Uganda Gorilla Trip
12 days Uganda gorilla trip takes you to the best Uganda national parks in western Uganda. This African safari tour in Uganda starts and ends in Entebbe.
About The 12 Day Uganda Gorilla Trip
On the 12 days Uganda gorilla trip you visit 5 Uganda national parks. They include Murchison, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi and Lake Mburo.
The 12 day Uganda gorilla trip focus is on gorilla trekking in Uganda. You will also enjoy game viewing on this Uganda gorilla safari tour.
Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda and other primate will also be part of this Uganda safari. are all part of this African wildlife safari in Uganda.
12 Day Uganda Gorilla Trip Highlights
- Gorilla Trekking
- The Nile River
- Boat cruise on the Nile, Kazinga Channel and Lake Mburo
- Murchison falls
- Hike to the top of the Falls
- Chimpanzee Tracking
- Big game viewing
- Great Scenery
The 12 days Uganda gorilla trip itinerary is below:
Detailed 12 days Uganda Gorilla Trip Itinerary
Day 1: ENTEBBE - KAMPALA
Met at Entebbe International airport by our local representative. This will be upon your arrival in Uganda. You will receive a detailed briefing on your Uganda Gorilla trip.
This will be followed by a transfer to Kampala. Drop off at Hotel Africana that is booked on bed and breakfast.
Day 2: KAMPALA - MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
Wake up to an early breakfast at 0600 hrs. At 0645 hrs you will leave through Kampala city. The drive takes you through Luwero Triangle to Masindi town. It is here that you will have a stop for lunch.
Continue driving through to the Murchison Falls National Park. Upon entry, you will have a stop at the top of the falls. Here the Nile is forced through a narrow gap in the rock (only 7 meters wide). The falls then with force, it plunges down 45 meters.
Proceed to the jetty for a ferry across the Nile. Check in will be at Paraa Safari Lodge in time for dinner and overnight.
About Murchison Falls National Park
This is the largest Uganda National Park. Murchison Falls acts as a conservation area to untamed wilderness and savannas. It is split through the middle by the dramatic river Nile.
The Park was named after the Murchison Falls. It is where the world’s longest river, the river Nile, is channeled through a narrow gorge. This is within the Rift Valley, descending almost 50 meters below.
It was named after Sir Roderick Murchison (1851–1853). He was then the President of the Royal Geographical Society. Wildlife populations have recovered from the poaching during the Idi Amin.
Murchison Falls National Park is adjacent 748 square kilometres Bugungu Wildlife Reserve. Also here is the 720 square kilometres (280 sq mi) Karuma Wildlife Reserve. The entire area forms as the Murchison Falls conservation area.
The park is sometimes referred to as Kabalega National Park. Kabalega was the Omukama of the Kingdom of Bunyoro, around the end of the 19th century.
He resisted colonization by the British. He was arrested and was exiled by the British to the island nation of the Seychelles. Kabalega died in Jinja, in 1923 en-route to Bunyoro from exile.
Day 3: MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
After an early breakfast, embark on a morning game drive. You will be searching for wildlife that includes herbivores and cats. These are the Elephants, Giraffes, Lions, Leopards, Buffalos and many others. The game drive will take approximately 2-3 hrs.
Your return to the lodge will be in time for lunch. In the afternoon you will go for the boat cruise up the river Nile. This is to the bottom of the Murchison Falls. Along the cruise you will see abundant Hippos and crocodiles. The bird-life is stunning with bright colored kingfishers and bee-eaters darting along the riverbanks.
You may see the rare and prehistoric looking shoebill if lucky. The boat takes you right to the base of the falls which only adds to their impressiveness. Return back to your accommodation at Murchison falls in time for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: MURCHISON FALLS - HOIMA
Wake up to an early morning game drive on this day of your Uganda gorilla trip. This will be to see whatever you had missed before. This will be followed by breakfast and departure.
