18 Day Ultimate Uganda Gorilla Trekking & Safari

18 Day Ultimate Uganda Gorilla Trekking & Safari

The fact that gorillas as a species are on the brink of extinction and treks are a highly restricted activity, encountering wild gorillas is considered a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience.

Discover BeyondThe Nature
  • BEST PRICE GUARANTEE

  • NO BOOKING FEES

  • SAVE 12% ON YOUR NEXT BOOKING

Safari Highlights

This 18 Days Best of Uganda Safari is for those who have more time to explore and discover Uganda, also known as ‘The Pearl of Africa’. This safari takes you through Uganda’s four Savannah parks of Kidepo Valley National Park in northeastern, Murchison Falls National Park in northern, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Lake Mburo National Park in southwestern Uganda. It offers you a chance for game drives and boat cruises. You will have a boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park to the bottom of the magnificent fall, a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park, as well as a boat cruise in Lake Mburo National Park and a bonus Canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi in Kabale district southwestern Uganda. These four Savannah National parks also offer the best of game drives with high chances of spotting thousands of antelopes, hippos, elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards and so much more. The highlight of this tour is in the chance to trek the world’s Great Apes. You will trek chimps thrice in the different environments of Budongo Forest, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kibale Forest National Park. The climax is definitely gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. To make sure that you also interact with the local communities around these national parks, we have several village and community walks that will take you to the nearby villages to learn more about the people and their cultures. By booking this 18 Days Best of Uganda Safari, you will definitely not regret.

  • See the African “Gorilla & Chimps”

  • Witness unique Safari Experience

  • Traverse the plains of the Country

  • Wander through the source of the mighty River Nile

  • Witness the Great Number of Animals

  • See the magic of the Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day By Day Itnerary

It’s really beautiful. It feels like God visits everywhere else but lives in Africa.

DAY 1: Arrive at Entebbe Airport

On arrival, you will meet, greet and be transferred to Entebbe town for your overnight on Bed and Breakfast.

Entebbe is a small town located just 5 minutes from the Entebbe International Airport. Entebbe is becoming Uganda’s top tourism city due to the high numbers of mushrooming Hotels and Guest Houses. There are optional activities for those that arrive early to participate in. You may choose to tour the town of Entebbe on foot, visit the Botanic gardens, take a boat excursion to Ngamba Island or visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Center.

DAY 2: Jinja Source of the Nile

This morning, you will drive to Jinja town, also known as the ‘adventure capital of Uganda’ via Kampala.

The journey will take you through small towns, Mabira forest, a tropical rain forest, road side markets, tea and sugar plantations. You will arrive in time for a lunch break and a boat ride to the Source of the River Nile. It would really be unfair for you to visit Uganda and then you miss out on visiting the Source of the River Nile. River Nile is the second longest river on planet earth. Drive time: Approximately 2-3 hours

DAY 3: Jinja to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Drive from Jinja to Nakasongola vie Kampala, towards north of Uganda to visit the Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary for Rhino tracking.

This is a perfect opportunity to track White Rhinos in the wild. Rhinos became extinct in Uganda in the 1970s due to over poaching for their treasured horns. They have now be reintroduced in the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in the hope that when their population improves then they can be reintroduced in some of Uganda’s National Parks. Have an opportunity of tracking these endangered species and learn more about them. Overnight at Amuka Safari Lodge Drive time: approximately 4-5 hours

DAY 4: Budongo Chimp trekking

After breakfast, you will walk to the forest headquarters for briefing about Chimpanzee trekking Dos and Don’ts.

