Overview
Lake Mburo, Bwindi Forest, Queen Elizabeth, Kibale & Murchison Falls National Parks in 11 Days
This Gorilla Tracking Safari takes you to some of the popular National Parks in Uganda that include Lake Mburo National Park for game drives and boat cruise, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park for gorillas, Queen Elizabeth National park for game drives and a boat cruise on the Kazinga channel, Kibale National park for chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi wetland walk before you drive to Murchison Falls National park for game drives and a boat cruise to the bottom of the magnificent Murchison Falls.
Overview
This tour takes you to some popular National Parks in Uganda that include Lake Mburo National Park for game drives and boat cruises, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park for gorillas, Queen Elizabeth National park for game drives and a boat cruise on the Kazinga channel, Kibale National park for chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi wetland walk before you drive to Murchison Falls National park for game drives and a boat cruise to the bottom of the magnificent Murchison Falls.
Highlights
- Day One: Arrival and transfer to your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala
- Day Two: Drive to Lake Mburo National Park, evening boat cruise on the Lakeand Game drive
- Day Three: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
- Day Four: Gorilla Trekking
- Day Five: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, evening game drive
- Day Six: Morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel
- Day Seven: Drive to Kibale National Park
- Day Eight: Morning Chimp trekking and Bigodi wetland walk
- Day Nine: Drive to Murchison Falls National Park
- Day Ten: Morning game drive and an afternoon boat cruise to the bottom of the Falls
- Day Eleven: Drive back to Entebbe International airport via Ziwa Rhino sanctuary for Rhino tracking and proceed to Entebbe for your flight out.
Things To Note
- Accommodation is Inclusive
- Tour Can Depart any day
- Tour can be customized
- Solo travelers can join this tour
- Age Limit: 15 years and above for Gorilla trekking
- Age Limit: 12 years and above for Chimpanzee trekking
Detailed Itinerary
Arrival
- You’ll be picked up from the airport (or hotel)
- Accommodation before the tour departs can be arranged for an extra cost
DAY 1: Arrival and transfer to Entebbe
On arrival, you will be met by the Encounter Africa Safari guide who will transfer you to your Hotel for overnight stay. Depending on your time of arrival, you may choose to take a boat excursion to Ngamba Island (optional and not included), visit the nearby Entebbe Botanic gardens or visit the Uganda Wildlife Education center.
Drive time: Approximately 15 minutes
Lodge: Admas Grand Hotel/ Hotel No.5/ Protea By Marriott Hotel Entebbe
Meal Plan: Bed and breakfast
DAY 2: Lake Mburo National Park
- Morning/Transfer
After breakfast, you will meet your driver guide and drive to Lake Mburo National Park with a stopover at the Equator crossing in Kayabwe for photography, stretching and simple experiments.
- Afternoon
You will arrive in Lake Mburo National Park in time for lunch you will have hot lunch at the lodge and an en route game drive to see wildlife
- Evening
You will have an evening boat cruise on Lake Mburo you will see aquatic wildlife such as hippopotamus, crocodiles and other bird species, you will later depart for sun set game drive and later drive back to the lodge for dinner and overnight
Drive time: Approximately 4-5 hours
Accommodations
Budget Lodge: Rwakobo Rock Lodge
Mid Range: Kigarama Wilderness Lodge/Mihingo Lodge
Luxury: Kigambira safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
- Morning/Transfer
After breakfast, you will enjoy an en route game drive through Lake Mburo National Park as you proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park located in Southwestern Uganda.
- Afternoon
You will have Lunch en route and you will later proceed your journey which gives you great opportunities for scenic viewing as you pass some of the green rolling hills of Uganda with banana and tea plantations.
- Evening
You will be welcomed at the lodge by the staff, check in and followed by relaxation, you will have dinner and later overnight
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Accommodation
Budget: Rushaga Havens Lodge/Bakiga Lodge/Ride 4 A Woman/Buhoma Community Rest Camp
Mid Range: 4 Gorillas Lodge/Gorilla Leisure Lodge/Buhoma Haven Lodge
Luxury: Buhoma Lodge/Gorilla Heights Lodge/Sanctuary Forest Camp/Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge/Kiho Lodge
Drive time: 6-7 hours.
DAY 4: Gorilla Trekking.
- Morning/Briefing: After your early morning breakfast, your guide will drive you to the Park Headquarters for briefing and joining others for briefing before heading into the forest for your gorilla trek. This trek can last for between 30 minutes to 7 hours depending on the location of mountain gorilla family on that particular day.
- Trek and observation: Once you find the gorillas, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them while observing their behaviour, taking photographs before you return to the Park Headquarters for your certificate that confirms that you have tracked gorillas in Uganda.
- Evening: you will return to the hotel for relaxation, dinner and overnight
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Accommodation
Budget: Rushaga Havens Lodge/Bakiga Lodge/Ride 4 A Woman/Buhoma Community Rest Camp
Mid Range: 4 Gorillas Lodge/Gorilla Leisure Lodge/Buhoma Haven Lodge
Luxury: Buhoma Lodge/Gorilla Heights Lodge/Sanctuary Forest Camp/Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge/Kiho Lodge
DAY 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Morning/Transfer
After breakfast, you will depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park located in Western Uganda you will have several stops along the way for photography passing through the banana and tea plantations
- Afternoon
You will arrive at the lodge in time for Lunch at Elephant Hab or Buffalo safari lodge. After, lunch, you will check-in at the lodge and have a moment to relaxation
- Evening
You will embark on your vehicle for an evening game drive in the Savannah plains of Kasenyi. At the Kasenyi plains, you will sport herds of buffaloes, elephants, antelopes and some big cuts such as lions and leopards can be spotted based on sheer luck. Return to your lodge for overnight.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Budget: Bush Lodge
Mid Range: Buffalo safari lodge/ Elephant Hab Lodge/ Park View safari lodge
Luxury: Elephant Plains Lodge/ Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Drive time: 4-5 hours.
DAY 6: Morning Game drive and afternoon boat on Kazinga Channel.
- Morning
This morning you will head back to the Plains of Kasenyi for yet another a morning Game drive to try and find what you could have missed during the previous Game drive, you will have an opportunity of seeing the morning raisers while on this game drive
- Afternoon
You will drive to the lodge for hot lunch and after lunch, will head to the jetty along Kazinga channel for the afternoon boat cruise. This cruise offers you chances of viewing animals like: hippos, elephants, buffaloes, crocodiles and many species of water birds.
- Evening/Accommodation
You will return at the lodge and spend the evening at leisure followed by dinner and overnight at the lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Budget: Bush Lodge
Mid Range: Buffalo safari lodge/ Elephant Hab Lodge/ Park View safari lodge
Luxury: Elephant Plains Lodge/ Kyambura Gorge Lodge
DAY 7: Morning game drive and transfer to Kibale National Park
- Morning/Transfer: After an early breakfast, you will drive to the Northern bank of the Queen Elizabeth National Park (Kasenyi) area in search of some wild animals which include: Elephants, Buffalo, and some wild cats, different species of antelopes such water buck, Uganda kobs etc. as well as Savannah birds.
- Afternoon and Lunch: You will proceed to Fort Portal for Lunch and After lunch you will drive to Kibale National Park arriving at your lodge.
- Evening: You will spend the evening at Leisure, Later Dinner and overnight.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner.
Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge/Isunga Lodge/ Kibale Forest Lodfe
Mid Range: Turaco Tree Tops Lodge
Luxury: Primate Lodge/Tabebuia Spa and safari Resort/ Ndali Lodge/ Chimpundu Lodge
Drive time: 3-4hours.
DAY 8: Chimpanzee Tracking.
- Morning/Briefing: After breakfast, you will drive to Kibale National Park Headquarters for briefing on the Dos and Don’ts of Chimpanzee trekking. You will be divided into small groups of six people headed by one guide who will then move with you into the forest to find one of the Chimpanzee families. Chimpanzees live in communities of between 50-250 individuals but usually break-up into small parties during the day to reduce competition on food. They will then recollect in the evening to build their nests.
- Trekking and Observation: Once you find the Chimps, you will be allowed to spend one hour with the Chimps before returning to the lodge for lunch.
- Afternoon: After lunch, you head out for wetland walk in the nearby Bigodi Village. Kibale National Park is popular for 13 recorded primates species and several bird species.
- Evening: You will then return to the Hotel, relax, have dinner and overnight to end your day.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner.
Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge/Isunga Lodge/ Kibale Forest Lodfe
Mid Range: Turaco Tree Tops Lodge
Luxury: Primate Lodge/Tabebuia Spa and safari Resort/ Ndali Lodge/ Chimpundu Lodge
DAY 9: Drive to Murchison Falls National Park
- Morning
Drive to Murchison Falls National Park through the scenic countryside and small towns, villages and great views of the escarpment
- Afternoon
You will hae several stops along the way and lunch en route and later proceed to Murchison Falls National Park, you will have a stop at the top od the falls for the scenic views ansd later proceed therough the Park
- Evening
You will be welcomed by the staff at the lodge and chek in at the lodge for relaxation followed by dinner and overnight
Drive time: Approximately 6-7 hours drive
Accommodation:
Budget: Red Chili Safari lodge
Mid Range: Pakuba safari Lodge/Sambiya Safari lodge
Luxury: Nile Safari lodge/ Paraa Safari Lodge/Chobe safari lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 10: Morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise to the bottom of the falls
- Morning
After an early morning cup of coffee, you will be transfered to the Northern section of the park which is popularly known as Paraa for your morning game drive. Paraa comes from a local dialect of the Luo community which means a place of Hippos. In deed this game drive will provide you with an opportunity to spot wild game that may include, giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes, hippos and if you are lucky you will spot cats such as lions and leopards.
