12 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari Tour, Uganda Wildlife Safari, Chimpanzee Trekking & Culture Tour Uganda – Overview

The 12 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari Tour, Uganda Wildlife Safari, Chimpanzee Trekking & Culture Tour Uganda.

The 12 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari Wildlife Chimpanzee trekking & Culture Tour Uganda is a diverse Uganda safari package that takes you to the main Uganda Safari destinations of Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable and Lake Mburo National Park.

The activities include wild game viewing, recreational boat cruise, mountain gorilla trekking, cultural tours, adventure mountain hiking and walking safari. Its begins and ends in Kampala /Entebbe Uganda.

12 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari Wildlife Chimpanzee Trekking & Culture Tour Uganda – Highlights

Day 1: Arrive in Uganda – Entebbe International Airport and transfer to the Hotel

Day 2: Drive to Murchison Falls National Park. Explore white Rhinos in Ziwa Sanctuary en route

Day 3: Do morning game drive in the northern landscapes of Murchison, afternoon Nile launch cruise to the bottom of the falls and hike to the top of the falls

Day 4: Transfer to Hoima. Visit the Kibiro Salt Gardens en route

Day 5: Transfer to Fort Portal Area. Undertake tea estate cycling in Mpanga Estates, visit the Amabere g’ Nnyinamwiru caves, hike the Fort Portal Crater field and transfer to Kibale National Park

Day 6: Do Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park, Bigodi wetland walk in the afternoon and transfer to Kasese

Day 7: Do whole day hiking to the Rwenzori Mountains – the legendary snow capped mountains of the moon

Day 8: Undertake an extensive game drive in the Kasenyi plains, afternoon boat cruise along the 45km Kazinga Channel and evening game drive along the channel track.

Day 9: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Explore the tree climbing lions of Ishasha en route

Day 10: Undertake mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & transfer to Lake Bunyonyi via the fascinating Kigezi Highlands for an evening boat cruise and relaxation

Day 11: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park. Make a traditional lunch stop at Igongo Cultural Center and an evening game drive on arrival

Day 12: Do morning game walking safari and transfer to Kampala / Entebbe. Catch up with a night flight

12 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari Wildlife Chimpanzee Trekking & Culture Tour Uganda – Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Uganda – Entebbe International Airport And Transfer To The Hotel

Arrive in Uganda – Entebbe International Airport on the shores of Africa’s largest lake – Lake Victoria where you will be welcomed by our representative, get briefed about the destination and the safari in particular after which you transfer to the hotel for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

If you arrive in the early hours of the day, you can undertake a sightseeing encounter in Kampala or Entebbe depending on the location of your hotel exploring sites of historical, economic, cultural, religious, political and educational significance.

Accommodation:
Upmarket / Luxury: Kampala Sheraton Hotel / Lake Victoria Serena Resort
Midrange / Standard: Cassia Lodge / Boma Hotel
Budget / Basic: Airport Guesthouse / Carpe Diem / Buziga Country Resort

Day 2: Drive to Murchison Falls National Park. Explore White Rhinos in Ziwa Sanctuary En-route

Drive to Murchison Falls National Park 311km about 5 hours drive departing at 6:30am from Kampala. You enjoy the scenic landscapes of central Uganda including the flat stretches of Nakasongora with possible sights of Ankole long horned cows before approaching Nakitooma 115km from Kampala.

At this point, you branch off from the main road to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary 7km to the Headquarters. You undertake the walk in the Savannah thicket of Ziwa in search of the southern white Rhinos and this experience can take 1 – 2 hours from which you settle for lunch at Kabalega dinner before proceeding on the drive to Murchison. Arrive in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight

Accommodation
Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge / Bakers Lodge
Midrange: Murchison River Lodge
Budget / Basic: Heritage Safari Lodge / Tent @Fort Murchison

Day 3: Do Morning Game Drive in The Northern Landscapes of Murchison, Afternoon Nile Launch Cruise to The Bottom of The Falls And Hike To The Top of The Falls

After breakfast, you embark on the game drive in the rolling Savannah landscapes of northen Murchison. The encounter commences at 7am and can last 3 – 4 hours allowing you to explore the counts of wild game in detail.

