Overview:
This 7-day adventure safari is designed for travelers seeking a thrilling combination of wildlife viewing, chimpanzee tracking, and the once-in-a-lifetime experience of encountering mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The journey begins with a visit to the rhino sanctuary at Ziwa, continues through Uganda’s top savannah parks, and concludes with the awe-inspiring gorilla trek and scenic relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi.
Day 1: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Ranch
Early pickup from your hotel, your safari guide will warmly welcome you and begin the drive northwards to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area. En route, you’ll stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino tracking experience on foot, an exciting opportunity to observe white rhinos in their natural habitat, a rare and special start to your safari.
After lunch en route in Masindi, continue to Murchison Falls NP and check in to your lodge. In the evening, unwind and enjoy the sights and sounds of the wilderness.
Accommodation: Mid-Range
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Morning Game Drive & Afternoon Nile Boat Safari
After an early breakfast, embark on a morning game drive across the northern plains of the park. Expect to encounter elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, oribis, and if lucky, the elusive leopard. The sweeping savannah and scenic Borassus palms offer great photo opportunities.
In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing boat safari along the Nile River towards the base of the spectacular Murchison Falls. Along the way, spot hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, and a rich variety of birds, including the rare shoebill stork. The boat will stop a few meters from the base of the falls, marvel at the powerful waters crashing through the narrow gorge.
Accommodation: Mid-Range
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking in Budongo Forest & Leisure
After breakfast, head to the Budongo Forest Reserve, a biodiverse tropical rainforest within the southern sector of Murchison. Meet your ranger for a guided chimpanzee tracking experience. Budongo is home to a large population of habituated chimpanzees as well as other primates and forest birds.
Track the chimpanzees as they forage, groom, and swing through the canopy. Your encounter with our closest cousins is a deeply moving experience. After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and spend the rest of the day at leisure or enjoying optional nature walks around the lodge.
Accommodation: Mid-Range
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Scenic Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After an early breakfast, depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, driving through the scenic countryside of western Uganda, passing tea plantations, crater lakes, and small towns. Enjoy a packed lunch or a stopover in Hoima or Fort Portal.
Arrive in Queen Elizabeth NP in the evening and settle into your lodge near the park’s southern Ishasha or central Mweya sector, depending on your lodge choice. This park is home to tree-climbing lions, elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, and over 600 bird species.
Accommodation: Mid-Range
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Wake up to the sounds of nature and enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Then, begin your drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorilla population.
Depending on the lodge and sector of your gorilla permit (Rushaga, Buhoma, Nkuringo, or Ruhija), the transfer can take 3 to 6 hours. Enjoy the dramatic landscapes, forested hills, and small rural villages along the way.
Check in to your lodge near the gorilla trekking sector and rest in preparation for the next day’s gorilla adventure.
Accommodation: Mid-Range
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a pre-trek briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. After group allocation, enter the misty forest to track the endangered mountain gorillas. The trek can take between 2 to 6 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family. Once found, you will spend a magical one hour observing them as they feed, play, and interact, an unforgettable wildlife experience.
After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and refresh, then drive to the stunning Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda’s most beautiful and serene lake. Check in to your lodge overlooking the lake and relax for the evening.
Accommodation: Mid-Range
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Return to Entebbe & Departure
After breakfast, begin your scenic return journey to Entebbe, passing through rolling hills, farmlands, and small towns. You’ll have a lunch stop along the way (in Mbarara or at the Equator crossing), where you can take photos and shop for souvenirs.
Arrive in Entebbe in the late afternoon or evening in time for your departure flight or drop-off at your preferred location.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
END OF TOUR
Trip Includes:
- All accommodation as per itinerary
- A 4×4 pop-up roof land cruiser
- A professional English-speaking driver/guide
- All park entrance fees
- 1 Gorilla permit & 1 Chimpanzee permit
- All activities described unless labeled as optional
- All meals as mentioned
- Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
- Airport transfers
Trip Excludes:
- International & Domestic flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips (Tipping guideline $20pp per day)
- Optional activities not mentioned on itinerary
- Alcoholic drinks
