12-day inclusive Uganda gorilla trek, primate wildlife safari. Best Uganda safari to all wildlife parks, select cultural experiences. Enjoy the Uganda tour gorillas and wildlife safaris

All Inclusive Uganda Gorillas Wildlife Safari - 12 Days Uganda Tour

Gorillas and Wildlfe Safaris Hall of Fame Trip Advisor RecommendedThis All-inclusive 12 day Uganda gorilla wildlife safari and holiday comes the dreamlike gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi, Kibale chimps tracking and a chance to encounter over 11 other primate species there, real African wildlife safari experiences and BIG-5 wildlife viewing in Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park.

If you are looking for an all-out Uganda safari package that will take you to the most biodiverse of Uganda's National Parks, then this is certainly the one trip you should be considering. I have included the most rewarding tourist experiences in Africa and I have selected the destinations based on several after-trip experience reviews. There's almost no room left for error in developing this Uganda safari itinerary.

Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls NP, Lake Mburo  - giraffe, elephant, lion, buffalo, hippo, and leopard among others.  Enjoy canoe-trekking on the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi as well as the unique tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha sector. This is certainly the best safari for Uganda wildlife and beautiful scenery, the perfect Uganda gorillas wildlife chimps, and primates tour to Africa.

This Uganda safari can start on any day with a minimum of 1 person. The transfers are private but on primate treks, you might have other tourists joining you, usually not more than 7 persons. The tour itinerary can on request be customized to include more Uganda safari delights or to exclude some experiences depending on your preferences.

Brief Tour Itinerary for the All-Inclusive Uganda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari - 12 Days

  • Day 1: Start Uganda safari from your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala with a drive to Murchison Falls National Park. On the way, we track white rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. 
  • Day 2: Half day Safari Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park, Afternoon boat trip to the base of the falls
  • Day 3: Safari to Kibale National Park, enjoying beautiful Uganda scenery, rural African farms, remote villages on the way via Fort Portal
  • Day 4: Kibale National Park | Chimpanzee Tracking, afternoon primate walks and Uganda village experience in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
  • Day 5: Depart for safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park, lots of wildlife sightings along the way, view the Rwenzori Mountains along.
  • Day 6: Wildlife safaris (game drives) in the North of Queen Elizabeth National Park. We look for lions, elephants, buffalo, hyenas, leopard, etc. Mid-morning or afternoon boat trip to the Kazinga channel so that you can experience all the wildlife at closer quarters. 
  • Day 7: Safari game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park,  Afternoon guided forest walk in Maramagambo Forest, and after, safari game drive looking for Tree-climbing lions in Ishasha Sector.
  • Day 8: Safari game drive in Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, optional guided community walk upon arrival as you await your gorilla trekking experience the next day.
  • Day 9: Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Gorilla trekking starts at 7 am with the briefing. Your safari guide will prepare you well for this and present your gorilla trekking permit at the park for acceptance to the gorillas.
  • Day 10: Drive to Lake Bunyonyi for more adventure - canoe trekking
  • Day 11: Drive to Lake Mburo National Park for more Game Drives looking for zebras, leopard, giraffe, antelopes, buffalos, hyenas among others.
  • Day 12: Depart to Kampala 

Detailed Tour Itinerary for the All-inclusive Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari

Day 1: Start your all-inclusive Uganda Safari from Entebbe or Kampala, driving to Murchison Falls National Park & Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (there' flights to Murchison Falls if you prefer not to drive)

On this day, we have it programmed that your designated Uganda safari guide/ driver should be meeting you at the hotel you are staying to start of the tour at 8 am. Or, if you are planning to arrive in Uganda today (at Entebbe Airport), we shall be meeting you at the airport but your flight needs to arrive not later than 11 am.

You will get a brief about the holiday experience ahead of you before starting the drive through the famous Luwero triangle, your final destination being Murchison Falls National Park (about 380 kms away by road). In case you prefer not to drive this long, there are flights that go to Murchison Falls National Park (only operate on a minimum of 4 persons).

Along the way, we have our first Uganda wildlife experience. This will be with the white rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Ziwa Rhino sanctuary is the only place to trek wild Rhinos in Uganda, the other Rhinos are found at Uganda wildlife education center (former Zoo) in Entebbe. On arrival at the sanctuary, you will be given a briefing from your ranger guide on how to behave while on this Rhino trek. It is very critical that you heed to the ranger’s instructions while on the trek because Rhinos can be aggressive if they sense a need to defend themselves. Depending on the location of the Rhinos, you may need to drive closer to their location before you start the trek to reduce the distance. Your ranger guide will share different information on the behavior of Rhinos and how you ought to behave while as you trek.

Once you locate the Rhinos, you can stay a maximum of one hour in their presence. Sometimes different families are within a distance of each other, in which case you will get an opportunity to visit more than one group. You also have a chance of other animal sightings on this nature walk, they include Waterbucks, Bushbucks, Kobs, Leopard (rarely), duikers etc.

We will continue through the park stopping at the top of the falls which is a fantastic sight. Here the Nile, the longest river in the world, is forced through a narrow gap in the rock (only 7 meters wide), before ferociously plunging down 43 meters. From here we will continue onto our accommodation place along the Nile River

Murchison Falls National Park is the largest in Uganda at 3,840 square kilometers. Here is the awe-inspiring Murchison Falls where the River Nile hurls itself in convulsions through a narrow crevice and then plunges 40 meters in one breathtaking leap.

The park has a variety of vegetation ranging from riparian forests and swamplands to broad savannah and provides visitors the opportunity of seeing large concentrations of wildlife including lion, leopard, civet, hyena, elephant, giraffe, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, a host of smaller game, small primates and many bird species, including the rare shoebill stork. The park is especially famous for crocodiles and hippos.

Apart from game viewing, the launch trip to the bottom of the falls is another memorable adventure giving you the experience of the mighty Biblical Nile. On the launch trip, you may see schools of crocodiles and hippos basking on the river banks as well as a variety of birds.

Accommodation Options (Full Board)

Up-market: Cottage at Murchison River Lodge or Deluxe room at Paraa Safari Lodge (or upgrade to Nile Safari Lodge)

Moderate:  Pakuba Lodge

Budget: Fort Murchison Lodge (tents) | Murchison River Lodge (tents) | Red Chilli Rest Camp

Day 2: Safari in Murchison Falls National Park | Game Drive | Boat Trip

Our first safari game drive is right on today! But this will come with some early morning rising. It is very advisable that you plan on leaving your lodge/ camp at 6:30 am at the latest because we literary want to catch the big cats in or right after the action (they are less active in the sun). I

Off we will be going in the wild, on the dusty or muddy tracks of the park. Our vehicles are fully equipped for game drives in African National Parks. The Toyota land-cruisers have a full pop-up roof, wide-opening windows, and several other amenities. So you are assured of a really great wildlife experience today.

As we keep going, your tour guide will try to uncover as much as possible. Expect to view lots of animals in the wilderness. Keep looking out for lions, giraffes, herds of elephants, buffaloes, and many more.

Apart from the extensive wild game list, the landscape of Murchison Falls National Park is definitely another beauty to behold. If you have a good camera, you should prepare for one of those very busy days. If you are like me, it is highly likely that you need a second battery for this game drive. There is also a very diverse birding list, especially in the delta area of the park.

A wildlife game drive in Murchison Falls National Park could even go on for as long as 7 hours if you like. There is just so much to cover in the expansive park.

Right after you are done with the game drive, we shall be driving back to the lodge for our lunch before taking an afternoon boat cruise to the foot of Murchison Falls.

The Murchison Falls boat trip along the Nile is often cited as being the highlight of a trip to Murchison since it allows you to get up close and personal with the animals. Along this stretch of the river, there are reported to be around 4,000 hippos in addition to some enormous Nile crocodiles. The birdlife is stunning with brightly colored kingfishers and bee-eaters darting along the riverbanks. If lucky, you may see the rare and prehistoric-looking shoebill, which is a cross between the dodo and a dinosaur.

The boat takes you to the base of the falls which only adds to their impressiveness. The Murchison Falls is, by all means, a world wonder. At this point, you will see how the entire River Nile waters squeeze through a narrow passage of fewer than 7 meters radius while plunging over a 40-meter depth. This one rare creation wonder, is so amazing and so wonderful to behold. You will be blown away by the awesome scenery as you appreciate the natural wonder only in Uganda (and this is partly the reason why Uganda is referred to as the Pearl of Africa. When Sir Winston Churchill visited the falls in 1907, he advised that "Ten pounds would throw an iron bridge across the river at this point." Needless to say, a footbridge was built in 1960 (we can't really ascertain how much it cost though). The bridge provided superb views into the chasm for close to two years before being washed off during the famous 1962 floods. A single concrete pillar still remains to show for this ten pounds bridge.

While there, you could actually choose to hike to the top of the falls (costs USD20 extra) but you need to arrange with your tour guide to meet you on the other side of the river. Otherwise, you can just remain on the boat for the splendid return cruise back. Hiking to Baker's Point takes about 15 minutes to the top and rewards you with marvelous views of the Murchison Gorge and a secondary waterfall, Uhuru Falls.

