The 10 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimpanzees and Wildlife Luxury Tour by Gorilla Tour Rwanda is an unforgettable safari designed to introduce you to Uganda’s extraordinary biodiversity, breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. This carefully planned adventure combines mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park and exciting wildlife experiences in Queen Elizabeth National Park. You will explore lush tropical rainforests, open savannah plains, scenic crater lakes and waterways filled with fascinating wildlife, enjoying a different perspective of Uganda at every destination.
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport and Transfer to Your Hotel
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Gorilla Tour Rwanda representative, who will assist you with your luggage and transfer you to your luxury hotel. During the drive, you will enjoy your first impressions of Uganda, with its tropical vegetation, lively communities and beautiful surroundings near Lake Victoria. After checking in, you will have time to freshen up and relax following your international journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens for a guided walk among tropical trees, colourful plants and birdlife. Alternatively, you can enjoy a peaceful afternoon at your hotel or take in views of Lake Victoria from a nearby lakeside location. In the evening, your guide will brief you about the safari schedule, gorilla trekking preparations, chimpanzee tracking and wildlife activities planned for the coming days. You will then enjoy dinner and a comfortable overnight stay.
Accommodation options: Hotel No.5, The Boma Hotel Entebbe, Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 2: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
After breakfast, you will depart Entebbe and travel westwards towards Kibale Forest National Park, one of Uganda’s leading destinations for chimpanzee tracking and tropical forest exploration. The scenic journey takes you through rural communities, agricultural landscapes, traditional markets and rolling countryside, providing an introduction to Uganda beyond its major towns. You will pass through the Fort Portal region, which is renowned for its beautiful scenery, tea plantations and views of the Rwenzori Mountains when weather conditions permit. Along the way, your guide will share information about Uganda’s culture, local livelihoods and the ecosystems that support its diverse wildlife. You will stop for lunch at a suitable restaurant or lodge before continuing towards the Kibale area. On arrival, you will check into your luxury accommodation and enjoy time to relax in the tranquil surroundings of the forest. Your guide will explain the arrangements for the following day’s chimpanzee-tracking experience, including the importance of appropriate walking shoes, rain protection and following ranger instructions.
Accommodation options: Kyaninga Lodge, Ndali Lodge, Primate Lodge Kibale.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Today, you will explore the tropical rainforest of Kibale Forest National Park in search of wild chimpanzees, one of the closest living relatives of humans. After an early breakfast, you will proceed to the designated park briefing point, where experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers will explain the tracking procedures and conservation guidelines. You will then enter the forest with your guide and trackers, following trails beneath tall trees and listening for chimpanzee calls, movements and other signs of activity. Once the chimpanzees are located, you will have the permitted observation time to watch their social interactions, feeding habits, grooming and movements through the forest. The encounter offers an excellent opportunity to photograph these intelligent primates while respecting the required viewing distance and park rules. After the trek, you will enjoy lunch and later visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community conservation area celebrated for its birdlife, vegetation and several monkey species. A guided walk will introduce you to the wetland ecosystem and the role of local communities in protecting biodiversity. You will return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation after an exciting day of primate exploration.
Accommodation options: Kyaninga Lodge, Ndali Lodge, Primate Lodge Kibale.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Afternoon Game Drive
After breakfast, you will leave Kibale and travel towards Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most diverse wildlife destinations. The drive takes you through scenic countryside, with opportunities to admire crater lakes, cultivated hillsides and the green landscapes surrounding Fort Portal. As you approach the park, the scenery opens into expansive grasslands, savannah woodland and wetlands that provide habitats for numerous wildlife species. Upon arrival, you will check in at your lodge and enjoy lunch before preparing for an afternoon game drive. Accompanied by your experienced safari guide, you will explore suitable wildlife tracks in search of African elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, warthogs and other savannah animals. You may also encounter lions resting in the grass or moving through the plains, although wildlife sightings depend on seasonal conditions and animal movements. The park’s varied habitats also support an impressive range of birds, making the drive rewarding for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. After the game drive, you will return to your luxury lodge for dinner and an overnight stay surrounded by the sounds and scenery of the African wilderness.
Accommodation options: Mweya Safari Lodge, Elephant Plains Lodge, Kyambura Gorge Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5: Morning Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
You will begin the day with an early-morning game drive through the savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, when wildlife is often more active and the temperatures are cooler. Your guide will take you through selected areas, including the Kasenyi Plains, where you may see Uganda kobs grazing in open grassland and elephants or buffaloes moving across the landscape. You will also look for lions and other predators, while learning about the relationship between herbivores, carnivores and their surrounding habitats. After the game drive, you will return to the lodge for breakfast and some time to relax before the next activity. In the afternoon, you will embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake George and Lake Edward. The cruise offers close views of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants drinking along the banks and buffaloes gathering near the water. You will also have opportunities to observe waterbirds, including African fish eagles, pelicans and kingfishers. Following the cruise, you will return to your lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening, with time to reflect on the wildlife encounters of the day.
Accommodation options: Mweya Safari Lodge, Elephant Plains Lodge, Kyambura Gorge Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6: Ishasha Game Drive and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, you will depart for the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, an area known for its distinctive savannah scenery and the possibility of spotting tree-climbing lions. During a guided game drive, you will explore open grasslands dotted with fig trees, watching for lions resting on branches, elephants moving through the vegetation and antelopes grazing across the plains. Your guide will explain the area’s wildlife ecology and the characteristics that make Ishasha different from the northern parts of the park. Although sightings of tree-climbing lions are not guaranteed, the region offers rewarding wildlife viewing and excellent photographic opportunities. You will enjoy lunch during the day’s journey before continuing towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to endangered mountain gorillas. As you travel into south-western Uganda, the landscape changes to steep hills, terraced farmland, small settlements and dense mountain forest. On arrival, you will check into your selected luxury lodge and relax after the drive. Your guide will provide a detailed briefing about the following day’s gorilla trekking experience, including suitable clothing, fitness considerations and the importance of following the instructions of park rangers.