Thereafter, start your primate walk in the Budongo Forest guided by well-trained and experienced ranger guides. Your walk will expose you to other primates, birds and different plant species in the forest. Once you get into close proximity with the Chimps or one community/party of habituated chimpanzees, you will be allowed one hour of observations and photography before you return back to the Lodge. You may carry packed lunch or order for hot lunch which you can have when you return to the lodge. In the afternoon, you will drive to Murchison Falls National Park for a brief game drive via the top of the falls to see how the Nile waters squeeze through a narrow gorge only later to explode into what has been referred to as one of the strongest and most powerful waterfalls on planet Earth. There after you will proceed to Murchison River Lodge or Pakuba Safari Lodge for overnight. Drive time: Approximately 2-3 hours

DAY 5: Game Drive and boat cruise to the bottom of the falls

After breakfast, you will set off with your guide to catch some of the nocturnal animals before they return to their hide-outs.

return to their hide-outs. Make your way down to the Nile Delta where you may spot giraffe, elephant, different varieties of antelope, buffalo, a wide range of birds and if you are lucky, you may spot lions and leopards. You will return to the lodge for lunch. After lunch, you will go for a boat cruise to the bottom of the magnificent Murchison Falls. From the jetty point, as you head towards the bottom of the Falls, you will spot several herds of buffaloes, crocodiles, hippos, different species of water birds and many other animals as they flock the banks of the River Nile to drink water. You will continue upstream to the bottom of the falls to observe how water squeezes through a narrow gorge only later to explode in what has been referred to as the strongest and most powerful falls on planet earth. Return to the Lodge for overnight. Drive time: Approximately 2 hours

DAY 6: Morning game drive and late afternoon delta cruise

After an early breakfast you will return to the northern bank of the River Nile for yet another game drive

in search of some of the wild animals that you could have missed seeing during your previous game drives. Return to the lodge for lunch and thereafter go for a late afternoon boat cruise to the Albert delta. Depending on how lucky you are, there are chances that you may find elephants, buffaloes and hippos crossing the delta while crocodiles are also taking opportunity of this crossing to catch the vulnerable animals. There are also high chances that you will spot the rare Shoebill stock. Return back to the lodge for overnight

DAY 7: To Kibale National Park.

As part of your 18 Days Safari, you will drive to Kibale Forest National Park via Fort Portal town. You will

have a stop in Fort portal town for Lunch before proceeding to check-in at Chimpanzee Forest Guest House. No major activity on this day but if time allows, you may drive around Fort Portal town for sightseeing. Drive time: Approximately 4 hours

DAY 8: Chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi Wetland Walk

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kibale National Park headquarters located at Kanyanchu.

Here, you will join other trekkers for briefing before you proceed into the forest for chimpanzee trekking. You will be led by a well-trained and experienced ranger/guide who will take you for a guided primate walk inside Kibale Forest National Park. This forest provides an opportunity to visit one of the habituated communities of chimpanzees. You are allowed to spend an hour with these Great Apes while observing their behaviour. You are allowed to take photographs. So make sure your cameras are nearby. Kibale National Park is also home to other 13 primate species which can also be spotted while trekking the Chimpanzees. Of course there are also numerous species of forest birds. In fact, this is another haven for bird lovers.

DAY 9: To Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, your will drive for 3-4 hours from Kibale National Park to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

You will have an opportunity of passing through small towns while seeing several foothills of the magnificent Rwenzori Mountain. You will as well as cross the Equator at Kikorongo.Of course you will also see several small rivers that originate from the Rwennzori mountain ranges. You may head to the lodge for lunch or drive directly to Mweya jetty for an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. This two hour boat cruise is one of the highlights of Queen Elizabeth National Park. It provides you with an opportunity to view over 300 out of the 600 water bird species recorded here. There are also antelopes, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and hippos which can be sighted while on the boat. Drive time: Approximately 3-4 hours

DAY 10: Game drive and Boat Cruise

After an early morning cup of coffee, you will drive back to the Kasenyi plains for a game drive to catch

up with what you could have missed out on your earlier game drive. It is at this time of the morning that big cats are out hunting for their prey and as such chances of spotting lions and or leopards are slightly high. Never the less, you will be guaranteed to see buffaloes, hippos, several species of antelopes, and many others. You may return to the lodge for lunch or drive directly to Mweya jetty for an afternoon boat cruise on Kazinga Channel. This two hour boat cruise is one of the highlights in Queen Elizabeth National Park. It provides you an opportunity to view over 300 out of the 600 water bird species recorded here, antelopes, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and hippos. Return to the lodge for overnight.

