8 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimpanzees and Wildlife Safari

Safari Overview

See the contrasts of Uganda in one memorable journey: Kibale chimpanzees, Queen Elizabeth wildlife and Bwindi mountain gorillas. This is a private safari proposal, with your accommodation choices and activity arrangements agreed before booking. Travel times are indicative and depend on roads, weather, park arrangements and border formalities where applicable.

Suggested route: Entebbe – Kibale – Queen Elizabeth – Bwindi – Lake Bunyonyi – Entebbe.

Detailed Day-by-Day Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Entebbe to the Kibale region

Meet your safari guide and head west through the green countryside toward Fort Portal. Travel near tea estates and crater-lake scenery before arriving at the edge of Kibale National Park. After checking in, enjoy a peaceful evening and a briefing on chimpanzee trekking procedures. Road conditions and stop choices shape the arrival time.

Overnight: A suitable lodge or hotel in the overnight destination, chosen after your preferred comfort level and availability are confirmed.

Day 2: Chimpanzee trek and Bigodi surroundings

Set out to the Kibale briefing point for a ranger-led search for habituated chimpanzees. The trek may involve uneven forest paths and sightings depend on the animals' movements. After lunch and a rest, consider a guided wetland or village walk around Bigodi, arranged with local guides. Overnight in the Kibale area.

Overnight: A suitable lodge or hotel in the overnight destination, chosen after your preferred comfort level and availability are confirmed.

Day 3: Continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Travel south past crater lakes and foothill scenery to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Check in and enjoy an afternoon or evening drive in a suitable sector if time allows. The varied landscape of grassland, wetlands and volcanic features supports elephants, antelope, buffaloes and birds. Relax at your lodge overlooking the wider park area.

Overnight: A suitable lodge or hotel in the overnight destination, chosen after your preferred comfort level and availability are confirmed.

Day 4: Morning game drive and Kazinga Channel

Begin with an early wildlife drive for the best light and cooler temperatures. After a break, take a scheduled boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, a famous waterway linking Lakes Edward and George. Watch for hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds from the boat. Wildlife sightings are unpredictable, but both outings offer different ways to enjoy the park.

Overnight: A suitable lodge or hotel in the overnight destination, chosen after your preferred comfort level and availability are confirmed.

Day 5: Ishasha drive to Bwindi

Head south through the Ishasha sector, looking out for antelope, elephants and occasionally lions resting in trees. Continue into the highland forests of Bwindi, with lunch on the way. Lodge placement depends on the trekking permit sector confirmed at booking. Arrive with enough time to rest and prepare for the forest experience.

Overnight: A suitable lodge or hotel in the overnight destination, chosen after your preferred comfort level and availability are confirmed.

Day 6: Mountain gorilla trekking

Attend the Uganda Wildlife Authority briefing and follow the ranger team into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The hike may be steep, muddy or lengthy, making sturdy walking shoes essential. Once the assigned family is located, the regulated viewing period is normally one hour. Return to the lodge and enjoy the evening at your own pace.

Overnight: A suitable lodge or hotel in the overnight destination, chosen after your preferred comfort level and availability are confirmed.

Day 7: Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi

After breakfast, drive toward the lush Kigezi highlands and Lake Bunyonyi. Stop for panoramic viewpoints before checking into a lakeside property. Depending on your energy, take an optional canoe or motorboat experience with a qualified local guide. The afternoon is kept flexible for rest, scenery and gentle activities.

Overnight: A suitable lodge or hotel in the overnight destination, chosen after your preferred comfort level and availability are confirmed.

Day 8: Transfer to Entebbe

Start early for the full-day road journey to Entebbe. Pause for refreshments and lunch before continuing toward the airport or your overnight hotel. Your guide will plan the departure around your onward arrangements, but we advise against scheduling a flight that leaves too early given the long road distance.

Overnight: Safari ends after the agreed drop-off; additional accommodation can be arranged if required.

What Your Safari Quotation Can Include

• Private vehicle and professional driver-guide for the agreed route
• Accommodation in the agreed category for the confirmed nights
• Meals as specified in your final written quotation
• Park entries and pre-booked activities explicitly listed as included
• Airport, hotel or border transfers listed in the itinerary

Normally Excluded Unless Quoted Otherwise

• International flights, visa costs and personal travel insurance
• Gratuities, extra drinks and personal purchases
• Optional experiences not specified in the confirmed programme
• Gorilla, chimpanzee and golden monkey permits unless clearly included in the final quotation
• Any costs arising from independent programme changes

Important Safari Planning Notes

Gorilla trekking participants must be at least 15 years old. Permit availability is limited and every trek follows the relevant park authority rules. Wild animals move freely, so sightings and trekking durations cannot be guaranteed. Accommodation and activities are proposed options until we confirm space and receive your approval. Please share your travel dates and group size for a current quotation.

Ready to enquire? Use the safari enquiry form below and mention this itinerary. We can discuss preferred lodges, routing and a realistic travel pace before finalising your booking.