13 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari Tour Gorilla Trekking Uganda & Chimps – Overview

The 13 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari Tour. Gorilla Trekking Uganda Safari. Chimps Trek Safari in Uganda. The 13 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari features Chimps & Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, wildlife safari in Kidepo Valley Park, Sipi Falls, Murchison Falls Park, Kibale Forest Park, Mount Rwenzori, Queen Elizabeth Park and Lake Mburo Park to see the Big 5 i.e elephants, the Buffaloes, Lions, leopards, the Rothschild, 13 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari Tour Gorilla Trekking Uganda & Chimps takes you to the Uganda Safari destinations of Kidepo Valley National Park, Sipi Falls, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale National Park, Mount Rwenzori, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Lake Mburo National Park.

The safari presents an opportunity to explore a myriad of wild game including the elephants, the Buffaloes, Lions, leopards, the Rothschild Giraffes, the Elands, Burchell’s Zebra among other species.

The counts of Chimpanzees, beautiful landscapes including the snow capped Rwenzoris, the hot springs at Semliki and Kibiro Salt Gardens combine to generate exciting experience.

13 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari Tour Gorilla Trekking Uganda & Chimps – Highlights

Day 1: Drive to Sipi Area & explore Sipi falls

Day 2: Drive to Kidepo Valley National Park. Do a game drive in Pian Upe game reserve en route

Day 3: Undertake a game drive in the morning and Karamojong community tour in the afternoon

Day 4: Drive to Murchison Falls NP exploring the impressive scenic landscapes of northern Uganda – the former LRA Kony War Zone

Day 5: Undertake a game drive in the morning, Nile launch cruise in the afternoon and hike to the top of the falls

Day 6: Drive to Hoima and explore the Kibiro Salt Gardens en route

Day 7: Drive to Fort Portal. Explore the Mpanga Tea estate cycling upon arrival

Day 8: Undertake chimpanzee trekking in the morning and Bigodi wetland walk in the afternoon

Day 9: Drive to Semliki National Park, explore Sempaya hot springs and drive to Kasese. Explore the Rwenzori art foundation en route

Day 10: Undertake a whole day hiking to mount Rwenzori – the legendary Mountains of the moon and transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP

Day 11: Undertake a game drive in the morning and Kazinga Channel boat cruise in the afternoon

Day 12: Drive to Lake Mburo NP. Make a stop at Igongo Cultural Center for traditional lunch en route and undertake an evening game drive in the afternoon

Day 13: Undertake a game walking safari in the morning and drive to Kampala

13 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari Tour – Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Sipi Area & Explore Sipi Falls

Embark on transfer to the east of Uganda driving along the magical impressive landscapes including the Sugar cane plantations of Lugazi, Mabira forest Reserve, Jinja town, the swamps of eastern Uganda, Mbale town before eventually arriving in Sipi.

You settle for lunch after which you embark on the hike to the Falls. The hike offers you magical views of the famous Sipi Falls along with the views of Mount Elgon and the communities below.

The encounter presents a magical opportunity for sightseeing and photography. Retire for relaxation, dinner and overnight

Accommodation
Up market / Luxury: Sipi River Lodge
Midrange / Standard: Lacam Lodge
Budget / Basic: Crown’s Nest Camp site

Day 2: Drive to Kidepo Valley National Park. Do a Game Drive in Pian Upe Game Reserve En-route

Embark on the drive to Kidepo Valley National Park in the north east of Uganda after breakfast at the lodge.

The journey is a long drive encounter allowing you to explore the scenic countryside before approaching the famous Pian Upe game reserve for an en route game drive to gain possibilities of viewing wild game like Jackals, Spotted hyenas, Civets, Servals, Wildcats, Leopards, Vervet monkeys, Olive baboons, Patas monkeys, vervet monkeys, Topi, Common eland, Cape buffalo, blue and common duiker, Klipspringer, Waterbuck, Günther’s dik-dik, Bohor and mountain reebuck and Ugandan Kob among others.

From the game drive, you embark on the drive to Kidepo Valley National Park with the views of Mount Moroto arriving in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Accommodation
Upmarket / Luxury: Apoka Safari Lodge

Midrange / Standard: Nga’ moru Wilderness
Budget / Basic: Apoka Rest Camp

Day 3: Undertake a Game Drive in The Morning and Karamojong Community Tour in The Afternoon

Wake up for a cup of coffee before embarking on an early game drive through the Narus and Kidepo valleys to gain stunning views of not only fauna but also amazing scenic views of this semi-arid wilderness.

On this game drive, you may see lions, giraffe, buffaloes, zebra, elusive leopard, cheetah, and Antelope species while the stretch to Kidepo valley exposes you to Ostrich that only thrive in this park in Uganda.

Return to the lodge for relaxation and lunch after which you will visit the Karamojong communities in the afternoon.

The traditional Manyattas have unique architecture while the general setting of their homesteads rotates around their pastoral occupation. Retreat to the lodge for overnight.

