8 Days Gorilla and Wildlife Safari
- Arrive in Entebbe (Day 1)
- Kibale N.P for Chimps
- Queen Elizabeth N.P for gamedrives and cruises
- Bwind for Gorillas
- Bwind for Gorillas
- Bwind for Gorillas
From: $ 4,136 Per person
Highlights
Discover Uganda’s top primate and wildlife destinations on this mid-range 8-day safari. Track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, spot diverse wildlife and cruise the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park, encounter mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and enjoy close-range game viewing in Lake Mburo National Park. A journey of adventure, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable encounters awaits.
During your stay, you can choose from three accommodation levels: Budget, Standard/Midrange, or Luxury.
- Budget: Simple, clean lodges and guesthouses, typically 2-3 star.
- Standard/Midrange: Comfortable 3-4 star hotels and lodges with good amenities.
- Luxury: High-end 4-5 star lodges and resorts with premium service and facilities
Overview
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly received by our representative and transferred to Airport Guesthouse Entebbe for an overnight stay. Depending on your arrival time, you may also have the opportunity to enjoy a guided visit to Kampala, located just an hour’s drive from Entebbe.
Accommodation options
- Mid-range guest house located in Entebbe (City)
Day 1: Arrival at the Entebbe International Airport
After breakfast at Airport Guesthouse Entebbe, you will depart for Kibale Forest National Park, traveling via Fort Portal. Enroute, you will enjoy lunch in Fort Portal before continuing the journey to the park. The estimated driving time is approximately 6–7 hours. Dinner and overnight stay will be provided in the park at Kibale forest camp.
Accommodation:
- Kibale Forest Camp (Safari Tent)
Mid-range tented camp located just outside Kibale NP (Chimps)
Day 2: Travel to Kibale Forest National Park
Begin the day with an early morning chimpanzee trekking adventure in Kibale Forest National Park, home to a large population of habituated chimpanzees. Observing these playful primates in their natural forest habitat is a truly remarkable experience. The trek lasts approximately four hours and also offers opportunities to encounter other primate species, as well as a variety of birds and butterflies. After the trek, enjoy lunch before continuing your journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you will check in for an overnight stay at Enjojo Lodge.
Accommodation:
- Enjojo Lodge (Cottage)
- Mid-range lodge bordering Queen Elizabeth NP without fences
Day 3: Chimp Trekking and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Begin your day with an early morning game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you may encounter elephants, bushbucks, buffaloes, lions, Uganda kobs, forest hogs, waterbucks, hyenas, among other wildlife. After the drive, return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast and some relaxation. In the afternoon, embark on a scenic boat cruise along the renowned Kazinga Channel. This unforgettable experience offers close-up views of buffaloes, hippos, and crocodiles at the water’s edge, as well as a variety of vibrant bird species. Later, return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 4: Travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Begin your day with an early morning game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you may encounter elephants, bushbucks, buffaloes, lions, Uganda kobs, forest hogs, waterbucks, hyenas, among other wildlife. After the drive, return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast and some relaxation. In the afternoon, embark on a scenic boat cruise along the renowned Kazinga Channel. This unforgettable experience offers close-up views of buffaloes, hippos, and crocodiles at the water’s edge, as well as a variety of vibrant bird species. Later, return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
- Accommodation:
- Mid-range lodge located just outside Rushaga (Bwindi Impenetrable NP)
Day 5: Game Drive and Boat Cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park
The day begins with an early breakfast before setting off with a packed lunch and plenty of water. From there, you’ll proceed to the park sector offices in Rushaga for a briefing on essential guidelines for spending time in the forest with the gentle mountain gorillas. Afterward, experienced rangers and guides will lead the way into the thick jungle to begin the trek. The path can be steep, uneven, and occasionally muddy, demanding some physical effort. Still, the rich scenery and beauty of the rainforest make every step worthwhile. Once the gorillas are found, the sense of fatigue disappears, replaced by what many describe as one of the world’s most moving wildlife encounters. Since the weather in the forest is unpredictable and showers can come suddenly, it’s best to carry waterproof clothing and protective covers for cameras or other valuables. After the trek, you’ll return to the lodge to unwind, enjoy dinner, and settle in for the night.
- Accommodation:
- Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
- Mid-range lodge located just outside Rushaga (Bwindi Impenetrable NP)
Day 6: Venturing into Bwindi Forest for Gorilla Experiences
After breakfast, we leave behind the dense jungles of Bwindi and embark on a 6–7 hour drive. The route winds through Kabale, often called the “Switzerland of Africa,” and continues past Mbarara, a region famous for its striking long-horned cattle and extensive banana plantations (matooke). By late afternoon, we arrive at Lake Mburo National Park. On entering, there’s a good chance of encountering wildlife along the way. The park is a haven for bird enthusiasts and also shelters a wide range of animals including antelopes, buffalo, bushbuck, impalas, zebras, elands, hyenas, warthogs, and waterbuck. We settle in for the night at Rwakobo Rock lodge.
- Accommodation:
- Rwakobo Rock Lodge
- Mid-range lodge located just outside Lake Mburo NP
Day 7: Journey to Lake Mburo National Park
After enjoying breakfast, begin a relaxed journey back toward Kampala, continuing onward to Entebbe International Airport. The drive generally takes about five hours. Depending on available time, you may pause along the way, perhaps at the Equator for photos, at Mpigi to see skilled artisans crafting royal drums with age-old techniques, or in Kampala for some last-minute shopping. Arrival in Kampala or Entebbe is expected in the afternoon. Please ensure your outbound flight is scheduled for late afternoon or evening; if not, we can make arrangements for an additional night in Entebbe.
Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)