12 Days Uganda Gorilla and Chimp Trekking and Game Drive Safari - Mid Range

The 12-Day Gorilla and Chimp Trekking and Game Drive Safari offers an immersive journey through Uganda's diverse landscapes and rich wildlife. Beginning with a visit to Murchison Falls NP for thrilling game drives and boat trips, travelers then delve into primate encounters with chimpanzee habituation in Kibale Forest NP. Continuing to Queen Elizabeth NP, the adventure unfolds with game drives and a boat trip along the Kazinga Channel. The highlight comes with gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable NP, complemented by a cultural experience with the Batwa pygmies. Lake Bunyonyi's serene vistas and Lake Mburo NP's wildlife sightings add depth to the experience, concluding with a return to Kampala for departure, leaving indelible memories of Uganda's natural wonders and cultural heritage.

DAY BY DAY 

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you'll be met by your tour guide who will assist with immigration procedures and luggage handling.

Transfer to your accommodation in Entebbe or Kampala for check-in and relaxation.

Depending on your arrival time, you may have the option to explore nearby attractions such as the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre or the Botanical Gardens.

Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls NP with Rhino Tracking

After breakfast, depart for Murchison Falls National Park, located in northwestern Uganda.

En route, stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a rhino tracking experience, where you'll have the opportunity to encounter Uganda's only wild rhinos.

Continue your journey to Murchison Falls NP and check into your lodge.

Spend the evening at leisure, enjoying dinner and resting for the adventures ahead.

Day 3: Murchison Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Trip

Rise early for a morning game drive in Murchison Falls NP, exploring the vast savannah plains and searching for iconic African wildlife such as elephants, lions, giraffes, and more.

Return to the lodge for breakfast and relaxation.

In the afternoon, embark on a boat trip along the Nile River to the base of the spectacular Murchison Falls, where the Nile forces its way through a narrow gorge, creating a breathtaking cascade.

Enjoy sightings of hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species along the riverbanks.

Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4: Exit Murchison and Transfer to Kibale Forest NP

After breakfast, bid farewell to Murchison Falls NP and embark on the journey to Kibale Forest National Park, renowned for its diverse primate populations.

Arrive at Kibale and check into your lodge.

Spend the evening at leisure, enjoying the serene surroundings of the forest and preparing for the next day's adventure.

Day 5: Kibale Chimp Habituation Experience

Today, you'll participate in the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience, a full-day activity that allows you to accompany researchers and trackers as they habituate chimpanzee groups.

Trek through the forest in search of chimpanzees, observing their behavior and interactions up close.

Enjoy packed lunch in the forest and continue the experience into the afternoon.

After the activity, return to your lodge and unwind.

Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP and Afternoon Game Viewing

Depart Kibale Forest NP and journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife.

Arrive at Queen Elizabeth NP and check into your accommodation.

In the afternoon, embark on a game viewing drive in the park, where you may encounter elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and predators such as lions and leopards.

Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 7: Queen’s Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Trip

Start the day with an early morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth NP, taking advantage of the prime wildlife viewing opportunities during the cooler hours of the day.

After breakfast at the lodge, relax and enjoy some leisure time.

In the afternoon, embark on a boat trip along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George.

Marvel at the diverse aquatic and birdlife along the shores, including hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.

Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable with Ishasha Game Viewing

After breakfast, depart Queen Elizabeth NP and head to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas.

En route, enjoy game viewing in the Ishasha sector of the park, famous for its tree-climbing lions.

Arrive at Bwindi and check into your lodge.

Spend the evening at leisure, preparing for the upcoming gorilla trekking experience.

Day 9: Gorilla Trekking Bwindi and Batwa Cultural Experience

Today is the highlight of your safari as you embark on a gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable NP.

After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before setting off into the forest with experienced guides and trackers.

Trek through the dense vegetation in search of a habituated gorilla family, taking in the sights and sounds of the forest along the way.

Upon encountering the gorillas, spend a magical hour observing their behavior and interactions.

After the trek, immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Batwa pygmies with a cultural experience.

Later in the afternoon, transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, where you'll check into your accommodation and relax by the tranquil lakeside.

Day 10: Bunyonyi Sightseeing and Transfer to Lake Mburo

Spend the morning exploring the scenic beauty of Lake Bunyonyi, often referred to as the "Switzerland of Africa," with its myriad of islands and picturesque surroundings.

Enjoy optional activities such as canoeing, swimming, or hiking.

After lunch, depart Lake Bunyonyi and transfer to Lake Mburo National Park.

Arrive at Lake Mburo and check into your accommodation.

In the evening, enjoy a nature walk or game drive in the park, where you may encounter zebras, impalas, buffaloes, and more.

Day 11: Nature Walk and Boat Cruise

Start the day with a guided nature walk in Lake Mburo NP, exploring the park's diverse habitats and wildlife.

Return to the lodge for breakfast and relaxation.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Mburo, offering opportunities to spot hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species.

Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 12: Departure from Kampala

After breakfast, check out of your accommodation and embark on the journey back to Kampala.

Enjoy scenic views of the countryside as you drive through rural villages and agricultural landscapes.

Arrive in Kampala and transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your unforgettable safari experience in Uganda.

Included

Park fees

(For non-residents)

Gorilla permits

(One per person, non-resident)

Chimp permits

(One per person, non-resident)

All activities

(Unless labeled as optional)

All accommodation

(Unless listed as upgrade)

A professional driver/guide

All transportation

(Unless labeled as optional)

All Taxes/VAT

Roundtrip airport transfer

Meals

(As specified in the day-by-day section)

Drinks

(As specified in the day-by-day section)

Excluded

International flights

(From/to home)

Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour

Tips

(Tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day)

Personal items

(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)

Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees

Some meals

(As specified in the day-by-day section)

PRICE PER PERSON IN USD 

Group Size Price 

1 Person 6247                

2 People 5267       

3 People 5004              

4 People 4753                  

5 People 4516             

6 People 4265