12-Day Big 5, Chimp & Gorilla Trekking Safari

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport and transfer to Kampala for a city tour

1. Kampala
   Pass by
   Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, a representative from Exclusive Gorilla Vacations will warmly welcome you and provide a detailed briefing for your 12-day safari. Begin your adventure with a scenic drive to Kampala, Uganda's vibrant capital, and an exciting city tour. Visit the Kasubi Tombs, a sacred burial site of Buganda kings, and explore the Kabaka’s Palace, which holds Uganda's historical legacy in Amin’s notorious chambers. At the Buganda Parliament, immerse yourself in Uganda's political heritage before heading to the Gaddafi National Mosque, where climbing the minaret offers breathtaking city views. Experience local life at Owino and Nakasero markets, bustling with colorful produce, spices, and crafts, capturing the city's dynamic spirit. After the enriching day, relax at your pre-booked lodge, where a delightful dinner and restful overnight stay prepare you for the thrilling journey ahead.

Day 2: Transfer to Murchison falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino sanactuary for Rhino Tracking

1. Murchison Falls National Park
   6h
   On this day, you will enjoy your breakfast at your hotel in Kampala set off for Ziwa Rhino sanctuary. I really advise that you make this stop over since it will give you the complete feel of the “big five” in Uganda. With an en-route lunch, you shall make a stopover at the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary to track the endangered southern white rhinos before continuing to Murchison. Ziwa rhino sanctuary is home and the breeding place to the endangered southern white rhinos for their re introduction into the wild where they existed before being wiped out in the 1980s. It is the only place where they can be spotted in the wild. Then proceed to Murchison Falls National Park. Later visit the magnificent Murchison Falls. Marvel at the breathtaking views and the thunderous sound of the falls as they squeeze through the narrow gorge, cascading into the pool below. The driver/guide will then transfer you to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Morning game drive, afternoon boat cruise and evening gamedrive

1. Murchison Falls National Park
   6h
   Start your day at 6 am with coffee and a snack before setting out on an exciting game drive in Murchison Falls National Park. The early hours offer prime chances to spot nocturnal creatures and predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas before they retreat. Keep your camera ready for antelopes, giraffes, buffaloes, and hippos, especially the park’s Nubian giraffes. Your guide will share insights, enriching the experience. After a breakfast break, continue the drive, then return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a 3-hour Nile River boat cruise, spotting crocodiles, hippos, and aquatic birds, with chances to see elephants and buffaloes along the banks. Afterward, embark on an evening drive to catch more wildlife, with cooler temperatures drawing out herbivores and nocturnal predators. End the day with dinner and a restful night at the lodge, cherishing the day's memorable encounters.

Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

1. Kibale National Park
   6h
   Wake early in the morning and prepare yourself for breakfast and be served breakfast at 6:20 am. Move with your bags and officially check out as they are loaded to your vehicle. After breakfast drive to Kibale forest National Park which is home to the 15 primate species like chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, mangabeys. You will have various stopovers like at the Butiaba Escarpment to have a clear view of Lake Albert and the Eastern arm of the Great East African Rift Valley. You will have enroute lunch on your way, then enjoy the road trip and the beautiful sceneries of the tea plantations in Fort portal. Check-in at your booked lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight stay in anticipation for the chimpanzee tracking.

Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi community walk

1. Kibale National Park
   5h
   Begin your day with an early breakfast, then head to the park headquarters for a briefing on chimpanzee tracking. Guided by an expert, trek through the forest, known as the world’s primate capital, to encounter chimpanzees and other primates like L’hoest monkeys, colobus monkeys, and baboons. Spend an hour observing the playful interactions and feeding habits of the chimps. Look out for forest birds such as the African broadbill and Ross' turaco, along with colorful butterflies and unique flora. After lunch, take an evening tour of Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, famous for colobus and blue monkeys, as well as rich birdlife. Enjoy a community walk in Bigodi, experiencing traditional homesteads, banana products, coffee making, local healers, basket weaving, cultural dances, and more. End the day with dinner and a restful stay at your lodge, reflecting on a day of wildlife encounters and cultural immersion.

Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, visit lake Katwe experience and evening game drive

1. Queen Elizabeth National Park
   5h
   Start your day with an early breakfast at the lodge, then head to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Upon arrival, visit Katwe Wildlife Sanctuary to explore the unique Katwe Salt Lake, one of the park's explosive crater lakes. Discover the salt extraction process, learning about both traditional and past industrial methods. Witness the importance of salt mining and fishing on Lake Edward to the local economy. Stop by nearby Lake Munyanyange, home to over 40 bird species, including flamingos, geese, gulls, and terns. Later, enjoy an evening game drive in the Kasenyi plains, where you’ll spot wildlife such as elephants, buffaloes, kobs, warthogs, and waterbucks. Keep an eye out for lions, leopards, and hyenas as they prepare for the night. Take in the beautiful sunset over the savannah before returning to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay, cherishing the memories made during this eventful day.

Day 7: Morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise and Transfer to Ishasha sector for tree climbing lions

1. 6h
   Start your day with a fresh cup of coffee before setting off on an exciting morning game drive across the Kasenyi plains. Here, the golden savanna is teeming with wildlife, including Cape buffaloes, elephants, warthogs, waterbucks, and Uganda kob. Watch for lions, leopards, and spotted hyenas that roam these plains, along with vibrant bird species gracing the sky. After an eventful drive, unwind over lunch in a serene spot, refueling for the afternoon's adventure. Then, embark on a memorable boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, famous for its high concentration of hippos, Nile crocodiles, and diverse birdlife. The shores come alive with hundreds of birds, and mammals gathering to drink and play in the water. Following this scenic cruise, head to the Ishasha sector and check into your lodge for a delightful dinner and an overnight stay, reflecting on the day’s extraordinary encounters.

Day 8: Morning game drive in Ishasha sector & Transfer to Bwindi National Park for gorilla tracking

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
   6h
   After a delightful breakfast, embark on a photographic safari in the Ishasha sector, a hidden gem in Queen Elizabeth National Park’s southern reaches. Seek out the famous "tree climbing lions" as they lounge gracefully in the branches of towering fig trees, their golden coats glowing in the sunlight. Along the rugged terrain, encounter other wildlife like herds of buffaloes, elephants, and elegant topi antelopes. Keep your camera ready to capture the vibrant birdlife painting the sky. Pause for a leisurely lunch at the lodge or amidst scenic surroundings as you journey towards Bwindi Forest. Arrive at Bwindi National Park by evening, embraced by the tranquility of the forest, and unwind with a nourishing dinner and overnight stay. Note: Today's transfer could be up to 7 hours depending on road conditions and gorilla permit allocation. Your specific gorilla trekking location and accommodations will depend on permit availability, ensuring a personalized and unforgettable experience.

Day 9: Gorilla tracking experience and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
   7h
   Prepare for an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure with an early rise and the right attire: long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, waterproof shoes, a jacket, hat, and gloves to tackle the forest's unpredictable weather. After breakfast and packing a lunch, join your guide for a pre-trek briefing on safety and etiquette. Alongside eight trekkers, an experienced guide, and armed rangers, set off into the forest, navigating trails that range from 45 minutes to 6 hours depending on the gorilla family’s location. Look out for forest elephants and unique birds along the way. Upon locating the gorillas, enjoy an hour observing their interactions under the silverback’s watchful gaze, while maintaining respectful distance. After the trek, receive a certificate for supporting conservation efforts. End the day with a drive to Lake Bunyonyi, where a well-deserved dinner and comfortable overnight stay await, allowing you to reflect on the awe-inspiring encounter with these endangered gorillas.

Day 10: Morning Boat Ride and Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

1. Lake Mburo National Park
   6h
   After enjoying breakfast, embark on a morning boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi, exploring its fascinating islands and uncovering their intriguing stories. Visit landmarks such as Akampene, known as Punishment Island, where unmarried pregnant girls were historically taken by the Kiga people for punishment, often resulting in tragic outcomes.
   Experience the tour aboard your private motorized canoe with a knowledgeable guide, enhancing your journey with captivating insights. Lake Bunyonyi, acclaimed as the second deepest lake in Africa and the deepest in Uganda, offers a serene retreat following the exhilarating gorilla trekking safari.
   Following your memorable boat ride, commence your return journey to Lake Mburo National Park with your en route lunch in Mbarara. Then check in at your reserved hotel for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Day 11: Morning Nature walk and transfer to Entebbe

1. Entebbe
   6h
   Rise and shine early to savor a delicious breakfast before embarking on an exciting adventure. Dive into the unique experience of nature walk within Lake Mburo National Park, where you'll have the rare opportunity to spot wildlife while walking. Capture unforgettable moments with your camera as you traverse the picturesque landscape. After two hours of thrilling nature walk, journey to Jinja for an adrenaline-pumping bungee jumping experience. Along the way, make a stop at the equator to participate in the water experiment, exploring the hemispheres and the Coriolis effect. Capture memories at the equator monument before continuing your drive to Entebbe. Upon arrival, check in at your reserved lodge for a cozy dinner and a comfortable overnight stay, reminiscing about the day's adventures.

Day 12: Shoebill tracking at Mabamba swamp and Transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your flight

1. Mabamba Swamp Shoebill Bird Watching
   5h · Admission ticket included
   Wake up and prepare yourselves and have breakfast. There after embark on the journey to Nakiwoggo Landing site to boat the small boat that will ride to mabamba swamp along lake victoria to search for the majestic shoebill stork a historical bird. While you look for the shoebill, you will spot other birds species like weaver birds, herons, Egrets, Pelicans, Cormorants, Jackanas among others. Mabamba swamp is an Important Birding Area(IBA).
   After the boat ride head back to your lodge and have lunch and prepare yourselves for your flight back home and that will mark the end of our incredible safari in Uganda.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels