7 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari with Gorillas
Overview
Embark on a thrilling 7-day Uganda Wildlife Safari, combining unforgettable encounters with mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and diverse wildlife. This adventure takes you through Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking, Kibale National Park for chimpanzee tracking, and Murchison Falls National Park for game drives and a scenic boat cruise. Experience the adrenaline of quad biking and white-water rafting in Jinja, explore the Nile River, and enjoy breathtaking landscapes along the way. Experience the best of Uganda on this 7-day wildlife safari with gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, game drives, boat cruises, and thrilling adventures in Jinja.
Day 1: Airport Pick-up and Transfer to Bwindi Forest (8-9 Hours’ Drive)
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, your safari driver will meet and brief you before setting off for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Along the way, you will stop at the Equator for a photography session and a water experiment. Another stop in Mbarara town will allow you to enjoy lunch before proceeding to Bwindi. Expect to arrive in the evening for check-in, dinner, and an overnight stay at:
- Budget: Ruhija Community Rest Camp Lodge
- Mid-range: Bakiga Lodge
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Experience – Boat Trip on Lake Bunyonyi
Start your day with an early breakfast before heading to the park headquarters with your packed lunch for a briefing on gorilla trekking. The trek can take between 2 to 8 hours, depending on the gorillas’ movement. Once you find them, you will have an hour to observe and photograph these gentle primates.
After trekking, embark on a 2-hour drive to Lake Bunyonyi. Enjoy a scenic canoe ride on Uganda’s deepest lake, visiting different islands. Later, transfer to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay at:
- Budget: Bunyonyi Eco-Lodge
- Mid-range: Acardia Cottages
Day 3: Transfer to Kibale National Park – Afternoon Chimpanzee Trekking (7 Hours’ Drive)
Depart as early as 6:00 AM for Kibale National Park, ensuring you arrive in time for chimpanzee trekking at 2:00 PM. The trek takes between 2 to 5 hours through the rainforest. Upon finding the chimpanzees, you will have an hour to observe them before returning to the starting point.
Check in at your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay at:
- Budget: Isunga Lodge
- Mid-range: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
Day 4: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park – Visit the Top of the Falls
After breakfast at 6:00 AM, embark on a long journey (6-7 hours) from western Uganda to northwestern Uganda, with an en-route lunch stop. In the afternoon, visit the top of Murchison Falls to witness the Nile River forcefully squeezing through a narrow gorge.
Proceed to your lodge for check-in, dinner, and an overnight stay at:
- Budget: Parkside Safari Lodge
- Mid-range: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Day 5: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise
Start with a 6:00 AM game drive to spot wildlife before they retreat, including lions, hyenas, buffaloes, and possibly leopards. After the drive, return to the lodge for relaxation.
In the afternoon, take a boat cruise to the bottom of Murchison Falls. Enjoy sightings of elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species. Afterward, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 6: Transfer to Jinja – Quad Biking (7-8 Hours’ Drive)
Depart early from Murchison Falls National Park, heading to Jinja with an en-route lunch stop in Kampala. Upon arrival in Jinja in the afternoon, enjoy a 2-hour quad biking adventure along the Nile River and through local communities.
Afterward, transfer to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay at:
- Budget: Jinja Base Camp
- Mid-range: 2 Friends Guesthouse
Day 7: White Water Rafting and Transfer to Entebbe – Departure
After breakfast, prepare for an exciting full-day white-water rafting adventure on the Nile. Following a safety briefing, you will receive rafting gear and embark on this thrilling experience.
At around 4:00 PM, depart Jinja for a 3-hour drive back to Entebbe. You will be dropped off at the airport in time for your evening or night flight home, marking the end of your unforgettable Uganda wildlife safari.
Inclusions:
- Airport and ground transfers
- Gorilla and chimpanzee permits
- White-water rafting and quad biking fees
- Park entry fees and boat trips
- Private 4×4 vehicle with fuel
- English-speaking driver/guide
- Accommodation as listed
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Bottled mineral water in the vehicle
- Activities mentioned in the itinerary
Exclusions:
- International flights
- Uganda visa fees
- Optional activities
- Extra meals and drinks not mentioned
- Personal expenses (laundry, calls, beverages, etc.)
- Tips and gratuities
End of 7 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari with Gorillas