Day 1 – Travel to Lake Mburo National Park
Depart from Kampala at 6:30 AM and drive to Lake Mburo National Park. The journey takes about 3–4 hours. Stop briefly at the Equator for photos and a fun demonstration. Continue through open savannah with local settlements, plantations, and herds of Ankole long-horned cattle. Arrive at the park in time for check-in and lunch. Optional short nature walks can be taken in the afternoon to explore nearby trails.
Day 2 – Game Drive and Boat Cruise
Start early with a morning game drive. Search for zebras, impalas, giraffes, kobs, elands, topis, and leopards. Bird watchers can enjoy spotting a variety of local and migratory birds. Return for lunch, then go on a 2-hour boat cruise on Lake Mburo. Here, you can see hippos, crocodiles, and many species of water birds. In the evening, relax at your lodge or take a short guided nature walk.
Day 3 – Return to Kampala
After breakfast, check out and drive back to Kampala, enjoying the scenic views of the savannah and local villages along the way. Arrive in Kampala by late afternoon.
Day 1 – Arrival in Uganda
You arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where your guide will welcome you. You will be transferred to a forest lodge near Entebbe to relax and recover from your journey. This is a great chance to enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Day 2 – Murchison Falls Adventure
Drive north toward Murchison Falls, stopping in Masindi for lunch. En route, visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to see endangered rhinos in a safe environment. Upon arrival at Murchison Falls, take a short trek to the top of the falls to witness where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge, crashing powerfully below. Spend the night at Sambiya River Lodge, enjoying the serene riverside views.
Accommodation: Sambiya River Lodge
Day 3 – Nile River Boat Cruise and Game Drive
Begin the day with an early morning game drive, spotting lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalos, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, hippos, and occasionally leopards. After lunch, embark on a two-hour boat cruise along the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls. During the cruise, you will see large groups of hippos and an array of waterbirds. Return to Sambiya River Lodge for dinner and rest.
Accommodation: Sambiya River Lodge
Day 4 – Journey to Fort Portal and Queen Elizabeth National Park
Travel southwest through the beautiful Albertine Escarpment, stopping for lunch at Mountains of the Moon Hotel in Fort Portal, which overlooks stunning landscapes. Continue to the Mweya Peninsula in Queen Elizabeth National Park and enjoy an afternoon game drive in this wildlife-rich park. The scenery combines rolling savannah, wetlands, and crater lakes.
Accommodation: Ihamba Lakeside Resort
Day 5 – Wildlife and Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Start the morning with a game drive to spot lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, warthogs, and waterbucks. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted by the Albertine Rift endemics and many other species. In the afternoon, take a relaxing two-hour boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, famous for its high concentration of hippos and Nile crocodiles, as well as numerous bird species.
Accommodation: Ihamba Lakeside Resort
Day 6 – Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge
Today, head to Kyambura Gorge for chimpanzee trekking. Observe these intelligent primates in their natural habitat, moving through the forest and interacting socially. Later, explore Maramagambo Forest with a guided evening walk to discover bat caves and possibly spot forest predators such as pythons. Return to Ihamba Lakeside Resort for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Ihamba Lakeside Resort
Day 7 – Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions and Batwa Cultural Walk
Drive south through Ishasha, a region known for its tree-climbing lions, stopping for photographs and wildlife viewing. Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, having lunch at Bwindi Gorilla Resort. In the evening, enjoy a community walk with the Batwa people, learning about their culture, traditions, and enjoying local entertainment.
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Camp
Day 8 – Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
After breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla tracking. Accompanied by experienced guides, trek through the lush forest in search of the Bwindi mountain gorillas. Depending on their location, the trek may take a few hours. Spending time with these magnificent primates is an unforgettable experience. Return to Rushaga Gorilla Camp for lunch, dinner, and overnight.
