15 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Big 5 Safari Tour – Ultimate Adventure
The 15 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Big 5 Safari Tour is an unforgettable African adventure combining mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, Big Five wildlife, spectacular landscapes and authentic cultural encounters. This expertly planned journey begins with rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary before heading north to the remote wilderness of Kidepo Valley National Park, where lions, giraffes, elephants and buffaloes roam across magnificent savannah landscapes. The adventure continues to Murchison Falls National Park for wildlife game drives and a memorable Nile River cruise.
Your 15 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Big 5 Safari Tour then explores western Uganda, beginning with chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park and a guided Bigodi Wetland Walk. Continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park for Kasenyi game drives and the famous Kazinga Channel boat cruise. Search for tree-climbing lions in Ishasha before reaching Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for an extraordinary mountain gorilla encounter. Travellers can learn more about Uganda gorilla trekking permits when planning this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The 15 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Big 5 Safari Tour also includes a peaceful overnight stay at Lake Bunyonyi, famous for its beautiful islands and terraced hills, before concluding with wildlife viewing in Lake Mburo National Park. With Nextgen Safaris, travellers enjoy private 4×4 safari transportation, professional driver-guiding, carefully selected lodges and personalised arrangements suited to couples, families, photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.
15-Day Uganda Safari Overview and Daily Route
This 15 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Big 5 Safari Tour covers fourteen nights and fifteen days, travelling from Entebbe to northern Uganda before continuing through the western safari circuit. The route allows two nights in Kidepo Valley and adds Lake Bunyonyi as a relaxing extension after gorilla trekking.
| Day | Safari Programme | Overnight Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival in Entebbe, airport pickup and relaxation | Lake Victoria Serena |
| 2 | Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary tracking and transfer to Gulu | Gulu hotel |
| 3 | Travel to Kidepo Valley National Park | Apoka Safari Lodge |
| 4 | Full-day Kidepo Narus Valley wildlife game drives | Apoka Safari Lodge |
| 5 | Transfer from Kidepo to Murchison Falls | Nile Safari Lodge |
| 6 | Murchison morning game drive and Nile boat cruise | Nile Safari Lodge |
| 7 | Scenic transfer to Kibale National Park | Tabebuia Resort |
| 8 | Chimpanzee tracking and Bigodi Wetland Walk | Tabebuia Resort |
| 9 | Transfer to Queen Elizabeth and afternoon game viewing | Elephant Plains |
| 10 | Kasenyi game drive and Kazinga Channel boat cruise | Elephant Plains |
| 11 | Ishasha tree-climbing lion search and drive to Bwindi | Four Gorillas Lodge |
| 12 | Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi | Four Gorillas Lodge |
| 13 | Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi and lakeside relaxation | Arcadia Lodge |
| 14 | Drive to Lake Mburo and afternoon wildlife game drive | Kigarama Wildernness Lodge |
| 15 | Optional early nature walk and return to Entebbe | Departure |
Detailed 15-Day Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee and Big Five Safari Itinerary
Arrival at Entebbe International Airport – Welcome to Uganda
Your 15 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Big 5 Safari Tour begins upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport. A representative from Nextgen Safaris will welcome you and introduce you to your experienced driver-guide. After completing the arrival formalities, enjoy a private transfer to Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa, where you can relax following your international journey. Your guide will introduce the safari programme and explain the exciting destinations awaiting you.
Depending on your arrival time, spend the remainder of the day resting at the hotel, exploring its peaceful surroundings or enjoying views of Lake Victoria. The first day has deliberately been kept flexible to provide a comfortable beginning before travelling north towards Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Kidepo Valley. Your guide will discuss departure times, luggage arrangements and important information for the upcoming wildlife adventure.
Accommodation: Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa
Meals: Dinner, depending on arrival time
Entebbe to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Rhino Tracking and Gulu
After an early breakfast, depart Entebbe and travel north through Kampala towards Nakasongola District. Your first major wildlife encounter takes place at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where experienced rangers lead a guided walking experience in search of southern white rhinoceroses. This conservation activity adds a valuable Big Five experience to the 15 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Big 5 Safari Tour, while introducing visitors to Uganda’s efforts to protect and restore its rhino populations.
