About This Journey
Uganda packs more variety into a single country than almost anywhere in Africa. Over ten days this journey moves from misty rainforest to open savannah to the volcanic foothills of the Virungas, chasing three of the continent's most sought-after primate and wildlife encounters.
The centrepiece is a permit to trek Bwindi's mountain gorillas — one hour in the presence of a habituated family, deep in an ancient forest that holds nearly half the world's remaining population. Along the way you'll trek chimpanzees in Kibale, drift past hippos and elephants on the Kazinga Channel, and scan the fig trees of Ishasha for its famous tree-climbing lions.
Every departure is private, led by an expert Ugandan driver-guide, with accommodation hand-picked for its setting and comfort. This is a designed itinerary, built to be shaped around your dates and pace.
Trip Highlights
- A gorilla-trekking permit and one hour with a habituated family in Bwindi
- Chimpanzee tracking in the Kibale Forest, Africa's primate capital
- Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel past hippos, elephants, and birdlife
- Search for Ishasha's rare tree-climbing lions on the savannah
- Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Sweeping views over the terraced hills and islands of Lake Bunyonyi
Day by Day
Land at Entebbe International Airport, where your guide meets you and transfers you to a lakeside hotel on the shores of Lake Victoria.
Settle in and enjoy a welcome dinner and trip briefing overlooking the water.
- Overnight
- Protea Hotel Entebbe
- Meals
- Dinner
Drive west across Uganda's rolling tea country to Kibale Forest, which holds the highest density of primates in Africa. Cross the equator along the way.
The following morning, head into the forest to track a habituated chimpanzee community — listening for their calls before spending time watching them feed, groom, and swing through the canopy. An afternoon swamp walk in Bigodi adds birds and monkeys.
- Overnight
- Primates Lodge Kibale
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda's most popular savannah reserve, set against the backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Morning game drives search the Kasenyi plains for lion, elephant, buffalo, and antelope. In the afternoon, a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel brings you close to some of the largest concentrations of hippo in Africa, plus elephants drinking at the shore and a wealth of waterbirds.
- Overnight
- Mweya Safari Lodge
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel south through the remote Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions that drape themselves over the branches of giant fig trees — a behaviour seen in only a handful of places on earth.
Continue into the foothills to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to your gorillas. Arrive in time to rest before the big day.
- Overnight
- Buhoma Lodge
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The day you came for. After an early briefing at the park headquarters, you set off on foot with rangers and trackers in search of a habituated gorilla family. The trek can take anywhere from one to several hours through steep, forested terrain.
When you find them, you have one unforgettable hour in their company — watching silverbacks, mothers, and playful youngsters at close range. Porters are available to carry your pack and lend a hand on the climbs.
- Overnight
- Buhoma Lodge
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A gentler day. Choose a guided community walk to meet the Batwa people and learn about forest life, take on an optional second gorilla trek (subject to permit availability), or simply relax at the lodge with the forest sounds around you.
- Overnight
- Buhoma Lodge
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wind down at Lake Bunyonyi, the 'place of many little birds' — a serene, island-dotted lake ringed by terraced hills. Swim, canoe, or do nothing at all after an action-packed week.
- Overnight
- BirdNest Resort
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly from the airstrip near Bwindi back to Entebbe (or drive, for those who prefer the road), connecting with your international departure — or continue on to a Rwanda extension or a Nile-source add-on in Jinja, which we're happy to arrange.
- Meals
- Breakfast
What's Included
Included
- 9 nights' accommodation in hand-picked lodges
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary (B/L/D)
- Gorilla trekking permit (1) and chimpanzee tracking permit (1)
- Private expert English-speaking driver-guide throughout
- All game drives, the Kazinga Channel boat cruise, and park activities
- All national park and conservation fees
- Airport transfers and bottled water in the vehicle
Not Included
- International flights to and from Entebbe
- Uganda visa and any transit visas
- Travel and medical insurance
- Internal charter flight Bwindi–Entebbe (optional, on request)
- Porter fees, gratuities, and personal expenses
- Drinks and items of a personal nature
Accommodation
Primates Lodge Kibale
Kibale Forest, Uganda2 nightsMweya Safari Lodge
Queen Elizabeth NP, Uganda2 nightsBuhoma Lodge
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda3 nightsReady to Plan This Safari?
Every trip we run is private and tailored around you — your dates, your pace, your budget. Tell us what you have in mind and one of our safari planners will craft it into a detailed, costed proposal.
Gorilla permits are limited and sell out months ahead in peak season — we recommend booking early. Prices are based on two people sharing; contact us for current rates and single-supplement pricing.