The game drive offers you the possibility to explore the Big four namely the elephants, Buffaloes, lions and leopard.

The other wild game in Murchison that might be explored include Rothschild’s giraffes, hyenas, Jackson’s Hartebeest hartebeests, Deffasa waterbucks, bushbucks, oribi, Uganda Kobs among others.

Retreat from the activity to the lodge for relaxation and lunch after which you connect to Paraa Jetty for an afternoon Nile launch cruise.

The boat trip departs at 2:30pm and lasts 3 hours. On the waters of the Nile, you have chances of exploring aquatic species including the Nile crocodiles – world’s second largest reptile, Hippos, Water dwelling birds like the Shoebill stork along with land animals that draw to the river banks to quench their thirst.

Upon reaching the bottom of the falls, you embark on the hike to the top of the falls. The hike takes you through a challenging narrow path following the Nile River as crushes its head on the ancient impermeable rocks that have stood in its way for centuries past.

You enjoy the roaring sound of the Nile which is accompanied by a plume of spray and a trade mark rainbow.

The top of the falls features a nice scenic views impressive for photography. Connect with your driver guide on the top of the falls to connect to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Accommodation
Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge / Bakers Lodge
Midrange: Murchison River Lodge
Budget / Basic: Heritage Safari Lodge / Tent @Fort Murchison

Day 4: Transfer to Hoima. Visit the Kibiro Salt Gardens En-route

After a relaxed breakfast, embark on the transfer to Hoima driving out of the park through the Bulisa gate to drive along the Albertine rift escarpment.

You enjoy the view of Lake Albert, the Butiaba Escarpment and the Blue Mountains of Democratic Republic of Congo.

En route, a stop is made at the famous Kibiro Salt Gardens and hot springs. The site is a historical one dating to over 900 years ago before the inception of the Europeans.

It is known for the production of fine natural salt predominately by Women using the traditional methods.

The site was a stronghold in the Kingdom of Bunyoro Kitara Empire and counted among the reasons for the Kingdom’s expansion.

Accessing it is also challenging and an exciting hike worth undertaking. Retreat from the encounter and proceed to Hoima town.

Upon arrival, you can opt to take an evening town walk to explore the local markets and life setting. Retire for dinner and overnight

Accommodation: Hoima Cultural Lodge / Kontiki Hotel Hoima

Day 5:  Transfer to Fort Portal Area. Undertake Tea Estate Cycling in Mpanga Estates, Visit The Amabere g’ Nnyinamwiru Caves, Hike The Fort Portal Crater Field And Transfer to Kibale National Park

Transfer to Fort Portal following breakfast from Hoima. The drive is about 5 hours enjoying the scenic countryside but on a murram road.

Upon arriving in Fort Portal Area, you make a stop for an adventurous cycling encounter in the tea estates under the guidance of the local staff with deep knowledge of the past, present and the anticipated future of the area.

You can participate in the tea plucking to gain hands on experience of what is carried out at the site. From nth cycling encounter, you proceed to Fort Portal town for lunch after which you take on a visit to the heritage site of Amabere g’Nyinamwiru caves.

The Amabere are breast-like features with milky substance oozing from them to the ground. They are believed to be breasts of Nnyinamwiru the famous daughter of Bukuku who was a self enthroned King of the Bachwezi and tried to prevent her daughter from getting in contact with men as he had been foretold that the daughter’s child will overthrow him.

After listening to the story attached to these caves and enjoying the beautiful Nyakasura falls, you embark on the hike to the Fort Portal Crater field surrounded by the magic explosion crater lakes including Kigere among others.

The summit of Kyeganywa hill offers all round views of the area and the snow caped Rwenzori Mountains at a distance. Retreat from the experience and transfer to Kibale National Park for relaxation, dinner and overnight

Accommodation
Upmarket / Luxury: Ndali lodge
Midrange / Standard: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse
Budget / Basic: Rwenzori View Guesthouse
Wild Camping at Primate Lodge Campsite / Kanyanchu River Camp

Day 6: Do Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park, Bigodi Wetland Walk in The Afternoon And Transfer to Kasese

After breakfast, gather at Kanyanchu Tourism Center to catch up for chimpanzee trekking briefing commencing at 8am.

