11 Days Uganda Wildlife and Gorilla Safari

This 11 Days Uganda Wildlife and Gorilla Safari offers an exciting journey through Uganda’s most beautiful national parks. The adventure combines rhino tracking, game drives, boat cruises, chimpanzee trekking, gorilla trekking, cultural encounters, and nature walks. You will visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Lake Bunyonyi, and Lake Mburo National Park.

Along the way, you will have opportunities to see mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, rhinos, lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, giraffes, zebras, and many bird species. Although the itinerary covers several destinations, it also provides enough time for relaxation and meaningful wildlife experiences.

11 Days Uganda Wildlife and Gorilla Safari Highlights

  • Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
  • Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park
  • Boat cruise to the bottom of Murchison Falls
  • Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest
  • Bigodi Wetland nature walk
  • Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Kazinga Channel boat cruise
  • Search for tree-climbing lions in Ishasha
  • Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi
  • Batwa cultural experience
  • Traditional canoe excursion on Lake Bunyonyi
  • Boat ride in Lake Mburo National Park
  • Guided walking safari among wildlife
  • Uganda Equator photography experience

Day 1: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

After breakfast, your Giant Holiday Safaris driver-guide will meet you at your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe. Following a short safari briefing, you will begin the journey north toward Murchison Falls National Park.

Along the way, you will stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino-tracking experience. The sanctuary plays an important role in protecting and restoring Uganda’s southern white rhino population. An experienced ranger will guide you through the bush as you search for these impressive animals on foot. You may also see bushbucks, Uganda kobs, monkeys, and several bird species.

After rhino tracking, you will enjoy lunch before continuing to Murchison Falls National Park. Depending on your arrival time and lodge location, you may visit the top of Murchison Falls. Here, the River Nile forces its way through a narrow rocky gorge before dropping into a powerful waterfall. The viewpoint offers dramatic scenery and excellent photography opportunities.

You will then proceed to your lodge for check-in, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Approximate driving time: 6–7 hours, including the sanctuary visit
Meal plan: Lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge

Day 2: Morning Game Drive and Boat Cruise to the Bottom of the Falls

Wake up early and enjoy breakfast before leaving for a morning game drive across the savannah plains of Murchison Falls National Park. Early morning provides good wildlife-viewing conditions because many animals remain active before the temperature rises.

Your guide will explore productive wildlife areas in search of lions, elephants, Rothschild’s giraffes, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, hartebeests, oribis, warthogs, and spotted hyenas. Leopards also live in the park, although sightings require patience and good timing. Bird lovers can watch for ground hornbills, Abyssinian rollers, secretary birds, and many other species.

After the game drive, return to the lodge for lunch and some time to relax. In the afternoon, you will join a boat cruise along the River Nile toward the bottom of Murchison Falls. The riverbanks attract large numbers of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and waterbirds. You may also see animals coming to drink or cool down beside the river.

The boat will approach the base of the falls, where you can admire the power of the Nile and take photographs from a safe viewing point. Afterward, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge

Day 3: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park : 11 Days Uganda Wildlife and Gorilla Safari

After breakfast, check out and begin the journey southwest toward Kibale Forest National Park. This is one of the longer travel days, but the changing scenery makes the drive enjoyable. You will pass through rural communities, trading centres, farmland, and areas with beautiful views of western Uganda.

There will be stops along the way for lunch, refreshments, photography, and stretching. As you approach Fort Portal and Kibale, the landscape becomes greener, with tea plantations, crater lakes, tropical forests, and views of the distant Rwenzori Mountains on clear days.

Kibale Forest National Park protects one of East Africa’s richest tropical forests and supports 13 primate species. It is especially famous for its high population of chimpanzees. Other primates include black-and-white colobus monkeys, red colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and olive baboons.

Upon arrival, you will check into your lodge and spend the evening relaxing in the peaceful forest surroundings. Dinner and overnight will be at the lodge.

Approximate driving time: 7–8 hours
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Kibale Forest Lodge

Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Nature Walk

After an early breakfast, transfer to the Kibale Forest visitor centre for registration and a chimpanzee-trekking briefing. The ranger will explain the forest rules, safety guidelines, and what to expect during the activity.

You will then enter the forest with a professional ranger guide and begin searching for a habituated chimpanzee community. The trek may take a few hours, depending on the chimpanzees’ location. As you move through the forest, you may hear their calls echoing through the trees before seeing them.

