14 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari, Gorillas Safari Uganda, Chimpanzee Trekking Safari Uganda Tour – Overview

The 14 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari, Gorillas Safari Uganda, Chimpanzee Trekking safari Uganda Tour. The 14 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari Gorillas & Chimpanzee Trekking safaris Tour is an adventurous Uganda safari tour adventure featuring African culture experiences, extensive wild game viewing Lake Mburo & Queen Elizabeth National Parks, mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda Bwindi Impenetrable, Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest Park with a hiking safari to the Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda.

The possible sights of tree climbing lions in Ishasha, Burchell’s Zebra Impala, Elands, Rothschild giraffes among others in Lake Mburo National Park coupled with aquatic wildlife along the 45km long Kazinga Channel, recreation at Lake Bunyonyi along with Cultural encounter in the Banyankole community and the Batwa people combine to derive magical Uganda Safari experience.

14 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari Gorillas & Chimpanzee Trekking safaris Tour – Highlights

Day 1: Arrive in Uganda – Entebbe International Airport & transfer to the hotel

Day 2: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park.

Day 3: Undertake the cultural tour to the Banyankole community for the whole day. Explore into the culture and heritage of the pastoral Bahima and the Bairu cultivators

Day 4: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, visit Igongo Cultural Museum en route 12km before Mbarara & undertake a canoe paddle at Lake Bunyonyi upon arrival in the evening mixing up with the local fishermen and other people transferring to and from the Islands

Day 5: Whole day Island hopping on Lake Bunyonyi exploring the main Islands out of the 29 Islands that characterize the lake and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the afternoon

Day 6: Do gorilla trekking in the Impenetrable Bwindi and attend to the traditional Batwa / Bakiga performances in the evening at the lodge

Day 7: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Do game drive ne route in Ishasha sector in search of tree climbing lions and other wildlife

Day 8: Do game drive in the Kasenyi plains in the morning, afternoon boat trip along the 45km long Kazinga Channel & transfer to Kasese

Day 9: Do whole day adventure hiking experience to the Rwenzori Mountains exploring the snow capped Rwenzori Mountains towering to 5,109m above sea level standing as the third highest in Africa.

Day 10: Explore the Rwenzori Art foundation – the Africa’s only bronze casting center, Ruboni Community craft village, drive to Fort Portal Area to explore the Amabere g’ Nnyinamwiru caves and hike the Fort Portal Crater Lake field before transferring to Kibale National Park

Day 11: Do Chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale Forest National Park and drive to Fort Portal for an experiential pet name giving ceremony of the Batooro / leisure walk in Fort Portal town / relaxation at the lodge

Day 12: Do Tea Estate cycling in Mpanga Estates and drive to Kampala. Make a stop at Nakayima tree in Mubende en route

Day 13: Do Kampala City tour & visit the Company Orphanage. Explore the sites of cultural, historical, educational, economic and political significance & the general city landscape

Day 14: Departure through Entebbe International Airport

14 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari Gorillas & Chimpanzee Trekking safaris Tour – Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Uganda – Entebbe International Airport & 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: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park.

Make a stop en route at Uganda Equator crossing Kayabwe for magical photo shoots and amazing water experiments and an evening game walking safari upon arrival in the park.

After breakfast at your place of stay, you embark on the transfer to Lake Mburo National Park 240km about 3 – 4 hours drive.

You make a stop at Uganda Equator crossing Kayabwe a significant geographical site where the world’s main latitude – the Equator can be evidenced.

You can perform guided water experiments to justify this geographical divide. The site is also good for photography.

You proceed to Lake Mburo NP for lunch and short relaxation after which you embark on the game walking safari in the rolling Savannah stretches of Lake Mburo National Park.

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 retire for relaxation, dinner and overnight

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

Day 3:Undertake The Cultural Tour to The Banyankole Community For The Whole Day.

Explore into the culture and heritage of the pastoralist Bahima and the Bairu cultivators Set off at 6am to the Enyemebwa Center where you catch up with the Herds men setting off to the milking and start off their daily routine.

This is whole day experiential tour that would not only facilitate a cross cultural interaction but would also enable you learn a local skill.

You participate in the milking of Ankole long horned cattle, engage actively in the sick animal treating if any, cow caring like brushing and grazing.