After the tracking experience, enjoy lunch before continuing north towards Gulu. The journey passes traditional villages, open countryside and changing savannah landscapes. Your driver-guide will arrange appropriate comfort and photography stops. Upon arrival in Gulu, check into your hotel for dinner and overnight. This stop creates a more manageable journey to Kidepo Valley, rather than attempting the entire northern route in a single day.
Accommodation: Selected comfortable hotel in Gulu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Gulu to Kidepo Valley National Park – Northern Uganda Wilderness
Following breakfast, continue northeast through Kitgum towards Kidepo Valley National Park. The landscape becomes increasingly dramatic, with rolling grasslands, rugged mountain ranges and traditional northern Ugandan communities. This remote national park provides one of the most distinctive experiences of the 15 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Big 5 Safari Tour, particularly for travellers seeking wildlife destinations away from the busier western circuit.
On entering the park, continue towards your lodge while enjoying opportunities to observe wildlife along the route. Depending on arrival time and road conditions, your guide may arrange an introductory afternoon game drive. Buffaloes, giraffes, elephants and antelopes are among the animals visitors may encounter. Spend the evening enjoying beautiful savannah views and preparing for tomorrow’s full-day Kidepo wildlife adventure.
Accommodation: Apoka Safari Lodge or Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Full-Day Kidepo Valley Safari – Narus Valley Wildlife Game Drives
Today is dedicated to the magnificent wilderness of Kidepo Valley National Park. Begin with an early morning game drive through the wildlife-rich Narus Valley, where seasonal water sources attract numerous animals. Search for African lions, large buffalo herds, elephants, giraffes, zebras and different antelope species. The spectacular open grasslands and distant mountain ranges provide excellent conditions for landscape and wildlife photography.
Your 15 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Big 5 Safari Tour continues with further exploration of the Kidepo Valley wilderness during the afternoon. Your guide will select game-viewing routes according to wildlife movements, weather and road conditions. The park’s remote setting provides a remarkable sense of space and tranquillity, allowing travellers to appreciate its distinctive natural scenery. Return to the lodge for sunset views, dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Apoka Safari Lodge or Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Transfer from Kidepo Valley to Murchison Falls National Park
Enjoy an early breakfast before departing Kidepo for the long journey southwest through Kitgum and Gulu towards Murchison Falls National Park. The route reveals the changing landscapes of northern Uganda, from remote savannah plains to greener countryside. Your driver-guide will organise refreshment stops and lunch en route, while explaining the communities and landscapes encountered along the journey.
This is one of the longer transfer days of the 15 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Big 5 Safari Tour, so an early departure is important. Depending on traffic, road conditions and the lodge selected, travelling may occupy most of the day. Upon arrival, check into your safari accommodation, relax and prepare for the following day’s wildlife game drive and Nile River boat cruise.
Accommodation: Nile Safari Lodge or suitable Murchison Falls lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Murchison Falls – Morning Game Drive and Nile River Boat Cruise
After an early breakfast, depart for a morning wildlife game drive in Murchison Falls National Park. Explore the beautiful savannah landscapes while searching for elephants, Rothschild’s giraffes, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks and predators such as lions and leopards. The morning provides excellent opportunities to observe animal behaviour and photograph wildlife against the park’s sweeping plains.
In the afternoon, the 15 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Big 5 Safari Tour continues with a spectacular Nile River boat cruise towards the base of Murchison Falls. Look out for hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and waterbirds along the riverbanks. As the boat approaches the falls, witness the dramatic power of the Nile flowing through its narrow rocky gorge. A separate visit to the top of the falls may be arranged if timing permits. Return to your lodge for dinner.
Accommodation: Nile Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Murchison Falls to Kibale Forest – Scenic Western Uganda Transfer
Following breakfast, leave Murchison Falls and begin the journey towards Kibale National Park. Travel through western Uganda’s rural landscapes, passing traditional villages, green hills and agricultural communities. The drive offers a beautiful transition from northern savannah wildlife to the tropical forests and tea-growing areas around Fort Portal.
