18 Days Gorilla Safari Uganda Tour – Overview

The 18 days Gorilla safari Uganda Tour is a comprehensive Gorilla safari in Uganda & wildlife tour featuring Gorilla trekking in Uganda`s Bwindi, Chimpanzee tracking, wildlife game drives, visit the source of River Nile, Rwenzori mountain hiking, Pygyms & other community cultural visits, scenic landscape viewing & the Equator.

The 18 Days Gorilla Safari Uganda Tour, Uganda Gorilla Safari, Uganda Wildlife Tour & Mountain hiking features a range of destinations covering ¾ of Uganda.

The safari starts and end in Entebbe and it has a blend of culture, wildlife viewing, primate tracking including gorillas and chimpanzees, adventure and recreation.

The activities include the white-water rafting in Jinja, the wild game viewing in Murchison, Ziwa Sanctuary, Queen Elizabeth not forgetting a night game drive in Lake Mburo, gorilla trekking in Bwindi, adventure mountain hiking to the Rwenzori Mountains and the Virunga volcanoes and cultural encounters among the Batwa, the Banyankole community and the Ruboni community.

18 Days Gorilla Safari Uganda Tour – Highlights

Day 1: Arrive in Uganda.

Day 2: Explore the source of River Nile at Jinja – the world’s longest River. Do half day whitewater rafting, visit the Reptile village & Boat ride to the source of the Nile

Day 3: Transfer to Murchison falls National Park & make a stop visit at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary –the only home of white Rhinos in Uganda.

Day 4: Do game drive along the rolling Savannah combretum in the northern sector of the park & do an afternoon Nile launch cruise to encounter Nile Crocodiles & Hippos not forgetting the shoebill stork.

Day 5: Encounter the top of Murchison Falls – the powerful water falls in the world & transfer to Hoima &Visit Kibiro Salt Gardens en route

Day 6: Transfer to Kibale National Park & do either Mpanga tea estate cycling or Amabere ga’Nnyinamwiru caves tour & Fort Portal Crater lake hike.

Day 7: Do Chimpanzee trekking encounter & Bigodi wetland walk

Day 8: Encounter Sempaya hot springs in Semuliki National Park & transfer to Kasese. Visit the Rwenzori art foundation – the only bronze casting center in Africa & Ruboni wax & craft center en route.

Day 9: Have whole day Mount Rwenzori Hiking. Encounter the legendary mountains of the moon as described by Ptolemy in 150 AD towering to 5,109m with snowcapped peaks.

Day 10: Morning game drive in the rolling Savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park in the shadows of Rwenzori Mountains for amazing wildlife including lions, elephants, buffaloes, Antelopes, leopard, etc. Lunch at Mweya, afternoon launch cruise along the Paradise of Hippos –the 45km long Kazinga Channel with sights of Hippos, Nile crocodiles and birds.

Day 11: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & do Ishasha game drive en route (Tree climbing lions)

Day 12: Do gorilla trekking. Encounter the critically endangered mountain gorillas in the hilly landscapes of the Impenetrable Bwindi & transfer to Mgahinga National Park

Day 13: Do Volcano climbing. Climb any of the three Virunga Volcanoes including Gahinga (3,474m), Sabyinyo (3,669m) or Muhabura (4,127m) or do golden Monkey tracking to encounter the last surviving groups of golden monkeys in the Virunga ranges.

Day 14: Do Batwa cultural trail. Encounter the heritage of the Batwa Pygmies in the forest, encounter Garama cave & transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Day 15: Do a boat ride/ canoe paddle on Lake Bunyonyi & have a community tour to the local school & local home steads.

Day 16: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park & have a night game drive. Encounter Nocturnal animals like hare, porcupine, Aardvack, white-tailed mongoose, honey badger, side – stripped jackal, bush pig, spotted hyena, serval cat, jenet cat, civet, thick – tailed Galago and black galago.

Day 17: Do a Banyankole community cultural tour at Enyemebwa center to encounter the Ankole long horned cattle & their practices & transfer to Kampala in the afternoon with a stop at the Equator crossing – Kayabwe.

Day 18: Departure.

18 Days Gorilla Safari Uganda Tour – 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 The Source of River Nile at Jinja – The world’s Longest River.

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 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 Murchison Falls National Park & Make A Stop Visit At Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary –The Only Home of White Rhinos in Uganda.

After breakfast, you will transfer from your place of stay in the company of our guide heading to the north of Uganda to Murchison Falls National Park 311km about 5 hours’ drive.

Branch off at Nakitooma 115km from Kampala for 7km further reaching the Headquarters for Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

You track white Rhinos thriving in a natural Savannah thicket marked with tall grass. The gigantic species are among the big five of Land animals and would definitely make your encounter rewarding.

