This 10-day safari offers an immersive experience into the heart of Uganda’s rich biodiversity, combining wildlife encounters, scenic landscapes, and cultural exploration. Each day brings a new adventure, from the lush forests of Kibale National Park, home to the world’s largest chimpanzee population, to the open savannas and wetlands of Queen Elizabeth National Park, teeming with big game. The grand finale of the trip takes you to the mist-covered hills of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where you’ll come face-to-face with the majestic mountain gorillas.
Highlights
This 10-day safari offers an immersive experience into the heart of Uganda’s rich biodiversity, combining wildlife encounters, scenic landscapes, and cultural exploration. Each day brings a new adventure, from the lush forests of Kibale National Park, home to the world’s largest chimpanzee population, to the open savannas and wetlands of Queen Elizabeth National Park, teeming with big game. The grand finale of the trip takes you to the mist-covered hills of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where you’ll come face-to-face with the majestic mountain gorillas.
Queen Elizabeth National Park: Explore the park’s diverse ecosystems on game drives and a boat ride along the Kazinga Channel, where you'll encounter elephants, lions, hippos, and more.
Ishasha Sector: Enjoy a unique game drive in search of tree-climbing lions and other wildlife.
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi: Trek to see the critically endangered mountain gorillas, one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences in the world.
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you'll be warmly welcomed by your representative. After assistance with customs and immigration, you’ll meet your guide who will transfer you to your hotel. Check-in, followed by dinner and an overnight stay at Hotel No. 5.
After breakfast, leave your extra luggage behind at the hotel (or it may be transported by road if it was left on Day 1). With a 15kg luggage allowance, you’ll head to Entebbe Airport for your morning flight to Kasese. Upon arrival, your driver-guide will be waiting to take you on a scenic 2-hour drive to Kibale. After checking in, you’ll enjoy a late afternoon visit to the Bigodi Swamps for a nature walk, spotting unique plants and birds like the Great Blue Turaco.
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before embarking on your chimpanzee habituation experience. You’ll track the chimpanzees through the forest, spending the entire day observing their activities, such as feeding, playing, and nesting. Along the way, you may encounter other primates like the Black and White Colobus Monkeys and Olive Baboons, as well as numerous bird species. After this immersive experience, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation.
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most popular tourist destination. This park is home to diverse ecosystems, including savanna, wetlands, and forests, making it an ideal habitat for a variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, and over 600 bird species. After checking in at Elephant Plains Lodge, head out for an evening game drive to explore the park’s wildlife.
Start the day with a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you may encounter elephants, buffaloes, lions, and various antelope species. Return to the lodge for lunch, then embark on an afternoon boat ride along the Kazinga Channel. This natural 32-kilometer channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George, offering spectacular wildlife viewing, particularly hippos, buffaloes, and elephants along the shores.
After breakfast, you will drive to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions. These lions have adopted this unique behavior to escape the heat and tsetse flies of the lowland. In addition to the lions, you may see other wildlife such as Uganda Kob, buffalo, elephant, and zebra. After the game drive, continue your journey to Bwindi National Park, the home of mountain gorillas, where you'll check in at your lodge for the night.
Enjoy an early morning game drive in Ishasha, where you can spot more wildlife and perhaps catch another glimpse of the tree-climbing lions. Afterward, drive to Bwindi National Park, known for having nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Check in at Gorilla Forest Camp Sanctuary Retreats and enjoy the rest of the day relaxing at the lodge.
After an early breakfast and briefing from the rangers, embark on your first gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The park is home to about 340 mountain gorillas, approximately half of the world’s population. After trekking through the lush forest, you’ll observe the gorillas in their natural habitat for an hour before returning to the lodge for lunch. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
On your second gorilla trek, head to a different sector of Bwindi for a new adventure. You’ll track a different gorilla family and spend another hour observing these incredible creatures. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and unwind for the remainder of the day.
After breakfast, check out of your lodge and transfer to Kihihi Airstrip for your scheduled flight back to Entebbe. Your luggage will be collected at the airport. Upon arrival in Entebbe, you will be transferred to the airport for your outbound international flight.
Inclusions
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Domestic flights from Entebbe to Kasese and Kihihi to Entebbe
Rates are based on 2 people sharing
Full board accommodation in mid-range lodges and camps
Uganda is generally safe for tourists. Your guide will ensure your safety throughout the trip. Following basic precautions, such as avoiding walking alone at night and keeping valuables secure, is advisable.
Certain activities, like gorilla trekking, have a minimum age requirement of 15 years. However, other parts of the safari, such as game drives and boat rides, can be adjusted for families traveling with younger children.
The safari includes stays in mid-range lodges and camps, offering comfort and excellent service while maintaining a close connection to nature. Rooms are typically double or twin-sharing, and private en-suite facilities are provided.
Yes, the itinerary can be customized to suit your preferences, such as extending your stay, adding destinations, or adjusting activities. Let us know your preferences when booking.
A yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into Uganda. It’s also recommended to take antimalarial medication and consult your doctor for other vaccinations, such as Hepatitis A and Typhoid.
Comfortable, lightweight clothing in neutral colors.Sturdy hiking boots for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking.A rain jacket and waterproof gear.Binoculars and a good camera with extra batteries.Insect repellent, sunscreen, and a hat.A reusable water bottle and daypack for trekking.
Yes, permits are secured at the time of booking to ensure availability. Uganda Wildlife Authority strictly controls the number of visitors per group to protect the primates and their habitat.
Gorilla trekking can be moderately to very challenging, depending on the location of the gorillas on the day. Treks can last from 2 to 6 hours through uneven terrain, thick forests, and steep slopes. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended.
The best time to visit Uganda is during the dry seasons:
June to September and December to February. These months offer excellent conditions for gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, and wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources.
At Gemfinders Safaris, we specialize in crafting unique itineraries that explore East Africa’s most mesmerizing locations. Whether you’re interested in cultural immersion, thrilling adventures, peaceful relaxation, or luxurious experiences, our personalized tours are tailored to accommodate every type of traveler.
