms are likely to feature air conditioning, satellite TV, wireless Internet, and private bath with hair dryer
Day 2: Entebbe, Uganda to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
Your adventure begins at 8 am when you transfer from Entebbe to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to the only wild rhinos in Uganda. Rhinos became extinct in Uganda in the early 1980s and the Ziwa site is being used as a breeding site for black and white rhinos. During our 2 hours at the sanctuary, we will see these creatures roaming around the 7,000 hectares of land and see their daily interactions. As you leave the rhinos behind, proceed to Murchison Falls National Park, on the shore of Lake Albert where the River Nile roars through a narrow gap creating the Murchison Falls.
Day 3: Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
Wake up to an exhilarating start to the day as you embark on a game drive in the park to spot elephants, lions, giraffe, and other wildlife. This Murchison Falls safari does not stop on the land because, in the afternoon, you will take a relaxing boat trip on the iconic River Nile where, if you’re lucky, you’ll have a chance to see crocodiles, hippos, and an array of rare birds. You will see for yourselves the point where the River Nile joins Lake Albert, which is one of the major highlights of this trip. Feel the immense power and force of the falls as the spray hits your face and you will listen to the deafening roar of the water. At the end of the boat trip, you will hike the famous ‘Top of the Falls’ where you will have spectacular views of the Murchison Falls along the Nile River, a perfect photo opportunity for the budding photographers.
Day 4: Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda to Kibale National Park, Uganda
We’ll check out of the lodge first thing this morning. Then, around 8:15am, we’ll depart by safari vehicle for 4 hour-long drive to Kibale Forest. Arrive in time in the beautiful town of Fort Portal. Marvel at the stunning palace of Toro Kingdom, the Royal tombs, the numerous shops and the mosque before driving on to Kibale forest, only a couple of kilometres ahead. On arrival, you will check into your Lodge. Actually, Kibale national park hosts the highest number of primates in the whole of East Africa including chimpanzees, baboons, black & white colobus monkeys and the blue monkey.
Day 5: Kibale National Park, Uganda
Today the forest opens its doors for an exhilarating chimpanzee tracking experience. Kibale Forest is reputable for having the greatest variety and highest concentration of primates in East Africa. Enjoy a guided nature walk in the tropical rainforest in search of the chimpanzee, red-tailed monkey, black and white colobus monkey and many others. Upon sighting the chimpanzees, you will spend an unforgettable hour with them as they go about their daily life – feeding, playing, grooming, taking care of their young, howling and screeching, in their natural habitat. Rest of the afternoon at leisure or go for Bigodi swamp tour
Day 6: Kibale National Park, Uganda to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
After your morning Breakfast, we depart for Bwindi with enroute game drive in Ishasha region of Queen Elizabeth National Park, for your morning game drive in search of the most popular tree climbing lions and chances of seeing them climbing the trees will depend on the luck of the day. Ishasha has also other population of animals such as antelopes, Elephants, Buffalos and many others to see. Break for lunch. After lunch, we drive to Bwindi impenetrable forest national park through the verdant country side, you will pass traditional homesteads and enjoy panoramic views of the Rwenzori Mountains. Arrival in Bwindi National Park, home of the endangered mountain gorillas, you will be checked in for your dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Day 7: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Today is the day that many of you will have been waiting for. You will embark on a full-day adventure to track the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest National Park. The trek will commence with a short briefing on gorillas trekking rules to ensure the safety of both the guests and the gorillas. You will then start the trek into the Impenetrable Forest to encounter the gentle giants of Bwindi National Park. You’ll follow the expert guides, looking for signs of the gorillas and changing direction accordingly until you find them. After this rare and memorable experience is over, you will spend the rest of the day and night in Bwindi National Park.
Day 8: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda to Kigali, Rwanda
Drive across the border to Kigali for your outbound flight.
What's included
Meals, as per itinerary One gorilla trekking permit per person One chimpanzee trekking permit per person Transport in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle Accommodation as described in the itinerary Park entrance fees Drinking water when in the safari vehicle
International flights from home Accommodation for days not listed in the itinerary Pick up at the airport Soft and alcoholic drinks Visas, travel and medical insurance Gifts, gratuities, and tips Other costs of personal nature
Languages spoken
What to know
What to Bring; Hiking boots Garden gloves Rain jacket or poncho Long-sleeved shirt/blouse Cameras and extra batteries Hat/cap and sunglasses Pair of binoculars Flashlight (torch) Mosquito repellent Other items to include: zoom lens for wildlife shots and energy bars/bites Participation Requirements; Age restriction: 15-80 years old A valid passport is required on the day of travel This tour is not wheelchair accessible We advise against people with heart problems or other serious medical conditions participating on this tour Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Route & locations
Entebbe International Airport, Entebbe, Uganda to Entebbe, Uganda