16 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari Wildlife & Mountaineering Safari Tours – Overview

The 16 days Gorilla safari Uganda is a comprehensive Gorilla safari in Uganda & wildlife tour featuring Gorilla trekking in Bwindi, Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, amazing wildlife game drives, visit the source of River Nile, Rwenzori mountain hiking, Pygyms & other community cultural visits, scenic landscape viewing & the Equator.

The 16 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari Wildlife & Mountaineering Safari Tours is long Uganda safari package that features the areas along the Equator in detail.

The safari starts and ends in Entebbe and takes you to Jinja for white water rafting and the source of River Nile tour, Fort Portal Area with its impressive crater field and the Amabere caves, the chimpanzee trekking and Eco-tour in Kibale and Bigodi respectively, the two days adventure hike to the Rwenzori Mountains, the wild game viewing in Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth NP with the target being tree climbing lions, the Sempaya hot springs in Semliki, the Volcano climbing in Mgahinga, mountain gorilla trekking in the hilly forested landscapes of Bwindi dubbed the impenetrable, the wild game viewing on Lake Mburo on foot including Rothschild giraffes, Impala, Zebra, Buffaloes, Topis, elands among others, the Banyankole cultural tour and eventually the orphanage home tour and Kampala city which combine to derive ultimate safari memories.

16 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari Wildlife & Mountaineering Safari Tours – Highlights

• Day 1: Arrive in Uganda
• Day 2: Explore Jinja – the source of the world’s longest River Nile. Do half day rafting, visit the reptile village & boat cruise to the source of the Nile
• Day 3: Transfer to Fort Portal. Visit the Amabere g’ Nnyinamwiru caves and do Fort Port portal Crater Lake hike to encounter the famous Kyeganywa hill and then transfer to Kibale National Park
• Day 4: Do Chimpanzee trekking in the primate capital of the world – Kibale National Park along with other 12 Primate Species and do an afternoon Eco-walk in Bigodi wetland
• Day 5: Visit Sempaya hot springs in Semliki National Park & pygmies of Ntandi & transfer to Kasese. Visit Rwenzori Art Foundationof  – the only bronze casting center in Africa & Ruboni craft village
• Days 6 & 7: Have 2 Days Mount Rwenzori hiking. Encounter the legendary mountains of the moon as described by the Greek geographer Ptolemy in 150 AD towering to 5,109m above sea level and covered by snow
• Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & do a game drive in Ishasha sector en route in search of tree-climbing lions
• Day 9 : Do gorilla trekking (Encounter the world’s critically endangered mountain gorillas where almost a half of the world population 400 out of the 880 thrive in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park) & transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
• Day 10: Undertake the grand hiking of one of the three mountains that adjoin the greater Virunga massif. Choose between Gahinga (3,474m), Sabyinyo (3,669m) or Muhabura (4,127m)
• Day 11: Do Batwa heritage trail. Encounter the heritage of one of the last short surviving groups of people on earth – the Batwa and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
• Day 12: Do Island hopping to explore the main Islands out of the 29 Islands of Lake Bunyonyi.
• Day 13: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park & do an evening walking safari. Encounter the Zebras, Impala, Elands, Topis, Rothschild giraffes etc.
• Day 14: Do Banyankole Community cultural tour at Enyemebwa Center & transfer to Kampala in the afternoon
• Day 15: Do Kampala City tour. Visit the Christ Our Vision Child Care Orphanage
• Day 16: Departure

16 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari Wildlife & Mountaineering Safari Tours – Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Uganda

Arrive in Uganda following your flight from the country of origin landing at Entebbe International Airport.

You will find our company representative waiting for you to offer a courteous welcome and briefing about the destination and various safari aspects after which you will transfer to the hotel for relaxation, diner and overnight

Accommodation: Sheraton Kampala Hotel (Upmarket / Luxury), Cassia Lodge (Midrange / Standard) or Buziga Country Resort (Budget / Basic)

Day 2: Explore Jinja – The Source Of The World’s Longest River Nile. Do Half-day Rafting, Visit The Reptile Village & Boat Cruise To The Source Of The Nile

Transfer early in the morning from Kampala to Jinja 80km driving along the impressive landscapes from the urban Kampala through the forested Mabira and sugarcane plantations of Lugazi before arriving in Jinja.

You embark on the famous white water rafting on the mystical waters of the Nile River which is the longest River in the whole world as it struggles through the Cascades forming great force and pressure.

The white water rafting adventure gives you an opportunity to have a feel of these rapids yourself and test their might.

It is common that the force pushes you away from your raft but the expert team of guides is very close to you for assistance.

The local people front the banks to cheer at you as you enjoy the abundance of nature. Retreat from the half day activity for relaxation.

In the late afternoon, you connect to the source of the Nile to undertake a thrilling boat cruise to the mystical point that lured the ancient European explorers to explore into Africa.

The cruise exposes you to counts of birds including Kingfishers and other local people cruising on the Nile.

Explore the reptile village to have an encounter with the counts of reptile species including snakes before retreating to Kampala in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Sheraton Kampala Hotel (Upmarket / Luxury), Cassia Lodge (Midrange / Standard) or Buziga Country Resort (Budget / Basic)

Day 3 : Transfer to Fort Portal. Visit the Amabere g’ Nnyinamwiru Caves And Do Fort Port portal Crater Lake Hike to Encounter The Famous Kyeganywa Hill And Then Transfer to Kibale National Park

After breakfast at your place of stay in Kampala, embark on the drive to Fort Portal area 300km about 4 – 5 hours’ drive.

You will drive through impressive countryside landscapes of Uganda with impressive scenic views including the scenic Mubende inselbergs.

You arrive in time for lunch after which you will proceed to the Fort Portal Crater Lake Field where you will first visit the Amabere g’ Nnyinamwiru caves, an ancient site that locals believe to be breasts of Nnyinamwiru the daughter of Bukuku a self-enthroned King of the Bachwezi.

Geologically, the features are stalactites and stalagmites. From the caves, continue to hike the Fort Portal Crater field where you will summit the famous Kyeganywa hill offering impressive views of the crater lakes and crater hollows below and the views of Rwenzori Mountains on a clear day.

Return from this activity and transfer to Kibale National Park 26km from Fort Portal town arriving at the lodge in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Ndali Lodge (Upmarket / Luxury), Chimpanzee Forest Guest house (Midrange / Standard) or Rwenzori View Guesthouse (Budget / Basic)

Day 4: Do Chimpanzee Trekking in The Primate Capital of The world – Kibale National Park Along With Other 12 Primate Species And Do An Afternoon Eco-walk in Bigodi wetland

Gather at Kanyanchu Tourism Center for briefing at 8am by the park rangers after which you embark on the trekking in search of chimpanzees.

Kibale Forest boasts of high counts of habituated chimpanzees with over 95% chances of encountering them.

The chimpanzee trekking exposes you to impressive forested landscapes with undulating terrain which presents a rewarding hike that is behind chimpanzees alone.

The one hour of direct encounter with chimpanzee seeing them as they patrol, munch fruit, socialize, young ones play and make pant hooting calls generates remarkable memories.

Retreat from this 2 – 5 hour activity and settle at the starting point to consume your packed lunch after which you embark on the transfer to Bigodi wetland Sanctuary for an Eco-community walk through the wetland.

The walk offers you possible views of counts of birds including the Great Blue Turaco and Hornbills. The views of the swamp dwelling animals like Sitatunga may also not be missed.

Retreat from the activity and transfer to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Ndali Lodge (Upmarket / Luxury), Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse (Midrange / Standard) or Rwenzori View Guesthouse (Budget / Basic)

Day 5 : Visit Sempaya Hot Springs in Semliki National Park & Pygmies of Ntandi & Transfer to Kasese.

After breakfast, embark on the transfer to Semliki National Park 78km about 2 – 3 hour drive passing through Fort Portal town enjoying the views of the urban environment before proceeding to Semliki.

The drive offers you impressive views of the Rwenzori Mountains also known as the mountains of the moon.

Upon reaching Semliki, you embark on the Sempaya nature walk to explore the hot springs. There is a male and a female hot spring with boiling geyser that sprouts up to 2m high and boiling to over 100 degrees Celsius.

You take along some plantains or eggs to boil in these natural features and have picnic bites in a short period.

Retreat from the activity and transfer to Ntandi to explore the Batwa of Ntandi with their impressive heritage and tradition not forgetting exploring the way of life which is a bit harsh.

Embark on the transfer back to Fort Portal for late lunch after which you transfer to Kasese. Upon arrival, you visit the Rwenzori Art foundation which is the only bronze casting center in the whole of Africa offering you an opportunity to participate in the sculpture making process and viewing lots of them showcased in the gallery.

You also visit the Ruboni Craft village to explore the local women as they make a range of crafts that represent their culture and skill. Retreat from the encounter and connect to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight

Accommodation: Equator Snow Lodge (Upmarket / Luxury), Ihamba Safari Lodge (Midrange / Standard) or Ruboni Community Camp (Budget / Basic)

Day 6 & 7: Have 2 Days Mount Rwenzori Hiking. Encounter The Legendary Mountains Of The Moon As Described By The Greek Geographer Ptolemy in 150 AD towering to 5,109m Above Sea Level Covered By Snow

After breakfast at your lodge, gather at the Rwenzori National Park Headquarters to embark on the two (2) day hike to the legendary mountains of the moon – the Rwenzoris.

The Rwenzori Mountains being the 3^rd tallest in the African continent towers up to 5,109m, above sea level with snowcapped peaks despite its close range to the world’s latitude and the sun’s way – the Equator.

The 2 Days hike allows you to explore the good section of the mountain foothill including camping on the mountain for the first night.

The views of the peaks, the glaciers, the verdant vegetation, and the panoramic scenery of Kasese town, Savannah landscapes of Queen Elizabeth not forgetting the rift valley lake present an ideal memorable experience on this activity. Retreat in the evening of the second day for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

Accommodation: Equator Snow Lodge (Upmarket / Luxury), Ihamba Safari Lodge (Midrange / Standard) or Ruboni Community Camp (Budget / Basic)

Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Do a Game Drive in Ishasha Sector En-route in Search of Tree-climbing Lions

After breakfast, embark on the transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You undertake a game drive in Ishasha sector in the south of Queen Elizabeth National Park in search of tree climbing lions and other wild game.

The Ishasha is one of the only two places in the world where tree climbing lions can be encountered. They tend to lie in fig tree branches in the day time.

Continue on the drive to arrive in Bwindi in the evening for relaxation, dinner, and overnight

Accommodation: Chameleon Hill Lodge (Upmarket / Luxury), Gorilla Mist Camp (Midrange / Standard) or Broadbill Forest Camp (Budget /Basic)

Day 9: Do Gorilla Trekking  & Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

After breakfast, gather at the respective park headquarters for briefing at 8am and the eventual start of the gorilla trekking encounter.

You follow the trails of your respective gorilla family traversing the forest with is hilly forested landscapes and deep saddles.

The hills are forested with mature trees and dense undergrowth that have earned it the name Impenetrable.

The gorilla trekking encounter tends to last 2 – 8 hours inclusive of one (1) hour direct encounter with them.

Seeing the critically endangered apes as they forage, socialize, the young gorillas rolling themselves on tree branches and the Silverback demonstrating his authority is a moment of wonder that derives remarkable excitement.

Retreat from the activity and transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park welcomed by the amazing views of the Virunga Volcanoes where by on a clear day, you can gain a clear view of the entire eight mountain chain that from the Virungas. Arrive in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Mount Gahinga Lodge (Upmarket / Luxury), Mucha Hotel (Midrange / Standard) or Amajambere iwacu Community Camp (Budget / Basic)

Day 10: Undertake The Grand Hiking of One Of The Three Mountains That Adjoin The Greater Virunga Massif. Choose Between Gahinga (3,474m), Sabyinyo (3,669m) or Muhabura (4,127m)

Connect to the Park headquarters at Ntebeko to embark on an adventure of Volcano climbing to any of the three Volcanoes.

By this time, you would have made up your mind on which mountain to climb whether the 3,669m Sabyinyo Mountain which takes eight hours to make a 14km round trip or 3,474m Sabyinyo which takes 6 hours round trip with its swamp filled crater along with giant lobelia and possibilities of encountering golden monkeys along the route in the Bamboo zone or the 4,127m highest Muhabura taking 8 hours on a 12km round trip with the views of Bwindi Forest, Rwenzori peaks and Lake Edward.

Standing on top of any of the three volcanoes offers you magical sights of the impressive Kigezi highlands, the hills of Rwanda, dense forests of Congo and the entire Virunga mountain chain.

Retreat from the activity and transfer to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight

Accommodation: Mount Gahinga Lodge (Upmarket / Luxury), Mucha Hotel (Midrange / Standard) or Amajambere iwacu Community Camp (Budget / Basic)

Day 11: Do Batwa Heritage Trail. Encounter The Heritage Of One Of The Last Short Surviving Groups of People On Earth – The Batwa And Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Gather at Ntebeko visitor Center again for another magical activity which is culture this time. You are in the company of the Batwa guides trekking through the forest giving you a themed interpretation of how various plant species connect to their culture, demonstrating the medicinal plants and the edible ones.

The guides would go head to elaborate how the nature was put to use for their benefit including making of Bamboo cups, constructing tree houses, extracting wild honey, fruits ad roots among others.

You eventually reach the famous Ngarama cave which was the chief home of the Batwa people when they were still in the forest.

Their chief us to reside there and it was a center of their festivities, events and ceremonies. You attend to the Batwa women as they sing a range of songs that describe their ancient way of life something that will lure you into sorrowful pondering on how once deeply held cultures are fading slowly.

Retreat from the 5 – 6 hour activity and embark in the transfer to Lake Bunyonyi driving through magical scenic road between Kisoro and Kabale before branching off at Muko to connect to Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation, dinner and overnight

Accommodation: Birdnest @Lake Bunyonyi Resort (Upmarket / Luxury), Lake Bunyonyi Eco-resort (Midrange / Standard) or Byoona Amagara Island Retreat (Budget / Basic)

Day 12: Do Island Hopping To Explore The Main Islands Out Of The 29 Islands of Lake Bunyonyi.

After breakfast, embark on the Island hopping on Lake Bunyonyi exploring the lake’s main Islands and their heritage.

These include; the Akampene Island which is traditionally known as the Punishment Island where the unmarried pregnant girls would be dumped and left to die as a punishment to violating societal values, Bushara Island with its impressive forest cover, Kyahugye Island which is a resort Island with a range of wildlife including Zebra, Impala, Waterbuck and debrazza monkey, Bwama and Njuyera / Sharps Island known as traditional leprosy center where the leprosy affected people used to gather for treatment by the missionary doctor Sharp, Bucuranuka Island known as Upside down.

It is known for killing its inhabitants who were brewing local beer and reused the old woman to take a sip despite her plea as they thought that she is the common beggar that they knew.

After refusing her to enjoy local beer, she asked for someone to drop her on the main land and they accepted as they were tired of her.

A young boy was offered and as he was embarking on her return journey to the Island, it turned upside down.

These Islands feature a range of local people including the Batwa and the Bakiga with their impressive traditional including the stories of the past, dances, local foods and the general way of life not forgetting local schools. Retreat from the activity and retire for relaxation, dinner and overnight

Accommodation: Birdnest @Lake Bunyonyi Resort (Upmarket / Luxury), Lake Bunyonyi Eco-resort (Midrange / Standard) or Byoona Amagara Island Retreat (Budget / Basic)

Day 13: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park & Do An Evening Walking Safari.

After breakfast, embark on the transfer to Lake Mburo National Park 199km about 4 hours’ drive passing through the lush green landscapes southwestern Uganda with extensive banana plantations and cattle farms.

Make a stop at Igongo Cultural Center 12km past Mbarara town for lunch after which you will proceed for 33km further to enter Lake Mburo National Park through the Sanga gate. Upon arrival, you will embark on a game walking safari.

You walk through impressive savannah landscapes of Lake Mburo dotted with acacia woodlands and open savannah on some areas.

The park has scenic hills and flat plains that support counts of wild game including Zebra, Impala, Bufaloes, Topis, Rothschild Giraffes, warthogs, elands, and waterbucks among others.

The rising Kazuma hill offers a rewarding hike and views of the lakes below and wildlife grazing. You retreat from the 3 hour activity to return to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Mihingo Safari Lodge (Upmarket / Luxury), Arcadia Cottages Mburo (Midrange / Standard) or Eagles Nest (Budget / Basic)

Day 14 : Do Banyankole Community Cultural Tour at Enyemebwa Center & Transfer to Kampala in The Afternoon

Connect to the local community early in the morning to catch up with them as they get up to embark on their daily routine.

You participate in traditional hand milking, sick animal treating, brushing the cows, grazing, playing grazing instruments like flutes, watering cows on soil made water troughs, traditional meat roasting and grilling process, preparing sauce without fire (Eshabwe), crafting milk pot lids and arranging the calf pen.

Along with, encountering the banana plantation, participate in weeding, pruning, crop planting or harvesting depending on the season, the process of banana food preparation from peeling to fire making using local firewood up to serving.

It is such a deep immersion in the culture of the local people. Retreat from the encounter in the afternoon to embark on the transfer back to Kampala.

Accommodation: Sheraton Kampala Hotel (Upmarket / Luxury), Cassia Lodge (Midrange / Standard) or Buziga Country Resort (Budget / Basic)

Day 15: Do Kampala City Tour. Visit The Christ Our Vision Child Care Orphanage

After breakfast, embark on the visit the Christ Our Vision Child Day Care Orphanage where Prime Safaris supports a count of disadvantaged children by offering them education and other basic necessities.

You attend their plays and chat with them to restore hope in their future. From there, you visit other sites of historical, religious, cultural, educational and political significance including Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, Baha’i Temple, Makerere University, Kasubi Tombs and Kabaka’s Palace in Bulange dressed in traditional Kiganda attire, Amin’s torture chambers at Bulange, Namirembe and Rubaga Cathedral, Gadhafi Mosque, Owino Market and drive through slum and up market suburbs of Kampala. Retire in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Sheraton Kampala Hotel (Upmarket / Luxury), Cassia Lodge (Midrange / Standard) or Buziga Country Resort (Budget / Basic)

Day 16: Departure

After breakfast connect to Entebbe International Airport for the return flight back home.

End of The 16 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari Wildlife & Mountaineering Safari Tours.