15-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzee and Big 5 Safari

This carefully designed 15-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzee and Big 5 Safari takes you through nearly ten remarkable destinations across Uganda “The Pearl of Africa”. You will explore iconic parks including Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mburo National Park. Along the way you will enjoy mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, rhino tracking on foot, classic game drives, a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, the unique experience of tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, and a memorable Batwa cultural encounter. This journey combines Uganda’s greatest wildlife experiences into one unforgettable adventure.

Safari Highlights:

Pickup from Entebbe International Airport

Rhino Tracking in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Morning Game Drive in Murchison Falls National Park

Boat Trip to the Base of the  mighty Murchison Falls

Top of the Falls Hike in Murchison Falls National Park

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest National Park

Bigodi swamp walk and community visit

Top of the World hike and Crater Lakes Exploration

Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Boat Cruise Experience at Kazinga Channel

Crater Exploration Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Tree Climbing Lions in Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park

Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Cultural Trail in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Lake Bunyonyi Exploration with Canoeing, Birdwatching and Community visit

Game Drive and Nature Walk in Lake Mburo National Park

Transfer back to Entebbe International Airport for Departure

A Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Airport Pickup and Transfer to Your Accommodation

On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by an Arcadia Safaris representative into Uganda, “The Pearl of Africa”. Thereafter you will be transferred to your booked accommodation in Kampala. If you arrive early in the day, you may opt for a late-afternoon orientation drive around Kampala City or simply unwind at your hotel, relaxing and enjoying a delicious dinner before retiring for the night. 15-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzee Tracking and Big 5 Safari

Destination: Kampala City
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park with Rhino Tracking at Ziwa

After a hearty breakfast, you set off on an exciting journey toward Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest protected area. This magnificent park is renowned for the roaring rapids of the Nile as it squeezes through a narrow gorge and for the expansive savannah plains that support lions, giraffes, hartebeest, buffaloes, elephants, hippos and Nile crocodiles. The park is also home to more than 450 bird species, including the elusive shoebill stork, dwarf kingfisher, white-thighed hornbill and Goliath heron. En route you stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided hour of rhino tracking on foot — your first Big 5 encounter. After a second stop for lunch in Masindi, you continue into the park, check in at your lodge and spend the evening at leisure preparing for the adventures ahead.

Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Boat Trip to the Base of the Falls

You start the day with an early breakfast and head out for a morning game drive across the rolling plains of Uganda’s largest national park. Here you have excellent chances of seeing lions, giraffes, hartebeest, buffaloes, elephants and a variety of other wildlife. The area is also rich in birdlife, including species such as the secretary bird and black-chested snake eagle that will delight any bird enthusiast. Later you return to your accommodation for relaxation and lunch.

In the afternoon you take a boat cruise to the base of the mighty Murchison Falls, where you will see large numbers of hippos, crocodiles and water birds. Those who feel energetic may continue with the hike to the top of the falls. Although the climb can be demanding, the panoramic views from the top make it well worthwhile. You then return to the lodge for a quiet evening reflecting on the day’s memorable experiences. 15 Day Gorillas – Chimps and Big 5 Safari

Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast at your lodge you have the option to visit the top of the falls if you did not hike the previous day, enjoying the spectacular views of this natural wonder. From there, or directly after breakfast, you drive south toward Kibale Forest National Park. The journey is scenic, taking you past bustling villages, lush green countryside and rolling hills covered in tea plantations that define this beautiful part of Uganda. Kibale is one of the best places in East Africa to see a variety of primates, including chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys and red-tailed monkeys. On arrival you check into your accommodation, enjoy a well-prepared dinner and retire for a well-deserved night’s rest in preparation for chimpanzee tracking the following day.

Destination: Kibale Forest National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 5: Top of the World Hike and Afternoon Exploration of Fort Portal

You rise early, enjoy a substantial breakfast and set off for the rewarding “Top of the World” hike, one of the most popular activities for visitors to the Kibale and Fort Portal area. It is best undertaken in the cool of the morning. Two trails are available — a gentler option and a more challenging route preferred by many adventurous travellers.

