Overview
This journey through Uganda explores the country’s remarkable primate sanctuaries, vibrant ecosystems, and wildlife-rich parks. From the thunderous Murchison Falls to the serene forests of Kibale and Bwindi, the experience includes game drives, chimpanzee treks, gorilla tracking, and boat cruises along the Nile and Kazinga Channel. The itinerary blends encounters with chimpanzees, gorillas, and countless bird species with spectacular landscapes, crater lakes, and traditional village life. Uganda’s wilderness, both vast and intimate, offers moments of awe, reflection, and connection to the natural world.
Itinerary
After a morning pickup from your hotel, your guide will transfer you north to Murchison Falls National Park. Before settling into your lodge, you will visit the top of the falls, where the mighty Nile funnels through a narrow 7-meter gorge before plunging 43 meters into a roaring pool below. Afterward, cross the river by ferry and look out for buffaloes, crocodiles, and hippos along the banks as you continue to your accommodation.
Overnight: Paraa Safari Lodge / Nile Safari Camp / Sambiya River Lodge / Red Chilli Rest Camp (HB)
Rise early for a morning game drive across the northern savannah. This is a prime time to spot giraffes, antelopes, buffaloes, and waterbucks. After a late breakfast and lunch at the lodge, head out again in the afternoon for a boat cruise along the Nile to the base of the falls. The cruise offers close views of hippos, crocodiles, and a colorful array of birdlife, including kingfishers, cormorants, herons, and the rare shoebill stork.
Overnight: Paraa Safari Lodge / Sambiya River Lodge / Red Chilli Rest Camp (HB)
Set off for Kibale Forest in western Uganda, a scenic drive of around 8 to 9 hours via the Albertine Escarpment. Kibale is one of Uganda’s most lush and diverse forest habitats, known for its population of wild chimpanzees and 12 other primate species. En route, enjoy views of tea plantations and traditional homesteads. Arrive in Fort Portal by late afternoon.
Overnight: Ndali Lodge / Primate Lodge / Rwenzori View Guest House / Kanyankyu Ecological Bandas (FB)
After breakfast, head to the park’s visitor center for a briefing before venturing into the forest in search of wild chimpanzees. The forest paths also reveal other primates like red colobus monkeys, mangabeys, vervets, and pottos. Bird enthusiasts will find over 330 species here. Return to the lodge for lunch, then explore the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary, known for its biodiversity and community conservation efforts.
Overnight: Ndali Lodge / Rwenzori View Guest House / Kanyankyu Campsite (FB)
Travel south toward Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through the crater lakes region and enjoying sweeping views of rolling hills and forested valleys. This park is home to nearly 100 mammal species and over 600 bird species. Its varied landscape includes open savannah, wetlands, forests, and Lake Edward. In the afternoon, you may catch a glimpse of elephants, buffaloes, or even a lion before dinner.
Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge / Jacana Safari Lodge / Institute of Ecology (FB)
Today begins with a trek through the forested Kyambura Gorge, where you’ll search for a resident group of chimpanzees. Keep an eye out for other primates and forest birds along the way. After lunch at Jacana Lodge, continue to Maramagambo Forest for a guided walk to the bat cave, home to resident pythons, and Lake Kimeranjojo, a blue volcanic lake hidden in the forest.
Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge / Jacana Safari Lodge / Institute of Ecology (FB)
Begin the day with a sunrise game drive, returning to the lodge for breakfast and lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George. This waterway draws hundreds of animals and birds to its shores. Expect to see hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, and bird species like pelicans, storks, and kingfishers.
Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge / Jacana Safari Lodge / Institute of Ecology (FB)
Drive through the remote southern Ishasha region of Queen Elizabeth, famous for its tree-climbing lions often spotted resting in fig trees. Continue into the rugged terrain of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Bwindi is also a haven for birdwatchers, with 348 species including Albertine Rift endemics.
Overnight: Gorilla Resort Camp / Lake Kitandara Luxury Camp / Buhoma Community Bandas (FB)
After an early breakfast, make your way to the ranger station for a briefing before entering the forest. Tracking gorillas is an unforgettable experience that may take between 2 and 8 hours depending on the movements of the group. Once located, you will spend a magical hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, take an optional guided walk to nearby villages to meet local communities.
Overnight: Gorilla Resort Camp / Gorilla Safari Lodge / Buhoma Community Bandas (FB)
After breakfast, begin the journey back to Kampala. Enjoy a scenic drive with a lunch stop and a visit to the equator for photos and souvenirs before arriving in the city by evening.
Inclusions
Includes
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Chimpanzee tracking permit
- Park entry fees
- Accommodation
- Transport in 4x4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Meals as per itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during drives
Excludes
- International flights
- Visas Fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
- Tips/gratuities for guides, porters, and hotel staff
FAQs
Yes. The minimum age for gorilla tracking in Uganda is 15 years. For chimpanzee tracking, participants must be at least 12 years old.
Uganda is best visited in dry seasons: June to September and December to February. Trails are more accessible, and animal activity is easier to spot during these months.
Gorilla permits are limited and must be booked months ahead. On arrival, you’ll receive a briefing and start your trek with one permit per person.
