Overview
This safari takes you deep into the heart of Uganda’s breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity. From the enchanting misty jungles of Bwindi, home to the majestic mountain gorillas, to the rolling savannah of Queen Elizabeth National Park teeming with wildlife, every moment offers a chance to discover the beauty and diversity of Uganda. Explore the scenic crater lakes, witness the mighty Murchison Falls, and encounter chimpanzees in their natural habitat, creating memories to last a lifetime.
Itinerary
Your adventure begins with an early morning departure from Kampala. Along the way, a stop at the Equator offers a chance to stretch your legs and capture photos marking this significant line. Continue through southwestern Uganda’s beautiful countryside, often referred to as the ‘Switzerland of Uganda’ due to its rolling hills and lush valleys. Enjoy a lunch break in Mbarara town before proceeding to your lodge, nestled within the breathtaking surroundings of Bwindi. Settle in for the evening and enjoy a hearty dinner.
Overnight: Travelers Rest Hotel, Gorilla Resort Camp, Nkuringo Safari Lodge, or Buhoma Community Bandas.
Today, you will set off early, equipped with packed lunch, water, rain jackets, and cameras. After a briefing by the experienced rangers on how to behave around the gorillas and the guidelines for tracking, you will begin your trek. The duration of the hike is unpredictable—it can take anywhere from two to eight hours to locate the gorilla family you’re tracking. Once you find them, you’ll spend a precious hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat, an experience that is both moving and exhilarating. Return to your lodge in the late afternoon to relax and share stories of the day’s encounters.
After breakfast, your journey continues to the southern Ishasha area of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This region is renowned for its population of tree-climbing lions. Enjoy a game drive in search of these elusive big cats and admire the dramatic scenery of the crater lakes. Arrive at your lodge in time for dinner and settle in for the evening.
Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge, Jacana Safari Lodge, or the Budget Institute of Ecology.
Set out early in the morning for a game drive across the savannah, searching for wildlife as they emerge at dawn. You’re likely to see antelopes, elephants, lions, hyenas, and leopards, along with a variety of birdlife. After lunch, embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. Watch hippos and buffaloes cooling off in the water and keep an eye out for birds and crocodiles along the banks. The evening will be spent at your lodge, with dinner served against the backdrop of the park’s spectacular vistas.
Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge, Jacana Safari Lodge, or the Institute of Ecology.
This morning, venture into the mysterious Kyambura Gorge for a chimpanzee tracking adventure. The gorge is a world of its own, with lush greenery and a maze of forest trails. After encountering these playful primates, travel north to Fort Portal, a charming town surrounded by tea plantations and misty hills. Dinner and overnight at one of Fort Portal’s welcoming lodges.
Overnight: Ndali Lodge, Primates Lodge, Rwenzori View Guest House, or Kanyankyu Ecological Bandas.
Today’s journey takes you to Murchison Falls National Park, driving through the vibrant landscapes of Fort Portal and Hoima. Pause for lunch en route before entering the park, where the powerful waters of the Nile squeeze through a narrow gorge and plunge over 40 meters below—a sight both beautiful and humbling. Spend the evening at your lodge, unwinding after a day of travel.
Overnight: Paraa Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Camps, Sambiya River Lodge, or Red Chillis Camp.
Start the day with a game drive at sunrise, when predators are on the move and herbivores are at their most active. Return to your lodge for lunch and a chance to relax. In the afternoon, embark on a boat safari on the Victoria Nile, cruising towards the base of Murchison Falls. Along the way, you’ll see hippos, crocodiles, and an array of birdlife that call this river home. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Inclusions
Includes
- Gorilla Permit
- Chimpanzee Permit
- Accommodation (budget, mid-range, or luxury options)
- Meals as per itinerary (Full Board)
- Ground transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle
- English-speaking driver/guide
- Park entry fees
- Bottled drinking water during safari
Excludes
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
FAQs
Moderate fitness is helpful, especially for gorilla and chimpanzee tracking. Some treks can take several hours over uneven terrain, so being comfortable with hiking is important.
Yes, permits are required for both gorilla and chimpanzee tracking, and these are included in your trip cost. It’s important to book well in advance as permits are limited.
Comfortable hiking shoes, lightweight long-sleeved shirts, trousers for forest hikes, a rain jacket, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent. A camera with extra batteries is also recommended.
Uganda can be visited year-round, but the drier seasons from December to February and June to September offer easier trekking conditions and clearer wildlife viewing.