As the 15 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Big 5 Safari Tour approaches Kibale, the countryside becomes increasingly lush, with forest patches and scenic plantations. Check into Tabebuia Resort and relax after the long transfer. Your driver-guide will explain tomorrow’s chimpanzee trekking arrangements, including the ranger briefing, appropriate hiking clothing and forest regulations. Enjoy dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Tabebuia Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest and Bigodi Wetland Walk
Today brings another major highlight of the 15 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Big 5 Safari Tour. After breakfast, travel to the designated Kibale Forest briefing point, where experienced rangers introduce chimpanzee tracking procedures. Enter the beautiful tropical rainforest in search of habituated chimpanzees, listening for their distinctive calls and observing the rich forest environment. Trekking duration depends on chimpanzee movements and forest conditions.
Once the chimpanzees are located, enjoy the permitted observation period while watching their fascinating feeding, grooming and social behaviour. Later, visit the nearby Bigodi Wetland for a guided community nature walk. This remarkable wetland supports numerous bird species, monkeys and beautiful vegetation. Your local guide will explain the connection between conservation and community livelihoods before you return to the lodge.
Accommodation: Tabebuia Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Equator and Wildlife
Enjoy breakfast before travelling south towards Queen Elizabeth National Park. The scenic route passes rural communities, rolling hills and viewpoints overlooking western Uganda’s beautiful countryside. Depending on the route and available time, stop near the equator around Kikorongo for photographs and a short introduction to the geographical significance of the area.
On arrival, check into Elephant Plains Lodge and relax before an afternoon game drive, if time permits. This section of the 15 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Big 5 Safari Tour introduces the park’s open savannah, beautiful crater landscapes and abundant wildlife. Look out for elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs and other antelopes, while your guide searches for predators. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Elephant Plains Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Kasenyi Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Begin your day with an early morning game drive through the famous Kasenyi Plains, one of Queen Elizabeth National Park’s most rewarding wildlife-viewing areas. Search for African lions, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs and numerous birds against the beautiful savannah landscape. Your guide will explain wildlife behaviour and select the most productive routes according to animal movements.
After lunch, continue the 15 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Big 5 Safari Tour with a memorable Kazinga Channel boat cruise. This scenic natural waterway connects Lake Edward and Lake George and is especially famous for hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and abundant waterbirds. The slow-moving boat allows excellent photography opportunities and provides a relaxing contrast to the morning game drive. Return to Elephant Plains Lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Elephant Plains Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
After breakfast, depart the northern section of Queen Elizabeth National Park and travel towards the Ishasha Sector, renowned for its unusual tree-climbing lions. Enjoy a guided game drive through the southern savannah while searching large fig trees for lions resting above the ground. Elephants, buffaloes and different antelopes may also be encountered. Lion sightings depend on natural wildlife movements.
Continue towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where the landscape changes from open grasslands to forested mountains and terraced highlands. This stage of the 15 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Big 5 Safari Tour introduces the remarkable rainforest environment that shelters endangered mountain gorillas. Check into Four Gorillas Lodge in the Rushaga area, subject to your confirmed trekking sector, and prepare for tomorrow’s adventure.
Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today is the most anticipated experience of the 15 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Big 5 Safari Tour. Following an early breakfast, travel to the designated Bwindi park headquarters for the official gorilla trekking briefing. Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers will explain the trekking regulations, safety requirements and responsible gorilla-viewing procedures. Begin your guided hike through the ancient rainforest in search of an assigned habituated mountain gorilla family.
Once the gorillas are located, enjoy up to one hour observing their natural behaviour, including feeding, grooming, movement and family interactions. This extraordinary experience provides a rare opportunity to encounter endangered primates within their forest habitat. For permit requirements and planning, visit the Uganda gorilla trekking permits guide. After the trek, return to Four Gorillas Lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi – Scenic Islands and Relaxation
After breakfast, leave the beautiful Bwindi rainforest and travel towards Lake Bunyonyi, one of southwestern Uganda’s most picturesque destinations. The journey passes terraced hills, traditional villages and spectacular highland scenery. On arrival, check into Arcadia Lodge and enjoy breathtaking views of the lake and its beautiful islands.
