15 Day Gorilla and Chimp Trekking, Nature sighting Safari

After breakfast, the assigned tour driver-guide will pick you up and hit the road to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Once in Ziwa, you will proceed for an hour of rhino tracking. From there, head to Gulu City. After Joseph Kony's rebels were forced out of Northern Uganda, a giant was awakened. Gulu City is what we are talking about. Gulu is a bustling town/city in this once war-ravaged region. As you will witness, the beauty of life here plays from dawn to dusk—extending deep into the night. You get the sense of people who have moved past their pain and just want to enjoy life (the best they can). Enjoy your time and later have your overnight at the booked hotel. Accommodation: (The Boma Gulu-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: Approx. 6 hours.

Have breakfast and drive off to Kidepo Valley National Park, arriving in time for some rest and lunch before going out for game viewing. You will proceed for game viewing in the Narus Valley in the south sector of Kidepo. Narus is the sector of Kidepo that has savannah grasslands mixed with acacia woodland. It is also the area of the park with permanent water sources throughout the year and for that matter, most of the animals are in this part of the park. Be on the look for large herds of buffaloes, elephants, many zebras, antelope species, lions, and the elusive leopards. You will return to the accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay. Accommodation: (Kidepo Savannah Lodge-TENT-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: Approx. 4 hours.

Enjoy your breakfast then embark on a sunrise game drive/safari, where you will have the opportunity to encounter wildlife including; lions, herds of buffalos, elephants, zebras, or the elusive leopard among others. Return to the lodge for lunch and afternoon relaxation. After a good rest, move out for the Karamojong community cultural encounter where you will spend a wonderful afternoon (evening) with the Karamojong people. You'll have an insight into their way of life and beliefs. Dinner and your overnight stay are at the booked accommodation. Accommodation: (Kidepo Savannah Lodge-TENT-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: n/a.

This morning, we will have breakfast and then move out to explore the African savannah on foot. Accompanied by an armed ranger-guide, you will venture along dry river beds, over rocky outcrops and through bushland to track the resident wildlife. If you end up in Kidepo River Valley, a stroll on its wide bed of white sand or in the Borassus Palm Forest which feels like an oasis in the Sahara, a fascinating attraction. Later (afternoon session), we shall return to the Narus Valley for more African wildlife encounters. Return for dinner and your overnight stay at the lodge. Accommodation: (Kidepo Savannah Lodge - Tent Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: n/a.

We will enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the lodge. Thereafter, embark on a transfer to the Murchison Falls National Park. The highlights of this park include the roaring rapids of Murchison Falls and the rolling plains of Uganda’s largest national park. Here you will have the chance of viewing lions, leopards, giraffes, hartebeests, buffalo, and elephants. Then surely, the concentration of hippos and Nile crocodiles here will fascinate you. At about 3:00 pm or 4:00 pm, we can move out for wildlife sightings till about 6:30 pm/7:00 pm. #Optional (extra cost 40$): You may consider a breathtaking night game drive to have a rare encounter of the nightlife in the wild. Accommodation: (Fort Murchison-TENT-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: Approx. 5-6 hours.

Have your breakfast then depart for an early morning game drive across the rolling plains of Uganda’s largest national park. Be on the look for wildlife including lions, leopards (though hard to spot) among others. For any birder, there are quite a number of birds to sight too during the drive. Return to the accommodation for some rest time and lunch. After lunch, you will head out for the boat trip to the base of Murchison Falls. Here you will also be able to catch sight of more animals including hippos and crocodiles and several water birds. #Optional (extra cost 15$): If interested, continue with a hike to the top of the falls. The hike may be a strenuous one but the thrill of reaching the top is unforgettable. Return to your accommodation and relax. Accommodation: (Fort Murchison-TENT-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: n/a.

We will have breakfast and then drive to the top of the falls to truly appreciate the beauty and magnificence of the Murchison Falls. From the top, we shall embark on a transfer that will see us overnight at the edge of Kibale Forest National Park. The drive is quite long but incredibly scenic—passing through villages, lush green countryside and hills dotted with tea plantations that characterize this part of Uganda. The beautiful scenery will amaze you all the way. Upon arrival at the accommodation, check-in and just relax. #Optional (extra cost 15$): If interested, you can proceed with the crater lakes excursion. You will enjoy the beauty of the numerous small lakes, surrounded by gentle hills, and stunning views all over. Else, just enjoy your rest at the facility. Accommodation: (Rweteera-Banda/Cabin-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer time: Approx. 7-8 hours.

