12-Day All-inclusive Gorilla & Wildlife Safari

Start your All-inclusive Gorilla & Wildlife Safari with a road trip up north through the vast flat plains to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the last stronghold for Uganda's almost extinct White Rhino. At Ziwa, you'll walk on the plains to track the White Rhinos and spend at least an hour observing them.

After your encounter with the first of the Big Five, you'll have your lunch break and drive onto the Murchison Falls National Park tracks to the top of the mighty falls for a quintessential view. Here the Nile River squeezes 300 cubic meters of water per second (11,000 ft³/s) through a less than 10 m (33 ft) narrow gouge to later plunge 43 m (141 ft) back onto the northern bound Nile flow. The misty cloud, rainbow, and irresistible animal and bird scene down the calm Nile stream is a spectacle to steal an hour of stillness and awe.

You'll check into your lodge on the Nile banks for a hot meal, shower, and quaint night.

Commence your extraordinary Uganda Gorillas & Wildlife Safari with a captivating road journey northward, spanning vast flat plains that lead you to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. This sanctuary stands as the final stronghold for Uganda's nearly extinct White Rhino. Upon arrival, traverse the plains on foot, engaging in a thrilling rhino-tracking expedition, where you'll spend a rewarding hour in their presence, a unique opportunity to connect with these majestic creatures.

Having embarked on your first encounter with the remarkable Big Five, indulge in a well-deserved lunch break. The adventure continues as you navigate the tracks of Murchison Falls National Park, ultimately ascending to the pinnacle of the mighty falls for an iconic panoramic view. Behold the Nile River's breathtaking spectacle as it propels an astounding 300 cubic meters of water per second through a narrow 10-meter gouge, plunging magnificently 43 meters into the northern-bound Nile flow. The misty aura, accompanied by vivid rainbows, seamlessly blends with the captivating animal and bird activity along the serene Nile stream, creating a mesmerizing tableau that demands an hour of stillness and reverence.

Retreat to your lodge nestled on the banks of the Nile, where a sumptuous hot meal awaits, followed by a refreshing shower. As the day concludes, relish in the tranquility of the surroundings, underlining the enchantment of your safari experience.

Your second day on the All-inclusive Uganda Gorillas & Wildlife Safari begins with an exhilarating sunrise game drive in Murchison Falls National Park. Aboard a comfortable 4×4 safari truck equipped with expansive glass windows and a pop-up rooftop, you'll venture onto the rugged game tracks. Rise early, and fuel up with breakfast or energy bites to witness the vibrant morning activities of the savannah wildlife, including lions, Ugandan Kob herds, and other dynamic creatures. The park's diverse inhabitants, such as buffalos, elephants, and Rothschild's giraffes, offer captivating sights against the backdrop of the open plains. Keep your 600mm lens or binoculars handy for a closer look.

The game drive, lasting up to seven hours, unveils sights of oribi, defassa waterbuck, Jackson's hartebeest, grey duiker, and bushbuck, while the curious Patas monkeys add an element of playfulness. Be prepared for extended stake-outs and serene wilderness drives. After returning to camp for lunch, head to the jetty for a unique experience by the Nile River.

In the afternoon, embark on a captivating 3-hour boat launch upstream towards the thunderous Murchison Falls. This segment of your adventure offers unparalleled proximity to iconic African animals such as majestic elephants, basking hippos, and Nile crocodiles. The boat journey traces the park's diverse shoreline, providing an opportunity to witness animals drawn to the river's consistent water source. Optimal during dry seasons, this boat safari grants a remarkable perspective of wildlife interactions and the grandeur of the Falls' base.

The boat momentarily pauses at the base of the falls, offering a chance to capture its splendor. Upon the return journey downstream, consider an optional hike up the falls (pre-planned with a guide), or continue with the boat to the Paraa jetty. Your dedicated driver awaits, ready to transport you back to the lodge, culminating an unforgettable day of discovery and immersion in Uganda's natural wonders.

