9 Days Luxury Uganda Gorilla Safari – Africa

Your journey begins with an early pick-up from your hotel in Kampala by our experienced guide. Travel westward with a stop at the Mpambire drum-makers to learn about the history and art of crafting traditional drums. At the Equator, pause for photos and a chance to stand on both hemispheres at once. Continue to Lake Mburo National Park for a scenic afternoon boat ride, where you can spot hippos, crocodiles, and a wide array of birds including pelicans and herons. Overnight at Mantana Tented Camp, Mihingo Lodge, or Rwonyo Camp.

Start your day with a morning game drive along the lake shores, watching for zebras, elands, bushbucks, and topis. Enjoy the rolling landscapes and catch glimpses of the park’s five lakes. After breakfast, head southwest to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, passing through the beautiful ‘Switzerland of Uganda.’ Stop for lunch along the way and take in the changing scenery. In the evening, settle in at Travelers Rest Hotel, Gorilla Resort Camp, Nkuringo Safari Lodge, or Buhoma Community Bandas, depending on your gorilla tracking group.

After an early breakfast, gather your packed lunch, water, rain jacket, camera, and hiking boots before meeting with the rangers for a briefing. Venture into the forest to track a family of mountain gorillas. Tracking can take anywhere from two to eight hours, but every step leads to an unforgettable encounter. Once found, spend a magical hour watching and photographing the gorillas. Return to your lodge for dinner and a restful night.

After breakfast, journey through the scenic Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This area is known for its remarkable tree-climbing lions. Keep your eyes on the fig trees as you drive past crater lakes and into the heart of the park. Dinner and overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge, Jacana Safari Lodge, or the Institute of Ecology.

Rise early for a game drive across the open savannah. Watch for lions, elephants, hyenas, leopards, antelopes, and a host of birds. After lunch, board a boat for a cruise along the Kazinga Channel, home to one of the highest concentrations of hippos and buffalo in Africa. Dinner and overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge, Jacana Safari Lodge, or the Institute of Ecology.

In the morning, head to Kyambura Gorge for chimpanzee tracking. Experience the excitement of hearing the calls of chimpanzees echoing through the forest. Afterward, continue to Fort Portal, a charming town framed by the Rwenzori Mountains. Dinner and overnight at Ndali Lodge, Primates Lodge, Rwenzori View Guest House, or Kanyankyu Ecological Bandas.

Today, set out for Murchison Falls National Park in northern Uganda, traveling through scenic landscapes and stopping for lunch in Hoima. Once inside the park, visit the top of the falls to see the Nile force its way through a narrow gorge before plunging over 40 meters below. Dinner and overnight at Paraa Safari Lodge or Chobe Lodge.

Begin with an early morning game drive in the park to see animals at their most active. Return for lunch at your lodge and later set out on a boat ride along the Victoria Nile. This three-hour cruise to the base of Murchison Falls offers spectacular views of hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants, and an array of birdlife. Dinner and overnight at Paraa Safari Lodge or Chobe Lodge.

After breakfast, enjoy a forest walk in Kaniyo Pabidi in search of chimpanzees and other forest dwellers. Later, drive back to Kampala or Entebbe, arriving in time for your international flight home.