Tour Package
Epic 9-Day Uganda Safari: Gorillas, Wildlife & Ultimate Birding Adventure
Epic 9-Day Uganda Safari Adventure: Gorillas, Big Game & a Birding Paradise 🦍🦜 | 2026/2027 Expert Guide
Safari Overview
Welcome to the Pearl of Africa. This epic 9-day Uganda safari journey takes you from the vibrant cultural pulse of Kampala to the misty gorilla forests of Bwindi, threading through Uganda’s most spectacular landscapes and wildlife destinations. Starting and ending in Entebbe, this adventure combines rhino tracking at Ziwa, Big Five game drives in Murchison Falls, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale, tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, a world-class birding cruise on the Kazinga Channel, and the pinnacle — mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Designed for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and birders, this itinerary delivers the complete Ugandan wilderness experience. Expect varied terrain from Nile Delta wetlands to crater lakes, tea plantations, and the Kigezi Highlands, with rich cultural encounters and photographic moments that will stay with you forever.
Safari Highlights
🦏 Rhino tracking on foot at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Uganda’s only wild rhino population
🌊 Murchison Falls – Witness the Nile thundering through a 7-metre gorge
🦁 Big Five game drives – Lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos
🐒 Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale – Over 90% success rate, 13 primate species
🦜 World-class birding – Shoebill stork, Great Blue Turaco, Papyrus Gonolek, and 350+ species
🦁 Tree-climbing lions in Ishasha – A unique photographic opportunity
🚤 Kazinga Channel boat cruise – Africa’s highest concentration of hippos
🦍 Gorilla trekking in Bwindi – A UNESCO World Heritage Site and once-in-a-lifetime encounter
🏔️ Scenic drives through the “Mountains of the Moon” (Rwenzori) and Kigezi Highlands
👣 Cultural encounters with local communities and the Batwa people
2026/2027 Updated Permit & Park Fee Prices (Uganda Wildlife Authority)
| Permit / Fee | Foreign Non-Residents | Foreign Residents | East African Citizens |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gorilla Trekking Permit (High Season) | $800 | $700 | UGX 300,000 |
| Gorilla Trekking Permit (Low Season — Apr, May, Nov 2026 & 2027) | $600 | $500 | — |
| Gorilla Habituation Experience (Rushaga) | $1,800 | $1,600 | UGX 750,000 |
| Chimpanzee Tracking (Kibale) — 2026 standard | $250 | $200 | UGX 180,000 |
| Chimpanzee Tracking (Kibale) — 2027 standard | $300 | $200 | UGX 180,000 |
| Chimpanzee Tracking (Kibale) — Low Season Apr, May, Nov | $200 | $150 | — |
| Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (2027) | $400 | $300 | UGX 250,000 |
| Murchison Falls Park Entry (per day) | $45 | $35 | UGX 25,000 |
| Queen Elizabeth Park Entry (per day) | $40 | $30 | UGX 20,000 |
| Ziwa Rhino Tracking | $60 | $50 | — |
| Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise | $30 | $25 | UGX 30,000 |
| Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary | $13–$14 | $11 | UGX 40,000 |
| Golden Monkey Tracking (Mgahinga) | $100 | $90 | UGX 60,000 |
| Experiential Lion Tracking | $350 | $350 | UGX 350,000 |
| Guided Walks (Rushaga–Nyabaremura / Buhoma–Nkuringo) | $80–$100 | $50 | UGX 50,000 |
Important 2026/2027 UWA Updates:
Low-season discount: Gorilla permits drop to $600 for foreign non-residents** and chimpanzee permits to **$200 during April, May, and November 2026 and 2027.
Full payment at booking: From March 1, 2026, UWA suspended the 7-day provisional holding window — all permits now require full payment at the time of booking. This move is intended to improve permit availability and ensure fairness in allocation.
2027 tariff confirmed: The standard gorilla permit remains at $800 for foreign non-residents** from January 1, 2027. However, Kibale chimpanzee permits will increase to **$300 for standard tracking and $400 for habituation experiences**. Experiential lion tracking increases to **$350.
No rescheduling of low-season permits: Discounted permits cannot be rescheduled under any circumstances. Travellers are encouraged to confirm travel dates before booking.
Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Sectors — Choose Your Experience
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into four distinct trekking sectors, each with its own trailheads, landscapes, and hike difficulty. Your permit is sector-specific — choose based on your fitness level, travel style, and lodge preferences.
| Sector | Location | Terrain | Best For | Gorilla Families | Drive from Kampala |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buhoma (North) | Northwest | Easiest — gentle terrain, lower altitude | First-time trekkers, luxury lodges | 3–5 families (Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura) | 8–9 hours |
| Ruhija (East) | Eastern side | Moderate — higher altitude, cooler | Birdwatchers, solitude, Albertine Rift endemics | 4 families | 7–8 hours |
| Rushaga (South) | Southern Bwindi | Moderate-Hard | Best permit availability, Gorilla Habituation Experience | 8+ families | 9–10 hours |
| Nkuringo (Southwest) | Southwest | Hardest — steep 600m climbs | Fit trekkers, spectacular views | 3 families | 9–10 hours |
Pro tip: Buhoma is widely considered the most forgiving sector for first-time trekkers, with gentler access trails and well-established infrastructure including the Bwindi National Park headquarters. Ruhija has the highest concentration of Albertine Rift endemic birds. Rushaga offers the only sector with the four-hour Gorilla Habituation Experience. Nkuringo offers the most dramatic scenery but the steepest climbs.
9 Days Uganda Safari Cost
| Category | Price Per Person | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $3,200 – $3,800 | Basic lodges, transport, gorilla & chimp permits |
| Mid-range | $5,000 – $6,000 | Comfortable lodges, private 4×4 vehicle, permits |
| Luxury | $8,000 – $12,000+ | High-end lodges, gourmet dining, private transfers |
💡 Prices include: Gorilla permit ($800), chimpanzee permit ($250 in 2026 / $300 in 2027), park entrance fees, accommodation, meals, transport, game drives, and boat cruises.
❌ Excludes: International flights, visas, tips, drinks, and personal expenses.
Detailed Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to the Pearl of Africa – Kampala’s Cultural Pulse
Welcome to Uganda! Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, your private driver-guide and birding expert will greet you with a warm smile and a branded safari welcome pack. Transfer to your elegant city accommodation to check in and refresh.
Depending on your arrival time, embark on a guided exploration of Kampala’s vibrant cultural and historical landmarks. Visit the Uganda Museum for a rich introduction to the country’s heritage, followed by the serene Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo. For your first taste of Uganda’s incredible birdlife, keep an eye out for Marabou Storks and graceful Black Kites soaring above the city. Cap off the day browsing exquisite local crafts — the perfect souvenir opportunity.
Meal Plan: Dependent on arrival time
Accommodation:
Luxury: Kampala Serena Hotel or Sheraton Kampala Hotel
Moderate: Protea Hotel by Marriott Kampala or Grand Imperial Hotel
Basic: Emerald Hotel Kampala or Yellow Haven Lodge
Day 2: Rhinos, Raptors & The Mighty Murchison Falls
After a hearty breakfast, journey north towards the thundering Murchison Falls National Park. Your first major stop is the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary — the flagship for a rhino reintroduction project organised by Rhino Fund Uganda and the Uganda Wildlife Authority. More than 40 white rhinos now roam freely within the 7,000-hectare sanctuary.
Here, you’ll embark on a guided on-foot tracking experience ($60 per person), coming face-to-face with majestic Southern White Rhinos. Rhino tracking is done entirely on foot with armed ranger guides and takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Unlike gorilla trekking permits, rhino tracking permits at Ziwa are inexpensive, widely available, and don’t need to be booked months in advance. This sanctuary is also a birding hotspot; your guide will help you spot the elusive Shoebill Stork in the swamps, along with a variety of cisticolas and the dazzling Northern Carmine Bee-eater.
Following lunch at a classic diner, continue to the national park. Upon arrival, choose an optional, invigorating hike to the top of Murchison Falls — a phenomenal spectacle where the Nile River squeezes through a 7-metre gorge before plunging 43 metres down. Listen for the piercing call of Rock Pratincoles nesting on the cliffs. Settle into your lodge, surrounded by the wild symphony of the African night.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation:
Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge or Chobe Safari Lodge
Mid-range: Pakuba Safari Lodge or Twiga Safari Lodge
Basic: Sambiya River Lodge or Murchison River Lodge
Day 3: Savannah Big Game & A Nile River Boat Safari
Dawn breaks with an epic game drive across the rolling savannahs of the Buligi Peninsula. With a Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger on board, track the “Big Five” and more — lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, and vast herds of elephants, Rothschild’s giraffes, buffalo, and Jackson’s hartebeest. For avid birders, the open plains offer incredible raptor viewing, from the stately Secretary Bird to the colorful Abyssinian Ground Hornbill.
