Gorilla and chimpanzee permits: Both trekking experiences require permits and are subject to availability. We recommend booking well in advance, particularly during the peak safari seasons.
Gorilla trekking: Participants must be at least 15 years old. Trekking can be physically demanding, and the time spent searching for gorillas depends on their location.
Chimpanzee trekking: Budongo chimpanzee trekking is subject to the forest’s operating arrangements and permit availability for your travel dates.
Wildlife sightings: The itinerary offers opportunities to see Africa’s Big Five, but sightings of individual animals, particularly lions and leopards, cannot be guaranteed.
What to pack: Comfortable safari clothing, sturdy hiking shoes, long trousers, a waterproof jacket, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, binoculars and a camera are recommended.
Travel arrangements: The itinerary can be customised to suit your travel dates, preferred accommodation and interests. The trekking sector in Bwindi will be determined by the location of your confirmed gorilla permit.
Ten days, five incredible wildlife destinations and some of Uganda’s most memorable encounters. From the powerful Murchison Falls to the mountain gorillas of Bwindi, this journey brings you closer to the wild side of Uganda.
| Destination |
Uganda |
|---|---|
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Starting Point |
Kampala or Entebbe |
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Ending Point |
Entebbe International Airport |
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Safari Type |
Primates, Wildlife & Adventure |
| Included |
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| Excluded |
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This 10-day Uganda safari brings together the country's most exciting primate and wildlife experiences. Track rhinos on foot at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, explore Murchison Falls National Park, search for chimpanzees in Budongo Forest and enjoy game drives and a Kazinga Channel boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The adventure continues to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for an unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking experience before ending with the beautiful savannah landscapes of Lake Mburo. Along the way, you'll have opportunities to encounter the Big Five and discover the landscapes, people and wildlife that make Uganda such a special safari destinationYour safari begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe. After meeting your Onyx Nature Safaris guide and a short briefing, you'll head north towards Murchison Falls National Park.
Your first stop is Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you'll join a trained ranger for a guided rhino tracking experience. Unlike a traditional game drive, this activity takes place on foot, giving you the opportunity to observe southern white rhinos in their natural surroundings while maintaining a safe distance. After the rhino experience, enjoy lunch before continuing towards Murchison Falls National Park. Depending on your arrival time, you may visit the top of Murchison Falls, where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge before plunging into the river below. It's an incredible sight and a great introduction to the park. Continue to your lodge, check in and relax after the journey. Overnight: Lodge in Murchison Falls National Park Meals: Lunch & DinnerWake up early, enjoy breakfast and set off for a morning game drive through Murchison Falls National Park.
Explore the northern savannah, where your guide will help you search for elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, hartebeests, warthogs and other wildlife. Keep an eye out for lions and leopards, although sightings are never guaranteed. After the game drive, return to the lodge for lunch and a short rest. In the afternoon, head to the Nile for a boat cruise towards the base of Murchison Falls. As you travel upstream, look out for hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants and buffaloes along the riverbanks. The Nile is also home to numerous bird species, including African fish eagles, kingfishers and herons. The cruise brings you close to the base of Murchison Falls, where you'll see the force of the Nile as it crashes through the gorge. After the boat cruise, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight. Overnight: Lodge in Murchison Falls National Park Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAfter an early breakfast, travel to Budongo Forest for your chimpanzee trekking experience.
On arrival, meet your ranger for a briefing about the forest, chimpanzee behaviour and the trekking guidelines. Enter the forest and begin searching for a habituated chimpanzee community. As you walk, listen for chimpanzee calls and watch for movement in the trees. Budongo is also home to several other primate species and a variety of forest birds, making the trek an interesting experience even before you encounter the chimpanzees. Once you locate them, you'll have the opportunity to observe their behaviour, from feeding and grooming to moving through the forest, within the time permitted by the rangers. After the trek, enjoy lunch and spend the rest of the day relaxing at your accommodation in the Budongo or Masindi area. Overnight: Lodge in the Budongo/Masindi area Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerToday is a long but scenic travel day as you leave the Budongo area and make your way towards Queen Elizabeth National Park.
