8-Day Uganda Luxury Safari with Gorillas, Chimps and Big Five

8 Days Round trip from Entebbe International Airport Hard pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Kibale Forest for chimpanzee trekking
  • 02 Game drives and a Kazinga Channel boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • 03 Encounter endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi
  • 04 Discover the scenic landscapes of Lake Mburo and the Equator

Experience Uganda's finest wildlife and primate encounters on this 8-day luxury safari. Explore Kibale Forest for chimpanzee trekking, enjoy game drives and a Kazinga Channel boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and encounter endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi. Discover the scenic landscapes of Lake Mburo and the Equator on your journey back to Entebbe.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Hard
Accommodation Included · Luxury
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Kampala, Entebbe, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Entebbe and Transfer to Kampala

  • Arrival: Arrive at Entebbe International Airport.

  • Welcome: You will be warmly welcomed by a representative.

  • Transfer: Transfer to your hotel in Kampala.

  • Optional activity: Optional Kampala city tour.

  • Visit: Kasubi Royal Tombs.

  • Visit: Bahá'í Temple.

  • Explore: Explore the city's vibrant markets and enjoy its diverse local cuisine.

  • Transfer duration: Approximately one hour, depending on traffic.

  • Main destination: Kampala.

  • Accommodation: Luxury hotel in Kampala.

  • Meals: Dinner.

2
Day 02

Journey to Kibale National Park

  • Meal: After breakfast.
  • Meet: Meet your driver-guide for a safari briefing.
  • Transfer: Depart for Kibale National Park.
  • Scenic journey: Travel through traditional Ugandan villages, rolling hills, lush countryside, and beautiful tea plantations.
  • About: Kibale is famous for its chimpanzee population and remarkable primate diversity.
  • Wildlife: Look out for several monkey species and numerous forest birds.
  • Accommodation: Arrive at your luxury lodge, check in, and spend the evening relaxing while enjoying the beautiful forest surroundings.
  • Main destination: Kibale National Park.
  • Accommodation: Luxury lodge near Kibale Forest.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
3
Day 03

Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Walk

  • Meal: After an early breakfast.
  • Briefing: Head to the park headquarters for a briefing.
  • Activity: Chimpanzee trekking experience.
  • Guides: Be accompanied by an experienced ranger.
  • Activity: Venture into Kibale Forest in search of wild chimpanzees.
  • Wildlife: You may also spot red colobus monkeys, L'Hoest's monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys.
  • Observation: Enjoy up to one hour observing their fascinating behaviour, feeding habits, and interactions in their natural habitat.
  • Meal: After lunch.
  • Activity: Proceed to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided nature walk.
  • Explore: Discover rich vegetation, birdlife, primates, and surrounding community landscapes while learning about local conservation initiatives.
  • Main destination: Kibale National Park.
  • Accommodation: Luxury lodge near Kibale Forest.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
4
Day 04

Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

  • Meal: After breakfast.
  • Transfer: Depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park.
  • Scenery: Enjoy beautiful views of the countryside and the Rwenzori Mountains.
  • About: Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda's leading wildlife destinations.
  • Wildlife: Expect elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, hippos, and diverse birdlife.
  • Landscapes: Discover open savannah, crater lakes, wetlands, and the Kazinga Channel.
  • Accommodation: Upon arrival, check in at your luxury lodge and enjoy the afternoon at leisure.
  • Main destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park.
  • Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
5
Day 05

Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

  • Activity: Early morning game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park.
  • Wildlife: Search for lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, and other wildlife.
  • Guide: Your experienced guide will help you identify animals and explain their behaviour.
  • Activity: Enjoy a boat cruise along the famous Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake George and Lake Edward.
  • Wildlife: Spot hippos, elephants, buffaloes, and numerous waterbirds.
  • Photography: Enjoy excellent opportunities for wildlife photography as animals gather along the water's edge.
  • Return: Return to your lodge for relaxation and dinner.
  • Main destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park.
  • Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
6
Day 06