After lunch and a well-earned siesta, assemble at Paraa jetty for a spectacular boat cruise up the Nile to the base of the falls. This is a prime birding theatre: witness prehistoric-looking Shoebills in the reed beds, vast colonies of Great White Pelicans, and dazzling Pied and Giant Kingfishers diving for their prey. Giant Nile crocodiles and hundreds of grunting hippos line the banks, offering unforgettable photographic moments.
What to expect: Big landscapes, loud water, and excellent binocular use. The park is home to over 76 mammal species including the Big Five.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Same as Day 2
Day 4: Journey to the Primate Capital via the Mountains of the Moon
Today is a scenic odyssey to Kibale Forest National Park. The 7–8 hour drive transforms into a highlight reel of stunning landscapes. Pass through verdant tea and banana plantations, with breathtaking, clear-day views of the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains — the legendary “Mountains of the Moon.” Stop for a delicious farm-to-table lunch in Fort Portal town.
This afternoon, we highly recommend an optional Crater Lake tour, where the calm waters and forest edges are a haven for gem-like sunbirds and weavers. Arrive at your lodge, nestled on the edge of the primate capital, for a tranquil evening.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation:
Luxury: Ndali Lodge or Kyaninga Safari Lodge
Moderate: Chimps Nest or Kibale Forest Camp
Basic: Rwenzori View Guesthouse or Chimpanzee Guesthouse
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking & The Bigodi Birding Sanctuary
The primal calls of rainforest birds rouse you this morning. After breakfast, transfer to the Kanyanchu Visitor Centre for a briefing on chimpanzee trekking. Then, plunge into the lush forest, guided by expert trackers. Kibale National Park is home to around 1,000 chimpanzees and 13 primate species, including the Uganda mangabey — a monkey unique to Uganda. Groups are capped at six people per chimpanzee family, and you spend one hour with the chimps once located.
In the afternoon, the birding spotlight intensifies with a guided nature walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary ($13–$14 for foreign non-residents). This community-run gem is a paradise for wetland birds. Patiently scanning the dense vegetation with your guide often reveals the brilliant Great Blue Turaco, Papyrus Gonolek, White-spotted Flufftail, and a host of primate species like the red colobus monkey. Every entrance fee you pay goes directly into community development — school fees, medical support, and conservation education.
What to expect: Close chimp encounters and muddy boots.
Tip: Bring spare socks — chimps do not do laundry for guests.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Same as Day 4
Day 6: The Queen’s Realm – A Medley of Wonders
Depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, a scenic 3–4 hour drive. The safari begins immediately upon entry, with a welcome committee of Ugandan kob, elephants, and buffalo dotting the golden plains. After lunch at your lodge, which overlooks the vast Albertine Rift Valley, you have time to relax or choose an optional cultural visit to a local community. Share in traditional dances and stories, capping the evening with a mouthwatering local dinner under a canopy of stars.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is possibly the most biodiverse national park anywhere in East Africa — home to hippos on the Kazinga Channel, rainforests alive with chimps and monkeys, and crater lakes tinged pink by flocks of flamingos.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation:
Luxury: Elephant Plains Lodge or Mweya Safari Lodge
Moderate: Buffalo Safari Lodge or Queen Elizabeth Bush Camp
Basic: Bush Lodge Tents or Kazinga Channel View Resort
Day 7: Predators, Prides & A Kazinga Channel Birding Cruise
An early morning game drive is timed perfectly to catch crepuscular predators — lions, spotted hyenas, and the elusive leopard — before they retreat from the rising sun. The Kasenyi track offers phenomenal viewing of giant forest hogs and banded mongooses, while the avian world comes alive with flappet larks displaying their aerial artistry.
In the afternoon, embark on the highlight cruise along the Kazinga Channel ($30 per person for foreign non-residents). This waterway hosts Africa’s highest concentration of hippos and is a Ramsar Convention bird site of global importance. Marvel at the sheer biomass of life: from skimming African fish eagles and regal pink-backed pelicans to a vibrant blizzard of pied kingfishers, yellow-billed storks, and fish eagles. The channel is home to 60% of Uganda’s known bird species.
Highlight: Sunset on the Kazinga Channel is a photographer’s checklist ticked.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Same as Day 6
Day 8: Tree-Climbing Lions & The Impenetrable Forest
After an early breakfast, journey south to the ancient Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This spectacular drive includes a game drive through the Ishasha sector, famous for its unique tree-climbing lions, often found draped lazily on the boughs of fig trees. Enjoy a scenic lunch at Savannah Resort in Kanungu, with sweeping views of the terraced hills.
In the afternoon, arrive at the edge of Bwindi — the ultimate gorilla trekking destination. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site supporting almost half the world’s mountain gorillas. The forest’s misty canopy hums with the calls of rare Albertine Rift endemic birds — 23 of Bwindi’s 350 bird species are found nowhere else on Earth.
Note: Ishasha tree-climbing lion sightings aren’t guaranteed, but are spectacular when they happen.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation:
Upmarket: Mahogany Springs Camp or Silverback Lodge
Moderate: Kigezi Forest Cottages or Engagi Lodge
Basic: Buhoma Community Rest Camp or Bwindi View Bandas
Day 9: The Gorilla Encounter & Departure
The pinnacle of your epic adventure. After an early breakfast, walk to the park headquarters for a final briefing before entering the Impenetrable Forest. Guided by expert trackers, hike through tangled undergrowth and towering ferns until you find your assigned gorilla family.
The silent, charged hour you spend in their presence, watching silverbacks groom and infants play, is a moment that redefines your connection to the natural world. A maximum of 8 people are allowed per gorilla family per day, and the minimum age is 15 years old — strictly enforced by UWA rangers.
Return to your lodge for a celebratory lunch before transferring back to Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight, carrying with you the soul of Uganda.
Trek time: 2–6+ hours depending on gorilla location.
Etiquette reminder: No flash photography, maintain 7-metre distance from gorillas, and follow ranger instructions.
Emotional note: You may laugh, cry, and smile all in one hour — it’s normal.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Safari Inclusions & Exclusions
✅ Includes:
Gorilla trekking permit ($800 for foreign non-residents)
Chimpanzee tracking permit (Kibale — $250 in 2026 / $300 in 2027)
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary tracking fee ($60)
Park entrance fees (Murchison Falls — $45/day; Queen Elizabeth — $40/day)
Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
4×4 safari vehicle with English-speaking driver-guide and birding expert
Bottled drinking water throughout
Nile boat cruise and Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary nature walk
Kampala city tour
Free branded rain jacket per traveller
❌ Excludes:
International flights and visas
Travel insurance
Tips and personal expenses
Optional activities (gorilla habituation experience, experiential lion tracking, golden monkey tracking)
Drinks other than bottled water
Best Time to Go on This Uganda Safari
The best time for gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking in Uganda is during the dry seasons: June to September and December to February. These months offer firmer trails, clearer views, and better wildlife spotting.
The low seasons of April, May, and November bring lower lodge rates, thinner crowds, and discounted permits — gorilla permits drop to $600 for foreign non-residents** and chimpanzee permits to **$200 during these months. However, trails can be muddy and some roads may be challenging.
Pro tip: If your travel dates are flexible, booking a low-season safari can save you over $200 per person on gorilla permits alone. Low-season permits cannot be rescheduled, so book with confidence once your dates are confirmed.
Visa & Entry Requirements (2026)
Uganda has simplified entry for many travellers in 2026:
Visa-free entry: Uganda now offers visa-free entry for nationals of approximately 40 countries for stays of up to 3 months for tourism or business purposes.
Single-entry tourist visa: For those who require a visa, the standard single-entry tourist visa costs $50 and can be applied for online at https://visas.immigration.go.ug.
East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV): The joint EATV costs $100 and permits multi-entry travel across Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya over a 90-day period.
Yellow fever vaccination: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Uganda.
Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned travel dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Uganda gorilla permit cost in 2026?
A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $800 per person** for foreign non-residents during high season, and **$600 during the low-season months of April, May, and November. Foreign residents pay $700 (high season) or $500 (low season).
How much does a chimpanzee permit cost in Kibale?
In 2026, a Kibale chimpanzee tracking permit costs $250 for foreign non-residents**. From January 1, 2027, this increases to **$300 for standard tracking and **$400** for habituation experiences. During the low seasons (April, May, November), permits drop to $200.
