Overview
Embark on a transformative 14 Day Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee Habituation & Wildlife Safari adventure through Uganda, renowned for its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. This safari combines gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, chimpanzee habituation experiences in Kibale Forest, and thrilling game drives in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks. You’ll also enjoy boat cruises along the Nile and Kazinga Channel, offering opportunities to spot hippos, crocodiles, and an array of bird species. This itinerary ensures a deep immersion into Uganda’s natural wonders while providing comfortable accommodations and expert guiding throughout.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Entebbe
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport and transfer to your hotel for overnight. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to explore the Botanical Gardens or simply relax after your journey.
- Accommodation: Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe.
- Meal Plan:
Day 2: Entebbe – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After an early breakfast, transfer to Entebbe Airport for a morning flight to Kihihi Airstrip. Upon arrival, enjoy a scenic drive to your lodge near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, passing through the rolling hills and local villages of southwestern Uganda.
- Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge.
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Driving Plan: Approximate drive time: 2-3 hours
Day 3: Gorilla Habituation
Today is dedicated to the highlight of your safari – gorilla habituation in Bwindi Forest. After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing by your experienced guide. The trek through the dense forest can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family you are tracking. Once you locate them, you’ll spend a magical hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Afterward, return to your lodge for a well-deserved rest and to recount the day’s incredible adventure.
- Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 4: Bwindi – Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, driving through the scenic Ishasha sector of the park, known for its tree-climbing lions. Arrive in time for lunch at your lodge and later enjoy an afternoon boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. This two-hour cruise offers a unique opportunity to view wildlife up close, including hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species along the banks.
- Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge.
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Driving Plan: Approximate drive time: 5-6 hours
Day 5: Game Drives and Transfer to Kibale Forest
Rise early for a morning game drive through the Kasenyi sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its diverse wildlife including lions, elephants, buffaloes, and more. After lunch, embark on a scenic drive north to Kibale Forest National Park, passing through picturesque landscapes and local villages.
- Accommodation: Primate Lodge Kibale.
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Driving Plan: Approximate drive time: 3-4 hours.
Day 6: Chimpanzee Habituation Experience
Today, you’ll have the rare opportunity to participate in a full-day chimpanzee habituation experience in Kibale Forest. Accompanied by researchers and trackers, you’ll witness firsthand the process of habituating wild chimpanzees to human presence. This immersive experience allows for extended observation and learning about these fascinating primates in their natural habitat.
- Accommodation: Primate Lodge Kibale.
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 7: Kibale – Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast, depart Kibale Forest and drive north to Murchison Falls National Park, the largest national park in Uganda. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Albertine Rift Valley with stunning views of Lake Albert along the way. Arrive in the afternoon and relax at your lodge overlooking the Nile River.
- Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge.
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Driving Plan: Approximate drive time: 6-7 hours
Day 8: Game Drive and Boat Safari
Begin your day with an early morning game drive on the northern bank of the Nile, where you may encounter elephants, giraffes, lions, and various antelope species. After lunch, embark on a boat safari upstream to the base of Murchison Falls, the world’s most powerful waterfall. The boat trip offers excellent opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife along the riverbanks.
- Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge.
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 9: Murchison Falls – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Today, depart Murchison Falls National Park and drive south to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where you can track wild rhinos on foot. Enjoy a guided walking safari to observe these endangered giants up close in their protected habitat. Later in the afternoon, continue to Masindi for overnight.
- Accommodation: Masindi Hotel.
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Driving Plan: Approximate drive time: 3-4 hours
Day 10: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Kampala
After breakfast, visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a morning nature walk or bird watching before driving back to Kampala, Uganda’s bustling capital city. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and relax after your journey.
- Accommodation: Kampala Serena Hotel.
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Driving Plan: Approximate drive time: 2-3 hours.
Day 11: Kampala – Jinja
Depart Kampala after breakfast and drive east to Jinja, located at the source of the Nile River. Explore local attractions such as the Source of the Nile or visit Jinja’s vibrant markets. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on the Nile or opt for adrenaline-pumping activities like white-water rafting or bungee jumping.
- Accommodation: Wildwaters Lodge.
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Driving Plan: 1-2 hours drive.
Day 12: Jinja
Enjoy a full day exploring Jinja at your leisure. You may choose to visit local community projects, take a guided village walk, or simply relax by the river. Optional activities include kayaking, quad biking, or visiting nearby waterfalls.
- Accommodation: Wildwaters Lodge.
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 13: Jinja – Entebbe
After breakfast, depart Jinja and drive back to Entebbe for your final night in Uganda. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, reflecting on the incredible experiences and wildlife encounters of your safari adventure.
- Accommodation: Protea Hotel by Marriott.
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Driving Plan: Approx 2 hours drive.
Day 14: Departure
Transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your memorable Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee Habituation & Wildlife Safari.
- Meal Plan:
Inclusions:
- Park fees (For non-residents)
- Gorilla and Chimpanzee Habituation permits (One per person, non-resident)
- All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinking water (On all days)
Exclusions
- International flights(From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips(Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
