12-Day Gorillas, Chimps & Wildlife Epic Safari

Embark on the 12-Day Gorillas, Chimps & Wildlife Epic Safari, a journey that brings together Uganda’s most iconic wildlife, landscapes, and cultural experiences. This Uganda Safari Holiday is designed for travelers seeking a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, offering immersive encounters with endangered mountain gorillas, playful chimpanzees, and Uganda’s abundant savannah wildlife. From the cascading waters of Murchison Falls to the misty forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, this safari provides a unique combination of Uganda Wildlife Safaris, Birding Safaris, and Cultural Safaris.

Ultimate Safari Overview

Guided by professional and knowledgeable safari guides, this journey ensures comfort, safety, and expert insight at every step. The itinerary balances thrilling game drives, serene boat cruises, and trekking expeditions with immersive cultural encounters.

Bird enthusiasts will marvel at Uganda’s diverse species, while primate lovers will experience unforgettable chimpanzee tracking and Uganda Gorilla Safaris. Every day of the 12-Day Gorillas, Chimps & Wildlife Epic Safari promises incredible moments, making it one of the most comprehensive safari experiences in East Africa.

Detailed 12-Day Gorillas, Chimps & Wildlife Epic Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Uganda – Welcome to the Pearl of Africa

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly received by your Envubu African Safaris guide. You will then be transferred to Hotel Horizon Entebbe, located on the shores of Lake Victoria. Entebbe offers a tranquil introduction to Uganda, with lush greenery and serene lake views.

Take this day to rest and acclimatize after your journey. Optional activities include exploring Entebbe town or visiting the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, which showcases rescued wildlife. Dinner is a relaxed affair at the hotel or nearby restaurants, allowing you to prepare for the exciting adventure ahead.

Accommodation: Hotel Horizon Entebbe (Mid-range)
Meals: Breakfast included; Lunch and Dinner not included

Day 2: Rhino Tracking and Murchison Falls Adventure

Ziwa-Rhino-Sanctuary

After breakfast, depart for Murchison Falls National Park, with a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for an exciting rhino tracking experience. Trained rangers will guide you to spot the endangered northern white rhinos in their natural habitat, providing a unique wildlife encounter that is part of your Uganda Wildlife Safari.

Continue to Murchison Falls, where the Nile plunges dramatically through a narrow gorge, creating the spectacular “Devil’s Cauldron.” The park is home to elephants, giraffes, lions, hippos, buffaloes, and a variety of bird species, making it a prime destination for both Birding Safaris and wildlife enthusiasts.

Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge (Mid-range, located inside Murchison Falls NP)
Meals: All meals included

Day 3: Game Drives and Nile Boat Safari

Enjoy an early morning game drive on the northern bank of the Nile, observing elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, and buffaloes. The open safari vehicles provide excellent photography opportunities and a chance to see Uganda’s wildlife in its natural habitat.

In the afternoon, embark on a boat safari along the Nile, approaching the base of Murchison Falls. Hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species provide a captivating wildlife spectacle, perfect for Birding Safaris. Return to Pakuba Safari Lodge for a relaxing evening.

Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge (Mid-range, located inside Murchison Falls NP)
Meals: All meals included

Day 4: Transfer to Kibale National Park – Chimpanzee Capital

After breakfast, depart for Kibale National Park, home to 13 primate species, including chimpanzees. The scenic drive passes crater lakes, rolling hills, and small rural villages, offering glimpses of local life and landscapes.

Check-in at Turaco Treetops Lodge, a mid-range lodge bordering the forest. Dinner is included, and your guide will brief you on the following day’s chimpanzee tracking adventure. Kibale is an ideal destination for primate enthusiasts and a highlight of your Uganda Safari Holiday.

Accommodation: Turaco Treetops Lodge (Mid-range, bordering Kibale NP)
Meals: All meals included

Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest

After breakfast, venture into Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee tracking. Guided by expert rangers, you will trek through dense tropical forest, crossing streams and observing chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Other primates, including red-tailed monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys, as well as a rich variety of birds, can be seen during the trek, making this an excellent Birding Safari.

Optional: Visit Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary to see more birds and small primates. Return to Turaco Treetops Lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Turaco Treetops Lodge (Mid-range, bordering Kibale NP)
Meals: All meals included

Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing scenic crater lakes and views of the Rwenzori Mountains. On arrival, enjoy a light game drive en route to the lodge, with chances to see elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and a diversity of bird species – a perfect Birding Safari experience. Check-in at Elephant Hab Lodge, located near the Kyambura Gorge.

Accommodation: Elephant Hab Lodge (Mid-range, outside Kyambura Gorge)
Meals: All meals included

Day 7: Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Embark on an early game drive in Kasenyi Plains, spotting lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes. Proceed to Ishasha, famous for tree-climbing lions, a rare wildlife spectacle. Return to Elephant Hab Lodge for lunch and relaxation. This is a perfect day to experience a full Uganda Wildlife Safari.

Accommodation: Elephant Hab Lodge (Mid-range, outside Kyambura Gorge)
Meals: All meals included

Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Gorilla Trekking Preparation

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

After breakfast, depart for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to endangered mountain gorillas. Travel through the Kigezi Highlands, with breathtaking views of terraced hills and valleys. Check-in at Bweza Gorilla Lodge, a comfortable mid-range lodge near the park, preparing for the next day’s Uganda Gorilla Safari adventure.

Accommodation: Bweza Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range, near Bwindi NP)
Meals: All meals included

Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

After an early breakfast, embark on a guided gorilla trekking expedition in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Trek through dense rainforest to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The one-hour encounter offers amazing photography and observation opportunities.

Optional: For those not trekking, enjoy community walks or short forest walks. Return to Bweza Gorilla Lodge for dinner and overnight stay. This is the pinnacle of your 12-Day Gorillas, Chimps & Wildlife Epic Safari and a highlight of any Uganda Gorilla Safari.

Accommodation: Bweza Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range, near Bwindi NP)
Meals: All meals included

Day 10: Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga National Park

Mgahinga National Park 

Golden Monkey

Drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for a golden monkey trekking adventure. Trek for 2–3 hours through bamboo forests and diverse flora, guided by a park ranger who shares insights about wildlife and conservation. Return to Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge (Mid-range, near Mgahinga NP)
Meals: All meals included

Day 11: Wildlife Safari in Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park

Depart for Lake Mburo National Park, passing scenic plantations and visiting a cultural museum en route. Upon arrival, enjoy a boat safari on Lake Mburo, spotting giraffes, zebras, hippos, and diverse bird species, combining wildlife viewing with Birding Safaris.

Check-in at Rwakobo Rock Lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock Lodge (Mid-range, near Lake Mburo NP)
Meals: All meals included

Day 12: Transfer to Entebbe – Departure

Enjoy an early game drive in Lake Mburo National Park before departing for Entebbe. Stop at the Equator line for photos and lunch along the way. Arrive at Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight, marking the conclusion of the 12-Day Gorillas, Chimps & Wildlife Epic Safari and a memorable Uganda Safari Holiday.

Accommodation: None (End of tour)
Meals: Breakfast included; Lunch optional

Safari Inclusions

  • Airport transfers and transportation in comfortable safari vehicles
  • Mid-range lodge and safari camp accommodations
  • Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner as indicated
  • Park entry fees, gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits
  • Guided game drives, boat safaris, and wildlife excursions
  • Bottled drinking water during safaris
  • Professional English-speaking safari guide

Safari Exclusions

  • International flights to Uganda
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, tips, laundry, etc.)
  • Beverages other than drinking water
  • Optional activities not mentioned

This 12-Day Gorillas, Chimps & Wildlife Epic Safari blends adventure, wildlife, and culture to create the ultimate Uganda Safari Holiday. From chimpanzee tracking to Uganda Gorilla Safaris, boat safaris, and immersive Cultural Safaris, this journey ensures unforgettable experiences, photographs, and memories of Africa’s Pearl.