Exclusive Gorilla Vacations

5.0/5 – 11 Reviews

$5,788 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
LionCommon
BuffaloCommon
HippoAbundant
Show more
LeopardOccasional
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 and Bigodi Community Walk

Transfer to Kibale forest National Park and Bigodi Community Walk

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.

Enjoy views of tea estates, forests, and the shadow of the Rwenzori Mountain en route to Kibale. Stop in Fort Portal City for lunch before continuing to your lodge for an overnight stay.

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. After check-in at your booked lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

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

Wildlife in Kibale NP

ElephantOccasional
BuffaloOccasional
LionVery Rare
LeopardVery Rare
HippoRare
Show more
ZebraNone
Accommodation:
Turaco Treetops Lodge
  • Mid-range lodge bordering Kibale NP (Chimps, Uganda) without fences
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 5

Chimpanzee tracking and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Chimpanzee tracking and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

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.

Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park for an evening game drive. You will spot elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, warthogs among others. 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:
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 6

Morning game drive, afternoon boat cruise and evening game drive

Morning game drive, afternoon boat cruise and evening game drive

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 7

Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via Ishasha sector

Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via Ishasha sector

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 via Ishasha sector for Tree climbing lions. You will enjoy your enroute lunch arriving late in the evening and check in at your booked lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

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

Wildlife in Bwindi Impenetrable NP

Accommodation:
Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
  • Mid-range lodge just outside Rushaga (Bwindi Impenetrable NP, Uganda)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 8

Gorilla tracking and Batwa community walk in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Gorilla tracking and Batwa community walk in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

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, you will go for the Batwa experience then return to the lodge for dinner and reflection on the memorable gorilla encounter.

Main Destination:
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)
Accommodation:
Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
  • Mid-range lodge just outside Rushaga (Bwindi Impenetrable NP, Uganda)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 9

Transfer to Volcanoes National Park and visit Gorilla guardian village

Transfer to Volcanoes National Park and visit Gorilla guardian village

Wake up in the morning and enjoy your breakfast before starting your journey to Volcano National Park via either Kyanika or Katuna boarder point into Rwanda. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the rolling hills, terraces and people on your journey with an en route lunch.
Up arrival, you will visit the Gorilla guardian village for the cultural experience from the people of Rwanda. Ibyiwacu village will welcome you with the traditional drum rhythms and dances from the local people and feel free to join the performance. You will learn about the Rwanda culture like marriages, social, economic, cultural norms. After the experience drive to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

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 lodge just outside Volcanoes NP (Gorillas, Rwanda)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 10

Golden Monkey tracking and transfer to Kibuye town

Golden Monkey tracking and transfer to Kibuye town

Today wake up early in the morning and prepare yourself for Golden Monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park. After breakfast drive to the Park's Visitor Information center for briefing and start your journey to the National Park to look for the Golden monkeys. The trek will take from 45 mins to 4 hours walk when you find them, spend a maximum of an hour watching them feed, play, and take photos and videos. They are endemic in Virunga ranged due to high altitude which offer the best conditions for them to live in.
Enjoy your en route lunch and transfer to Kibuye town that border Lake Kivu for Napoleon Island for hike. Check in your booked lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Main Destination:
Kibuye (Town, Rwanda)
Accommodation:
Cormoran Lodge
  • Mid-range lodgein Kibuye (Town, Rwanda)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 11

Visit Napoleon Island and Transfer to Nyungwe National Park

Visit Napoleon Island and Transfer to Nyungwe National Park

Wake up, prepare for breakfast and embark on the visit to the Napoleon Island on Lake Kivu. Napoleon Island is one of the scenic islands located on Lake Kivu, a beautiful freshwater lake shared by Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The island is known for its unique shape, which resembles Napoleon Bonaparte's hat, hence its name.
It's an island which is home to the fruit bat colony which create a fascinating experience for the clients.

After transfer to Nyungwe National Park with en route lunch. Up on arrival embark on the tea estate experience where you will learn about the tea growing and you will participate in the tea harvesting using the basket. After the experience drive to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Main Destination:
Nyungwe National Park (Chimps)
Best Time To Visit June to September (Dry weather, best chimp trekking)
High Season June to September (Popular gorilla trekking time in Volcanoes NP)
Best Weather June to October (Sunny, but not too hot)

Wildlife in Nyungwe NP

Accommodation:
Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
  • Mid-range hotel just outside Nyungwe NP (Chimps, Rwanda)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 12

Canopy Walk in Nyungwe National Park and transfer to Kigali City via Nyanza Palace

Canopy Walk in Nyungwe National Park and transfer to Kigali City via Nyanza Palace

Wake and after having breakfast drive to Nyungwe National Park gate for Canopy Walk. The Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda, offers a thrilling adventure high above the lush rainforest, suspended 60 meters above the ground. This 160-meter-long walkway provides breathtaking views of the dense jungle, home to monkeys, exotic birds, and diverse flora.

After transfer to Kigali City via the Nyanza Royal Palace, located in Nyanza District, is a historical gem showcasing Rwanda’s monarchy. Visitors explore the King’s traditional hut, Inyambo (royal cows), and a modern palace built for King Mutara III. Together, these attractions offer an exciting mix of nature, adventure, and cultural heritage, making them must-visit sites in Rwanda. Check in to your booked lodge and enjoy your dinner and overnight stay.

Main Destination:
Nyanza (Town, Rwanda)
Accommodation:
Hotel Des Mille Collines
  • Luxury hotel located in Kigali (Rwanda)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 13

Kigali city tour and transfer to Kigali City Tour

Kigali city tour and transfer to Kigali City Tour

Wake up in the morning and get ready for the city tour visiting the iconic historical Rwanda genocide, kimironko market for shopping souvenirs, Nio Art gallery. Enjoy your en route lunch and later on transfer to Kigali International Airport.

Main Destination:
Kigali Genocide Memorial (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

  • We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators (Learn why)
  • Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
  • If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
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If preferred, you can contact the 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.