CLASSIC UGANDA SAFARI & GORILLA TREKKING

7 DAY CLASSIC UGANDA SAFARI & GORILLA TREKKING (7-10 Days)

Overview

This mixed itinerary offers a perfect blend of Uganda’s most iconic wildlife experiences. It includes game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, and the unforgettable experience of gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Over 7 to 10 days, this itinerary provides a well-rounded adventure through Uganda’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and primate experiences.

Through Safari Hub Africa and African Feel Travel and Safaris Ltd, you can also request a customized version of this safari based on your preferences for duration, destinations, and activities.

Itinerary Outline

7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe

  • Arrival: Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you’ll be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
  • Overnight in Entebbe: Spend the night in Entebbe, preparing for your safari adventure.

Meals Included: Dinner (depending on your arrival time)

Day 2: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park – Chimpanzee Tracking

  • Morning Departure: After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Kibale Forest National Park, known for having the highest concentration of primates in East Africa.
  • Arrival & Check-In: Arrive at your lodge in Kibale and have lunch.
  • Afternoon Chimpanzee Tracking: Head into Kibale Forest for a chimpanzee tracking experience. As you trek through the forest, you may also spot other primates such as colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and olive baboons.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park & Boat Safari on Kazinga Channel

  • Morning Transfer: After breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. En route, enjoy views of the Rwenzori Mountains and Uganda’s lush landscape.
  • Arrival & Check-In: Check in at your lodge and have lunch.
  • Afternoon Boat Safari: In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, home to one of the largest concentrations of hippos in Africa. You’ll also spot crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and a variety of birds along the shores.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Game Drive & Transfer to Ishasha for Tree-Climbing Lions

  • Morning Game Drive: After an early breakfast, head out for a game drive in the Kasenyi Plains. Look out for lions, elephants, buffaloes, and a variety of antelope species.
  • Transfer to Ishasha Sector: After your game drive, continue to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions.
  • Afternoon Game Drive: Upon arrival, embark on another game drive, focusing on spotting the unique tree-climbing lions lounging in the fig trees.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

  • Morning Departure: After breakfast, drive through the scenic highlands to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to roughly half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas.
  • Check-In & Relaxation: Arrive at your lodge in Bwindi and enjoy a relaxing afternoon. Depending on your lodge’s location, you may take a short community walk or visit a local village to learn about the Batwa people.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

  • Gorilla Trekking: This is the highlight of your safari. After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before beginning your trek through Bwindi’s dense forest in search of a gorilla family. Trekking can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the gorilla’s location. Spend an hour with these magnificent creatures, observing their behavior and interactions.
  • Return to the Lodge: After your trek, return to your lodge for some rest and relaxation.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Departure or Extension

  • Option 1: Return to Entebbe: After breakfast, begin your return journey to Entebbe. Depending on your schedule, you can either fly back to Entebbe or take a scenic drive, stopping for a lunch break along the way.
  • Option 2: Safari Extension: If you’d like to extend your trip to 10 days, you can continue your safari to Lake Mburo National Park or Murchison Falls National Park for additional wildlife viewing, boat cruises, and nature walks.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch (if returning to Entebbe)

10-Day Extension Option

Day 8: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

  • Morning Departure: After breakfast, drive to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest savannah park, known for its zebras and antelope species.
  • Afternoon Game Drive or Walking Safari: Enjoy a game drive or walking safari upon arrival. Lake Mburo is one of the few parks where walking safaris are allowed, offering a more intimate experience with the wildlife.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Game Drive & Boat Safari on Lake Mburo

  • Morning Game Drive: Wake up early for a game drive, spotting zebras, buffaloes, and impalas, among other wildlife.
  • Boat Safari on Lake Mburo: In the afternoon, embark on a boat safari on Lake Mburo, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Return to Entebbe

  • Morning Nature Walk: After breakfast, take a final nature walk before starting your journey back to Entebbe.
  • Return to Entebbe: Depending on your schedule, you’ll be transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your flight.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Inclusions:

  • Gorilla and chimpanzee tracking permits
  • Game drives and boat cruises
  • Park entry fees
  • Full-board accommodation
  • Professional guide services
  • Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle

Exclusions:

  • International flights
  • Visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, beverages, tips)

Important Notes

  • Gorilla Trekking: Permits are limited, and it’s essential to book well in advance. Tracking gorillas can be physically demanding, so a reasonable fitness level is required.
  • Best Time to Visit: Uganda can be visited year-round, but the dry seasons (June to August, December to February) are the best for both gorilla trekking and game drives.

Custom Safaris:
Looking to mix and match or adjust this itinerary? At Safari Hub Africa, we offer tailored experiences with African Feel Travel and Safaris Ltd. Contact us to customize your perfect safari.