Overview
15 Days Chimpanzees, Gorillas & Wildlife Safari; Embark on an adventure of a lifetime with a 15 Days safari tour in Uganda that offers an unforgettable experience. Uganda is a prominent destination where you can trek gorillas and chimpanzees in their natural habitat, making this safari a unique and once-in-a-lifetime experience. During your tour, you will explore some of the country’s most beautiful national parks, such as Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You will engage in various adventure activities such as gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, rhino tracking, game drives, boat cruises, community visits, volcanic hiking, and golden monkey tracking, making your safari experience even more exciting.
Destinations and activities – 15 Days Chimpanzees, Gorillas & Wildlife Safari
The tour circuit is carefully designed to provide you with the best experience. Starting from Kampala and moving on to Murchison Falls National Park, you can track rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary before continuing to Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee tracking. Next, enjoy a game drive and a boat cruise at Queen Elizabeth National Park, and then trek gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Trip Summary for your 15 Days Chimpanzees, Gorillas & Wildlife Safari
- Day 1: Arrive in Uganda
- Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park with a stopover at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Day 3: Explore Murchison Falls National Park
- Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
- Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking and Visit Bigodi Community
- Day 6: Bigodi Swamp Nature Walks and Crater Lake Visit and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Day 7: Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Day 8: Ishasha Sector Visit and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Day 9: Track gorillas and Batwa trail
- Day 10: Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Day 11: Volcanic hiking
- Day 12: Golden Monkey tracking and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
- Day 13: Explore Lake Bunyonyi
- Day 14: Transfer to Kampala
- Day 15: Kampala city tour and fly back home
Detailed Itinerary for your 15 Days Chimpanzees, Gorillas & Wildlife Safari
Day 1: Arrive in Uganda
Upon reaching Entebbe International Airport, an Early Trails Expedition driver guide will be ready to pick you up and transfer you to your hotel in Kampala. Your driver will also brief you on safety, health, and all the necessary information to have a wonderful and memorable safari. Upon arrival, you will check-in, have dinner and then rest until the next day to start your adventure.
Accommodation (Luxury): Speke Resort Munyonyo/Protea Hotel by Marriot
Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park with a stopover at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Today, we will embark on a scenic drive towards Murchison Falls National Park. On the way, we will stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you can track the only white rhinos in Uganda living in their natural habitat. Located just a four-hour drive from Kampala along the Kampala-Gulu Road, the sanctuary is also home to various bird and antelope species. During the one-hour track, you’ll witness these magnificent creatures up close. After the trail, you will enjoy a delicious lunch before continuing your journey to Murchison Falls National Park, approximately four hours away. Once we reach the park, we will head to the top of the falls to witness the powerful waterfalls that force their way into a narrow gorge. Finally, you will check in at your lodge for a delightful dinner and overnight stay.
Luxury: Nile Safari Lodge/Parra safari lodge
Day 3: Explore Murchison Falls National Park
After a hearty breakfast, we will embark on a sunny morning game drive in the Northern section of Murchison Falls National Park. This park is known as one of Uganda’s top adventure destinations, and the game drives there offer an exceptional experience. Please keep your eyes peeled for leopards and lions along the Pakuba tracks, elephants, and buffalos, making this a Big-Five game drive. Additionally, expect to see towers of giraffes, Jackson hartebeests, Uganda Kobs, Hippos, bushbucks, waterbucks, duikers, and many other species. The park is also home to numerous bird species, which can be spotted up to the animals’ centres, such as the Delta Point.
After approximately three hours of wildlife viewing, we will return to the lodge to refresh and have lunch before heading out for the afternoon boat cruise.
This cruise along the Victoria Nile leads to the bottom of Murchison Falls, which is believed to be the most powerful waterfall in the world. The waterfall’s massive rapids force their way into a 7-meter-wide gorge and plunge 45 meters down, creating a thunderous roar that will leave you in awe. The boat cruise is an excellent opportunity to see various sights, including cliffs, vegetation types, and animals on the riverbank, such as Nile crocodiles and hippos. The cruise lasts approximately three hours before we return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation (luxury): Nile Safari Lodge/Parra safari lodge.
Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Our upcoming adventure takes us to the beautiful Kibale Forest National Park, the primate capital. Kibale is home to Africa’s highest density of primates, with thirteen species living in its lush forests. From Murchison Falls, the drive to Kibale Forest National Park is approximately 7-8 hours, giving you ample time to enjoy the picturesque scenery. As we make our way towards Kibale, we’ll have the opportunity to stop and enjoy a local lunch, giving us a taste of the authentic flavours of Uganda. Traditional cuisines use local ingredients, fresh produce, and vibrant spices. From savoury stews to grilled meats, Uganda’s cuisine will surely delight your taste buds and satisfy you.
