Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetland Experience

Wake up early for breakfast before heading to the Kanyanchu Visitor Centre for a briefing on chimpanzee tracking. Kibale Forest is often referred to as the “Primate Capital of the World,” hosting over 13 primate species.

Accompanied by experienced rangers, you will venture into the forest in search of habituated chimpanzee communities. The trek can take anywhere from one to several hours depending on their movement, but the reward is extraordinary. Once located, you will spend one hour observing these intelligent and social primates as they feed, groom, and interact.

The forest itself is alive with biodiversity—expect to encounter other primates such as red colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and black-and-white colobus, along with a rich variety of birdlife.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided swamp walk or opt for a cultural/community experience. The wetland is a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers, offering sightings of species like the Great Blue Turaco and numerous butterflies.

Return to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Same as Day 1

Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Savannah Meets Forest

After breakfast, depart Kibale and journey south towards Queen Elizabeth National Park. This scenic drive offers breathtaking views of crater lakes, rolling hills, and the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains.

Arriving in the park, you will immediately notice the change in landscape—from dense forest to open savannah plains dotted with acacia trees. The Kasenyi plains are particularly famous for their large herds of Uganda kob, elephants, and buffaloes.

Depending on your arrival time, you may opt for an afternoon boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel or an evening game drive. The Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake George and Lake Edward, is renowned for its dense population of hippos, crocodiles, and water birds.

Settle into your lodge for dinner and enjoy the sounds of the African wilderness.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Options:

• Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
• Midrange: Elephant Hab Lodge
• Budget: Irungu Forest Safari Lodge

Day 4: Game Drive & Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Start your day with an early morning game drive across the Kasenyi plains, one of the best areas in Uganda to spot lions and other predators. You may also encounter elephants, hyenas, warthogs, and a wide range of antelope species.

After the game drive, begin your journey towards Bwindi via the Ishasha sector, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions. Keep your camera ready as these lions are often seen lounging in fig tree branches.

Continue through the scenic countryside of southwestern Uganda, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa” due to its terraced hills and cool climate. Arrive at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the evening.

Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Check into your lodge, relax, and prepare for the highlight of your safari.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Options:

• Luxury: Buhoma Lodge
• Midrange: Haven Lodge Buhoma
• Budget: Ride 4 A Woman Guesthouse

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking & Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking guidelines. You will be assigned to a specific gorilla family and accompanied by expert trackers and guides.

The trek through Bwindi’s dense forest can be challenging but incredibly rewarding. Once you find the gorillas, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat. Watching these gentle giants interact is a deeply moving experience.

Bwindi is also home to over 120 mammal species, 350 bird species, and more than 1,000 plant species, making it one of the most biodiverse forests in Africa.

After the trek, meet your guide and begin your journey to Lake Mburo National Park, known for its zebras, giraffes, and scenic landscapes.

Arrive in the evening, check in, and enjoy dinner at your lodge.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Options:

• Luxury: Mihingo Lodge
• Midrange: Mihingo Lodge / Rwakobo Rock
• Budget: Rwakobo Rock Lodge

Day 6: Morning Game Experience & Return to Entebbe

On your final day, enjoy a relaxed breakfast followed by a morning game drive or guided nature walk in Lake Mburo National Park. This park offers a unique walking safari experience, allowing you to explore wildlife on foot with a ranger.

Expect to see zebras, impalas, elands, buffaloes, and a variety of bird species. The park’s peaceful atmosphere provides a perfect conclusion to your safari.

Afterward, begin your return journey to Entebbe, with a stop at the Uganda Equator for photos and souvenir shopping.

Arrive in time for your departure flight or overnight stay.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

Safari Inclusions

• Gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Chimpanzee tracking permit in Kibale National Park
• All park entrance fees
• Transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
• Professional English-speaking driver/guide
• Fuel for the entire trip
• Accommodation for 5 nights (based on selected category)
• All meals as specified in the itinerary
• Game drives and park activities as mentioned
• Kazinga Channel boat cruise
• Bigodi Wetland guided walk/community experience
• Bottled drinking water during the safari
• En-route stops including the Equator

Safari Exclusions

• International and domestic flights
• Uganda visa fees
• Travel insurance (highly recommended)
• Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
• Alcoholic and soft drinks (unless included by the lodge)
• Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
• Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, phone calls, etc.)
• Additional accommodation before or after the safari