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

The 14 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari Uganda Rwanda Chimpanzee Tracking Tour Uganda Wildlife Safaris is a mixture of adventure, wildlife viewing, recreation and primate tour among which include Chimpanzees, Mountain gorillas and the Golden Monkeys.

The 14 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari Uganda Rwanda Chimpanzee Tracking Tour Uganda Wildlife Safaris, 14 days Uganda Rwanda gorilla trekking safari takes you through Jinja the source of the world’s longest River, the Murchison Falls National Park where the world’s powerful water fall lies, the Kibiro Slat gardens, Fort Portal Crater field, Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale, Bigodi wetland walk, the wild game e and boat encounter in Queen Elizabeth National Park including the tree climbing lions, the sights of Mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda, genocide sites tour and the lake of a thousand Islands – Lake Bunyonyi amidst the magical Kigezi highlands.

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

Day 1: Visit Jinja – the source of the Nile

Day 2: Transfer to Murchison falls National Park & visit Ziwa rhino sanctuary en route

Day 3: Do morning game drive, Nile launch cruise in the afternoon & hike to the top of the falls

Day 4: Transfer to Hoima town. Visit the Kibiro Salt Gardens and hot springs en route

Day 5: Transfer to Fort Portal Area, hike the Fort Portal Crater Lake Area & tour the Amabere g’ Nyinamwiru caves

Day 6: Do morning Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park, Bigodi wetland walk in the afternoon & transfer to Kasese

Day 7: Do whole day Mount Rwenzori Hiking

Day 8: Do game drive & afternoon Kazinga channel launch cruise

Day 9: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Do a game drive in Ishasha sector en route in search of tree climbing lions

Day 10: Do gorilla trekking & transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation

Day 11: Do a sun rise boat cruise & transfer to Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Day 12: Do gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park & relax at the lodge Optional Visit to the Musaze Caves

Day 13: Do Golden Monkey tracking & transfer to Kigali City

Day 14: Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Presidential palace Museum, Natural History Museum, Kigali Markets & prepare for the flight departure.

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

Day 1: Visit Jinja – The Source of The Nile

After your early morning breakfast in your place of stay in Kampala, driver guide will pick you and embark on transfer to Jinja in the Eastern part of Uganda 80km about 1-2 hours’ drive excluding stopovers on the way.

The drive to Jinja will take you through small townships of Mukono were you can also find Ssezibwa falls one of the famous Buganda Heritage Sites where many natives flock for blessings, wealth, and fortunes.

You will have stopover at Mabira Forest to explore the only forest reserve in Uganda with over 300 bird species as well as some endangered species of over 218 butterflies, monkeys, plants and 312 trees species.

Thereafter continue with the drive to Jinja and have your lunch at Sunset Hotel which is a very fantastic place located on the riverside and serving local Ugandan dishes as well as Chinese, Indian and Italian dishes.

After lunch, take boat ride to the mighty source of the Nile which is tranquil place, dotted with beautiful tropical pants, palm trees and magnificent eye attracting white roaring water of the mighty Nile.

Not only does the boat ride reward you with the views of the fish men throwing their fishing nets, it also draws you were the mighty river starts its wonderful long journey to the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt.

Upon reaching the point where the source of the Nile originates, embark on taking wonderful photos for future memories; stand in the Nile while enjoying the views of different bird species including the King Fisher.

After that memorable experience, drive to Jinja town for short town tour mainly to view the different Indian styled structures which were used by many Indians before they were evicted by president Idi Amin Dada.

Also enjoy the sight of many shops located along the Jinja main road and you can decide to buy Ugandan Crafts in any of the craft shops in Jinja. Thereafter embark on transfer from Jinja to Kampala for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Sheraton Kampala Hotel (Luxury / Upmarket), Humura Resort (Standard/Mid-Range Hotels), Buziga Country Resort (Budget).