Once you arrive at your lodge in Kibale Forest National Park, you’ll have the rest of the evening to relax and enjoy the serene surroundings. The lodge provides a perfect escape and allows you to immerse yourself in nature fully. Stroll around the lodge grounds and listen to the sounds of the forest as you unwind from the journey.
In addition to the chimpanzees, Kibale National Park is home to thirteen other primate species, including red colobus monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked Mangabeys, olive baboons, and others. The park is also home to over 300 bird species, making it a bird-watching paradise.
Accommodation (luxury): Chimpundu Lodge
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking and Visit to Bigodi Community
After enjoying a delicious breakfast this morning, we will embark on an exciting adventure to the Kanyachu Center for an informative briefing about chimpanzee trekking etiquette. Here, we will learn about the dos and don’ts of tracking these magnificent creatures to ensure we positively impact their natural habitat. Once briefed and prepared, we will be grouped into eight adventurous travellers and set out to track a single-habituated chimpanzee community. Accompanied by an experienced armed ranger guide, we will venture deep into the forest in search of these incredible creatures. The track can last anywhere between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the location of the chimpanzee community. Finally, the moment we have all been waiting for – we will find ourselves amidst these fascinating creatures and be allowed to spend an hour in their presence.
After an unforgettable encounter with the chimpanzees, we will return to the starting point, where our driver will wait to take us back to our lodge. Here, we can relax, refresh and enjoy a delicious lunch. In the late afternoon, we will visit the Bigodi community for a swamp walk and coffee experience and witness how the local people benefit from the tracing initiatives. This is an excellent opportunity to support the local community by purchasing their handcrafted souvenirs.
Finally, we will return to our lodge, where we will enjoy a mouthwatering dinner before settling in for a peaceful night’s sleep, ready for our next adventure in the beautiful country of Uganda.
Accommodation (Luxury): Chimpundu Lodge
Day 6: Crater Lake Visit and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
We will start the day this morning with a peaceful and scenic crater walk. The walk will take us through the beautiful crater lakes region, where we’ll have the opportunity to observe stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. After the crater walks, we will visit the nearby vanilla farms for a unique experience. We will learn about the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of vanilla and sample some of the delicious vanilla products produced on the farm.
Following the vanilla experience, we will go to Fort Portal to visit the Amabere caves, which display the rich cultural history of the Bachwezi dynasty. In the evening, we will continue our journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you will check in at your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation (luxury): Mweya Safari Lodge/Kikorongo Safari Lodge
Day 7: Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park
Early in the morning, you will embark on an exciting game drive in the Kasenyi section of Queen Elizabeth National Park. You will have a packed breakfast to enjoy the stunning sunrise and refreshment in the wilderness. This game drive is one of the most rewarding experiences with wildlife, such as elephants, Uganda Kobs, bushbucks, buffalos, lions, warthogs, and many more. You will also have the opportunity to spot several bird species.
After the game drive and lunch en route, you will proceed to the Mweya Peninsular for a fantastic boat cruise on the Kazinga channel. The boat cruise offers a unique chance to view more animals, such as elephants, hippos and others, as they gather around the channel banks to drink water. You will also see aquatic life submerged in water or leisurely relaxing on the channel’s banks. Later, you will return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay, with fond memories of your game drive and boat cruise.
Accommodation (Luxury): Mweya Safari Lodge/ Kikorongo Safari Lodge
Day 8: Ishasha Sector Visit and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
On this day, you will take a morning drive through the Ishasha sector and track the tree-climbing lions. Ishasha is located in the Southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park and is a famous East African region hosting these fantastic tree-climbing lions. Then afterwards, you proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with lunch en route. We will reach the park in the evening hours and enter the park via the Buhoma gate. Relax, enjoy your dinner, and overnight at your lodge.
Accommodation (Luxury): Buhoma Lodge
Day 9: Track gorillas and Batwa trail
After getting ready for the day, you will indulge in a once-in-a-lifetime adventure as you set off for the Buhoma starting point. Prepare for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in the heart of the central African jewel, the Virunga Conservation Area, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Accompanied by an armed ranger guide, you and your group of eight will embark on an exhilarating search for the gentle giants. The trek can last three to eight hours, taking you through dense impenetrable forests, moist jungles, and hills and valleys.