Accommodation
Upmarket / Luxury: Apoka Safari Lodge
Midrange / Standard: Nga’ moru Wilderness
Budget / Basic: Apoka Rest Camp

Day 4: Drive to Murchison Falls NP Exploring The Impressive Scenic Landscapes of Northern Uganda – The Former LRA Kony War Zone

You embark on the transfer to Murchison Falls National Park Uganda’s largest National Park. You drive through the impressive landscapes of northern Uganda with its flat open stretches marked with its horrific past of the Kony War.

You make a lunch stop in Kitgum or Gulu before proceeding to Murchison Falls National Park arriving in the evening for relaxation, inner and overnight

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

Day 5: Undertake a Game Drive in The Morning, Nile Launch Cruise in The Afternoon And Hike to The top of The Falls

Wake up early enough for a cup of coffee before arriving at Paraa to catch up with the ferry crossing at 7:00am to the northern bank of the Nile if you slept in the south.

Upon crossing, you will drive through the amazing rolling Savannah combretum dotted with enormous numbers of wildlife including; Elephants, Buffaloes, giraffes, Jackson hartebeest, Uganda Kobs, bush bucks, waterbucks, lions and if lucky elusive leopard.

The 3 to 4-hour game drive is a rewarding encounter of typical African game. Return to the lodge for relaxation till lunch after which you will gather at Paraa for Nile Launch cruise starting at 2pm.

The 3-hour boat cruise exposes you magical offerings of the Nile including the rare shoe bill stork, Nile crocodiles, Hippos, and wild game drinking on the river side.

The launch trip stretches to the bottom of the falls. 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 view 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
Upmarket / Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge / Bakers Lodge
Midrange / Standard: Murchison River Lodge / Fort Murchison
Budget / Basic: Heritage Safari Lodge / Tent @Fort Murchison

Day 6: Drive to Hoima and Explore 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 7: Drive to Fort Portal. Explore The Mpanga Tea Estate Cycling Upon Arrival

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 settle for lunch in Fort Portal town after which you embark on 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 the cycling encounter, you connect to Kibale National Park for relaxation, dinner and overnight

Accommodation

Upmarket / Luxury: Primate Lodge – Luxury Cottages -/ Ndali Lodge
Midrange / Standard: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse / Kibale Forest Camp – Safari Tent
Budget / Basic: Rwenzori View Guesthouse

Day 8: Undertake Chimpanzee Trekking in The Morning and Bigodi Wetland Walk in The Afternoon

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 the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight

Accommodation
Upmarket / Luxury: Primate Lodge – Luxury Cottages -/ Ndali Lodge
Midrange / Standard: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse / Kibale Forest Camp – Safari Tent
Budget / Basic: Rwenzori View Guesthouse

Day 9: Drive to Semliki National Park, Explore Sempaya Hot Springs And Drive to Kasese. Explore The Rwenzori Art Foundation En-route

After breakfast, you embark on the drive to Semliki National Park 78km about 2 hours drive passing through Fort Portal town before approaching the scenic Rwenzori Mountains dubbed the legendary mountain of the moon.

Upon reaching Semliki, you embark on the Sempaya Nature Walk to explore the female and male hot springs.

The hot springs feature a boiling geyser sprouting to up to 2m high and boiling above 100 degrees Celsius.

The walk also offers you the possibilities of exploring verdant flora and primates. You retreat from the encounter and embark on the transfer to Kasese.

You visit the Rwenzori Art Foundation on arrival exploring the single bronze casting center in the whole of Africa where a range of sculptures are displayed in the gallery for viewing or you can participate in the casting process itself. Retire for relaxation, dinner and overnight

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

Day 10: Undertake a Whole Day Hiking to Mount Rwenzori – The Legendary 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 11: Undertake a Game Drive in The Morning And Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise in The Afternoon

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 12: Drive to Lake Mburo NP. Make a Stop at Igongo Cultural Center For Traditional Lunch En-route,  And Undertake an Evening Game Drive in The Afternoon

Following breakfast at the lodge, you embark on the transfer to L. Mburo NP 180km about 3 hours’ drive. The drive takes you through the impressive landscapes of Bunyaruguru crater field and the verdant forest of Kalinzu before approaching Mbarara and Igongo Cultural Center.

You embark on the hike to the Rwenjeru hill which is a historical hill in region with a monument on top of it commemorating the 1520AD total Eclipse monument.

The site also marks the great event in the history of the Banyankole people where they repossessed the cows after they were abandoned by the King of Bunyoro who was from a raid in Rwanda and had reached Biharwe by the time of the Eclipse.

It’s an amazing history and adventure hike worth undertaking. You settle for a thrilling traditional lunch at Igongo Cultural Center where you can also tour the museum to explore the culture and heritage of the tribes of south western Uganda after which you transfer to Lake Mburo National Park for an evening game drive which offers you an opportunity to explore a range of wild game including the Impala antelope, the Burchell’s Zebra, the Topis among other species before you retire for relaxation, dinner and overnight

Accommodation
Up market / Luxury: Mihingo Safari Lodge
Midrange / Standard: Arcadia Cottages Mburo
Budget / Basic: Eagles Nest

Day 13: Undertake a Game Walking Safari in The Morning And Drive to Kampala

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.

End of The 13 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari 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)