You learn the sounds made during grazing and the flute playing. You also visit the banana plantation to learn about the banana and crop growing practices including planting, weeding, pruning, harvesting among other aspects.

Learn various names of banana types and how they differ. You participate in the traditional lunch preparation where you learn of making sauce without fire – the Eshabwe along with matooke preparation and other food types.

Alternatively, you can take the bull roasting and grilling in the bush with the fellow herdsmen. The cattle watering experience is also magical as you take the red soil to smear the soil made trough which is then filled for the cow to drink from.

In the evening, you attend to the traditional music dance and drama including the magical citations of the Hima people rotating around their beautiful cows and impressive range lands that have supported their cattle for centuries past. Retire for relaxation and overnight

Accommodation
Upmarket / Luxury: Mihingo Safari Lodge
Midrange / Standard: Arcadia Cottages Mburo
Budget / Basic: Eagles Nest
Wild Camping

Day 4: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, visit Igongo Cultural Museum en route 12km before Mbarara & Undertake a canoe paddle at Lake Bunyonyi upon arrival in the evening mixing up with the local fishermen and other people transferring to and from the Islands

After a relaxed breakfast,e drive to Lake Bunyonyi 199km about 4 – 5 hours drive. A stop will be made at Igongo Cultural Center 12km to Mbarara town and 33km from Lake Mburo to tour the cultural Museum.

Erijukiro Museum is the largest private museum in Uganda featuring artifacts of all tribes of south western Uganda including the impressive sculpture of Mayenje g’Inshinjo a famous cow that sparked off the conflict between the Chiefdom of Buhweju and the Kingdom of Ankole.

You proceed on the drive to Bunyonyi where you are welcomed by the fascinating Kigezi Highlands. You check in at your lodge, have lunch and take up the canoe paddle on the calm scenic Lake Bunyonyi interacting with the local people doing fishing and transferring to and from the Islands. Retire in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight

Accommodation
Upmarket / Luxury: Birdnest @Lake Bunyonyi Resort
Midrange / Standard: Lake Bunyonyi Eco – resort
Budget / Basic: Byoona Amagara Island Retreat
Resort Camping

Day 5: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Whole day Island hopping on Lake Bunyonyi exploring the main Islands out of the 29 Islands that characterize the lake and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the afternoon
Embark on the Island hopping experience after breakfast to explore the lake of a thousand Islands.

Lake Bunyonyi standing as the second deepest in Africa features a count of 29 Islands where some of these are historical and feature magnificent features worth of exploring.

The Bucuranuka (Upside down) Island is a historical Island which is believed to have turned upside down and buried the inhabitants following the people’s refusal to offer a sip of local brew to the passing old woman.

The Akampane (Punishment) Island where the unwanted premarital pregnant girls would be thrown and left to die along with others like the resort Islands of Kyahugye and Bushara combine to make a complete experience.

The local wooden engine boat cruise enabling you to connect to these Islands is a magical experience as well.

On the Islands, you explore the local life of the Islanders including the local brewing process and food preparation not forgetting music dance and drama.

Retreat from the encounter to embark on the transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park through fascinating Kigezi Highlands arriving in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

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

Day 6: Do Gorilla Trekking in The Impenetrable Bwindi And Attend to The Traditional Batwa / Bakiga Performances in The Evening At The Lodge

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 activity and connect back to the lodge for relaxation.

In the evening, you enjoy the group of traditional dancers from the local Batwa or the Bakiga tribal groups at the lodge.

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

Day 7: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Do Game Drive En-route in Ishasha Sector in Search of Tree Climbing Lions and Other Wildlife

After breakfast transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – the highest visited Game Park in Uganda. You will pass through Ishasha sector where you have chances of spotting tree climbing lions lying on the tree branches in the midmorning sun.

The drive also offers you chances of viewing more wild game apart from the tree climbing lions though they are the highlights.

Continue to the arrive in the northern section of the park and do a game drive as you connect to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight

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

Day 8: Do Game Drive in the Kasenyi Plains in The Morning, Afternoon Boat Trip Along The 45km Long Kazinga Channel & Transfer to Kasese

Wake up for an early morning 3 – 4 hour game drive 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 3:00pm.