Though it may be a tiresome journey, the exhaustion will fade when you see these incredible creatures. You’ll have an hour to cherish this moment before returning to the starting point. Once you’ve completed this exhilarating experience, you will return to your lodge to relax and recover from the trek. This will be one of the most incredible experiences during your 15 Days at Chimpanzees, Gorillas & Wildlife Safari.
In the late afternoon, take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture as you visit the Batwa community around the Buhoma area. You will learn about their customs and way of life, gaining a deeper understanding of their history and traditions.
Accommodation (luxury): Buhoma Lodge
Day: 10 Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park/Kisoro.
You will wake up at your leisure and transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park as you prepare for another adventure to Mountain Sabinyo. On arrival at Kisoro or your lodge, you will take a free walk and evening relaxation.
Accommodation (luxury): Mount Gahinga Lodge
Day 11: Volcanic hiking
Today it’s a long day of trekking the amazing Mt. Sabinyo. After taking your energising breakfast, you will take a trek alongside an experienced ranger guide who will lead you. Trekking Mount Sabinyo can last about 7 hours, and it’s the most famous trekked volcano in the Virunga Massif. The trek covers a distance of about 14km, and when you reach the peak, you will be standing at a height of 3669m above sea level. While there, you will realise that you’re standing at the border of three countries, Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo—dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Accommodation (luxury): Mount Mgahinga Safari Lodge
Day 12: Golden Monkey tracking and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
After breakfast in the morning, prepare for an unforgettable experience as you embark on a journey to see Volcanoes National Park’s rare and endangered golden monkeys. These beautiful primates are endemic to the Virunga forests and are a sight to behold. During your golden monkey tracking adventure, you will witness a meeting of gold and silver as the monkeys play and swing from tree to tree. Although these monkeys are naturally shy, they have been habituated to ensure a close-up encounter for visitors. The track can last between 30 minutes to 2 hours. Once you find them, you will have an hour to enjoy their presence and capture the moment on camera.
After the golden monkey adventure, you will take a scenic drive to the picturesque Lake Bunyonyi. Lush green hills surround this lake, the perfect place to unwind and relax after a day of adventure. You can dip in the lake’s calm waters, go for a nature walk, or sit back and enjoy the stunning views. You will retire to your lodge in the evening for a well-deserved rest.
Accommodation (Luxury): Arcadia Cottages Lake Bunyonyi
Day 13: Explore Lake Bunyonyi
Today you will spend the rest of your day exploring and enjoying the beautiful scenery of Lake Bunyonyi. You may take a boat ride to some of the islands. The most adventurous island is Punishment Island due to its story related to being an execution island for girls who got pregnant out of wedlock. Then you will enjoy the sweet melodies of many small birds singing around your lodge.
Accommodation (Midrange): Arcadia Cottages Lake Bunyonyi
Day 14: Transfer to Kampala
Today, take a relaxed breakfast and a morning drive back to Kampala with lunch en-route in Mbarara at Igongo cultural centre. Also, consider a stopover at the Equator for photography. You will reach Kampala by evening hours and drive to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation (luxury): Speke Resort Munyonyo
Day 15: Kampala city tour and fly back home
After a hearty breakfast, you will have a relaxing day in Kampala, Uganda’s capital city. Embark on a city tour that takes you through the bustling downtown area. While there, you will witness the hustle and bustle of the vibrant city and soak up the local culture. Your tour will culminate with a visit to the historic Kabaka’s Palace, the official residence of the Kingdom of Buganda. You will also visit the Bulange Building, which serves as the administrative block of the Buganda Kingdom.
Afterwards, your driver will take you to a delicious lunch before driving you to Entebbe International Airport. Then, he will bid you farewell on behalf of Early Trials Expedition Uganda. Lastly, you will board your flight back home with unforgettable memories.
End of your 15 Days Chimpanzees, Gorillas & Wildlife Safari
Trip inclusive;
- 4×4 safari vehicle with comprehensive insurance.
- All trip fuel with unlimited mileage with the park.
- All meals and water
- All Park entrances
- All planned trip activities
- One gorilla permits
- One Chimpanzee permits
- One Golden Monkey permit
- Volcanic hiking
- Accommodation as listed in the itinerary
- Professional licensed driver/guide
Exclusive:
- Visa and air ticket
- Laundry
- All hard drinks
- Souvenirs
- Tips
- All international flights.
- Any other service or activity not mentioned in this itinerary.
