Journey Details
- Start / End
- Entebbe International Airport, Uganda → Entebbe, Uganda
- Languages
- English, French, German (on request)
- Guide
- Expert Local Guide
- Group Size
- 2–11
- Accommodation
- Luxury
About This Journey
Overview
Experience the best of Uganda’s classic safari circuit on this 11-day journey, combining mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee encounters and iconic savannah wildlife. From the shores of Lake Victoria and the Source of the Nile in Jinja to the wildlife-rich plains of Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks, the itinerary showcases Uganda’s remarkable natural diversity.
The journey culminates in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where you’ll trek through ancient rainforest in search of endangered mountain gorillas. Along the way, enjoy game drives, Nile and Kazinga Channel boat safaris, chimpanzee trekking and opportunities to experience Uganda’s landscapes and wildlife up close. Paanvuu lists this as an 11-day classic Uganda safari covering the country’s diverse landscapes and wildlife.
The Route Ahead
Every stop, stay and meal — laid out so you know exactly what each day holds.
Arrival in Entebbe, Transfer to Kampala
Arrive in Entebbe and transfer to Kampala, Uganda's vibrant capital. Check in to your hotel and relax after your journey, soaking in the atmosphere of this bustling city.
Drive to Murchison Falls National Park
Depart Kampala and drive to Murchison Falls National Park, known for its dramatic waterfall and abundant wildlife. Check in to your lodge and prepare for the adventures ahead.
Game Drive and Boat Safari in Murchison Falls National Park
Explore Murchison Falls National Park on a game drive, seeking out the park's diverse wildlife. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on the Nile River, offering a unique perspective of the park's landscapes and wildlife.
Drive to Kibale National Park
Journey to Kibale National Park, home to a variety of primate species. Check in to your lodge and prepare for an exciting chimpanzee tracking experience the next day.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park
Embark on a chimpanzee trekking adventure in Kibale National Park, where you'll have the chance to observe these fascinating primates in their natural habitat.
Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its diverse ecosystems and wildlife. Check in to your lodge and prepare for game drives and boat safaris in the park.
Game Drive and Boat Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park on a game drive, looking out for the park's famous tree-climbing lions and other wildlife. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, known for its high concentration of hippos and birds.
Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to endangered mountain gorillas. Check in to your lodge and prepare for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience the next day.
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Embark on a gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where you'll have the opportunity to encounter these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
Travel to Lake Mburo National Park, known for its scenic landscapes and diverse wildlife. Check in to your lodge and prepare for a morning game drive the next day.
Morning Game Drive and Departure from Uganda
Enjoy a final game drive in Lake Mburo National Park, looking out for zebras, antelopes, and other wildlife. Afterwards, depart for Entebbe International Airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your classic Uganda safari adventure.
Departure Dates & Pricing
Available on request — tell us your preferred dates and we'll tailor a departure around them.
What's Included
- Airport transfers
- Accommodation as specified
- Ground transportation for all transfers and activities
- Game drives, boat safaris, and chimpanzee/gorilla tracking permits
- Park entrance fees
What's Excluded
- International flights to/from Entebbe International Airport
- Visa fees (if required)
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
East Africa — including Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania — welcomes hundreds of thousands of international visitors every year, and the overwhelming majority return home with wonderful memories and no safety issues.
The main tourist areas (national parks, gorilla trekking zones, established lodges, and well-travelled routes) are generally very safe when you travel with a reputable operator. Crime against tourists is relatively rare in these environments. Like any destination in the world, larger cities require normal urban awareness, especially after dark.
Safety can vary by country and by region, and the situation can change. For this reason we always recommend that you check the latest official travel advice from your own government’s embassy or foreign office before you book and again closer to your departure date. This is the most reliable and up-to-date source of information.
At Tuntu Safaris we take safety extremely seriously. We use experienced local guides, well-maintained vehicles, carefully selected lodges, and proven routes. Your wellbeing is our highest priority from the moment you arrive until you leave.
This is one of the best questions you can ask, and the answer depends on the kind of experience you want.
Uganda is ideal if you want exceptional variety in a single country. Here you can trek mountain gorillas, track chimpanzees, enjoy classic game drives, boat safaris, and beautiful scenery — all without excessive travel days. It feels less commercial than some of its neighbours and offers outstanding value, especially for gorilla trekking.
Rwanda is perfect for a short, high-end, polished trip focused on mountain gorillas. The infrastructure and service standards are excellent, and the experience is very exclusive.
Kenya and Tanzania are the classic choices for big open savannahs, large numbers of the Big Five, and (in season) the Great Migration. They deliver the iconic “endless plains” safari experience many people picture when they think of Africa.
Many of our guests combine two countries. Uganda + Rwanda is a particularly popular pairing for primate lovers. We’re happy to help you decide based on the length of your trip, your interests, and your budget.
Uganda can be visited year-round, but conditions change with the seasons.
The two dry seasons — June to September and December to February — are generally considered the best times for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. Trails are less muddy and hiking is more comfortable. Wildlife viewing in the savannah parks is also excellent during these months as animals gather around water sources.
The rainy seasons (March to May and October to November) bring lush green landscapes, excellent birdwatching, fewer visitors, and sometimes better availability of gorilla permits and lodge rooms. Trekking is still very possible, though you should expect some mud and rain.
If your main goal is comfortable gorilla trekking, aim for the dry seasons. If you prefer quieter parks and don’t mind a bit of rain, the green seasons can be wonderfully rewarding.
A standard gorilla trekking permit in Uganda currently costs USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents. This allows you one hour with a habituated gorilla family in Bwindi or Mgahinga.
A gorilla habituation experience permit (which lets you spend up to four hours with a group still being habituated) costs USD 1,500.
Permits are limited and sell out quickly in peak season, so we recommend securing them as early as possible. We handle the entire permit booking process for our clients.
