Compare Chimps & Gorillas of Uganda by Exodus Travels vs Discover Uganda by Wayfairer

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: Upon arrival in Entebbe you will be collected by your guide and transferred to your hotel in Kampala.

Depending on your arrival times you may be able to explore Kampala and the surrounding area this afternoon. We recommend visiting the Royal Mile (Lubiri Palace and Bulange Parliament), Ndere Cultural Centre, Kasubi Royal Tombs, and Kampala Central Mosque where you can take in panoramic views of the city from the Minaret.
Overnight: Kampala


Day 2: After breakfast you’ll be driven to Jinja, the source of the River Nile. The drive takes approximately two and a half hours.

This afternoon you can discover the nearby islands in a traditional African canoe, rent a mountain bike and explore the surrounding area, visit local villages and engage with the local people who live a traditional and simple life, or enjoy a sunset cruise on the River Nile.
Overnight: Jinja
Meals: (Breakfast/Dinner)

Day 3: Today you will be driven through spectacular scenery to Sipi Falls, one of Uganda's hidden gems. From your lodge you’ll have breathtaking views of the falls as the Sipi River flows down from Mt Elgon.

This afternoon there are numerous excursions you can join or adventure activities that you can participate in. You may wish to join a guided nature walk, hike to one of the nearby waterfalls, visit the coffee plantations or local villages, abseil from the top of Chebonet Falls, join a guided bird-watching excursion or discover the Nyero rock paintings in the Kumi district.
Overnight: Sipi Falls
Meals: (Breakfast/Dinner)

Day 4: Today you’ll have a full day to explore Sipi Falls and the surrounding area.

If you’re looking for an adventurous challenge you can climb Mt Elgon, an extinct volcano located within Mt Elgon National Park on the Kenya-Uganda border. The caldera caused by the collapse of the volcanic cone is considered to be the world’s largest and it creates an impressive feature which can be seen from the summit of Wagagi, the highest peak in the park at 4321m. The most popular climbing route from the Ugandan side is via the Sasa trail from Budadiri. It’s a spectacular trek through farmland, forest, and heather country, before emerging onto the edge of the caldera itself and following the rim to the summit.
The climb takes 4 days. If you’re interested in trekking to the summit of Mt Elgon please speak to a Wayfairer Fair Travel Specialist who can create a tailor-made Uganda itinerary for you.
Overnight: Sipi Falls
Meals: (Breakfast/Dinner)

Day 5: Today you’ll drive for approximately six hours to Moroto Town in the northeast region of Uganda where you’ll meet Karamojong tribe people.

We highly recommend that you spend the night in a Karamojong kraal as this is a truly authentic cultural experience which offers an opportunity to interact with Karamojong people and get an insight into their way of life. You’ll be able to help collect vegetables, herd the cattle, prepare dairy products, play local games and listen to the Karamojong warriors tell stories as you sit around a campfire. We’re sure that it will be one of the highlights of your Ugandan adventure!
Overnight: Moroto
Meals: (Breakfast/Dinner)

Day 6: Today you’ll continue your journey well off the beaten track as you drive to Uganda’s most remote national park, Kidepo Valley.

Kidepo Valley National Park is situated between the borders of Kenya and Sudan, in the Karamoja province, in northeast Uganda. With vast savannahs stretching as far as the eye can see, the landscape here is very different to the lush bamboo and swamp forests of Bwindi in southwest Uganda.
This park is a fantastic place to enjoy game viewing and you can expect to see buffalo, elephant, lion, cheetah, leopard, wild dog, hyena and jackal.
Overnight: Kidepo Valley National Park
Meals: (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 7: Today you’ll have a full day to explore Kidepo Valley National Park. You’ll start your day with an early morning game drive to watch the sunrise over the plains and if you’re lucky you’ll see big cats!

Other activities here include exploring the hiking trails around Morungole Mountain, visits to the Kanangorok Hot Springs and guided nature and bird walks.
Overnight: Kidepo Valley National Park
Meals: (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 8: This morning you’ll leave Kidepo Valley National Park and make your way towards Murchison Falls National Park in northwest Uganda. This is an eight hour drive, however you’ll have the opportunity for plenty of stops along the way.

Overnight: Murchison Falls
Meals: (Breakfast/Dinner)

Days 9-10: You’ll have two full days to explore Lake Murchison National Park.

You can enjoy game drives on the plains of the national park where you’ll have a chance to spot giraffe, spotted hyena, lion, leopard, spotted hyena, buffalo, kob and hartebeest, plus you can take a boat tour on the river towards the base of the waterfalls where it meets the Nile. On the banks of the river you’ll see hippo, Nile crocodile, elephant, and if you’re lucky, the elusive leopard. There is prolific birdlife within the area too, including the extraordinary looking shoebill stork.
You’ll also have an opportunity to explore the mighty Murchison Falls either on a boat trip or on foot.
Overnight: Murchison Falls
Meals: (Breakfast/Dinner)

Day 11: Today you’ll have another long drive through the plantations and mountains that are synonymous with Ugandan countryside. This afternoon you’ll arrive at your lovely lodge in Fort Portal, at the foot of the Rwenzori Mountains and the base of the Kibale Forest.

Overnight: Kibale Forest
Meals: (Breakfast/Dinner)

Day 12: You’ll have an early start this morning as you’ll be required to meet park rangers at 8am for a briefing about your chimp trekking adventure. After the briefing you’ll head deep into the Kibale Forest to track the troops of chimpanzees that live there. As you trek through the dense forest in search of the chimpanzees you’ll hear them screech and hoot around you and it will feel as if the jungle has come alive. Once you’ve found a family of chimpanzees you can spend one hour watching them swing through the trees, play on the forest floor and build nests for their afternoon naps. It is a truly magical experience!

The forest is also home to other primates, including colobus monkeys and red tailed monkeys, plus colourful giant butterflies.
We also recommend the 'swamp walk' which is a two hour trek through the swamps to meet a local community living in this hostile environment. There is stunning scenery and some incredibly rare wildlife to spot en route.
Overnight: Kibale Forest
Meals: (Breakfast/Dinner)

Day 13: After breakfast at your lodge in Kibale you’ll travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park at the base of the Rwenzori Mountain range, adjacent to Lake Edward and Lake George. This spectacular national park is full of game and it is known for its large elephant population.

After checking in to your lodge you’ll head out for an afternoon game drive and a sundowner before dinner.
Overnight: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Meals: (Breakfast/Dinner)

Day 14: Today you’ll have a full day to explore Queen Elizabeth National Park. You’ll have morning and afternoon game drives, plus you can also enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel (look out for hippos and Nile crocodiles!), a guided nature walk in the Maramagambo Forest or you can take an early morning hot air balloon flight over the savannahs of the Queen Elizabeth NP.

Overnight: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Meals: (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 15: After breakfast you’ll embark on a drive to Kyambura Gorge in the far eastern corner of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Kyambura Gorge is often referred to as the “Valley of Apes” and during your guided walk you can expect to see chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, olive baboons, and black and white colobus monkeys.

You’ll then drive on to Ishasha, where you can look out for the famous tree climbing lions.
Overnight: Ishasha
Meals: (Breakfast/Dinner)

Day 16: Today you’ll drive to Lake Matunda in southwest Uganda. This region is known as ''Little Switzerland'' due its lush mountains and freshwater lakes. It is the ideal base for a number of activities beyond gorilla tracking, including hiking, mountain biking, cultural village tours, bird watching or boat cruises on the lakes.

Overnight: Lake Mutanda
Meals: (Breakfast/Dinner)

Day 17: After an early breakfast you’ll drive to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park HQ where you’ll begin your gorilla trek. You will be allocated to one of nine habituated groups and your experienced guide and park ranger will lead you deep into the forest in search of your allocated family. Your trek could last from a few minutes to a full day, depending on the exact location of the specific gorilla family which you’re tracking.

When you meet the gorillas you’ll have the chance to spend up to one magical hour quietly observing them. The gorillas are likely to be just a few metres away from you and they will continue to go about their daily lives - feeding and interacting with each other, under the watchful gaze of the silverback.
In the late afternoon you’ll be transferred back to your accommodation where you can spend the evening reflecting on your incredible encounter with the wild mountain gorillas of Uganda.
Overnight: Lake Mutanda
Meals: (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 18: Today you’ll have a full day to explore Lake Mutanda, plus the nearby lakes and Virunga Volcanoes.

We highly recommend that you participate in the Batwa cultural experience. This fascinating full day excursion offers an opportunity to hike in the forest with a Batwa guide and learn about the history, culture and traditions of the Batwa pygmies who inhabited Bwindi forest for centuries.
Overnight: Lake Mutanda
Meals: (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 19: After breakfast this morning you’ll drive for around six hours to Lake Mburo National Park. This is a small but spectacular national park with plenty of African wildlife, including buffalos, leopards, lions, hyenas, warthogs, giraffes, hippos and crocodiles, plus over 350 bird species.

On arrival at the park you’ll enjoy a game drive, plus you may also have the opportunity for a bush walk or a mountain bike or horse riding safari.
Overnight: Lake Mburo
Meals: (Breakfast/Dinner)

Day 20: Sadly your Ugandan adventure is coming to an end. This morning you’ll have breakfast and then you’ll be driven back to Entebbe in time for your international flight home.

Overnight: International flight
Meals: (Breakfast)