How long is the gorilla trekking experience?
Treks vary from 30 minutes to 8 hours depending on where the gorillas have moved overnight. You get exactly one hour with the gorillas once found.
What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking?
The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Bwindi is 15 years old, strictly enforced by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers at the briefing. No exceptions are made in 2026–2027.
Which Bwindi sector is best for me?
Buhoma is best for first-time trekkers and those wanting accessible terrain. Rushaga has the largest number of gorilla families and best permit availability. Ruhija is ideal for birdwatchers and those seeking solitude. Nkuringo is the most physically demanding and offers the most dramatic views.
How much does rhino tracking at Ziwa cost?
Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary costs $60 per person for foreign non-residents and takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours on foot with armed ranger guides. Unlike gorilla trekking permits, rhino tracking permits are inexpensive, widely available, and don’t need to be booked months in advance.
What should I pack for this safari?
Pack sturdy waterproof hiking boots, gaiters for Bwindi, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, a rain jacket, warm fleece for mornings, gardening gloves, insect repellent, sunscreen (SPF 50+), a wide-brimmed hat, binoculars, and a refillable water bottle. Avoid dark blue and black clothing, as these colours attract tsetse flies.
Are the permits refundable or transferable?
Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable. Low-season permits cannot be rescheduled under any circumstances. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential.
Why Choose This 9-Day Uganda Safari?
Comprehensive experience: Combines rhino tracking, chimpanzee trekking, Big Five wildlife safaris, world-class birding, and gorilla trekking in one epic journey
Seven top destinations: Kampala, Ziwa, Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Ishasha, and Bwindi
Birding paradise: Shoebill stork, Great Blue Turaco, Papyrus Gonolek, and 350+ bird species including 23 Albertine Rift endemics
Flexible accommodation: Budget, mid-range, and luxury options available at every stop
Expert guides: English-speaking driver-guides and birding experts with deep knowledge of Uganda’s wildlife, ecosystems, and culture
Conservation impact: Your permit fees directly support gorilla, chimpanzee, and rhino conservation efforts across Uganda
Free branded rain jacket: Every traveller receives a complimentary branded rain jacket
Perfect for birders and photographers: Combines classic safari wildlife with world-class birding opportunities
Practical Notes and Packing Reminders
Daily rhythm: Expect early mornings, full days, and evenings for photo review and storytelling.
Clothing: Lightweight layers, waterproof jacket, warm fleece for mornings, and long sleeves for forest protection. Neutral colours (khaki, green, beige) are best — avoid dark blue and black.
Footwear: Sturdy waterproof hiking boots with ankle support; gaiters useful in Bwindi.
Health: Bring malaria prophylaxis, required vaccinations, and comprehensive travel insurance.
Cash and connectivity: Bring sufficient local currency (USD or UGX) for tips and small purchases in rural areas; ATMs are rare near parks. Network coverage will be intermittent.
Sustainability: Use reusable water bottles, respect wildlife rules, and favour operators who support conservation.
✅ Why Book With Us
Licensed & Accredited: Registered with Uganda Tourism Board.
Eco-Conscious: Lodges and activities support conservation and local communities.
Transparent Pricing: No hidden costs — permits included.
Expert Guides: English-speaking driver-guides and birding experts with years of Uganda safari experience.
📌 Booking Instructions
Confirm Availability: Contact us for permit and lodge availability — permits sell out months in advance during peak season.
Secure Your Spot: Full payment is now required to secure permits, as the Uganda Wildlife Authority no longer holds reservations without payment (effective March 1, 2026).
Prepare Travel Documents: Ensure a valid passport, visa, and comprehensive travel insurance.
Pack Smart: Hiking boots, rain jacket, insect repellent, and binoculars recommended. We offer a free branded rain jacket per traveller.
Final Payment: Balance due before arrival.
Ready to Book Your Epic 9-Day Uganda Safari?
Contact us today to check availability, secure your gorilla and chimpanzee permits, and customise this 9-day Uganda safari to your travel dates and budget. Permits sell out months in advance during peak season, so early booking is essential. Full payment is now required to secure permits, as UWA no longer holds reservations without payment.
Book your 2026/2027 Uganda gorilla safari now and experience the adventure of a lifetime — from the thunder of Murchison Falls to the silent majesty of Bwindi’s mountain gorillas, with world-class birding and the warm hospitality of the Pearl of Africa.
Detailed Safari:
Your Epic 9-Day Journey: From the Source of the Nile to the Realm of Gorillas
Day 1: Welcome to the Pearl of Africa – Kampala’s Cultural Pulse
Welcome to Uganda! Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, your private driver-guide and birding expert will greet you with a warm smile and a branded safari welcome pack. Transfer to your elegant city accommodation to check in and refresh.
Depending on your arrival time, embark on a guided exploration of Kampala’s vibrant cultural and historical landmarks. Visit the Uganda Museum for a rich introduction to the country’s heritage, followed by the serene Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo. For your first taste of Uganda’s incredible birdlife, keep an eye out for Marabou Storks and graceful Black Kites soaring above the city. Cap off the day browsing exquisite local crafts, the perfect souvenir opportunity.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Kampala Serena Hotel or Sheraton Kampala Hotel
Moderate: Protea Hotel by Marriott Kampala or Grand Imperial Hotel
Basic: Emerald Hotel Kampala or Yellow Haven Lodge
Meals: Dependent on arrival time.
Day 2: Rhinos, Raptors & The Mighty Murchison Falls
After a hearty breakfast, journey north towards the thundering Murchison Falls National Park. Your first major stop is the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Here, you’ll embark on a guided on-foot tracking experience, coming face-to-face with majestic Southern White Rhinos. This sanctuary is also a birding hotspot; your guide will help you spot the elusive Shoebill Stork in the swamps, along with a variety of cisticolas and the dazzling Northern Carmine Bee-eater.
Following lunch at a classic diner, continue to the national park. Upon arrival, choose an optional, invigorating hike to the top of Murchison Falls—a phenomenal spectacle where the Nile River squeezes through a 7-meter gorge before plunging 43 meters down. Listen for the piercing call of Rock Pratincoles nesting on the cliffs. Settle into your lodge, surrounded by the wild symphony of the African night.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge or Chobe Safari Lodge
Mid-range: Pakuba Safari Lodge or Twiga Safari Lodge
Basic: Sambiya River Lodge or Murchison River Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 3: Savannah Big Game & A Nile River Boat Safari
Dawn breaks with an epic game drive across the rolling savannahs of the Buligi Peninsula. With a Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger on board, track the “Big Five” and more—lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, and vast herds of elephants, Rothschild’s giraffes, buffalo, and Jackson’s hartebeest. For avid birders, the open plains offer incredible raptor viewing, from the stately Secretary Bird to the colorful Abyssinian Ground Hornbill.
After lunch and a well-earned siesta, assemble at Paraa jetty for a spectacular boat cruise up the Nile to the base of the falls. This is a prime birding theatre: witness prehistoric-looking Shoebills in the reed beds, vast colonies of Great White Pelicans, and dazzling Pied and Giant Kingfishers diving for their prey. Giant Nile crocodiles and hundreds of grunting hippos line the banks, offering unforgettable photographic moments.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge or Chobe Safari Lodge
Mid-range: Pakuba Safari Lodge or Twiga Safari Lodge
Basic: Sambiya River Lodge or Murchison River Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 4: Journey to the Primate Capital via the Mountains of the Moon
Today is a scenic odyssey to Kibale Forest National Park. The 7-8 hour drive transforms into a highlight reel of stunning landscapes. Pass through verdant tea and banana plantations, with breathtaking, clear-day views of the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains—the legendary “Mountains of the Moon.” Stop for a delicious farm-to-table lunch in Fort Portal town. This afternoon, we highly recommend an optional Crater Lake tour, where the calm waters and forest edges are a haven for gem-like sunbirds and weavers. Arrive at your lodge, nestled on the edge of the primate capital, for a tranquil evening.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Ndali Lodge or Kyaninga Safari Lodge
Moderate: Chimps Nest or Kibale Forest Camp
Basic: Rwenzori View Guesthouse or Chimpanzee Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking & The Bigodi Birding Sanctuary
The primal calls of rainforest birds rouse you this morning. After breakfast, transfer to the Kanyanchu Visitor Center for a briefing on chimpanzee trekking. Then, plunge into the lush forest, guided by expert trackers. The moment you lock eyes with a wild chimpanzee troop is pure magic—spend an hour observing their complex social antics.
In the afternoon, the birding spotlight intensifies with a guided nature walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. This community-run gem is a paradise for wetland birds. Patiently scanning the dense vegetation with your guide often reveals the brilliant Great Blue Turaco, Papyrus Gonolek, White-spotted Flufftail, and a host of primate species like the red colobus monkey.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Ndali Lodge or Kyaninga Safari Lodge
Moderate: Chimps Nest or Kibale Forest Camp
Basic: Rwenzori View Guesthouse or Chimpanzee Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 6: The Queen’s Realm – A Medley of Wonders
Depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, a scenic 3-4 hour drive. The safari begins immediately upon entry, with a welcome committee of Ugandan kob, elephants, and buffalo dotting the golden plains. After lunch at your lodge, which overlooks the vast Albertine Rift Valley, you have time to relax or choose an optional cultural visit to a local community. Share in traditional dances and stories, capping the evening with a mouthwatering local dinner under a canopy of stars.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Elephant Plains Lodge or Mweya Safari Lodge
Moderate: Buffalo Safari Lodge or Queen Elizabeth Bush Camp
Basic: Bush Lodge Tents or Kazinga Channel View Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 7: Predators, Prides & A Kazinga Channel Birding Cruise
An early morning game drive is timed perfectly to catch crepuscular predators—lions, spotted hyenas, and the elusive leopard—before they retreat from the rising sun. The Kasenyi track offers phenomenal viewing of giant forest hogs and banded mongooses, while the avian world comes alive with flappet larks displaying their aerial artistry.
In the afternoon, embark on the highlight cruise along the Kazinga Channel. This waterway hosts Africa’s highest concentration of hippos and is a Ramsar Convention bird site of global importance. Marvel at the sheer biomass of life: from skimming African fish eagles and regal pink-backed pelicans to a vibrant blizzard of pied kingfishers, yellow-billed storks, and fish eagles.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Elephant Plains Lodge or Mweya Safari Lodge
Moderate: Buffalo Safari Lodge or Queen Elizabeth Bush Camp
Basic: Bush Lodge Tents or Kazinga Channel View Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 8: Tree-Climbing Lions & The Impenetrable Forest
After an early breakfast, journey south to the ancient Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This spectacular drive includes a game drive through the Ishasha sector, famous for its unique tree-climbing lions, often found draped lazily on the boughs of fig trees. Enjoy a scenic lunch at Savannah Resort in Kanungu, with sweeping views of the terraced hills. In the afternoon, arrive at the edge of Bwindi, the ultimate gorilla trekking destination. The forest’s misty canopy hums with the calls of rare Albertine Rift endemic birds.
Accommodation Options:
Upmarket: Mahogany Springs Camp or Silverback Lodge
Moderate: Kigezi Forest Cottages or Engagi Lodge
Basic: Buhoma Community Rest Camp or Bwindi View Bandas
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 9: The Gorilla Encounter & Departure
The pinnacle of your epic adventure. After an early breakfast, walk to the park headquarters for a final briefing before entering the Impenetrable Forest. Guided by expert trackers, hike through tangled undergrowth and towering ferns until you find your assigned gorilla family. The silent, charged hour you spend in their presence, watching silverbacks groom and infants play, is a moment that redefines your connection to the natural world.
Return to your lodge for a celebratory lunch before transferring back to Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight, carrying with you the soul of Uganda.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
✅ Why We Are Your Trusted Safari Partner
Licensed & Accredited: Fully registered with the Uganda Tourism Board, guaranteeing a safe, high-quality safari.
Purpose-Driven Travel: We are deeply eco-conscious. Our handpicked lodges and immersive activities actively support vital conservation work and local community upliftment.
Total Transparency: Our all-inclusive pricing has no hidden costs. Gorilla and chimpanzee permits are fully secured within your package.
📌 How to Book Your Epic Adventure
Enquire & Confirm Availability: Contact our expert team to check permit and lodge availability for your preferred dates.
Secure Your Spot: A deposit is required to confirm your booking and immediately reserve your highly sought-after gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits.
Prepare Your Documents: Ensure you have a valid passport (6+ months validity), secure your e-tourist visa, and arrange comprehensive travel insurance.
Pack Smart: Essentials include sturdy hiking boots, a lightweight rain jacket, comfortable safari clothes, insect repellent, sunscreen, and high-quality binoculars for exceptional birding. As a gift, you will receive our free branded rain jacket.
Final Payment: The remaining balance is due before your arrival, for a seamless experience from the moment you land.
