16 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safaris and Adventure Tour – Overview
The 16 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safaris and Adventure Tour is a good safari package that allows you to enjoy the sights and views of the delightful mountain gorillas in the 331kms of forested land covered by Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
The 16 days Uganda Gorilla tour will take you to Uganda’s most majestic national park like Murchison Falls National Park in the north west of Uganda with its world’s powerful water fall and counts of giraffe, elephants, lions, buffaloes, leopard among others.
Kibale National Park dubbed the primate capital of the world with largest counts of habituated chimpanzees, Queen Elizabeth national park with its rare tree climbing lions, adventurous Kazinga Channel, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park-natural home of the world’s critically endangered mountain gorillas.
The Safari will combine Uganda’s most splendid tourist activities with unique cultural experiences and taste of world class services from some of the best accommodation places in Uganda.
16 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safaris and Adventure Tour – Highlights
- Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport
- Day 2: Transfer to Jinja town and Do Afternoon boat cruise to the source of the Nile
- Day 3: Transfer from Kampala to Ngamba Island and Tour the habituated Chimps.
- Day 4: Transfer from Kampala to Murchison falls National Park
- Day 5: Do an Early morning game drive, afternoon boat cruise and hike to the top of the falls
- Day 6: Transfer to Hoima and en-route visit to Kibiro Salt Gardens and Hot Springs.
- Day 7: Transfer to Kibale National Park, lunch in Fort Portal town, afternoon Fort Portal Crater Lake hike and visit the Amabere g’ Nnyinamwiru caves
- Day 8: Do Chimpanzee trekking and afternoon Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Tour
- Day 9: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, visit the Rwenzori Art Foundation – the only bronze casting center in Africa & Ruboni Community craft & wax center en route & do the crater area drive upon arrival
- Day 10: Do morning game drive & Afternoon Chimpanzee trekking
- Day 11: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Do an en-route game drive in the Ishasha sector in search of tree climbing lions en route
- Day 12: Do Gorilla trekking and afternoon Cultural encounter with the Local Batwa
- Day 13: Transfer from Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi and do afternoon boat cruise and relaxation
- Day 14: Transfer from Lake Bunyonyi to Lake Mburo National Park.
- Day 15: Do morning Game drive and afternoon Boat Cruise
- Day 16: Hike and Nature walks in Lake Mburo-transfer to Kampala.
16 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safaris and Adventure Tour – Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport
On arrival at the airport, you will meet and greet our driver guide from Prime Safaris and Tours Ltd and he will transfer you to a pre-booked lodge/hotel in Entebbe or Kampala.
Accommodation: Sheraton hotel (Luxury /Upmarket), Humura Resort (Standard/Mid-Range Hotels), Buziga Country Resort (Budget).
Day 2: Transfer to Jinja and Do Afternoon Boat Cruise to The Source of The Nile
After taking relaxed early morning breakfast, embark on transfer from Kampala to Jinja town. The amazing drive which will take you about 1-2hours will allow you enjoy the splendid scenery of Eastern Uganda, transverse through small towns of Mukono where you will also find Ssizwa falls, Mabira forest-the only reserved forests with unique plant and bird-life species.
On arrival to jinja, you will have lunch and thereafter, embark on an afternoon boat cruise to the source of the Nile which is tranquil place, dotted with beautiful tropical pants, palm trees and magnificent white roaring water of the mighty Nile.
Not only does the boat ride reward you with the views of the fishermen throwing their fishing nets, it also draws you closer to the point where the mighty river Nile starts its wonderful long journey to the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt.
Upon reaching the point where the source of the Nile originates, embark on taking wonderful photos for future memories; stand in the Nile while enjoying the views of different bird species including the King Fisher. After that adventurous experience, retire back to the starting point and embark on transfer drive back to Kampala.
Accommodation: Sheraton hotel (Luxury /Upmarket), Humura Resort (Standard/Mid-Range Hotels), Buziga Country Resort (Budget).
Day 3: Transfer From Kampala to Ngamba Island and Tour The Habituated Chimps.
After your early morning breakfast in your place of stay, the driver guide will pick you up and transfer you to Entebbe Pier.
Thereafter, you embark on 45 minutes speed boat cruise or traditional boat ride that sets off at 9:00am to Ngamba Island.
On arrival, you will be guided to the island’s Interpretation Center where an experienced guide will give you an orientation talk.
Thereafter you move to the viewing platform to enjoy the fabulous views of the Chimpanzees during their supplementary feeding times at 11:00am local time.
Have face to face encounter with the splendid chimpanzees in their natural environment and also witness the primate species being fed and during this time of feeding, you can take photos as many as you can for future memories.
After that phase of supplementary feeding at 11:00am, you are free to explore the wonderful Ngamba Island while enjoying the views of unique tree species, stunning wild fresh water from Lake Victoria and variety of rare forest bird species as well as the magnificent species of reptiles like Lizards, snakes.
You may have your Lunch prepared by the Kimii Island Women’s group or enjoy your packed lunch if you have.
After lunch, you will have rest at the lake shores as you wait for the next feeding of the chimps at 3:00pm to watch them feed.
When this time approaches, you will enjoy your second time close encounter with the Chimpanzees when they are being fed and also take the last interesting photos of the Chimps.
After enjoying a memorable time with the chimps and other unique attractions and services in the Island, you embark on the boat cruise to proceed to Entebbe where you will be driven to your place of stay in Kampala.
Accommodation: Sheraton hotel (Luxury /Upmarket), Humura Resort (Standard/Mid-Range Hotels), Buziga Country Resort (Budget).
Day 4: Transfer From Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park
After your early morning breakfast in your Kampala Lodge, the driver guide will pick you up at 6:00am and embark on the 311kms about 5 hours’ drive on the north western side of Uganda to Murchison Falls National Park.
The drive from Kampala will take you through the flat landscapes of Nakasongora with Savannah vegetation dotted with long horned Ankole cows.
After covering a distance drive of 115km, you will be welcomed to Nakitoma where you will divert from the main route driving 7 kms to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
While at the Sanctuary, you will explore the only white Rhinos protected in this part of Uganda .You will also have your delightful Lunch at Kabalega dinner and thereafter advance with the drive to Murchison Falls National park for relaxation, dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge (Upmarket/Luxury), Pakuba Safari Lodge (Mid-range/Standard) or Heritage Safari Lodge (Budget/Basic).
Day 5: Do an Early Morning Game Drive, Afternoon Boat Cruise And Hike to The Top of The Falls.
In the morning after cup of coffee, you will drive to the park’s headquarters for an early morning game drive at 6:30am through the park tracks in search of the elusive wild game.
The rolling Savannah combretum of Murchison Falls National Park supports a span of delightful wildlife such as the species elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, water buck, Jackson hartebeest, oribis, lions, leopards among others The early morning game drive through the well-organized driving tracks of the delta area, Buligi tracks, Albert and Queen tracks provides golden chance for you to enjoy the views of elusive wild game.
After rewarding drive of 3 – 4 hours, you will retire back to the lodge for relaxation, lunch while waiting for an afternoon adventurous boat cruise.
After lunch and having rest, you drive to Paraa to catch-up with the afternoon adventurous Lunch Cruise that sets off at 2:30pm and takes 3-4 hours of adventure.
Taking boat cruise to the bottom of the Nile will not only reward you with the views of the wild game when they are drinking on the river side, but it also takes you to an area where you can have clear glimpse of wildlife species like Hippos, Nile Crocodiles and a range of water birds such as the endangered species of the Shoebill Stork.
After exploring the boat cruise to the bottom of the falls, you will take a hike through narrow path to the top of the world’s most powerful falls.
Upon reaching the top, you will enjoy the roaring sounds of the Nile as it crumbles its head on the impermeable rocks that have narrowed its way to less than 8m for centuries past.
Thereafter that life time experience, you will retire to your lodge for dinner, memory sharing and overnight.
Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge (Upmarket/Luxury), Pakuba Safari Lodge (Mid-range/Standard) or Heritage Safari Lodge (Budget/Basic).
Day 6: Transfer to Hoima And En-route Visit to Kibiro Salt Gardens And Hot Springs.
Take relaxed breakfast and embark on the transfer to Hoima. The interesting drive will take you along the Albertine escarpment with prominent scenery of the rift valley .
You will advance through Bulisa which is in the oil region of Uganda. You will have a stop en route at Kibiro Salt Gardens and hot springs and here you will be exposed to impressive local methods of fine salt extraction.
The views of the scenic Lake Albert and the views of the Blue Mountains on the Democratic Republic of Congo are very rewarding. From here, you will embark on the drive to Hoima for relaxation, diner and overnight.