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Camp
Day 9 – Return to Kampala and Departure
Depart Bwindi and drive back to Kampala, stopping in Mbarara for lunch. Upon arrival, enjoy a city tour of Kampala, exploring the capital’s vibrant streets, markets, and landmarks. Finally, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight or to your accommodation if you are staying longer in Uganda.
Day 1 – Arrival in Uganda
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport. Your safari guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Kampala for overnight rest. This is a good day to relax and prepare for your adventure.
Day 2 – Birding Mabamba Swamp & Transfer to Masindi
After breakfast, you will drive to Mabamba Swamp, one of Uganda’s top birding spots. Take a canoe trip through the swamp and look for the elusive Shoebill. Other birds you may see include the Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Goliath Heron, Swamp Flycatcher, African Jacana, Lesser Jacana, and Common Moorhen. In the afternoon, you will drive to Masindi and check into Budongo Eco Lodge for your overnight stay.
Day 3 – Birding Budongo Forest
Budongo Forest Reserve protects the largest natural forest in East Africa and is home to over 350 bird species. Spend the day walking along the Royal Mile trail to spot birds like Nahan’s Francolin, Cassin’s Spinetail, Chestnut-capped Flycatcher, Xavier’s Greenbul, and many more. The forest also offers beautiful scenery, making it perfect for photography and nature walks. Overnight at Budongo Eco Lodge.
Day 4 – Game Drive & Afternoon Boat Cruise
Enjoy a morning game drive in the park where you may encounter elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, primates, and mongoose. After lunch, take a boat cruise on the Nile River to see hippos, Nile crocodiles, and waterbirds such as the Shoebill, Secretary Bird, Abyssinian Roller, Pied Kingfisher, and Ground Hornbill.
Day 5 – Transfer to Kibale National Park
Drive to Fort Portal and then to Kibale Forest. Kibale is famous for chimpanzee tracking and is home to Uganda’s largest population of endangered chimpanzees, as well as L’hoest’s Monkey and Red Colobus Monkey. Bird enthusiasts can spot over 325 species, including Black-capped Apalis, Blue-headed Sunbird, Collared Apalis, Dusky Crimsonwing, African Pitta, Green-breasted Pitta, and the Crowned Eagle. Check in at Ndali Lodge for the night.
Day 6 – Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetlands Birding
After breakfast, visit the Kibale visitor center for a briefing and track chimpanzees in their natural habitat. This trek lasts 2–3 hours and also offers chances to see Black-and-White Colobus, Red-tailed Monkeys, and Grey-cheeked Mangabeys. In the afternoon, explore Bigodi Wetlands for birding. Look for species such as Speckle-breasted Woodpecker, Cabanis’s Greenbul, Joyful Greenbul, White-spotted Flufftail, and Lesser Honeyguide. Overnight at Ndali Lodge.
Day 7 – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most visited park. It hosts nearly 100 mammal species and over 600 bird species. Expect to see elephants, hippos, antelopes, and giant forest hogs along the Mweya Peninsula. Stay overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge.
Day 8 – Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Cruise
Start the day with a morning game drive, spotting lions, elephants, buffalos, warthogs, and other wildlife. After lunch, enjoy a scenic boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, connecting Lakes George and Edward. You will see hippos, elephants, buffaloes, and a variety of waterbirds, making it a perfect opportunity for photography. Overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge.
Day 9 – Transfer to Kampala
Depart the park and drive back to Kampala. Along the way, visit the Mpambire Royal Drum Makers and stop at the Equator for photos. Arrive in Kampala and check in at Metropole Hotel.
Day 1 – Kampala to Gulu (via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary)
Drive from Kampala to Gulu, stopping at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to see Uganda’s only wild rhinos. Enjoy the scenic view at Kaluma Falls and cross the Nile River. Overnight stay in Gulu to break the long drive to Kidepo.
