The 12-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari introduces travelers to Uganda’s breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife, including African elephants, cape buffaloes, rhinos, leopards, and a variety of birds such as the grey-crowned crane and shoebill, along with primates like chimpanzees and colobus monkeys. Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest park at approximately 3,840 square kilometers, is home to about 76 mammal species, including lions, elephants, and chimpanzees, as well as around 451 bird species. Notably, it features the rare shoebill and giant kingfisher.
Kibale Forest National Park, known as “The Primate Capital of the World,” has over 1,500 chimpanzees, including 120 habituated ones. It also hosts 13 primate species, 120 other mammals, and more than 300 bird species. Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most popular park. Famous for its tree-climbing lions, it is home to about 95 mammal species, including elephants and leopards, along with over 600 bird species, such as the African skimmer and grey-headed kingfisher.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, one of Uganda’s oldest forests, shelters nearly half the world’s mountain gorilla population, making it ideal for gorilla trekking. The park has about 120 mammal species and around 350 bird species. Lake Mburo National Park, the smallest savannah park, is known for its herds of zebras and other wildlife, including hippos and leopards, as well as around 350 bird species like the pied kingfisher and black-bellied bustard.
Day 1: Pick up from Entebbe International Airport – Drive to your Hotel
On Day 1 of the 12-day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari, our friendly and professional driver guide will warmly welcome you at Entebbe International Airport. He’ll take a moment to greet you and provide a thoughtful briefing about your upcoming adventure. Afterward, you’ll be taken to your hotel, where you can relax and unwind after your long journey, ensuring you feel refreshed and ready for the exciting days ahead.
Location: Kampala Uganda
Accommodation Option:
| Luxury | Latitude 0 Degrees or Similar |
Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner, a selection of drinks, laundry, and activities at the lodge
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Day 2: Drive to Murchison Falls National Park with a stopover at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
After enjoying a warm breakfast at your hotel, you’ll begin your journey to the beautiful Murchison Falls National Park. Along the way, you’ll have the heartfelt opportunity to visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, nestled along Gulu Highway. This remarkable sanctuary is the only place in Uganda where you can witness the endangered rhinos in their natural habitat, a truly moving experience that highlights the beauty of these magnificent creatures.
You’ll encounter various antelopes as you explore the sanctuary, such as Uganda kobs, bushbucks, oribis, and waterbucks. Look out for the vibrant birdlife, including the majestic Shoebill, the elegant Grey-Crowned Crane, and the African Fish Eagle. Each sighting reminds you of the rich biodiversity that thrives in this area.
After a fulfilling morning, you’ll return for a special lunch before continuing your journey to Murchison Falls National Park. You can unwind with a delicious dinner and rest for the night, preparing for more adventures.
Location: Murchison Falls National Park
Accommodation Option:
| Luxury | Paraa Safari Lodge or Similar |
Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner, a selection of drinks, laundry, and activities at the lodge
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Day 3: Murchison Falls National Park – Morning Game drive – Launch Cruise and Hike to the Top of the falls
On Day 3 of your unforgettable 12 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari, begin your morning with a delectable breakfast, setting the stage for an exciting adventure. Prepare to embark on an exhilarating drive through the park’s diverse landscapes as you seek its remarkable wildlife. Get ready for up-close encounters with majestic buffaloes, elephants, lions, leopards, bushbucks, giraffes, warthogs, and the rare Jackson’s hartebeest, as well as crocodiles, hippos, and the iconic Uganda kob. After this thrilling safari experience, you’ll return to your lodge for a leisurely lunch and well-deserved rest.
Indulge in a picturesque boat cruise upstream to the majestic bottom of Murchison Falls in the afternoon. This stunning journey lasts approximately three hours and offers breathtaking views of the falls. Keep your camera ready to capture incredible sights, from giant Nile crocodiles basking in the sun to herds of hippos lounging by the water’s edge. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the chance to spot various species, including the elusive shoebill, the striking grey-crowned crane, and the vibrant Malachite kingfisher, among many others.
Once the cruise ends, you’ll connect with a scenic hike to the top of the falls, where you’ll be awestruck by the thundering waters of Murchison Falls. Take in the stunning vistas and snap plenty of photos to cherish the memories of Uganda, famously known as the Pearl of Africa. After an adventure-filled day, return to your accommodation to relax and savor a delightful dinner, preparing for another exciting day.
Location: Murchison Falls National Park
Accommodation Option:
| Luxury | Paraa Safari Lodge or Similar |
Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner, a selection of drinks, laundry, and activities at the lodge
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Day 4: Drive to Kibale Forest National Park –Visit Bigodi Wetland and Community
On day 4 of your unforgettable 12-day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari, after enjoying a hearty breakfast, you will embark on a scenic transfer to Kibale Forest National Park in the picturesque Kabarole district of Western Uganda. This drive, lasting approximately 5 hours, promises breathtaking views of Uganda’s diverse landscapes, making every moment worthwhile. A delightful lunch stop in Fort Portal, known as the Tourism City of Uganda, will add to the experience.
After lunch, you will explore the enchanting Bigodi Wetland during a captivating swamp walk. This excursion allows you to observe various butterfly species and an array of birds, including the Black-crowned Waxbill, White-spotted Flufftail, and the striking Yellow-billed Barbet, among many others. Following the swamp walk, immerse yourself in the local culture with a community walk, where you’ll have the opportunity to taste unique gins brewed from bananas, see traditional craft making, and learn about coffee processing. You’ll then return to your accommodation for a delicious dinner and a restful overnight stay, setting the stage for more adventures.
Location: Kibale Forest National Park
Accommodation Option:
| Luxury | Kyaninga Lodge or Similar |
Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner, a selection of drinks, laundry, and activities at the lodge
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Day 5: Kibale National park – Chimpanzee Trekking – Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After enjoying a hearty breakfast on your Chimpanzee Trekking day, you’ll be ready to dress appropriately for the adventure ahead. Wear a long-sleeved shirt, a sturdy pair of khaki or jean trousers, a round cap, waterproof boots, and a heavy sweater to protect against falling branches and unpredictable weather. Don’t forget to pack some energy-boosting snacks and plenty of drinking water to stay hydrated during the trek, lasting anywhere from 1 to 4 hours.
Next, you’ll head to the Kanyanchu Visitor Center for an essential briefing on the park’s Do’s and Don’ts. You’ll be assigned a specific chimpanzee family to observe and a knowledgeable park ranger who will guide you throughout the trek. As you embark on this exciting journey, you’ll have the opportunity to spot various primates, mammals, and birds. Locating chimpanzees is more straightforward than finding gorillas, given their loud, playful screams echoing through the trees.
Once you find them, you’ll enjoy a maximum of 1 hour in their fascinating presence, observing their behaviors, social interactions, feeding habits, and playtime. Feel free to ask your park ranger as many questions as necessary to enhance your experience. After this incredible trek, you’ll drive for approximately 3 hours to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you will enjoy a well-deserved dinner followed by a restful overnight stay.
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Option:
| Luxury | Mweya Safari Lodge or Similar |
Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner, a selection of drinks, laundry, and activities at the lodge
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Day 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Morning Game drive – Optional Experiential Lion and Leopard Tracking – Boat Cruise along Kazinga Channel
On Day 6 of your 12 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari, we’ll start the morning with a warm and hearty breakfast, setting a positive tone for the day. As we drive into the breathtaking savannah plains, we’ll keep our eyes open for the incredible wildlife that calls this place home. Early mornings are a magical time, as the lions, leopards, jackals, hyenas, and other creatures begin their day searching for food.
For those who wish to deepen their connection with nature, we offer a unique experiential lion and leopard tracking experience. This involves maneuvering off the beaten path and using radio collars to track these magnificent animals. You’ll learn more about their population, behavior, and lifestyles along the way. This enriching experience is available for an additional $250 per person.
After a well-deserved lunch, we’ll embark on a mesmerizing boat cruise along the serene Kazinga Channel. This incredible journey showcases the park’s stunning beauty and provides a chance to witness the impressive herds of hippos. The Kazinga Channel is renowned for having Uganda’s highest concentration of hippos, a sight to behold. Keep your eyes peeled for the majestic Nile crocodiles basking on the riverbanks, and for bird enthusiasts, the area is a treasure trove of avian wonders. You’ll have the opportunity to spot unique species such as the African fish eagle, grey-headed kingfisher, rare saddle-billed stork, yellow-billed stork, African skimmer, Nubian woodpecker, swamp nightjar, swamp flycatcher, grey-capped warbler, and little bee-eater, among many others. It promises to be a day filled with awe and appreciation for the natural world.
