10 Day Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla, Chimpanzee Trekking and Big 5 Safari

Your safari begins with an early pickup from Entebbe or Kampala and a journey to Mabamba Swamp, one of Uganda’s best-known locations for searching for the elusive shoebill.

Travel through the papyrus channels by local canoe with an experienced guide, watching for the shoebill as well as other wetland species. Mabamba is an important habitat for a wide range of waterbirds, making this a rewarding start for both birders and wildlife enthusiasts.

After the excursion, continue north through Uganda’s countryside towards Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

After breakfast, head out on a guided rhino trekking experience with sanctuary rangers. Walk through the reserve while observing white rhinos in their protected natural environment and learning about the conservation work behind their return to Uganda.

Continue towards Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest national park.

After arriving in the park, visit the Top of the Falls, where the Nile is compressed through a narrow gorge before dropping over the falls below.

Later, set out on a night game drive. With experienced guides and spotlights, search for nocturnal wildlife including hyenas, civets, genets, owls and other species that become active after dark.

Rise early for a morning game drive across the northern sector of Murchison Falls National Park.

Explore the open savannah and woodland in search of elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, hartebeest, Uganda kob, oribi and a variety of bird species. The cooler morning hours are particularly suited to wildlife viewing.

Return to the lodge for breakfast and time to relax before lunch.

In the afternoon, board a boat safari along the River Nile towards the base of Murchison Falls. Hippos and Nile crocodiles are commonly seen along the water, while elephants, buffaloes and numerous waterbirds often gather along the riverbanks.

Enjoy an early morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park, giving you another opportunity to search for wildlife before leaving the park.

After breakfast, begin the journey southwest towards Kibale Forest National Park.

The route passes through rural communities, farmland and tea-growing areas before reaching the Fort Portal region and the forested landscapes around Kibale.

Arrive at your lodge and settle in ahead of tomorrow’s chimpanzee trekking experience.

After breakfast, head into Kibale Forest for chimpanzee trekking.

Accompanied by experienced park rangers, walk through the forest listening for chimpanzee calls and watching the canopy for movement. Once the chimpanzees are located, spend time observing their behaviour as they feed, communicate, groom and move through the forest.

Later, visit a local highland coffee-growing community to learn how coffee is cultivated, harvested, processed, roasted and prepared.

Continue with a visit focused on vanilla cultivation, gaining an insight into another important crop grown by farmers in western Uganda.

In the afternoon, continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Start the morning with a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, exploring the Kasenyi plains and surrounding areas as wildlife becomes active.

Look for elephants, buffaloes, lions, Uganda kob, antelope, warthogs and the park’s diverse birdlife.

After lunch, head to the Kazinga Channel for an afternoon boat safari.

The channel supports large concentrations of hippos and Nile crocodiles, while elephants, buffaloes and other wildlife frequently come to the water. From the boat, you can also observe a wide range of waterbirds along the shoreline.

After breakfast, travel south through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Explore the area in search of its famous tree-climbing lions, which are sometimes found resting in the branches of large fig and acacia trees. Along the way, continue watching the plains and woodland for elephants, buffaloes, antelope and other wildlife.

Leave Ishasha and continue towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to Uganda’s mountain gorillas.

Arrive at your lodge and enjoy a relaxed evening before tomorrow’s gorilla trek.

After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for your gorilla trekking briefing.

Once assigned to a gorilla family, enter Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with your ranger guides and begin the trek. The time and distance involved depend on the location and movements of the gorillas, while sections of the forest can be steep and challenging.

When you find the family, spend the permitted time observing them in their natural environment, watching their movements, interactions and daily behaviour from a respectful distance.

After the trek, transfer to Lake Mutanda in the Kisoro region, Surrounded by volcanic peaks and dotted with small islands, Lake Mutanda offers a peaceful setting to rest after the trek.

Enjoy a relaxed morning around Lake Mutanda, with time to explore the lake by canoe or boat or simply enjoy the views towards the Virunga volcanoes.

Later, cross into Rwanda through the Cyanika Border and continue towards the Volcanoes region.

On arrival, visit Iby’iwacu for a community-based cultural experience. Meet members of the local community and learn about aspects of traditional Rwandan life through stories, customs, food, crafts, music and dance.

The visit also offers an insight into the connection between local livelihoods, tourism and conservation in communities surrounding Volcanoes National Park, including the transition of former poachers towards alternative livelihoods.