12 Day Wildlife Safari with Gorilla trekking
Welcome to the ultimate African adventure, a 12 day wildlife safari with Gorilla trekking in Uganda package that takes you on a journey through the most scenic and captivating destinations in Uganda. This itinerary has been designed to cater to the needs and preferences of budget-conscious travellers who are looking for a unique and authentic African experience.
The tour package is packed with highlights that are sure to leave you in awe and wonder. Your adventure begins with a visit to Entebbe, the gateway to Uganda, where you will be received by a professional English-speaking tour driver-guide who will be your companion throughout the journey. You will then proceed to your booked hotel, where you will relax and recover from the jet lag.
From Entebbe, you will then travel to Murchison Falls National Park via the Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary. This park is Uganda’s largest and offers a thrilling experience with its roaring rapids, rolling plains, and concentration of wildlife, including lions, giraffes, hartebeest, buffalo, and elephants. You will also get a chance to see the Nile crocodiles and hippos that call this park home.
The tour package also includes a game drive safari in Murchison Falls National Park, where you will get a chance to spot wildlife such as lions, leopards, and several bird species. You will then proceed on a boat trip to the base of Murchison Falls, where you will be treated to stunning views of the falls as well as hippos and crocodiles.
One of the highlights of this tour package is mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This park is home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, and you will have a chance to track these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
The tour package also includes a visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is known for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and birdlife. Here, you will get a chance to spot elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and several bird species. You will also take a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel, where you will see hippos, crocodiles, and several bird species. The nearby Kalinzu forest will be your destination for chimp tracking.
Other highlights of this tour package include a visit to Lake Bunyonyi, the second-deepest lake in Africa, and a cultural experience with the Batwa Pygmies, one of the oldest tribes in Uganda.
Throughout your journey, you will be accommodated in budget-level lodges and camping tents, and your meals, including non-alcoholic drinks, will be included.
This 12-day customized tour package is an adventure of a lifetime, giving you the opportunity to explore the best of Uganda’s natural wonders and cultural heritage. Whether you are a seasoned traveller or a first-time visitor to Africa, this tour package is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe for your 12 day Itinerary
Welcome to Uganda, the Pearl of Africa! Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be greeted by a Home to Africa-assigned English-speaking professional tour driver-guide, who will accompany you to your pre-booked hotel. After a long journey, take some time to rest, recover from jet lag, and adjust to the time difference.
For those who arrive early and are interested in exploring, we offer optional activities such as an excursion to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens to sight a few primates and birds or a trip to Mabamba Wetland in search of the prehistoric shoebill stork.
Overnight Stay at our budget-friendly facility in Entebbe city
Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park via Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Rise and shine early to begin your adventure! After breakfast, we will embark on a scenic drive that takes you through the bustling Kampala city to the Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you will have the opportunity to track rhinos on foot for one hour. After this unforgettable experience, we will continue to Masindi for a lunch stop.
The journey continues towards Murchison Falls National Park, where you will have the chance to spot lions, giraffes, hartebeest, buffalo, and elephants, all while enjoying the stunning scenery of Uganda’s largest national park. The concentration of hippos and Nile crocodiles are sure to fascinate you. If time permits, we can even squeeze in an evening game drive.
Accommodation: Camping Tent or Low-Cost Rooms
Day 3: Game Drive Safari in Murchison Falls National Park
Wake up early, fuel up with breakfast, and proceed for a morning game drive across the rolling plains of Murchison Falls National Park. Keep an eye out for lions, leopards, and other wildlife, as well as an array of birds. After the game drive, take a break for lunch and some rest before proceeding on a boat trip to the base of the Murchison Falls. Here, you’ll be able to spot even more animals, including hippos, crocodiles, and water birds.
For those interested, we offer an optional hike to the top of the falls. While the hike may be challenging, the view from the top is truly unforgettable. After a day filled with adventure and wildlife sightings, return to your accommodation for some well-deserved relaxation.
Accommodation: Budget level at Fort Murchison or Camping
Meals, including non-alcoholic beverages, are included.
Day 4: Experience the Majestic Murchison Falls and Transfer to Kibale National Park
Wake up to a sumptuous breakfast before embarking on an unforgettable journey to the top of Murchison Falls, a world-renowned site. From this vantage point, you will witness the awe-inspiring beauty and magnificence of the Falls in all their glory. Afterward, we will set off on a scenic drive towards Kibale National Park, which will take approximately 7-8 hours.
Along the way, you will be enchanted by the picturesque scenery, from quaint villages to lush green countryside and hills adorned with tea plantations. Upon arrival at the charming accommodation on the edge of Kibale National Park, check-in and unwind in the serene surroundings.
For an extra cost of $15, you have the option of embarking on an excursion to the picturesque crater lakes. Surrounded by gentle hills, these lakes offer stunning views and a chance to immerse yourself in the region’s natural beauty. Alternatively, relax and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of your accommodations.
You will spend the night in the budget-friendly Rweteera-Bandas cabins.
Day 5: Explore the Bigodi Wetlands and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Indulge in a hearty breakfast before embarking on a fascinating excursion to the Bigodi Wetlands. This impressive ecosystem boasts a diverse range of biodiversity, including several species of primates like black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkey, Uganda Mangabay, red colobus monkeys, baboons, and occasionally chimpanzees.
The wetlands are also a haven for bird enthusiasts, with the great blue heron being one of the prominent bird species in the area. From here, we will embark on the drive from Kibale Forest to Queen Elizabeth National Park; the journey takes about 2 hours. Arriving early enough, you will have ample time to savor a delicious lunch, rest, and then embark on a game drive.
During the game drive, keep an eye out for an array of wildlife, including reedbuck, bushbuck, kob, warthogs, elephants, lions, and buffaloes, to name but a few. Alternatively, opt to go for the Queen’s breathtaking explosion crater drive. Return to the comfort of your accommodation for a well-deserved rest.
Dinner and overnight at the budget-friendly Irungu Safari Lodge
Day 6: Chimpanzee trekking in the Kalinzu Forest Reserve and a cruise on the Kazinga Channel
Kickstart your day with a nourishing breakfast before heading out to the nearby Kalinzu Forest Reserve, home to habituated chimpanzees, baboons, monkeys, and a variety of bird species. Spend the morning chimpanzee trekking in this natural wonderland. Afterward, return to your accommodation for some rest and a delicious lunch.
In the afternoon, embark on a two-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lakes George and Edward. As you float along the water, witness the stunning sight of giant hippos, majestic elephants, and crocodiles basking in the sun. You will also marvel at the diversity of birdlife that inhabits the water’s edge. After the boat trip, you may choose to go for a brief late afternoon game drive before returning to the lodge for the evening.
Dinner and overnight at the budget-friendly Irungu Safari Lodge
Day 7: A Majestic Safari Experience on a 12 Day Wildlife Safari
Embark on a majestic sunrise game drive in the Kasenyi plains before heading to the Ishasha sector in search of the elusive tree-climbing lions. With a 70% chance of spotting these magnificent creatures, it’s an opportunity not to be missed. Keep your eyes peeled for Cape buffalos, elephants, and lions as well. After an unforgettable wildlife encounter, we will transfer you to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is approximately 4-5 hours away. The park is one of the two places where you can encounter mountain gorillas in Uganda.
Upon arrival, check in to the Ride 4 a Woman budget accommodation facility situated at the edge of Bwindi National Park. You can either unwind and relax or opt for an additional cultural encounter (at an extra cost of $15) with the local community during the late afternoon to evening hours.
Day 8: Enchanting Forest Nature Walk
Start your day with a hearty breakfast before embarking on an enchanting forest walk along the waterfall trail, which begins at the north gate of Buhoma. The trail leads to breathtaking, pristine waterfalls that are sure to leave you in awe. Along the way, you’ll encounter various flora and fauna, including black and white colobus monkeys and blue monkeys, among others. After an exhilarating hike, we will transfer you to the Ruhija sector of Bwindi, where you can spend the rest of the day at leisure in preparation for tomorrow’s gorilla trekking adventure.
Relax and recharge at the Ride 4 a Woman budget accommodation facility before setting out for a thrilling encounter with the endangered giant primates.
Day 9: A Life-Changing Wildlife Encounter
Begin your day with a sumptuous morning breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a briefing on the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking. As you set out into the Bwindi Forest, be prepared for a day of adventure, as the time taken and the terrain can vary depending on the movements of these great primates. However, the thrill of spending time observing these gentle yet endangered giants in their natural habitat is a unique experience you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
After a thrilling gorilla trekking experience, we will transfer you to Lake Bunyonyi, a picturesque lake framed by lush, green-terraced hills. The 29 islands of various shapes and sizes scattered across the water add to the lake’s magical allure. Unwind and relax at the Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort, a budget facility that offers stunning views of the lake and its surroundings. The transfer time is approximately 2–3 hours.
Indulge in a life-changing adventure on this unforgettable journey that promises to leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Day 10: Indulge in Relaxation and Revel in the Beauty of Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort
After an exhilarating few days of long drives and a strenuous gorilla trekking expedition in Bwindi, we invite you to unwind and immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of Lake Bunyonyi. This day is exclusively reserved for your leisure and relaxation, and we promise to cater to all your needs with our exceptional hospitality. All your meals will be served at the accommodation, allowing you to soak up the tranquil atmosphere and picturesque views of the lake.
If you’re interested in more adventures, we have a range of exciting activities to offer at an additional cost. You may consider a historical island tour, a visit to the Batwa and Pygmy communities, a Nyombe swamp excursion, mountain biking, zip lining, or canoeing or kayaking on the lake. Our expert driver’s guide will be on hand to assist you with arranging these activities.
Experience the warmth of our hospitality and immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort, a budget facility that promises to be your home away from home.
Day 11: Embark on an Exciting Game Drive and Explore Lake Mburo National Park
After a hearty breakfast, it’s time to hit the road and head to Lake Mburo National Park, via Mbarara City. Expect a transfer time of approximately 4-5 hours, and upon arrival, you’ll have ample time to rest before embarking on an afternoon-to-evening game drive.
Our game drive in Lake Mburo National Park promises to be a thrilling experience, where you’ll encounter some of the most magnificent wildlife species such as gigantic eland antelopes, zebras, topis, impalas, Uganda kob, and Cape buffalo, among others.
For those looking for a more adventurous experience, we also offer an optional night game drive at an additional cost of $30. This is a rare opportunity to witness the park’s nocturnal creatures and is not to be missed.
Retreat for the night at Hyena Hill Lodge, a budget facility that promises a comfortable stay amidst the wilderness.
Day 12: Enjoy a Walking Safari in the Park Before Departing for Entebbe
Start your day with a refreshing morning walking safari in the park, accompanied by an armed Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger-guide. You’ll encounter a plethora of wildlife species, such as zebras, giraffes, elands, topis, Cape buffaloes, and other antelopes, all at close range.
Take the trail to the top of the hills and marvel at the panoramic view of Lake Mburo and beyond. You’ll witness nine of the twelve lakes surrounding Lake Mburo National Park, making for a breathtaking experience.
After checkout, bid farewell to the stunning wilderness of Lake Mburo National Park and embark on your journey back to Entebbe airport. The drive time is approximately 4 hours, and we ensure you arrive in good time to catch your flight at 1800 hrs. or later.
For those departing on a later day, we’ll make the necessary arrangements for your accommodation. Experience a seamless and comfortable journey with us at every step.