Once you find the chimpanzees, you will spend the permitted time observing their behaviour. You may watch them feeding, grooming, resting, climbing, or communicating. The forest also offers chances to see monkeys, butterflies, birds, and unique plant life.

After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. Later, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided nature walk. The community-managed wetland supports primates, butterflies, forest animals, and many bird species. Your walk also provides insight into local conservation efforts and community life.

Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Kibale Forest Lodge

Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Evening Game Drive

Enjoy breakfast before checking out and driving to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The journey takes you through scenic countryside, local villages, crater areas, and tea-growing landscapes. On a clear day, you may enjoy views of the Rwenzori Mountains.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s most diverse safari destinations. It contains open savannah, wetlands, forests, crater lakes, and the Kazinga Channel. These habitats support elephants, lions, buffaloes, leopards, Uganda kobs, hippos, warthogs, and hundreds of bird species.

After reaching the park, you will have lunch or proceed to your lodge, depending on your arrival time. Later in the afternoon, head out for an evening game drive. This is a good time to see animals returning to open areas as the day becomes cooler.

Your guide will explore the Kasenyi Plains or another suitable wildlife area. Look out for Uganda kobs, elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, and lions. After sunset, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Approximate driving time: 3–4 hours
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Enshama Game Lodge

Day 6: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Wake up early, have breakfast, and begin a morning game drive across Queen Elizabeth National Park. The Kasenyi Plains provide excellent wildlife-viewing opportunities, especially during the cooler morning hours.

Your guide will search for lions, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, leopards, topis, bushbucks, and warthogs. The open plains allow you to enjoy wide views and photograph wildlife in its natural environment. You may also see several birds, including crowned cranes, eagles, vultures, and ground hornbills.

After the game drive, return to the lodge for lunch and a short rest. In the afternoon, transfer to the Mweya jetty for a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. This natural waterway connects Lake George and Lake Edward and attracts one of the largest concentrations of hippos in Uganda.

During the cruise, you may see hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes along the banks. The channel also hosts pelicans, kingfishers, fish eagles, cormorants, and many other waterbirds.

After the boat cruise, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Enshama Game Lodge

Day 7: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via Ishasha Sector

After breakfast, check out and travel south through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Ishasha is famous for its tree-climbing lions, which often rest in large fig trees during the day.

You will enjoy a game drive through the sector while searching for these unusual lions. Although sightings cannot be guaranteed, the area also provides opportunities to see topis, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, and other savannah animals.

After exploring Ishasha, continue toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The journey passes through rural communities, rolling hills, farms, and forested landscapes. As you approach Bwindi, the scenery becomes increasingly mountainous and green.

Bwindi protects almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and is one of Africa’s most biologically diverse forests. Upon arrival, check into your lodge near your assigned gorilla-trekking sector. Spend the evening resting and preparing for the following day’s adventure.

Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge.

Approximate driving time: 5–7 hours, including the Ishasha game drive
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Cultural Experience

Today brings one of the main highlights of your Uganda safari. After an early breakfast, carry your packed lunch and transfer to the park headquarters. You must arrive in time for registration and the gorilla-trekking briefing.

The park staff will explain the trekking rules and assign you to a habituated gorilla family. You will then enter the forest with ranger guides and trackers. The trek can last from a few hours to most of the day, depending on the gorillas’ movements and the condition of the forest trail.

Once you locate the gorillas, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing them. You may see a silverback protecting the group, mothers caring for their young, or juveniles playing among the trees. Follow the ranger’s instructions, maintain the required distance, and avoid using flash photography.

After returning from the forest, you will receive a trekking certificate. Later, depending on your energy and timing, take part in a Batwa cultural experience. You will learn about traditional forest life, music, dance, storytelling, hunting methods, and medicinal plants.

Return to the lodge for dinner and a well-earned rest.

Meal plan: Breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

Day 9: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, Canoe Excursion and Relaxation

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before leaving Bwindi and travelling to Lake Bunyonyi. The drive offers beautiful views of terraced hills, cultivated valleys, local villages, and the highlands of southwestern Uganda.

Lake Bunyonyi is surrounded by green hills and contains 29 islands of different sizes. Its calm setting makes it an ideal place to rest after the demanding gorilla trek. The name Bunyonyi means “place of many little birds,” reflecting the wide range of birds found around the lake.