You will be driving south through the Albertine Escarpment. Arrival in Hoima will be in the afternoon. Enjoy the rest of the day at Leisure with dinner and overnight at Kontik Hotel.
Day 5: HOIMA - KIBALE
Start your Uganda gorilla trip day with an early breakfast and departure. You will be driving through to Kibale. Along the way you will make a stop at Fort Portal, the capital of the Toro kingdom. The town is situated in the shadow of the Rwenzori Mountain.
Kibale National Park
Kibale National Park is the most magnificent of Uganda's tropical rain forests. It is also one of the most rewarding areas to explore. The park was established at the end of the 18th Century.
Kibale boats of 13 species of primates. They include the localized Red Colobus, L'Hoest's monkeys and the endemic Uganda Manbabay.
Kibale's major attraction is the chimpanzees. It is a delightful ape, most closest to humans than to nay other living creature.
A Uganda safari tour to Kibale gives you an opportunity to sight over 300 bird species.
There is a 180km-long migration corridor for wildlife also habits mammals. Here you will find the elusive forest elephants, buffalo, giant forest hogs among other. This makes it one of the most stunning parks in Uganda.
The park is in the heart of the Tooro Kingdom in Western Uganda. Thias is near Fort portal, the park lies close to the tranquil Ndali-Kasenda crater area.
It is within a half days' drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Rwenzori Mountains and Semiliki National Parks are also nearby.
Day 6: KIBALE - QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
Enjoy an early morning breakfast before departure. You will drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. You will arrive in time for afternoon Chimpanzee tracking in the Kyambura gorge. Expect to see various primates in the park named in honor of Queen Elizabeth II.
You are most likely to see the chimps and Black and white Colobus monkeys. Others include baboons among other animals. Your dinner and overnight stay will be at Mweya Safari Lodge.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the oldest Uganda National Parks. It is also the most popular game parks for Uganda safaris.
It is found in Western Uganda bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo. Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to variety of wildlife. It boasts a range of attractions and interesting activities. This makes Queen Elizabeth National Park gifted by nature.
The major highlight of a visit to the park are the scenic game drives. This gives you a chance to view even the most elusive of the park’s fauna. The thrilling drives which are best done during the morning hours. They feature up close viewing of the wildlife which inhabits the park in the comfort of a vehicle.
Your driver guide knows the different trucks in the park quite well. He will take you in search of the different wildlife.
Day 7: QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
Start your Uganda gorilla trip day with an early breakfast. You will head to Kisenyi for 3 hours of pure game drive. You should be on the lookout for antelopes, hyenas, Lion, elephants, among other wildlife.
You will return to the lodge for some relaxation and lunch. In the afternoon you will be taking an afternoon boat trip along Kazinga channel. Be sure to observe the herds of Elephant and Buffalo drinking and bathing along the shores.
This is also home to an array of birds. They include pink backed pelicans, pied and malachite kingfishers. After this wonderful afternoon, a slow drive back to Mweya Safari Lodge will follow.
Day 8: QUEEN ELIZABETH - BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK
The day starts with an early breakfast. This is to be followed by checkout and departure. The drive goes through the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth called Ishasha.
Here you will take lunch and try to find the famed Ishasha tree-climbing lions. Proceed to Bwindi Forest which is home to the few remaining mountain gorillas.
Bird life and primate life in Bwindi is quite superb. There is also an incredible variety of flora. Your dinner and overnight will be at Engagi Lodge.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda in East Africa. The park is part of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. It is situated along the Democratic Republic of Congo border. This is next to the Virunga National Park and on the edge of the western Rift Valley.
Bwindi comprises 331 square kilometers of jungle forests. It contains both montane and lowland forest. The park is accessible only on foot.
This is regarded to be one of the wildlife rich forest in Africa. This is due to its antiquity and an altitude range of between 1,160 and 2,607m above sea level.
Bwindi is a true rain forest and spreads over a series of steep ridges and valleys. Those that form the eastern edge of the Albertine Rift Valley.
