9-Day Accessible Gorilla, Chimp & Wildlife Safari

Arrive at Entebbe International Airport and meet your private safari representative for assistance with luggage and transfer to your accommodation. Allow extra time for airport procedures, vehicle boarding, and any mobility equipment that needs to be handled carefully.

The remainder of the day is reserved for rest and a detailed discussion of your needs. Your safari team should confirm walking limits, wheelchair or mobility-aid requirements, preferred transfer arrangements, dietary needs, and the accessibility features required at each lodge.

Meals: Dinner, depending on arrival time and accommodation plan.

Transport: Private transfer; wheelchair-accessible transport must be confirmed if required.

Distance & Time: Approximately 5–15 km / 15–40 minutes, depending on the hotel and traffic.

Accessibility planning: Confirm step-free access, room layout, bathroom facilities, and assistance with getting in and out of the vehicle.

Travel north toward Murchison Falls National Park, with planned rest stops along the way. The journey passes through rural communities and changing landscapes. The route should be paced according to the traveler’s comfort, with sufficient time for meals and bathroom breaks.

Depending on arrival time and energy levels, enjoy a short introductory game drive or relax at the lodge. Wildlife viewing from a vehicle may be a more comfortable option than activities requiring extended walking.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Transport: Private 4x4 safari vehicle with suitable entry assistance; accessible vehicle requirements must be confirmed in advance.

Distance & Time: Approximately 300–350 km / 6–8 hours, depending on the lodge, route, traffic, and rest stops.

Accessibility planning: Request frequent stops and confirm that the selected lodge has suitable access from the vehicle drop-off point to the room and dining areas.

Enjoy a morning game drive through selected wildlife areas of the park. The guide can adapt the length and route of the drive to suit comfort levels, allowing time to observe wildlife without needing to walk long distances.

Later, take a scheduled or private boat cruise on the Nile, subject to availability and safe boarding arrangements. The cruise offers opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and birds along the riverbanks. Confirm boarding steps, seating, handrails, and assistance arrangements before booking.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Transport: Private safari vehicle and boat, subject to confirmed accessibility arrangements.

Distance & Time: Game-drive distance varies; the boat cruise generally takes around 2–3 hours, depending on the selected departure.

Accessibility planning: Confirm whether the boat has steps, stable boarding access, accessible seating, and enough space for any mobility aids.

Depart Murchison Falls and travel toward Kibale Forest. This is a substantial road-transfer day, so the schedule should include planned rest breaks and flexibility around the traveler’s needs.

On arrival, settle into the lodge and enjoy a quiet afternoon. Avoid adding strenuous activities to this day, particularly if the traveler needs time to recover from the journey before the following day's planned forest experience.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Transport: Private 4x4 safari vehicle.

Distance & Time: Approximately 300–350 km / 6–8 hours, depending on the route and accommodation.

Accessibility planning: Confirm room access, bathroom arrangements, dining access, and the distance between the vehicle drop-off point and guest facilities.

The planned highlight is chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest. However, this activity can involve uneven, muddy, steep, and sometimes slippery forest trails. It should only be included after discussing the traveler’s walking ability and support requirements with the relevant park authorities and activity operator.

If trekking is unsuitable, consider a lower-mobility alternative, such as a guided nature experience in an accessible area, birdwatching where suitable facilities are available, or a relaxed lodge-based day. Bigodi Wetland activities may also involve uneven paths, so their suitability must be confirmed rather than assumed.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Transport: Private vehicle for transfers; guided walking only if appropriate for the traveler.

Distance & Time: Local transfers depend on the lodge and selected activity. Trekking duration varies according to chimpanzee location and trail conditions.

Accessibility planning: Confirm trail conditions, walking distance, rest opportunities, toilet access, and whether any mobility equipment can be accommodated.

Travel toward Queen Elizabeth National Park through the scenic countryside, with views of the Rwenzori Mountains possible along the route. Plan regular breaks and allow sufficient time to reach the lodge without rushing.

The afternoon should remain flexible. Depending on arrival time and the traveler’s energy, enjoy the lodge surroundings or take a short vehicle-based wildlife outing. The aim is to maintain a comfortable pace before the following day's wildlife activities.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Transport: Private 4x4 safari vehicle.

Distance & Time: Approximately 120–160 km / 3–4 hours, depending on the lodge and route.

Accessibility planning: Verify the lodge’s room access, bathroom facilities, dining arrangements, and availability of staff assistance.

Begin with a wildlife drive through selected areas of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The guide can prioritize vehicle-based viewing and adjust the duration to suit the traveler’s comfort. Wildlife sightings vary, but possible species include elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and lions.

Later, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, known for hippos, waterbirds, and wildlife gathering along the water. Boarding conditions vary by boat, so accessibility and safe assistance should be confirmed before the activity is booked.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Transport: Private safari vehicle and boat cruise, subject to confirmed boarding arrangements.

Distance & Time: Game-drive distance varies; the Kazinga Channel cruise generally takes around 2–3 hours, depending on the operator and departure.

Accessibility planning: Confirm boarding assistance, step height, seating, shade, toilet availability, and whether the traveler can remain seated comfortably for the duration.

Travel toward Bwindi through the Ishasha region, with opportunities for vehicle-based wildlife viewing if timing and road conditions permit. The journey includes changing landscapes as the route moves toward the forested highlands.

Gorilla trekking is the planned major experience, but it requires careful accessibility assessment. Forest trails may be steep, muddy, slippery, and physically demanding. Before confirming the trek, discuss the traveler's mobility with the park authorities and relevant trekking operator, including the availability and suitability of porter assistance or a supported trekking arrangement where permitted. Do not assume a wheelchair can be used on the trail.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Transport: Private 4x4 safari vehicle.

Distance & Time: Approximately 100–200 km / 4–6 hours, depending on the Queen Elizabeth departure point, Bwindi sector, road conditions, and lodge.

Accessibility planning: Confirm the trekking sector, expected terrain, available support, lodge accessibility, and a suitable alternative if the trek is not feasible.

After breakfast, begin the return journey toward Entebbe or transfer to a suitable airstrip if a domestic flight has been arranged separately. The choice should reflect the traveler’s comfort, available budget, flight schedule, and ability to manage transfers.

A domestic flight may reduce time spent on the road, but airstrip transfers, aircraft steps, luggage handling, and boarding arrangements must also be checked. If traveling by road, plan adequate rest stops and allow enough time for the journey. For an international departure, avoid scheduling a tight connection after a long road transfer.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, depending on the departure schedule.

Transport: Private 4x4 vehicle, or domestic flight and ground transfers if booked and suitable.

Distance & Time: By road, the journey from the Bwindi region to Entebbe can take approximately 8–11 hours or longer depending on the sector, route, traffic, and stops. Flight times and transfer durations depend on the confirmed airstrip and service.

Accessibility planning: Confirm boarding assistance, luggage support, mobility-aid handling, and the time needed for all transfers before confirming international flights.