Accommodation: Kontik Hotel.
Day 7: Transfer to Kibale National Park, Lunch in Fort Portal Town, Afternoon Fort Portal Crater Lake Hike And Visit The Amabere g’ Nnyinamwiru Caves
After your jolly breakfast, embark on transfer drive of about 5 hours to Fort Portal town-one of the most beautiful towns in Uganda.
The drive will take you through the majestic country side landscapes dotted with rural setting and beautiful local populations.
Arrive in Fort Portal town for lunch after which you will advance to do the Fort Portal Crater Lake Hike to gain magnificent views of the Fort Portal explosion crater.
You will also visit the Amabere g’ Nnyinamwiru caves with a magical Nyakasura River falling over them forming wonderful water fall.
The unique caves have breast like features which the locals attach a great cultural connotation and are thought to date back to the Chwezi era. Retreat from the activity and get to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Ndali Lodge (Upmarket/Luxury), Kibale Forest Camp (Mid-range/Standard) or Rwenzori View Guesthouse (Budget/Basic).
Day 8: Do Chimpanzee Trekking And Afternoon Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Tour
After an early morning breakfast, embark on the highly rewarding Chimpanzee trekking encounter in the primate Capital of the world – the Kibale Forest National Park.
The Park is proud of 13 primate species including the world endangered species of the Chimpanzees which have been fully habituated and opened to be visited by tourists.
The chimp trekking encounter in the primates Capital starts at Kanyanchu tourism center at 8:00am local time in the morning and the professional UWA Park ranger will lead you throughout the whole fascinating processes of trekking the Chimps in their natural Habitat.
The trek exposes you to stunning flora, other primate species including black and white colobus monkey and birds before meeting face to face with the chimps.
The Chimpanzees will seduce you in a state of stupefaction as they swing through the branches, make pant hooting calls, play with each other, and imitate your body language along with other features that will make your one full hour with them a life time experience of its own.
Retreat from the activity which tends to take 2 – 5 hours to embark on the transfer to Bigodi wetland. The Bigodi wetland, lies in close distance to the park thus connecting there is less hectic.
The Bigodi wetland walk exposes you to typical eco –tourism encounter in Uganda. The impressive flora and fauna existing along with the local community is indeed rewarding to encounter.
The sights of great blue turaco and the Sitatnga may not be missed. Retreat from the activity back to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Ndali Lodge (Upmarket/Luxury), Kibale Forest Camp (Mid-range/Standard) or Rwenzori View Guesthouse (Budget/Basic).
Day 9: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Visit The Rwenzori Art Foundation & Do The Crater Area Drive Upon Arrival
Transfer from Kibale after your breakfast to Queen Elizabeth National Park .The drive distance of 157kms about 3 hours’ on rough road is very interesting.
You will have your first stop at Rwenzori Art foundation which is the only bronze casting center in the whole of African Continent that is located in the shadows of Rwenzori Mountains.
You may participate in the wonderful process of sculpture making of which is the common activity done in the Center. Sparing time to tour the Ruboni community wax and craft center exposes you to the local traditions and the usage of local knowledge to modern development.
Thereafter the activity, proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park driving through the crater which offers you the views of different wildlife such as olive baboons, elephants and not forgetting the magical scenery before connecting to Mweya for an afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise which will reward you will the possibilities of confronting the Hippos, Nile crocodiles, other wild game drinking on the channel side and counts of water birds. Retire back to your lodge in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge (Luxury), Katara Lodge (Mid-range/Standard) or Pumba Safari Cottages (Budget/Basic).
Day 10: Do Morning Game Drive & Afternoon Chimpanzee Tracking
Wake up very early in the morning like at 6:00am, take your breakfast and embark on an early morning game drive at 6:30am in the rolling Savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The drive will take you through Kasenyi tracks with the chances of meeting the nocturnal wildlife species when they are retreating back to their hiding grounds and also confronting the early morning risers when they are starting their daily activities of looking for food.
The different species of wild game which may be seen during the game drive include the elusive leopard, defassa waterbuck, Uganda kob, Side stripped Jackal; Oribis elephants, lions, buffaloes, Antelopes among others.
The tracks are well designed to increase your possibilities of encountering wild game in their natural habitat of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
After 3 -4 hour game drive covering about 200 kilometers, you will retire back to your lodge for relaxation, memory sharing and lunch.