Day 2: 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 3: 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 4: 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 5: 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 6: Do Morning Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest National Park, Bigodi Wetland Walk in The Afternoon & Transfer to Kasese

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 Sitatunga may not be missed. Retreat from the activity and transfer to Kasese via Rwimi arriving in the evening for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Ihamba Safari Lodge (Upmarket/Standard) or Ruboni Community Camp (Budget/Basic).

Day 7: Do Whole Day Mount Rwenzori Hiking

Embark on the whole day hike to the Rwenzori Mountains known as the legendary mountains of the moon as described by the Greek Geographer Ptolemy in the 150AD.

The Rwenzori Mountains tower up to 5,109m above sea level with snowcapped peaks. The whole day hike exposes you to the lower ridges of this mountain exploring the flowing glaciers and mountain flora that have earned the Rwenzoris the world heritage site status.

The hike exposes you to the impressive views of the low lying Albertine flats and the towering peaks at a distance.

You will have lunch on the Mountain and retreat in the evening around 5:30om to transfer to the lodge for relaxation dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Ihamba Safari Lodge (Upmarket/Standard) or Ruboni Community Camp (Budget/Basic).

Day 8: Do Game Drive & Afternoon Kazinga Channel Launch Cruise

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 Mweya jetty in the afternoon fir a thrilling boat cruise along the paradise of Hippos – the 45km long Kazinga Channel which 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 9: 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 10: Do Gorilla Trekking & Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi For Relaxation

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 Lake Bunyonyi via the fascinating Kigezi Highlands.

Upon arrival, you will embark on a thrilling boat cruise on the lake of a thousand Islands – Lake Bunyonyi exploring its main Islands gaining remarkable sights. Retreat 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 11: Do a Sunrise Boat Cruise & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

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 Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park passing through the scenic Virunga ranges arriving in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

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

Day 12: Do Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park & Relax at The Lodge Optional Visit to The Musaze Caves

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 the lodge for relaxation.

However, you can opt to do a Musaze Caves tour in the afternoon explore the ancient caves of Musaze where Rwandan Royals used to hide themselves in times of turmoil and they were also used as stores for supplies. Retire for dinner and over night

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

Day 13: Do Golden Monkey Tracking & Transfer to Kigali City

After breakfast, gather at the park headquarters at 8am to embark on the golden monkey tracking, Traverse the volcanic landscapes of Virunga ranges in search of the critically endangered golden Monkeys which are globally endangered and thriving only in the Virunga massif.

The golden monkeys tend to dwell in the Bamboo zone and are very impressive to look at with their golden patches at their back.

Their playful tactics chatters and their structure makes the trek worth undertaking. The trek tend to last about 4 hours after which you will return to the starring point to return to lodge for lunch and eventual transfer to Kigali City arriving in the evening for relaxation dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Hotel Des Milles Collines (Upmarket/Luxury), Hotel Chez Lando (Midrange/Standard) or Discover Rwanda Youth Hostel (Budget/Basic)

Day 14: Visit The Kigali Genocide Memorial, Presidential Palace Museum, Natural History Museum, Kigali Markets & Prepare For The Flight Departure

After breakfast, embark on the tour of the Kigali genocide memorial in Gisozi where counts of Rwandese dominantly from the Tutsi ethnicity and moderate Hutus lay in memory following their slain in cold blood in 1994 genocide that hit Rwanda.

You will listen to the sorrowful account of genocide and the lasting effect that it bestowed on Rwanda not forgetting the hearing the reconciliation efforts that the country has employed in order to prevent any tragedy of that sort in the future.

From the genocide site, you will proceed to visit the Presidential Palace Museum which was the home of the Rwandan President Juvenal Habyarimana at the time of genocide.

The remains of his presidential Jet FALCON 50 which he clashed from also lay in his compound. Continue to visit the Natural History Museum commonly referred to as the Kandt house which houses a range of artifacts featuring the natural environment of Rwanda.

Explore the Kigali Markets and eventually do some shopping as you prepare for your departure flight in the evening.

End of the 14 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari Uganda Rwanda Chimpanzee Tracking Tour Uganda Wildlife Safaris.