On this 8-day tour, you will be visiting some of Uganda's incredible national parks. Begin at Kibale Forest National Park, where you will track chimpanzees and go bird-watching at a wetland preserve. Continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park for land and water safaris. You'll see elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, buffalos, crocodiles, and more! End with the experience of a lifetime: seeing wild mountain gorillas up-close at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

Highlights

  • See over 13 species of primates at Kibale Forest National Park
  • Go chimpanzee tracking to see our closest relatives in their natural habitat
  • Cross the African savannah on an exciting game drive at Queen Elizabeth
  • Do a water safari on the Kazinga Channel to see hippos and crocodiles
  • Come face to face with wild mountain gorillas at Bwindi Impenetrable

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Welcome to Uganda! Kampala
Day 2 Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park Kibale National park
Day 3 Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park Kibale National park
Day 4 Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 5 Land & Water Safari at Queen Elizabeth National Park Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 6 Transfer to Bwindi National Park Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 7 Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi National Park Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 8 Flight Back Home  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Uganda!

Street in Kampala
Street in Kampala

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, your guide will meet you and help you transfer to your accommodation. 

Spend your first day in beautiful Uganda—often called "The Pearl of Africa"—resting and preparing for a trip full of thrilling adventures.

If you feel like you don't need rest, you can take the afternoon and/or evening to explore the capital city of Kampala. Visit the Uganda Museum and the Lubiri Palace, or simply walk around the busy streets.

Day 2: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

A black-faced vervet monkey
A black-faced vervet monkey

In the early  morning, you'll head to Fort Portal and explore the area around the base of the Rwenzori Mountains.

Later, you'll continue driving towards Kibale Forest National Park. This incredibly diverse forest is home to over 13 species of primates, including chimpanzees, red colobus monkeys, rare L’Hoest's monkeys, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, black-faced vervet monkeys, baboons, pottos, and bush babies.

You'll make a stop at Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary—a few minutes’ drive from Kibale Forest. Cleverly constructed boardwalks lead you through towering papyrus and make it easy to explore the wetlands. With over 130 bird species, multicolored butterflies, eight different types of primates, and the rare, semi-aquatic sitatunga (swamp-dwelling antelope), the sanctuary is absolutely splendid.

Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park

Chimpanzees at Kibale Forest National Park
Chimpanzees at Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast, it’s an early start towards Kibale Forest National Park. Today, you will be tracking chimpanzees, our closest living relatives.

These great apes are incredibly fun to watch as they play and fight in the trees. Your experienced guides will introduce you to the members of the chimp families that inhabit the forest. There will also be plenty of opportunities to see different species of birds and plants.

Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

The African savannah
The African savannah

Get an early start on your transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Set on the floor of the Rift Valley, the landscape of northern Queen Elizabeth comprises dozens of ancient craters carved into gentle rolling hills. Occasionally, you will be able to see the majestic Rwenzori Mountains.

The Kazinga Channel lies in central Queen Elizabeth. Its banks attract large mammals such as hippos, elephants, and buffaloes. The park boasts over 600 species of birds—more than any other national park in Uganda!

Day 5: Land & Water Safari at Queen Elizabeth National Park

Buffalo and hippos at watering hole in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Buffalo and hippos at watering hole in Queen Elizabeth National Park

This morning, you'll enjoy an exciting game drive in Queen Elizabeth. A popular route is the Kasenyi Sector, known for its numerous lions that prey on the large population of Uganda kob (antelope). If you are very lucky, you may spot a giant forest hog—Africa’s largest pig—or an elusive leopard!

In the afternoon, you will hop on a boat for a water safari on the Kazinga Channel, which connects Edward and George Lakes. The Uganda Wildlife Authority guides leading the trip will identify many of the channel’s 100 bird species. You’re likely to see African skimmers, great white pelicans, spoonbills, and a number of bee-eater species. Hippos wallow at the edge of the water, huge Nile crocodiles bask in the sun, and elephants often come down for a refreshing drink.

Day 6: Transfer to Bwindi National Park

Morning mist at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Morning mist at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Today, you will make your way to amazing Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, a UNESCO Natural Heritage site and one of the richest biological and botanical regions in the world.

The forest covers an area of 205 miles (331km²) at the southwestern edge of the Western Rift Valley. Bwindi’s most-revered species are the approximately 400 wild mountain gorillas that reside within. These gorillas make up half of the world population of these gentle apes. For this reason, Bwindi Impenetrable is one of the best places in the planet to come face to face with the species.

Day 7: Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi National Park

Young gorillas playing
Young gorillas playing

Rise bright and early for a gorilla tracking adventure! Before beginning the trek, park rangers will brief the group to ensure your safety and that of the great apes. The trek usually takes three to six hours. We recommend bringing a good pair of walking boots or shoes.

The rangers will guide you through the village gardens and into the jungle-like forest. They will escort you through the (sometimes) thick bush, occasionally hacking the dense undergrowth with a machete as you search for gorillas. As part of anti-poaching efforts, the apes are under 24-hour monitoring, so you’re almost guaranteed to see them! 

Once you have located a gorilla family, you will be asked to leave all your belongings on the side and approach the gentle giants with only your camera. It is advised that you keep within 23ft (7m) of the apes to reduce the risk of transmitting human diseases to them. This also helps guides interpret the animals' behavior and easily retreat if danger is perceived.

You will be able to see the families in their natural environment: feeding, playing, interacting with each other, or just sleeping. The gorillas are usually quite curious to see humans as well! You'll be allowed exactly one hour with the apes before returning to base.

Day 8: Flight Back Home

Victoria Mall in Entebbe
Victoria Mall in Entebbe

After breakfast, you'll begin the journey back to Entebbe International Airport. On the way, you will stop for a delicious picnic lunch, and have a fun photo opportunity at the Equator.

Your guide will help with check-in procedures and wish you safe travels.

Map

Map of Uganda National Parks: Kibale, Queen Elizabeth & Bwindi - 8 days
Map of Uganda National Parks: Kibale, Queen Elizabeth & Bwindi - 8 days