11 Days Uganda Group Joining Safari
Introduction
The 11 Days Uganda Group Joining Safari is a comprehensive shared adventure designed for travellers who want to experience Uganda’s mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, savannah wildlife, boat safaris and spectacular landscapes at a comfortable pace. It is ideal for solo travellers, couples and small groups who want to share transport and selected safari costs while exploring several of Uganda’s leading destinations.
This journey combines Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Ishasha sector, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mburo National Park.
Highlights include game viewing and a Nile boat safari in Murchison Falls, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale, a Kazinga Channel boat safari, searching for Ishasha’s tree-climbing lions, mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi, relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi and wildlife viewing in Lake Mburo.
The additional time at Lake Bunyonyi gives this itinerary a more relaxed pace after gorilla trekking, making the 11 Days Uganda Group Joining Safari an excellent choice for travellers who want a comprehensive Uganda experience without moving to a new destination every day.
11 Days Uganda Group Joining Safari – Short Itinerary
- Day 1: Kampala/Entebbe – Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
- Day 2: Murchison Falls Morning Game Drive – Nile Boat Safari
- Day 3: Murchison Falls – Transfer to Kibale National Park
- Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Day 5: Queen Elizabeth Game Drive – Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
- Day 6: Queen Elizabeth – Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions – Transfer to Bwindi
- Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
- Day 8: Lake Bunyonyi Relaxation & Optional Activities
- Day 9: Lake Bunyonyi – Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
- Day 10: Lake Mburo National Park Wildlife Experience
- Day 11: Lake Mburo – Return to Kampala/Entebbe
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Kampala/Entebbe – Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Your 11 Days Uganda Group Joining Safari begins with an early morning meeting in Kampala or Entebbe. Meet your professional safari driver-guide and fellow travellers before beginning the journey north towards Murchison Falls National Park.
Travel through Uganda’s countryside, passing towns, villages and agricultural landscapes. Stops for lunch and refreshments can be made according to the confirmed programme.
Continue to Murchison Falls National Park and check into your accommodation. Depending on arrival time, relax at the lodge and prepare for the following day’s wildlife activities.
Main destination: Murchison Falls National Park
Main activity: Scenic transfer
Overnight: Murchison Falls National Park area
Day 2: Murchison Falls Game Drive & Nile Boat Safari
Wake up early, have breakfast and head out for a morning game drive through Murchison Falls National Park.
Explore the savannah while searching for elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, Uganda kob, warthogs and other wildlife. Lions and leopards also occur in the ecosystem, although wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
After the game drive, have lunch and prepare for an afternoon boat safari on the Nile.
Cruise along the river while looking for hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and numerous bird species. Depending on your confirmed programme, the day may also include viewing the spectacular Murchison Falls from one of the designated viewpoints.
Game drives, boat cruises and hiking to the top of Murchison Falls are among the recognised visitor activities in the park.
Main activities: Game drive and Nile boat safari
Overnight: Murchison Falls National Park area
Day 3: Murchison Falls – Transfer to Kibale National Park
After breakfast, leave Murchison Falls and begin the journey south towards Kibale National Park.
This is one of the longer road-transfer days of the safari, but it provides an opportunity to experience Uganda’s countryside, rural communities and changing landscapes.
Continue towards the Fort Portal and Kibale region, where the scenery becomes increasingly green with forests, farms, tea-growing areas and rolling hills.
Arrive at your accommodation later in the day, relax and prepare for the following morning’s chimpanzee trekking experience.
Main activity: Scenic transfer
Overnight: Kibale National Park area
Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale – Queen Elizabeth National Park
After an early breakfast, transfer to the chimpanzee trekking briefing point.
Meet the ranger guides and receive instructions about trekking procedures and appropriate behaviour around chimpanzees before entering the forest.
Walk through the tropical forest while your guides search for a habituated chimpanzee community. Listen for calls and watch for movement through the forest canopy.
Once the chimpanzees are located, enjoy the permitted viewing period while following your ranger’s instructions. UWA guidelines provide for a maximum normal viewing period of one hour after encountering chimpanzees.
After trekking, have lunch and continue towards Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Main activities: Chimpanzee trekking and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Overnight: Queen Elizabeth National Park area
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
Begin the morning with breakfast followed by a wildlife game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Search for elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob, waterbucks, warthogs and other wildlife. Predators including lions and leopards occur in the ecosystem, although sightings depend on their movements.
After the morning game drive, have lunch and prepare for an afternoon boat safari on the Kazinga Channel.
Cruise along the channel while looking for hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants and numerous water birds along the shoreline.
Return to your accommodation after the boat safari for dinner and overnight.
Main activities: Game drive and Kazinga Channel boat safari
Overnight: Queen Elizabeth National Park area
Day 6: Queen Elizabeth – Ishasha – Transfer to Bwindi
After breakfast, travel towards the southern Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Explore Ishasha while searching for its famous tree-climbing lions. The Uganda Wildlife Authority highlights the tree-climbing lions of Queen Elizabeth among Uganda’s notable wildlife attractions.
The area also offers opportunities to encounter Uganda kob, topi, buffaloes, elephants and other wildlife.
After exploring Ishasha, continue through the beautiful landscapes of southwestern Uganda towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Arrive at your accommodation, have dinner and prepare for the following morning’s gorilla trekking adventure.
Main activities: Ishasha wildlife drive and transfer to Bwindi
Overnight: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park area
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
Today is one of the biggest highlights of your 11 Days Uganda Group Joining Safari.
Wake up early, have breakfast and transfer to your designated gorilla trekking briefing point.
After meeting your ranger guides and receiving the trekking briefing, enter Bwindi’s rainforest in search of your allocated habituated mountain gorilla family.
Trekking duration varies depending on the location and movement of the gorillas. Trails can be steep, muddy and uneven, so sturdy hiking shoes, long trousers, drinking water and rain protection are recommended.
Once the gorillas are located, observe them during the permitted viewing period while following your ranger’s instructions. Current UWA tracking guidelines specify a maximum normal viewing time of one hour.
After completing your trek, continue towards Lake Bunyonyi for a relaxing evening.
Main activities: Gorilla trekking and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
Overnight: Lake Bunyonyi area
Day 8: Lake Bunyonyi Relaxation & Optional Activities
After several days of travelling and wildlife activities, Day 8 provides an opportunity to slow down and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Lake Bunyonyi.
Wake up at a relaxed pace and enjoy breakfast overlooking the lake, islands and surrounding terraced hills.
Spend the day enjoying the peaceful scenery. Depending on availability, weather, your accommodation and the confirmed package, optional activities can be arranged locally.
Alternatively, simply relax at your accommodation, enjoy photography and appreciate the landscape.
This additional day is one of the main differences between the 10-day and 11 Days Uganda Group Joining Safari, creating a more comfortable break after gorilla trekking.
Main activity: Relaxation and optional Lake Bunyonyi experiences
Overnight: Lake Bunyonyi area
Day 9: Lake Bunyonyi – Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
Enjoy breakfast overlooking Lake Bunyonyi before beginning your journey towards Lake Mburo National Park.
Travel through the scenic countryside of southwestern Uganda, passing rolling hills, farmland, villages and towns along the route.
Arrive in the Lake Mburo area later in the day and check into your accommodation.
Depending on arrival time and your confirmed programme, relax at the lodge or participate in a pre-arranged optional activity.
Main activity: Scenic transfer
Overnight: Lake Mburo National Park area
Day 10: Lake Mburo National Park Wildlife Experience
After breakfast, spend the day exploring Lake Mburo National Park.
Search for zebras, impalas, elands, buffaloes, warthogs, waterbucks and other wildlife across the park’s savannah landscape.
Depending on your confirmed package, your experience may include a game drive or another pre-arranged wildlife activity. Lake Mburo also offers opportunities for activities such as nature walks.
Return to your accommodation later in the day and enjoy your final evening on safari.
Main activity: Lake Mburo wildlife viewing
Overnight: Lake Mburo National Park area
Day 11: Lake Mburo – Return to Kampala/Entebbe
Enjoy breakfast before beginning the return journey towards Kampala or Entebbe.
Depending on timing and the confirmed programme, you may stop around the Equator for photographs, refreshments, lunch or souvenir shopping.
Continue to Kampala or Entebbe, bringing your 11 Days Uganda Group Joining Safari to an end.
Travellers departing Uganda on the same day should arrange a sufficiently late international flight to allow for road conditions and possible delays.
Main activity: Return transfer
Destination: Kampala/Entebbe
Why Choose Our 11 Days Uganda Group Joining Safari?
This itinerary combines many of Uganda’s signature experiences while providing more time to relax than the shorter group joining safaris. You experience mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, two major boat safaris, several savannah wildlife areas, Ishasha’s tree-climbing lions and the contrasting landscapes of Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mburo.
The extra day at Lake Bunyonyi is particularly valuable after gorilla trekking. Instead of immediately beginning another long transfer, travellers have a full day to relax and enjoy southwestern Uganda’s scenery.
The group joining format is also suitable for solo travellers and couples who want to share transportation and selected operational costs with other guests while still enjoying a comprehensive Uganda safari.
Safari Inclusions
The following are typically included in the 11 Days Uganda Group Joining Safari, subject to your confirmed quotation:
- Safari vehicle and transportation throughout the itinerary
- Professional English-speaking safari driver-guide
- Fuel throughout the safari
- 10 nights’ accommodation
- Meals according to the confirmed itinerary
- Park entrance fees specified in the confirmed package
- Gorilla trekking permit when stated in the confirmed quotation, obtained from Uganda Wildlife Authority(UWA)
- Chimpanzee trekking permit when stated in the confirmed quotation, obtained from Uganda Wildlife Authority(UWA)
- Ranger-guided gorilla trekking
- Ranger-guided chimpanzee trekking
- Murchison Falls game drive
- Murchison Falls Nile boat safari
- Queen Elizabeth National Park game drive
- Kazinga Channel boat safari
- Ishasha wildlife drive
- Lake Mburo wildlife experience
- Bottled drinking water in the safari vehicle
- Kampala or Entebbe pick-up and drop-off according to the confirmed itinerary
Safari Exclusions
Unless specifically stated in your confirmed quotation, the safari price does not include:
- International flights
- Uganda entry visa
- Travel insurance
- Personal medical expenses
- Alcoholic beverages and premium drinks
- Laundry services
- Gorilla trekking porter fees
- Tips and gratuities
- Souvenirs and personal shopping
- Optional Lake Bunyonyi activities
- Optional Lake Mburo activities
- Activities not specified in the confirmed itinerary
- Accommodation before or after the safari
- Personal expenses
- Expenses arising from circumstances outside the safari operator’s control
Best Time for an 11 Days Uganda Group Joining Safari
The 11 Days Uganda Group Joining Safari can be organised throughout the year, subject to group departure schedules, accommodation availability and trekking permits.
The relatively drier periods of June to August and December to February are popular for Uganda safaris because some trekking trails and unpaved roads may be easier to navigate. However, Uganda’s forests and wildlife areas can be visited throughout the year.
Interestingly, UWA notes that chimpanzee tracking in Kibale takes place year-round and indicates that the rainy season can also be favourable for tracking because chimpanzees may move deeper into the forest searching for food during dry conditions.
Rain is therefore not necessarily a reason to avoid travelling. Visitors should pack suitable rain protection, hiking footwear and clothing for changing conditions.
For an itinerary containing both gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, early booking is strongly recommended so permits and accommodation can be coordinated with the group departure.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 11 Days Uganda Group Joining Safari
What is an 11 Days Uganda Group Joining Safari?
It is an eleven-day shared Uganda safari where travellers join other guests and follow a scheduled itinerary using shared safari transportation.
How many nights are included?
The safari includes 10 nights.
Where does the safari start and end?
It normally starts and ends in Kampala or Entebbe according to the confirmed departure arrangements.
Which destinations does the safari visit?
The itinerary covers Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Ishasha, Bwindi, Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mburo.
Is gorilla trekking included?
Gorilla trekking forms part of the itinerary. Your quotation should clearly state whether the gorilla trekking permit is included in the price.
Where does gorilla trekking take place?
Gorilla trekking takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Is chimpanzee trekking included?
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale forms part of the itinerary. Permit inclusion should be confirmed in your final quotation.
How long can we spend with the gorillas?
Under UWA’s published tracking guidelines, normal gorilla tracking allows a maximum viewing period of one hour after encountering the gorillas.
How long can we spend with the chimpanzees?
UWA’s normal chimpanzee tracking guidelines similarly provide for a maximum viewing period of one hour after encountering the chimpanzees.
How difficult is gorilla trekking?
Difficulty varies according to the location of the gorilla family, terrain and weather. Treks may involve steep, muddy and uneven trails.
How long does gorilla trekking take?
There is no fixed total trekking duration because the gorillas move through their natural habitat.
Can I hire a porter for gorilla trekking?
Porters may be available to help carry bags and assist on challenging sections of the trail. Porter costs are normally separate unless stated otherwise.
What should I wear for gorilla trekking?
Sturdy hiking shoes, long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt and suitable outdoor clothing are recommended. Carry rain protection.
What should I take for chimpanzee trekking?
Comfortable walking shoes, long trousers, drinking water, insect repellent and rain protection are useful.
Are gorilla sightings guaranteed?
No wildlife encounter can be absolutely guaranteed. Trekking is conducted with trained ranger guides tracking habituated gorilla families.
Are chimpanzee sightings guaranteed?
No. Chimpanzees are wild animals, although ranger guides track habituated communities.
What wildlife can we see in Murchison Falls?
Possible sightings include elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, Uganda kob, warthogs, hippos, crocodiles and numerous bird species. Predators are also present.
Is a Nile boat safari included?
Yes, a Murchison Falls Nile boat safari is included in the proposed itinerary, subject to your confirmed package.
Do we visit Murchison Falls itself?
