This 14-Day Best of Uganda Safari is the ultimate wildlife and primate journey — a comprehensive loop through Uganda’s most iconic protected areas. Starting and ending in Entebbe, you’ll visit Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, track rhinos on foot at Ziwa, marvel at the thundering Murchison Falls, trek chimpanzees in Budongo Forest and Kibale National Park, explore the savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park and Ishasha’s tree‑climbing lions, and finish with world‑class gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Expect varied terrain — from Nile Delta wetlands to crater lakes, tea plantations, and the Kigezi Highlands — along with rich cultural encounters and photo moments that will make your camera gasp. This safari is flexible for budget, mid-range, and luxury travellers, and is perfect for primate lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and photographers seeking the complete Ugandan wilderness experience.
🐒 Chimpanzee tracking in Ngamba Island, Budongo Forest, Kibale National Park, and Kyambura Gorge
🦏 Rhino tracking on foot at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary — Uganda’s only wild rhino population
🌊 Boat cruises on the Nile River and Kazinga Channel
🦁 Game drives in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks
🦍 Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site
🦁 Tree‑climbing lions in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park
🌿 Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary nature walk for birds and primates
👣 Batwa cultural experiences and community visits
🏔️ Scenic drives through tea plantations, crater lakes, and the Kigezi Highlands
📸 Sundowner photography sessions and dramatic sunset views
| Permit / Fee | Foreign Non-Residents | Foreign Residents | East African Citizens |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gorilla Trekking Permit (High Season — Dec–Mar, Jun–Sep) | $800 | $700 | UGX 300,000 |
| Gorilla Trekking Permit (Low Season — Apr, May, Nov) | $600 | $500 | — |
| Gorilla Habituation Experience (Rushaga, Bwindi) | $1,800 | $1,600 | — |
| Chimpanzee Tracking Permit (Kibale) | $250 | $200 | UGX 180,000 |
| Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX — Kibale) | $300 | $250 | UGX 250,000 |
| Chimpanzee Tracking (Budongo Forest) | $130 | $100 | UGX 90,000 |
| Kyambura Gorge Chimpanzee Tracking | $200 | $150 | UGX 50,000 |
| Park Entrance Fee (Murchison Falls) | $45 | $35 | UGX 25,000 |
| Park Entrance Fee (Queen Elizabeth) | $40 | $30 | UGX 20,000 |
| Ziwa Rhino Tracking | $60 | $50 | — |
| Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary (boat + viewing) | ~$450 (exclusive boat) + $35 entrance | — | — |
Important 2026/2027 UWA Updates:
Low-season discount: Gorilla permits drop to $600 and chimpanzee permits to $200 during April, May, and November 2026.
Full payment at booking: From March 2026, UWA suspended the 7-day provisional holding window — all permits now require full payment at the time of booking.
2027 price increase: From January 1, 2027, Kibale chimpanzee permits will increase to $300 for standard tracking and $400 for habituation experiences.
No rescheduling of low-season permits: Discounted permits cannot be rescheduled under any circumstances.
Morning/Afternoon: Meet and greet at Entebbe International Airport; transfer to hotel; safari briefing and check‑in.
Evening: Light orientation and welcome dinner.
What to expect: Time to recover from travel jetlag and check camera batteries — your wildlife schedule starts tomorrow, and the camera will be bossed around a lot.
Tip: Carry a small daypack for tomorrow’s early departure.
Accommodation:
Budget: Airport Guest House / African Roots Guest House
Mid-range: Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort (standard room) / Boma Guest House
Luxury: Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort (deluxe) / Protea Hotel Entebbe
Morning: Boat transfer to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary — a 100-acre tropical forest that provides a safe haven for orphaned and rescued chimpanzees. Orientation and chimp viewing from hides and shore.
Afternoon: Optional guided nature walk on the island; return to mainland late afternoon.
What to expect: Playful chimps up close and a watery commute that’s more relaxing than airport security. The sanctuary experience combines wildlife discovery with education, making it one of Uganda’s most memorable excursions.
Tip: Bring a waterproof cover for your camera — splashes before the wildlife drama. Optional feeding experience available at $5 per person.
Accommodation: Same as Day 1
Morning: Drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for on‑foot rhino tracking led by armed ranger guides.
Afternoon: Continue to accommodation near Murchison Falls; lodge briefing and sundowner.
What to expect: Slow, silent stalking of rhinos — rhino breath smells very rhino. Tracking takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours on foot through open bushland, and the sanctuary is also home to antelopes, monkeys, reptiles, and over 300 bird species.
Tip: Wear neutral colours; rhinos are not impressed by neon. Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and drinking water are highly recommended.
Accommodation:
Budget: Red Chilli Rest Camp / Fort Murchison (tented)
Mid-range: Pakuba Safari Lodge / Murchison River Lodge
Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge / Nile Safari Lodge / Baker’s Lodge
Morning: Early game drive across Murchison’s savannah — elephants, giraffes, buffalo, lions, and Uganda kobs are possible sightings.
Afternoon: Boat cruise upriver toward the base of Murchison Falls; close hippo and crocodile viewing along the Nile Delta.
Evening: Short hike to the top of the falls for dramatic sunset views — where the Nile explodes through a 7-metre gorge.
What to expect: Big landscapes, loud water, and excellent binocular use.
Tip: Keep sunglasses handy and a sense of wonder charged to 100%. The hike to the top of the falls is steep but short — sturdy shoes recommended.
Morning: Transfer to the Budongo Forest area; arrival and village stop for cultural context.
Afternoon: Pre‑trek briefing and short nature walk through Budongo’s mahogany forest.
What to expect: Budongo’s canopy is chimp TV — expect vocal performances during tracking. Budongo is a more affordable chimpanzee trekking alternative at $130 per person for foreign non-residents.
Tip: Pack snacks and hydration; tracking can be energetic.
Morning: Full chimp tracking session in Budongo with expert guides. Budongo’s chimpanzee community is well-habituated and offers excellent viewing opportunities.
Afternoon: Scenic drive toward the greater Kibale region; lodge check‑in and recap of the day’s encounters.
What to expect: Close chimp encounters and muddy boots.
Tip: Bring spare socks — chimps do not do laundry for guests.
Accommodation:
Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse
Mid-range: Kibale Forest Camp / Isunga Lodge
Luxury: Ndali Safari Lodge / Kyaninga Lodge / Primate Lodge Kibale
Morning: Short transfer to Kibale — the “Primate Capital of the World,” hosting around 1,500 chimpanzees and 13 primate species.
Afternoon: Guided nature walk at Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary — birding, swamp flora, and local community projects. This community-run eco-tourism initiative is renowned for its birdlife and primate sightings.
What to expect: Birdsong playlist and butterfly cameo appearances.
Tip: Binoculars and insect repellent will be your best friends today.
Morning: Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale — your flagship chimp experience. The park boasts a success rate of over 90% due to its well-habituated groups and dense forest cover. Groups are capped at six people per chimpanzee family, and you spend one hour with the chimps once located.
Afternoon: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park via the crater lakes region; evening game drive in Kasenyi.
What to expect: Dramatic topography change from forest to savannah.
Tip: Layer clothing for warm afternoons and cool game‑drive evenings.
Accommodation:
Budget: Simba Safari Camp / Pumba Cottages
Mid-range: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge / Bush Lodge
Luxury: Kyambura Gorge Lodge / Mweya Safari Lodge
Morning: Game drive in Kasenyi plains for predators and grazing herds — lions, elephants, buffaloes, and Uganda kobs.
Afternoon: Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel — one of the highest concentrations of hippos in Africa, plus crocodiles, elephants, and abundant birdlife.
Evening: Sundowner photography session on the channel.
What to expect: A water‑side wildlife parade; prepare to be spoiled for animal variety.
Tip: Telephoto lens recommended; hippos have surprisingly expressive faces.
Morning: Early transfer to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park — famous for its tree‑climbing lions that rest in candelabra trees.
Afternoon: Leisurely drive south toward the Kigezi Highlands; cliffside vistas en route.
What to expect: If the lions cooperate, you get the storybook shot of lions in trees; if not, you still get spectacular scenery.
Tip: Keep expectations flexible — the landscape is generous even when the cats are napping elsewhere.
Morning: Drive through terraced hills and tea estates; stop for photo opportunities and local market visits.
Afternoon: Community or cultural visit to learn about hillside farming and local crafts — supporting local enterprises and women’s groups.
What to expect: A real, human‑scale connection that adds depth to your wildlife days.
Tip: Carry small change for local purchases — a shawl or handcrafted keepsake goes a long way.
Accommodation:
Budget: Ruhija Gorilla Friends Camp / Buhoma Community Rest Camp
Mid-range: Gorilla Mist Camp / Engagi Lodge / Silverback Lodge
Luxury: Gorilla Forest Camp / Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge / Bwindi Lodge
Morning: Gorilla briefing with the ranger team; meet trackers and porters; practice safe viewing etiquette.
Afternoon: Optional short nature walks, primate orientation, or rest to conserve energy for tomorrow.
What to expect: Anticipation builds; get a good night’s sleep.
Tip: Charge batteries, prepare clothes, and be kind to your legs tomorrow.
Morning: Early trek into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with trackers to locate your assigned habituated gorilla family. Treks can last 1 to 8 hours depending on where the gorillas have moved overnight, but you are guaranteed one magical hour with the gorillas once found. A maximum of 8 people are allowed per gorilla family per day, and the minimum age is 15 years old.
Afternoon: Optional Batwa pygmy cultural performance and community visit for perspective on conservation and livelihoods.
What to expect: Intense emotional highs — the hour with gorillas is quietly powerful.
Tip: Follow all ranger instructions; a tissue for unexpected tears is acceptable safari gear. Bring gardening gloves for the thick vegetation and sturdy waterproof hiking boots.
Morning: Scenic drive back to Entebbe with stops; lunch en route in Mbarara or a roadside café depending on timing.
Afternoon: Drop at Entebbe International Airport, or transfer to Kigali if you are extending regionally.
What to expect: Time to reflect, sort photos, and start planning your next trip back.
Tip: Leave space in luggage for last‑minute souvenirs and the occasional rock of appreciation.
Gorilla trekking permit ($800 for foreign non-residents)
Chimpanzee tracking permits (Kibale — $250; Budongo — $130)
Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary boat transfer and entrance
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary tracking fee
Park entrance fees (Murchison Falls — $45/day; Queen Elizabeth — $40/day)
Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
4×4 safari vehicle with English-speaking driver-guide
Bottled drinking water throughout
Nile boat cruise and Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary nature walk
Free branded rain jacket per traveller
International flights and visas
Travel insurance
Tips and personal expenses
Optional activities (e.g., Batwa cultural visit, gorilla habituation experience, lion tracking)
Drinks other than bottled water
The best time for gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking in Uganda is during the dry seasons: June to September and December to February. These months offer firmer trails, clearer views, and better wildlife spotting.
The low seasons of April, May, and November bring lower lodge rates, thinner crowds, and discounted permits — gorilla permits drop to $600 for foreign non-residents and chimpanzee permits to $200 for foreign non-residents during these months. However, trails can be muddy and some roads may be challenging.
Pro tip: If your travel dates are flexible, booking a low-season safari can save you over $200 per person on gorilla permits alone.
How much does a Uganda gorilla permit cost in 2026?
A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $800 per person for foreign non-residents during high season, and $600 during the low-season months of April, May, and November. Foreign residents pay $700 (high season) or $500 (low season).
How long is the gorilla trekking experience?
Treks vary from 30 minutes to 8 hours depending on where the gorillas have moved overnight. You get exactly one hour with the gorillas once found.
What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking?
The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Bwindi is 15 years old, strictly enforced by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers.
How many chimpanzee trekking opportunities are included in this safari?
This itinerary includes chimpanzee experiences at Ngamba Island, Budongo Forest, Kibale National Park, and optional tracking at Kyambura Gorge — four distinct chimp destinations.
Can I combine chimpanzee tracking and gorilla trekking?
Yes, this 14-day safari is specifically designed to combine multiple chimpanzee encounters with gorilla trekking, along with rhino tracking and wildlife game drives.
What should I pack for this safari?
Pack sturdy waterproof hiking boots, gaiters for Bwindi, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, a rain jacket, warm fleece for mornings, gardening gloves, insect repellent, sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, binoculars, and a refillable water bottle.
Are the permits refundable or transferable?
Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable. Low-season permits cannot be rescheduled under any circumstances. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential.
Comprehensive experience: Combines rhino tracking, four chimpanzee destinations, classic wildlife safaris, and gorilla trekking in one epic journey
Six top destinations: Ngamba Island, Ziwa, Murchison Falls, Budongo, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, and Bwindi
Flexible accommodation: Budget, mid-range, and luxury options available at every stop
Expert guides: English-speaking driver-guides with deep knowledge of Uganda’s wildlife, ecosystems, and culture
Conservation impact: Your permit fees directly support gorilla, chimpanzee, and rhino conservation efforts across Uganda
Free branded rain jacket: Every traveller receives a complimentary branded rain jacket
Daily rhythm: Expect early mornings, full days, and evenings for photo review and storytelling.
Clothing: Lightweight layers, waterproof jacket, warm fleece for mornings, and long sleeves for forest protection.
Footwear: Sturdy waterproof hiking boots; gaiters useful in Bwindi.
Health: Bring malaria prophylaxis, required vaccinations, and comprehensive travel insurance.
Cash and connectivity: Bring sufficient local currency; network coverage will be intermittent.
Sustainability: Use reusable water bottles, respect wildlife rules, and favour operators who support conservation.
Licensed & Accredited: Registered with Uganda Tourism Board.
Eco-Conscious: Lodges and activities support conservation and local communities.
Transparent Pricing: No hidden costs — permits included.
Expert Guides: English-speaking driver-guides with years of Uganda safari experience.
Confirm Availability: Contact us for permit and lodge availability — permits sell out months in advance during peak season.
Secure Your Spot: Full payment is now required to secure permits, as the Uganda Wildlife Authority no longer holds reservations without payment.
Prepare Travel Documents: Ensure a valid passport, visa, and comprehensive travel insurance.
Pack Smart: Hiking boots, rain jacket, insect repellent, and binoculars recommended. We offer a free branded rain jacket per traveller.
Final Payment: Balance due before arrival.
Contact us today to check availability, secure your gorilla and chimpanzee permits, and customise this 14-day Best of Uganda safari to your travel dates and budget. Permits sell out months in advance during peak season, so early booking is essential. Full payment is now required to secure permits, as UWA no longer holds reservations without payment.
Book your 2026/2027 Uganda gorilla safari now and experience the adventure of a lifetime — from the thunder of Murchison Falls to the silent majesty of Bwindi’s mountain gorillas.
Customize this tour using our local expertise. We will recommend the best lodges to suit your travel style and book your permits for your travel dates. We take care of all the ground logistics so you can relax and enjoy a perfect getaway!
🌟 Pro Insider Tip
Hiring a porter not only makes trekking easier but also directly supports local livelihoods — a great way to contribute to conservation and community development.
Tribes Gorilla Trekking Tours is your trusted safari and travel company located on Das Berliner Platz, Ground Floor Room M- 04, Bulaga, Mityana Road, Wakiso District. We specialize in gorilla trekking safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park, as well as wildlife tours, cultural experiences, and adventure holidays across East Africa.