This peaceful day adds a special dimension to the 15 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Big 5 Safari Tour, allowing travellers to unwind after the physically demanding gorilla trekking experience. Depending on your preferences, enjoy optional canoeing, a guided boat excursion, birdwatching or a cultural walk through nearby communities. Alternatively, spend the afternoon relaxing at the lodge and appreciating the remarkable lake and mountain scenery.
Accommodation: Arcadia Lodge, Lake Bunyonyi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Optional: Canoeing, boat excursion or cultural visit, quoted separately
Lake Bunyonyi to Lake Mburo – Afternoon Wildlife Game Drive
Enjoy breakfast overlooking Lake Bunyonyi before beginning the scenic journey towards Lake Mburo National Park. Travel through southwestern Uganda’s beautiful rural landscapes, passing rolling hills, farmland and local communities. This relatively compact savannah park is an excellent final wildlife destination, particularly for visitors interested in zebras, impalas and picturesque open grasslands.
After arriving at your lodge, enjoy lunch or a relaxed check-in, depending on the travelling schedule. Continue the 15 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Big 5 Safari Tour with an afternoon game drive in search of zebras, impalas, elands, buffaloes and giraffes. The park’s acacia woodlands, rolling hills and wetlands create beautiful photography opportunities. Return to Kigarama Wildernness Lodge for your final safari dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Kigarama Wildernness Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Lake Mburo Morning Nature Walk – Return to Entebbe and Departure
Begin your final safari morning surrounded by the beautiful landscapes of Lake Mburo National Park. Depending on your international flight schedule, enjoy an optional ranger-guided nature walk, providing an opportunity to observe the park’s wildlife and natural surroundings from a different perspective. The experience may include sightings of zebras, impalas, birds and other species.
After breakfast and check-out, return to Entebbe through Uganda’s scenic countryside. A short stop near the equator may be arranged if timing permits. Your guide will ensure adequate time for the road transfer and international airport check-in. The 15 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Big 5 Safari Tour concludes with lasting memories of Kidepo Valley, Murchison Falls, Kibale chimpanzees, Bwindi gorillas, Lake Bunyonyi and Uganda’s remarkable savannah wildlife.
Accommodation: End of safari
Meals: Breakfast; other meals according to departure arrangements
Departure: Evening international flight recommended
Why Choose This 15-Day Uganda Safari?
The 15 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Big 5 Safari Tour has been carefully designed for travellers who want more than a conventional Uganda wildlife holiday. It combines remote northern wilderness, remarkable primate encounters, exciting savannah wildlife and peaceful lakeside relaxation within one comprehensive journey.
1. Discover the Remote Wilderness of Kidepo Valley
Unlike many Uganda safari itineraries, this journey includes two nights in Kidepo Valley National Park. Its beautiful Narus Valley, open savannah plains and remote mountain scenery provide exceptional opportunities for wildlife photography and authentic wilderness experiences. Visitors may encounter lions, giraffes, elephants and large buffalo herds while enjoying one of Uganda’s less crowded national parks.
2. Experience Uganda’s Big Five Wildlife
The safari combines guided white rhino tracking at Ziwa with wildlife viewing in Kidepo, Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Travellers have opportunities to search for lions, leopards, elephants and buffaloes, although wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
3. Encounter Mountain Gorillas and Chimpanzees
Primate trekking is a major attraction of the 15 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Big 5 Safari Tour. Enjoy a guided chimpanzee encounter in Kibale Forest before trekking mountain gorillas in Bwindi. Both experiences provide extraordinary opportunities to observe endangered and remarkable African primates in their natural habitats.
4. Relax Beside Beautiful Lake Bunyonyi
The overnight stay at Lake Bunyonyi creates a welcome opportunity to rest after gorilla trekking. Visitors can enjoy scenic island views, peaceful lodge surroundings and optional canoeing or cultural experiences, adding a relaxing dimension to the wildlife adventure.
