Discover Uganda’s extraordinary natural beauty on the 11 Days Exclusive Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife Uganda Safari with Silverback Tour. This comprehensive journey combines exclusive wildlife experiences, mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, scenic boat cruises, and cultural encounters across some of the country’s most celebrated national parks. From the spectacular Murchison Falls and the wildlife-rich savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park to the ancient rainforests of Kibale and Bwindi, you will experience the remarkable diversity that makes Uganda one of Africa’s most rewarding safari destinations.
Day 1: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Your adventure begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala by your professional Silverback Tour driver-guide. After a briefing about the safari programme, you will travel north-west through Uganda’s countryside, passing rural settlements, agricultural landscapes, and bustling roadside trading centres. Depending on your departure time, you may stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino-tracking experience, giving you an opportunity to observe southern white rhinos on foot with an experienced ranger. This optional stop introduces you to Uganda’s conservation efforts and can provide an opportunity to see one of Africa’s iconic large mammals.
After lunch, you will continue towards Murchison Falls National Park, where the landscapes gradually open into woodland and savannah. Depending on your arrival time, you may visit the top of Murchison Falls to witness the Nile forcing its way through a narrow rocky gorge before plunging into the river below. The viewpoints provide spectacular scenery and excellent opportunities for photography. You will then proceed to your selected lodge, check in, and enjoy time to relax after the journey. In the evening, you will have dinner and receive a briefing about the following day’s wildlife activities.
Accommodation options: Nile Safari Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge, Baker’s Lodge.
Meals: (Lunch, Dinner)
Day 2: Morning Game Drive and Boat Cruise on the Nile
You will begin the day with an early breakfast before setting out on a guided game drive across the northern savannah plains of Murchison Falls National Park. The early morning hours offer favourable conditions for observing animals as they move through the grasslands in search of food and water. With your experienced safari guide, you will search for African elephants, Rothschild’s giraffes, buffaloes, Uganda kob, hartebeests, warthogs, and other wildlife. Lions may be seen resting in the grass or moving through the plains, while leopards are occasionally spotted in suitable habitats. Your guide will help you interpret animal behaviour and explain the relationships between predators, prey, and the surrounding ecosystem.
You will also have opportunities to observe the park’s diverse birdlife, including species associated with savannah, woodland, and riverine habitats. Stops will be made at suitable locations for wildlife photography and to appreciate the expansive landscapes. After the game drive, you will return to your lodge for breakfast or brunch and some relaxation before lunch, depending on the schedule.
In the afternoon, you will embark on a boat cruise along the Victoria Nile towards the base of Murchison Falls. Along the riverbanks, you may observe hippopotamuses, Nile crocodiles, elephants, and numerous waterbirds. The cruise provides an excellent opportunity to photograph wildlife from a different perspective while enjoying the peaceful scenery of the river. As you approach the falls, you will witness the immense power of the Nile as it squeezes through the narrow gorge. After the cruise, you will return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation options: Nile Safari Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge, Baker’s Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3: Transfer to Kibale National Park and Explore the Crater Lakes Region
After breakfast, you will check out of your lodge and begin the journey to Kibale National Park in western Uganda. The drive takes you through changing landscapes, from the open savannah of Murchison Falls to greener agricultural areas, rural settlements, and the foothills surrounding the Rwenzori region. Your guide will make suitable stops along the route for refreshments, photographs, and lunch. Although this is primarily a transfer day, the journey provides an opportunity to observe everyday Ugandan life and appreciate the country’s varied scenery.
As you approach Fort Portal, you will encounter one of Uganda’s most scenic regions, known for its rolling hills, fertile farmland, and volcanic crater lakes. Depending on your arrival time, you may take a guided excursion to selected crater lakes, where you can admire the surrounding hills and learn about the area’s geological features. You may also enjoy views of tea plantations and local communities whose livelihoods are connected to the fertile land.
You will then proceed to your lodge near Kibale National Park, home to a rich variety of primates, including chimpanzees. After checking in, you will have time to relax, enjoy the lodge facilities, and prepare for the following day’s chimpanzee tracking experience. Your guide will explain the planned activities, what to wear for the forest walk, and the importance of following park regulations during primate encounters. In the evening, you will enjoy dinner in the peaceful surroundings of western Uganda’s forest region.
Accommodation options: Ndali Lodge, Primate Lodge Kibale, Turaco Treetops.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
You will rise early for breakfast before heading to the Kibale National Park visitor centre for a briefing by experienced park rangers. You will learn about chimpanzee behaviour, forest conservation, and the guidelines for observing primates in their natural environment. Accompanied by trained guides, you will enter the tropical rainforest to search for a habituated chimpanzee community. The duration of the trek varies according to the location and movements of the chimpanzees, as well as forest and weather conditions.
During the walk, you will encounter towering trees, thick vegetation, colourful butterflies, and numerous bird species. Your guide will explain how to recognise signs of chimpanzee activity, including feeding remains, calls, and nests. Once the chimpanzees are located, you will have a permitted period to observe them as they feed, groom, communicate, and move through the forest canopy. Watching these intelligent primates in their natural habitat offers a fascinating insight into their social behaviour and the importance of protecting Uganda’s tropical forests.