Thereafter, embark on an interesting afternoon chimpanzee trekking in the Kyambura gorge that starts from 2:00pm .
The Kyambura Gorge experience is more than exploring chimpanzees in their natural environment, the activity stretches an extra mile to teach you about the ecosystems of Kyambura Gorge’s atmospheric “underground” rain forest, including vegetation types; bird identification and behavior; and chimp and monkey ecology.
While at the site, you stand a pretty good chance of hearing and seeing our distant cousins-Chimpanzees as they are habituated. The activity which lasts between 2-3 hours is very rewarding and after the activity, you will retire to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge (Luxury), Katara Lodge (Mid-range/Standard) or Pumba Safari Cottages (Budget/Basic).
Day 11: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Do an Enroute Game Drive in The Ishasha Sector in Search of Tree Climbing Lions en Route
Take an early morning breakfast and embark on the transfer drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive will take you through the Ishasha sector where you have possibilities confronting the tree climbing lions that tend to lie on the branches of fig trees.
The game drive along the prominent Ishasha region may also expose you to other wildlife species. Continue with the drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park arriving in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge (Upmarket/Luxury), Engage lodge (Midrange/Standard) or Buhoma Community Rest Camp (Budget/Basic).
Day 12: Do Gorilla Trekking And Afternoon Cultural Encounter With The Local Batwa
Wake -up early in the morning like at 6:00am and take your hefty breakfast that will give you the energy to hike the hills and slope the valleys when looking for the unique species of the mountain gorillas.
After taking breakfast, driver guide will transfer you with your packed lunch, bottled water, to the Park head Quarters in your respective gorilla trekking region for an early morning briefing at about 70:30am to 8:00am about etiquette of gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
While at the park headquarters, you will meet other trekkers and you will be divided into groups of eight individuals who are only allowed to trek one specific habituated Gorilla family.
After briefing, UWA experienced ranger guide will lead you to the trail heads where thrilling gorilla trekking experience starts from.
You will enter an ancient, thick dark impenetrable forest to begin hiking the hills and slopping the valleys when looking for the unique species of the mountain gorillas inhabited in the famous Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
The trek can take you between 2-8 hours to confront the mountain gorillas and once up close, you will be allowed to spend one magical hour with these stunning apes.
During this time you can decide to sit down listen to gorilla crumble, study how these apes go about their daily activities and you can take as many photos as possible.
When the one hour is done, you will walk back to the park headquarters and retire back to your lodge for late Lunch, relaxation.
After relaxation, you will be driven to the nearby Batwa community for memorable, refreshing cultural encounter.
Here you will be guided by a local guide who will take you to the different communities to see how people have managed to survive through farming.
You will see how local brew is processed from fresh Bananas and forest remedies to get beer and Waragi and also enjoy the performances done by the local Batwa women groups.
After that interesting cultural encounter, you will drive back to your respective lodge for dinner and overnight.
Thereafter the activity, you will retreat back to your lodge for dinner, memory sharing and overnight.
Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge (Upmarket/Luxury), Engage lodge (Midrange/Standard) or Buhoma Community Rest Camp (Budget/Basic).
Day 13: Transfer From Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi And Do Afternoon Boat Cruise And Relaxation
Take relaxed early morning breakfast, and embark on drive through the fascinating Kigezi Highlands for an afternoon boat cruise, relaxation, dinner and overnight in Lake Bunyonyi. Lake Bunyonyi is another major tourist stopover that is undeniably amazing.
It is the second deepest lake in Africa; it contains lots of the tasty crayfish, so get set for a culinary delight. Bunyonyi is a local word that means “many small birds” in direct translation.
It’s a perfect stopover for committed birders and travelers who are from hectic gorilla trekking activities. On arrival to Lake Bunyonyi, you will drive to your lodge for check-in, lunch and you proceed to catch up with the afternoon boat cruise ,also participate in refreshing activities such as swimming in the bilharzia free waters of Bunyonyi, you can also enjoy the evening nature walks in the Bunyonyi Islands .
After exploring the different adventurous activities in lake Bunyonyi, you will retire to your lodge to chill in the fire place while enjoying cool evening of Bunyonyi, you will have your dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Birdnest @Lake Bunyonyi Resort (Upmarket/Luxury), Lake Bunyonyi Eco-resort (Midrange/Standard) or Byoona Amagara Island Retreat (Budget/Basic
Day 14: Transfer From Lake Bunyonyi to Lake Mburo National Park.
