Safari Overview

This 8-day Uganda Wildlife Holiday is an expertly curated journey through the Medley of Wonders. This safari transitions from the lush, primate-rich jungles of Kibale Forest to the vast savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park, and finally into the ancient, mist-covered hills of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Experience the thrill of tracking our closest relatives, the chimpanzees, witnessing the unique tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, and standing face-to-face with the rare Mountain Gorillas. Combined with cultural encounters at the Tooro Kingdom and the mystical Amabere caves, this trip offers a complete immersion into the heart of the Pearl of Africa.

Safari Highlights

• Primate Double-Bill: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale.
• Queen Elizabeth National Park: Iconic boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel and savannah game drives.
• Cultural Heritage: Visit the Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru Caves and the Tooro Kingdom Palace.
• Geological Wonders: Explore the explosion crater lakes and stand on the Equator.
• Tree-Climbing Lions: Search for the rare lions of the Ishasha sector.

 

Detailed Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Transfer to Kampala

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by your professional guide and transferred to your hotel in Kampala to relax and prepare for the journey ahead.

• Accommodation: Serena Hotel (Luxury) / Cassia Lodge (Comfort) / Sapphire Hotel (Standard)
• Meal Plan: Dinner

 

Day 2: Drive to the Primate Capital (Kibale Forest)

Depart Kampala for a scenic 5-hour drive to Fort Portal. The route winds through vibrant tea plantations and lush countryside. Kibale Forest is home to 13 primate species and prolific birdlife, including the Great Blue Turaco.

• Accommodation: Papaya Lake Lodge (Luxury) / Mountains of the Moon (Comfort) / Kibale Forest Camp (Standard)
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Swamp Walk

Spend the morning tracking wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, enjoy a swamp walk in Bigodi, a community-led conservation effort where you can spot various monkey species and rare birds while interacting with the local community.

• Accommodation: Papaya Lake Lodge (Luxury) / Mountains of the Moon (Comfort) / Kibale Forest Camp (Standard)
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 4: Cultural Caves, Craters & Queen Elizabeth Park

Explore the mystical Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru Caves and hike to the explosion craters for breathtaking views. Visit the Tooro Kingdom Palace before driving to Queen Elizabeth National Park, situated at the base of the Rwenzori Mountains.

• Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge (Luxury) / Kasenyi Safari Camp (Comfort) / Bush Lodge (Standard)
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 5: Savannah Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Trip

An early morning game drive offers a chance to see elephants, lions, buffalo, and leopards. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, home to one of the world’s highest concentrations of hippos and diverse water birds.

• Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge (Luxury) / Kasenyi Safari Camp (Comfort) / Bush Lodge (Standard)
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 6: The Switzerland of Africa (Drive to Bwindi)

Travel south to Bwindi through the Ishasha Sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions. The landscape shifts into steep terraced hills and bamboo forests, often referred to as the Switzerland of Africa, as you approach the gorilla highlands.

• Accommodation: Silverback Lodge (Luxury) / Rushaga Gorilla Camp (Comfort) / Bunyonyi Overland (Standard)
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 7: The Gorilla Encounter (Bwindi Impenetrable Forest)

The absolute highlight of your holiday. Enter the ancient rainforest to track one of the habituated Mountain Gorilla families. The trek can last between 2 and 7 hours. Once found, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing these gentle giants.

• Accommodation: Silverback Lodge (Luxury) / Rushaga Gorilla Camp (Comfort) / Bunyonyi Overland (Standard)
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 8: The Equator & Return to Entebbe

Begin the journey back to Kampala or Entebbe.

Travel Note: This drive takes approximately 8–9 hours. To ensure your comfort, we stop at the Uganda Equator for lunch, souvenir shopping, and the famous water experiment. The tour concludes with a transfer to the airport for late-night departures.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

 

Safari Inclusions & Exclusions

Category	Inclusions (What is Included)	Exclusions (What is NOT Included)
Permits	1 Gorilla Permit & 1 Chimpanzee Permit	International Airfares
Transport	4WD Safari Vehicle with pop-up roof & Fuel	Uganda Entry Visa
Staff	Professional English-speaking Ugandan guide	Tips/Gratuities for guides, rangers & staff
Accommodation	Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)	Personal Insurance (Medical/Travel)
Entry Fees	All National Park entrance fees	Porter services during gorilla trekking
Activities	All activities described in the itinerary	Expenses of a personal nature (Laundry, Souvenirs)
Transfers	Airport pick-up and drop-off	Meals not specified in the program

 

Quick Facts

• Destinations: Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth Park, and Bwindi Forest, Uganda.
• Focus: Primate trekking (Gorillas/Chimps) and Savannah Wildlife.
• Group Size: Suitable for individuals or groups of up to 10 people.
• Best Time to Visit: The dry months of June–August and December–February offer the best trekking conditions.
• Expert Insight: Bwindi is the only forest in Africa where you can find both Mountain Gorillas and Chimpanzees in the same ecosystem.