18-day Uganda gorilla trekking & safari tours

Embark on an unforgettable 18-day Uganda gorilla trekking & safari tours adventure through Uganda, the “Pearl of Africa,” featuring all 10 of Uganda’s breathtaking national parks. This safari takes you from the majestic Mount Elgon to the remote wilderness of Kidepo Valley, the savannah plains of Murchison Falls, and the pristine rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Encounter diverse wildlife, trek to see mountain gorillas,

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe

Welcome to Uganda! Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you’ll be met by a World Blossom Safaris representative and transferred to your hotel in Entebbe for a briefing about your 18-day adventure. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

• Accommodation: 2 Friends Beach Hotel Entebbe

Day 2: Transfer to Mount Elgon National Park

After breakfast, begin your journey eastward to Mount Elgon National Park, renowned for its scenic beauty and one of the largest volcanic bases in the world. En route, stop for lunch in Mbale before proceeding to your lodge.

• Accommodation: Sipi River Lodge

Day 3: Sipi Falls Hike and Exploration

Today, explore the stunning Sipi Falls, a series of three waterfalls nestled at the foothills of Mount Elgon. Enjoy a guided hike through local villages, coffee farms, and beautiful landscapes. The afternoon is at leisure to relax or explore further.

• Accommodation: Sipi River Lodge

Day 4: Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park

Depart early for a scenic drive north to Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda’s most remote and less-visited park. En route, enjoy the changing landscapes and diverse cultural experiences. Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon and relax after the long drive.

• Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge

Day 5: Full Day Safari in Kidepo Valley National Park

Embark on a full-day game drive in Kidepo Valley, famous for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, including lions, elephants, zebras, and cheetahs. In the afternoon, visit the Karamojong community to learn about their unique culture and way of life.

• Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge

Day 6: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Travel to Murchison Falls National Park, stopping en route at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a walking safari to track rhinos. Continue to Murchison Falls, arriving in time to relax at your lodge overlooking the Nile River.

• Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge

Day 7: Game Drive and Boat Safari in Murchison Falls

Enjoy an early morning game drive in the park’s northern sector, where you may spot lions, elephants, giraffes, and a variety of antelope species. In the afternoon, take a boat safari on the Nile River to the base of the powerful Murchison Falls, followed by a hike to the top for breathtaking views.

• Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
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Day 8: Transfer to Kibale National Park

After breakfast, drive to Kibale National Park, the primate capital of the world. This scenic drive takes you through the Albertine Rift Valley and lush tea plantations. Arrive at your lodge near the park in the late afternoon.

• Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Guest House

Day 9: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Swamp Walk

Head into Kibale Forest for an exhilarating chimpanzee tracking experience. Spend an hour observing these fascinating primates in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, home to various bird species and other primates.

• Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Guest House

Day 10: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, with a brief stop at the Equator for photos. Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive in the park’s northern sector, known for its abundant wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, and leopards.

• Accommodation: Enganzi Game Lodge

Day 11: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Start your day with a morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, where you’ll have a chance to spot the park’s famed tree-climbing lions. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, renowned for its high concentration of hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife.

• Accommodation: Enganzi Game Lodge

Day 12: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas. The journey takes you through scenic landscapes, including the Ishasha sector, known for its tree-climbing lions.

• Accommodation: Buhoma Haven Lodge

Day 13: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Today is the highlight of your safari – gorilla trekking! After a briefing from park rangers, embark on a guided trek into the forest to track a habituated gorilla family. Spend a magical hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

• Accommodation: Buhoma Haven Lodge

Day 14: Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Depart for Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda’s smallest but one of its most scenic parks, located at the border with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure or explore the surroundings.

• Accommodation: lake mulehe Lodge

Day 15: Golden Monkey Tracking and Cultural Encounters

Head out in the morning to track the unique golden monkeys in Mgahinga. In the afternoon, visit the Batwa community for a cultural experience, learning about their traditional forest life.

• Accommodation: lake mulehe Lodge

Day 16: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

Travel to Lake Mburo National Park, known for its savannah landscapes and rich wildlife, including zebras, impalas, and giraffes. Arrive in time for an evening game drive or a walking safari.

• Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock

Day 17: Game Drive and Boat Safari in Lake Mburo

Start your day with a morning game drive to spot wildlife, including herds of zebras and antelopes. Later, enjoy a boat safari on Lake Mburo to see hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.

• Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock

Day 18: Return to Entebbe and Departure

After breakfast, depart Lake Mburo and return to Entebbe, with a stop at the Equator for photos and souvenir shopping. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a short tour of Entebbe before your departure.

• Accommodation: Day room at 2 Friends Beach Hotel (if needed)
• End of Tour

Tour Includes:

• Midrange accommodations as specified
• All meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Professional English-speaking guide
• All park entrance fees and permits (including gorilla and chimpanzee tracking)
• All transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
• All activities as listed in the itinerary
• Bottled water in the safari vehicle

Tour Excludes:

• International flights
• Visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
• Tips and gratuities
• Personal expenses

18-day Uganda gorilla trekking & safari tours