12 Days Uganda Gorilla – Chimp Trekking Tour | Gorilla safaris

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, your local guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel in Kampala. If time allows, explore the capital’s historic and spiritual landmarks. Often called the “city of seven hills,” Kampala reveals Uganda’s colonial and cultural layers through its cathedrals, mosques, royal grounds, and traditional markets. Sites may include Rubaga and Namirembe Cathedrals, Makerere University, the Kasubi Tombs, and the Kabaka’s palace. You may also opt to visit the Uganda Museum or wander through craft markets and galleries showcasing vibrant local art.

Overnight: Cassia Lodge, Speke Hotel, Sheraton Hotel, or Hotel Africana

After breakfast, begin the drive north toward Murchison Falls National Park. Before checking in to your lodge, you’ll visit the top of the falls where the Nile squeezes through a seven-meter gap and plunges dramatically into the valley below. Cross the river by ferry as wildlife begins to appear—buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles—along the water’s edge.

Overnight: Paraa Safari Lodge, Sambiya River Lodge, or Red Chili Camp

Rise early for a game drive on the northern savannah plains, where giraffes, hartebeest, elephants, lions, and countless antelope species roam. Return to the lodge for a late breakfast and rest. In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise along the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls. The riverbanks teem with life: pods of hippos, basking crocodiles, and colorful birdlife provide a spectacular waterside performance.

Overnight: Paraa Safari Lodge, Sambiya River Lodge, or Red Chili Camp

Following breakfast, set off on a scenic drive southward to Fort Portal, a picturesque town nestled in the shadows of the Rwenzori Mountains. Pass through lush countryside and vibrant roadside markets. Arrive in time to relax at your lodge and take in views of the crater lakes.

Overnight: Ndali Lodge, Rwenzori View Guesthouse, or Kanyankyu Campsite

This morning, head to the Kanyanchu Visitor Centre for a briefing before chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, one of the best places in East Africa to observe these intelligent primates. The forest is home to thirteen species of primates, including red colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and bush babies. Return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, take a guided nature walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a haven for birdlife and butterflies.

Overnight: Ndali Lodge, Rwenzori View Guesthouse, or Kanyankyu Campsite

Depart after breakfast for Queen Elizabeth National Park. Arrive in the afternoon and, time permitting, explore the Mweya Peninsula. This expansive park is known for its rich ecosystems, from crater lakes and open savannah to rainforest and swamps. Wildlife includes elephants, leopards, hippos, hyenas, and over 600 species of birds, making it one of East Africa’s premier birding destinations.

Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge, Jacana Safari Lodge, or Institute of Ecology

An early morning game drive along the Kasenyi track offers a chance to spot predators like lions and leopards as well as herds of antelope. After breakfast and rest at the lodge, the afternoon takes you on a leisurely boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. Expect close encounters with hippos, buffaloes, and a dazzling array of birds, including kingfishers and saddle-billed storks.

Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge, Jacana Safari Lodge, or Institute of Ecology

Venture into the Kyambura Gorge for another primate encounter—chimpanzees in their natural habitat. After tracking, the journey continues through the Ishasha sector, famed for its tree-climbing lions, a rare sight in the wild. Later, arrive at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

Overnight: Gorilla Resort Camp, Lake Kitandara Luxury Camp, or Buhoma Community Bandas

Today is the highlight of your trip: mountain gorilla trekking. After a briefing with your ranger guides, begin your trek through the dense rainforest. Depending on the gorilla family’s movements, the trek may last from two to eight hours. Once found, spend a life-changing hour in the company of these gentle giants. In the afternoon, you may join a village walk to meet local communities and learn about their traditions.

Overnight: Gorilla Resort Camp, Lake Kitandara Luxury Camp, or Buhoma Community Bandas

After breakfast, begin the drive back to Entebbe with a stop for lunch en route. Arrive in the evening and settle in for the night.

Overnight: Hotel in Entebbe

Travel by boat across Lake Victoria to Ngamba Island, a sanctuary for orphaned chimpanzees. Learn about the center’s conservation efforts and observe the chimps during feeding time. Each one has a unique personality—some whistle for food, others clap or make playful gestures. After returning to the mainland, visit the Entebbe Wildlife Education Centre, where natural habitats are recreated for native species including the elusive shoebill stork and the white rhino.

Overnight: G&C Camp, Ngamba Island

Today’s journey takes you east to Jinja, passing through the lush Mabira Forest. Stop to view the Owen Falls Dam before visiting the source of the Nile River. Continue to Bujagali Falls, known for its dramatic rapids and cultural legends. On your return, pause at the Sezibwa Falls—a spiritual site surrounded by thick forest and home to local lore involving twin rivers said to have been born of a woman. Return to Kampala in the evening.