After an early breakfast, begin the journey through western Uganda, passing local towns, villages and farmland. Travel towards Fort Portal, with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and, when the weather is clear, the Rwenzori Mountains in the distance. Stop for lunch and refreshments along the way before continuing towards Queen Elizabeth National Park. Arrive at your lodge in the evening, check in and enjoy dinner. Take some time to relax and prepare for the following day's wildlife activities. Overnight: Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerWake up early for breakfast before heading out for a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Explore the Kasenyi Plains, one of the park's best-known wildlife areas. Look out for elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, warthogs and other animals as you drive through the open savannah. Your guide will also search for lions and other predators that may be active during the cooler morning hours. After the game drive, return to the lodge for lunch and a short rest. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the famous Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George. The channel is known for its large concentration of hippos, as well as crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and numerous water birds. The boat cruise gives you a different perspective of the park, with excellent opportunities to watch and photograph animals along the shoreline. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight. Overnight: Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAfter breakfast, leave your lodge and head towards the Ishasha sector in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Ishasha is famous for its tree-climbing lions, which are sometimes seen resting in the branches of large fig trees. Enjoy a game drive through the area, searching for lions, elephants, buffaloes, topi and other wildlife. After the game drive, have lunch before continuing towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. As you approach Bwindi, the landscape changes from open savannah to green hills, winding roads and thick forest. Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon or evening, check in and relax. Your guide will brief you about the following day's gorilla trekking experience, including what to wear, what to carry and what to expect in the forest. Overnight: Lodge near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerToday is one of the most anticipated days of your safari.
Wake up early and enjoy breakfast before heading to the designated gorilla trekking briefing point. Meet the Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, who will explain the trekking guidelines and assign you to a habituated gorilla family. Once the briefing is complete, enter Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and begin your search. The trek can take several hours, depending on the location of the gorillas. You'll walk through dense vegetation and sometimes steep or muddy terrain, following your ranger's instructions along the way. When you finally find the gorillas, you'll have up to one hour to observe them in their natural habitat. Watch as they feed, groom, rest and interact with one another. Seeing a gorilla family in the forest is an extraordinary wildlife experience and often one of the most memorable moments of a Uganda safari. After your time with the gorillas, trek back to the starting point, where your guide will be waiting to transfer you to the lodge. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing and enjoying the forest surroundings. Overnight: Lodge near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerEnjoy breakfast before checking out and beginning the journey towards Lake Mburo National Park.
The drive takes you through the beautiful hills of southwestern Uganda, passing local communities, farms and small towns along the way. Stop for lunch before continuing towards Lake Mburo. Arrive in the park area in the afternoon and, depending on your arrival time, enjoy a game drive on the way to your lodge. Lake Mburo is known for its zebras, impalas, elands, giraffes, buffaloes and other wildlife. Its rolling hills, woodland and open savannah make it quite different from the other parks on your safari. After the game drive, check in at your lodge and enjoy a relaxing evening. Overnight: Lodge in Lake Mburo National Park Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerWake up early for a guided nature walk in Lake Mburo National Park.
Accompanied by an armed ranger, explore the park on foot and experience the wilderness from a different perspective. Unlike a traditional game drive, a walking safari allows you to notice animal tracks, smaller wildlife and details of the landscape that are easy to miss from a vehicle. Depending on the route and wildlife movements, you may encounter zebras, impalas, giraffes, elands and other animals. After the walk, return to your lodge for breakfast and prepare for departure. Begin the journey back to Kampala or Entebbe, stopping for lunch along the way. You may also stop at the Equator in Kayabwe for photographs and refreshments before continuing to your hotel. Arrive in Kampala or Entebbe later in the afternoon or evening. Overnight: Hotel in Kampala/Entebbe Meals: Breakfast & LunchEnjoy breakfast at your hotel and spend your final morning in Uganda at leisure.
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute shopping, a short visit around Entebbe or simply relaxing at the hotel. Your Onyx Nature Safaris guide will transfer you to Entebbe International Airport in time for your departure flight. This marks the end of your 10 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzees & Big Five Safari. Meals: Breakfast
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