Dawn beckons at the start of your third day, setting the stage for thrilling adventures. By 7:00 am, embark on game tracks with your seasoned safari driver, capturing the allure of Murchison's early risers – elephants, buffalos, antelopes, and perhaps even lions. Exiting Murchison, the journey toward Fort Portal unveils unexpected beauty. It is a region famed for rolling hills, crater lakes, and vibrant colors that evoke its allure as Africa's primate capital.

Transitioning into the rainforest realm, you'll reach Primate Lodge before noon. After a satisfying lunch, indulge in a moment of relaxation. For those inclined, a nature walk along the Bigodi trail awaits, unveiling over 190 rare bird species and primate encounters, including black and white colobus monkeys, red colobus monkeys, blue-tailed monkeys, and elusive wild chimps.

As day three of your All-inclusive Gorilla & Wildlife Safari concludes, anticipation grows for the upcoming encounter with playful chimpanzee troops. With your lodge a brief stroll from the visitor center, readiness for the following day's briefing at 7:30 am takes hold, paving the way for an experience beyond compare.

Kickstart your day with a 6:00 am jungle breakfast, followed by a 7:30 am briefing at the Kanyanchu visitor center. If you're joining researchers for the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience, the day begins at 5:00 am, observing chimps leaving their nests for morning foraging.

The All-inclusive Gorillas & Wildlife Safari immerses you in a lush rainforest teeming with Africa's highest primate concentration. As you step into this vibrant jungle, its enchanting freshness captures you, akin to a character in a Disney tale. With over 1,500 chimpanzees residing here, chimp sightings in Kibale are a remarkable 98% assurance.

Anticipate a dynamic adventure as chimp bands exhibit swift movements. Unlike tranquil gorilla trekking, chimp encounters are high-energy affairs featuring hooting, eating, grooming, and socializing. Their uncanny resemblance to humans is awe-inspiring. Encounter other primates like red colobus and the rare L'Hoest's monkey, while black & white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and more grace the canopy. Bird enthusiasts can spot species like the great blue turaco and crowned eagle with binoculars.

Your safety is paramount, ensured by armed rangers and expert guides. Following this immersive jungle experience, embrace the lodge's tranquility, marked by birdsong and reflective evenings. Share your day's memories with fellow travelers, setting the stage for your journey to the next attraction in your All-inclusive Uganda Gorillas & Wildlife Safari – a ride through picturesque countryside vistas.

Start your day at your own pace, with no rush to rise early. However, the earlier you begin, the better to escape the sweltering sun on your journey to East Africa's renowned gem, Queen Elizabeth National Park. Exiting the embrace of Kibale's rainforest jungle, your route unfolds through the captivating Ndali-Kasenda Craters west of the park.

This western expanse of Kibale Forest basks in the shadows of the towering Rwenzori Mountains. It hosts one of the globe's most concentrated collections of volcanic craters. Over 50 pristine crater lakes grace the Ndali-Kasenda region, creating an enchanting drive-through as you make your way to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Should the timing align, your driver can organize a walk amidst the majestic Rwenzoris, inviting you to partake in an intimate experience.

Venturing into the savannah haven of Queen Elizabeth National Park, you'll encounter the awe-inspiring field of explosion craters just north of Mweya. Highlights include the remarkable Lake Nyamunuka, a sanctuary for buffalo and elephant herds, Lake Kitagata, fed by salty hot springs, and Kyemengo Crater en route to the captivating Baboon Cliffs view. The journey treats you to breathtaking Rift Valley panoramas, encompassing the formidable Rwenzori range, the shimmering Lakes Kirongo, George, and Edward, the hippo-filled Kazinga Channel, and the grandeur of Rift Valley escarpments.

Queen Elizabeth National Park, covering an expansive 764 square miles (1,978 square kilometers), is Uganda's most illustrious safari destination. Situated gracefully on the Rift Valley floor between the serene Lakes George and Edward, the park hosts diverse habitats that trace the evolutionary journey of our ancestors from forest to savannah. This transformation nurtures a vibrant array of remarkable mammals and captivating bird species. Over the next two nights, you'll have the privilege to explore this rich tapestry of savannah plains, encountering both majestic and smaller animals in their natural habitat.

The sixth day of the All-inclusive Gorilla & Wildlife Safari takes you close to savannah wild animals. An early start awaits as you venture into the heart of the wild on the Kasenyi Game Tracks, north of the Kazinga Channel, with the first rays of dawn.

The renowned Kasenyi Plains are a haven for lions, drawn by the abundant Uganda Kobs that thrive here, particularly around their breeding grounds. Sunrise is your prime opportunity to witness lions in their hunting element on these expansive plains. Also, anticipate sightings of majestic Elephants, formidable Buffaloes, graceful Waterbucks, and playful Warthogs. With a touch of luck, you might encounter the elusive Giant Forest Hog, the cunning Hyena, and even the elusive Leopard. After your morning adventure, your driver will guide you back to the lodge in time for a leisurely lunch and a brief respite before your next exciting wildlife safari on Kazinga Channel.

Boarding the Kazinga Channel boat launch at the Mweya jetty presents an unparalleled opportunity to get close to the park's renowned wildlife while enjoying the comfort of the viewing deck. As you glide along the water's edge, marvel at the huffing and spraying Hippos mere feet away, watch Elephants cooling off in the shallows, and spot Buffaloes along the channel's shores. These riparian areas are adorned with vibrant bird species, from pink-backed pelicans to yellow-billed storks, malachite kingfishers, and the majestic fish eagle. The boat launch adventure is a standout highlight of your All-inclusive Gorilla & Wildlife Safari, offering a chance to cross a remarkable item off your African adventure bucket list.

As the day winds to a close, return to the camp to indulge in a refreshing shower, savor a hearty meal, and engage in animated discussions about the day's incredible wildlife encounters.

Savor your packed lunch while journeying through the picturesque Ishasha Sector. The route takes you amidst expansive dry craters adorned with lush savanna grasses and acacia trees. As you venture deeper, immerse yourself in the breathtaking Rift Valley escarpment landscapes that lead you to Ishasha Sector, where another captivating adventure awaits – a quest for the famed tree-climbing lions during the late afternoon.

In this unique corner of nature, witness these remarkable lions draped gracefully over acacia branches, seemingly at ease as they bask in the warm glow of the setting sun. Ishasha Sector is a haven of biodiversity, offering a splendid array of wildlife. Keep an eye out for the relaxed hippos in the Ishasha River while Buffalo, Kob, and Topi roam freely across the plains.

As the sun gracefully descends, arrive at your camp for a well-deserved retreat. Indulge in a refreshing shower, savor a delicious hot meal, and nestle into the embrace of plush, cozy linen. This marks the end of the day's adventures, leaving you rejuvenated and ready to embrace the wonders of the following day.

Embark on another captivating chapter of your All-inclusive Gorilla & Wildlife Safari as you bid farewell to your camp. The day's adventure begins with a 2-3-hour road transfer through the enchanting Ishasha Sector, guiding you to Buhoma, the northern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. At the Buhoma visitor center, your path converges with one of our knowledgeable local walking safari guides, who will lead you on an enthralling journey through the mist-laden impenetrable jungle towards the southern sector. This leg of the expedition immerses you in the timeless allure of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Over the span of 4-5 hours, your local guide will weave ancient tales of the forest's residents, bringing you intimately close to the heart of the wilderness. While fortune may grace you with sightings of elusive inhabitants such as chimpanzees, forest elephants, duikers, forest buffalo, and various primates, keep an eye out for the captivating display of over 300 butterfly species and unique overgrown plant life. As you traverse the undergrowth, the canopy above will host a mesmerizing avian exhibition featuring African green broadbills, great blue turacos, Grauer's swamp warblers, Turner's Eremomelas, Shelley's crimson wings, and Chapin's flycatchers.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is renowned for sheltering nearly half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas. Encountering these magnificent creatures on the walking trail is a rare privilege. If such an encounter does occur, remember that these gorillas are wild and may appear unwelcoming. Stay composed, follow your guide's instructions, and find reassurance in the presence of armed rangers flanking your party for safety.

Navigate rivers, streams, swaying bridges, and the damp forest floor, forging a connection to the roots of our own origins. At the journey's culmination, your driver awaits to guide you through dreamlike landscapes, leading you to your luxurious forest cottage perched above the very jungle you've traversed. As the day concludes, relish a well-deserved rest, anticipating the mystic encounter with mountain gorillas that awaits you the following day.

Your first decision lies in choosing between the standard gorilla trek or the more extensive Gorilla Habituation Experience, which grants you a remarkable four hours in the company of these majestic creatures. Months ahead of your forest hike, thoughtful planning is essential due to Uganda Wildlife Authority's (UWA) predetermined arrangements.

Fuel yourself with an early, energy-packed breakfast, favoring fruits and cereal to prepare for the upcoming trek. A lunch pack awaits you at the lodge. By 7:30 am, your driver will ensure you're at the Nkuringo visitor center for a comprehensive briefing. There, you'll be grouped with fellow adventurers, assigned a gorilla group based on your physical abilities, and provided with a walking stick. The warden might recommend a porter – for a mere $20, to support the local community and gain assistance on muddy slopes or with your backpack.

Accompanied by armed rangers and an expert guide, you'll venture into the untamed terrain, disappearing beneath the unmarked forest canopy. The trek can span 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on various factors. Upon locating the habituated gorillas, you'll be granted 60 minutes with them under the standard $700 permit. For a more immersive experience, the $1500 Gorilla Habituation Experience Permit offers up to 4 hours and an earlier start time.

As your eyes meet those of these magnificent creatures and you witness their remarkable social interactions, the memory of the trek's challenges will fade away. Whether in Nkuringo Sector or Rushaga, the thrill of gorilla trekking or habituation will renew your spirit and leave you exhilarated.

Upon your return to Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, the evening provides a chance to unwind after your demanding jungle adventure. Gaze out at the breathtaking landscape, with the Virunga Mountains gracing the backdrop. Local melodies resonate by the campfire and a soothing massage promises to ease any aches from the day's exertions, ensuring you rest well for the night ahead.

On the eleventh day of your all-inclusive journey, experience the enlightening Buniga Forest Batwa Cultural Trail. Delve into the ancestral home of the Batwa people, an indigenous community deeply connected to the land and its secrets. Guided by the Batwa, immerse yourself in their centuries-old traditions, learning about their forest knowledge, hunting techniques, and shelter construction. Engage in vibrant song and dance performances, forging a personal connection and gaining a profound understanding of their resilient history. By participating in this trail, you support preserving their heritage and contributing to their sustainable community, leaving with enriched insights and unforgettable memories.

On the final day of your all-inclusive gorilla & wildlife adventure journey, you'll bid farewell to the captivating forests of Bwindi and embark on a scenic drive back to Entebbe, where your adventure began. As you leave behind the misty mountains and lush landscapes of southwestern Uganda, take a moment to reflect on the incredible experiences and memories you've gained throughout the trip.

During the drive, you'll witness the diverse beauty of Uganda's countryside, passing through rolling hills, tea plantations, and charming rural villages. Share stories and laughter with fellow travelers, cherishing unforgettable encounters with gorillas, chimpanzees, and other wildlife. As you reach Entebbe, a sense of fulfillment and gratitude will accompany you, knowing that you've immersed yourself in Uganda's natural wonders and embraced the warm hospitality of its people. As this chapter concludes, carry the spirit of adventure and the lasting memories with you, ready to embark on new journeys and continue exploring the world.