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Option:
| Luxury | Mweya Safari Lodge or Similar |
Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner, a selection of drinks, laundry, and activities at the lodge
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Day 7: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park through the Ishasha sector
Upon waking up, you’ll kick off your day with a hearty breakfast before leaving your accommodation. You’ll then embark on an exciting journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, nestled in the stunning southwestern region of Uganda. The drive will take approximately 5 hours, but the adventure begins as you traverse the Ishasha sector. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to spot the remarkable tree-climbing lions along with a variety of other wildlife, including elephants, Topis, aardvarks, Uganda kobs, hippos, leopards, waterbucks, and more that inhabit this vibrant area of the park. We’ll stop for a delicious lunch in Kihihi before continuing our trek to the park, where you’ll enjoy dinner and settle in for a restful overnight stay.
Location: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Accommodation Option:
| Luxury | Buhoma Lodge or Similar |
Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner, a selection of drinks, laundry, and activities at the lodge
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Day 8: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park – Gorilla Trekking – Batwa Community Encounter
On Day 8 of your safari, start with an early breakfast and dress in a long-sleeved shirt, khaki or denim trousers, a round cap, waterproof boots, and a rain jacket. Don’t forget to pack energy snacks and mineral water for your trek.
Drive to the park headquarters for a briefing on mountain gorilla etiquette. A park ranger will guide you, and you’ll be assigned a gorilla family to observe. The trek may last 1 to 7 hours, during which you might see black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and various forest dwellers like elephants and antelopes. Spend up to one hour with the gorillas, enjoying their activities and learning from your guide. After returning for lunch at your accommodation, visit the Batwa community to learn about their traditional way of life and enjoy their dances and stories. End the day with dinner and an overnight stay.
Location: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Accommodation Option:
| Luxury | Buhoma Lodge or Similar |
Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner, a selection of drinks, laundry, and activities at the lodge
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Day 9: Drive to Lake Bunyonyi
Day 9 of your 12 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari promises to be unforgettable, starting with a hearty and delicious breakfast. You’ll then embark on a scenic 3-hour drive to Lake Bunyonyi, located in the stunning southwestern region of Uganda, right at the border with Rwanda. Renowned for its breathtaking views, Lake Bunyonyi is the deepest lake in Uganda and is home to 29 diverse islands. This tranquil setting provides the perfect atmosphere for relaxation, complemented by a fresh climate and stunning vistas of the Virunga Mountain ranges. Once you arrive, you’ll have the entire day to unwind and soak in the beauty of this remarkable area.
Location: Lake Bunyonyi
Accommodation Option:
| Luxury | Arcadia Cottage Lake Bunyonyi or Similar |
Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner, a selection of drinks, laundry, activities at the lodge
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Day 10: Lake Bunyonyi – Relaxation at Leisure
On this special day of your safari, we’ve planned various enjoyable activities designed to refresh and rejuvenate your spirit after your adventures. You can choose from soothing options like canoeing, swimming, cycling, birding, or visiting local communities, allowing you to engage in what brings you the most joy. Take this time to unwind and spend the day in a way that feels right for you, at your own pace. We hope you feel relaxed and fulfilled in these moments.
Location: Lake Bunyonyi
Accommodation Option:
| Luxury | Arcadia Cottage Lake Bunyonyi or Similar |
Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner, a selection of drinks, laundry, and activities at the lodge
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Day 11: Drive to Lake Mburo National Park – Evening to Night Game drive
As you begin day 11 of your incredible 12-day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari, a delightful breakfast awaits you to fuel your day. Afterward, your journey continues to the serene Lake Mburo National Park, where you can look forward to a hearty lunch that will nourish and refresh you.