Have breakfast and proceed for the Bigodi Wetlands excursion. The Bigodi Wetland boasts of an extensive array of biodiversity among which are several primates species like the black and white Colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, L'Hoest's monkeys, and baboons. The Bigodi is also a paradise for bird watchers. Among the major bird species within the area is the great blue turaco. From Bigodi, we shall embark on a transfer (about 2 hours) to Queen Elizabeth National Park. You will reach Queen early enough to have lunch, rest and then proceed out for game viewing. During the game drive, look out for wild animals like reedbucks, bushbucks, kobs, warthogs, elephants, lions and buffaloes to mention but a few. Alternatively, you could choose to go for the Queen’s breathtaking explosion crater drive (instead). Return to the accommodation and take your rest. Accommodation: (Tembo Safari Lodge-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: 2-3 hrs.

Be up early, have breakfast and drive out to the nearby Kalinzu Forest Reserve. The forest is home to habituated chimpanzees plus other primates including baboons, monkeys and also bird species. Today, you will spend the early part of the day tracking chimpanzees here. Thereafter, return to the accommodation for some rest time and lunch. After lunch, you will go for a 2-hour boat trip on the Kazinga Channel that connects Lakes George and Edward. During the trip, the sight of wildlife including giant hippos, elephants and crocodiles among others will fascinate you. You will also see many varieties of birds on the water shores. After the boat trip, we shall proceed for a brief late afternoon game drive and thereafter, return to the lodge. Accommodation: (Tembo Safari Lodge-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: Approx. 1hr to/from Kalinzu.

Be up early and proceed for an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains. Be on the look for Cape buffalos, herds of elephants, lions, leopards (though hard to spot) among others. Return to the lodge and check out then head to the Ishasha Sector in search of tree-climbing lions. The chance of spotting these lions is about 70% though sometimes they are hard to spot (most especially when they are down in the grassland looking for prey). Should you get to spot them, the sight is picturesque and memorable. From Ishasha, we shall continue to the accommodation at the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Ruhija sector)—arriving in the evening (5:00 pm or 6:00 pm). Accommodation: (Broadbill Forest Camp-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: 6 hours.

Have breakfast and move to the rangers’ post. You will receive some briefing (from a ranger guide) on the dos and don’ts during trekking. Thereafter, you will enter the Bwindi Forest for your adventure. The time taken and the terrain varies with the movements of these great primates. Once you have located a gorilla group, you will be allowed an hour in their presence. The thrill of spending time observing these gentle but endangered giants is unforgettable. Return to the accommodation, check out and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi. Lake Bunyonyi is framed by lush, green-terraced hills that reach a height of (2,200 – 2,478m) but it’s the 29 islands of various shapes and sizes scattered across the water that make it most magical—you could admire them all day. Accommodation: (Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: Approx. 2-3 hours.

After days of long drives and of course the strenuous gorilla trekking (the previous day) in Bwindi, this day is at your disposal for relaxation. All meals will be served at the accommodation. Optional (at extra cost): Should you wish to go out for an activity, you may consider the following; a historical islands’ tour, a visit to the Batwa/Pygmies’ community, Nyombe Swamp Excursion, Mountain bike cycling, zip lining, canoeing or kayaking on the lake. The activity can be arranged onsite with the help of your driver-guide. Enjoy your stay. Accommodation: (Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: Approx. n/a.

Have breakfast and set off to Lake Mburo National Park via Mbarara City. You will arrive at the accommodation in Lake Mburo in time and rest before moving out for an afternoon-to-evening game drive. On the game drive, expect to see the gigantic eland antelopes, zebras, topis, impalas, Uganda kobs and Cape buffalos among others. Later, relax at the accommodation where you will spend the night. #Optional (extra cost 30$): If interested, you may consider the night game drive to encounter nocturnal creatures which will be a rare sighting compared to the regular daytime sightings. Accommodation: (Hyena Hill Lodge-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: Approx. 4-5 hrs.

Enjoy your early breakfast and proceed to the Mburo for a morning park (bush) walk in the presence of an armed Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger guide. On this early morning guided walk, you will have the opportunity to encounter (at close range): zebras, giraffes, elands, topis and other antelope, Cape buffaloes among others. Take the trail to the top of the hills and see Lake Mburo and beyond. From this vantage point, you will have a great view of 9 of the twelve lakes surrounding Lake Mburo National Park. Thereafter, return to the accommodation for checkout and then hit the road to Entebbe Airport to catch a flight (6:00 pm or later). Accommodation: Recommended on request | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Drive Time: Approx. 4 hours.