After the tracking activity, you will return to the starting point and continue to the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary if time permits. A guided wetland walk may introduce you to additional primates, birds, and local conservation initiatives. You will then have lunch and travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through rural communities and scenic countryside. Upon arrival, you will check in at your lodge, enjoy dinner, and rest ahead of the following day’s wildlife activities. Because chimpanzee tracking and the transfer take time, the wetland visit will depend on your actual tracking duration and departure schedule.
Accommodation options: Mweya Safari Lodge, Elephant Hab Lodge, Kyambura Gorge Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5: Game Drives and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, you will embark on a morning game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most diverse wildlife destinations. Your guide will select a suitable wildlife-viewing area according to the season, recent sightings, and your lodge’s location. The Kasenyi Plains are particularly well known for Uganda kob, and you may encounter elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, waterbucks, and other antelope species. Lions are also present in the park, although sightings are never guaranteed. Throughout the drive, your guide will share information about the park’s ecosystems, wildlife conservation, and the behaviour of the animals you encounter.
You will have time to stop at appropriate locations for photographs and to appreciate the open savannah scenery. After the game drive, you will return to your lodge for breakfast or brunch, followed by time to relax before lunch. Depending on your accommodation, you may enjoy views of the surrounding wilderness, unwind on a veranda, or make use of the lodge’s facilities.
In the afternoon, you will enjoy a scheduled boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. The channel is known for its concentration of hippopotamuses, Nile crocodiles, buffaloes, and elephants along the banks. You will also have excellent opportunities to observe waterbirds, including African fish eagles, kingfishers, herons, and pelicans. The cruise offers a contrasting perspective to the morning game drive, allowing you to observe wildlife gathering along the shoreline. After the excursion, you will return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation options: Mweya Safari Lodge, Elephant Hab Lodge, Kyambura Gorge Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6: Wildlife Viewing in Ishasha and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
You will enjoy breakfast before departing for the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, a region renowned for its tree-climbing lions. During a guided game drive, you will explore the savannah and woodland habitats, searching for lions resting in large fig trees or moving through the grasslands. Although these lions are not guaranteed to be seen, Ishasha offers a distinctive wildlife-viewing experience. You may also encounter elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob, topis, and other animals that inhabit the area.
Your guide will explain the ecological characteristics of Ishasha and the behaviour of its wildlife while helping you identify tracks and signs of animal activity. You will have opportunities to stop for photographs and enjoy the expansive landscapes before continuing towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive takes you through beautiful countryside, terraced hills, rural villages, and increasingly forested landscapes as you approach south-western Uganda’s highlands.
Upon arrival near your assigned Bwindi trekking sector, you will check in at your lodge and enjoy lunch or refreshments according to the day’s schedule. The remainder of the afternoon can be spent relaxing and appreciating the forest surroundings. Your guide will provide a detailed briefing about the following day’s mountain gorilla trekking experience, including the expected walking conditions, appropriate clothing, and park regulations. You will then enjoy dinner and a peaceful overnight stay, ready for one of the most anticipated experiences of your safari.
Accommodation options: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7: Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Cultural Experience in Bwindi
You will begin the day with an early breakfast before travelling to the Uganda Wildlife Authority briefing point in your assigned trekking sector. Park rangers will explain the gorilla trekking procedures, safety precautions, and conservation guidelines before you enter the forest. You will then join experienced rangers and trackers who will lead you through Bwindi’s dense vegetation in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. The trek may take several hours, depending on the gorillas’ movements, the terrain, and the weather.
As you walk through the rainforest, you will encounter ancient trees, tangled vegetation, butterflies, and a remarkable variety of birdlife. Your guide will help you identify signs of gorilla activity, such as feeding sites, footprints, and nests. Once your assigned family is located, you will spend up to one hour observing the gorillas under ranger supervision. You may see adults feeding, young gorillas playing, or family members grooming and interacting. This encounter provides an exceptional opportunity to appreciate mountain gorilla behaviour and the importance of protecting their fragile habitat.
After the trek, you will return to the park headquarters and transfer to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, you may participate in a guided cultural experience with members of the Batwa community, subject to availability and your preferred arrangements. The experience can introduce you to traditional knowledge, storytelling, music, and aspects of the community’s historical relationship with the forest. You will return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay, reflecting on your encounter with one of the world’s most remarkable primates.
Accommodation options: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi and Scenic Lake Experience
After breakfast, you will check out of your lodge and travel towards Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda’s most picturesque highland destinations. The journey takes you through the scenic countryside of south-western Uganda, where steep hills, terraced farmland, and small villages create beautiful views along the route. You will have opportunities to stop for photographs and enjoy the surrounding landscapes before arriving at the lake.
Upon arrival, you will check in at your selected lakeside lodge and enjoy lunch overlooking the tranquil waters and surrounding hills. Lake Bunyonyi is known for its numerous small islands, lush green slopes, and peaceful atmosphere, making it an excellent place to relax after the physical demands of gorilla trekking. Depending on your interests and the time available, you may enjoy a guided canoe excursion, a boat ride between selected islands, or a walk through nearby communities. These activities offer opportunities to appreciate the scenery and learn about local livelihoods.