The briefing is conducted by the Park rangers and can last about 30 minutes after which you head to the jungle in search of the man’s closest cousin – the Chimpanzee.

Besides the chimpanzees, Kibale National Park supports a count of 12 other species of primate including the Black and White colobus Monkeys, the Blue tailed Monkeys, L’Hoest’s Monkeys, the Olive Baboons among others.

The Park also features a count of 371 impressive tree species among which include the Warbughia Ugandensis and Parinari exelsa among other lovely flora.

Kibale is a home to 375 species of birds including the Green-breasted Pitta, Black Bee-eater, Crowned Eagle, Western Nicator, Little Greenbul, Red-chested Owlet, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, African Grey Parrot, Blue-breasted Kingfisher and Brown-chested Alethe among other species.

All these are at your disposal to explore once you are in the Chimpanzee forest. The Chimpanzee trekking tend to take 2 – 5 hours where you have opportunities to explore the Chimpanzees feeding, copulating, patrolling, make pant hooting calls among other interesting aspects about this brilliant apes.

The viewing experience is limited to one hour for purposes of conservation after which you return to the starting point to enjoy your packed lunch.

In the afternoon, you connect to Bigodi wetland for a thrilling wetland walk to stand chances of exploring the sanctuary’s lush flora, the 138 bird species including the Great Blue Turaco and the swamp wildlife like the Sitatunga.

The walk can be extended to explore the community including the home of the traditional healer after which you connect to Kasese arriving in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight

Accommodation:
Upmarket / Luxury: Equator Snow Lodge
Midrange / Standard: Ihamba Safari Lodge
Budget / Basic: Ruboni Community Camp

Day 7: Do Whole Day Hiking to The Rwenzori Mountains – The Legendary Snow Capped Mountains of The Moon

Embark on the hike to the legendary mountains of the moon departing at 8am from Nyakalengija ranger post.

The hike offers you the opportunity to explore the snow capped range whose one of its Six peaks – Margarita stands as the third highest on the African continent rising to 5,109m above sea level covered with permanent snow.

The elevated points offer you panoramic views of the Kasese town, Lakes George and Edward and the Savannah stretches of Queen Elizabeth National Park and Semliki Valley.

Retreat in the evening and transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP 72km about 1 – 2 hours drive for relaxation, dinner and overnight

Accommodation
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge / Kyambura Game Lodge
Midrange: Enganzi Lodge / Marafiki Safari Lodge
Budget / Basic: Pumba Safari Cottages

Day 8:  Undertake an Extensive Game Drive in the Kasenyi Plains, Afternoon Boat Cruise Along The 45km Kazinga Channel And Evening Game Drive Along The Channel Track.

Wake up for an early morning 3 – 4 hour game drive starting at 7am driving though the Kasenyi tracks where you will have chances of viewing a range of wildlife.

Some of these include; lions, elephants, Buffaloes, Antelopes, jackals, among others. You will marvel at them as they gather what to put in their stomachs and others taking a rest.

The Savannah landscape in which they thrive is an attraction in its self. Return to the lodge for relaxation till lunch time after which you will gather at Mweya for a launch cruise on Kazinga channel at 2:00pm.

The 2 hour launch cruise takes you through the offers of the 45m long Kazinga channel including impressive views of the Nile crocodiles, Hippos, abundant bird life and a range of wild game quenching their thirst along the channel waters.

Drive along the channel track exploring more game as you return to the lodge for relaxation and overnight.

Accommodation
Upmarket / Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge / Kyambura Game Lodge
Midrange / Standard: Enganzi Game Lodge / Marafiki Safari Lodge
Budget / Basic: Pumba Safari Cottages

Day 9: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Explore The Tree Climbing Lions of Ishasha En-route

Following breakfast at your respective lodge, embark on the drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park departing at 7am.