DAY 11: Kyambura Chimp trekking and Katwe salt mines.

After breakfast, you will be driven to Kyambura to join other trekkers for briefing and their after start you chimpanzee walk in the gorge.

Your experienced ranger guide will help you identify several flora and fauna species resident in this gorge. Once you find a community of chimpanzees, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them for photography. Return from the trek for lunch and short relaxation at the lodge before moving out for a visit to Lake Katwe salt mines. Lake Katwe is an explosive crater which is gifted with salt. The local community have been mining/extracting salt from this lake for decades. You will meet a local guide (from the community) who will take you for a tour around the salt mines while explaining how salt extraction is done, the challenges faced as well as the opportunities available. Lake Katwe salt extraction project is one of the living examples of man and biosphere reserves or conservation areas in the whole world where man is harmoniously co-existing with wildlife. Return to the Lodge for overnight.

DAY 12: To Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

After breakfast, you will drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, located in southwestern

Uganda and shared between three districts of Kabale, Kanungu and Kisoro. Your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park will take you through the rolling hills with terraced gardens of Irish potatoes and sometimes tea. You will arrive late afternoon for overnight at the Lodge. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to almost half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas and the only National Park where wild chimpanzees co-exist with mountain gorillas. Drive time: Approximately 5-6 hours

DAY 13: Gorilla tracking and Village walk

After breakfast, you will transfer to the park headquarters to join other trekkers to be allocated a Gorilla family that you will trek

Of course the park staff will first give you a full briefing concerning the Dos and Don’ts while with the gorillas. After that, you will be driven to the starting point of your allocated gorilla family to start your trek into the beautiful Impenetrable Bwindi Forest. This trek may take between 30 minutes to three quarters of the day, depending on where the Mountain Gorillas will be found. Please noted that gorilla trekking can be strenuous and as such a certain level of fitness is required. Once you find the gorillas, you will be allowed to spend one hour to observe them and take photographs. Although this time may seem too short a time, the experience you get will be worth it. Thereafter, you will return to the park headquarters where you will be awarded a certificate in recognition of your effort in contributing to the conservation of these endangered mountain gorillas. Return to the lodge for relaxation followed by a village walk in the evening to learn more about the local people living around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This walk will enable you appreciate the effort of these people in conserving the forest and the gorillas. You can choose to support them through donation in kind. Please note that this is a voluntary act.

DAY 14: To Lake Bunyonyi

Drive from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to Lake Bunyonyi in Kabale District. Lake Bunyonyi is one of the three Lava damned Lakes in Uganda.

The Lake was formed when lava flowing from one of the volcanoes blocked a river channel and water was forced to flow back hence filling the space to create the Lake Bunyonyi. Bunyonyi locally means small birds. So the Lake got its name because of the abundance of small birds in this area in filled the area. Lake Bunyonyi is said to be the deepest lake in Uganda and the second deepest in East Africa. The beauty of this Lake Bunyonyi will surely not disappoint you. It is one of the best places in Uganda to relax after your gorilla trek. Drive time: Approximately 3-4 hours

DAY 15: Canoeing or Hiking

After breakfast, you are free to admire the beauty of the lake and its surrounding hills. You will have a

choice of either taking a canoe ride on the lake to explore the different Islands with exciting histories behind them. For example, you will visit the Punishment Island. The story about this Island, it is the place where girls who were known to have conceived babies out of legitimate traditional marriage would be dumped and left to die. This is a whole day activity and you will surely enjoy it. Alternatively, you can hike one of the hills around the Lake Bunyonyi. Encounter Africa Safaris supports some projects around this area, which is part of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). So, for those who want to do something in the community while on their tour, this is another opportunity for you to go for volunteer work. Return to the Lodge for overnight.

DAY 16: To Lake Mburo National Park

After breakfast, drive to Lake Mburo National Park via the Great Lakes Museum or Igongo Cultural

center to learn more about the cultures of the ethnic groups in western Uganda. Lunch will be served en route. You will arrive at Lake Mburo National Park just in time for an evening game drive. Lake Mburo National Park is popular for animals such as Impalas, Giraffes, Zebras and so much more. Return to the Lodge for overnight. Drive time: Approximately 6 hours

DAY 17: Walks and Game Drives

After breakfast, you will head out for a morning walk in the park, its a nature friendly park and hence allows walking

later return for lunch and then head out in the evening for a game drive in search of wildlife that is further and cannot be reached on foot hence look for wildlife and enhance your chances as well.

DAY 18: Drive to Entebbe International Airport

Today marks the end of your 18 Days Safari with Encounter Africa Safaris. But, depending on your flight time,

you can have a morning walking Safari or just embark on your journey to Entebbe International Airport. Of course you will have a stop at the Equator crossing in Kayabwe for photography and stretching. Drive time: Approximately 5-6 hours

  • Accommodation: None/On Reguest
  • Meals Planed: B & L
Accommodation Recomamnded
How we work !
YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

Travel Documents You must ensure that your travel documents, passports, visas and vaccination certificates are in order and that you ensure that you have taken the advice of your GP with regard to inoculations.

Our Advice We refer in particular to our pre-departure information sheet. Africa Safari Booking will offer general advice but cannot be held responsible if you do not comply with current requirements before your departure. Africa Safari Booking does not accept liability for any advice given of a general nature prior to the holiday commencing.

Timely Check For Flight You are responsible for a timely check in for all flights and for presenting yourself to take up all pre-booked components of your holiday. No credit or refund will be given to you should you fail to take up any component of your holiday or if you lose any travel documents.

Drawing Attention Africa Safari Booking draws your attention to the fact that there are certain inherent risks involved in all of the holidays to Africa that we supply and these must be accepted by you at your own risk. If you wish to discuss any such risks with us we would be more than happy to provide advice over the telephone or in writing.

  • For more or quickly question please! find us on..
  • Use These Emergency {Tell/Whatsapp} No: +255 769 927 462
  • Kindly go through our Company Terms & Condition As the best tour company we always assure the best service
  • With the huge number of Our Experienced,trained and expert guides we asure you the best trip with the cap
  • Together we say Jamboo!!..Akuna Mata...In Africa With Africa Safari Booking.
Africa Safari Booking Great Value
Why Us

We offer the very best value and quality on our many tours. We aren’t the cheapest company out there, but we never sacrifice quality or our ecological and sustainable standards.Let us know your budget

Whether you are looking for a great value safari, a high quality mid-range tour, or an amazing luxury safari, we offer the best bang for your buck. Let us know your budget, and we’ll help you choose and plan the right trip for you AUTHENTIC ADVENTURES Wherever we take you, you’ll experience authentic adventures that focus on or combine four elements: landscape, wildlife, physical challenge, and distant cultures, trekking to all Africa Mountains or dancing wit

Trip Awareess
  • Feel Free To Ask for what to bring, and what to do before and after Safari

  • Make sure your in good physical Condition

  • Trush in Trush Out/Don't Feed the animal

  • We advice you to listen and follow what you are told by your head Guide

  • In case you have any personal problem Please let your guide know immediately

Expet to see
  • Lake Manyara National Park – Game drive

  • Magnificent Topographic Features

  • Ngorongoro Crater – Game drive

  • Serengeti National Park – Game drive

  • Rift valley Escapement

  • Big Five

  • See Mount Kilimanjaro

Excursion Areas
  • Lake Eyasi

  • Lake Manyara National Park

  • Serengeti National Park

  • Ngorongoro Crater

Language
  • English - Spanish

  • French - Italian

  • German

  • Chinese

Our Guides
Expert Bushmen

Moonlight Tours Expedition has the professional guides with enough average of guiding experience. We have very high standards when it comes to hiring and retaining personnel, and can say without reservation that these individuals are quite simply the most knowledgeable, hard-working and passionate guides in the industry.

Food
We provide all kinds

The price includes morning and afternoon teas, continental breakfast, daily lunches and dinner with beverages (local beer, wine, and soft drinks), and bottled water.

Include

  • Lodge safari according to the itinerary
  • Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
  • Professional, English-speaking guide
  • Overnight accommodation according to the itinerary
  • Meals according to the itinerary
  • Mineral water
  • All mentioned activities
  • All national park fees
  • Flying Doctors insurance (AMREF) during the safari
Exclude

  • Flights
  • Optional activities
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Visa fees
  • Tips
  • Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
  • Travel insurance
Location

Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit

Payment
Card subtitle

A deposit of 45% is required when booking this tour. The remaining balance will be charged On arrival or 72 hours before arrival date.

Travel Insurance

We advise to take out Travel Insurance to cover for any unforeseen circumstances. M.T.Expedition recommends World Nomads' travel insurance.

Group

With ample capability and experience on handling groups M.T.Expedition gives no limit on this tour

Cancellation Policy

Our safari holidays in Africa visit a vibrant and beautiful continent with world-class parks. Safaris have been a way of life in Africa for decades; the country is blessed with the winning combination of both superb big game,crescent snow cap mountains and stunning tropical beaches

Term & Conditions

Our Top VIP & Ultra Luxury Safaris

Any

Time

safari
Tanzania Ultra Luxury Safari & Mnember Island

Destination: Arusha, Lake Manyara Np, Serengeti Np, Ngorongoro Crater & Zanzibar

$19,360

Price Per Person

  • 13 Days Tours
  • Code No: 000-1-M.T.E-2
  • Tour Guaranted
  • Ultra Luxury

Any

Time

safari
Masai Mara, Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti Migration

Destination: Masai Mara - Kenya, Lake Manyara - Tanzania,Ngorongoro Crater - Tanzania,Serengeti - Tanzania

$13,740

Price Per Person

  • 9 Days Tour
  • Code No: 000-2-M.T.E-4
  • Tour Guaranted
  • Ultra Luxury

Any

Time

safari
Tanzania's Nyerere National Park & Ruaha Safari

Destination: Dar es salam, Nyerere National Park (Selous),Ruaha National Park

$6,855‬

Price Per Person

  • 7 Days Tour
  • Code No: 000-3-M.T.E-4
  • Tour Guaranted
  • Ultra Luxury

Any

Time

safari
Kenya Samburu & Mara Luxury Safari

Destination: Nairobi, Samburu,Masai Mara

$6,950

Price Per Person

  • 7 Days Tour
  • Code No: 000-4-M.T.E-4
  • Tour Guaranted
  • Ultra Luxury

Any

Time

safari
Botswana Victoria Falls Zimbambwe Luxury Safari

Destination: Okavango Delta - Botswana,Matobo National Park - Zimbabwe, Whange National Park - Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls - Zambia

$31,130‬

Price Per Person

  • 14 Days Tour
  • Code No: 000-5-M.T.E-4
  • Tour Guaranted
  • Ultra Luxury

Any

Time

safari
Tanzania Fly Migration VIP Safari

Destination: Arusha, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park, Tarangire National Park

$12,735‬

Price Per Person

  • 8 Days Tour
  • Code No: 000-6-M.T.E-4
  • Tour Guaranted
  • Ultra Luxury

Any

Time

safari
Amaizing Fly Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti Migration

Destination: Arusha, Lake Manyara National Park,Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park

$12,735‬

Price Per Person

  • 9 Days Tour
  • Code No: 000-7-M.T.E-4
  • Tour Guaranted
  • Ultra Luxury

Any

Time

safari
Good Value Year-Around Migration & Safari

Destination: Arusha, Masai Mara,Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park

$13,060‬

Price Per Person

  • 10 Days Tour
  • Code No: 000-8-M.T.E-4
  • Tour Guaranted
  • Ultra Luxury