The itinerary can include viewing the falls depending on the final programme and timing. Confirm the exact arrangement in your quotation.
What wildlife can we see in Queen Elizabeth National Park?
Possible sightings include elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob, waterbucks, warthogs, hippos, lions and numerous bird species.
Is the Kazinga Channel boat safari included?
Yes, it forms part of the proposed itinerary, subject to the confirmed package.
Will we see tree-climbing lions?
The itinerary travels through Ishasha, which is famous for tree-climbing lions, but sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Why are there two nights at Lake Bunyonyi?
The additional night provides a full day to relax after gorilla trekking and makes the 11-day itinerary less rushed.
What can we do at Lake Bunyonyi?
You can enjoy the scenery and relaxation. Other activities may be arranged locally depending on availability, timing and additional cost.
Is swimming included at Lake Bunyonyi?
No. Swimming is not listed as an included activity. Suitable swimming areas and current local conditions should be confirmed with your accommodation or guide.
What wildlife can we see in Lake Mburo?
Possible sightings include zebras, impalas, elands, buffaloes, warthogs and waterbucks.
Can I do a walking safari at Lake Mburo?
A guided nature or walking experience may be available depending on the confirmed programme, current park arrangements and additional costs.
Can I add horseback riding at Lake Mburo?
It may be possible as an optional activity depending on availability, timing and additional cost.
Is this safari suitable for solo travellers?
Yes. Group joining safaris are particularly useful for solo travellers who want to share a scheduled safari with other guests.
Can couples join?
Yes. Couples can join and request double accommodation, subject to availability.
Can families join?
Yes, but families with children should confirm the applicable age requirements for primate trekking before booking.
Can I request a single room?
Yes. Single accommodation can usually be requested, although a single supplement may apply.
What type of accommodation is used?
The safari can use selected budget or mid-range accommodation according to the package and confirmed quotation.
Are meals included?
Meals are included according to the meal plan stated in your final quotation.
Is drinking water included?
Bottled drinking water is normally provided in the safari vehicle.
What type of vehicle is used?
The vehicle depends on the number of travellers and operational requirements. The final vehicle arrangement should be confirmed before departure.
Will everyone have a window seat?
This depends on the vehicle configuration and group size. Confirm this before booking if a window seat is important to you.
Is there a lot of driving?
Yes. This is an overland safari covering several regions of Uganda, and some transfer days involve substantial driving.
Is the safari suitable for photographers?
Yes. The route provides opportunities to photograph primates, savannah wildlife, birds, waterfalls, rivers, forests, lakes and landscapes.
Can I bring professional camera equipment?
Yes. Follow ranger instructions and applicable rules when photographing primates and other wildlife.
Can I use flash photography around gorillas?
Flash photography should not be used around gorillas. Follow the instructions given by your ranger.
Do I need travel insurance?
Comprehensive travel insurance, including appropriate medical and emergency coverage, is strongly recommended.
Do I need a Uganda visa?
Entry requirements depend on nationality and individual circumstances. Travellers should check the applicable official requirements before travelling.
What is the best time to book?
Book as early as possible when gorilla and chimpanzee trekking are priorities because permit availability can determine the final itinerary.
Can I book at the last minute?
It may be possible, but availability depends on permits, accommodation, vehicles and spaces on the scheduled group departure.
Does the safari operate year-round?
It can operate throughout the year, subject to scheduled departures, permits, road conditions and accommodation availability.
What are the best months for this safari?
June to August and December to February are popular drier periods, although Uganda can be visited throughout the year.
What happens if it rains during trekking?
Rain does not automatically mean trekking will be cancelled. Carry waterproof clothing and protect cameras, phones and valuables from moisture.
Is this safari suitable for first-time visitors to Uganda?
Yes. It combines primates, savannah wildlife, boat safaris, forests, lakes and several of Uganda’s major national parks.
Can this itinerary be organised privately?
Yes. The same route can be adapted into a private safari instead of a group joining departure.
Can I extend the safari?
Yes. Additional destinations or nights can be arranged before or after the scheduled safari, subject to availability.
Can airport transfers be arranged?
Yes. Airport transfers can be arranged according to your international flight schedule and confirmed package.
How do I book the 11 Days Uganda Group Joining Safari?
Send your preferred travel dates, number of travellers and room requirements. Availability can then be checked for the scheduled departure, gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits, accommodation and other safari services.
Book Your 11 Days Uganda Group Joining Safari
Experience Murchison Falls, Kibale chimpanzees, Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Kazinga Channel, Ishasha’s tree-climbing lions, Bwindi mountain gorillas, Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mburo on one comprehensive shared Uganda adventure.
Send your preferred travel date and number of travellers to check availability for the next 11 Days Uganda Group Joining Safari departure.