You make a stop in Ishasha sector to undertake an extensive game drive in search of the famous tree climbing lions.

The Ishasha sector is known to the home of these lions and its low lying tree branches presents a clear viewing opportunity than in other areas where similar lion behavior occurrences are known.

Proceed to arrive in Bwindi in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight

Accommodation:
Upmarket / Luxury: Chameleon Hill Lodge / Buhoma Lodge
Midrange / Standard: Gorilla Mist Camp / Gorilla Valley Lodge
Budget / Basic: Broadbill Forest Camp
Wild Camping

Day 10: Undertake Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi via the Fascinating Kigezi Highlands For an Evening Boat Cruise And Relaxation.

After a heavy breakfast, you gather at the respective gorilla trekking region headquarters for briefing at 8am by the Uganda Wildlife Authority Park rangers.

During this time, gorilla family allocation takes place and in case one has a special requirement, it would be ideal to raise it for possible consideration.

After this session, head to the jungle to search for the critically endangered apes in their natural habitat. You hike the steep hills of Bwindi covered with dense forest cover, slope down the narrow valleys, cross streams and minor rivers while enjoying the impressive jungle sounds of birds and other wildlife as draw close to the gorillas.

The gentle giants treat you to a comfortable welcome. Enjoy the sight of the mighty silverback along with the black backs, the adult females and the youngsters that are so playful.

The encounter takes 2 – 8 hours inclusive of one hour of direct viewing. Retreat from the encounter and embark on the drive to Lake Bunyonyi.

You drive through the fascinating Kigezi Highlands dubbed the Switzerland of Africa. Upon arrival, you embark on a thrilling boat ride to explore the second deepest lake in Africa with 29 Islands.

You can also disembark from the boat at some point and take a walk in one of the Islands to share light moments with the Island Communities. Retreat from the activity for relaxation, dinner and overnight

Accommodation:
Upmarket / Luxury: Birdnest @Lake Bunyonyi Resort
Midrange / Standard: Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort
Budget / Basic: Broadbill Forest Camp
Resort Camping

Day 11: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park. Make a Traditional Lunch Stop at Igongo Cultural Center And an Evening Game Drive On Arrival

After breakfast, embark on the transfer to Lake Mburo National Park 199km about 4 hours drive. You enjoy the rolling landscapes of Kigezi and Ntungamo before approaching Mbarara town and Igongo Cultural Center 12km past Mbarara for traditional lunch. You can take an optional tour of the Museu exploring the heritage of all tribes of south western Uganda. Proceed for 45km to reach Lake Mburo National Park for an evening game drive offering you possibilities of exploring the Savannah game on the sun set. The views of Giraffes, Impala, Topis, Zebra, Warthogs, Buffaloes, water bucks among others may thrill you in the very evening. Retire for relaxation, dinner and overnight

Accommodation:
Upmarket / Luxury: Mihingo Safari Lodge
Midrange / Standard: Rwakobo Rock
Budget / Basic: Eagles Nest
Wild Camping

Day 12: Do Morning Game Walking Safari And Transfer to Kampala / Entebbe. Catch Up With a Night Flight

After breakfast, embark on the game walking safari commencing at Rwonyo Tourism Center at 7am. You are accompanied by an armed ranger guide who will give you a themed interpretation of the verdant flora and fauna that would cross your eyes.

Exploring the range of wild game including the Rothschild giraffes, the Deffassa water bucks, populations of Burchells Zebra, the Impala antelope among other species on foot would be amazing.

The walk in the Savannah as you see the sun rising over it is another memorable experience. Retreat from the 2 hour experience and embark on the transfer to Kampala.

A Stop at Uganda Equator crossing Kayabwe for amazing photo shoots & water experiments that justify the geographical divide between the north and southern hemisphere would be amazing to encounter.

You can also secure a souvenir to take home from the craft shops at the site. You can catch up with a night flight at Entebbe International Airport if you wish.

End of The 12 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari Wildlife Chimpanzee Trekking & Culture Tour Uganda

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)