Accommodation: Boma Hotel Gulu
Day 2 – Gulu to Kidepo Valley National Park
Continue the journey to Kidepo Valley National Park. Enjoy scenic views, traditional Manyatas, and cross seasonal rivers on the way. Arrive in time for lunch, then enjoy an evening game drive in Narus Valley to spot wildlife.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Apoka Safari Lodge
Mid-range: Ngamoru Wilderness Camp
Budget: Apoka Rest Camp
Day 3 – Game Drives in Narus Valley
Morning game drive in Narus Valley. Observe large buffalo herds, antelopes, and if lucky, cheetahs. Return for lunch, then go for an evening game drive in Narus Valley to see more wildlife.
Accommodation: Same as Day 2
Day 4 – Ik Tribe Visit & Hot Springs
Hike the Lomej Mountains and meet the endangered Ik tribe. Enjoy the panoramic views and bird watching. Return for lunch, then drive to visit Kidepo hot springs and the Uganda-Sudan border, spotting giant ostriches along the way. Overnight in Kidepo.
Accommodation: Same as Day 2
Day 5 – Kidepo Valley to Murchison Falls
After breakfast, drive to Murchison Falls National Park. Stop for an en-route game drive in the northern park (Paraa) to see mammals and possibly big cats. Cross the ferry and check into your lodge.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge
Mid-range: Murchison River Lodge
Budget: Red Chilli Rest Camp
Day 6 – Morning Game Drive & Nile Boat Cruise
Morning game drive in Paraa (for those on the southern side). In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on the Nile to the bottom of Murchison Falls. Spot hippos, crocodiles, water birds, and other wildlife. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Same as Day 5
Day 7 – Murchison Falls to Entebbe Airport
Drive back to Entebbe Airport for your departure. Stop at the top of Murchison Falls to enjoy the breathtaking views. Lunch en route is included.
Day 1 – Arrival in Uganda (Entebbe)
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will meet your safari guide. You will be transferred to your lodge in Entebbe to relax after your flight and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Day 2 – Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast, you drive north to Murchison Falls National Park. On the way, you stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking on foot. After lunch in Masindi, continue to the park. You will visit the top of Murchison Falls where the Nile River forces itself through a narrow gorge and crashes down powerfully. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 3 – Game Drive and Nile Boat Cruise
Early morning game drive on the northern side of the park. You may see lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, leopards, and many birds. In the afternoon, enjoy a 2-hour boat cruise to the bottom of Murchison Falls. You will see hippos, crocodiles, and many water birds. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 4 – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, depart Murchison Falls and travel southwest through beautiful countryside and the Albertine Escarpment. Have lunch in Fort Portal while enjoying views of the Rwenzori Mountains. Continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park with an evening game drive before checking in at your lodge.
Day 5 – Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Early morning game drive to look for lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, warthogs, and antelopes. Queen Elizabeth National Park is also excellent for bird watching, especially Albertine Rift endemic species. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, where you will see large numbers of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and many bird species.
Day 6 – Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge
After breakfast, go to Kyambura Gorge for chimpanzee trekking. You will walk through the forest gorge as you search for chimpanzees. In the evening, you may take an optional forest walk in Maramagambo Forest to explore bat caves and look for pythons. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 7 – Ishasha Sector and Transfer to Bwindi
After breakfast, drive to the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for tree-climbing lions. After the game drive, continue to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After lunch at the lodge, enjoy a community walk and experience the Batwa cultural performance in the evening.
Day 8 – Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
After early breakfast, report to the park headquarters for a briefing about gorilla trekking. You will then enter the forest with guides to search for a gorilla family. The trek may take a few hours depending on where the gorillas are located. Once found, you will spend one hour observing them. Return to the lodge for lunch, relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
Day 9 – Return to Kampala and Departure
After breakfast, drive back to Kampala with lunch in Mbarara. Upon arrival, enjoy a short city tour of Kampala if time allows. Later, you will be transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight or dropped at your hotel.
Day 1: Arrival & Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
You will arrive at Entebbe International Airport, located near Lake Victoria. Our company representative will welcome you and brief you about Uganda and your safari.