Once you’ve settled in, the afternoon offers a chance to unwind at the lodge, allowing you to soak in the peaceful surroundings and recharge. An exciting night game drive awaits as evening falls, accompanied by a knowledgeable armed park ranger. With spotlight torches in hand, you’ll have the opportunity to observe the enchanting nocturnal wildlife that calls this park home, including hyenas, hares, and even elusive leopards.
As you venture through the park, watch for fascinating creatures like jackals, bush pigs, and civets. Witnessing the natural world at night, mainly as hippos graze in the moonlit grass, is a truly magical experience. After this unforgettable adventure, you will return to your accommodation for a comforting dinner and a restful night’s sleep, reflecting on the day’s wonders.
Location: Lake Mburo National Park
Accommodation Option:
| Luxury | Mihingo Lodge or Similar |
Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner, a selection of drinks, laundry, and activities at the lodge
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Day 12: Lake Mburo National Park – Nature walk or Horse Riding – Drive to Entebbe International Airport or your Hotel
On the final day of your unforgettable 12-day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari, start your morning with a hearty breakfast to fuel your adventure ahead. Then, immerse yourself in the park’s natural beauty with a refreshing Nature walk or an exhilarating horse ride. Spend the next 2 to 3 hours deep into the enchanting bush trails off the beaten path. Here, you’ll have the chance to witness majestic herds of zebras, Elands, giraffes, impalas, Defassa waterbucks, buffalos, oribis, leopards, hippos, hyenas, topis, and reedbuck, among others, creating memories that will last a lifetime. After this extraordinary experience, you will return to Entebbe International Airport or your hotel, which will be filled with unforgettable moments. Thank you for choosing Gorilla Page Safaris for your 12 Days at Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari. We look forward to welcoming you back for another adventure!
Location: Kampala (City)
Accommodation Option: No
Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
The Safari Package Includes:
Return airport transfers (pick up and drop off)
Private transport for 12 days in a well-modified safari Extended land cruiser (4WD, air-conditioned and pop-up roof)
Rhino Tracking in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Flue for 12 days
English safari driver guide for 12 days
Luxury accommodation for 10 nights on the entire board (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
All en-route meals and bottled mineral water throughout your tour
All park entrance and activities feel and all applicable government taxes
Night game in Lake Mburo National Park
Horse Riding in Lake Mburo National Park
Bigodi sanctuary swamp and community safari
1 Chimpanzee Trekking permit per person (Kibale Forest National Park)
1 Mountain gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park (Buhoma sector )
A visit to the Equator landmark
Batwa Community Encounter
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Alcoholic and other soft drinks (sodas, special juice orders at the lodge, and wines)
The Safari Package Excludes:
International and domestic flights
Country entry visa
Personal travel insurance
Items of personal nature/laundry/telephone charges
Souvenirs and gifts, Tips
Passenger Information on 12 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari
In case of non-availability, we may have to reroute and provide alternative accommodation at lodges of a similar category.
Passengers should bring only soft-sided bags on safaris as our vehicles have limited luggage space.
All the passengers must have an Identification Card/Passport throughout their travel.
Quote for this Tour
| Number of Persons | 1 Person | 2 Pax (1 Room) | 4 Pax (2 Rooms) | 6 Pax or More (Room Sharing) |
| Price in USD | 14,930 | 12,920 | 10,630 | 9,150 |
Our Safari Vehicles Seating Plan - 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser Extended
All our Safari vehicles are Toyota Land-cruiser 4×4 with pop-up roofs. The vehicles are serviced and maintained to a very high standard before, during and after every safari. Paradise Adventure Vacations Ltd offering all-wheel drive safari vehicles suitable for off-road driving, which enable travelers to discover the magical areas of East Africa in a pleasant and reliable manner.
Our fleet consists of 4×4 Toyota Land cruisers with a hinged roof and skylights above the front seats. The hinged roof offers two main advantages: it provides shade without restricting the view, so that you can enjoy your safari even in the very sunny hours of the day. It also allows a 360-degree all-round view.
Our Vehicles Are Equipped With:
- Adjustable comfortable seats
- Electric refrigerator for drinks
- High-performance shock absorbers
- Tool & first aid kit
- Adapters and battery chargers
Due to the difficult ground and road conditions inside and outside the national parks and wildlife reserves, a four-wheel drive vehicle is not only recommended, but also crucial for an eventful safari.
