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13-Day Best of Uganda Safari with Gorilla Trekking

13-Day Best of Uganda Safari with Gorilla Trekking

This 13-Day Best of Uganda Safari with Gorilla Trekking showcases the very best of Uganda’s wildlife, primates, and culture — a once-in-a-lifetime adventure designed for travelers seeking both comfort and authenticity. Beginning in Entebbe and ending in Kampala, the journey takes you through Uganda’s most iconic destinations, from the thunderous Murchison Falls to the scenic savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park, the misty jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and the tranquil landscapes of Lake Mburo.

On this 13-Day Best of Uganda Safari with Gorilla Trekking, experience thrilling game drives, boat cruises, and unforgettable encounters with mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, complemented by vibrant cultural experiences with the Batwa people and local communities. With carefully selected accommodations, private transfers, and expert guiding throughout, this safari combines adventure, relaxation, and connection — delivering the ultimate “Pearl of Africa” experience in style and comfort.

Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

Arrive at Entebbe International Airport at 04:30 a.m. where your guide will warmly welcome you. After a short briefing, depart immediately for Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area. The drive takes approximately 6–7 hours, including a stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for an exciting rhino tracking experience on foot. Continue to Murchison Falls, visiting the Top of the Falls—where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge and cascades 45 meters down, creating a powerful spectacle. Later, check into your lodge, unwind, and enjoy dinner.
Accommodation: Red Chilli Rest Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Game Drive, Nile Boat Cruise, and Night Game Drive

Rise early for a thrilling morning game drive across the northern bank in search of elephants, giraffes, lions, buffaloes, and antelopes grazing the plains. Return to the lodge for breakfast and relaxation. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the River Nile to the base of Murchison Falls, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and vibrant birdlife. Later in the evening, head out for a night game drive with spotlights, a unique chance to encounter nocturnal animals such as hyenas, genets, and civets.
Accommodation: Red Chilli Rest Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Full-Day Safari in Murchison Falls

Spend the entire day exploring the beauty of Murchison Falls National Park. Embark on morning and afternoon game drives, traversing different park sectors for the best wildlife sightings. Optional activities include sport fishing, nature walks, or visiting a local community project. Relax at your lodge in the evening as you listen to the sounds of the African night.
Accommodation: Red Chilli Rest Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, drive south to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most diverse park, famous for its scenic beauty and variety of ecosystems. The journey takes approximately 7 hours, passing through rolling hills, traditional homesteads, and vibrant roadside markets. Arrive in the late afternoon, check in to your lodge, and enjoy a relaxing evening overlooking the savannah.
Accommodation: Songbird Safari Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge

After an early breakfast, proceed to the Kyambura Gorge, often referred to as the “Valley of the Apes.” This lush gorge is home to a small community of habituated chimpanzees. The trek is a thrilling experience as you descend into the gorge, listening to the calls of the chimps and the rustle of the tropical forest. Return to your lodge for lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the surroundings.
Accommodation: Songbird Safari Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Begin the day with a morning game drive across the Kasenyi Plains, known for its abundance of elephants, buffaloes, lions, and antelopes. After lunch, embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lakes Edward and George. This relaxing excursion offers exceptional views of hippos, crocodiles, and large flocks of birds along the shores.
Accommodation: Songbird Safari Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, embark on a scenic 6-hour drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Arrive in the Rushaga sector and settle into your forest-view lodge. Enjoy dinner as you prepare for your gorilla trekking adventure.
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Cultural Experience

Today is the highlight of your safari! After an early breakfast, head to the Bwindi park headquarters for a briefing before embarking on your gorilla trekking expedition. Hike through dense rainforest, guided by experienced rangers, until you find a gorilla family. Spend an unforgettable hour observing their behaviors, capturing photos, and cherishing this once-in-a-lifetime moment. In the afternoon, visit the Batwa community, the forest’s original inhabitants, to learn about their culture, music, and traditions.
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

After breakfast, drive for about 6 hours to Lake Mburo National Park, a small yet wildlife-rich gem home to zebras, impalas, and elands. Upon arrival, enjoy a leisurely evening with panoramic views of the park.
Accommodation: Eagle’s Nest
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10: Walking Safari and Night Game Drive

Start your day with a guided walking safari, an intimate way to explore the savannah and observe animals up close. After lunch, relax at your lodge before setting out for an evening night game drive, where you may spot nocturnal creatures like leopards, hyenas, and bush babies. This optional activity adds an adventurous twist to your experience in Lake Mburo.
Accommodation: Eagle’s Nest
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11: Transfer to Kampala

Enjoy breakfast before embarking on a 6-hour journey back to Kampala. Stop for scenic photos and to purchase local crafts. On arrival, check in to your lodge and relax after the drive.
Accommodation: Via Via Guest House
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 12: Mabamba Swamp Shoebill Experience

After breakfast, head to Mabamba Swamp on the shores of Lake Victoria. Board a traditional canoe and glide through papyrus channels in search of the shoebill stork, one of Africa’s most iconic birds. Return to Kampala for an afternoon at leisure or a visit to local markets.
Accommodation: Via Via Guest House
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 13: Shopping and Departure

After a relaxed breakfast, enjoy some last-minute shopping for souvenirs at Kampala’s craft markets before transferring to Entebbe International Airport for your outbound flight. This marks the end of your incredible 13-Day Best of Uganda Safari with Gorilla Trekking filled with wildlife encounters, cultural connections, and unforgettable memories.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Inclusions

  • Gorilla trekking permit ($800 per person)
  • Chimpanzee trekking permit ($100 per person, Kyambura Gorge)
  • All park entrance and activity fees
  • Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
  • All ground transport in a private 4×4 safari vehicle
  • Professional English-speaking driver/guide
  • Boat cruises, guided nature walks, and night game drives
  • Bottled drinking water during transfers
  • Airport transfers

Exclusions

  • International flights
  • Uganda entry visa
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Alcoholic and soft beverages
  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary

What to Pack

  • Valid passport and Yellow Fever vaccination card
  • Long-sleeved shirts and breathable hiking trousers
  • Waterproof hiking boots and rain jacket
  • Sun hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses
  • Insect repellent
  • Binoculars and camera (no flash allowed near primates)
  • Small daypack and reusable water bottle
  • Light sweater or jacket for cool evenings in highlands