Bwindi National park has an average rain fall of 1,500mm. It is a vital catchments area and a source of five major rivers. All these rivers flow into Lake Albert.
Tourism to Bwindi focuses on Gorilla tracking. There are four locations in Bwindi that one can trek at. More than half of the World’s mountain Gorilla population is resident in Bwindi. An estimated 320 individuals living in 15 troops.
Day 9: VOILA! GORILLA TREKKING
Start your day on this Uganda gorilla trip with an early breakfast. You will then get into Bwindi Forest National Park and proceed to the HQ. After briefing from the guides, set off for gorilla trekking inside the Bwindi Forest. Gorilla tracking is one of the unique activities. You will enjoy while photographing and observing the gorillas.
After tracking, you all return to the lodge and relax. Time permitting with enough energy there is an optional village walk. This is to see how the wonderful friendly local people live and work. You will overnight at your accommodation in Bwindi Forest National Park.
Day 10: BWINDI – LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast, you will make our scenic journey. This is through the beautiful terrain of the rolling hills with terraced landscape. The area is referred to as the ‘Switzerland of Africa’.
Proceed to Lake Mburo National Park. Your arrival will be in time for lunch. Enjoy an afternoon game drive in search of animals such as Zebras, Elands and the abundant bird life. Retire for dinner and overnight at Arcadia Cottages.
Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is valued because of its great beauty. It is located close to Western highway and every part of it is alive with a variety, interest and color. It contains an extensive area of wetland.
Lake Mburo National Park harbors variety of mammals like zebras, impalas and warthog. There are also oribi, buffaloes and birds.
The bird here includes bill stocks, which are found nowhere else in Uganda’s National Parks.
Its landscape is characterized by rolling grassy hills and idyllic lake shore. This has as varied mosaic of habitats, forest galleries, seasonal and permanent swamps. There are rich acacia wood valleys which all support a wealthy wildlife.
Lake Mburo National Park is370 square kilometer the smallest in Uganda’s Savannah national parks. Its mosaic habitat has dry hillside, rocky outcrops bushes, thickets, open and wooded Savannah.
There are also forests, lakes, and swamps that are home to a diversity of plants and animals.
Day 11: LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK - KAMPALA
It is time for the Uganda gorilla trip to return to the big city again. An early breakfast will prepare you for the long drive. Departure takes you to the Equator where you will stop for some photos.
You will also have time for lunch at the Equator. Proceed to Kampala where on arrival you will be dropped off at your Hotel Africana. Kampala. Your hotel in Kampala is booked on bed and breakfast basis.
Day 12: KAMPALA – ENTEBBE
wake up to your last breakfast on Uganda gorilla trip in Kampala. Time allowing; enjoy a city tour and a shopping spree. This is to pick souvenir for remembrance and gifts for people back home.
A transfer to Entebbe to catch your departure flight will follow.
---------- End of 12 days Uganda Gorilla Trip ----------
12 Days Uganda Gorilla Trip Costs
The 12 Days Uganda Gorilla Trip cost includes
- Accommodation with meals as per program
- Bottled water
- All Park Entrance Fees
- Private safari-vehicle
- An English speaking guide
- 1 X Uganda gorilla permit
- 1 X Chimpanzee Permit
- Government taxes
- Lots of fun and African sunshine
The 12 Days Uganda Gorilla Trip cost does not include
- Items of personal use
- All drinks, beverages and alcohol other than what is served at breakfast
- Deviation from the Itinerary
- Visa
- Tips and porterage
- Insurance
What you carry for your 12 Days Uganda Gorilla Trip:
- Sun glasses
- Camera gear
- Heavy and light clothes
- Sturdy hiking boots
Other related safaris to Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari Tours
4 Days Budget gorilla trekking Uganda safari
5 Days Cheap gorilla safari in Uganda
5 Days Budget Gorilla Safari in Uganda
