This incredible safari adventure offers an unforgettable experience in Uganda. It features encounters with tree-climbing lions in the savannah, thrilling gorilla and chimp tracking in lush rainforests, and a serene boat safari on the Kazinga Channel. You’ll stay in some of Uganda’s finest luxury lodges, enjoying both adventure and relaxation in the heart of Africa’s natural beauty.

Day 1: Arrival and Pickup from the Airport

Upon your arrival at the airport, a Gorilla Bookings Uganda representative will warmly greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Kampala.

Optional activities in case you arrive early:

City tour: Depending on your arrival time, you can immerse yourself in Kampala’s lively atmosphere. Explore its rich history and culture by visiting significant landmarks such as the ancient tombs of the Kabakas, where Buganda kings are laid to rest, or the serene Bahai Temple.

Location: Entebbe, Uganda

Accommodation

Mid-Luxury: Entebbe K Hotel

Luxury: Lake Victoria Hotel

High-End: Entebbe Protea Hotel

Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

 

Day 2: Transfer to Kibale National Park

After enjoying an early breakfast, your guide will meet you at your hotel to provide an overview of the exciting safari ahead. Once you’re briefed on the itinerary and what to expect, you’ll set off for Kibale National Park. The journey to the park is nothing short of breathtaking, as you’ll be treated to some of the most beautiful landscapes Uganda has to offer. As you drive, you’ll pass through charming villages where you can catch glimpses of daily life, with locals going about their routines. The lush green forests that line the route create a peaceful and refreshing atmosphere, offering a hint of the natural wonders that await you.

The journey from Kampala to Kibale National Park takes about five hours, but with the stunning scenery and the anticipation of the adventures ahead, the time will pass quickly. By the time you arrive at Turaco Tree Tops, you’ll be ready to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and wildlife of Kibale National Park.

Location: Kibale Forest National Park

Accommodation 

Mid-Luxury: Kibale Guest Cottage

Luxury: Turaco Treetops

High-End: Chimpundu Lodge

Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

 

Day 3: Chimp Trekking and Bigodi Swamp Walk

Your day starts with an early briefing at Kibale Forest National Park, famous for its rich primate population, especially chimpanzees. Guided by an experienced ranger, you’ll embark on an exciting trek through the lush forest, listening for the calls of the chimps. You’ll spend an hour observing these fascinating creatures up close in their natural habitat. After lunch, the adventure continues with a guided swamp walk, taking you through scenic grasslands and small communities, where you’ll experience the local culture and the beautiful Ugandan landscape.

Location: Kibale Forest National Park

Accommodation 

Mid-Luxury: Kibale Guest Cottage

Luxury: Turaco Treetops

High-End: Chimpundu Lodge

Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

 

Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, your guide will drive you to Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to a high concentration of Uganda’s mammals that include tree climbing and savannah lions, elephants, warthogs, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, Cape buffaloes, hippos, and leopards. There are also more than 600 species of birds including the African spoonbill, pied kingfishers, fish eagles, pelicans, and vultures.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s second-largest park, located at the base of the majestic Rwenzori Mountain Range, adjacent to Lake Edward and Lake George. Lions are often sighted both in and at the entrance to the park. Be ready to see huge numbers of hippos and elephants, and keep your eyes on the lookout for a leopard lazing in the sunshine. In the late afternoon, you will relax at the lodge. Your overnight stay will be at the beautiful Mweya Safari Lodge, located inside of the Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Accommodation 

Mid-Luxury: Twin Lake Safari Lodge

Luxury: Buffalo Safari Lodge

High-End: Mweya Safari Lodge

Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

 

Day 5: Lion and Leopard Tracking and Afternoon Boat Ride Along the Kazinga Channel

This day begins with an early morning safari drive through the vast landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Accompanied by expert guides and trackers, you’ll embark on a thrilling expedition to locate and observe lions and leopards in their natural habitat. Queen Elizabeth National Park is renowned for its thriving populations of these majestic big cats, and the experienced guides will share their knowledge about their behaviors, habitats, and conservation efforts.

Afternoon Boat Safari along the Kazinga Channel: Nautical Exploration

In the afternoon, you will embark on a relaxing yet captivating boat safari along the Kazinga Channel. This 40-kilometer-long natural channel connects Lake George and Lake Edward, creating a haven for diverse wildlife. The boat safari offers a unique perspective, allowing you to witness an abundance of aquatic and terrestrial species along the shores.

Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Accommodation 

Mid-Luxury: Twin Lake Safari Lodge

Luxury: Buffalo Safari Lodge

High-End: Mweya Safari Lodge

Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

 

Day 6: Morning Game Drive Out to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Your day begins with the aroma of a freshly prepared breakfast, setting the tone for an adventurous day ahead. As you indulge in a hearty meal, the anticipation builds for the morning game drive that awaits.

Your expert guide navigates the tracks, sharing insights about the diverse ecosystems and inhabitants of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The open savannah reveals a myriad of wildlife, from herds of elephants and graceful giraffes to elusive predators such as lions and leopards. Bird enthusiasts will delight in the colorful array of species that call this park home.

Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

Upon arrival at Bwindi, you’ll check into the Mahogany Springs Hotel, your haven nestled in the heart of the impenetrable forest. The warm hospitality and lodge amenities of the lodge welcome you, promising a restful and rejuvenating stay.

Location: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Accommodation 

Mid-Luxury: Agandi Lodge

Luxury: Buhoma Lodge

High-End: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

 

Day 7: Gorilla Trekking at Bwindi and Batwa Cultural Experience

Today after an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the park headquarters for a briefing about gorilla tracking. You will encounter one of Bwindi’s endangered mountain gorillas. For most people, this is the absolute highlight of their tour in Uganda.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park boasts both mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, the only forest in Africa that can make this claim. It also hosts five other species of primates, 113 species of mammals, over 200 species of butterflies, and 360 species of birds. The gorillas you track are habituated and can tolerate the presence of humans for a brief period, every day.

The time taken to track the gorillas can be as few as 2 hours to as many as 7 hours. Once the gorillas have been located, your group will be allowed a maximum of one hour with them. Coming face-to-face with a mountain gorilla is a truly humbling and emotional experience.

Location: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Accommodation 

Mid-Luxury: Agandi Lodge

Luxury: Buhoma Lodge

High-End: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

 

Day 8: Transfer Back to Entebbe for Departure

After breakfast at the lodge, you will drive back to Entebbe Airport. As you pass through the equator, there will be a stop for the requisite snapshot and a bit of souvenir shopping.

Location: Entebbe

Accommodation: No

Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

 

Included

Park fees (For non-residents)

Gorilla permits (One per person, non-resident)

Chimp permits (One per person, non-resident)

All activities (Unless labeled as optional)

All Accommodation based (Mid-luxury, Luxury, High-End)

A professional driver/guide

All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)

All Taxes/VAT

Roundtrip airport transfer

Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)

Drinking water (On all days)

 

Excluded

International flights (From/to home)

Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour

Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)

Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)

The government-imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees