11 Day Uganda Wildlife and Gorilla Trekking Safari
Embark on an unparalleled adventure with our 11 Day Uganda Wildlife and Gorilla Trekking Safari. This exceptional journey seamlessly combines the lush beauty of Uganda’s landscapes with thrilling wildlife encounters and cultural immersion. From exploring the vibrant city of Entebbe and the serene Ssese Islands to witnessing the majestic mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, this safari promises an unforgettable experience. Along the way, you’ll traverse diverse national parks, including Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth, offering a comprehensive glimpse into Uganda’s rich wildlife heritage. Embark on this incredible 11-day journey to experience the best of Uganda’s wildlife, from the shores of Lake Victoria to the lush rainforests of Bwindi, culminating in unforgettable gorilla encounters and scenic beauty.
11 Day Uganda Wildlife and Gorilla Trekking Safari Safari Highlights
- Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Ssese Islands
- Day 2: Relaxation and Exploration on Ssese Islands
- Day 3: Journey to Lake Mburo National Park
- Day 4: Exploration of Lake Mburo National Park
- Day 5: Scenic Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Day 7: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Day 8: Boat Ride on the Kazinga Channel
- Day 9: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
- Day 10: Canoe Riding and Exploration
- Day 11: Transfer to Kampala/Entebbe
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Ssese Islands
Morning Transfer to Entebbe and UWEC
Your adventure begins with a morning transfer from Kampala to Entebbe. Start your journey with a visit to the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) for a morning nature walk. This introduction to Uganda’s wildlife sets the tone for the exciting days ahead.
Ferry to Ssese Islands
From Entebbe, travel to the shores of Lake Victoria and board a ferry to the Ssese Islands. Arriving in the early afternoon, you’ll have time to enjoy a leisurely walk on the sandy beaches of the island before settling in for dinner and an overnight stay at Mirembe Resort Beach.
- Destination: Ssese Islands (Lake Victoria)
- Accommodation: Mirembe Resort Beach – Mid-range hotel
- Meals: Lunch & Dinner (Breakfast not included)
Day 2: Relaxation and Exploration on Ssese Islands
Morning Boat Ride and Beach Activities
Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel, followed by a morning of relaxation on the beach. Engage in various activities such as swimming, canoeing, and cycling. Alternatively, take a forest nature walk to immerse yourself in the serene surroundings.
Afternoon Leisure
Return to the hotel for lunch and spend the afternoon unwinding on the beach. This day is designed to help you relax and soak in the tranquil beauty of the Ssese Islands.
- Destination: Ssese Islands (Lake Victoria)
- Accommodation: Mirembe Resort Beach – Mid-range hotel
- Meals: All meals included
Day 3: Journey to Lake Mburo National Park
Ferry Back to Mainland and Scenic Drive
After a relaxed breakfast, board the ferry back to the mainland and embark on a scenic drive to Lake Mburo National Park. En route, stop in Mbarara for lunch before continuing to the park. Lake Mburo is known for its diverse bird species, including the rare shoebill stork, and a variety of mammals such as zebras and buffaloes.
- Destination: Lake Mburo National Park
- Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock – Mid-range lodge
- Meals: All meals included
Day 4: Exploration of Lake Mburo National Park
Morning Game Drive
Start the day with an early morning game drive through Lake Mburo National Park. This is a prime opportunity to view a range of wildlife, including zebras, impalas, and topis, as well as various bird species.
Nature Walk and Boat Ride
Return to the lodge for lunch, followed by a guided nature walk to the Salt Lick Area. From a strategically located observation platform, you’ll have the chance to see different species of animals as they lick the salty soil. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Mburo, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of water birds.
- Destination: Lake Mburo National Park
- Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock – Mid-range lodge
- Meals: All meals included
Day 5: Scenic Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Journey to Bwindi
After breakfast, set off on a scenic drive through the highlands towards Kabale. This journey offers spectacular views of the Virunga volcanoes. Stop for lunch in Kabale before proceeding to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the mountain gorillas.
- Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Accommodation: Bunyonyi Eco Resort – Mid-range resort
- Meals: All meals included
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Early Morning Gorilla Tracking
Rise early for a hearty breakfast before setting out on an exhilarating gorilla trekking experience. Guided by experts, you will trek through dense undergrowth to locate one of Bwindi’s habituated gorilla families. The trek can vary in length, from half an hour to several hours. Once located, you will spend up to one hour observing these magnificent creatures.
Return and Reflection
After your encounter with the gorillas, return to the lodge to rest and recount the day’s adventures.
- Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Accommodation: Bunyonyi Eco Resort – Mid-range resort
- Meals: All meals included
Day 7: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy an afternoon game drive around the park’s crater region, where you may spot elephants, buffalo herds, and various bird species. A visit to Lake Katwe for salt mining and the Kasenyi landing site on Lake George is also included.
- Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Accommodation: Elephant Hab Lodge – Mid-range lodge
- Meals: All meals included
Day 8: Boat Ride on the Kazinga Channel
Morning Game Drive
Start your day with an early morning game drive to see wildlife such as elephants, waterbucks, and warthogs. Return to the lodge for lunch.
Afternoon Boat Trip
In the afternoon, take a boat trip along the Kazinga Channel. This boat ride provides close-up views of hippos, buffaloes, and a diverse range of bird species, including pink-backed pelicans and kingfishers.
- Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Accommodation: Elephant Hab Lodge – Mid-range lodge
- Meals: All meals included
Day 9: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
Drive to Lake Bunyonyi
Following breakfast, depart for Lake Bunyonyi, the deepest crater lake in Uganda. Known for its scenic beauty and abundant birdlife, Lake Bunyonyi is also renowned for its crayfish. The surrounding hills are terraced by local farmers, adding to the picturesque landscape.
- Destination: Lake Bunyonyi
- Accommodation: Bunyonyi Eco Resort – Mid-range resort
- Meals: All meals included
Day 10: Canoe Riding and Exploration
Day of Exploration
Spend the day exploring the beauty of Lake Bunyonyi. Enjoy a boat ride around the lake, visiting notable sites such as Punishment Island. In the evening, experience a nighttime dugout canoe ride to witness the enchanting sights and sounds of the lake’s nocturnal life.
- Destination: Lake Bunyonyi
- Accommodation: Bunyonyi Eco Resort – Mid-range resort
- Meals: All meals included
Day 11: Transfer to Kampala/Entebbe
Return to Kampala
After breakfast, drive back to Kampala, marking the end of your safari. You will be transferred to the airport for your departure.
- Destination: Entebbe
- Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Important Information
- Rates: Rates are per person and exclude international flights from/to your home country.
- Age Restriction: This tour is not suitable for children.