15 Day Gorillas – Chimps and Big 5 Safari

15 Day Gorillas – Chimps and Big 5 Safari

This 15-Day Gorillas, Chimps and Big 5 Safari takes you to nearly 10 incredible destinations across Uganda, offering a wide variety of iconic experiences. You will go to places like Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, and Lake Mburo National Park, among other places, and also take part in the Batwa cultural encounter and the Kazinga Channel experience that will never be forgotten.

Itinerary Highlights:

You will have easy access to activities such as gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, wildlife game viewing, birdwatching, cultural experiences, boat cruises, and relaxation.

Your adventure starts with an arrival and transfer to Murchison Falls, where a remarkable boat trip to the base of the falls and an exciting game drive await you. The journey continues to Kibale for chimpanzee tracking and the exploration of the beautiful crater lakes. From Kibale, proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park for some great big game sightings and a relaxing launch trip along the iconic Kazinga Channel.

The journey then takes you further to Bwindi for this ultimate gorilla trekking experience and thereafter out to the calm Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation. Leaving Bunyonyi, you will drive to Lake Mburo National Park for a walk in the park and, again, an exciting game drive. Lastly, end your safari with a flight out from Entebbe Airport.

A Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Airport Pickup and Transfer to your Accommodation.

On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by an Arcadia Safaris representative into Uganda – The Pearl of Africa. Thereafter, you will be transferred to your booked accommodation. If you arrive early in the day, you may opt to go for a late-afternoon exciting ride around Kampala City or simply unwind at your accommodation, relaxing and enjoying a delicious dinner to retire for an overnight.

Destination: Kampala (City)
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 2: Transfer to Murchison with Rhino Tracking in Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

After a hearty breakfast, set off on an exciting journey to Murchison Falls National Park. This magnificent park offers unique highlights such as the roaring rapids of Murchison Falls and the spreading plains of Uganda’s biggest national park. Here, lions, giraffes, hartebeests, buffaloes, and elephants may be seen, while hippos and Nile crocodiles will hardly pass by your eyes in this area. Murchison Falls is home to over 450 species of birds for the bird enthusiast, including the shoebill stork, dwarf kingfisher, white-thighed hornbill, and the Goliath heron.

Stop en-route at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for your first Big 5 encounter; enjoy an hour of Rhinos tracking. A second stop will be in Masindi for lunch; proceed to the park. Later, arrive at your hotel, check in, and spend the evening at leisure as you get ready for further adventures on this 15-Day Gorillas, Chimps, and Big 5 Safari.

Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Boat Trip to the Base of the Falls.

Start the day with an early breakfast and head out for a morning game drive across the rolling plains of Uganda’s largest National Park. While on this, you will have the chance to see lions, giraffes, hartebeest, buffalo, and elephants, among others. The area is also a home for remarkable bird species, such as the secretary bird and black-chested snake eagle, among others, which will interest any bird enthusiast. Later, return to your accommodation for relaxation and lunch.

In the afternoon, take a boat trip to the base of Murchison Falls for more game viewing, including hippos, crocodiles, and different water birds. If you feel like doing it, go ahead and hike to the top of the falls. The hike may be a bit cumbersome, but the view atop makes all the difference in the world– something not to be missed unless it’s absolutely necessary. Finally, drive back to your hotel for a quiet evening in reflection of the day’s eventful happenings. 15 Day Gorillas – Chimps and Big 5 Safari

Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park.

Have breakfast from your accommodation and then head out to the top of the falls (for those who didn’t hike the previous day) to enjoy the amazing views of this natural wonder. From here, or immediately after breakfast, drive toward Kibale Forest National Park. This is no less than a dramatic drive, taking you past bustling villages, the most vibrant countryside with greenery, and rolling hills clad with tea plantations that define this beautiful piece of Uganda.

Kibale Forest National Park is one of the great places to see a variety of primates, including chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and red-tailed monkeys. You will view these amazing creatures swinging in the forest canopy or feasting on wild fruits during your chimpanzee trek. On arrival at the park, you check into your accommodation, enjoy a well-cooked dinner, and retire to a well-deserved night’s rest.

Destination: Kibale Forest National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 5: Top of the World Hike and Afternoon Ride around Fort Portal Town.

Get up early, have a big breakfast, and start off toward the stunning “Top of the World Hike”, one of the activities that any tourist visiting the nearby Kibale Forest and Fort Portal area should try. It is best to do this hike during the cool freshness of the morning. You will get two trails up: the easy trail and the more challenging one, which is really the favorite of many adventurers. 15 Day Gorillas – Chimps and Big 5 Safari

The hike may be tiring, but it is completely worth the spectacular and unforgettable views at the summit. Take some time soaking in the beautiful scenery around, retiring to your accommodation for rest and lunch. Later in the day, if one feels energetic enough, an interesting Fort Portal town ride can be made, which will include Tooro Palace, a really majestic one; local busy markets; and other interesting cultural places.

Destination: Kibale Forest National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking and the Bigodi Swamp Walk.

Have breakfast with all the nutrients, and then head to the trekking point for a briefing about dos and don’ts of chimpanzee tracking. Following this, you’ll be off on an exciting trek into Kibale Forest, accompanied by an experienced ranger, who’ll take you deep into the lush forest in search of these amazing primates. This sight of these chimps in their natural environment is totally overwhelming, and when they’ve been found, you get up to a full hour’s observations with wonder at these animal activities. Return after the breathtaking experience for your resting with delicious lunch at your hotel accommodation.

In the afternoon, go on the Bigodi Swamp Walk. The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is located in the enchanting Magombe Swamp and is known for its incredible biodiversity. This swamp is home to a number of primates, such as baboons, black-and-white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and L’Hoest monkeys. For any keen birders, Bigodi is a haven, with the striking Great Blue Turaco being one of the many species present. 15-Day Gorillas, Chimps, and Big 5 Safari.

Destination: Kibale Forest National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 7: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP and take the Boat Trip at Kazinga Channel.

After breakfast, you’ll depart from Kibale National Park and continue your journey to the magnificent Queen Elizabeth National Park. As Uganda’s second-largest park, Queen Elizabeth is located at the base of the stunning Rwenzori Mountains, nestled between Lake Edward and Lake George. Its diverse ecosystems, including vast savannahs, make it an ideal haven for classic big game, as well as ten species of primates, including chimpanzees, and over 600 bird species.

In the morning, you will head to Queen Elizabeth National Park with plenty of time to rest and take your lunch before embarking on a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel connecting Lake George and Lake Edward. You will be struck by the enormous concentrations of hippos, elephants, and crocodiles on a cruise along the channel and have most species of birds on the shore. After this exciting trip, come back to the hotel for dinner and then retire for a well-deserved rest.

Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 8: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Explosion Crater Drive.

Start off with an early rise, enjoy a scrumptious breakfast, and then begin a morning game drive across the park, traversing the Kasenyi Plains. Be on the lookout for lion sightings, elephants, leopards (which are somewhat difficult to spot), bushbucks, Cape buffaloes, waterbucks, giant forest hogs, Uganda kob, among others. Later, return to your accommodation for a well-deserved rest and lunch. 15 Day Gorillas – Chimps and Big 5 Safari

In the afternoon, go on the Explosion Crater Drive. This rewarding drive presents amazing views across the varied landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Along this route, various wildlife could be encountered; Cape buffaloes and elephants may be the most commonly seen of these. Return to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and over-night.

Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 9: Transfer to Ishasha Sector for Tree Climbing Lions.

Start your day with breakfast, then go on an exciting game drive in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions. With about 70% assurance of viewing these remarkable lions, remember they are wild animals and sometimes hard to spot, especially when down in the grasslands hunting for food. This is absolutely phenomenal, and indeed quite lucky for those who happen to sight them. On top of these tree-climbing lions, other animals to come across are several fascinating kinds of Uganda kob, Cape buffaloes, elephants, and warthogs. Later in the evening, return to your hotel to retire, enjoy your dinner, and have some night rest.

Destination: Ishasha Sector Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 10: More Ishasha Game Viewing and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable NP.

The rest of the day is free. Early in the morning, have a great breakfast and then start off into more tree-climbing lion sightings. Later today, transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park-a lush sanctuary and home to nearly 400 mountain gorillas, about half of the world’s total population. Bwindi also boasts several habituated gorilla groups that can be tracked.

Due to the strenuous adventure ahead, you will go easy on arrival. You check into your accommodation, rest, and get ready for the unparalleled gorilla trekking experience awaiting you the following day. 15-Day Gorillas, Chimps, and Big 5 Safari.

Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 11: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

After an early breakfast and a briefing from your ranger guide, you’ll venture into the gorilla sanctuary for an unforgettable adventure. The beauty of this rainforest is truly spectacular, with dramatic, steep forested landscapes that are both dense and mesmerizing. Thankfully, the forest is crisscrossed by numerous animal trails, making it accessible to visitors. The time it takes and the terrain you’ll navigate depend on the movements of these incredible primates.

Once you locate a group of gorillas, you will have the opportunity to spend an hour with them. Observing these gentle and endangered giants in their natural habitat is a very exciting and overwhelming moment that will linger in your mind for a long time. Later, drive back to your lodge for rest, lunch, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 12: Batwa Cultural Trail  and Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi.

After breakfast, you will leave for the Batwa trail experience to learn about the fascinating culture of these people. Later, you will drive to Lake Bunyonyi in Kabale District. The landscape at Lake Bunyonyi is characterized by its lush, green-terraced hills that rise to an altitude of 2,200 to 2,478 meters and dotted with 29 islands of different shapes and sizes, making it one of the most magical places.

You could easily spend the day just admiring its beauty. Enjoy the view of serene surroundings on a boat ride across Lake Bunyonyi. Optional activities in the afternoon: go on a canoe-boat ride, take refreshing swim in the bilharzia-free lake, or visit one of the nearby villages, with very friendly people, keen to share all aspects of daily life. 15-Day Gorillas, Chimps, and Big 5 Safari.

Destination: Lake Bunyonyi
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 13: Full Day Lake Bunyonyi Exploration with Canoe Ride, Birdwatching and Community Visit.

After breakfast, you’ll have the option to visit the Orugano Rainforest, a diverse ecosystem teeming with unique plants and animals, or spend time interacting with the Batwa (Pygmies) community who call the forest and its surrounding areas home. For birders, the forest is a paradise, with over 300 bird species recorded. Alternatively, you will go on a canoe trek on Lake Bunyonyi; you will explore the main islands in the lake and go through the history of the islands as you enjoy your paddling experience in local dugout canoes. Later, head to your accommodation for lunch and relaxation and some time off to reminisce about your trip thus far. 15 Day Gorillas – Chimps and Big 5 Safari

Destination: Lake Bunyonyi
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 14: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park for an Afternoon or Evening Game Drive.

After breakfast, you will drive to Lake Mburo National Park, going through the beautifully terraced hills of Kigezi, a section of the Swiss of Africa, and passing Mbarara town before reaching the park. You will arrive in the early afternoon, where you can take some time to rest and refresh.

Later in the afternoon, go for a game drive, where you are likely to see herds of zebras, majestic eland antelopes, topis, impalas, warthogs, Uganda kob, Cape buffaloes, and many more. After an exciting day full of wildlife, retire to your accommodation to relax and enjoy a peaceful night. 15-Day Gorillas, Chimps, and Big 5 Safari.

Destination: Lake Mburo National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 15: Nature Walk in Lake Mburo and Transfer Back to Entebbe International Airport.

Take an early breakfast and leave for a morning park nature walk with an armed ranger – guide. You will have an exciting time viewing hyenas returning to their dens after a night of prowl. You may also see zebras, giraffes, eland, topis, and other antelopes, as well as Cape buffaloes, all up close.

Afterward, take a trail to the top of the hills, where you will see great views over Lake Mburo and beyond. Nine of the twelve lakes that surround Lake Mburo National Park can be viewed from this vantage point.

Later, you will head back to your accommodation for checkout and then to Entebbe Airport for your flight out, marking the end of your 15-Day Gorillas, Chimps, and Big 5 Safari.

Destination: Kampala (Entebbe)
Accommodation Option: No (Unless on request)

• Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

PRICE INCLUDES

• Round Trip Airport Transfers (pick up and drop off)
• Private transportation in a 4×4 Safari Cars
• Meals specified on a Full Board basis
• Accommodation with ensuite facility
• Applicable Park entrance & activities Fees
• English speaking professional Driver-Guide
• Gorilla Trekking Permit Fees
• Chimpanzee Tracking Permit Fees
• All hotel/lodge pickups and drop off
• All Taxes
• Bottled drinking water and Fruits while on safari
• Activities as stipulated in the itinerary (except those stated as “optional”

PRICE EXCLUDES

• Activities not mentioned in the itinerary
• International Flight Fares (unless requested)
• Country entry Visa
• Personal/Travel insurance
• Telephone charges
• Laundry
• Bar bills and all other kinds of drinks except water
• Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
• Souvenirs, gifts and Tips
• Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
• Covid-19 and other related tests and vaccinations

RATES PER PERSON: (Tour Rates/Prices are Per Person and exclude International Flight from or to your home Country).

We appreciate you choosing us. Let’s explore the wild together!