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15 Days The Best of Northern Uganda & the Gorillas

15 days, 14 nights · Bwindi Impenetrable Forest · Kidepo · Trip code LGS-UG 1004

Tour details

A magical journey into the magnificent north of Uganda, filled with back-to-back highlights: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a game drive through Kidepo Valley National Park, on to Gulu and Murchison Falls, then Hoima, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and gorilla tracking in Bwindi.

Trip codeLGS-UG 1004
Duration15 days, 14 nights
LocationsBwindi Impenetrable Forest, Kidepo
Group sizeNo size limit
Before you book
  • Gorilla tracking on this route can be done in Rwanda, or in the southern sector of Bwindi, if permits or accommodation cannot be secured in Buhoma at the time of booking.
  • Gorilla tracking depends on permit availability at the time of booking. Permits are in very high demand in all parks, so book as early as you can.
  • Gorilla permits cost $800 each; chimpanzee permits cost $250 each.
  • Gorillas are found mainly in Bwindi and Mgahinga; chimpanzees mainly in Kibale National Park.
  • Depending on permit availability at confirmation, you may trek in Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga or Nkuringo.

Day by day

Day 1

Arrive in Entebbe, Uganda

On arrival you are warmly welcomed by your guide and transferred to Entebbe for the overnight.

Airport Link Guest House or Papyrus Guest House

Day 2

Entebbe – Gulu

Breakfast, then drive to Gulu with the option of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary en route, created to save Uganda’s rhinos from extinction, with sightings of black and white rhinos just a few feet away.

Churchill Courts Hotel

Day 3

Depart Gulu for Kidepo National Park

An early breakfast, then a drive via the Nyamata community of nomadic warriors and their cattle market, arriving at Kidepo Valley National Park in the evening.

Kidepo lies in Uganda’s far northern corner, with around 475 bird species and 77 mammal species including zebras, elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes and cheetahs — “True African Wilderness.”

Nga Moru Wilderness Camp

Day 4

A day of game drives in Kidepo

Nga Moru Wilderness Camp

Day 5

Depart Kidepo for Gulu (5 hours)

A last game drive to bid the park goodbye, then back to Gulu to break up the journey towards Murchison Falls.

Churchill Courts Hotel

Day 6

Kidepo – Murchison Falls

Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park, arriving in the afternoon for a mini game drive in the northern sector before checking in.

Parkside Safari Lodge

Day 7

In Murchison Falls

An early game drive across the plains of Uganda’s largest national park, home to lions, giraffes, hartebeest, buffalo and elephants, plus the secretary bird and black-chested snake eagle.

An afternoon boat trip to the base of the falls, where the Nile forces through a 7-metre gap and plunges 43 metres, with crocodiles and hippos densely populating the banks. Optional: balloon safari, a visit to the Boomu Women’s Group, sport fishing, or a bush breakfast.

Parkside Safari Lodge

Day 8

Visit the top of the falls, then depart Murchison – Hoima

A morning visit to the top of the falls, then transfer to Hoima with a local cultural dance in the evening.

Hoima Cultural Lodge

Day 9

Depart Hoima for Kibale

Breakfast, then on to Kibale Forest for two nights — home to thirteen primate species and over 355 recorded bird species.

Turaco Treetops or Chimpanzee Guest House

Day 10

Morning chimp tracking, optional afternoon Bigodi swamp walk

A morning with the team tracking and habituating chimpanzees, returning for lunch.

A guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary in the evening, home to around 137 bird species.

Turaco Treetops or Chimpanzee Guest House

Day 11

Depart Kibale for Queen Elizabeth National Park

A game drive on entry, then a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel, home to one of the largest hippo concentrations in Africa plus elephants, buffalo and a wide range of birdlife.

Buffalo Safari Lodge

Day 12

Drive to Ishasha, the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth

A game drive en route to Ishasha, famed for its tree-climbing lions, with an evening game drive on arrival.

Ishasha Jungle Lodge

Day 13

Depart Ishasha for the southern sector of Bwindi

A game drive in search of the tree-climbing lions, then on via Kabale through hills, valleys and terrace farming to southern Bwindi.

Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge · Full board

Day 14

Gorilla tracking

An early start for gorilla trekking, one of the most exciting wildlife experiences on earth — there are now only around 650 mountain gorillas left in the world. Treks run 2–6 hours with a park guide interpreting the forest and the gorillas’ lifestyle throughout.

Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge

Day 15

Entebbe – depart

Breakfast, then the drive back to Entebbe, stopping at the equator, arriving in time to check in for your onward flight.

What is included

  • Ziwa Rhino tracking
  • Bigodi swamp and community walk
  • Village visits as stipulated in the itinerary
  • All game drives
  • All meals and accommodation as per the itinerary
  • All ground transportation in a comfortable 4x4 vehicle
  • Park entrance fees
  • Services of a full time English speaking driver/guide
  • Bottled water while on safari
  • All boat trips
  • All airport pick-ups and drops
  • All activities as stipulated in the itinerary
  • All government taxes/levies

What is not included

  • Gorilla permit, optional activities or forest walks
  • Phone calls and bar bills
  • Any private/personal expenses
  • Personal insurance
  • Driver guide’s gratuity

Enquire about this trip

Send us your dates and party size and a guide will come back with availability, permits, and a fixed quote.