Accommodation options: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today, you will experience the highlight of your Uganda safari with a mountain gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After an early breakfast, you will travel to your designated trekking headquarters for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, who will explain the regulations and assign you to a habituated gorilla family. Accompanied by experienced guides and trackers, you will enter the dense rainforest and follow forest trails in search of the gorillas. The trek may involve steep slopes, muddy paths and uneven terrain, and its duration depends on the location of the assigned gorilla family. Once you find the gorillas, you will have the permitted observation period to watch them feeding, grooming, resting and interacting within their family group. This extraordinary experience offers a rare opportunity to appreciate their behaviour and the importance of protecting their fragile forest habitat. You will be expected to follow all ranger instructions, maintain the required viewing distance and avoid trekking if you have an infectious illness. After the encounter, you will return to the park headquarters and then transfer to your lodge for lunch or refreshments, depending on the timing of the trek. The remainder of the day will be reserved for relaxation, with an optional community or cultural visit if time and energy allow.
Accommodation options: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi and Scenic Lake Excursion
After breakfast, you will leave Bwindi and travel to Lake Bunyonyi, a picturesque highland lake surrounded by terraced hills, green valleys and numerous small islands. The drive offers beautiful views of south-western Uganda’s countryside and opportunities to observe local farming activities and rural community life. Upon arrival, you will check into your lakeside accommodation and enjoy lunch while admiring the peaceful scenery. In the afternoon, you may take a guided boat ride or traditional canoe excursion across the lake, visiting selected islands and learning about their history and significance to surrounding communities. Your guide will introduce you to the lake’s natural environment and the bird species commonly seen along its shores. Alternatively, you may choose a guided walk through nearby villages to learn about local traditions, agriculture and daily life in the highlands. The relaxed pace provides a welcome contrast to the physically demanding gorilla trek and allows you to enjoy Uganda’s quieter landscapes. Later, you will return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere and beautiful views across Lake Bunyonyi.
Accommodation options: BirdNest Resort Lake Bunyonyi, Arcadia Lodges Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 9: Transfer to Entebbe via the Uganda Equator
After breakfast, you will check out of your lodge and begin the journey towards Entebbe, travelling through the scenic countryside of south-western and central Uganda. Along the way, you will enjoy views of rolling hills, agricultural land, roadside markets and local settlements that reveal another side of the country’s character. Your driver-guide will arrange suitable stops to break up the journey and provide opportunities to take photographs of the landscapes. Depending on the route and timing, you may stop at the Uganda Equator crossing for photographs and a brief introduction to its geographical significance. You will also have time for lunch at a suitable restaurant along the way. The journey will continue towards Entebbe, where you will check into your hotel and have time to rest after several days of wildlife and primate activities. If you arrive early enough, you may enjoy a relaxed evening at the hotel or visit a nearby lakeside area, depending on your preferences. Dinner will be served at your accommodation, and your guide will confirm the arrangements for your airport transfer the following day.
Accommodation options: Hotel No.5, The Boma Hotel Entebbe, Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 10: Departure
After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel and prepare for your departure from Uganda. Your Gorilla Tour Rwanda representative will arrange a transfer to Entebbe International Airport, taking your flight departure time and airport check-in requirements into account. If your flight is scheduled later in the day, you may have time for a short visit to a nearby attraction or a relaxed lakeside stop, depending on the available hours and your preferences. You will enjoy a final glimpse of Uganda’s tropical scenery as you travel towards the airport. Your guide will assist with luggage and ensure that you arrive in good time for your international departure. If you have an early flight, the transfer will be arranged accordingly, without additional sightseeing stops. As you leave Uganda, you will carry memories of chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, the remarkable mountain gorillas of Bwindi, the wildlife-rich savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park and the peaceful shores of Lake Bunyonyi. Gorilla Tour Rwanda will wish you a safe onward journey and hope to welcome you back for another African adventure.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Items Included in the Tour Package
- Airport pickup on arrival and airport drop-off on departure.
- Nine nights of accommodation in selected luxury hotels and safari lodges.
- Meals as specified in the itinerary.
- Private 4WD safari vehicle with an experienced English-speaking driver-guide.
- Fuel and road transport for the planned itinerary.
- One mountain gorilla trekking permit per person for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
- One chimpanzee-tracking permit per person for Kibale Forest National Park.
- National park entrance fees for the included activities and destinations.
- Guided game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, including the Ishasha sector.
- Boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel.
- Guided visit to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.
- Lake Bunyonyi boat or canoe excursion, subject to the final booking arrangements.
- Bottled drinking water during scheduled road transfers and safari activities.
- Applicable taxes and service charges for the services included in the confirmed package.
Items Excluded from the Tour Package
- International flights to and from Uganda.
- Uganda visa fees and other immigration charges.
- Travel and medical insurance, including emergency evacuation cover.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, souvenirs and additional beverages.
- Alcoholic drinks and beverages not covered by the accommodation meal plan.
- Tips and gratuities for the driver-guide, rangers, lodge staff and other service providers.
- Optional activities not specified as included.
- Additional accommodation before arrival or after the scheduled departure.
- Personal trekking equipment, including hiking boots, waterproof clothing and walking sticks.
- Porter fees during gorilla trekking, where applicable.
- Additional costs resulting from flight changes, delays or itinerary alterations outside the operator’s control.
- Any service not expressly listed under the included items.