Overview
Our newest East African destination is rich with biological and cultural diversity. Visit four national parks where you’ll track gorillas and chimpanzees. You’ll also see elephants, rhinos, lions, buffalo, and giraffes during the more traditional safari portion of the itinerary. This impressive list of animals is due to Uganda’s location between east and central Africa at the headwaters of the River Nile in the Great Lakes region. The result is a wide range of habitats–from dense forest in misty mountains to wide-open savanna. The trip takes you to the most famous parks of western Uganda. Along the way, you’ll stay at comfortable lodges. We only work with local guides and drivers with 10 or more years of experience.
Itinerary
Expand All FieldsDay 1: Welcome to Uganda!
Upon your arrival, your Wilderness Inquiry guide will meet you at the Entebbe International Airport (EBB) and travel with you to The Victoria View Guest House.
Day 2: Head west to Fort Portal before continuing to Kibale National Park.
After breakfast depart Entebbe and head west to Fort Portal. Fort Portal rests in the shadow of the fabled “Mountains of the Moon” and is famous for its many tea plantations. After lunch in town, continue to Kibale National Park. Dinner and overnight accommodations will be at the Mountains of the Moon.
Day 3: Track chimpanzees in the Kibale Forest before traveling to the Bigodi Swamp.
Today the forest opens up for chimpanzee tracking. Kibale Forest is reputable for having the greatest variety and highest concentration of primates in East Africa. Enjoy a guided nature walk in this tropical rainforest. After lunch travel to the Bigodi Swamp. The Bigodi Swamp Walk is an initiative of the local community and is known for its rich diversity of birds and primates.
Day 4: Search for elephants, buffalo, and more on a game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park.
After breakfast travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park while passing the region of the Crater Lakes. Have lunch and relax at the pool before going on a game drive in search of warthogs, buffalo, waterbucks, and elephants. Dinner and overnight accommodations will be at the Ihamba Lodge.
Day 5: Spot fascinating creatures on another game drive. In the afternoon, cruise along the Kazinga channel.
The day begins early for a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Search for lions, elephants, and buffalos in their natural habitat before returning for lunch. In the afternoon take the opportunity to relax on a luxury boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural channel between Lake Edward and Lake George. Abundant birdlife, elephants, buffalos, and hippos make their homes here.
Day 6: Take a short game drive through Ishasha before journeying to Bwindi National Park.
After breakfast head south, passing the southern sector of the Queen Elizabeth National Park. This part of the park is called Ishasha and is famous for tree-climbing lions. After a short game drive, continue to Bwindi National Park, home of the endangered mountain gorillas. Stay at the Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Day 7: Hike through Bwindi National Park where you'll encounter gorillas.
Gorilla tracking–a meeting with the gentle giants of Bwindi National Park! Expect to walk in steep and muddy conditions, sometimes with rain overhead, before encountering any gorillas. Those who prefer not to participate in the gorilla tracking can go for a guided forest walk or explore the surroundings.
Day 8: Travel to Lake Mburo National Park where you'll see birds and hippos.
After breakfast depart Bwindi and head to Lake Mburo National Park. Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Mburo to view the rich bird life and hippos. Tonight will be an early dinner to allow time for a night game drive in an open Land Cruiser. This special game drive provides an opportunity to see the elusive leopard. Spend the night at Aracadia Cottages Lake Mburo.
Day 9: Rise early for a ranger-guided safari walk before heading to Kampala.
Eat an early breakfast before a safari walk guided by a ranger. Lake Mburo is the only National Park where you can experience a safari on foot. Enjoy a game drive as we travel to Kampala. Arrive in the afternoon for time to visit shops or relax at the pool.
Day 10: Say farewell to your trip mates before departing Uganda.
Depending on your flight schedule you can join us on a Kampala city tour. You will be brought to Entebbe Airport in time for your flight.
Dates & Fees
WI leads trips to Uganda but currently has no dates scheduled for this itinerary. If you have a group of people interested, we can set up a customized adventure just for you! Please contact us or request a trip quote below if you are interested in a group trip to this destination.
Request Trip Quote »What to Expect
TERRAIN/ROUTE: Uganda varies in terrain from tall mountains to vast plateaus. The country borders massive Lake Victoria. You will experience a variety of diverse ecosystems and wildlife on this safari adventure.
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