Overview
6-day Gorilla, Chimpanzee trekking and wildlife safaris; Uganda, known as the “Pearl of Africa,” offers an extraordinary mix of natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and unique cultural experiences. This 6-day itinerary will take you through the lush forests, sweeping savannas, and vibrant communities of Uganda, focusing on gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, and wildlife safaris. Each day promises new adventures and unforgettable memories.
Tour Highlights
- Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe/ pick up from hotel and transfer to Kibale forest National Park
- Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking and afternoon transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Day 3: Morning game drive and afternoon Kazinga channel boat cruise
- Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Forest via the Ishasha sector for the tree climbing lions
- Day 5: Gorilla trekking and afternoon transfer to lake Bunyonyi
- Day 6: Canoe ride and Departure
Day to Day Detailed Itinerary
Arrival at Entebbe or Pick up from the hotel in Entebbe/ Kampala Entebbe, a charming town on the shores of Lake Victoria, welcomes you with its warm tropical climate. After clearing customs and immigration, you'll meet your safari guide who will brief you on the exciting days head.
After, you'll embark on a scenic drive to Kibale Forest National Park, located in the western part of Uganda. The journey takes approximately 5-6 hours, but the stunning landscapes of tea plantations, rolling hills, and rural Ugandan life will keep you captivated throughout. You will have lunch enroute in fort portal town one of the cleanest towns in Uganda. Upon arrival, you'll check into your lodge, nestled within the verdant forest. Spend the evening relaxing and enjoying the sounds of nature. Dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation: Primate Lodge, Kibale/ Crater safari lodge (luxury), Chimpanzee Forest guest house (Mid-range), Turaco tree tops, Rwenzori view guest house (Budget)
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Your adventure truly begins today with an early breakfast, preparing you for an exhilarating day of chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest. Kibale Forest National Park is renowned for its high density of primates, including the largest population of chimpanzees in Uganda.
You will join a group of trekkers and an experienced guide who will lead you into the dense forest. As you trek through the undergrowth, keep your eyes and ears open for the signs of the playful and vocal chimpanzees. Encountering these primates in their natural habitat is an awe-inspiring experience. You will observe them swinging from trees, grooming each other, and playing on the forest floor.
The trek typically lasts between 2-4 hours, depending on the location of the chimps. After this exhilarating experience, you will return to your lodge for lunch. You will check out and drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda's most popular game reserve. The drive will take you through the picturesque crater lakes region and the scenic foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. This journey offers ample opportunities for photography and appreciating Uganda's diverse landscapes. On arrival, you will check in to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation options: Mweya safari lodge(luxury), Enganzi Game lodge (Mid-range), Enjojo lodge/ Simba Safari lodge (Budget).
Meals plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Wake up early for a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The cool morning hours are the best time to spot predators like lions and leopards, as well as a variety of other wildlife including elephants, buffalo, and numerous antelope species. The park is also a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 600 species recorded. The northern sector, Kasenyi Plains. This area is known for its large herds of elephants, buffalo, and Uganda kob, as well as the elusive lions. The vast savannah, punctuated by euphorbia trees and acacia, provides a classic African safari experience.
After the morning safari, return to the lodge for breakfast and some relaxation. In the afternoon, you will head to the Kazinga Channel for a boat cruise. This natural channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George, and is teeming with wildlife. As you glide along the water, you'll see hippos, crocodiles, and a multitude of birds at close range. The banks of the channel are often frequented by elephants, buffalo, and other animals, making this one of the most memorable wildlife experiences in Uganda.
Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation options: Mweya Safari Lodge, Enganzi Game lodge (Mid-range), Enjojo lodge/ Simba Safari lodge (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
After breakfast, you will set off for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. The journey to Bwindi takes approximately 4-5 hours, passing through Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions. If time permits, you may take a detour to try and spot these unique predators lounging in fig trees.
Arrive at Bwindi in the afternoon and check into your lodge. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a lush and dense rainforest that provides a sanctuary for about half of the world's mountain gorilla population. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and preparing for the next day's thrilling gorilla trek.
Accommodation options: Buhoma Lodge/ Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla lodge (Luxury), Ichumbi gorilla lodge/ Elephant gorilla lodge (Mid-range), Trekkers Tavern cottages (Budget).
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Today is the highlight of your safari: gorilla trekking in Bwindi. After an early breakfast, you'll proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing from the park rangers. You will learn about the gorillas, their behavior, and the rules for tracking them.
Accompanied by experienced guides, you will venture into the dense forest to locate a habituated gorilla family. The trek can be strenuous, taking anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas. The terrain is steep and the forest is thick, but the reward is unparalleled. When you finally encounter the gorillas, you will be allowed to spend one hour observing them as they go about their daily lives. Watching a silverback male, females, and playful juveniles in their natural habitat is a profoundly moving experience.
After the trek, return to the lodge for relaxation. In the evening, you can explore the nearby community, visiting local craft shops, or simply enjoy the tranquility of the rainforest.
Accommodation options: Buhoma Lodge/ Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla lodge (Luxury), Ichumbi gorilla lodge/ Elephant gorilla lodge (Mid-range), Trekkers Tavern cottages (Budget).
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Wake up and have hearty morning breakfast thereafter, check out of the lodge and embark on your return journey back to Kampala with enroute lunch in Mbarara town. Continue with the journey with another stop over at the Equator line crossing for photo shoot and refreshments. Continue to Kamapala arriving in the evening where the guide will drop you off at the airport in time for your departure flight back home.
Meal plan: Breakfast and lunch
Tour Includes & Excludes
The Tour Includes
- Accommodation and meals
- Transportation in 4x4 safari vehicle
- Services of professional safari driver guide
- Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permit
- Batwa community visit
- All activities and park entrance fees
- Bottled drinking water during the trip
- Boat fees
The Tour Excludes
- Visas
- Personal insurance
- Tips for guides, porters and hotel service staff
- All other items of personal nature