11-Day Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Wildlife Journey

Embark on an extraordinary 11-day Uganda safari that combines thrilling Big Five encounters, unforgettable primate experiences, and some of the country's most spectacular landscapes.

Your adventure begins in Murchison Falls National Park, where sweeping savannahs, the Nile River, and abundant wildlife set the stage for exciting game drives. Continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its diverse wildlife, scenic crater landscapes, and exceptional chimpanzee experiences in the surrounding forests.

The journey then leads into the misty highlands of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to Uganda's endangered mountain gorillas. Trekking through the ancient rainforest in search of a gorilla family is the defining highlight of this safari—an intimate encounter with one of Africa's most remarkable species.

To round off the adventure, explore the wildlife-rich plains of Lake Mburo National Park before relaxing beside the tranquil waters of Lake Bunyonyi, surrounded by rolling hills and picturesque islands.

Across 11 days, discover Uganda's extraordinary diversity, from elephants, lions, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos to chimpanzees, mountain gorillas, and a remarkable variety of birdlife. The itinerary is available throughout the year and can be customized around your preferred accommodation, budget, pace, and travel style.

From thrilling savannah game drives to intimate primate encounters and peaceful lakeside escapes, this safari offers an unforgettable journey through the heart of Uganda.

• Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• Game drive in Murchison Falls National Park
• Boat cruise on the Victoria Nile in Murchison Falls National Park
• Hike to the Top of the Falls in Murchison Falls National Park
• Game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Forest Reserve, near Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Tree-climbing lion tracking expedition in the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Batwa forest pygmy community walk
• Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Canoe ride in Lake Mburo National Park
• Night game drive in Lake Mburo National Park
• Guided nature walk in Lake Mburo National Park
• Equator line experience

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide and transferred to Via Guest House. After check-in, you will receive a briefing on your exciting 11-day safari itinerary, followed by dinner and an overnight stay.

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Via Guest House

After an early breakfast, begin your scenic 6- to 7-hour journey north to Murchison Falls National Park. En route, make a rewarding stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Uganda's only home of wild white rhinos.

Join an experienced ranger guide for a memorable on-foot rhino-tracking experience through the sanctuary. Spend up to [3] hours searching for these remarkable animals while learning about the conservation work that has helped reintroduce rhinos to Uganda.

Enjoy lunch at Kabalega Diner before continuing to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda's largest and most diverse protected area. Spanning approximately 3840 square kilometres, the park supports 76 mammal species and around 451 bird species, including elephants, buffaloes, lions, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and an exceptional variety of birdlife.

On arrival, transfer to Hornbill Safari Lodge, where you can unwind after the day's adventure. Settle into the peaceful wilderness surroundings, enjoy a delicious dinner, and spend the night at the lodge.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hornbill Safari Lodge

Begin your day with a cup of coffee or tea before setting off on an early morning game drive across the Nyamsika Plateau in Murchison Falls National Park. This is one of the best times to encounter the park's wildlife as the day comes alive. Look out for Rothschild's giraffes, lions, leopards, African elephants, Cape buffaloes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, warthogs, bushbucks, and a variety of other animals.

Return to the lodge later in the morning for lunch and time to relax before your afternoon boat cruise on the Victoria Nile. The river separates the park's northern and southern sectors and provides exceptional opportunities to view wildlife from the water. Along the banks, you may see large pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles basking in the sun, and numerous bird species, including pelicans, Goliath herons, ibises, saddle-billed storks, kingfishers, and, with luck, the remarkable shoebill stork.

The cruise ends near the base of Murchison Falls, close to the powerful Devil's Cauldron. Pause for photographs before beginning the guided hike to the top of the falls. From above, witness the force of the Victoria Nile as it is squeezed through a narrow [7]-metre gorge before plunging approximately 43 metres into the river below. Enjoy the roar of the water, the cool spray, and the striking rainbows often visible above the falls.

After this unforgettable experience, meet your safari guide for the transfer back to the lodge. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at Hornbill Safari Lodge.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hornbill Safari Lodge

After breakfast, set off on a scenic drive towards Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through the vibrant town of Fort Portal, where you will enjoy a lunch stop before continuing your journey.

As the road unfolds, take in the breathtaking landscapes and panoramic views of the Rwenzori Mountain ranges, often referred to as the "Mountains of the Moon." The changing scenery makes this long drive a memorable part of the safari experience.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is renowned for its remarkable biodiversity, hosting more than 600 bird species alongside an impressive variety of wildlife. Keep an eye out for iconic animals such as African elephants, lions, Cape buffaloes, waterbucks, warthogs, and many other species that inhabit the park's diverse ecosystems.

Upon arrival, proceed to Pumba Safari Cottages, your home for the night. Settle in, freshen up, and unwind after the journey before enjoying dinner and a peaceful overnight stay surrounded by the natural beauty of the area.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Pumba Safari Cottages

Begin the day with an early breakfast before setting off on an exciting morning game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park. Explore the park's wildlife-rich plains in search of lions, leopards, African elephants, Cape buffaloes, waterbucks, Uganda kobs and other antelope species. You may also encounter warthogs, forest hogs, topis, and an impressive variety of birds along the way.

Return to the lodge later in the morning to relax, freshen up, and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a memorable 2-hour boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a 42km natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. The cruise offers outstanding opportunities to view large pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles basking along the shoreline, elephants coming to drink, buffaloes, and an abundance of water birds.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Pumba Safari Cottages or similar

After an early breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Kalinzu Forest, where you will take part in an exciting chimpanzee tracking experience. Following the forest adventure, continue to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its unique population of tree-climbing lions. Enjoy a game-viewing expedition as you explore this remarkable wilderness area.

Later, proceed toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, travelling through picturesque countryside characterized by dramatic, terraced hills and lush valleys. This spectacular landscape has earned the region the nickname "Switzerland of Africa." Lunch will be enjoyed en route before continuing to Bwindi, arriving in the late afternoon. Check in at the lodge, unwind after the day's journey, and enjoy dinner before settling in for the night.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Broadbill Forest Camp

Begin the day with an early breakfast at your lodge before setting off on a scenic drive to the park headquarters. On arrival, you will be welcomed by the park's professional ranger guides for a pre-trek orientation. They will explain the trekking procedures, conservation rules, safety measures, and respectful behaviour required when visiting a habituated gorilla family.

Following the briefing, enter the ancient rainforest on foot and begin your search for the endangered mountain gorillas. The route winds through thick vegetation, bamboo zones, misty slopes, and uneven forest terrain. Trekking time varies considerably, typically lasting between [2] and [8] hours, based on the gorillas' movements and the location of the assigned family.

This is a rewarding but sometimes demanding hike, especially at elevations above [7,500] feet. A fair level of fitness is therefore helpful. Carry drinking water, a packed lunch, sun protection, a hat, a waterproof jacket, long trousers, long-sleeved clothing, and a non-flash camera for photography.

The highlight comes when you finally reach the gorillas. Spend a precious hour in their presence, quietly observing their social interactions, feeding habits, playful young ones, and powerful silverbacks in the wild forest surroundings. Your ranger guide will ensure that the group maintains the appropriate distance and follows all park regulations throughout the visit.

After this once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter, walk back to the starting point and transfer to your lodge for a relaxed evening, dinner, and overnight stay.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Broadbill Forest Camp or a similar lodge

After a leisurely breakfast, set off for the scenic journey to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda's most beautiful destinations and Africa's second-deepest lake. The drive offers spectacular views of rolling, terraced hills that surround the lake, creating a breathtaking landscape as you approach its shores.

Lake Bunyonyi, whose name means "place of many little birds" in the local language, is dotted with 29 picturesque islands and is renowned for its rich birdlife. The lake is also considered safe for swimming, being free from crocodiles and bilharzia.

Upon arrival, enjoy a relaxing canoe excursion, gliding across the calm waters while taking in the panoramic scenery and discovering some of the lake's charming islands. Return to the lodge for lunch followed by some well-deserved relaxation.

Later in the afternoon, venture into the local community for an enriching cultural experience. Meet the Bakiga people, learn about their traditions and way of life, and enjoy vibrant traditional dances and performances. You will also have the opportunity to browse locally made crafts and purchase unique souvenirs as a lasting reminder of your visit.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Bunyonyi Rock Resort

After an early breakfast, set off for Lake Mburo National Park, one of Uganda's smaller yet remarkably wildlife-rich protected areas, covering approximately 371 square kilometres. The park is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including large herds of zebras, impalas, buffaloes, elands, giraffes, warthogs, reedbucks, oribis, and numerous bird species.

As you travel toward the park, enjoy scenic views of the beautifully terraced and undulating hills of the Kigezi region. A lunch stop will be made in Mbarara, famously known for its cattle-keeping heritage and often referred to as the "Land of Milk and Honey."

After lunch, continue the drive toward Lake Mburo National Park, arriving in the late afternoon. Later, embark on a relaxing two-hour boat safari on Lake Mburo, offering an excellent opportunity to observe wildlife and birdlife along the shores while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

After the boat excursion, return to the lodge for dinner and a comfortable overnight stay.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock Lodge

Begin the day with breakfast before embarking on an exciting morning game drive through Lake Mburo National Park. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes as you explore the park's open savannah plains, keeping an eye out for a variety of wildlife and bird species in their natural habitat. The drive offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography while taking in the peaceful scenery of the park.

After the game drive, leave the park and continue with your journey, stopping along the way for lunch. Later, make a memorable stop at the Equator, where you can take photographs, enjoy the unique experience of standing on the equatorial line, and browse for locally made souvenirs.

Continue to your destination after the Equator visit.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: As arrange

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before beginning a memorable Kampala city tour. Visit the Uganda Museum to discover the country's cultural heritage, then continue to the Uganda Martyrs Shrine at Namugongo, an important spiritual and historical landmark. Explore the King's Palace at Mengo and learn about the traditions of the Buganda Kingdom.

Later, visit selected art and craft shops, where you can browse locally made carvings, woven baskets, paintings, jewellery, and other meaningful souvenirs to remember your [11]-day Uganda adventure. After lunch and the day's sightseeing, your safari guide will transfer you to Entebbe International Airport in time for your onward flight, as you bid a warm farewell to the Pearl of Africa.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch