These 11 days Uganda gorilla and chimpanzee trekking are probably one of the most adventurous Uganda safaris. This will lead to sights and sounds of western and northern Uganda; notable are the rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the gushing waterfalls of Murchison Falls, and the undulating and meandering hills as you drive to the hunters’ area of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
An encounter with our closest cousins, the chimpanzees, not forgetting the giants of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, aka mountain gorillas, will mesmerize you. Worth mentioning during this trip are the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha and Lake Bunyonyi, which is said to be the second-deepest lake in Africa, not forgetting the mighty waterfalls of Murchison Falls.
itinerary for 11 days of Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking
Day 1: Entebbe International Airport
Uganda is arguably one of the leading welcoming countries, and Ugandans are known for being the most hospitable the world over. Meet any Ugandan anywhere, and they are happy to assist you. Entebbe and Kampala have stunning amenities and numerous options to choose from. You will be spoilt for choice. Meet our local guide and transfer to the 2 Friends Beach Hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Entebbe-Murchison Falls National Park
After an early breakfast, transfer to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to the northwestern region of Uganda, leaving out the hustle and bustle of the city. Stop over for lunch and rhino tracking in Masindi. The sanctuary is home to one of the Big Five living in Uganda (rhinos). You will have an opportunity to get closer to them and have clearer views and photo moments. Proceed to Murchison Falls, arriving late afternoon. There is much to learn and fall in love with within the countryside as you drive through the inviting panoramic views fading on the horizon. Dinner and overnight at Sambiya River Lodge.
Day 3: Murchison Falls National Park
After a rather early cup of coffee or tea, traverse this sprawling Savannah where Africa’s well-known hunters live. The early-morning game drive will help us catch up with the savannah’s early risers. During the game drive, look out for elephants, lions, Rothchild’s giraffes, Cape buffalos, water bucks, oribis, bush bucks, Bohor reed bucks, hartebeests, and hyenas, and on a lucky day, you will see the leopard.
The Savannah is also known for its dotted bird life and is a haven to more than 50 bird species that include the rare shoebill stork, cormorant, Budongo’s 59 “restricted range” species, pelican, bee-eater, Goliath heron, dwarf kingfisher, Egyptian goose, white-thighed hornbill, great blue turaco, and many more.
Take an afternoon boat cruise upstream on the calm, meandering Victoria Nile to the bottom of the gushing Murchison Falls; marvel at the toothsome hippos and the basking crocodiles; and over the 17 km stretch, you may see elephants, giraffes, waterbucks, Uganda kobs, and many more as they cool off from the afternoon heat. Dinner and overnight at Sambiya River Lodge.
Day 4: Murchison Falls—Kibale Forest National Park
After breakfast, we transfer to Kibale Forest National Park, otherwise known as the “primate capital of the world.” We will go through the little towns and villages that showcase the Ugandan rhythm of life. Check in to your hotel, relax, and chat the evening away. Dinner and an overnight at Tabebuia Spa and Safari Resort.
Day 5: Kibale Forest National Park
After breakfast we go for an exciting adventure: chimpanzee tracking. Meet the closest cousins of human beings, otherwise known as chimpanzees. Chimpanzees share 98.7% of genes with humans. Enjoy them as they toss and jump from one tree to another. Return for lunch at the lodge and relax the whole afternoon away. Have a dip in the luxurious swimming pool. Dinner and overnight at Tabebuia Spa and Safari Resort
Day 6: Kibale Forest National Park to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, we begin the journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park is nestled between two lakes, George and Edward, with the Kazinga Channel joining the two. Its lush savannah offers prime grazing ground for the African buffaloes, African elephants, and various antelopes. The park hosts over 600 bird species. Possible evening drive to the crater lakes. Dinner and an overnight stay at Lake Munyanyange Caves Lodge.
Day 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s leading savannah destinations, most visited by holidaymakers from all over the world. This is where the well-known African hunters live, the muskrats forming schools around shore banks, and hundreds of ungulates grazing in the vast savanna grassland. After a rather nice cup of coffee or tea and a game drive, look out for the big game before they disappear into thickets.
The sprawling savannah features other features like crater lakes; Kazinga Channel, known for its school of hippos basking on the shores; and the endless Ishasha Plains, whose fig trees are known for the tree-climbing lions who love hiding around, targeting their prey, the most eaten Ugandan kobs, and others.
Afternoon boat cruise on Kazinga Channel, a haven for over 600 bird species: hippos, crocodiles, and Cape buffaloes, to mention but a few. Possible evening game drive or just relax at the lodge. Dinner overnight at Lake Munyanyange Caves Lodge.
Day 8: Queen Elizabeth National Park—Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Breakfast and begin the journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. We will go through the meandering and beautiful hilly landscapes before penetrating the densely forested terrains of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Notable is the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions. Dinner and an overnight at Trackers Safari Lodge.
Day 9: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Early morning breakfast, briefing, and starting the long-awaited trek of a lifetime to the gorillas. Meet the forest giants that share about 93% of genes with human beings. The hour spent with a family is quite captivating and memorable. Return to the lodge for lunch and relax the afternoon away. Later, take a community walk. Dinner and overnight at Trackers Safari Lodge.
Day 10: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest—Lake Bunyonyi
Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for more relaxation. Lake Bunyonyi is said to be the second deepest lake in Uganda. Relax the afternoon away or go for a community walk. Dinner and overnight at Bird Nest Resort
Day 11: Lake Bunyonyi-Entebbe
After breakfast, we begin the journey to Entebbe or have another night at Lake Mburo National Park. Lunch en route and proceed. Stop over at the Equator for memorable photography. Dinner and overnight or flight back home.
11 Days Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking include
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
- Gorilla permits, one per person to be paid in advance
- Driver guide allowances
- Wildlife game drives
- En-route lunches
- Ranger fees
- services of an English-speaking driver/guide
11 Days Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking (excluding
- Air fare
- Uganda and Rwanda visas
- Luxury drinks
- Personal laundry
- Tips to local guides
- telephone
- porter fee while trekking
- personal insurance
- buying souvenirs