Exclusive Gorilla Vacations

5.0/5 – 5 Reviews

$8,000 pp (USD)

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*This tour does not accept children under 15.
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Arrival (See Getting There for more details)

Arrival (See Getting There for more details)

  • You'll be collected from the airport.
  • Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Day 1

Arrival at Entebbe International Airport and Transfer to Kamapala

Arrival at Entebbe International Airport and Transfer to Kamapala

You will have a warm welcome by our tour guide/driver at Entebbe airport (EBB) who will take you to your hotel in Kampala. He will give a briefing about the entire safari and ensure that all the equipment and resources to make the safari successful are in place.

Main Destination:
Kampala (City, Uganda)
Accommodation:
Fairway Hotel & Spa
  • Mid-range hotelin Kampala (City, Uganda)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 2

Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for Rhino Tracking

Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for Rhino Tracking

On this day, you will enjoy your breakfast at your hotel in Entebbe OR Kampala set off for Ziwa Rhino sanctuary. I really advise that you make this stop over since it will give you the complete feel of the “big five” in Uganda. With an en-route lunch, you shall make a stopover at the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary to track the endangered southern white rhinos before continuing to Murchison. Ziwa rhino sanctuary is home and the breeding place to the endangered southern white rhinos for their re introduction into the wild where they existed before being wiped out in the 1980s. It is the only place where they can be spotted in the wild. Then proceed to Murchison Falls National Park. Marvel at the breathtaking sight of Murchison Falls, where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge before plunging 45 meters into the pool. Retire to a lodge for an overnight stay, surrounded by the African wilderness's tranquility.

Main Destination:
Murchison Falls National Park (Uganda)
Best Time To Visit December to February (Easier to spot animals)
High Season June to September (Peak time for Uganda)
Best Weather June and July (Less rain and lower temperatures)

Wildlife in Murchison Falls NP

ChimpanzeeOccasional
ElephantCommon
GiraffeCommon
BuffaloCommon
HippoAbundant
LionOccasional
Show more
ZebraNone
Accommodation:
Pakuba Safari Lodge
  • Mid-range lodge located inside Murchison Falls NP (Uganda)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 3

Morning game drive, afternoon boat cruise to the bottom of the falls

Morning game drive, afternoon boat cruise to the bottom of the falls

Begin your day at 6 am with coffee and a snack, gearing up for adventure. Board a safari vehicle with packed breakfast for a morning game drive in Murchison Falls NP. Spot nocturnal creatures and predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas. Capture sightings of antelopes, giraffes, buffaloes, and hippos. Encounter Nubian Giraffes, a highlight of the park. Your guide shares wildlife insights.
After breakfast, continue the game drive until midday, then return to the lodge for relaxation and lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a 3-hour boat cruise along the Nile River from Paraa to the majestic falls. Marvel at Nile crocodiles, hippos, and aquatic birds. Watch elephants and buffaloes by the river.
Back at the lodge, enjoy a leisurely evening before a thrilling night game drive safari. Spot elusive animals like lions, leopards, porcupines, and spotted hyenas. Capture the magic of the nighttime wilderness. Return to the lodge for a restful overnight stay, cherishing the day's experiences.

Main Destination:
Murchison Falls National Park (Uganda)
Accommodation:
Pakuba Safari Lodge
  • Mid-range lodge located inside Murchison Falls NP (Uganda)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 4

Transfer to Kibale forest National park

Transfer to Kibale forest National park

Wake up early, load bags, and have breakfast before checking out. Drive through the park, enjoying the scenery, then visit Murchison Falls. Experience the breathtaking views and reflect on the beautiful memories you have had in the park.
Afterward, head to Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee tracking. Encounter various primate species including colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, and more. The park is home to forest elephants, antelopes, and 370 bird species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics.
Enjoy views of tea estates, forests, and the shadow of the Rwenzori Mountain en route to Kibale. Witness olive baboons by the road and the mystic backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountain against the volcanic landscape. Stop in Fort Portal City for lunch before continuing to your lodge for an overnight stay.

Main Destination:
Kibale National Park (Chimps)
Best Time To Visit December to February and June to July
High Season June to September (Peak time for Uganda)
Best Weather June to July and December to February (Least rain)

Wildlife in Kibale NP

ElephantOccasional
BuffaloOccasional
LeopardVery Rare
HippoRare
LionRare to None
Show more
ZebraNone
Accommodation:
Kibale Forest Lodge
  • Mid-range lodgeinside Kibale NP (Chimps, Uganda)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 5

Chimpanzee tracking and Bigodi Community Walk

Chimpanzee tracking and Bigodi Community Walk

Wake up early and have a quick breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a briefing on chimps tracking guidelines. Then, venture into the forest with a guide to track chimps and other primates in their natural habitat. Known as the primate capital of the world, Kibale Forest offers encounters with species like L’Hoest monkeys, black-faced colobus monkeys, and baboons. The highlight is observing chimps play, communicate, and eat, typically allowed for an hour. You may also spot forest bird species, butterflies, and flora.
In the afternoon, take a community walk in Bigodi for cultural experiences like visiting African homesteads, learning about Banana bonga products, experiencing chimpanzee robusta coffee, meeting traditional healers, witnessing handcraft making, cultural dances, weddings, iron smithing, and milking.
As the day ends, return to your lodge for a delightful dinner and a peaceful overnight stay, filled with memories of cultural exploration and scenic wonders.

Main Destination:
Kibale National Park (Chimps)
Accommodation:
Kibale Forest Lodge
  • Mid-range lodgeinside Kibale NP (Chimps, Uganda)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 6

Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After a relaxed breakfast, you will drive to queen Elizabeth national park one of the most unique safari destinations on the African continent. Queen Elizabeth National Park is more famous for the big cats like lions, leopards, the kazinga channel which has the largest population of hippos in the world. There are 612 bird species, 95 mammal species including the African elephants (25,000), cape buffaloes (10,000), hippos (5000). On arrival in Queen Elizabeth National Park before checking in at your booked lodge go for an evening game drive through the kasenyi plains for sighting animals as they feed before the sun sets up, lions can also be spotted in the cool evening as they prepare for night activity since they are nocturnal animals. Good time for taking sun set photographs and also experiencing the sun set in the savannah. After drive to your booked lodge to refresh, have dinner and overnight stay.

Main Destination:
Queen Elizabeth National Park (Uganda)
Best Time To Visit January to February and June to July (Dry seasons)
High Season June to September (Peak time for Uganda)
Best Weather June to July and January to February (Less rainfall)

Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth NP

ChimpanzeeOccasional
ElephantCommon
LionCommon
BuffaloCommon
HippoAbundant
LeopardOccasional
Show more
ZebraNone
Accommodation:
Buffalo Safari Lodge
  • Mid-range lodge located just outside Queen Elizabeth NP (Uganda)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 7

Morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise

Morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise

Wake up at 5:30 am, dress in light clothes, and pack essentials like a sweater, extra camera battery, and binoculars. Enjoy coffee and grab your packed breakfast before leaving the lodge at 6:30 am for Kasenyi Plains in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Starting early maximizes wildlife sightings as animals are active before temperatures rise. Encounter African elephants, buffaloes, hippos, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, lions, leopards, African fish eagles, and pied kingfishers. Your guide will help spot animals and share insights.
Around 11:30 am, return to the lodge for lunch, then embark on a 2-hour afternoon boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. Spot Nile crocodiles, monitor lizards, hippos, elephants, and buffaloes as they drink and bathe. After the cruise, head back to the park for an evening game drive to search for more animals, including cats and hyenas, and enjoy the sunset. Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Main Destination:
Queen Elizabeth National Park (Uganda)
Accommodation:
Buffalo Safari Lodge
  • Mid-range lodge located just outside Queen Elizabeth NP (Uganda)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 8

Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Wake up early in the morning (5:30am) to prepare yourself. Today, you will have a relatively long journey to Bwindi Impenetrable NP about 8 hours. You will drive from Queen Elizabeth NP to Bwindi Impenetrable NP with interesting stopovers. You will reach late in the evening and when time allows, you will go for hike to the Batwa local village is situated will go up a steep hill where you will get to meet them and interact with the community pygmies. Once you reach their village, it welcomes you with an open big smile. During your visit, you learn how they hunt, honey gathering, making medicine from herbs, how they made clothing while they still lived in the first, how they kept their children as they did their house duty. They prepare lunch during the trail and later a very beautiful dance and drumming. The Batwa trail is very wonderful experience which you can add on your gorilla safari while in Bwindi Impenetrable. you will then return to lodge for the overnight.

Main Destination:
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)
Best Time To Visit June to August and December to February
High Season June to September (Gorilla permits are scarce)
Best Weather June to July and December to February (Less rainfall)

Wildlife in Bwindi NP

Accommodation:
Bakiga Lodge
  • Budget lodgejust outside Bwindi NP (Gorillas, Uganda)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 9

Gorilla Trekking Experience- once in a lifetime experience

Gorilla Trekking Experience- once in a lifetime experience

Prepare for a mountain gorilla trekking adventure by dressing in long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, waterproof hiking shoes, a waterproof jacket, a round hat, and heavy-duty gloves. After breakfast and packing lunch, meet your guide at the park information center for a pre-trek briefing on Dos and Don'ts, expectations, and code of conduct.
Grouped with eight trekkers, you'll be assigned a gorilla family to track, accompanied by armed rangers and a guide. Trek through the forest, navigating trails for 45 minutes to 6 hours depending on gorilla location. Mental and physical readiness is crucial, with the option to choose a family closer to your fitness level.
Upon encountering your gorilla family, spend an hour observing them led by the dominant silverback. Maintain respect, avoid eye contact, and follow guide instructions for safety.
Afterward, receive a trekking certificate and return to the lodge for dinner and reflection on the memorable gorilla encounter.

Main Destination:
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)
Accommodation:
Bakiga Lodge
  • Budget lodgejust outside Bwindi NP (Gorillas, Uganda)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 10

Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for Relaxation and canoe ride

Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for Relaxation and canoe ride

Today, wake up at your convenience and enjoy breakfast before transferring to Lake Bunyonyi for a boat canoeing safari, guided by a local expert. Spend approximately 2 hours exploring the lake and visiting its 29 islands, each with its own fascinating story. Your guide will narrate tales of the islands, such as Akampene Island, also known as "punishment island," where unmarried pregnant girls were once exiled to perish as a lesson to others. Learn about the cultural significance of this practice and its impact on society.
Lake Bunyonyi's scenic beauty, framed by the islands, provides a magical backdrop for your canoeing adventure. Revel in the tranquility of the lake and absorb the rich history and culture surrounding it.
After the canoeing safari, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay, reflecting on the unique experiences and stories shared during the day's excursion.

Main Destination:
Lake Bunyonyi (Uganda)
Accommodation:
BirdNest Resort
  • Mid-range resort located at Lake Bunyonyi (Uganda)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 11

Border crossing to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda from Uganda

Border crossing to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda from Uganda

Transfer to Rwanda for the mountain gorilla tracking. These groups of gorillas in Rwanda are easier to track and so will reward you with a more interesting experience without much trouble. Your guide will drive you to Volcanoes National Park. Along the journey to Ruhengeri, you will enjoy the beautiful hilly landscapes from which Rwanda is named the “land of a thousand hills” this journey, will only be amused at how those hills could be arranged in such a beautiful manner so much in a descending order, with undulating greenery grass all over them. Arrive in time for dinner and overnight.

Main Destination:
Volcanoes National Park (Gorillas)
Best Time To Visit June to August (It is drier and hiking is easier)
High Season June to September (Permits are scarce)
Best Weather June to October (Sunny, but not too hot)

Wildlife in Volcanoes NP

Accommodation:
Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
  • Mid-range lodgejust outside Volcanoes NP (Gorillas, Rwanda)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 12

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and visit of Diana Fossey grave

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and visit of Diana Fossey grave

After an early breakfast, your guide will drive you to the headquarters for the memorable gorilla tracking experience in Rwanda. Combining tracking with a visit to the Dian Fossey cave enhances the experience. Dian Fossey, an American zoologist, dedicated her life to gorilla conservation in Rwanda and is famous for her work habituating gorillas, depicted in the film "Gorillas in the Mist." She was tragically murdered, likely by gorilla poachers, and buried in a cave beside her gorilla friend "Digit." Visiting this cave is a major highlight.
After a briefing from ranger guides, you'll begin gorilla trekking through the mountain forest on the slopes of the Virunga, with your packed lunch. Trekking duration varies (1-8 hours) based on physical ability and stamina. The driver will return you to your lodge for dinner and overnight, concluding an unforgettable day in Rwanda.

Main Destination:
Volcanoes National Park (Gorillas)
Accommodation:
Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
  • Mid-range lodgejust outside Volcanoes NP (Gorillas, Rwanda)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 13

Transfer to Lake Kivu for relaxation

Transfer to Lake Kivu for relaxation

Lake Kivu is the largest, is like a giant inland sea with some interesting lakeside towns. Kibuye, two hours from Kigali, is a relaxing retreat for swimming, canoeing and water-skiing. Gisenyi, a famous resort in the past, now has a sleepy forgotten air with some fine but neglected buildings from the Belgian era. Dinner and wonderful overnight at the booked lodge/hotel.

Main Destination:
Lake Kivu (Rwanda)
Accommodation:
La Classe Hotel
  • Mid-range hotelin Gisenyi (Lake Kivu, Rwanda)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 14

Transfer to Kigali city and Later on Kigali International Airport

Transfer to Kigali city and Later on Kigali International Airport

After a healthy breakfast, you will drive towards Kigali city, if time allows, you will take a city tour. Later proceed for departure at Kigali airport for your flight back home.

Main Destination:
Kigali International Airport (Kigali, Rwanda)
Accommodation:
No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

End of tour (See Getting There for more details)

End of tour (See Getting There for more details)

  • Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
  • You'll be dropped off at the airport.

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Request a Quote

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  • Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
  • If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
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Disclaimer

  • This tour is offered by Exclusive Gorilla Vacations, not SafariBookings.
  • This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
  • If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
  • The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
  • If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
  • Gorilla tracking permits are subject to availability.
  • This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Exclusive Gorilla Vacations.