After our hectic day out, relax in the evening and have overnight at the lodge as we prepare for the next day's drive.

Accommodation Options (Full Board)

Up-market: Cottage at Murchison River Lodge or Deluxe room at Paraa Safari Lodge (or upgrade to Nile Safari Lodge)

Moderate:  Pakuba Lodge

Budget: Fort Murchison Lodge (tents) | Murchison River Lodge (tents) | Red Chilli Rest Camp

Day 3: Drive to Kibale National Park; Guided Primate Walk in Bigodi Swamp (flights can be arranged if driving is a challenge for you)

Please plan to set off no later than 8 am today from the lodge. We shall be driving the Kibale National Park, an expansive forest mostly referred to as East Africa's Primates' capital. We shall be driving for at least two hours through Murchison Falls, sighting wildlife along the way and then through beautiful remote African villages. 

You continue driving through the undulating highlands of southwestern Uganda on your way to the greener and more beautiful Fort Portal area. The lush rolling hills of this region provide good "photo opportunities".

If we arrive early, we can have our lunch from the lodge before going to Bigodi Swamp for a guided primates walk accompanied by a traditional village tribes' experience. The Bigodi Swamp is great for its many monkey species and birds. You will expect birds like the great Blue turaco, blue monkeys, baboons, otters, mongoose, bushbucks, bush pigs, and among others. At the tail end of the walk, the local guides lead you to the local community where you can participate in local alcohol brewing, coffee roasting, farming, and basket weaving, among other activities.

We later return to the lodge for overnight and dinner.

Driving time: 5.5 hrs

Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)

Up-market: Ndali Lodge | Crater Safari Lodge Kibale | Kyaninga Lodge 

Moderate: Isunga Lodge | Chimpanzee Forest Lodge (ensuite cottage) | Kibale Forest Camp | Turaco Treetops

Low Budget: Tents at Kibale Forest Camp | Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse

Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park (you can opt for the full-day habituation experience for USD50 extra)

Our first primates' experience is on today, and that will be chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park. There are two chimp trekking sessions, one starting at 8 am and the other at 11 am and we plan to be on one of these at least 20 minutes before. The starting place for the chimps trek is the park headquarters, at Kanyankyu River camp from where most of the park's tourist activities commence. 

At the Kibale Park office, you will be asked for your passport for registration and then briefed about the chimpanzee tracking. The trek is mostly mild trekking through the jungles of  Kibale, guided by the park rangers. You will be able to locate the chimps by listening to their pant-hooting calls, then hustle to the area from which they are calling.  You should be able to observe them as they feed in fruiting trees, lounge, and socialize with each other, or even, occasionally hunt. You will be allowed one hour in the presence of the chimpanzees, and then after led back to the Park office where your tour driver is awaiting.

On the way back, we often meet other primates inhabiting this forest. There are at least 12 primates species in Kibale and these include the black and white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, red-tailed monkeys, bush babies, and pottos.

You should be on the lookout for forest bird species like the yellow-spotted nicator, rumped tinker bird, little greenbul, green-breasted pitta, the crowned eagle, black bee-eater, and mammals like elephants.

Accommodation options available (all on a full board basis)

Up-market: Ndali Lodge | Crater Safari Lodge Kibale | Kyaninga Lodge 

Moderate: Isunga Lodge | Chimpanzee Forest Lodge (ensuite cottage) | Kibale Forest Camp | Turaco Treetops

Low Budget: Tents at Kibale Forest Camp | Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse

Day 5: Safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park & Rwenzori Mountains, Uganda

While driving to Queen Elizabeth National Park, on the right-hand side are views of the Rwenzori mountains, one of the great mountain ranges in the world.  If you set off from the lodge earlier enough, you could go for an optional walk in the foothills of the mountains, looking out for its forbidding peaks in the distance.

As you enter Queen Elizabeth National Park, we shall try exploring the Katwe Explosion Craters in the north of the park. This is also the highest point of the park at 1390m. We shall be visiting Lake Nyamunuka, which is mostly frequented by buffalo and elephants. Then we shall be off to Lake Kitagata which is at the bottom of this deep crater fed by salty hot springs. We also visit the Kyemengo Crater on our way to the Baboon Cliff view at its western end. 

The 1978 square km Queen Elizabeth National Park is deservedly Uganda's most popular Protected Area.  It is easy to reach and enjoys a stunning location on the rift valley floor between Lakes Edward and George.  Varied habitats epitomize the rift valley vegetative mosaic that tempted our hominid ancestors to migrate from forest to grasslands and is home to 95 mammal and 612 bird species. 

