9 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Wildlife Safari

Embark on an unforgettable luxury safari adventure with Rwakabunga Safaris, designed to showcase Uganda’s most iconic wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes. This 9-day journey combines the thrill of tracking endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi, the excitement of chimpanzee trekking in Kibale, and the beauty of game drives and boat safaris in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks. Throughout the safari, you will stay at hand-picked luxury lodges offering comfort, exclusivity, and world-class service, making your experience not only adventurous but also indulgent.

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe

On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly received by a Rwakabunga Safaris representative and transferred to your luxury hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may take a short tour of Entebbe Botanical Gardens or enjoy a sunset boat cruise on Lake Victoria. Later, relax at your lodge where you will be briefed about your upcoming adventure while enjoying a fine dining experience and the tranquil ambiance of Uganda’s gateway city.

Accommodation Options: Hotel No.5, Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa, Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe
Meals: (Dinner)

Day 2: Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park

After breakfast, drive or take a scenic flight to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and most spectacular park. En route, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino tracking experience. Continue into the park, where you will be treated to breathtaking views of the powerful Murchison Falls, the world’s strongest waterfall, before settling into your luxury lodge. In the evening, relax with sundowners overlooking the Nile River.

Accommodation Options: Nile Safari Lodge, Bakers Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: Game Drives and Boat Safari in Murchison Falls

Rise early for a sunrise game drive across the vast savannah in search of lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and the elusive leopard. Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast, followed by leisure time. In the afternoon, enjoy a luxury boat safari along the Nile River to the base of the falls, where hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species thrive. You may also hike to the top of the falls for spectacular views and photography.

Accommodation Options: Nile Safari Lodge, Bakers Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4: Murchison Falls to Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive or charter flight to Kibale Forest National Park, known as the primate capital of Africa. Upon arrival, check into your luxury lodge nestled in a lush tropical setting. Spend the afternoon at leisure, exploring the beautiful landscapes or enjoying a nature walk in the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, famous for its birdlife and monkeys. In the evening, unwind with a gourmet dinner overlooking the forest.
Accommodation Options: Kyaninga Lodge, Crater Safari Lodge, Ndali Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest

Today, set out for a guided chimpanzee trekking experience, one of the highlights of your safari. As you walk through the forest, you may encounter several other primates such as red colobus monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and olive baboons. Spend time observing the chimps in their natural habitat before returning to your lodge for relaxation. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided forest walk or simply indulge in your lodge’s luxury amenities.

Accommodation Options: Kyaninga Lodge, Crater Safari Lodge, Ndali Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6: Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, drive through the scenic crater lakes region to Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife. Arrive in time for lunch at your lodge, followed by a late afternoon game drive in the Kasenyi plains where you may spot lions, elephants, and antelopes against the backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains. End the day with sundowners and a fine dining experience at your lodge.

Accommodation Options: Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge, Elephant Plains Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7: Game Drive and Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel

Rise early for a morning game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park, searching for elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, and the elusive tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector. Return to the lodge for breakfast and leisure. In the afternoon, take a luxury boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George, renowned for its hippos, crocodiles, and incredible birdlife.

Accommodation Options: Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge, Elephant Plains Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8: Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After breakfast, set off for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The drive takes you through rolling hills, tea plantations, and local villages, offering scenic views of rural Uganda. Arrive at your luxury forest lodge in time for lunch, followed by a relaxed afternoon with breathtaking views of the mist-covered rainforest. Enjoy a cultural performance by the Batwa community in the evening.

Accommodation Options: Bwindi Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9: Gorilla Trekking – Departure via Kigali

Today is the highlight of your safari as you set out for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience. Led by experienced rangers, you will trek through dense rainforest until you come face-to-face with a gorilla family. Spend an awe-inspiring hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat. After the trek, return to the lodge for a late lunch and freshen up before your transfer to Kigali for your departure flight, marking the end of your incredible Uganda adventure.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch)

End of the 9 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Wildlife Safari.