5. Enjoy Professional Private Safari Arrangements
Nextgen Safaris provides experienced local guides, private 4×4 safari Land Cruisers and carefully selected accommodation. The 15 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Big 5 Safari Tour can be customised according to travel dates, accommodation preferences, group size and individual interests, with suitable alternatives arranged according to availability.
Safari Highlights and Unforgettable Uganda Experiences
The 15 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Big 5 Safari Tour includes a remarkable variety of wildlife, primate and landscape experiences across northern and western Uganda.
Explore Narus Valley in search of lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes and antelopes.
Enjoy a guided encounter with white rhinos and learn about Uganda’s conservation initiatives.
Discover giraffes, elephants, predators and scenic northern Uganda savannah landscapes.
Observe hippos, crocodiles, waterbirds and the spectacular Murchison Falls.
Track wild chimpanzees in one of Africa’s most rewarding primate habitats.
Discover wetland birds, forest monkeys and community conservation activities.
Enjoy Kasenyi game drives and wildlife photography across the savannah plains.
See hippos, crocodiles, elephants and buffaloes from a scenic wildlife boat safari.
Search for lions resting in fig trees during a guided wildlife game drive.
Spend up to one hour observing a habituated mountain gorilla family after locating it.
Enjoy beautiful islands, terraced hills and optional canoeing after gorilla trekking.
Complete the safari with zebras, impalas, giraffes and beautiful savannah scenery.
Accommodation During the 15 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Big 5 Safari Tour
Accommodation during the 15 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Big 5 Safari Tour is selected to provide comfort, excellent hospitality and convenient access to the national parks. The journey begins at Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa in Entebbe, followed by a comfortable overnight stop in Gulu. In Kidepo Valley National Park, travellers can stay at Apoka Safari Lodge or Kidepo Savannah Lodge, enjoying spectacular scenery and a remote wilderness atmosphere.
The safari continues to Nile Safari Lodge near Murchison Falls National Park, followed by Tabebuia Resort in the Kibale region and Elephant Plains Lodge near Queen Elizabeth National Park. These properties provide convenient bases for wildlife game drives, chimpanzee tracking and scenic boat cruises. Final lodge selection depends on availability, traveller preferences and the confirmed safari quotation.
The 15 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Big 5 Safari Tour then includes two nights at Four Gorillas Lodge near Bwindi, followed by a peaceful stay at Arcadia Lodge overlooking Lake Bunyonyi. The final night is spent at Kigarama Wildernness Lodge near Lake Mburo National Park. Accommodation can be upgraded or adjusted to suit the preferred budget, travel style and group arrangements.
What Is Included and Excluded in This 15-Day Uganda Safari?
The 15 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Big 5 Safari Tour is designed as a comprehensive private wildlife holiday, with the main trekking permits, accommodation, transportation and scheduled safari activities included in the proposed package.
What’s Included
- One Uganda mountain gorilla trekking permit per eligible traveller.
- One standard Kibale chimpanzee trekking permit per eligible traveller.
- Guided white rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
- Fourteen nights of accommodation in selected lodges and hotels.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the main safari days, as specified.
- Private 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with pop-up viewing roof.
- Professional English-speaking safari driver-guide.
- Airport pickup and departure transfer at Entebbe.
- All scheduled road transfers and vehicle fuel.
- National park entrance fees for the scheduled activities.
- Kidepo Valley morning and afternoon game drives.
- Murchison Falls wildlife game drive and Nile River boat cruise.
- Guided Bigodi Wetland Walk.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park game drives.
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise.
- Ishasha tree-climbing lion search.
- Lake Mburo afternoon game drive.
- Drinking water in the safari vehicle.
- Driver-guide expenses and operational costs for included services.
What’s Not Included
- International flights to and from Uganda.
- Tips and gratuities for guides, rangers and lodge staff.
- Uganda visa application fees.
- Personal travel and medical insurance.
How Much Does the 15 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Big 5 Safari Tour Cost?