If you arrive early, you will start your journey to Murchison Falls National Park. This park is famous for the Nile River squeezing through a narrow gorge to form powerful waterfalls.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Serena Hotel / Paraa Safari Lodge
Mid-range: Hotel Africana / Pakuba Lodge
Budget: Forest Cottages / Bwana Tembo Safari Camp
Day 2: Game Drive & Boat Cruise on the Nile
After breakfast, you will go for an early morning game drive. This is the best time to see animals when they are active. You may see lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes and many others.
In the afternoon, you will enjoy a 3-hour boat cruise on the River Nile to the bottom of Murchison Falls. Along the river, you will see hippos, crocodiles, elephants and many water birds.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge
Mid-range: Pakuba Lodge
Budget: Bwana Tembo Safari Camp
Day 3: Transfer to Kibale National Park
In the morning, you will have another short game drive to see animals you may have missed. After that, you will travel to Kibale National Park in western Uganda.
Kibale is known as the primate capital of the world because it has many types of monkeys and chimpanzees.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge
Mid-range: Primate Lodge
Budget: Primate Lodge – Sky Tree
Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetland Walk
After breakfast, you will go to the park headquarters for briefing at 8:00 AM. Then you will enter Kibale Forest to search for chimpanzees. During the trek, you may also see baboons, monkeys, birds, butterflies and many forest plants.
In the afternoon, you can visit Bigodi Wetland for bird watching and nature walks.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge
Mid-range: Primate Lodge
Budget: Primate Lodge – Sky Tree
Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park & Boat Cruise
After breakfast, you will drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park and arrive in time for lunch.
In the afternoon, you will enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. This channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George. You will see many hippos, crocodiles, elephants and birds along the shores.
In the evening, you may go for a night game drive to look for nocturnal animals such as leopards and hippos.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
Mid-range: Park View Safari Lodge
Budget: Simba Safari Camp
Day 6: Game Drive & Tree Climbing Lions in Ishasha
You will wake up early for a morning game drive on the Kasenyi plains. You may see lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants, Uganda kob, waterbucks and many other animals.
Later, you will visit the Ishasha sector, which is famous for its tree-climbing lions. These lions rest in fig trees during the day.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
Mid-range: Park View Safari Lodge
Budget: Simba Safari Camp
Day 7: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
After breakfast, you will travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda. Bwindi is a mountainous forest and home to almost half of the world’s mountain gorillas.
This is one of the most exciting parts of the safari.
Note: Gorilla permits are not included in the cost.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Mahogany Springs Hotel
Mid-range: Silverback Lodge
Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp
Day 8: Gorilla Trekking & Transfer to Lake Mburo
Early in the morning, you will go to the park headquarters for a briefing. At 8:30 AM, you will start your gorilla trekking adventure.
The trek can take between 1 to 9 hours depending on where the gorillas are located. Once you find them, you will spend one hour watching them as they feed, play and move in the forest.
After the trek, you will drive to Lake Mburo National Park via Mbarara. The journey takes about 5 to 6 hours.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Mihingo Safari Lodge
Mid-range: Rwakobo Rock
Budget: Mantana Tented Camp
Day 9: Game Drive & Boat Cruise on Lake Mburo
You will wake up early for a morning game drive in Lake Mburo National Park. This park is famous for zebras and giraffes. You may also see eland, topi, Uganda kob and other animals.
In the afternoon, you will enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Mburo where you will see hippos, crocodiles and many bird species.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Mihingo Safari Lodge
Mid-range: Rwakobo Rock
Budget: Mantana Tented Camp
Day 10: Return to Entebbe / Departure
After breakfast, you will depart Lake Mburo National Park and drive back to Kampala or Entebbe.
Depending on your flight schedule, you will be dropped at Entebbe International Airport for your departure.
This marks the end of your 10 Days Uganda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari.
Day 1 – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, you will begin your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park located in southwestern Uganda. The drive takes you through beautiful countryside with rolling hills and farms. You will stop at the Equator for photographs and continue to Mbarara town for lunch.
