Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Uganda, featuring some of the most iconic wildlife experiences in Africa. Your journey begins with chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, home to diverse primate species and vibrant birdlife. Next, head to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its unique tree-climbing lions and abundant wildlife. The highlight of your trip is the exhilarating gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where you’ll have the rare chance to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Conclude your safari with a visit to Lake Mburo National Park, a gem known for its rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes.
Our Itinerary
Day 1 – From Entebbe to Kibale Forest
Upon arrival in Uganda, you will hit the road and drive west towards Kibale Forest, about 300 kilometers from the airport. The journey takes you through the vibrant capital city of Kampala, bustling suburbs, and past rural villages and markets, offering beautiful views of the rolling hills of central Uganda.
Day 2 – Kibale Forest National Park
Start your day tracking chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park, established in 1993 and renowned for its remarkable diversity of primates, including 13 different species. Kibale offers the best opportunity in Africa to observe chimpanzees up close. While primates are the highlight, the forest is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to nearly 340 registered bird species.
Day 3 – From Kibale Forest to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Drive through the Kabarole district and descend into the western arm of the Rift Valley to reach Queen Elizabeth National Park. This scenic route crosses the Equator and leads to one of Africa’s most biodiverse areas, boasting around 600 registered bird species. The picturesque landscape features dramatic volcanic hills, serene crater lakes, and the majestic Rwenzori mountains. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, where you can spot elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and a diverse array of birds.
Day 4 – Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park
Today, you’ll embark on game drives both in the early morning and afternoon, hoping to spot the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This area is dotted with ancient fig trees, which the lions prefer to rest in. Other fascinating species to look out for include elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob, waterbucks, hippos, hyenas, leopards, and warthogs.
Day 5 – From Ishasha to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
The journey continues to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. This ancient forest, one of the oldest and most biodiverse in Africa, dates back 25,000 years. It is home to more than 320 tree species, 350 bird species, 11 primate species, 120 other mammal species, and 310 butterfly species. Despite its rich biodiversity, the forest is most famous for being home to an estimated 459 mountain gorillas, which is about half of the world’s population of these gentle giants.
Day 6 – Gorilla Tracking
The day begins at sunrise with your gorilla tracking experience starting at the trailhead. After a briefing from the wildlife rangers, you will head into the rainforest in a small group, accompanied by experienced guides and rangers. The park rangers know the locations of the habituated gorilla families, so the chances of seeing them today are very high. The mountain gorillas that tourists visit are habituated, meaning they have become accustomed to humans through a long habituation process. Only a few gorilla families in Bwindi are habituated, while about 250 individual gorillas have never been in contact with humans. The gorilla tracking can take a few hours or the entire day, depending on how far you need to walk to reach the group. Once you find them, you will have one hour to be in the presence of these fascinating creatures.
Day 7 – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Spend the day immersing yourself in the stunning natural beauty of Bwindi! Embark on a guided walk in and around the national park, exploring its rich biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes. Take a leisurely ride around the local villages, experiencing the authentic way of life in this area. Learn about the forest from the indigenous Batwa people, known as the guardians of the forest, and gain insights into their traditional practices and deep connection to the land. Alternatively, refresh yourself with a dip in the cool river flowing from the forest, rejuvenating both body and soul amidst the tranquility of nature.
Day 8 – From Bwindi to Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is the smallest national park in Uganda. It covers an area of about 370 square kilometers. Despite its small size, it is home to a variety of wildlife, including zebras, impalas, buffaloes, and hippos, as well as over 300 bird species. There are no lions in the park, but the leopard population is the highest in Uganda.
Day 9 – Lake Mburo
Experience the wonders of Lake Mburo National Park with a full day of exploration. Begin your adventure with a morning game drive, spotting zebras, impalas, and buffaloes against the backdrop of the park’s diverse landscapes. In the afternoon, embark on a tranquil boat safari on Lake Mburo, observing hippos and birdlife along the shores. As night falls, venture out for an unforgettable night game drive, discovering the park’s nocturnal wildlife under the guidance of experienced rangers.
Day 10 – From Lake Mburo to Entebbe
As you bid farewell to the enchanting landscapes of Lake Mburo, your journey takes you back towards Entebbe, where you’ll cross the equator halfway. Upon reaching Entebbe, take the opportunity to unwind and prepare for your flight back home, cherishing the memories of your remarkable Ugandan adventure.