Accommodation Options (Full Board)

Up-market/Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge |  Katara Lodge 

Mid-range: Buffalo Safari Lodge | Ihamba Safari Lodge| Enganzi Lodge | Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge 

Budget: Bush Lodge (tents)|  Simba Safari Camp (tents) | Pumba Cottages 

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 6: Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park -  Game Drive & Boat Trip on Kazinga  Channel

We set out early in the morning for a game drive in the northern part of the park on the Kasenyi Track in search of lions, elephants, and solitary buffaloes. This is the best time for opportunities of viewing the cats in action owing to the vast population of Uganda kobs. We have an excellent chance to view just about every animal here at a very close range.

In the afternoon we will go for a launch trip along the Kazinga Channel. This gives you the opportunity to view wildlife up close: hippos huff and spray mere feet away from the boat, and buffalo linger in the shallows. The shores of the channel are also home to an array of birds including pink-backed pelicans, pied and malachite kingfishers, saddle-billed storks, and many others.

This 767-square-mile conservation area is bordered on the northeast by Lake George and on the southwest by Lake Edward; its western border adjoins the Congo Parc du Virunga. You will expect to see teeming herds of impala-like Uganda Kob, as well as topi, elephant and lion, giant forest hog, and Cape buffalo. There are also several soda lakes filling ancient volcanic calderas where flamingos reside seasonally.

Accommodation Options (Full Board)

Up-market/Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge |  Katara Lodge 

Mid-range: Buffalo Safari Lodge | Ihamba Safari Lodge| Enganzi Lodge | Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge 

Budget: Bush Lodge (tents)|  Simba Safari Camp (tents) | Pumba Cottages 

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 7: Tree climbing lions in Ishasha & Maramagambo Forest Bush Walk

Another early start for a bushwalk through the Maramagambo Forest.

This is one of the largest forests in Uganda and forms a habitat for a number of primates and forest dwellers. Due to its location, Maramagambo also has a great diversity of butterflies and birds. The walk culminates in a visit to volcanic caves that are home to thousands of bats. Pythons are often observed in the crevices of the bats' caves as they prey on bats. On this walk, you will see the picturesque blue lake Kimeranjojo which got its name after swallowing an elephant. Other trails will lead you to the crater lake and habitats of wild chimps and forest birds.

In the afternoon you will proceed to the Ishasha Sector. Drive along the deep and wide dry craters that are occupied by savanna grasses and acacia. The drive takes you through the unique western rift valley escarpment and the (southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park) Ishasha sector where you will take on yet another game drive in search of tree-climbing lions in the afternoon and evening. 

Accommodation Options (Full Board)

Up-market/Luxury: Ishasha Wilderness Campsite

Mid-range: Enjojo Lodge 

Budget: Bull Bush River Camp

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 8: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda.

The mid-morning will be spent on a game drive for the tree-climbing lions, elephants, and other Big Mammals, thereafter proceeding to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The journey takes about 2-3 hours but driving through interesting features. We shall be arriving in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the evening. This park is home to the rare mountain gorillas plus 11 other primates species including the blue and red-tailed monkeys. The forest itself is lush and green and there are streams running through it.

Accommodation Options (Full Board)

Up-market: Mahogany Lodge | Buhoma Lodge | Four Gorillas Lodge | Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (or upgrade to Gorilla Forest Camp/ Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge/ Bwindi Lodge)

Moderate:  Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge | Lake Mulehe Lodge

Low Budget: Gorilla Conservation Camp |  Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge 

Day 9: Gorilla Trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda.

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is an exceptionally memorable experience. No wonder it is a definite highlight for most visitors to Africa. Physically demanding as tracking the gorillas in Bwindi often is, the excitement one gets in the presence of these gentle giants shall surely wipe away all memory of tiredness.

Your driver shall be meeting you at your lodge/camp to transfer you to the nearest Bwindi Park offices for accrediting and gorilla trek briefing. The park officers will be giving you more information on what to expect when you trek the gorillas, how to behave while in their presence, the ecology of mountain gorillas and other primates in Bwindi, relationships between the gorillas and humans, Bwindi park management and the neighboring communities - there's just so much information you shall be receiving during the briefing. Usually, a local community women's group does traditional music and dance performances for those going to trek the gorillas in Bwindi.

Next. you will be allocated to a group of not more than 8 other tourists with whom you will be trekking the gorillas. Each group is allocated a family of habituated gorillas (also known as a gorilla group) that they track. There are 19 gorilla groups or gorilla families in Uganda, 17 in Bwindi, and the other two in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

You should expect some moderately rugged terrain for your gorilla trek in Bwindi. Most of the paths you shall be walking along to the gorillas shall most likely be made that day. Either way, the trek rangers will allow for numerous rests along the way as they take time to explain the unique details about the Bwindi forest and the other mammals and birds you encounter as you trek to the gorillas. From our experience, you should be walking for between 1 hour to 3 hours on average before encountering the mountain gorillas.

When sighted, visitors will be guided to within 6 meters of the gorillas, and sit around them for a whole hour while gazing into their big round eyes. We strongly advise that you consider having a face mask with you when in the presence of the mountain gorillas to limit any chances of disease transmission with them.

You will be allowed to take all the photos, videos, and even selfies while with the gorillas. Rangers even guide you on the best angles to do this. They shall be assisting to remove any blocking shrubs and also guide the gorillas to the best spots you can view them. Your gorilla trekking experience shall greatly be enhanced if you hire a porter (for $15) who helps you carry your backpack while you go along with the gorilla viewing business. Being in the presence of a habituated group of mountain gorillas is just indescribable. These gentle giants will just continue carrying on with their daily routine, so unbothered by the presence of humans. There's all the fierceness you should expect from such an animal in its remote wild home but instead, you receive "gentleness".

Unless you opt for the exclusive gorilla habituation experience (that allows you 4 hours with the gorillas for an extra $800), you will be allowed only 1 hour with the gorillas counted from the time you first see them. After your time is done, the head ranger will motion for you to start preparing to leave the gorillas and start on your way back to camp.

As you return back to camp, be on a keen lookout for the other wildlife in the park that includes the 11 other primate species like the red-tailed, L'Hoest's, blue monkeys, black and white colobus, olive baboons, chimpanzee, which are part of the 120 mammals you can find in Bwindi. There are also at least 350 bird species that have been recorded to be resident in the jungles of Bwindi - seven of which are IUCN red data listed and 90% of all Albertine rift endemics, species that are difficult or impossible to see in any other part of East Africa.

Most likely though, there are very high chances of encountering another gorilla group on your way back, so be extra vigilant. 

Back at the camp, the staff shall make sure you have a very relaxed evening. If you happen to return earlier than usual, you might consider taking on some of the optional guided community walks some of which involve encounters with the local pygmies' tribe -  the Batwa. The Batwa were originally spending all their lives in the deep jungles of Bwindi sharing space with all the wildlife there. In the Batwa experience, you can walk with them back into the forest and share in their jungle ways of life. 

There might be other tourists who are open to sharing their gorilla trekking experiences with the other gorilla groups, enjoy.

Have a great night's sleep in the jungle as you recount your day's experiences.

Bwindi Accommodation Options (Full Board)

Up-market: Mahogany Lodge | Buhoma Lodge | Four Gorillas Lodge | Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (or upgrade to Gorilla Forest Camp/ Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge/ Bwindi Lodge)

Moderate:  Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge | Lake Mulehe Lodge

Low Budget: Gorilla Conservation Camp |  Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge 

Day 10: Lake Bunyonyi for Half Day Canoe Trekking, relaxing in the afternoon

After having breakfast, we shall take a scenic drive to Lake Bunyonyi taking you through the beautiful terrain of the rolling hills with terraced landscape. A short drive leads us to the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi where we can relax and enjoy some reflection time. With its freshwater, bilharzia-free, and beautiful landscapes, Lake Bunyonyi is a small paradise for travelers.

After meeting our local guide for the day, we are led out for a canoe trek as well as bird watching on the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi, traversing to the gorgeous Kyabahinga peninsula. Here you will be gladly welcomed with songs plus dances by the resident school children. You will enjoy with the locals at least a cup of “Obushera” which is a local brew. You will ascend the Kyabahinga slopes having a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the birdlife and the verdant terrain. The view is very breathtaking! The guide will certainly brief you about the history of the area.
Among the bird species, you will see are the Dusky Turtle Dove, the Handsome Francolin, and Alpine Chat. A renowned herbalist who is a traditional healer -Omugurusi Jeremiah, based on the hilltop will disclose to you some of the secrets about the flora on the tropical highland. 

Accommodation options available (all on a full board basis)

Up-market: Bird's Nest | Acadia Cottages Lake Bunyonyi 

Moderate: Bird's Nest | Acadia Cottages Lake Bunyonyi 

Low Budget: Bunyonyi Overland Resort | Bushara Campsite

Day 11: Mburo National Park

We drive east to Mbarara, now one of Uganda’s major towns, but formerly the capital of the Ankole kingdom for over 400 years until disbanded by independence in 1962. In the days before modern Uganda came into being, the area had a series of fiercely independent tribal states.

From here you continue to Lake Mburo, a small but picturesque national park renowned for its herds of antelope and one of the only two Ugandan parks home to Burchell’s zebra. The park is also especially good for acacia-associated birds.

Upon arrival, you will go for the game drive which will give you insights into animal species like the zebras, topes, elephants, elands, impalas, buffaloes, antelopes, and so many others.

Accommodation Options (Full Board)

Luxury: Mihingo Lodge | Mantana Tented Camp 

Medium: Rakobo Rock Lodge | Lake Mburo Safari Lodge

Low Budget: Mburo Eagles Nest | Rwonyo Restcamp

Day 12: End the Uganda safari with Lake Mburo National Park Game Drive, Return to Kampala / Entebbe

Rise early for breakfast before a short drive to the Rwonyo Park headquarters.

This has often been a good chance of seeing hyenas coming back to their dens, hippos walking back to the water, you will see buffalo, zebra, impala, and topi, and with a bit of luck maybe even a sitatunga, an antelope rarely seen living in the papyrus swamps.

After your early morning activities, return to the lodge for a late breakfast and check out.

We then bid farewell to the park’s friendly staff as we depart for Kampala / Entebbe.

En route we will stop at the Equator for photographs and ‘polar-water experiment', then local community crafts shops and fruit markets.

We will be in Kampala in the evening before your flight back home.

 

Upscale accommodation:

Night 1&2: Murchison River Lodge  or Paraa Safari Lodge

Night 3 & 4:  Kyaninga Lodge or Crater Safari Lodge or Ndali Lodge

Night 5& 6: Elephant Plains Lodge or Buffalo Safari Lodge or Katara Lodge

Night 7: Ishasha Wilderness Campsite 

Nights 8& 9: Mahogany Springs Lodge or  Buhoma Lodge or Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge or Chameleon Hill Lodge 

(Upgrade to Gorilla Forest Camp or Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge)

Night 10: Birdnest Lodge or Archadia Lake Bunyonyi

Night 11: Mihingo Lodge

Midrange (Moderate) accommodation:

Night 1&2: Pakuba Safari Lodge 

Night 3 & 4:  Isunga Lodge or Turaco Treetops Lodge

Night 5& 6: Ihamba Lakeside Safari Resort or Bush Lodge or Enganzi Lodge

Night 7: Enjojo Lodge

Nights 8 and 9: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge or Engagi Lodge or Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge 

Night 10: Birdnest Lodge or Archadia Lake Bunyonyi

Night 11: Rwakobo Rock Lodge or Archadia Cottages Lake Mburo

Lower Budget accommodation:

Night 1&2: Tents Murchison River Lodge or Fort Murchison Lodge or Red Chilli Rest Camp

Night 3 & 4:  Tents at Kibale Forest Camp or Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse

Night 5& 6: Tents at Bush Lodge or Simba Safari camp or Pumba Cottages 

Night 7: Enjojo Lodge 

Nights 8 &9: Gorilla Conservation Camp or Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge

Night 10: Bunyonyi Overland Resort Campsite

Night 11: Eagles Nest Lake Mburo

Services Included in the price for the All-inclusive Uganda Gorillas Primates Safari

  • Uganda Gorilla trekking permits in Bwindi (each at US$700)
  • Chimpanzee tracking and other primates' viewing permits
  • Game drives
  • Accommodation with all meals during the tour
  • Services of  a good and experienced safari guide
  • Bottled drinking water on the vehicle
  • Park fees for the various parks
  • Transport on tour using a 4x4 safari land cruisers
  • Entrance fees for tours mentioned in the programme
  • Boat rides as on the program and Lake Bunyonyi canoe trek

Services Not Included

  • International flights
  • Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
  • Visa fees
  • Tips
  • Personal expenses for souvenirs etc.
  • Travel insurances

In the rough terrain of Uganda, you need vehicles you can rely upon.
Each of our safari fleet of Toyota Land Cruisers are purchased new and then custom extended and outfitted especially for our safaris.  We put a lot of thought into adapting them to suit our areas of operation; including the bumpy roads, game viewing needs, providing maximum comfort and ensuring the best traveling experience for our guests on the road.

Gorilals and Wildlfe Sadaris gorilla tracking wild safari Uganda Rwanda primate tours

Our safari Landcruiser is for some,  the ultimate safari vehicle in Africa. It's 4wd, spacious, high up and strong. 

It has a lift-up or pop-up roof for excellent safari game-viewing. The windows are wide opening for enhanced wildlife and scenery photography.

