11 Days Uganda Gorilla Chimpanzee and Wildlife Journey
About This 11-Day Safari
Begin with an arrival night in Entebbe before travelling to Murchison Falls for wildlife and a Nile boat safari. The route continues directly to Queen Elizabeth, with chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu and gorilla trekking in Bwindi providing the forest experiences. Lake Bunyonyi adds a quieter interlude, followed by Lake Mburo and a final night around Kampala. This itinerary suits travellers who want both primates and a broad Uganda circuit without a separate Kibale stay.
- Arrival night before the main road journey
- Ziwa rhinos and Murchison Falls wildlife safari
- Queen Elizabeth game viewing and Kazinga cruise
- Chimpanzee tracking in Kalinzu Forest
- Bwindi mountain gorilla trek
- Lake Bunyonyi canoe outing
- Lake Mburo wildlife drive and Kampala city visit
Where You Will Go
The places this safari visits, in the order you will reach them.
The only place in Uganda where you can track wild southern white rhinos on foot.
Uganda’s largest park, where the Victoria Nile forces through a narrow gorge and thunders over Murchison Falls.
Savannah, crater lakes and the Kazinga Channel, with hippos, elephants and the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha.
A UNESCO World Heritage rainforest in south-western Uganda and home to around half of the world’s mountain gorillas.
A calm, terraced-hill lake in the south-west dotted with islands, ideal for canoeing and birdwatching.
Uganda’s smallest savannah park, walkable and home to zebras, giraffes, elands and buffalo.
Day By Day Itinerary
Every day is planned by our local team and can be adjusted to your pace.
Welcome to Entebbe
On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, meet your transfer guide and continue to your hotel. Use the remainder of the day to recover from your flight. A short briefing covers the route, luggage arrangements and the first departure. Meals on this arrival day are arranged around the time your flight lands.
Rhino tracking on the way north
Travel towards Murchison Falls after an early breakfast. Break the journey at Ziwa for a guided walk in search of rhinos, keeping to the ranger’s instructions. Lunch and a further road transfer take you into the Murchison area. Settle at the lodge rather than adding too many activities to the end of a long day.
Wildlife drives and the Nile
The morning is devoted to a game drive across Murchison’s savannah habitats. Look for giraffes, elephants and antelope, and follow your guide’s advice when a predator is reported nearby. An afternoon boat safari travels towards the base of the falls. A separate walk to the upper viewpoints can be arranged where access and the excursion schedule permit.
South through western Uganda
Leave Murchison Falls for Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through the countryside towards Fort Portal and Kasese. This is one of the longer road sections of the safari, with planned breaks along the way. The changing scenery helps explain how different Uganda’s park regions are. Arrive at the lodge for dinner and a quiet evening.
Queen Elizabeth from land and water
Explore the plains on a morning wildlife drive, watching for elephants, buffaloes, kob and possible predators. The day’s route depends on the conditions and recent observations in the park. Later, take a boat excursion on the Kazinga Channel. The slower pace on the water is well suited to photography and observing shoreline activity.
Kalinzu chimpanzees and onward to Bwindi
Visit Kalinzu Forest for a guided chimpanzee trek after the forest briefing. Listen for calls and follow the guides as they work to locate a habituated group. Once the activity finishes, continue towards Bwindi with a lunch stop along the route. Keep the evening free to organise your gorilla trekking clothing and rest.
A day in Bwindi’s gorilla forest
Transfer to the briefing point for your assigned gorilla sector. Your ranger-led walk may follow established trails and more uneven forest ground as the team searches for the family. Observe quietly once the gorillas are located, respecting the viewing rules throughout. The afternoon remains flexible so that a longer trek does not put pressure on another scheduled activity.
Lake Bunyonyi and a canoe outing
After breakfast, leave the forest region for the terraced hills around Lake Bunyonyi. Settle into your accommodation before a guided canoe outing at an agreed time. The boat guide introduces selected islands and the stories associated with them. Return to shore and enjoy an evening with less travel and more time to absorb the setting.
To Lake Mburo’s woodland and savannah
Drive towards Lake Mburo, stopping for lunch on the way. The route moves from highland cultivation to the pastoral landscapes surrounding Mbarara. Enter the park for an introductory evening wildlife drive if arrival permits. Check into your lodge after the outing and discuss the following morning’s departure.
A final game drive and the Equator
Take an early wildlife drive before leaving Lake Mburo. Look for species you have not yet observed and enjoy the softer morning light. Continue towards Kampala with a break at the Equator crossing for photographs and lunch. Overnight in the city, leaving the final day available for a manageable urban visit and airport transfer.
Kampala and onward travel
Explore a small selection of Kampala sights chosen around your interests and flight time. Markets, heritage locations or city viewpoints can provide a different perspective after the park circuit. Shopping stops are optional and should fit comfortably within the schedule. Transfer to Entebbe with sufficient time for check-in, ending the safari at the airport.
Where You Will Stay
Lodges are subject to availability. If a lodge is full we replace it with one of an equal standard. For gorilla trekking, the lodge is matched to the sector of your confirmed permit.
Via Guest House
Hornbill Safari Lodge
Pumba Safari Cottages
Broadbill Forest Camp
Bunyonyi Rock Resort
Rwakobo Rock
Via Guest House
Practical Planning
Things worth knowing before you book.
The Murchison Falls to Queen Elizabeth transfer is a substantial driving day; an additional night can be quoted to split it.
Kalinzu is the chimpanzee destination on this route, rather than Kibale.
The final Kampala visit is tailored to your available time and interests, with airport traffic considered when choosing stops.
Best Time To Go
Dry seasons run from December to February and June to September: easiest trails and best game viewing. March to May and October to November are wetter, greener and quieter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the 11 Days Uganda Gorilla Chimpanzee and Wildlife Journey?
The package includes Scheduled road transfers and guiding for the agreed itinerary; accommodation for the scheduled nights; meals shown in the confirmed meal plan; entry fees and scheduled core activities confirmed in the quotation; one gorilla trekking permit and one standard chimpanzee trekking permit per eligible participant, subject to confirmation and availability. It does not include international flights and any travel before or after the agreed programme; visa costs and personal travel insurance; tips, laundry, personal purchases and drinks not expressly included; optional activities, upgrades and additional nights; meals outside the confirmed meal plan; personal porter hire for the gorilla trek unless expressly included.
Where does the 11 Days Uganda Gorilla Chimpanzee and Wildlife Journey start and end?
The journey starts with your arrival at Entebbe International Airport and finishes with your transfer back to the airport for your departure flight.
Do I need a gorilla permit?
Yes. Mountain gorilla trekking requires a permit and the number of permits is limited each day, so we recommend booking as early as you can, especially for the dry months of June to September and December to February. Giravex reserves your permit once your dates are confirmed.
Do I need a visa for Uganda?
Most visitors need a visa. Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda are covered by the East Africa Tourist Visa, which allows travel between all three on one visa. We will confirm exactly what applies to your passport when you book.
When is the best time to take this safari?
Dry seasons run from December to February and June to September: easiest trails and best game viewing. March to May and October to November are wetter, greener and quieter.
Can the itinerary be changed?
Yes. Every Giravex itinerary can be adjusted to your dates, pace, budget and interests. Tell us what you would like to change and a trip specialist will tailor it for you.
How do I book or get a quote?
Send a quote request or message us on WhatsApp. A trip specialist will reply with availability and a detailed quote for your group size and dates.
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