Although the hike can be tiring, the spectacular panoramic views from the summit over the crater lakes and surrounding countryside make it entirely worthwhile. After spending time soaking in the scenery, you return to your lodge for rest and lunch. Later in the day, those who still feel energetic may enjoy an interesting visit to Fort Portal town, including the majestic Tooro Palace, busy local markets and other cultural sites. 15-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzee Tracking and Big 5 Safari

Destination: Kibale Forest National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Swamp Nature Walk

After a nutritious breakfast you head to the park headquarters for a thorough briefing on the dos and don’ts of chimpanzee tracking. You then set off into the lush Kibale Forest accompanied by an experienced ranger who leads you in search of a habituated chimpanzee community. The sight of these remarkable primates in their natural environment is truly overwhelming, and once the group is located you are allowed up to one full hour of observation as they feed, play and interact. After this unforgettable experience you return to the lodge for a delicious lunch and rest.

In the afternoon you enjoy a guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, located in the enchanting Magombe Swamp and known for its rich biodiversity. The swamp is home to baboons, black-and-white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys and L’Hoest’s monkeys, while keen birders will appreciate species such as the striking Great Blue Turaco among many others.

Destination: Kibale Forest National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 7: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Boat Safari on the Kazinga Channel

After breakfast you depart Kibale Forest National Park and continue your journey to the magnificent Queen Elizabeth National Park. As Uganda’s second-largest park, Queen Elizabeth sits at the base of the dramatic Rwenzori Mountains and is nestled between Lake Edward and Lake George. Its diverse ecosystems of savannah, wetlands and forest support classic big game, ten species of primates and more than 600 bird species.

You arrive with time to rest and enjoy lunch before embarking on the classic boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, which connects the two lakes. The cruise offers outstanding views of enormous concentrations of hippos, elephants and crocodiles, as well as a wide variety of water birds along the shores. After this exciting experience you return to the lodge for dinner and a well-deserved rest. 15-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzee Tracking and Big 5 Safari

Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 8: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Explosion Crater Drive

You start the day with an early rise and a scrumptious breakfast before setting out on a morning game drive across the productive Kasenyi plains. Keep a lookout for lions, elephants, leopards (which can be elusive), bushbucks, Cape buffaloes, waterbucks, giant forest hogs and Uganda kob, among other species. Later you return to your accommodation for rest and lunch. In the afternoon you enjoy the scenic Explosion Crater Drive, which presents amazing views across the varied landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Along this route you may encounter Cape buffaloes, elephants and other wildlife. You return to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 9: Transfer to Ishasha Sector for Tree-Climbing Lions

After breakfast you transfer to the remote Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its population of tree-climbing lions. A focused game drive offers strong chances of locating these remarkable cats resting in the large fig trees, although as wild animals they can sometimes be difficult to spot when hunting in the grasslands. In addition to the lions you are likely to see Uganda kob, Cape buffaloes, elephants and warthogs. Later in the evening you return to your lodge to relax, enjoy dinner and rest for the night. 15-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzee Tracking and Big 5 Safari

Destination: Ishasha Sector – Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 10: More Ishasha Game Drive and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

You begin the day with an early breakfast followed by another game drive in the Ishasha sector, giving you a second excellent opportunity to search for the tree-climbing lions. Later you transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a lush montane rainforest that is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and several habituated groups that can be tracked. Because of the demanding nature of the gorilla trek that awaits the following day, you take it easy on arrival, check into your accommodation, rest and prepare for the unparalleled experience ahead. 15-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzee Tracking and Big 5 Safari

Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 11: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After an early breakfast and a detailed briefing from your ranger guide, you venture into the dense, spectacular rainforest of Bwindi for one of the world’s most memorable wildlife experiences. The forest is characterized by steep, dramatic slopes and thick vegetation, yet it is criss-crossed by animal trails that make it accessible to visitors. The duration of the trek and the terrain you navigate depend entirely on the movements of the gorilla family. Once the group is located, you spend a full hour observing these gentle and endangered giants at close range as they feed, rest and interact. This profound encounter remains with most travellers for a lifetime. Afterwards you return to the lodge for rest, lunch, dinner and overnight.

Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 12: Batwa Cultural Experience and Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

After breakfast you take part in the rewarding Batwa cultural experience, learning about the fascinating traditional lifestyle of the Batwa people who once lived in these forests. Later you drive to Lake Bunyonyi in Kabale District. The landscape around the lake is characterized by lush, green-terraced hills rising to altitudes of between 2,200 and 2,478 metres and dotted with twenty-nine islands of different shapes and sizes, creating one of the most magical settings in Uganda. On arrival you enjoy a relaxing boat ride across the serene waters. Optional afternoon activities include further canoeing, a refreshing swim in the bilharzia-free lake, or a visit to a nearby village where the friendly local people are happy to share aspects of their daily life.

Destination: Lake Bunyonyi
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 13: Full Day Exploration of Lake Bunyonyi with Canoeing, Birdwatching and Community Visit

After breakfast you have a choice of activities for a relaxed full day at Lake Bunyonyi. You may visit the nearby Orugano rainforest, a diverse ecosystem rich in unique plants and animals, or spend time interacting with the Batwa community. For birders the area is a paradise, with more than 300 recorded species. Alternatively you can enjoy a dugout canoe trek across the lake, exploring the main islands and learning their history while paddling in traditional canoes. Later you return to your accommodation for lunch, relaxation and time to reflect on the journey so far. 15-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzee Tracking and Big 5 Safari, Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari

Destination: Lake Bunyonyi
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 14: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park for an Evening Game Drive

After breakfast you drive to Lake Mburo National Park, travelling through the beautifully terraced hills of Kigezi (often called the Switzerland of Africa) and passing through Mbarara town before reaching the park. You arrive in the early afternoon and have time to rest and refresh. Later you set out on a game drive where you are likely to see herds of zebras, majestic eland antelopes, topis, impalas, warthogs, Uganda kob, Cape buffaloes and many other species. After an exciting afternoon of wildlife viewing you return to your accommodation to relax and enjoy a peaceful night.

Destination: Lake Mburo National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 15: Nature Walk in Lake Mburo and Transfer Back to Entebbe International Airport

You take an early breakfast and set out on a morning nature walk accompanied by an armed ranger-guide. This offers an exciting opportunity to see hyenas returning to their dens after a night of hunting, as well as close-up views of zebras, giraffes, eland, topis, other antelopes and Cape buffaloes. You may also follow a trail to the top of the hills for expansive views over Lake Mburo and beyond — from this vantage point nine of the twelve lakes that surround the park can be seen. Afterwards you return to the lodge for checkout and begin the transfer to Entebbe International Airport, arriving in good time for most evening international departures and marking the end of your memorable 15-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzee Tracking and Big 5 Safari

Destination: Entebbe International Airport
Accommodation Option: No (Unless on request)

• Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

PRICE INCLUDES

• Round Trip Airport Transfers (pick-up and drop-off)
• Private Transportation in 4×4 Safari Cars
• Meals Specified on a Full Board basis
• Accommodation with Ensuite Facilities
• Applicable Park Entrance and Activities Fees
• English Speaking Professional Driver-Guide
• Gorilla Trekking Permit Fees
• Chimpanzee Tracking Permit Fees
• All Hotel and Lodge Pickups and Drop-off
• All Applicable Taxes
• Bottled drinking water and Fruits while on safari
• Activities as stipulated in the Itinerary (except those stated as “optional”)

PRICE EXCLUDES

• Activities not mentioned in the Itinerary
• International Flight Fares (unless requested)
• Country Entry Visa
• Personal Travel Insurance
• Telephone Charges
• Laundry Services
• Bar bills and all Alcoholic drinks
• Souvenirs, Gifts and Tips
• Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
• All related medical tests and vaccinations

SAFARI COST: (Rates are Per Person)

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