13 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari Uganda Rwanda Chimpanzee Tracking Tour Uganda Wildlife Safaris – Overview

The 13 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari Uganda Rwanda Chimpanzee Tracking Tour Uganda Wildlife Safaris is an extended safari that incorporates wild game viewing, chimpanzee trekking and gorilla tracking in Uganda and Rwanda.

The 13 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari Uganda Rwanda Chimpanzee Tracking Tour Uganda Wildlife Safaris, 13 days Uganda Rwanda gorilla trekking safari takes you through Murchison Falls National Park with its big five of the wild game, Kibale National Park with its habituated chimpanzees, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable and Volcanoes National for their populations of the critically endangered Mountain gorillas, Lake Mburo National Park well know n for its Zebra and Impala populations.

The safari also incorporates recreational boat encounters along the Nile River, the Kazinga Channel, Lake Ruhondo in Rwanda and Lake Bunyonyi which gives the safari a touch of relaxation and romance.

13 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari Uganda Rwanda Chimpanzee Tracking Tour Uganda Wildlife Safaris – Highlights

Day 1: Transfer to Murchison falls National Park & visit Ziwa rhino sanctuary en route

Day 2: Do morning game drive, Nile launch cruise in the afternoon & hike to the top of the falls

Day 3: Transfer to Hoima town. Visit the Kibiro Salt Gardens and hot springs en route

Day 4: Transfer to Fort Portal Area, hike the Fort Portal Crater Lake Area & tour the Amabere g’ Nyinamwiru caves

Day 5: Do morning Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park & Bigodi wetland walk in the afternoon

Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park & do Kazinga Channel launch cruise

Day 7: Do game drive & afternoon chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge

Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Do a game drive in Ishasha sector en route in search of tree climbing lions

Day 9: Do gorilla trekking & relax at the lodge

Day 10: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park Rwanda & visit the twin lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo with a recreational boat cruise

Day 11: Do gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park & cross to Uganda (Lake Bunyonyi)

Day 12: Do a sun rise boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi & transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

Day 13: Do a morning game walking safari & transfer to Kampala.

13 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari Uganda Rwanda Chimpanzee Tracking Tour Uganda Wildlife Safaris – Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park & Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary En-route

After your early morning breakfast in your Kampala Lodge, the driver guide will pick you up at 6:00am and embark on the 311kms about 5 hours’ drive on the north western side of Uganda to Murchison Falls National Park.

The drive from Kampala will take you through the flat landscapes of Nakasongora with Savannah vegetation dotted with long horned Ankole cows.

After covering a distance drive of 115km, you will be welcomed to Nakitoma where you will divert from the main route driving 7 kms to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

While at the Sanctuary, you will explore the only white Rhinos protected in this part of Uganda .You will also have your delightful Lunch at Kabalega dinner and thereafter advance with the drive to Murchison Falls National park for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge (Upmarket/Luxury), Pakuba Safari Lodge (Mid-range/Standard) or Heritage Safari Lodge (Budget/Basic).

Day 2: Do Morning Game Drive, Nile Launch Cruise in The Afternoon & Hike To The Top of The Falls

Wake-up very early in the morning and drive to the park headquarters for an early morning game drive at 6:30am through the park tracks in search of the elusive wild game.

The rolling Savannah combretum of Murchison Falls National Park supports a span of delightful wildlife such as the species elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, water buck, Jackson hartebeest, oribis, lions, leopards among others

The early morning game drive through the well-organized driving tracks of the delta area, Buligi tracks, Albert and Queen tracks provides golden chance for you to enjoy the views of elusive wild game.

After rewarding drive of 3 – 4 hours, you will retire back to the lodge for relaxation, lunch while waiting for an afternoon adventurous boat cruise.

After lunch and having rest, you drive to Paraa to catch-up with the afternoon adventurous Lunch Cruise that sets off at 2:30pm and takes 3-4 hours of adventure.

Taking boat cruise to the bottom of the Nile will not only reward you with the views of the wild game when they are drinking on the river side, but it also takes you to an area where you can have clear glimpse of wildlife species like Hippos, Nile Crocodiles and a range of water birds such as the endangered species of the Shoebill Stork.

After exploring the boat cruise to the bottom of the falls, you will take a hike through narrow path to the top of the world’s most powerful falls.

Upon reaching the top, you will enjoy the roaring sounds of the Nile as it crumbles its head on the impermeable rocks that have narrowed its way to less than 8m for centuries past.

Thereafter that life time experience, you will retire to your lodge for dinner, memory sharing and overnight.

Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge (Upmarket/Luxury), Pakuba Safari Lodge (Mid-range/Standard) or Heritage Safari Lodge (Budget/Basic).

Day 3: Transfer to Hoima Town. Visit The Kibiro Salt Gardens And Hot Springs En-route

Take relaxed breakfast and embark on the transfer to Hoima. The interesting drive will take you along the Albertine escarpment with prominent scenery of the rift valley.

You will advance through Bulisa which is in the oil region of Uganda. You will have a stop en route at Kibiro Salt Gardens and hot springs and here you will be exposed to impressive local methods of fine salt extraction.

The views of the scenic Lake Albert and the views of the Blue Mountains on the Democratic Republic of Congo are very rewarding. From here, you will embark on the drive to Hoima for relaxation, diner and overnight.

Accommodation: Kontik Hotel

Day 4: Transfer to Fort Portal Area, Hike The Fort Portal Crater Lake Area & Tour The Amabere g’ Nyinamwiru Caves

After your jolly breakfast, embark on transfer drive of about 5 hours to Fort Portal town-one of the most beautiful towns in Uganda.

The drive will take you through the majestic country side landscapes dotted with rural setting and beautiful local populations.

Arrive in Fort Portal town for lunch after which you will advance to do the Fort Portal Crater Lake Hike to gain magnificent views of the Fort Portal explosion crater.

You will also visit the Amabere g’ Nnyinamwiru caves with a magical Nyakasura River falling over them forming wonderful water fall.

The unique caves have breast like features which the locals attach a great cultural connotation and are thought to date back to the Chwezi era. Retreat from the activity and get to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Ndali Lodge (Upmarket/Luxury), Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse (Mid-range/Standard) or Rwenzori View Guesthouse (Budget/Basic).

Day 5: Do Morning Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest National Park & Bigodi Wetland Walk in The Afternoon

After an early morning breakfast, embark on the highly rewarding Chimpanzee trekking encounter in the primate Capital of the world – the Kibale Forest National Park.

The Park is proud of 13 primate species including the world endangered species of the Chimpanzees which have been fully habituated and opened to be visited by tourists.

The chimp trekking encounter in the primates Capital starts at Kanyanchu tourism center at 8:00am local time in the morning and the professional UWA Park ranger will lead you throughout the whole fascinating processes of trekking the Chimps in their natural Habitat.

The trek exposes you to stunning flora, other primate species including black and white colobus monkey and birds before meeting face to face with the chimps.

The Chimpanzees will seduce you in a state of stupefaction as they swing through the branches, make pant hooting calls, play with each other, and imitate your body language along with other features that will make your one full hour with them a life time experience of its own.

Retreat from the activity which tends to take 2 – 5 hours to embark on the transfer to Bigodi wetland. The Bigodi wetland, lies in close distance to the park thus connecting there is less hectic.

The Bigodi wetland walk exposes you to typical Eco –tourism encounter in Uganda. The impressive flora and fauna existing along with the local community is indeed rewarding to encounter.

The sights of great blue turaco and the Sitatnga may not be missed. Retreat from the activity back to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Ndali Lodge (Upmarket/Luxury), Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse (Mid-range/Standard) or Rwenzori View Guesthouse (Budget/Basic).

Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Do Crater Area Drive & Do Kazinga Channel Launch Cruise

After breakfast, embark in the transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park 157km about 2 – 3 hours’ drive from Kibale NP.

You will drive along the impressive scenic views of the Mountains of the moon – the Rwenzoris towering up to 5,109m above sea level with snow-capped peaks.

Upon reaching the park, you will undertake a game drive through the Crater Lake area where series of explosion craters lay with magical scenic views.

The stretch is also liked elephants and Baboons. Continue to Mweya Safari Lodge for Lunch after which you will gather at Mweya Jetty to embark in the 2 hour boat cruise on the 45kmlong Kazinga Channel dubbed the Paradise of Hippos.

The channel adjoins Lake Edward and George with overlooking sights of Democratic Republic of Congo. The range of birds, Nile crocodiles, Hippos and other wild game drinking on the channel side may not be missed.

Retreat from the 2 hour activity, do a game drive along the channel track as you connect to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge (Upmarket/Luxury), Enganzi Game Lodge (Midrange/Standard) or Pumba Safari Cottages (Budget/Basic).

Day 7: Do Game Drive & Afternoon Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge

After breakfast, embark on a thrilling game drive across the rolling Savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park that stretch across the Albertine flats.

The game drive which starts as early as 6am offers you possibilities of encountering a range of wild game including four of the Big five Land Animals including lions, leopard, elephants and buffaloes.

The well placed tracks in Kasenyi traverse a common dwelling for this wild game with additions of side stripped jackals, water buck, Uganda Kobs, among others.

The activity tend to take 3 – 4 hours after which you will return to the lodge for relaxation and lunch after which you will drive to Kyambura gorge in the East of Queen Elizabeth National Park commonly referred to as the Valley of Apes for a thrilling Chimpanzee trekking encounter beginning at 8am.

The hike through the steep sides of the gorge marked with lush tropical forest thriving below sea level with the views of the River lowing on the gorge floor add spice to the entire experience.

The encounter with chimps as they roll themselves in the tree branches, gather fruit, make pant hooting calls and socialize will make your one hour direct encounter with them memorable.

Retreat from the activity which tends to last 2 – 5 hours and embark on the transfer to lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge (Upmarket/Luxury), Enganzi Game Lodge (Midrange/Standard) or Pumba Safari Cottages (Budget/Basic).

Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Do a Game Drive in Ishasha Sector En-route in Search of Tree Climbing Lions

After breakfast, embark on the transfer to the gorilla trekking haven of Bwindi. You will drive through Ishasha sector in the south of Queen Elizabeth National Park where the famous tree climbing lions are known to thrive.

The drive offers you the possibilities of encountering more game adding to the sights of the upper parts of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Encountering the tree climbing lions lying on the fig tree branches is very rewarding. You will have lunch en route and continue in the drive to arrive in Bwindi in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Chameleon Hill Lodge (Upmarket/Luxury), Gorilla Mist Camp (Midrange/Standard) or Broadbill Forest Camp (Budget/Basic).

Day 9: Do Gorilla Trekking & Relax at The Lodge

Gather at the respective park headquarter in the morning after an early heavy breakfast for briefing about the gorilla trekking encounter by the park rangers at 8am.

After briefing, you will head to the forest for the thrilling gorilla trekking adventure. The hike across the varied landscapes of Bwindi marked with deep valleys, steep hills and dense vegetation cover is very rewarding.

The moment you come across the critically endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is one those must list moments that you can ever encounter in the life time.

The gorilla trek lasts between 2 – 8 hours and after the one full hour of direct encounter with them; you will return the starting point and transfer to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Birdnest @Lake Bunyonyi Resort (Upmarket/Luxury), Lake Bunyonyi Eco-resort (Mid-range/Standard) or Byoona Amagara Island Retreat (Budget/Basic).

Day 10 : Transfer to Volcanoes National Park Rwanda & Visit The Twin Lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo With a Recreational Boat Cruise

After a relaxed breakfast, embark on the transfer to Volcanoes National Park 236km from Buhoma, 140km from Ruhija, 93km from Rushaga and Nkuringo.

You will drive along the impressive landscapes of Virunga ranges. Arrive in Rwanda in the afternoon, have lunch and do a boat cruise on Lake Ruhondo exploring the twin lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo. Retire for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Mount Gorilla View Lodge (Upmarket/Luxury), Hotel La Palme (Mid-range/Standard) or Muhabura Hotel (Budget/Basic).

Day 11: Do Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park & Cross to Uganda (Lake Bunyonyi)

After breakfast, gather at the Kinigi Park headquarters at 8am to start with a briefing session from the rangers about the gorilla trekking conduct.

The before trek experience is spiced by a cup of coffee grown from the Rwandan soils amidst traditional Kinyarwanda performances.

After this session, you will be allocated a respective gorilla family to track and head to the forest in the slopes of Virunga Volcanoes in search of the critically endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitats.

The trek for the gorillas is one of the lifetime experiences that you will always wonder to have had. Hiking the slopes and challenging landscapes is an experience in its self while the magical scenery of the Virunga Volcanoes, the rolling hills of Rwanda, impressive flora and the birds combine to make the gorilla trek to go beyond only gorillas.

The one hour of direct encounter with the gorillas is availed to you upon reaching them and will be utilized maximum by asking the questions that you wish to know about gorillas from the Ranger, taking life time pictures and viewing of the gorillas themselves.

Retreat from the activity which tends to last 2 – 8 hours to the starting point after your picnic lunch and then transfer to Uganda and Lake Bunyonyi in particular for relaxation and overnight.

Accommodation: Bird nest @Lake Bunyonyi Resort (Upmarket/Luxury), Lake Bunyonyi Eco- resort (Midrange/Standard) or Byoona Amagara Island Retreat (Budget/Basic).

Day 12: Do a Sunrise Boat Cruise on Lake Bunyonyi & Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

After a relaxed breakfast, you will embark on the sun rise boat cruise on the Lake of a thousand Islands – Lake Bunyonyi exploring its main Islands while listening to the local stories about the Lake and its Islands from the local guide.

The sights of the birds like Cormorants may not be missed while the magical scenery of Kigezi Highlands will all be around you.

Retreat from the activity and return to lodge for lunch and after which you will embark on the transfer to Lake Mburo National Park 199km about 4 hours’ drive from Lake Bunyonyi.

You will make a stop at Igongo Cultural Center for lunch after which you will proceed to Lake Mburo National Park doing a mini game drive before connecting to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Mihingo Safari Lodge (Upmarket/Luxury), Arcadia Cottages Mburo (Midrange/Standard) or Eagles Nest (Budget/Basic).

Day 13: Do a Morning Game Walking Safari & Transfer to Kampala

After breakfast, embark on a game walking safari which allows you to explore the game on foot. The sun rise views of the acacia Savannah landscapes of Lake Mburo National Park dotted with counts of Impala, Topis, Zebras, buffaloes, water bucks, elands, wart hogs among others generate ultimate Africa safari memories.

Hiking up to Kazuma Hill to gain the impressive views of the the five lakes that have stretches in the park is also rewarding.

Retreat from the 3 – 4 activity to embark on the transfer to Kampala 240km about 3 – 4 hours’ drive excluding stops en route.

You will make a stop at Uganda Equator crossing Kayabwe to take amazing pictures and encounter the water experiments that justify the geographical divide between the north and southern hemispheres.

End of the 13 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari Uganda Rwanda Chimpanzee Tracking Tour Uganda Wildlife Safaris.