15 Days Uganda Gorillas Wildlife and Nile Adventure
About This 15-Day Safari
Follow a varied route through Uganda, beginning with the Nile landscapes of Murchison Falls and continuing to the forests and lakes of the west. Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale and gorilla trekking in Bwindi anchor the journey, while Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo introduce different savannah habitats. Two nights at Lake Bunyonyi create a gentler break between active safari days. The trip ends in Jinja, where river activities add an adventurous finish before a return through Kampala.
- Guided rhino tracking at Ziwa
- Murchison Falls game drive and Nile boat excursion
- Kibale chimpanzee trek and Bigodi wetland walk
- Queen Elizabeth wildlife viewing and Kazinga Channel cruise
- Ishasha wildlife search and Bwindi gorilla trek
- Lake Bunyonyi canoe outing and Lake Mburo safari
- Source of the Nile visit and scheduled rafting experience
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.
The “primate capital of the world”, famous for chimpanzee trekking and 13 primate species.
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.
Day By Day Itinerary
Every day is planned by our local team and can be adjusted to your pace.
Rhinos and the road to Murchison Falls
Leave Kampala or Entebbe early and travel north towards Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. A local ranger leads the walk, explaining how rhinos are monitored and how visitors should behave around them. Following lunch, continue to Murchison Falls and visit the viewpoints above the cascade if access and timing allow. Settle into your lodge with time to prepare for the next morning’s wildlife drive.
Savannah wildlife and the Victoria Nile
Explore the park’s northern savannah during the cooler morning hours, watching for giraffes, elephants, buffaloes and antelope. Your guide adjusts the route to recent sightings rather than following a fixed checklist. After lunch, take a boat excursion towards the falls, observing the riverbanks from a different perspective. Any additional hike at the falls must be arranged separately and depends on the available access route.
Across western Uganda to Kibale
Today is primarily a travelling day as you leave Murchison Falls for the Kibale region. The route passes changing agricultural landscapes and trading centres, with breaks for lunch and stretching your legs. Approach Fort Portal before continuing towards your forest accommodation. If arrival is early enough, a short local walk offers an introduction to the area; otherwise, keep the evening free for rest.
Chimpanzees and Bigodi wetland
Report for the chimpanzee trekking briefing before entering Kibale with the park guides. Calls from the canopy often provide the first clues, while the walk also reveals the forest’s plants and smaller wildlife. Once a habituated group is located, follow the ranger’s instructions throughout the permitted viewing period. Later, explore Bigodi with a local guide, looking for birds and learning about the wetland’s relationship with neighbouring communities.
Crater country and Queen Elizabeth
Depart the Kibale region after breakfast and travel south through western Uganda’s crater lake country. Short stops allow you to enjoy the scenery without turning the transfer into an overly busy sightseeing day. Continue towards Queen Elizabeth National Park and check into your accommodation. An afternoon wildlife drive is planned where the arrival time permits, introducing the park’s open grassland and scattered woodland.
Kasenyi plains and Kazinga Channel
Begin with a wildlife drive through the Kasenyi area, where Uganda kob and other grazers attract predators. Lions and leopards may be encountered, but their presence cannot be predicted. After a break at the lodge, board a scheduled boat on the Kazinga Channel. Hippos, waterbirds and animals using the shoreline make this an engaging afternoon even when the larger mammals remain out of sight.
South to the Ishasha sector
Make the most of the morning light on a further wildlife drive before heading towards Ishasha. This southern sector offers a different landscape, with broad grassland and mature trees. Search for lions resting in the branches while also watching for buffaloes, elephants and birds. Overnight nearby rather than continuing immediately to Bwindi, leaving space to enjoy the sector at a less hurried pace.
From savannah to Bwindi’s hills
Leave Ishasha and climb into the southwestern highlands towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Farms, villages and forest edges replace the open savannah along the way. Your overnight location is selected to match the sector named on your gorilla permit. Reach the lodge, check tomorrow’s briefing arrangements and organise your walking gear before an early night.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi
After breakfast, attend the park briefing and meet the ranger team assigned to your trek. Follow forest paths and, where necessary, steeper ground as trackers help locate your allocated gorilla family. The encounter allows time to observe feeding, resting and social behaviour without approaching or disturbing the animals. Return to the lodge afterwards, keeping the remainder of the day flexible because trek duration varies considerably.
A slower day beside Lake Bunyonyi
Travel from Bwindi towards Lake Bunyonyi, passing cultivated hills and small settlements. The shorter programme offers a welcome change after the forest trek. Check into your lakeside accommodation and enjoy the setting without a packed afternoon schedule. You can spend the remaining daylight on the grounds, photographing the hills or simply resting before tomorrow’s lake outing.
Canoeing and lakeside life
Take a guided canoe outing among Lake Bunyonyi’s islands, using life jackets and following the boat guide’s instructions. Stories about the islands provide context for the landscape and its communities. Return for lunch and choose between a quiet afternoon and an optional local walk. Swimming is not presented as an included activity; seek current local advice before considering any open-water recreation.
East to Lake Mburo
Continue through southwestern Uganda towards Lake Mburo, with a lunch break around Mbarara. The countryside changes from steep hills to pastoral landscapes as you approach the park. A scheduled boat trip introduces the lake’s birdlife and shoreline habitats if the transfer permits the agreed departure. Check into your lodge and enjoy an evening overlooking the surrounding woodland or savannah.
The Equator crossing and onward to Jinja
Enjoy a short wildlife drive as you leave Lake Mburo, looking for zebras, impalas and other grazers. Continue towards the Equator crossing for photographs and a break. The journey then passes through the Kampala region before reaching Jinja, so this is a long transfer day. Arrive at your river accommodation and leave the evening unstructured.
The Nile at Jinja
Start with a guided visit to the Source of the Nile area and a boat outing on the river. A scheduled rafting session provides the day’s more active element, following the specialist operator’s briefing and participation requirements. Return to your accommodation after the river programme. Kayaking, quad biking and horse riding are optional alternatives or additions, with their own costs and availability.
Kampala stop and airport transfer
Leave Jinja after breakfast and return towards Kampala. If your flight timing allows, take a short city visit focused on a few agreed sights rather than trying to cover the whole capital. Allow a generous transfer margin for traffic on the way to Entebbe. Your safari ends at the airport or another agreed drop-off point.
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.
Pakuba Lodge
Kibale Forest Camp
Elephant Hab Lodge
Ishasha Jungle Lodge
Bakiga Lodge
Bunyonyi Rock Resort
Rwakobo Rock
Kingfisher Resort Jinja
Practical Planning
Things worth knowing before you book.
The journey includes several substantial road transfers; keep arrival and departure flights separate from the longest driving days where possible.
Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking involve uneven forest trails. A porter can be requested for the gorilla trek at an additional charge.
Rafting participation depends on the operator’s requirements and river conditions. An alternative Jinja activity can be quoted for guests who prefer a gentler outing.
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 15 Days Uganda Gorillas Wildlife and Nile Adventure?
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; the scheduled jinja rafting session, subject to the specialist operator’s participation requirements. 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 15 Days Uganda Gorillas Wildlife and Nile Adventure 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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