Game Drive and Transfer to Bwindi

  • Meal: After breakfast.
  • Activity: Morning game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park.
  • Wildlife: Look out for elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, lions, and other animals.
  • Transfer: Scenic transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
  • Route note: Depending on your route, you may travel through the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions.
  • Scenery: Continue through the beautiful southwestern Ugandan countryside towards Bwindi.
  • Accommodation: Upon arrival, check in at Gorilla Leisure Lodge.
  • Evening: Spend the evening relaxing in preparation for your gorilla trekking adventure.
  • Main destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
  • Accommodation: Gorilla Leisure Lodge.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
7
Day 07

Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Cultural Experience

  • Highlight: Today is the highlight of your Ugandan safari.
  • Meal: After an early breakfast.
  • Transfer: Transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers.
  • Activity: Join your trekking group and enter Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in search of endangered mountain gorillas.
  • Guides: Be accompanied by experienced trackers and guides.
  • Trek: Follow forest trails through dense vegetation and rugged terrain.
  • Duration note: The trek can take several hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family.
  • Observation: Enjoy one unforgettable hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
  • Observe: Watch them feed, groom, play, and interact within their family groups.
  • Return: Return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation.
  • Optional activity: Optional Batwa cultural experience.
  • Experience: Learn about the traditional forest lifestyle, cultural practices, music, and history of the Batwa community.
  • Main destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
  • Accommodation: Gorilla Leisure Lodge.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
8
Day 08

Return to Entebbe via Lake Mburo and the Equator

  • Meal: After breakfast.
  • Check out: Check out.
  • Transfer: Begin your journey back to Entebbe.
  • Stop: Depending on your departure schedule and route, enjoy a stop at Lake Mburo National Park for a short guided walking safari.
  • About: The park is famous for zebras, impalas, elands, giraffes, buffaloes, and beautiful acacia woodland.
  • Stop: Continue towards the Equator crossing at Kayabwe.
  • Activities: Take photographs, explore local craft shops, and enjoy a memorable stop.
  • Transfer: Proceed to Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight.
  • End: This marks the end of your unforgettable Ugandan wildlife and primate adventure.
  • Main destination: Entebbe.
  • Accommodation: No accommodation (end of tour).
  • Meals: Breakfast and lunch.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Entebbe International Airport 7 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • All national park entrance fees for non-residents.
  • Gorilla trekking permit for non-residents.
  • Chimpanzee trekking permit.
  • All activities mentioned in the itinerary, except optional activities.
  • Luxury accommodation as specified in the itinerary.
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide.
  • Private safari transportation in a 4x4 vehicle.
  • Airport transfers.
  • All applicable government taxes and VAT.
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary.
  • Drinks as specified in the itinerary.

What's Not Included

  • International flights to and from Uganda.
  • Accommodation before and after the safari.
  • Optional activities not included in the itinerary.
  • Tips and gratuities (recommended US$10 per person per day).
  • Personal expenses, including souvenirs and laundry.
  • Travel insurance and visa fees.
  • Additional meals and drinks not specified.
  • Government-imposed increases in park fees or taxes.

What to bring

  • Waterproof hiking boots.
  • Lightweight, long-sleeved clothing.
  • Waterproof jacket or raincoat.
  • Gardening gloves for gorilla trekking.
  • Insect repellent and sunscreen.
  • Hat and sunglasses.
  • Binoculars and camera.
  • Small backpack.
  • Reusable water bottle.
  • Personal medication and toiletries.

Know before you go

  • Gorilla permits: Advance booking is recommended because permits are limited.
  • Chimpanzee trekking: Follow your ranger's instructions throughout the forest experience.
  • Fitness: Gorilla trekking involves hiking on steep, muddy, and sometimes slippery trails.
  • Weather: Uganda has a tropical climate, and rain is possible throughout the year.
  • Packing: Carry comfortable hiking clothing, waterproof gear, and sturdy walking shoes.
  • Travel documents: Ensure your passport and Uganda visa are valid before travelling.
  • Wildlife sightings: Animal sightings are not guaranteed because wildlife moves freely in the parks.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Entebbe International Airport
Tour start
Entebbe International Airport
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 8 days finish where they began, in Entebbe International Airport.

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