11 Days Uganda +Gorillas

Traveling to Uganda for an 11-day adventure promises encounters with some of Africa’s most iconic animals — from majestic gorillas to powerful lions. Based on glowing reviews and detailed itineraries, this tour by Enchanted Uganda Safaris offers a well-rounded glimpse into Uganda’s diverse landscapes, wildlife, and culture. While it’s priced at $4,500 per person, many find that the value is reflected in the comprehensive experiences, expert guides, and seamless organization.

What truly makes this trip stand out? We love the chance to see up to 13 primate species and the Big Five, plus the opportunity to trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi. The tour’s carefully curated stops in Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth, and Lake Bunyonyi mean you’ll experience both the savannah and rainforest in a single trip. The second highlight? The knowledgeable, friendly guides — reviewers consistently mention Bosco and Vincent for their professionalism and passion. A potential consideration is that this is a private tour, so it might not suit travelers seeking a larger group or a more budget-friendly option. But if you want tailored, authentic, and safe travel, this tour fits the bill.

This adventure is perfect for wildlife lovers, first-time visitors to Uganda, or those wanting a balance of adventure, comfort, and cultural insight. It’s designed for travelers who crave exceptional wildlife encounters but also want to relax and enjoy Uganda’s stunning scenery.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering Uganda’s top national parks in one trip
• Expert guides like Bosco and Vincent are praised for their knowledge and friendliness
• Diverse wildlife sightings, including gorillas, chimps, lions, elephants, and more
• Seamless logistics with airport transfers, private vehicle travel, and included meals
• Authentic experiences with up-close encounters and beautiful landscapes
• High customer satisfaction, reflected in 13 reviews averaging 4.9 stars

What’s Included and What’s Not

Starting with the essentials, the tour covers accommodation, meals, and entrance fees to all national parks listed in the itinerary. You’ll ride in a custom 4×4 safari vehicle, ensuring comfort and accessibility as you traverse Uganda’s diverse terrains. Plus, with airport transfers included, your arrival and departure are hassle-free.

However, guides are quick to point out that visas and gratuities are not included, so budget accordingly. The tour operates from Entebbe, with pickups arranged to start your adventure smoothly. The private nature of the tour means only your group participates, providing an intimate experience.

Itinerary Breakdown: What Makes Each Stop Special

Murchison Falls National Park

The journey begins in Uganda’s largest conservation area, renowned for the thunderous Murchison Falls — a spectacular cataract where the Nile River is squeezed through a narrow gorge. Expect to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and lions in this vast wilderness. Reviewers emphasize how the guides’ local knowledge turns each game drive into a fascinating discovery, often citing the safety and professionalism of guides like Bosco.

Kibale Forest National Park

Next, you’ll explore the lush rainforests of Kibale, home to up to 13 primate species, including chimpanzees. The primate treks here are a major highlight, with several guests describing their encounters as “amazing” and “unforgettable.” One reviewer shared that they could identify different animals, from gorillas to lions, among the diverse species, making this an educational highlight.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

This park offers a quintessential African safari experience — vast savannahs dotted with elephants, lions, and buffalo. It’s also renowned for the famous Kazinga Channel, where you’ll see hippos and crocodiles basking in the sun. The reviews point out that the guides excel at spotting wildlife and explaining animal behaviors, adding depth to the experience.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest & Gorilla Trekking

The pinnacle of this tour is the gorilla trekking in Bwindi, where you might find yourself mere meters from a family of mountain gorillas. Reviewers describe this as “the most awe-inspiring moment,” with one noting, “The gorilla trek was amazing; Bosco tried hard to meet the needs of members when things weren’t to their liking.” The trek itself can be physically demanding but well worth it for the closeness to these gentle giants.

Lake Bunyonyi and Relaxation

To wind down, the tour includes a relaxing stay at Lake Bunyonyi, known for its scenic beauty and quiet charm. Guests often mention how this peaceful stop provides a perfect balance after days of safari excitement.

Transportation and Guide Quality

Travelers consistently praise the custom-built 4×4 safari vehicle for its comfort and reliability. Guides like Bosco and Vincent are described as “extremely helpful,” with extensive knowledge of Uganda’s flora, fauna, and local culture. They’re also noted for their adaptability, handling unforeseen schedule changes smoothly — a trait appreciated in reviews emphasizing safety and professionalism.

Value for Money

At $4,500, this tour offers a comprehensive, well-organized experience with all major highlights included. While not a budget option, reviews highlight the worthiness of the price. Guests rave about the expert guidance, the quality of accommodations, and the chance to see rare animals like gorillas and chimps up close.

Reviewing the Experience Through Guests’ Eyes

Many reviewers mention the personalized touch of this tour, with guides like Bosco making efforts to accommodate individual needs. For example, one guest appreciated how Bosco listened and organized activities to suit their preferences, turning a good trip into a memorable one. Others highlight the safety and seamless logistics, making it suitable even for first-time safari-goers.

The appeal of this tour also lies in authenticity — travelers feel they are experiencing Uganda’s true spirit, with many sharing that they saw the “original African life” and felt safe throughout.

Practical Tips for Future Travelers

• Prepare for physical activity during gorilla treks; some reviews mention the trek is demanding but worth it.
• Bring lightweight, comfortable clothing suitable for both rainforest and savannah environments.
• Budget for optional extras like tips or souvenirs, as gratuities aren’t included.
• Book early if you want to secure a spot, especially during peak safari seasons.

This 11-day Uganda safari suits those who want a comprehensive wildlife experience combined with cultural insights. It’s ideal for first-timers who want to tick off the Big Five, primates, and iconic landscapes in one trip, with guides who genuinely care about your adventure.

Travelers looking for authentic encounters with gorillas and chimpanzees will find this tour particularly rewarding. The private format ensures personalized attention, making it suitable for couples, families, or small groups.

While the price might seem steep, the quality of organization, expert guiding, and sheer variety of wildlife sightings make it a worthy investment. It’s a chance to see Uganda’s best in comfort, safety, and style — all within a well-paced 11 days.

Is airport pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from Entebbe Airport, making your arrival stress-free.

What animals will I see?
Expect to see lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, hippos, leopards, and up to 13 primate species, including mountain gorillas and chimps.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour covers accommodations with meals as specified in the itinerary, plus bottled drinking water.

Can I participate if I’m not an experienced traveler?
Absolutely. The tour is designed for most travelers, with knowledgeable guides ensuring safety and comfort.

How physically demanding are the gorilla treks?
Some reviews mention the treks can be challenging but manageable; guides try to accommodate different fitness levels.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The reviews suggest it’s suitable for most travelers, but check specific age recommendations with the provider.

What’s the best time to go?
The tour operates year-round, with reviews indicating consistently positive experiences; however, Uganda’s dry seasons are generally preferred for wildlife viewing.

Are gratuities included?
No, gratuities are not included and are typically at the traveler’s discretion.

What makes this tour stand out compared to others?
The knowledgeable guides, well-organized itinerary, and the opportunity to see both savannah and rainforest wildlife are key highlights.

Can I customize the trip?
As a private tour, it’s flexible to some extent; discuss your preferences with the provider beforehand.

This 11-day Uganda safari offers an authentic and enriching way to discover what makes Uganda special. From the thunderous Murchison Falls to the gentle giants of Bwindi, you’ll experience the country’s natural beauty and wildlife diversity firsthand.

The carefully curated itinerary, coupled with expert guides like Bosco, ensures a safe, educational, and memorable trip. While the price tag may be a consideration, most reviews confirm that the value — in terms of sights, comfort, and personal attention — is well worth it.

Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a culturally curious traveler, or simply seeking an adventure of a lifetime, this tour provides a balanced mix of excitement, relaxation, and discovery. It’s a perfect choice for those who want to see Uganda’s highlights with confidence, comfort, and plenty of genuine moments to cherish forever.