12-Day Gorillas Chimps Wildlife Epic Uganda Safari

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, a warm welcome will be extended by a professional guide from WildHorn Africa, followed by a comfortable transfer to your hotel in either Entebbe or Kampala. The soothing breeze from Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake, will offer a refreshing introduction to Uganda. A restful evening will be enjoyed in preparation for the thrilling journey that begins the following day.

An early breakfast will be followed by a scenic drive to Murchison Falls National Park, marking the beginning of an exciting adventure. Along the way, a stop will be made at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to enjoy an unforgettable rhino tracking experience. The journey will then continue toward the park, culminating in a visit to the top of Murchison Falls, where the mighty Nile River dramatically squeezes through a narrow 7-meter gorge, creating a powerful and awe-inspiring cascade right before your eyes. This experience is seamlessly arranged by WildHorn Africa.

Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and most expansive conservation area, offers some of the most rewarding game viewing experiences in the country. Following an early breakfast, the day will begin with a game drive along the northern banks of the Nile River, where sightings of giraffes, elephants, hartebeests, buffaloes, lions, leopards, and an array of bird species can be anticipated. Witnessing wildlife in their natural environment—feeding, nurturing their young, and interacting within their herds—is a truly remarkable experience.

Later in the afternoon, the adventure continues with a tranquil boat safari along the River Nile. This relaxing cruise presents additional chances to observe wildlife and birds from a unique perspective. The journey culminates at the base of the spectacular Murchison Falls, famously known as the ‘Devil’s Cauldron,’ where the river explodes through a narrow gorge with immense power. Such a dramatic and exclusive river safari experience can only be encountered in Uganda and is thoughtfully organized by WildHorn Africa.

The journey today will lead to Kibale National Park, widely regarded as the primate capital of East Africa and the renowned home of chimpanzees. This lush forest sanctuary shelters 13 different primate species, with chimpanzee tracking being the highlight of the experience. As the drive unfolds, breathtaking scenery will be enjoyed, including glimpses of charming rural villages, bustling local markets, and abundant birdlife along the way. The day’s travel will be accompanied by a packed lunch or a meal stop in a town en route, all thoughtfully arranged by WildHorn Africa.

Kibale National Park, celebrated as the primate capital of East Africa, offers a truly enriching chimpanzee trekking experience. This adventure leads deep into the heart of a vibrant tropical forest, crossing gentle streams and winding trails. Along the way, encounters with red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, colorful butterflies, and a chorus of birds calling from the treetops may be enjoyed. With expert guidance from a professional WildHorn Africa guide, chimpanzees will be carefully located, allowing for memorable photography and the chance to observe their natural behavior as they interact, feed, and play.

Following the trek and a refreshing lunch, an optional visit to Bigodi Village and its renowned swamp may be arranged, time permitting. This wetland area is celebrated for its remarkable diversity of bird species and primates, adding another layer of ecological richness to the day’s experience.

After breakfast, the journey will proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park, offering scenic views of crater lakes and the majestic Rwenzori Mountain Ranges along the way. Upon entering the park, a brief game drive will be enjoyed en route to the lodge, setting the stage for an afternoon filled with remarkable wildlife encounters.

Following lunch, a serene boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel will be experienced, providing a relaxed yet immersive opportunity to observe wildlife. The channel’s banks are teeming with birdlife, while crocodiles and elephants are often seen along the shoreline. This scenic excursion, arranged by WildHorn Africa, also presents excellent opportunities for photography in the heart of Uganda’s most biodiverse landscape.

As the day begins, wildlife can be observed in their natural social structures—families, clans, and groups—moving freely through the vast landscapes, offering a striking contrast to those seen in confined zoo environments. A guided game drive across the Kasenyi plains will be undertaken in open-roof safari vehicles, allowing unobstructed views of the park’s rich biodiversity.

The journey will then continue to the Ishasha sector, famously known for its unique population of tree-climbing lions. With the assistance of experienced rangers, efforts will be made to locate these elusive predators lounging in fig or acacia trees. Lunch will be enjoyed as a picnic in the wild or served at the lodge, depending on the day’s timing and conditions, with all arrangements seamlessly managed by WildHorn Africa.

The journey today will lead to the majestic home of the gentle giants—Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This rewarding drive winds through the stunning Kigezi Highlands, renowned for their dramatic terraced hills and breathtaking scenery. Depending on the arrival time, lunch will either be enjoyed en route or served at the lodge upon check-in.

Accommodation will be provided within or near the boundaries of the dense forest, offering a peaceful and immersive environment ideal for rest and rejuvenation. This serene setting, arranged by WildHorn Africa, provides the perfect atmosphere to unwind and prepare for the unforgettable gorilla trekking experience awaiting the following day.

The most anticipated moment of the safari will unfold with an encounter with the magnificent mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This ancient rainforest, teeming with biodiversity, is home to a wide variety of birds, butterflies, primates, and other forest-dwelling mammals. Accompanied by an experienced guide and park ranger from WildHorn Africa, the trek will lead deep into the lush terrain in search of these rare and powerful creatures.

Eventually, a face-to-face meeting with the gorillas will be experienced—an awe-inspiring and emotional connection with one of the world’s most endangered primates. The trek can vary in duration, ranging from one to eight hours, depending on the gorillas’ location. However, once located, visitors are granted one unforgettable hour to observe and photograph these gentle giants in their natural habitat. For those who opt not to participate in gorilla tracking, optional activities such as a cultural village walk or a short guided forest excursion may be arranged to ensure an enriching day.

An early morning departure from Bwindi will lead to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, a scenic journey of approximately two hours. Upon arrival, golden monkey trekking will commence—a unique experience offering the chance to encounter this rare and endemic primate species found only in the Virunga volcanic region. The trek winds through the lush bamboo forests and diverse vegetation of Mgahinga, including distinctive flora such as giant lobelia.

Guided by an experienced ranger from WildHorn Africa, insights into the park’s ecological significance, history, and rich biodiversity will be shared throughout the trek. The entire experience typically lasts between two to three hours, after which a return to your reserved accommodation will provide a comfortable and restful overnight stay.

The journey to Lake Mburo National Park will unfold through scenic countryside marked by rolling landscapes, plantations, and rural farms. Along the way, a visit will be made to a cultural museum showcasing the traditional lifestyles and heritage of the local communities in the region. Lunch or a picnic will be enjoyed at a selected restaurant en route.

Arrival at the park is expected later in the afternoon, followed by a peaceful boat excursion on Lake Mburo. This experience, thoughtfully arranged by WildHorn Africa, provides an ideal opportunity to take in the park’s natural beauty from the water while observing its vibrant birdlife and aquatic wildlife.

Following an early breakfast, a game drive will be conducted within Lake Mburo National Park, offering one last chance to spot wildlife in this picturesque savannah setting. The journey will then continue toward Entebbe, including a stop at the iconic Equator line for a brief visit and photo opportunity. Lunch will be enjoyed along the way before proceeding to the airport, with arrival scheduled for the afternoon. All arrangements will be smoothly handled by WildHorn Africa.