During a boat excursion, your guide may explain the cultural stories associated with selected islands and point out bird species along the shoreline. Alternatively, you can spend the afternoon relaxing at the lodge, enjoying the views, or taking photographs of the lake’s changing colours. In the evening, you will enjoy dinner at your accommodation and unwind in the peaceful highland setting. This day provides a welcome balance of scenic exploration and relaxation within your wider Ugandan safari.
Accommodation options: BirdNest Resort, Arcadia Lodges Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 9: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park and Afternoon Game Drive
After breakfast, you will leave Lake Bunyonyi and travel towards Lake Mburo National Park in western Uganda. The journey takes you through the highlands and rural countryside, with changing scenery as you move from the terraced hills of south-western Uganda towards the savannah landscapes of the Ankole region. Along the way, you may see cattle grazing in open fields and pass through communities known for traditional long-horned Ankole cattle. Your guide will explain aspects of local culture and the region’s agricultural heritage during the journey.
You will stop for lunch along the route or upon arrival, depending on your schedule. After reaching Lake Mburo National Park, you will check in at your lodge and prepare for an afternoon wildlife activity. A guided game drive will take you through acacia woodlands and open grasslands in search of zebras, impalas, elands, buffaloes, giraffes, warthogs, and other wildlife. Lake Mburo is particularly well known for its zebras and impalas, making it a rewarding destination for observing these species in their natural environment.
Depending on your arrival time, you may also enjoy a scenic boat cruise on Lake Mburo, where you could observe hippopotamuses, crocodiles, and a variety of waterbirds along the shoreline. Alternatively, you may relax at your lodge and enjoy views of the surrounding wilderness. In the evening, you will have dinner and spend the night in the peaceful surroundings of the park, preparing for your final full day of wildlife exploration.
Accommodation options: Mihingo Lodge, Kigambira Safari Lodge, Rwakobo Rock.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 10: Morning Game Drive and Nature Experience in Lake Mburo National Park
You will wake up early for breakfast before setting out on a morning game drive in Lake Mburo National Park. The cooler morning conditions offer favourable opportunities to observe wildlife as animals move through the grasslands and woodland habitats. Accompanied by your guide, you will search for zebras, impalas, giraffes, buffaloes, elands, topis, and other antelope species. You will also have opportunities to photograph the park’s rolling hills, acacia trees, and open plains while learning about its ecological importance.
Your guide will explain how different species use the park’s habitats and how wildlife conservation is managed alongside the surrounding communities. Birdwatching opportunities may include spotting species associated with savannah, woodland, and wetland environments. After the game drive, you will return to your lodge for breakfast or brunch and time to relax before your next activity.
Later, you may enjoy a guided nature walk accompanied by an authorised ranger, allowing you to explore the landscape on foot and learn about animal tracks, plants, insects, and smaller wildlife. Alternatively, you may choose a boat cruise on Lake Mburo if this has not already been arranged, or enjoy a horseback wildlife experience where available. Optional activities should be confirmed in advance and may attract additional charges. In the afternoon, you will return to your lodge for relaxation and dinner. This final full day gives you additional opportunities to appreciate Uganda’s wildlife at a slower pace before your departure the following day.
Accommodation options: Mihingo Lodge, Kigambira Safari Lodge, Rwakobo Rock.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 11: Departure
After breakfast, you will check out of your lodge and begin your journey back to Kampala or Entebbe. Depending on your preferred departure time, you may enjoy a short final wildlife-viewing experience or spend a little time taking photographs around the lodge before leaving the park. If you prefer an active start to the day, a guided nature walk may be arranged, subject to availability and the time needed for your onward journey. Your guide will help coordinate the departure to ensure that you leave sufficient time for the road transfer.
As you travel towards Kampala, you will pass through the scenic countryside of western Uganda, with opportunities to observe rural settlements, farms, and traditional homesteads. A stop at the Equator crossing may be arranged for photographs, refreshments, and souvenir shopping if your schedule permits. Your driver-guide will arrange a suitable lunch stop according to your departure time and onward travel arrangements.
Upon arrival in Kampala or Entebbe, you will be dropped off at your hotel, residence, or Entebbe International Airport, depending on your plans. If you have a late international flight or wish to continue exploring Uganda, Silverback Tour can arrange additional accommodation or an extended safari at an extra cost. Your 11-day exclusive safari concludes with lasting memories of Uganda’s mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, savannah wildlife, scenic lakes, and remarkable natural landscapes.
Meals: (Breakfast)
Items Included
- Accommodation for 10 nights
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Chimpanzee tracking permit
- National park entrance fees
- Game drives
- Murchison Falls boat cruise
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise
- Top of Murchison Falls visit
- Lake Bunyonyi excursion
- Included cultural and nature walks
- Bottled drinking water during safari activities
Items Excluded
- International flights
- Uganda visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic and premium drinks
- Laundry services
- Porter fees
- Additional accommodation
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Excess baggage charges
- Unspecified services