After trekking Rhinos in Ziwa, settle for lunch and then continue on the drive to Murchison Falls NP arriving in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight

Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge (Upmarket / Luxury), Pakuba Safari Lodge (Midrange / Standard) or Heritage Safari Lodge (Budget / Basic)

Day 4: Do Game Drive Along The Rolling Savannah Combretum in The Northern Sector Of The Park & Do An Afternoon Nile Launch Cruise

Connect to the park after breakfast to start the game drive at 7am in the northern section where the animals are known to thrive with better viewing possibilities.

The park has open Savannah rolling combretum with patches of borassus palms supporting counts of wild game including Rothschild giraffes, Elephants, Buffaloes, Jackson’s Hartebeest, Kobs, lions, leopards, and water bucks among others.

The range of tracks has been specially designed to allow you explore the park in detail. Retreat from the 3 hour activity and relax at the lodge up to lunch time after which you gather at Paraa Jetty for a thrilling boat cruise.

Congregate at Paraa jetty in the afternoon 2pm to embark on the boat cruise to the bottom of the falls. The boat cruise lasts 3 hours and offers you possibilities of encountering Nile crocodiles and Hippos.

Birds like the most sought after Shoebill Stork might also be seen on the river banks enjoying the cool waters of the Nile River.

Upon reaching the bottom of the falls, you encounter the roaring sounds of the Nile River with magical sightseeing encounters. Retreat from the activity and connect to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge (Upmarket/Luxury), Pakuba Safari Lodge (Midrange / Standard) or Heritage Safari Lodge (Budget / Basic)

Day 5: Encounter The Top of Murchison Falls – The Powerful Water Falls in The World & Transfer to Hoima &Visit Kibiro Salt Gardens En-route

After breakfast, connect to the southern section of the park to visit the top of the falls. You visit the top of Murchison Falls which is the powerful waterfall in the world with magical scenery.

You marvel at the Nile River as it squeezes itself to pass through a less than 8m ravine before falling 43m below to what has been termed as the Devil’s Cauldron forming a plume of spray surrounded by thunderous roar marked by a trade mark rainbow.

It is the greatest natural feature to ever happen on the Nile course. You retreat from the activity and embark on the transfer to Hoima.

You make a stop en route to visit the Kibiro Salt Gardens which dates back to over 900 years ago supporting the generations and generations of the area’s inhabitants.

The people depend on this salt as they exchange it with the neighboring community for food and get income by selling it.

The salt is extracted traditionally and exclusively by the local expert women. The footpath connecting to the site presents a challenging hiking encounter.

Retreat from the activity and embark on the transfer to Hoima arriving in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight

Accommodation: Kontiki Hotel

Day 6: Transfer to Kibale National Park & Do Either Mpanga Tea Estate Cycling or Amabere g’Nnyinamwiru Caves Tour & Fort Portal Crater Lake Hike.

After breakfast, embark on the transfer to Fort Portal Area about five hours drive. You drive through impressive rural landscapes of Kagadi and Kyenjonjo marked by lush green, local homesteads, livestock including local goats grazing along the way; banana and crop plantations.

You will arrive in the beautifully Fort Portal town welcomed by the towering Karuzika palace – the home of the King of Tooro.

You settle for lunch after which you continue to visit the Amabere g’ Nnyinamwiru caves which a site of cultural and geographical significance.

The caves are believed to be breasts of Nyinamwiru, a name that dates back to the Bachwezi dynasty. You listen to the traditional story behind their formation.

From the caves, you embark on the hike to the Fort Portal Crater lake field where you hike the famous Kyeganywa hill and its summit offers rewarding scenic views of the crater lakes and crater hollows below including Lake Kigere, Saaka and Lake Bikere.

Alternatively, you undertake an adventure cycling activity in the Mpanga tea estates. Connect to Mpanga Tea Estate Cycling exploring the impressive landscapes that are soaked with tea plants forming a lush green landscape with amazing scenery.

The undulating terrain makes it ideal for cycling encounter. However, this goes beyond cycling and you have chances of participating in the tea plucking exercise along with the estate staff.

You retreat from the activity and then embark on the transfer to Kibale National Park for relaxation, dinner and overnight

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

Day 7: Do Chimpanzee Trekking Encounter & Bigodi Wetland Walk. 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 8: Encounter Sempaya Hot Springs in Semuliki National Park & Transfer to Kasese. Visit the Rwenzori Art Foundation – The Only Bronze Casting Center in Africa & Ruboni Wax & Craft Center En-route.

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. 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 9: Have Whole Day Mount Rwenzori Hiking.

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

The whole day hike enables you to explore its foothills offering magical views of the some peaks at distant ranges, the panoramic views of Kasese town, rolling Savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth and the patches of Rift Valley lakes below.

It’s an adventurous encounter of a life time on its short setting. Retreat from the activity 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 10: Morning Game Drive in The Rolling Savannah Plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park & An Afternoon Launch Cruise On The Kazinga Channel

Connect to the rolling Savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth NP stretching to Kasenyi plains where counts of wild game might be encountered including the elephants, Buffaloes, lions, leopards, Kobs, waterbucks, spotted hyenas, jackals among others.

You have chances of encountering these animals as they mate, patrol, socialize, graze and hunt among other aspects that lure you into remarkable amazement.

Retreat from the 3 – 4 hour activity to embark on the transfer to the lodge for relaxation and lunch after which you gather at Mweya jetty for an afternoon boat cruise along the 45km Kazinga Channel.

The cruise exposes you to possible magical sights of the Hippos, Nile crocodiles and other wild game like elephants and buffaloes drinking on the channel side.

Retreat from the activity and do a simple game drive along the channel track as you head back to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight

Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge (Upmarket / Luxury), Enganzi Game Lodge (Midrange / Standard) or Pumba Safari Cottages (Budget / Basic)

Day 11: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Do Ishasha Game Drive En-route (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 12: Do Gorilla Trekking in The Hilly Landscapes of The Impenetrable Bwindi & Transfer to Mgahinga National Park

After breakfast, gather at the respective park headquarters for briefing at 8am and 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 13: Do Volcano Climbing or Do Golden Monkey Tracking To Encounter The Last Surviving Groups of Golden Monkeys in the Virunga Ranges.

Connect to the Park headquarters at Ntebeko to embark on an adventure 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.

Alternatively, you embark on the golden monkey tracking which thrive in the Bamboo zone on the slopes of Mount Gahinga.

These endangered species are found in the Virunga massif only and feature a golden patch on their back which makes them unique and impressive to look at.

The have been habituated and thus settle their shy character to welcome you for a one hour direct encounter.

The activity tends to last 4 hours. 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 14: Do Batwa Cultural Trail. Encounter The Heritage of The Batwa Pygmies in The forest, Encounter Garama Cave & 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 15: Do a Boat Ride/ Canoe Paddle on Lake Bunyonyi & Have a Community Tour To The Local School & Local Home Steads.

After a relaxed breakfast, embark on a thrilling boat ride adventure to explore Lake Bunyonyi known as the Lake of a thousand Islands in detail.

The 29 Islands of Lake Bunyonyi appear in an impressive magical setting surrounded by deep calm waters which in fact are second deepest in Africa all encircled by the magical highlands of Kigezi whose magical terrain and the temperate climate have earned it a dub as the Switzerland of Africa.

The boat ride allows you to explore the Island Communities including the local school where the children if found outside classes during break or lunch time can organize a traditional dance performance for you.

You can also explore the local homestead exploring the way of life of the Islanders. Crisscross the locals as they navigate on the waters with their locally crafted canoes.

Some of the Islands have lush vegetation cover and this offer impressive nature walks. You can participate in the traditional meals preparation and have lunch with the local people in any of the Islands, engage in local beer brewing and take a sip before retiring from the activity to retire for relaxation at the lodge until dinner and overnight.

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

Day 16 : Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park & Have a Night Game Drive

After breakfast, embark on the transfer to Lake Mburo National Park 199km about 4 hours’ drive. You make a stop at Igongo Cultural Center 12km past Mbarara for traditional cuisine and you can have an optional visit to the cultural museum which features a range of artifacts, sculptures, writings and other collections of the tribes of south western Uganda.

Proceed on the drive for 33km to Lake Mburo National Park where you will check in at your respective lodge for relaxation and dinner.

After dinner, you embark on a night game drive in the rolling Savannah landscapes of Lake Mburo where you have possibilities of encountering Nocturnal animals like hare, porcupine, Aardvack, white-tailed mongoose, honey badger, side – stripped jackal, bush pig, spotted hyena, serval cat, jenet cat, civet, thick – tailed Galago and black galago.

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

Day 17: Do a Banyankole Community Cultural Tour at Enyemebwa Center to Encounter The Ankole Long Horned Cattle & Their Practices & Transfer to Kampala in The Afternoon With a Stop at The Equator Crossing – Kayabwe.

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.

You can make a stop at Uganda Equator crossing Kayabwe for amazing photo shoots before proceeding to Kampala.

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

Day 18: Departure

Transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your flight departure back home.

End of The 18 Days Gorilla Safari Uganda Tour.