After checking into your lodge, enjoy lunch and some free time. Later, take a traditional canoe excursion with a local guide. You will paddle across the calm water while learning about the lake’s islands, surrounding communities, and local history.

The canoe ride also provides excellent opportunities for photography and birdwatching. After the excursion, relax at the lodge, enjoy the sunset, or take a gentle walk around the property.

Dinner and overnight will be beside Lake Bunyonyi.

Approximate driving time: 2–3 hours
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Arcadia Lodge

Day 10: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park and Afternoon Boat Ride

After breakfast, check out and begin your journey to Lake Mburo National Park. You will travel through the rolling hills and agricultural areas of southwestern Uganda. There will be a lunch stop along the way before entering the park.

Lake Mburo is Uganda’s smallest savannah national park, yet it supports a rich variety of wildlife. It is one of the best places in Uganda to see zebras, impalas, elands, and large herds of topis. The park also protects buffaloes, warthogs, waterbucks, hippos, and leopards.

After checking into your lodge, proceed for an afternoon boat ride on Lake Mburo. During the cruise, look for hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, and antelopes near the shoreline. Birdlife around the lake includes African fish eagles, pied kingfishers, African finfoots, herons, and cormorants.

After the boat ride, you may enjoy a short evening game drive while returning to the lodge. Settle in for dinner and your final night in the Ugandan wilderness.

Approximate driving time: 4–5 hours
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock Lodge

Day 11: Morning Walking Safari and Transfer to Entebbe

Begin your final safari day with an early breakfast followed by a guided walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park. An armed ranger guide will lead the walk and explain the area’s wildlife, plants, animal tracks, and ecosystems.

Unlike a traditional game drive, the walking safari allows you to experience nature at a slower pace. You may walk near zebras, impalas, giraffes, elands, warthogs, and other animals while maintaining a safe distance. The ranger will select the route based on wildlife movements and park conditions.

After the walk, return to the lodge, check out, and begin the journey to Entebbe. Along the way, stop at the Uganda Equator in Kayabwe. You can take photographs, browse local craft shops, and have lunch before continuing toward Kampala or Entebbe.

Your guide will drop you off at your Entebbe hotel or Entebbe International Airport, depending on your travel arrangements. If you are flying out on the same day, we recommend booking an evening departure to allow enough time for the road journey.

Your 11 Days Uganda Wildlife and Gorilla Safari ends with unforgettable memories of Uganda’s primates, wildlife, landscapes, and welcoming communities.

Approximate driving time: 5–6 hours
Meal plan: Breakfast and lunch

Accommodation: None

11 Days Uganda Wildlife and Gorilla Safari Inclusions

  • Airport or hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Transportation in a customized 4×4 safari vehicle
  • Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Accommodation for 10 nights
  • Meals as stated in the itinerary
  • One Uganda gorilla trekking permit per person
  • One chimpanzee trekking permit per person
  • Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
  • Park entrance fees
  • Game drives listed in the itinerary
  • Murchison Falls boat cruise
  • Kazinga Channel boat cruise
  • Lake Mburo boat ride
  • Bigodi Wetland nature walk
  • Batwa cultural experience
  • Lake Bunyonyi canoe excursion
  • Guided walking safari in Lake Mburo
  • Bottled drinking water during road transfers and game drives

11 Days Uganda Wildlife and Gorilla Safari Exclusions

  • International and domestic flights
  • Uganda visa fees
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Vaccinations and personal medical expenses
  • Alcoholic and premium drinks
  • Tips for guides, rangers, porters, and lodge staff
  • Laundry services
  • Optional activities not included in the itinerary
  • Personal purchases and souvenirs
  • Accommodation before or after the safari unless requested

Important Information for 11 Days Uganda Wildlife and Gorilla Safari

Gorilla and chimpanzee permits remain limited and depend on availability at the time of booking. Travellers should confirm their preferred dates early, especially for travel between June and September or December and February. Gorilla trekking participants must be at least 15 years old.

Trekking conditions vary according to the gorillas’ location, terrain, and weather. Travellers should bring sturdy walking boots, long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, gardening gloves, rain protection, and a small backpack. Hiring a porter supports the local community and makes the trek more comfortable.

Giant Holiday Safaris can customize this itinerary according to your travel dates, accommodation preference, group size, fitness level, and special interests.