Highlights
- Visit four unique ecosystems and national parks throughout Uganda
- Cross the African savanna on exciting game drives
- See gorillas up close in the wilds of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Track chimpanzees in the Kalinzu Forest
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Entebbe | Entebbe |
| Day 2 | Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park | Queen Elizabeth National Park |
| Day 3 | Land & Water Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park | Queen Elizabeth National Park |
| Day 4 | Full-Day Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park | Queen Elizabeth National Park |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park | Bwindi Impenetrable National Park |
| Day 6 | Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park | Bwindi Impenetrable National Park |
| Day 7 | Return to Queen Elizabeth National Park | Queen Elizabeth National Park |
| Day 8 | Chimpanzee Tracking in Kalinzu Forest | Kibale National Park |
| Day 9 | Transfer to Rwenzori National Park | Rwenzori National Park |
| Day 10 | Return to Entebbe, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Entebbe
Welcome to Uganda! Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you'll be welcomed by your guide and transferred to your evening's accommodation. The rest of the day is free for you to rest up and prepare for tomorrow's adventures. If you feel like stretching your legs, you can head out in the afternoon to the capital city of Kampala. Visit the Uganda Museum and the Lubiri Palace, or simply stroll around the busy streets.
Day 2: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Get an early start today with a transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Set on the floor of the vast Rift Valley, the park is understandably Uganda's most popular tourist destination. Its diverse ecosystems include sprawling savanna, shady, humid forests, sparkling lakes, and fertile wetlands, making it the ideal habitat for classic big game, 10 primate species, and over 600 species of birds. The landscape of northern Queen Elizabeth comprises dozens of ancient craters carved into gently rolling hills against a backdrop of the majestic Rwenzori Mountains.
Day 3: Land & Water Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
This morning, you'll enjoy an exciting game drive in Queen Elizabeth. A popular route is the Kasenyi Sector, known for its numerous lions that prey on the large population of Uganda kob (antelope). If you're very lucky, you may spot a giant forest hog—Africa's largest pig—or an elusive leopard.
In the afternoon, hop on a boat for a water safari on the Kazinga Channel, which connects Edward and George Lakes. The Uganda Wildlife Authority guides leading the trip will identify many of the channel's 100 bird species. You're likely to see African skimmers, great white pelicans, spoonbills, and a number of bee-eaters. Hippos wallow at the edge of the water, huge Nile crocodiles bask in the sun, and elephants often come down for a refreshing drink.
Day 4: Full-Day Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
This morning's drive takes you back to the Kasenyi area of the park in search of any species that may have eluded you on yesterday's safari. You'll also visit several of the area's soda lakes and ancient volcanic calderas, where flamingoes reside seasonally.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 5: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Get ready for the start of your gorilla adventure! In the morning, you'll depart for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site is considered one of the richest biological and botanical regions in the entire world. Its rainforest is over 25,000 years old and contains almost 400 species of plants. It's also the best place on the planet to see wild mountain gorillas.
There are only about 800 wild mountain gorillas left worldwide, and Bwindi is home to about half of that number. A visit to the national park—especially one focused on meeting these great apes—helps conservation efforts by incentivizing ecological preservation as a part of the local economy. Besides gorillas, the region provides shelter for another 120 species of mammals, including several primates such as baboons and chimpanzees, as well as elephants and antelopes.
Day 6: Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Rise bright and early today for an epic gorilla-tracking adventure. Before beginning the trek, park rangers will brief the group to ensure your safety and that of the great apes. The trek usually takes three to six hours, so make sure to bring along a good pair of walking boots or shoes. The rangers will guide you through the village gardens and into the jungle-like forest. Follow them through the (sometimes) thick bush as they hack at the dense undergrowth with a machete as you search for gorillas. As part of anti-poaching efforts, the apes are under 24-hour monitoring, so you're almost guaranteed to see them.
Once you've located a gorilla family, you'll be asked to leave your belongings on the side and approach the gentle giants with only your camera. It's advised that you keep a distance of 23 feet (7 m) from the apes to reduce the risk of transmitting human diseases to them. This also helps the guides interpret the animals' behavior and easily retreat if danger is perceived. You'll be able to see the families in their natural environment: feeding, playing, interacting with each other, or just sleeping. The gorillas are usually quite curious to see humans as well! You'll be allowed one hour with the apes before returning to base.
Day 7: Return to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Transfer back to Queen Elizabeth National Park this morning, passing through the endless Ishasha Plains, whose fig trees hide lions lying in wait for the herds of unsuspecting antelope. Make sure to look up into the treetops as you drive—the lions in this region are famous for their tree climbing! After a scenic drive filled with stunning landscapes and plentiful wildlife, you'll reach your accommodations for the evening.
Day 8: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kalinzu Forest
After breakfast, another early start takes you toward the Kalinzu Central Nature Reserve, a tropical forest known for its biodiversity. Here you'll find over 400 tree and shrub species, 379 bird species, including great blue turaco, cuckoos, and sunbirds, and a dizzying array of rare butterflies and moths. The forest is also home to six primate species, including blue, velvet, and colobus monkeys.
Today you'll be tracking one of the forest's most remarkable residents and our closest relatives: chimpanzees. These great apes are incredibly fun to watch as they play and fight in the trees. Your experienced guides will introduce you to the members of the chimp families that inhabit the forest, and there will also be plenty of opportunities to see different species of birds and plants along the way.
Day 9: Transfer to Rwenzori National Park
Today takes you into Rwenzori National Park for an unforgettable nature walk. The Rwenzoris—known as the fabled "Mountains of the Moon"—lie in western Uganda along the Uganda-Congo border. Their equatorial peaks include the third highest point in Africa, while the lower slopes are blanketed in moorland, bamboo, and rich montane forest. Huge tree heathers and colorful mosses are draped across the mountainside with giant lobelias and "everlasting flowers," creating an enchanting, otherworldly scene. In the afternoon, you'll walk to a local village before retiring to your accommodations for the night.
Day 10: Return to Entebbe, Depart
After breakfast, you'll begin the journey back to Entebbe International Airport. Along the way, stop for a delicious picnic lunch and have a fun photo opportunity at the equator before reaching the airport and catching your departing flight. Safe travels!
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