Your safari experience can involve many exciting hours viewing wildlife – and we want you to enjoy every second of it! Each of our safari vehicles has comfortable cushioned seats guaranteeing a window seat for each guest, armrests and large sliding non-restricted viewing windows. They are also fitted with a refrigerator for snacks and drinks and portable table extensions for picnics in the bush.

Gorillas and Wildlife Safaris Uganda gorilla tracing safari

Our safari land cruisers can take 3, 4, 6 and 8 persons. 

Safety & Reliability

We choose to utilise Toyota vehicles, world reknown for their reliability, and our modifications have their stamp of approval. Our in-house workshop ensures full and thorough services and checks of every vehicle before it departs on safari - because your safety is our priority. They are all fitted with seat belts, first aid kits and emergency recovery equipment including communication means.

For Convenience

Our safari vehicles have pop-up roofs for all seat rows, offering excellent opportunities for safe and uninhibited viewing orphotography of the wonders you will encounter on your safari. They are also equipped with a plug-in invertor for on the road charging of cameras and other equipment.

Our Guides

Now you know the vehicle, how about a little about the passionate team who will be leading you on your next adventure?

Our experienced and trained guides are the vital link between you and the intricacies of Uganda. They love sharing their knowledge, and do so with passion and humour, making your safari journey safe, seamless and memorable, from start to finish.

Start Planning Your All inclusive Uganda gorilla Wildlife Safari Here!

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Past Clients' Unfiltered Reviews about Gorillas & Wildlife Safaris

  • star rating  A stunning glimpse into the natural world  - A simply stunning experience from start to finish. What started as a spur of the moment idea to visit the mountain gorillas turned into an extraordinary and continually delightful tour... read more

    avatar thumb Samuel T
    14th January 2024

    star rating  Amazing experience and Richard is the best  - I did a 3 day gorilla tracking safari with Richard and I had the time of my life. The gorilla tracking was amazing, and the whole 3 days were just... read more

    avatar thumb TomBroenink
    19th December 2023

    star rating  My sister organized an itinerary through Gorillas and Wildlife Safari. We love that it was Uganda-owned. She worked with Ivan to put together a fabulous itinerary through Rwanda and Uganda... read more

    608savannahw
    31st August 2023
  • star rating  Amazing experience with Gorillas and Wildlife Safaris - We did a 7 night, 8 day gorilla and Safari tour. It was fantastic - we had such a great time. Ivan was quick to respond to all... read more

    Marissa W
    29th August 2023

    star rating  My wonderful 13-day trip across Uganda - I just returned from my wonderful 13-day trip across Uganda with Gorillas and Wildlife Safaris. My interactions with Ivan as well as my guide, Huzaima, were fantastic. Ivan was very... read more

    Jafar M
    19th August 2023

    star rating  Amazing experience from the start! - We cannot recommend Gorilla and Wildlife Safaris enough! From the very beginning in planning the trip, Ivan was extremely responsive to all our questions and very helpful in creating the... read more

    323kristalb
    10th August 2023

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On your all-inclusive Uganda gorilla wildlife safari, you have a chance to experience some of the most spectacular yet undiscovered wildlife. Uganda has very beautiful scenery, comfortable weather year-round and above all friendly people that will make your holiday a journey to remember. Besides, Uganda has such a wealth of attractions that a single visit will not be enough to discover all its wonders…!

Uganda as a country is one of the most thought for a destination when it comes to African safaris. This is due to its natural endowment with natural beauty, characterized by good natural physical features, amazing African landscapes and scenic views.

Uganda is also known both as a world of birds and the world of wildlife.

Uganda lies astride the equator between Kenya to the east and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the west. It covers an area of 236,000m2 with 25% of its surface made up of large lakes including lakes Victoria, Albert, Edward and George.

With our all-inclusive Uganda gorilla and wildlife safari options, you can expect to see Africa’s Big Five and other land animals, gorillas, chimpanzees and other primates, waterfalls, forests, islands, and plenty of birdlife.

Uganda offers excellent Africa vacation tours to its national parks and game reserves where you may have the opportunity to see a diversity of wildlife through game drives and walking or chimpanzee trekking safaris.

Unlike Tanzania and Kenya safaris, Uganda includes gorilla safaris to Bwindi national parks where the Virungas extend to Rwanda and Congo. Hiking expeditions offer additional adventure in Rwenzori National Park similar to those of Mount Kenya.

The tourism and hospitality sector provides a variety of safari accommodation options including camping, safari lodges, hotels, resorts and guest houses. These may be luxury or discounted/cheap depending on what you want for your Uganda accommodation.

MAIN NATIONAL PARKS FOR YOUR 12-DAY ALL-INCLUSIVE UGANDA GORILLA WILDLIFE SAFARI FOR GORILLAS, WILDLIFE AND PRIMATES

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The park is located in southwestern Uganda, covering parts of Rukungiri, Kisoro, and Kabale Districts. It is situated in a hilly country-side that, together with some remnant lowland forest outside the boundary constitutes an important water catchments area for many rivers, supplying the agricultural land of the surrounding region.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a true equatorial jungle, inhabited by four gorilla groups. Amongst the dense vegetation, the colobus monkey jumps from branch to branch, chattering its warning to its fellows hidden by the foliage. Chimpanzees, in families of 20 or 30, make the rounds, searching for fruit and edible plants.

It is situated in a hilly country-side that, together with some remnant lowland forest outside the boundary constitutes an important water catchment area for many rivers, supplying the agricultural land of the surrounding region.

The best time to visit Uganda is late December to late February, and from June to September, as the weather at this time of year is generally dry, and warm. Temperatures average at around 25 degrees Celsius.

Kibale National Park

Once this tropical rainforest provided a (very substantial) dinner, bed and breakfast for large herds of migrating forest elephants and, even now, the park contains the largest population of this subspecies in Uganda. Although they're rarely seen, and dangerous, the signs of these elephants' presence are abundant.

However, Kibale's claim to fame is its enormous variety of primates and its families of habituated chimpanzees - it's home to an astonishing 12 species of primate and provides one of the highest primate densities in the world. Here, on a daytime or evening guided forest walk, you may find families of chimpanzees and red colobus monkeys chattering and swinging through the ancient forest trees.

The sightings of birds in the forest are no less impressive - there are at least 325 species, many of which are found nowhere else. In addition, there are over 144 species of butterflies.

Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park lies in a rain shadow between Lake Victoria and the Rwenzori Mountains and receives an average of only 800mm of rain a year. The small size of the park ensures that your Uganda safari will be more rewarding with less effort. For withing minutes of game drives, you stand a chance to experience lots of wildlife and birds.

The park got its name from the two brothers, Kigarama and Mburo lived in a large valley. One night, Kigarama dreamt that they were in danger. When he awoke the next morning, he told his younger brother Mburo of his dream and said they should move. Mburo ignored this advice, but Kigarama wisely moved up into the hills. The valley flooded and a lake was formed, drowning Mburo. Today the lake is named after him, and the hills are called Kigarama after his brother.

The word Mburo is similar to the "mboro", the Runyankole name of the cassine tree which has a powerful aphrodisiac effect. One such tree, showing signs of bark and branch removal, may be seen close to the Kigambira Loop crossroads.

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is one of the most spectacular in Uganda, and indeed in the whole of Africa. This is the largest game park in the country (3,840 sq.km.) and has the most intense concentration of animals along the river. The park is really spectacular that it is hard not to include it in an all-inclusive Uganda wildlife safari. On the way there, we track the white rhinos in Ziwa sanctuary. While on safaris in the park, we might encounter giraffes, lions, elephant, hippos, crocodile, buffalo and many other wildlife species for a Uganda safari.

Here is the awe-inspiring Murchison Falls, where the River Nile hurls itself in appalling convulsions through a narrow crevice and then plunges 40 metres in one breathtaking leap. Before the Murchison Falls themselves, in the eastern sector of the park, are the Karuma Falls where the Nile cascades over 23 kilometres of rapids in a breathtaking sight. This is some of the most exciting white water in Africa.

A launch trip upstream to the falls is one of the great experiences in Africa. Elephant, hartebeest, giraffe, buffalo, crocodiles and countless antelope and birds (including the rare shoebill stork) can be admired at the water's edge as the launch glides along the Murchison Falls National Park, with its variety of vegetation ranging from riparian forests and swamplands to broad savannah, provides the opportunity of seeing many of the animals found  in Uganda.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

The Queen Elizabeth National Park provides an unforgettable and unique experience for your Uganda safari in search of beautiful scenery and the BIG-5 - lions, leopard, bufallo, hippos, elephant and hyenas.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is 1,978 Km2 in area and is situated astride the Equator in the Western Rift Valley of South West Uganda, close to the southern-most tip of the tabled, mist-covered "Mountains of the Moon - Rwenzori Mountains and is contiguous with Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo.

It is a region of varied habitats including, open grassland with thickets, thick bush, forest, swamps and lake-shore. Queen Elizabeth National Park together with Virunga National Park in (DRC) completely encircles Lake Edward which is connected to Lake George by the Kazinga Channel.