After an early morning breakfast, you will embark on drive transfer from Lake Bunyonyi to Lake Mburo national park drive distance of 199 kilometers.
The drive will take you through the impressive country side landscapes with rural setting and local populations.
Upon your arrival in Lake Mburo National Park, you will have your lunch and afterwards proceed to catch-up with an afternoon boat cruise which sets of at 2:30pm on the magnificent waters of Lake Mburo and it takes you across 2-3 hours of adventure.
Not only does the boat trip offer you opportunities of encountering the game drinking on the lake side, it also draws you closer to counts of Hippos, Nile Crocodiles and a range of water birds such as the colorful Kingfishers, magnificent Fish Eagles, Hammerkops and their enormous nests and even the prehistoric-looking Shoebill. Retreat back from the activity to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Mihingo Safari Lodge (Luxury), Arcadia Cottages Mburo (Mid-Range), Eagle’s Nest (Budget).
Day 15: Do Morning Game Drive And Afternoon Boat Cruise
After taking cup of Coffee, embark on the impressing game drive through the park in search of unique wild life housed in the acacia and Savannah grassland vegetation of Lake Mburo National Park.
The connection of game tracks found in the eastern part of the park passes through a variety of magnificent landscape such as acacia woodland, wetlands vegetation, Savannah grassland which supports the survival of different wildlife grazers including gigantic eland antelope, zebras, waterbucks, Klipspringer and the rare Topi, impala, warthog, oribi, buffalo, Defassa reedbuck.
The game drive which takes about 2-3hours covering a distance of 150kms is very rewarding with even an extra view of different bird species.
After the activity, you will retire back to your lodge for lunch and relaxation as you wait to embark on an afternoon Lunch trip on the waters of Lake Mburo.
After lunch embarks on Horseback safaris that is organized by Mihingo lodge and sets off at 2:30pm .The adventure like activity will reward you with the views of wildlife, including eland and buffalo, warthog, topi, impala, duiker, bushbuck, waterbuck and zebra.
The four-hour hacks take you up to hilltop viewpoints with the option of bush breakfasts or sundowners. Thereafter the activity, Retreat back to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Mihingo Safari Lodge (Luxury), Arcadia Cottages Mburo (Mid-Range), Eagle’s Nest (Budget).
Day 16: Hike And Nature Walks in Lake Mburo-transfer to Kampala.
After a relaxed breakfast, embark on an early morning Hike and Nature Walks in Lake Mburo that starts from 7:00am and takes 2-3hours.
The activity done under the guidance of an experienced guide will take you to a salt lick area where many animals are attracted to the salty rocks, you may also meet the hyenas returning to their dens and hippos retreat back to the lake and also along the way you will enjoy the views of different bird species such as Harrier Hawk, Green Pigeon, Narina Trogon, Grey-backed Cameroptera and Double-toothed Barbet.
After exploring the nature walks, you will retreat back to the park headquarters and thereafter embark on drive transfer back to Kampala.
You will drive through a magnificent hilly countryside and lush cultivation on an approximately four-hour journey.
Lunch stopover at the Equator crossing in Kayabwe. Arrive in Kampala early evening like at 5-6pm and you will be driven by the driver guide to your respective Kampala hotel/ lodge or to the Airport for your scheduled flight back home.
End of the 16 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safaris And Adventure Tour.
Safari Inclusions
- Gorilla Permit (for gorilla trekking safaris)
- Chimpanzee Permit (for chimpanzee trekking safaris)
- Full Board Accommodation on Safari
- Transportation in either 4X4 Safari Van or 4X4 Safari Land Cruiser all with Pop up roof & AC
- Fuel
- Professional English Speaking driver guide. Any other foreign language speaking guide can be arranged on request.
- Entrance fees to the tourist sites including Protected areas mentioned
- Activity fees of the tourist activities mentioned
- Bottled water while on safari
- Border crossing fees (for cross border safaris)
Safari Exclusions
- General tips for the driver guide, site guides and service staff at the lodges
- Laundry Services
- Other Beverages / drinks of personal nature like Alcohol
- International Flights (Arranged on request)
- Domestic Flights (Arranged on request)
- Visas
- Optional Activity fees
- Other extras not mentioned in the Itinerary
- Airport Transfer (Arranged on request)
- Accommodation in Kampala or Kigali unless it is part of the Itinerary (Arranged on request)
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