The cost of the 15 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Big 5 Safari Tour depends on the number of travellers, accommodation category, selected dates, permit fees and any additional activities. Because this itinerary covers northern and western Uganda, its price also reflects the extended road transfers, vehicle fuel, professional guiding and fourteen nights of accommodation. A personalised quotation provides the most accurate pricing.
The 15 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Big 5 Safari Tour includes significant wildlife experiences such as Kidepo game drives, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, gorilla trekking in Bwindi, boat safaris and rhino tracking. Travellers can select suitable mid-range or luxury accommodation, while larger private groups may benefit from sharing some vehicle and guiding expenses.
| Safari Component | Pricing Basis |
|---|---|
| Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permit | Applicable Uganda Wildlife Authority tariff |
| Kibale Chimpanzee Trekking Permit | Applicable permit fee for the selected year |
| Kidepo, Murchison, Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo | Scheduled park entry and wildlife activity fees |
| Ziwa Rhino Tracking | Guided rhino tracking and sanctuary charges |
| Fourteen Nights of Accommodation | Selected lodges, room category and travel season |
| Private 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser | Vehicle, fuel, driver-guide and route duration |
| Scheduled Boat Cruises and Bigodi Wetland Walk | Applicable activity charges |
| Optional Experiences | Quoted separately when requested |
Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Permits for the 15-Day Safari
The 15 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Big 5 Safari Tour includes one standard mountain gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi and one chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale National Park. Both activities require permits, which should be secured before travel, especially during popular safari seasons. Travellers can read our recommended Uganda gorilla trekking permits information to understand booking requirements, availability and trekking arrangements.
Under the published standard 2027 foreign non-resident tariffs, a Uganda mountain gorilla trekking permit costs US$800 and a Kibale chimpanzee trekking permit costs US$300. Special categories or qualifying low-season permits may carry different charges. Rates for later departure years must be reconfirmed with the relevant wildlife authorities.
For the 15 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Big 5 Safari Tour, Nextgen Safaris can coordinate permit arrangements together with accommodation and transport. The Bwindi trekking sector should be confirmed before finalising the gorilla lodge, because Bwindi has several sectors separated by substantial mountain-road travel distances.
Best Time for This 15-Day Uganda Gorilla and Wildlife Safari
The 15 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Big 5 Safari Tour can be enjoyed throughout the year. The relatively dry months from June to September and December to February are popular because forest trails may be more manageable and game-drive conditions are often favourable. Kidepo Valley can become hot during dry periods, while Bwindi and Kibale remain humid tropical forest environments.
Travelling during wetter months offers lush scenery, beautiful green landscapes and rewarding birdwatching opportunities. However, some roads and rainforest trails may be muddy, and game viewing depends on seasonal wildlife movements. The best departure period should be selected according to the entire itinerary, not gorilla trekking alone.
Private Safari or Group Travel Options
The 15 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Big 5 Safari Tour is ideally operated as a private safari, allowing greater flexibility with game-drive stops, accommodation, photography and daily schedules. A private vehicle is particularly valuable for the extended route to Kidepo Valley and the long transfers connecting northern and western Uganda.
Families, couples, small groups and solo travellers can request customised arrangements. Group travel may help distribute selected transport costs, while private guiding offers a more personalised experience. Nextgen Safaris can recommend suitable room arrangements, vehicle capacity and travel schedules according to the final group size.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 15-Day Uganda Safari
1. What is the 15 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Big 5 Safari Tour?
The 15 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Big 5 Safari Tour is a comprehensive private wildlife holiday combining Kidepo Valley, Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mburo. The journey includes mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, rhino tracking, game drives and scenic boat cruises.
2. How many nights are included?
The safari includes fourteen nights of accommodation. Travellers spend two nights each in Kidepo, Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi, with additional nights in Entebbe, Gulu, Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mburo.
3. Is Kidepo Valley National Park worth visiting?
Yes. Kidepo Valley is among Uganda’s most remarkable wilderness destinations, with spectacular savannah scenery, beautiful mountains and excellent opportunities to search for lions, giraffes, elephants and buffaloes. Its remote location makes it particularly appealing to wildlife photographers and adventurous travellers.
