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11 Day Gorilla Tracking Safari

Overview

Embark on this 11 Day Gorilla Tracking Safari taking you through Uganda’s most renowned national parks. This journey includes a game drive and boat cruise at Lake Mburo National Park, an awe-inspiring gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, an exploration of Queen Elizabeth National Park with its thrilling game drives and Kazinga Channel boat cruise, chimpanzee trekking and a serene Bigodi wetland walk in Kibale National Park, culminating in the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife of Murchison Falls National Park, complete with a game drive and a boat cruise to the base of the majestic falls.

Highlights

Day One: Arrive and transfer to your hotel in either Entebbe or Kampala.
Day Two: Journey to Lake Mburo National Park and enjoy an evening boat cruise on the lake.
Day Three: Travel to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
Day Four: Experience the unforgettable adventure of gorilla trekking.
Day Five: Depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, followed by an evening game drive.
Day Six: Delight in a morning game drive and an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.
Day Seven: Head to Kibale National Park.
Day Eight: Engage in a morning chimpanzee trekking expedition and a walk through Bigodi Wetland.
Day Nine: Drive to Murchison Falls National Park.
Day Ten: Enjoy a morning game drive and an afternoon boat cruise to the base of the stunning Murchison Falls.
Day Eleven: Return to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight.

Important Information

Accommodation: All accommodations are included throughout the safari.
Group Size: This intimate safari accommodates a maximum of 6 people per group.
Flexibility: The tour can commence on any day and can be customized to suit individual preferences.
Solo Travelers: Individuals traveling alone are welcome to join this tour.
Age Requirement: Participants must be 15 years or older.

TRIP ITINERARY

Tour Plan

Day 1

Arrival and Transfer to Entebbe

Upon your arrival, our Trek Africa Expeditions guide will meet you and transfer you to your guest house or hotel for an overnight stay. Depending on your arrival time, you may opt for an additional activity such as a boat excursion to Ngamba Island, a visit to the Entebbe Botanic Gardens, or a tour of the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre. These activities are optional and not included in the main itinerary.

Meal Plan: Bed and breakfast
Accommodation: Secrets Guest House

Day 2

Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

After a hearty breakfast, you will set off for Lake Mburo National Park. En route, you will make a stop at the Equator crossing in Kayabwe. This stop provides an excellent opportunity for photographs, a chance to stretch, and to conduct simple equator-related experiments. Upon arrival at Lake Mburo National Park, you will embark on a game drive as you enter the park, followed by an exciting boat cruise on the lake.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Lake Mburo Safari Lodge or Rwakobo Rock
Travel Time: Approximately 5-6 hours

Day 3

Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After a hearty breakfast, embark on a scenic drive through Lake Mburo National Park, continuing your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in southwestern Uganda. Along the way, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of Uganda's rolling green hills adorned with banana and tea plantations. A stop for lunch will be made en route. You will arrive at Bwindi in the evening, ready for the adventures that await.

Drive Time: Approximately 6-7 hours
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge or Trekkers Tervan Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 4

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Start your day early with breakfast before heading to the Park Headquarters around 7:45 am for registration and a briefing on the dos and don'ts of gorilla trekking. With a packed lunch in hand, you'll join other trackers and set off with your guides through the dense, misty forest. The trek to find the gorillas can last from half an hour to most of the day, depending on their movements. The terrain is steep and heavily forested, but numerous animal trails make it accessible. The experience of encountering these magnificent, endangered creatures in their natural habitat is nothing short of extraordinary.

Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge or Trekkers Tervan Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 5

Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Depart Bwindi in the morning, heading towards Queen Elizabeth National Park. The journey is filled with stunning scenery, and you'll arrive in time for lunch at your lodge. In the afternoon, embark on a game drive in the Kasenyi plains, where you might spot savannah wildlife such as herds of buffalo, antelope, elephants, and possibly even lions and leopards.

Drive Time: Approximately 4-5 hours
Accommodation: Elephant Hab or Pumba Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 6

Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel

Start your day with another game drive in the Kasenyi plains, giving you a second chance to see any wildlife you may have missed. After lunch at the lodge, head to the Kazinga Channel for an afternoon boat cruise. This cruise offers excellent opportunities to view a variety of animals, including hippos, elephants, buffalo, crocodiles, and numerous water birds that flock to the channel for water.

Accommodation: Elephant Hab or Pumba Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 7

Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Kibale National Park

Start your day with an early breakfast before embarking on a morning game drive in the northern section of Queen Elizabeth National Park, specifically the Kasenyi area. This region is teeming with wildlife, offering you the chance to see elephants, buffalo, various species of antelopes such as waterbucks and Uganda kobs, as well as savannah birds. Keep an eye out for the elusive wild cats that inhabit this area. After your thrilling morning safari, enjoy lunch and then set off for Kibale National Park. The drive offers scenic views and a glimpse into the rural life of Uganda as you pass through various landscapes and communities. You will arrive at your lodge in the evening, where you can relax and prepare for the next day's adventure.

Drive Time: Approximately 5-6 hours
Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Guest House or Isunga Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 8

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest National Park

After enjoying breakfast, you will head to the Kibale National Park Headquarters at Kanyanchu. There, you'll join other trekkers for a briefing before embarking on your chimpanzee trekking adventure. A well-trained and experienced ranger/guide will lead you through the lush Kibale Forest National Park. This forest is home to a habituated community of chimpanzees, allowing you the unique opportunity to spend an hour observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Don't forget to keep your camera handy for some incredible photo opportunities. In addition to chimpanzees, the park is home to 13 other primate species and numerous forest birds, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. After lunch, you'll head to the Bigodi Wetland for a guided walk. This walk offers a chance to see more primates and various bird species while learning about the local community's efforts in conserving the wetland. You have the option to support these conservation efforts through voluntary donations.

Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Guest House or Isunga Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 9

Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

Today, you will embark on a journey to Murchison Falls National Park. As you travel through small towns, villages, and scenic landscapes, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the escarpment. You'll arrive at your destination in the late evening, ready for the adventures that await in this iconic park.

Drive Time: Approximately 8-9 hours
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge or Murchison River Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 10

Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise to the Bottom of the Falls

Start your day early with a cup of coffee before transferring to the northern section of the park, known as Paraa, which translates to "the place of hippos" in the local Luo dialect. During the morning game drive, you'll have the chance to see a variety of wildlife, including giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes, hippos, and possibly lions and leopards. After the game drive, return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, proceed to the pier for a two-hour boat cruise to the bottom of the magnificent Murchison Falls. Along the way, you'll see several schools of hippos and witness the Nile River squeezing through a narrow gorge before exploding out in a spectacular display, providing an unforgettable experience.

Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge or Murchison River Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 11

Return to Entebbe International Airport

After breakfast, you'll begin your journey back to Entebbe International Airport. Depending on your flight schedule, you may opt to visit the Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary, though this is optional and not included in the main itinerary.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

INCLUDES & EXCLUDES

Includes

Airport transfers on the first and last day
Gorilla Permits
Kibale Chimpanzee Permit
Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle
Services of an English-speaking driver/guide
Fuel for the entire trip
Accommodation and meal plan as per the itinerary
All Park entrance fees
Drinking water while in the vehicle

Excludes

Pre and post tour accommodation in Entebbe or Kampala
International airfares
Uganda Visa (USD50.00 which can be paid on arrival at the Airport

TOUR MAP

GENERAL FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the safari package include?

Our safari packages are designed to cover the key services needed for a comfortable and hassle-free trip. Depending on the itinerary, this may include accommodation, transportation, park entrance fees, professional guide services, meals and scheduled activities. A detailed list of inclusions will always be provided before you confirm your booking.

How do I book a safari with Trek Africa Gorillas?

Booking your safari is simple. Contact us with your preferred travel dates, number of travelers and the safari package you are interested in. Once availability is confirmed, we will send you a quotation and payment details. Your booking is secured once the required deposit has been received.

Can I customize my safari itinerary?

Yes. Every traveler has different interests, budgets and travel styles. Whether you would like to upgrade your accommodation, spend additional nights in a destination or add activities such as chimpanzee tracking, cultural visits or wildlife safaris, we can tailor the itinerary to suit your needs.

Are gorilla trekking permits included in the safari price?

Most of our gorilla trekking safaris include the cost of the gorilla permit. The permit is one of the most important parts of your trip and will be clearly listed in your quotation. If a permit is not included, we will explain this before you make your booking.

How far in advance should I book gorilla trekking permits?

We recommend booking gorilla permits at least 3 to 6 months in advance, especially if you plan to travel during the peak seasons from June to September or December to February. Permits are limited and can sell out quickly, particularly in popular trekking sectors.

What is the best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda?

Gorilla trekking is available throughout the year in Uganda. Many travelers prefer the dry seasons from June to September and December to February because the trails are generally easier to navigate. However, the rainy seasons can also be rewarding, with fewer visitors and lush green scenery in the forest.

How difficult is gorilla trekking?

The difficulty of gorilla trekking varies depending on the location of the gorilla family being visited. Some treks may take less than an hour while others can last several hours through steep and forested terrain. A moderate level of fitness is recommended, but people of different ages and fitness levels successfully complete gorilla treks every day.

What should I pack for gorilla trekking?

For gorilla trekking, we recommend bringing sturdy hiking boots, long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, a lightweight rain jacket, gardening gloves, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, drinking water and a camera. Comfortable outdoor clothing is highly recommended as conditions in the forest can change quickly.

Do I need a visa to visit Uganda?

Most international travelers require a visa to enter Uganda. Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality, and our team will be happy to provide guidance on the application process and entry requirements before your trip.

What type of accommodation can I expect during my safari?

We offer carefully selected budget, mid-range and luxury accommodation options across Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania. Our lodges and camps are chosen for their comfort, quality service, excellent locations and easy access to major safari attractions.

Are airport transfers included in the safari package?

Airport transfers are included in many of our safari packages. If they are not included, we can arrange private transfers for you. We will clearly explain all transportation arrangements before your arrival.

Is travel insurance required for a safari?

While travel insurance is not always mandatory, it is strongly recommended for all travelers. Comprehensive coverage can help protect you against unexpected events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, travel delays and lost luggage.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellation terms vary depending on the safari package, accommodation providers and permits involved. If you need to cancel your trip, please contact us as soon as possible and we will explain the options available based on our booking terms and conditions.

Can children join a safari in Uganda?

Many of our wildlife safaris are suitable for families traveling with children. However, some activities have age restrictions. For example, participants must be at least 15 years old to take part in gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda.

Can solo travelers book a safari?

Yes. We welcome solo travelers and can arrange both private and group safari experiences. Whether you are planning a gorilla trekking tour, wildlife safari or multi-country adventure, we can create an itinerary that matches your travel preferences.

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