12 days gorilla and Rwenzori trip
Book this safari with Katland Safaris for expertly planned trips led by experienced local guides. Each safari is personalised, responsibly run, and focused on authentic wildlife encounters. Seamless planning ensures a smooth and unforgettable journey.
Overview
The 12 days gorilla and Rwenzori trip is a unique Uganda adventure that blends primate encounters, classic wildlife safaris, and a rewarding mountain trekking experience. This itinerary is designed for adventurous travelers who want to experience Uganda beyond traditional game drives, combining gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with guided hiking in the legendary Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the Mountains of the Moon. The journey starts and ends in Entebbe or Kampala and showcases Uganda’s forests, savannahs, crater landscapes, and alpine scenery.
Tour Highlights
- Day 1: Transfer from Entebbe or Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park with rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and a visit to the top of the falls.
- Day 2: Game Drive and Boat Safari in Murchison Falls National Park exploring savannah wildlife and the Nile River.
- Day 3: Transfer from Murchison Falls National Park to Kibale Forest National Park through scenic countryside and tea plantations.
- Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Community Walk in Kibale Forest National Park.
- Day 5: Transfer from Kibale Forest National Park to Queen Elizabeth National Park with scenic crater lake views.
- Day 6: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Day 7: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via Ishasha Sector in search of tree-climbing lions.
- Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park followed by relaxation in the forest surroundings.
- Day 9: Transfer from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to Kasese at the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains.
- Day 10: Rwenzori Mountains Trekking Experience exploring forest and montane zones with guided hikes.
- Day 11: Rwenzori Mountains Trekking and Community Experience with scenic viewpoints and cultural interaction.
- Day 12: Transfer from Kasese to Entebbe or Kampala marking the end of the adventure.
Detailed Itinerary: 12 days gorilla and Rwenzori trip
Day 1: Transfer from Entebbe or Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park
Your 12 days gorilla and Rwenzori trip begins early in the morning with pickup from Entebbe or Kampala. After a safari briefing, you travel north to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for guided rhino tracking on foot, offering Uganda’s only opportunity to see rhinos in the wild.
After lunch, you continue to Murchison Falls National Park and visit the top of the falls, where the Nile River dramatically forces its way through a narrow gorge. You then proceed to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation options include Red Chilli Rest Camp or Parkside Safari Lodge for budget, Murchison River Lodge or Pakuba Safari Lodge for mid-range, and Paraa Safari Lodge or Nile Safari Lodge for luxury.
Day 2: Game Drive and Boat Safari in Murchison Falls National Park
This day is dedicated to classic wildlife experiences in Uganda’s largest national park. After an early breakfast, you head out for a morning game drive on the northern bank of the Nile, encountering elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, Uganda kob, lions, hyenas, and occasionally leopards.
After lunch, you enjoy an afternoon boat safari along the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls, where hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, and abundant birdlife are commonly seen. Dinner and overnight stay are at the lodge.
Day 3: Transfer from Murchison Falls National Park to Kibale Forest National Park
After breakfast, you depart Murchison Falls and journey southwest toward Kibale Forest National Park. The scenic drive passes through rural villages, open savannah, tea plantations, and the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains.
You arrive in the Kibale area in the late afternoon, check in at your lodge, and enjoy dinner and overnight stay. Accommodation options include Chimpanzee Forest Guest House for budget, Kibale Forest Camp for mid-range, and Primate Lodge Kibale for luxury.
Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Community Walk
This day focuses on primate encounters in Kibale Forest National Park. After an early breakfast, you attend a briefing before entering the forest with experienced ranger guides to track chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
In the afternoon, you visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided community and swamp walk, offering sightings of monkeys, birds, and insights into local conservation initiatives. Dinner and overnight stay are at your lodge.
Day 5: Transfer from Kibale Forest National Park to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Following breakfast, you transfer from Kibale Forest to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The journey is highlighted by crater lakes, open plains, and views of the western rift valley.
Upon arrival, you check in at your lodge, enjoy lunch, and spend the afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight stay are at Bush Lodge for budget, Twin Lakes Safari Lodge for mid-range, or Mweya Safari Lodge for luxury.
Day 6: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
This day combines classic savannah wildlife viewing with one of Uganda’s most rewarding boat safaris. An early morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains offers encounters with lions, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and diverse bird species.
After lunch, you enjoy a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, renowned for its dense population of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, and water birds. Dinner and overnight stay are at the lodge.
Accommodation: Aardvark Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water
Day 7: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via Ishasha Sector
The safari continues south through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This region is famous for its tree-climbing lions, and a game drive is included if sightings are possible.
After lunch en route, you proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, arriving in time for lodge check-in, dinner, and overnight stay. Accommodation options include Broadbill Forest Camp for budget and Chameleon Hill Lodge or similar luxury lodges.
Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water
Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
This day marks the highlight of the 12 days gorilla and Rwenzori trip. After an early breakfast, you attend a gorilla trekking briefing before entering the forest with experienced ranger guides to track a habituated gorilla family.
Once the gorillas are located, you spend one unforgettable hour observing them at close range. After the trek, you return to the lodge for lunch, relaxation, dinner, and overnight stay.
Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water
Day 9: Transfer from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to Kasese
After breakfast, you depart Bwindi and travel north to Kasese town at the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. The scenic drive passes through rolling hills, crater lakes, and rural communities of western Uganda.
Upon arrival, you check in at your lodge, enjoy lunch, and spend the rest of the day relaxing in preparation for the mountain trekking experience. Dinner and overnight stay are in Kasese.
Accommodation: Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water
Day 10: Rwenzori Mountains Trekking Experience
This day introduces you to the breathtaking landscapes of the Rwenzori Mountains. After breakfast, you transfer to the trekking starting point and begin a guided hike through tropical rainforest and bamboo zones.
The trek offers scenic views, unique vegetation, waterfalls, and opportunities to spot birds and primates. You return to your lodge in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water
Day 11: Rwenzori Mountains Trekking and Community Experience
A second day in the Rwenzori Mountains allows deeper exploration of the montane environment. You continue hiking through higher altitude zones, enjoying panoramic views and learning about the ecology and cultural significance of the Mountains of the Moon.
In the afternoon, you visit a nearby local community to gain insight into traditional life around the Rwenzori region. Dinner and overnight stay are in Kasese.
Accommodation: None
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Drinking Water
Day 12: Transfer from Kasese to Entebbe or Kampala
On the final day, you begin your journey back to Entebbe or Kampala. The drive offers final scenic views of western Uganda, with stops for lunch and refreshments along the way.
You are dropped off at your hotel or Entebbe International Airport, marking the end of your 12 days gorilla and Rwenzori trip.
Safari Includes
- Safari Park fees
- All Tour activities
- All Tour accommodation
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation ( To & From )
- All Taxes/VAT
- Everyday Meals ( As specified )
- Drinking water ( On all days )
Safari Excludes
- International flights ( From / to home )
- Additional Accommodation
- Tips
- Personal items(Souvenirs
- etc.)
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Gov increase of taxes and/or park fees
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12 days gorilla and Rwenzori trip
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First-Time Safari Guide To Get Ready For Your Holiday
This East Africa Safari 101 guide explains everything a first-time safari traveler needs to know, from wildlife and game drives to costs, safety, and the best time to visit. It helps beginners understand what to expect on safari and how to plan a smooth, rewarding experience in East Africa.