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.

Retreat from the encounter and embark on the transfer to Kasese on the foothills of Mount Rwenzori for relaxation, dinner and overnight

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

Day 9: Do Whole Day Adventure Hiking Experience to The Rwenzori Mountains

Do whole day adventure hiking experience to the Rwenzori Mountains exploring the snow capped Rwenzori Mountains towering to 5,109m above sea level standing as the third highest in Africa.

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.

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

Day 10: Transfer to Kibale National Park

Explore the Rwenzori Art foundation – the Africa’s only bronze casting center, Ruboni Community craft village, drive to Fort Portal Area to explore the Amabere g’ Nnyinamwiru caves and hike the Fort Portal Crater Lake field before transferring to Kibale National Park

After a relaxed breakfast, embark on the tour to the Rwenzori Art foundation – the only bronze casting center in the whole of Africa where a range of sculptures are made.

You can view them from the gallery and also participate in the casting process. After the foundation tour, you proceed to tour the Ruboni Community craft center where the village women of Ruboni have positioned themselves to produce one of the fine craft products in Uganda.

Proceed on the drive to Fort Portal for lunch after which you embark on the tour to the Amabere g’Nnyinamwiru 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 Fort Portal for relaxation, dinner and overnight

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

Day 11: Do Chimpanzee Trekking Experience in Kibale Forest National Park

Do Chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale Forest National Park and drive to Fort Portal for an experiential pet name giving ceremony of the Batooro / leisure walk in Fort Portal town / relaxation at the lodge

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 embark on the transfer to Fort Portal 26km from Kibale National Park. You have options of taking an experiential touch with the Batooro people as they conduct their pet name giving ceremony – the Empaako.

Here you explore the rich traditions of the Batooro one of the still existing Kingdoms of Uganda. You can secure your pet name as well. An alternative to this would be a walk in Fort Portal town or a complete relaxation at the lodge

Accommodation:
Upmarket / Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge
Midrange / Standard: Mountains of the moon Hotel
Budget / Basic: Rwenzori View Guesthouse

Day 12: Do Tea Estate Cycling in Mpanga Estates And Drive to Kampala. Make a Stop at Nakayima Tree in Mubende En-route

Following breakfast at the lodge, you undertake a cycling encounter in the extensive tea estates of Mpanga that stretch beautifully on the undulating hills of Fort Portal.

The cycling encounter in the lush green estate where you have an opportunity to disembark at some point to participate in the tea plucking along with the estate staff is very magical to encounter.

From the ride, you proceed on the 300km about 5 hours drive to Kampala. You make a stop at Nakayima Heritage tree in Mubende to explore the ancient site of the Chwezi people including the Ndahura’s wife Nakayima who is believed to be in the very tree that is named after her.

The tree is now a traditional shrine and people gather there for pilgrimage. Retire for relaxation, dinner and overnight

Accommodation
Upmarket / Luxury: Kampala Sheraton Hotel
Midrange / Standard: Cassia Lodge
Budget / Basic: Buziga Country Resort
Camping @Back Packers

Day 13:  Do Kampala City Tour & Visit The Company Orphanage.

Explore the sites of cultural, historical, educational, economic and political significance & the general city landscape

After a relaxed breakfast, you embark on the Kampala City tour commencing at 9am. The sites of interest include the Ugandan Parliament, Namugongo Martyrs Shrine where 45 converts were burnt because of converting to Christianity, the Uganda National Museum – the custodian of Uganda’s heritage, the Rubaga Cathedral which is the headquarter for catholic faith in Uganda, the Namirembe Cathedral for Protestants and the Baha’i Temple which is the only temple of the Baha’i in Africa.

You spare time in the afternoon to visit the Christ Our Vision Child Care where Prime Uganda Safaris dedicates a percentage of its earnings to support counts of needy children.

Accommodation:
Upmarket / Luxury: Kampala Seraton Hotel
Midrange / Standard: Cassia Lodge
Budget / Basic: Buziga Country Resort
Camping

Day 14: Departure Through Entebbe International Airport

You connect to Entebbe International Airport for your flight back home.

End of The 14 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari Gorillas & Chimpanzee Trekking Safaris 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)