4. Can I see the Big Five during the safari?
The 15 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Big 5 Safari Tour offers opportunities to search for lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinoceroses. Rhinos are tracked at Ziwa Sanctuary, while the other species may be encountered during national park game drives. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
5. Where does gorilla trekking take place?
Gorilla trekking takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Visitors join experienced park rangers for a guided forest trek and, after locating an assigned habituated gorilla family, may spend up to one hour observing the animals.
6. Is the Uganda gorilla permit included?
Yes. The proposed safari includes one standard gorilla trekking permit per eligible traveller. See the Uganda gorilla trekking permits guide for details about permit requirements, visitor categories and booking procedures.
7. How much does a gorilla permit cost?
The standard foreign non-resident gorilla trekking permit rate for 2027 is US$800, although certain visitor categories and qualifying low-season dates may have different rates. Future tariffs should be confirmed before booking.
8. Where can I track chimpanzees?
Chimpanzee tracking takes place in Kibale National Park, one of Uganda’s most important primate destinations. Professional rangers guide visitors through the forest in search of habituated chimpanzee communities.
9. Is chimpanzee trekking included?
Yes. The 15 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Big 5 Safari Tour includes one standard Kibale chimpanzee trekking permit per eligible traveller. The proposed package also includes a guided Bigodi Wetland Walk.
10. What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking?
The minimum age for standard gorilla trekking in Uganda is 15 years. Families travelling with younger children should arrange suitable alternative activities and supervision during the trekking experience.
11. Is the safari suitable for senior travellers?
The safari can be adapted for senior travellers who are comfortable with long road transfers and selected outdoor activities. Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking can be physically demanding, so individual fitness and mobility requirements should be discussed before booking.
12. Can we see tree-climbing lions?
Yes. The safari includes a game drive through the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for lions that sometimes rest in large fig trees. Sightings depend on natural wildlife movements.
13. What makes Lake Bunyonyi special?
Lake Bunyonyi is renowned for its picturesque islands, terraced hills and peaceful lakeside surroundings. It provides a welcome opportunity to relax after gorilla trekking and offers optional boat, canoeing and cultural activities.
14. Does the safari include boat cruises?
Yes. The proposed safari includes a Nile River boat cruise towards Murchison Falls and a Kazinga Channel boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Both excursions offer excellent opportunities for wildlife photography.
15. Is there a lot of driving?
Yes. The 15 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Big 5 Safari Tour covers northern and western Uganda, so some days involve substantial road transfers. The journey from Kidepo to Murchison Falls is particularly long. The itinerary balances these transfers with dedicated wildlife exploration days.
16. Can we travel in a private safari vehicle?
Yes. Nextgen Safaris provides a private 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with an experienced driver-guide. The vehicle is suitable for wildlife photography, game drives and the long-distance road transfers included in this itinerary.
17. Can I upgrade the accommodation?
Yes. Selected safari lodges can be upgraded or changed according to the preferred comfort level, travel dates and available budget. Luxury accommodation options are particularly attractive in Kidepo, Murchison Falls, Bwindi and other major destinations.
18. What is the best time to book this safari?
Booking several months in advance is recommended, especially during popular travel seasons. Gorilla and chimpanzee permits have limited availability, while preferred lodges may require early reservations.
19. Can the 15-day safari be customised?
Absolutely. The 15 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Big 5 Safari Tour can be customised with additional gorilla trekking experiences, alternative accommodation, extra nights in Kidepo, cultural visits or different travel arrangements. Any changes should be planned around realistic driving distances and permit availability.
20. How do I book the 15 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Big 5 Safari Tour?
Booking begins by sharing your preferred travel dates, number of travellers and accommodation preferences. Nextgen Safaris will prepare a personalised quotation and confirm the necessary permits, lodges and safari activities. Our standard payment terms require a 50% deposit on confirmation, with the remaining balance due 20 days before arrival, subject to the confirmed booking agreement.