- Afternoon
You will return to the lodge for a lunch break before you proceed to the pier for your two hour boat cruise to the bottom of the magnificent Murchison Falls where you will be able to spot several schools of Hippos as well as be able to witness how the River Nile water squeezes itself in a narrow gorge only to later explode out giving you an experience of a lifetime.
- Evening/Accommodation
You will later transfer to the lodge for relaxation dinner and overnight
Accommodation:
Budget: Red Chili safari lodge
Mid Range: Pakuba safari Lodge/Sambiya Safari lodge
Luxury: Nile Safari lodge/ Paraa Safari Lodge/Chobe safari lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 11: To Entebbe International Airport via Ziwa Rho sanctuary for Rhino tracking
- Morning
After breakfast, you will drive back to Entebbe international Airport, you may decide to visit the Zziwa Rhino sanctuary for Rhino tracking
- Afternoon
You will have lunch and later proceed viewing the scenic countryside and villages arriving in Kampala or Entebbe in the evening
- Evening
You will be transferred to your hotel in Entebbe/Kampala or at the Entebbe international airport for your night flight back home
Drive time: 5-6 hours
COST PER PERSON SHARING
| Persons | Date | Price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | Any date | USD5450.00 |
| 2 Persons | Any date | USD4000.00 |
| 3 Persons | Any date | USD3660.00 |
| 4 Persons | Any date | USD3490.00 |
| 5 Persons | Any date | USD3390.00 |
| 6 Persons | Any date | USD3320.00 |
Cost Includes
- Airport transfers on first and last day,
- Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Services of an English speaking driver guide
- Fuel for the whole trip
- Gorilla permit USD800 person per trek
- Kibale Chimp permit USD250 per person per trek
- Accommodation and meal plan as per the itinerary
- All park entrance fees
- Drinking water while in the vehicle
Cost excludes
- Pre and post tour accommodation in Entebbe or Kampala
- International airfares
- Uganda Visa (USD50.00 which can be paid on arrival at the Airport
- Items of personal nature such as tips, drinks, and laundry
- Face mask N95
STANDARD: 4X4 SAFARI VAN
Our standard mode of transport is by road and we use 4×4 Safari Vans customized for game viewing and photography. Each safari van comes with a professionally trained driver guide and fuel for the whole safari. Our Safari vans have viewing hatches and each client is entitled to a window seat. Our Vans can take up to eight people. We also have 4×4 Super Customs very comfortable and stable on the road. These carry up to 5 people with their luggage. We also have 4×4 RAV 4 for a group of two people
UPGRADE: 4X4 LUXURY SAFARI LANDCRUISER
We have luxury latest Land cruisers each driven by professionally trained driver guides and fuel. They have pop-up roofs for proper game viewing and photography. They come with a small fridge for cooling your drinking water while on safari (which is always included while IN THE VEHICLE). They have inverters for charging small gadgets such as your smartphones and cameras. They can seat five to a maximum of seven people and each client is guaranteed of a window seat.
- Gorilla and Chimpanzee permits: We encourage you to book gorilla and chimpanzee permits in advance so that we secure your trekking spot. Gorilla and chimpanzee permits are served on first come first serve at Uganda wildlife Authority. Please contact us so that we book them for you.
- Cost of the gorilla permit: The gorilla permits in Uganda cost USD800 for Non-Foreign residents, USD700 for East African Foreign Residents, USD500 for Rest of Africa Residents and UGX300,000 for East African Citizens, cost applies for trekking in Both Bwindi impentrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park
- Cost of Chimpanzee Permit: The chimpanzee permits for Kibale National Park cost USD250 for Non-Foreign residents, USD200 for East African Foreign Residents, and UGX150,000 for East African Citizens,
- Chimpanzee trekking Regions: Kibale National Park has 2 sections for trekking namely; Kanyanchu and Buraiga. Both sections have two trekking sessions i:e morning and afternoon
- Physical Fitness: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi can be physically demanding, a certain level of fitness will be required, please ensure you are in good health and have a certain level of fitness before you leave your country. Whereas chimpanzee trekking does not require alot of Hiking, Kibale being a lowland area.
- Park Entrance: Queen Elizabeth National Park requires Entrance fees per day for all visitors, depending on the number of days you stay in the Park/or do activities will determine the entrance fees per person.
- Game drives: Morning and afternoon game drives are done in the Mweya region, the Kasenyi plains is rich with wildlife including warthog, water buck, bush buck, leopard, Buffalos, Ugandan kob, elephants, countless bird species and Many others
- Boat cruise: You will enjoy a leisurely boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel which has the highest concentration of hippos in the whole world. Over 700 species can be spotted by kin birders on a good day and it is recorded that Kazinga channel is the widest natural water channel in the whole world as well. On your two hour boat cruise, you may encounter herds of elephant, buffalos and antelopes, families of warthogs, large groups of hippos, and crocodiles basking on the shore.
- Packing List: Please ensure you have comfortable walking/ hiking shoes that can handle the terrain, a rain Jacket, gloves, Camera, Binoculars,
- Age Limit: The Minimum age for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is 12 years and above, and Gorilla trekking age limit is 15years and above. please ensure all travelers are above mentioned age.
- Accommodation Options: Please choose the accommodation that suits your budget, Kibale and Bwindi have all options of Budget, Midrange and Luxury.
- Means of Transport: You can opt to fly or drive to Bwindi or Kibale, Flights take 1-2 hours to Kisoro and Kihihi Airstrip for Bwindi and Kasese Airstrip for Kibale, For budget clients, we recommend use of safari vans, then others can opt for Safari Landcruisers. All vehicles are comfortable with enough leg room, AC and are driven by our professional driver guides.
- Best time to visit: Bwindi and Kibale National Parks can be visited all year round for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, The most preferred time is June to September, December to February because they are the drier months of the year.
- Gorilla trekking Regulations: Uganda Wildlife Authority has rules and regulations to adhere while on your gorilla trek, See regulations here.
- Chances to see the Gorillas and chimpanzees: The chances of seeing gorillas and chimpanzees are 98% because there are trackers who follow the movement of gorillas/Chimps on a daily basis, they communicate to the Park guides and you walk in the direction they are.
- Choose a gorilla family: You can choose your preferred gorilla family of the day of the trek, if you prefer a close/ easy trek due to your fitness level, please request it and communicate to your guide.
- Gorilla and chimpanzee Habituation experience: Bwindi and Kibale National Parks have an option of spending 4 hours with the gorillas and chimps respectively, this is only possible when you book a gorilla permit that costs USD1500 for Non- foreign residents, USD1000 for East African Residents, and UGX750,000 for East African Citizens as well as Chimpanzee Habituation permit that costs USD300 for Non foreign residents.
- Other activities: There are several activities you can do in Bwindi and Kibale namely Birding, Batwa cutural experience, Nature walks, Community visits. All these can suppliment your 11 Day uganda gorilla and chimpanzee safari
- Trip cost estimate: The cost of the trip Includes gorilla permit, accommodation, Meals, transport, and all services. request a quote
- About Lake Mburo National Park: Lake Mburo National Park is the Uganda’s smallest savanna park, but it is rich in biodiversity, scenic beauty, and cultural significance. Conveniently located near the highway linking Kampala to western Uganda, the park offers an accessible yet immersive safari experience. Despite its size, wetlands cover 20% of the park’s surface, forming part of a 50km-long wetland system connected by swamps and five lakes within the park’s borders. These diverse ecosystems support an incredible variety of wildlife, birds, and aquatic species, making Lake Mburo a must-visit destination for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
- About Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Bwindi impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO world heritage site, with half of the worlds gorilla population, it has more than 20 Habituated gorilla famillies in regions of Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija and Nkuringo.
- About Queen Elizabeth National Park: Queen Elizabeth National Park stretches from the equator at the base of the western arm of the great East African Rift valley combining savannah, forest and riverine ecosystems. The Park has a variety of wild game, beautiful scenery that composes of several crater lakes, gorges, escarpments and the great views of the Rwenzori mountains.
- About Kibale National Park: Kibale forest National Park is located in western Uganda about 5-6 hours drive from Entebbe/Kampala/Bwindi. This low land tropical rain forest is considered to be one of the few pristine rain forest remaining on continent Africa. Kibale National Park has the largest chimpanzee population standing at approximately 1500 individuals and is the best place to trek habituated wild chimpanzees in the whole of Africa.
- Murchison Falls National Park: Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s oldest and largest conservation area, covering vast expanses of savanna, woodland, and riverine forests. Originally gazetted as a game reserve in 1926, the park was officially designated as one of Uganda’s first national parks in 1952. It lies at the northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley, where the Bunyoro escarpment descends into rolling, palm-dotted plains, offering one of the most dramatic landscapes in East Africa.
