Compare Chimps & Gorillas of Uganda by Exodus Travels vs 15-Day Safari into Uganda - Exploring Kidepo, Murchison, Bwindi by Home To Africa

Day 1 Arrive Entebbe

Our adventure begins in Entebbe, a city on the north shore of Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa. Today is all about settling in after your journey, so head to the hotel and relax for the evening.   Accommodation: 2 Friends Beach Hotel, Papyrus Guest House or Boma Hotel (or similar)

Day 2 Drive to Kibale Forest

This morning, we have breakfast and your leader will run a welcome brief before we leave Entebbe. The drive time depends, in large part, on traffic in Kampala but should take approximately seven hours. Upon arrival, we can relax at our lakeside lodge. Kibale Forest National Park is home to 13 primate species: there are nine diurnal primates, including vervet, red-tailed, L’Hoest’s, red colobus, black-and-white colobus and blue monkeys, plus grey-cheeked mangabey, olive baboons and, the most famous of all, chimpanzees. Although chimp sightings are not guaranteed, the odds of encountering them are very good. Accommodation: Turaco Treetops (or similar)

Day 3 Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale; visit Bigodi wetlands

Today we explore the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary in the Magombe wetland. The sanctuary is a major tourist attraction in the Kibale Forest area and is operated by the Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental Development (KAFRED), a local community-based organisation. We also go on a forest walk in search of primates. While trekking in the depths of the lush green forest, we are surrounded by bird song and can expect to see at least five or six types of primate, most probably grey-cheeked mangabeys, red-tailed monkeys and, of course, chimpanzees. The walking is fairly easy with well-maintained trails and reasonably flat terrain. The order in which we do these activities may vary. Accommodation: Turaco Treetops (or similar)

Day 4 Optional second chimpanzee trek; to Queen Elizabeth National Park

There is the option of doing a second chimp trek this morning to increase the probability of seeing them (due to limited permit availability, we recommend you prebook the second chimp trek). In the afternoon, we drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP). The drive goes south along the eastern length of the Rwenzori Mountains, where we can see the glaciated peaks, weather permitting. We gently descend into the Great Rift Valley and QENP. The park resides in a fertile, equatorial area and has beautiful scenery. It is the most popular and accessible savannah reserve in Uganda, with a total area of 764sqmi (1,978sqkm). It is primarily associated with grassy savannah plains, but this impressive park also includes leafy rainforests, dense papyrus swamps and natural volcanic crater lakes. As a result, it has one of the highest biodiversity ratings of any game reserve in the world, including 95 recorded mammal species and more than 610 bird species. Accommodation: Simba Safari Camp (or similar)

Day 5 Game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park; boat safari on the Kazinga Channel

This morning, we explore Queen Elizabeth National Park on a game drive in search of wildlife, including elephants, lions, buffalo, leopards, hyenas, jackals, topis, kobs and bush bucks. In the afternoon, we have a boat trip (about two hours) along the Kazinga Channel to view some of the largest concentration of hippos in the world (reported to be about 30,000) and other animals with excellent birding. Accommodation: Simba Safari Camp (or similar)

Day 6 Game drive in the Ishasha region of Queen Elizabeth National Park; to Buhoma

Today we drive through the park to the Ishasha region. We game drive in search of tree-climbing lions and other wildlife. This afternoon, we head to Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest, a World Heritage site, passing through the scenic area known as the Switzerland of East Africa. The driving today is about 5hr 30min (not including game drives). Accommodation: Haven Lodge Buhoma (or similar)

Day 7 Mountain gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

For many, observing a wild mountain gorilla is one of the most emotional wildlife experiences possible. Tracking these gentle giants can take anything from under an hour to more than six, depending on where the family is located. The number of permits allocated daily are limited so we recommend early booking. If the permits for gorilla families close to where we stay are unavailable, there are more permits for another area of the park, though this will mean a long drive to the trek start point. The trek itself can be along steep, slippery trails and through the bush so you should be in reasonable physical condition, but the rewards of spending an hour with our close cousins more than makes up for the effort of getting to them. Accommodation: Haven Lodge Buhoma (or similar)

Day 8 Optional second mountain gorilla trek

Today is a free day and there is the option of getting a second gorilla permit for this day, though due to the limited number of permits, this should be obtained at time of booking. For those who choose not to go on a second gorilla trek, there are other walks you can do nearby or you can relax at our lodge, reminiscing about the previous day’s encounters. On some departures, due to the availability of permits, we may have to swap these two days over with the free day (and optional second gorilla trek) on Day 6 and the included gorilla trek on Day 7 or we may have to split the group to trek with gorillas across both days. Accommodation: Haven Lodge Buhoma (or similar)

Day 9 To Lake Mburo National Park

Leaving the forests, we head towards Lake Mburo National Park. En route, we stop in Kabale near the Rwandan border for lunch. The drive should be about five hours (not including stops). Lake Mburo is the only place in southern Uganda where you can see zebras, giraffes and impala and is a great place to try to see leopards. It is also home to more than 300 bird species and offers the possibility of game walks and game drives. Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock (or similar)

Day 10 Game drive; optional game walk or boat safari

Today we go on a final game drive looking for plains wildlife. The park has a network of game tracks in the eastern part of the park passing a variety of landscapes: acacia woodland, wetlands, grassy hillsides, rocky outcrops and seasonally flooded valley floors. The early morning and late afternoon are the best times to roam the park in search of wildlife. There is also the option of tracking game on foot through the savannah and going on a boat excursion, particularly good for birdlife. You also have the option of going on an early morning game walk. Accompanied by a ranger guide, you walk to a salt lick where many animals are attracted to the salty rocks. At this time of day, you may encounter hyenas returning to their dens and hippos retreating to the lake. The lake itself is rich with a diversity of animals and plants, and these can be viewed clearly on a boat trip. These include crocodiles, hippos and birds, such as pelicans, black crakes, herons, cormorants and fish eagles, but you may also see the rare shoebill stork if you are lucky. Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock (or similar)

Day 11 Drive to Entebbe; trip ends

Today is our final day and we return to Entebbe and the shores of Lake Victoria. The driving time will depend on the amount of traffic in Kampala, but we make regular stops to break up the journey. En route back to Entebbe, we visit Mabamba Swamp (Mabamba Bay Wetland System), which lies about 25mi (40km) from Entebbe. The swamp, said to support more than 190,000 birds, is the perfect spot in Uganda for watching the globally threatened shoebill stork and the papyrus yellow warbler. We arrive into Entebbe in the early evening, if time permits, you guide will take you for dinner (own expense) before dropping you at the airport.

Day 1: Arrive Entebbe Airport, pick up and transfer to the accommodation.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: (Cassia Lodge-Moderate)

Drive Time: Approx. 45 minutes.

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, a Home to Africa assigned English-speaking professional driver-guide will receive and welcome you to Uganda – the Pearl of Africa. Thereafter, you will transfer to the booked accommodation (Kampala). Optional (extra cost): In case you have had an early landing into Uganda and you’re interested, you can take a brief tour of the city. Places to visit may include the Buganda Royal Mile, the Gaddafi National Mosque, the Bahai Temple to mention but a few. Otherwise, you can check-in and just relax.

Day 2: Drive to Jinja, visit Source of the Nile and then continue to Sipi.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Accommodation: (Rafiki Lodge Sipi-Moderate)

Drive Time: Approx. 5 hours.

Have breakfast and then drive off to Jinja. En route, you will drive through Mabira Forest then head to Jinja where the Nile begins its flow to the Mediterranean Sea. Visit the Source of the Nile then proceed to Sipi where you will have an overnight stay. Optional (extra cost): If interested, you may choose to go for white water rafting on the Nile. There is also the option for Kayaking on the Nile before departing Jinja.

Day 3: Sipi Falls walk/hiking experience and afternoon coffee tour plus community encounter.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: (Rafiki Lodge Sipi-Moderate)

Drive Time:

You will have breakfast and thereafter proceed out to explore the Sipi falls. The hiking (about 2½ - 3 hours) takes you to explore the nearby Sipi falls which is a set of 3 falls. The views are breathtaking and make for a great excursion while in Sipi. The (afternoon) coffee tour on the other hand will enable you to trace the story of coffee from seed to that in the cup and you don’t want to miss this informative experience. Later, just relax at the accommodation with some spectacular view of Sipi right in front of you.

Day 4: Drive to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve. Explore the Reserve and proceed to Kara-tunga Safari Camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: (Kara-tunga Safari Camp-Moderate)

Drive Time: Approx. 4 hours.

Have your breakfast and then drive to the pristine Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve. While there, you may decide to visit the Ngapedet Cave on a nature walk to gain some historical insights or go for game viewing in search of Pian Upe inhabitants such as; ostriches, common elands, plain zebras, the greater kudu, savanna monitor lizards and the only remaining numbers of roan antelope in the whole of Uganda. It is also only in Pian Upe that you may have the chance to see cheetahs while on a Uganda safari. From Pian Upe, head to Kara-tunga Safari Camp where you will have your dinner and the overnight stay. 

Day 5: Transfer to Kidepo Valley NP, and proceed out for an afternoon-evening game viewing.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Accommodation: (Kidepo Savannah Lodge-Moderate)

Drive Time: Approx. 4 hours.

Have breakfast and drive off to Kidepo Valley National Park, arriving early 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, many Zebras, antelope species and the lions. You will return to the accommodation for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 6: Morning game drive and afternoon relaxation at the lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: (Kidepo Savannah Lodge-Lower Mid-range)

Drive Time:

Enjoy your breakfast then embark on a sunrise game drive 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. Optional (extra cost): Just in case you feel like doing some activity, you may consider; A). the Karamojong community, cultural encounter where you will spend a wonderful afternoon (evening) with the Karamojong people and have an insight on their way of life and beliefs, B). another afternoon/evening game drive.

Day 7: Early-riser game viewing and then transfer to Murchison Falls NP.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: (Fort Murchison-Moderate)

Drive Time: Approx. 5-6 hours.

Be up early, have breakfast and proceed for an early-riser game viewing. Thereafter, exit Kidepo and hit the road to Murchison Falls National Park. The highlights of this park include the roaring rapids of the Murchison, the rolling plains of Uganda’s largest National Park where you will have the chance of viewing lions, giraffes, hartebeest, buffalo, and elephants. Then surely, the concentration of hippos and the Nile crocodiles here will fascinate you. You will reach Murchison and do little but check into your accommodation then have some rest, dinner and overnight stay.

Day 8: Morning game drive, afternoon boat trip plus top of the falls walk

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: (Fort Murchison-Lower Mid-range) |

Drive Time:

Have your breakfast, depart for an early morning game drive across the rolling plains of Uganda’s largest National Park and 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 where you will also be able to catch sight of more animals including Hippos and Crocodiles and several water birds. Continue with a hike (if you like) to the top of the falls. The hike may be a strenuous one but the thrill on reaching the top is unforgettable. Miss it only if you must. Return to your accommodation and relax.

Day 9: Exit Murchison and transfers to Kibale Forest National Park.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: (Isunga Lodge -Moderate)

Drive Time: Approx. 7 hours.

After breakfast at your accommodation, depart right away for 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. Kibale NP is popular for its primates like the chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, L'Hoest's monkey, Uganda mangabey (Lophocebus ugandae). You will arrive at the booked accommodation, check-in and take your rest. Optional (extra cost): If time permits and you’re interested, you can choose to do Bigodi swamp excursion or explore the crater lakes. The other option is visiting The Amabere ganyinamwiru cave for some amazing cultural/historical insights.

Day 10: Chimp tracking Kibale Forest and then transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: (Irungu Forest Safari Lodge-Nice Budget Level)

Drive Time: Approx. 2 – 3 hours.

Have breakfast and head to the rangers’ post where you will receive some briefing on the dos and don’ts during chimp trekking. Thereafter, you will proceed to trek the chimps in the Kibale Forest. An experienced ranger guide will take you chimp tracking (Kibale Forest) and you will be left amazed by the presence of primates here. Once you locate the chimpanzees, you will have a full hour in their presence. You will return to the lodge for lunch and thereafter you will head out for Queen Elizabeth National Park. Optional (no cost): while in Queen, you may consider; A). Brief afternoon-evening game viewing, B). explosion crater drive (if you love scenery sighting). Else, just check-in and relax.

Day 11: Morning game drive, afternoon boat trip on the Kazinga Channel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Accommodation: (Irungu Forest Safari Lodge-Nice Budget Level)

Drive Time:

Be up early and have your breakfast. Proceed for a morning game drive along the Kasenyi plains and be on the look for lions, leopard (hard to spot), herd of elephants, buffalos among others. 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 at the shores. Return for relaxation at the lodge. Optional: If interested, you may consider; A). a brief evening game viewing after the boat trip or B). community + twin lakes hike.

Day 12: Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha sector in search of tree-climbing lions.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: (Broadbill Forest Camp-Nice Budget Level)

Drive Time: Approx. 6hrs exclude time in Ishasha.

Enjoy your breakfast and thereafter, drive to Ishasha sector – famously known for its resident 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). Hoping you get the chance to spot them, the sight will be spectacular! From Ishasha, continue to the booked accommodation in/close Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. With a strenuous day ahead, you will arrive at the accommodation, check-in and relax.

Day 13: Gorilla trekking Bwindi Forest and transfer to Bunyonyi for relaxation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: (Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort-Moderate)

Drive Time: Approx. 2-3 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 beauty of this rain forest is spectacular! The area offers dramatic steeply forested landscape and is incredibly dense but crisscrossed by numerous animal trails allowing access to tourists. The time taken and the terrain vary 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. 

Day 14: Relaxation while enjoying the stunning beauty of Lake Bunyonyi.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: (Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort-Moderate)

Drive Time:

After days of long drives and of course the strenuous gorilla trekking (previous day) in Bwindi, this day is at your disposal for relaxation. All meals will be served at the accommodation. Optional (extra cost): Should you wish to go out for an activity, you may consider the following; Historical Islands’ tour, 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 while on the ground with the help of your driver-guide. Enjoy your stay.

Day 15: Depart Bunyonyi and return to Entebbe Airport to catch flight out.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Recommended on request

Drive Time: Approx. 8 hours.

Have a relaxed breakfast at the accommodation with spectacular view of the Bunyonyi little islands just right in front of you and thereafter embark on your return journey to Entebbe Airport. Expect en route lunch and a stop at the Uganda Equator line mark in Kayabwe for some memorable photos and maybe buying some art pieces of interest. Proceed with the journey arriving late afternoon/evening for drop off at the airport to catch your flight back home (recommended for 19:00 onwards).