After lunch, you will proceed through the scenic Kigezi Highlands, passing banana plantations and local villages until you reach Buhoma sector in Bwindi. You will check in at your lodge and relax as you prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure.
You will spend the night at Buhoma Community Rest Camp.
Day 2 – Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the park headquarters for a briefing about gorilla trekking guidelines. You will then be assigned a gorilla family and start your trek into the forest with experienced guides and trackers.
The trekking experience can take between 30 minutes and 7 hours depending on where the gorillas are located. The walk may be challenging but it is very rewarding. Once you find the gorillas, you will spend one hour observing them as they feed, play, and rest. You will also have time to take photographs.
After the experience, you will return to the park headquarters where you will receive a trekking certificate. Later, you will go back to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay at Buhoma Community Rest Camp.
Day 3 – Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
After breakfast, you will drive to Kibale Forest National Park. The journey takes you through Queen Elizabeth National Park where you may see some wildlife along the road. You will also pass rivers flowing from the Rwenzori Mountains and enjoy beautiful scenery.
You will have lunch in Fort Portal town before continuing to your lodge near Kibale Forest. After check-in, you can relax at the lodge as you prepare for chimpanzee trekking the next day.
You will spend the night at Kibale Forest Camp.
Day 4 – Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Walk
After breakfast, you will head to Kibale National Park headquarters for a briefing before starting chimpanzee trekking. You will be placed in a small group led by a professional guide.
Chimpanzees live in communities but move in smaller groups during the day. The trekking may take a few hours depending on where they are located. Once you find them, you will spend one hour observing them as they feed, groom each other, and move through the forest.
After lunch, you will visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided nature walk. This wetland is known for birds, monkeys, and beautiful swamp vegetation. It also gives you a chance to interact with the local community.
You will return to your lodge for dinner and overnight at Kibale Forest Camp or Chimpanzee Forest Guest House.
Day 5 – Transfer to Kampala or Entebbe
After breakfast, you will start your journey back to Kampala or Entebbe. The drive offers more scenic views of the countryside. You will be dropped off either at your hotel in Kampala/Entebbe for post-tour accommodation (not included) or at Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight.
This will mark the end of your 5 Days Uganda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari.
Day 1 – Fly to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Your safari begins with a domestic flight from Entebbe International Airport to Kihihi Airstrip in southwestern Uganda. The flight offers stunning views of Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa and the source of the White Nile. As you continue flying, you will see the beautiful hills, forests, and landscapes that make Uganda known as the Pearl of Africa.
When you arrive at Kihihi Airstrip, a company representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you by road to your lodge near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive allows you to enjoy the green countryside and local villages along the way.
After check-in at Mahogany Springs Lodge, you can relax and prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the lodge in a calm and natural environment.
Accommodation: Mahogany Springs Lodge
Day 2 – Gorilla Trekking Adventure
After an early breakfast at the lodge, you will be transferred to the park headquarters for registration and a briefing. During the briefing, park rangers will explain the trekking rules, safety guidelines, and what to expect during the experience.
You will then enter the dense Bwindi forest with an experienced ranger guide to begin tracking a habituated gorilla family. The trek can take a few hours depending on where the gorillas moved the previous night. The walk may involve hiking through thick vegetation, muddy paths, and steep slopes, but the experience is very rewarding.
Once the gorillas are located, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing them. You will see them feeding, playing, resting, and caring for their young. Watching these gentle giants in their natural habitat is a powerful and emotional experience.
After the one-hour visit, you will trek back to the starting point where you will receive a certificate to confirm your participation in gorilla trekking. You will then return to the lodge to relax and enjoy the rest of the day.
Accommodation: Mahogany Springs Lodge
Day 3 – Fly Back to Entebbe
After breakfast at the lodge, you will be transferred back to Kihihi Airstrip for your scheduled domestic flight to Entebbe. Enjoy the scenic views once again as you fly over the beautiful landscapes of Uganda.
Upon arrival in Entebbe, this will mark the end of your 3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari.