13-Day Amazing Wildlife and Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport – Transfer to Kampala
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, your safari guide/driver will warmly welcome you, assist with your luggage, and provide a brief overview of the safari. You will then be transferred to your booked hotel in Kampala for relaxation and an overnight stay.

Day 2: Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Sanctuary – Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast, your guide will pick you up to begin the journey to Murchison Falls National Park. En route, you will visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for an exciting rhino tracking experience. A stopover in Masindi town will follow for lunch before proceeding to the park via Kikumbanyobo Gate. If time permits, you’ll visit the top of Murchison Falls to enjoy the breathtaking views and sounds of the falls. Later, you’ll check into your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 3: Morning Game Drive – Afternoon Boat Cruise on the Nile
Start the day with an early morning game drive to spot wildlife such as elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, antelopes, and buffaloes. Afterward, return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Victoria Nile to the base of the falls, where you’ll see hippos, crocodiles, and aquatic birds. Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 4: Transfer to Kibale National Park
Depart early from Murchison Falls National Park after breakfast for the long but scenic drive to Kibale National Park. You’ll pass through the Albertine Escarpment of the Western Rift Valley, with a stop for lunch in Fort Portal. Arrive in the evening, check into your lodge, and relax before dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking and Cultural Walk in Kibale Forest National Park
After breakfast, head to the park offices for a briefing, followed by a 2-4 hour guided trek to track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest. Along the way, you may spot other primates, birds, and unique plant species. After spending an hour with the chimpanzees, return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, visit Bigodi Wetland for sightings of colobus monkeys, baboons, and birds, followed by a cultural walk to learn about local brewing and coffee production. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Evening Game Drive
After breakfast, check out and drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Upon arrival, check into your lodge, have lunch, and relax. In the evening, enjoy a game drive to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight, where the sounds of hippos at night add to the experience.

Day 7: Morning Game Drive – Afternoon Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel
Start the day with an early morning game drive for optimal wildlife viewing, as animals are most active during this time. Afterward, return to the lodge to relax and have lunch. Later, embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where you’ll see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a variety of water birds. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via Ishasha Sector
After breakfast, depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, passing through the Ishasha Sector, known for its tree-climbing lions. After a lunch break, continue to Bwindi, where you’ll check into your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 9: Gorilla Tracking and Batwa Community Walk in Bwindi
Begin the day with an early breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla tracking. Embark on a guided trek through the forest to locate the mountain gorillas, spending one magical hour in their presence. Afterward, return to the lodge for refreshments. Later, visit the Batwa community to experience their unique culture and traditions. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 10: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi – Canoe Ride
After breakfast, drive to Lake Bunyonyi, arriving in approximately two hours. Check into your lodge and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, set out on a canoe ride on Uganda’s deepest lake, explore its islands, and take in the stunning scenery. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 11: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park – Cycling or Horseback Riding

Start your morning with a hearty breakfast before setting off on a two-hour drive to Lake Mburo National Park. Upon arrival, check into your pre-arranged safari lodge and enjoy a relaxing lunch. In the afternoon, opt for either cycling or horseback riding within the park, providing a distinctive way to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. End the day with dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge.

Day 12: Morning Game Drive and Guided Nature Walk

Begin your day with an early breakfast, followed by a morning game drive for an intimate encounter with the park’s wildlife, such as zebras and giraffes. Return to the lodge for lunch, and in the evening, participate in a guided nature walk accompanied by an armed ranger to ensure safety.

Day 13: Return to Kampala/Entebbe

After breakfast, check out from the safari lodge and depart Lake Mburo National Park, heading back to Kampala. Along the way, stop at the equator for lunch, where you can also take photographs and browse the craft shops. Proceed with your journey to a hotel in Entebbe or directly to Entebbe International Airport.