11-Day Uganda Safari Experience (Chimps, Gorillas, and Big Five Tour)

This 11-Day Uganda Safari Experience blends the thrill of Africa’s Big Five safaris with unforgettable encounters with mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. Crafted by Deks Safaris & Tours, this journey is designed for adventurers who want to experience the best of Uganda in a single tour. From the powerful Murchison Falls on the Nile, the endless savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, to the misty jungles of Bwindi where gorillas dwell, every day promises something extraordinary.

Travelers will enjoy rhino tracking, game drives, and boat cruises to spot elephants, lions, buffaloes, leopards, giraffes, and hippos. The highlights also include two unforgettable chimpanzee tracking encounters in Budongo and Kibale Forest, a thrilling mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi, and rich cultural interactions with the Batwa and Ankole people. To crown the 11-Day Uganda Safari Experience, you’ll also explore the rolling savannahs of Lake Mburo National Park, before winding down your adventure with scenic drives back to Entebbe.

This 11-Day Uganda Safari Experience itinerary ensures a perfect mix of wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, and scenic beauty. Each destination is carefully chosen to highlight Uganda’s diverse ecosystems, from the Albertine Rift Valley to the lush rainforests, and its incredible hospitality. It is a safari that guarantees once-in-a-lifetime memories, perfect for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and cultural explorers.

11-Day Uganda Safari Experience Highlights

Day	Activities	Accommodation
Day 1	Arrival at Entebbe Airport and Check in the Hotel	Admas Hotel Entebbe
Day 2	Morning Road Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park (Go Rhino Tracking and Hike to the Top of Murchison Falls)	Pakuba Safari Lodge
Day 3	Full Day Adventure in Murchison Falls National Park (Game Drives and Boat Cruise)	Pakuba Safari Lodge
Day 4	Go Chimpanzee Tracking in Budongo Forest and Afternoon Drive to Hoima for an Overnight	Hoima Cultural Village
Day 5	Morning Road Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park (Have Afternoon Bigodi Swamp Walk)	Turaco Treetops Kibale Lodge
Day 6	Go Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest and Afternoon Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park for Evening Game Drive)	Elephant Hub Safari Lodge
Day 7	Full Days Adventure in Queen Elizabeth National Park (Game Drives and Boat Cruise)	Elephant Hub Safari Lodge
Day 8	Morning Game Drives and Road Transfer to Buhoma Sector in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest	Engagi Gorilla Lodge
Day 9	Go Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Buhoma) and Afternoon Batwa Cultural Experience	Engagi Gorilla Lodge
Day 10	Morning Road Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park (Have Afternoon Game Drive, Ankole Cultural Experience, and Nature Walk)	Rwakobo Rock Lodge
Day 11	Morning Game Drive and Transfer Back to Entebbe Airport for Departures	None

Tour Quotation Based on 1 Person & Mid-Range Safari

No. of People	1 Person	2 People	4 People	6 People
Rate Per Person	US$7,124	US$5,031	US$4,218	US$3,948
Single Room Supplement				US$335

Detailed 11-Day Uganda Safari Experience

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe Airport and Hotel Check-In

On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative from Deks Safaris & Tours. After a short briefing about your upcoming 11-Day Uganda Safari Experience adventure, you will be transferred to your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala. The drive introduces you to the bustling life of Uganda, a country often referred to as the Pearl of Africa. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to rest after your flight or enjoy optional activities such as a sunset stroll along the shores of Lake Victoria or visiting the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre.

This first evening is all about relaxation and preparation for the exciting safari ahead. Your guide will go over the details of your 11-Day Uganda Safari Experience trip to ensure that you are fully prepared for the days of adventure awaiting you. Accommodation will be at a comfortable lodge or hotel where you will enjoy warm Ugandan hospitality, delicious meals, and a calm environment to unwind. This gentle introduction to Uganda sets the tone for the wildlife-rich journey ahead.

Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park – Rhino Tracking and Hike to the Falls

After breakfast, you will embark on a scenic drive north to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area. Along the way, you will stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where you can track rhinos on foot. Walking close to these giants is an unforgettable experience, as expert rangers share insights into rhino conservation.

From Ziwa, you continue your 11-Day Uganda Safari Experience journey through rural towns and landscapes, eventually reaching Murchison Falls National Park. Before settling into your lodge, you will hike to the top of the mighty Murchison Falls, where the Nile River squeezes through a narrow 7-meter gorge, plunging into a roaring cascade below. The breathtaking views and thunderous sounds create a thrilling welcome to this park. After this adventure, you will check into your lodge, enjoy a hearty dinner, and rest as you prepare for the next day’s exploration.

Day 3: Full Day Adventure in Murchison Falls National Park – Game Drives and Boat Cruise

The day begins with an early morning game drive across the park’s northern savannah plains. Here, you will have the chance to encounter elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, lions, leopards, and Uganda kob. The open landscapes provide perfect photography opportunities as the morning light shines across the wildlife. Your 11-Day Uganda Safari Experience guide will help spot elusive animals and share fascinating details about the park’s ecosystem.

In the afternoon, you will enjoy a thrilling boat cruise on the Nile River, leading you to the base of Murchison Falls. Along the way, expect to see large pods of hippos, basking crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife, including the rare shoebill stork. The combination of water and wildlife makes this experience unforgettable. After the cruise, you may opt for a short evening game drive before returning to your lodge. The day ends with a delicious dinner and storytelling by the fireside, surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.

Short Uganda Chimpanzee Safaris

Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking in Budongo Forest and Drive to Hoima

After breakfast, you will head to Budongo Forest Reserve, located within the southern part of Murchison Falls National Park. This lush forest is home to one of Uganda’s largest populations of chimpanzees. With the guidance of professional trackers, you will venture into the forest in search of these intelligent primates. As you encounter them, you’ll observe their fascinating behaviors, from grooming to playful interactions. This 11-Day Uganda Safari Experience provides a deep appreciation of our closest relatives in the wild.

Following the trek, you will continue with a scenic drive to Hoima Town, a calm location ideal for an overnight stay. This leg of the journey breaks the long distance to Kibale Forest and allows you to relax while also getting a glimpse of the cultural heart of western Uganda. Accommodation will be at a comfortable lodge in Hoima, offering good food and rest after a rewarding day of adventure.

Day 5: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park – Bigodi Swamp Walk

You will set out in the morning for Kibale Forest National Park, also known as the “Primate Capital of the World.” The 11-Day Uganda Safari Experience journey takes you through rolling hills, tea plantations, and traditional homesteads. Upon arrival, you will check into your lodge and later embark on the Bigodi Swamp Walk, a community-run eco-tourism project.

The swamp walk introduces you to a range of bird species, including the great blue turaco, hornbills, and kingfishers. You may also spot monkeys such as red colobus and black-and-white colobus leaping through the trees. The walk provides not only incredible biodiversity but also cultural interaction, as local guides share insights into traditional uses of plants and community life. This evening, you will retire to your lodge, preparing for the much-anticipated chimpanzee tracking adventure in Kibale the next day.

Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Early in the morning, you will set off into Kibale Forest for your second chimpanzee tracking experience. This rainforest is teeming with life, from giant trees to over 13 primate species. Meeting the chimpanzees here is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, as you watch them swing through trees, feed, and interact in their natural habitat.

After the trek, you will enjoy lunch and then transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most popular safari destination. Upon arrival, you will embark on an evening game drive, where you may spot elephants, buffaloes, lions, and abundant birdlife against the backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains. Later, you will check into your lodge, ready for a full day of adventure in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Uganda Safari Experiences

Day 7: Full Day in Queen Elizabeth National Park – Game Drives and Boat Cruise

This day is dedicated to exploring the diverse landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Your morning game drive takes you across Kasenyi Plains, a hotspot for lions hunting Uganda kob. You’ll also encounter elephants, buffaloes, and a variety of antelope species. With its rich wildlife and stunning scenery, every moment promises excitement.

In the afternoon, you will enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which links Lakes Edward and George. This natural waterway is famous for its high concentration of hippos, crocodiles, and an array of waterbirds. The cruise also offers close views of elephants and buffaloes drinking at the water’s edge. After this memorable 11-Day Uganda Safari Experience, you will return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.

Day 8: Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Bwindi (Buhoma Sector)

The morning begins with a short game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, giving you one last chance to spot wildlife before heading south. Your journey takes you through the scenic Ishasha sector, known for its famous tree-climbing lions. If lucky, you may spot them resting on fig tree branches.

Continuing your 11-Day Uganda Safari Experience journey, you will arrive at the Buhoma Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to some of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas. The evening will be spent relaxing at your lodge, nestled on the forest edge, as you prepare for the incredible gorilla trekking adventure awaiting you the next day.

Day 9: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Batwa Cultural Experience

This is the highlight of your 11-Day Uganda Safari Experience – gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After a briefing by park rangers, you will set off into the dense rainforest to track a gorilla family. The trek can last a few hours, but the reward is worth every step. Spending an hour observing these gentle giants as they feed, play, and interact is an emotional and unforgettable experience.

In the afternoon, you will immerse yourself in a Batwa cultural experience, learning about the traditions of Uganda’s indigenous forest people. You will discover their ancient hunting skills, music, dances, and spiritual practices. This cultural encounter adds depth to your safari, connecting you with the human heritage of Bwindi. You will then return to your lodge for dinner and a well-deserved rest.

Gorilla Trekking Uganda

Day 10: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park – Game Drive, Ankole Culture, and Nature Walk

After breakfast, you will journey to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest savannah park but rich with unique wildlife. On arrival, you will enjoy an afternoon game drive, spotting zebras, elands, topis, impalas, and giraffes. Unlike other parks, Lake Mburo allows for guided nature walks, giving you a chance to explore the bush on foot.

You will also experience the Ankole cultural encounter, learning about the traditions of the long-horned Ankole cattle keepers. This cultural interaction offers insight into the deep bond between the Ankole people and their prized cattle. The day ends with dinner at your lodge, overlooking the rolling hills and lakes.

Day 11: Morning Game Drive and Transfer Back to Entebbe Airport

On your final day, you will enjoy a morning game drive in Lake Mburo, providing one last opportunity to spot zebras, antelopes, and other wildlife. Afterwards, you will begin the 11-Day Uganda Safari Experience journey back to Entebbe International Airport, with a stopover at the equator line for memorable photos and souvenirs. Depending on your flight time, you will be dropped off at the airport for your departure or at a hotel if you plan to extend your stay in Uganda.

11-Day Uganda Safari Experience Inclusions and Exclusions

Safari Inclusions

Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
All park entrance fees
Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi
Chimpanzee trekking permits (Budongo and Kibale)
Game drives and boat cruises in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Lake Mburo
Bigodi swamp walk and cultural experiences (Batwa & Ankole)
Professional English-speaking safari guide/driver
4×4 safari vehicle with fuel for the entire trip
Drinking water during safari activities

Safari Exclusions

International flights and visas
Travel insurance
Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, tips, drinks)
Optional activities not included in the itinerary
Porter fees for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking
Extra meals or hotel nights outside the itinerary

Deks Safaris & Tours ensures that every traveler enjoys a seamless and enriching 11-Day Uganda Safari Experience, with expert guides, comfortable lodges, and unforgettable encounters with Uganda’s natural and cultural treasures.

Murchison Falls National Park

Tour Quotation Based on 1 Person & Mid-Range Safari

No. of People	1 Person	2 People	4 People	6 People
Rate Per Person	US$7,124	US$5,031	US$4,218	US$3,948
Single Room Supplement				US$335