Journey Details
- Start / End
- Entebbe, Uganda
- Languages
- English, French, German (on request)
- Guide
- Expert Local Guide
- Group Size
- 2–12
- Accommodation
- Luxury
About This Journey
Overview
Experience the best of Uganda’s wildlife and primate experiences on this 9-day safari from Entebbe to Kibale, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The journey combines chimpanzee trekking in Kibale, classic savannah game drives, a wildlife-rich boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel and an unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi.
Travelling through Uganda’s diverse landscapes, you’ll encounter rainforest, crater lakes, savannah and mountain scenery while experiencing some of the country’s most celebrated wildlife destinations. This itinerary is ideal for international travellers looking to combine chimpanzee trekking, Uganda wildlife safaris and gorilla trekking in one comprehensive East African adventure.
The Route Ahead
Every stop, stay and meal — laid out so you know exactly what each day holds.
Arrival in Entebbe (5th October)
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where your safari guide will warmly welcome you. Entebbe, located on the shores of Lake Victoria, is a peaceful city that serves as the perfect introduction to Uganda. Depending on your arrival time, you can unwind at your hotel or explore nearby attractions. Options include the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, which offers an excellent opportunity to spot monkeys and colorful birdlife, or a boat ride on Lake Victoria to relax as you enjoy the sunset. Your guide will provide a detailed briefing about your upcoming safari, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the adventure ahead.
Entebbe to Kibale National Park (6th October)
After an early breakfast, set off on a scenic 6–7 hour drive to Kibale National Park, often referred to as the “Primate Capital of the World.” The journey takes you through Uganda’s picturesque countryside, passing rolling hills, tea plantations, and bustling rural towns. Along the way, enjoy photo stops and perhaps try some local snacks. Arrive in Kibale in the afternoon, where the forest’s cool air and lush greenery welcome you. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at your lodge, soaking in the views, and preparing for the exciting chimpanzee trekking experience the next day.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park (7th October)
The day begins with an exhilarating morning chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale Forest. After a briefing from your guide, enter the dense forest in search of one of the habituated chimpanzee families. As you trek through the towering trees, listen for the distinctive calls of the chimps. Once you locate them, spend up to an hour observing their behavior, social interactions, and feeding habits. Afterward, return to your lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a haven for birdwatchers and home to other primates such as red colobus monkeys.
Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park (8th October)
After breakfast, drive approximately three hours to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most popular savannah park. The drive passes through the scenic crater lake region, offering breathtaking views of the countryside. Arrive at the park in time for an afternoon game drive in the Kasenyi plains, where lions, elephants, buffaloes, and various antelope species roam. The open savannah landscape provides excellent opportunities for photography and wildlife spotting. Enjoy the sunset before heading to your lodge for the evening. Overnight at Buffalo Safari Lodge or Pumba Safari Cottages, both offering mid-range comfort near the park.
Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park (9th October)
Start the day with an early morning game drive to explore more of Queen Elizabeth National Park’s diverse wildlife. The Kasenyi plains are known for their predators, including lions and leopards, as well as large herds of elephants and Uganda kobs. In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. This waterway is teeming with hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of bird species. The cruise provides a unique perspective of the park, offering close encounters with wildlife along the banks. Return to your lodge for the night.
Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (10th October)
Depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 4–5 hour drive takes you through breathtaking landscapes, including the Ishasha sector, where tree-climbing lions can sometimes be spotted lounging in fig trees. Arrive in Bwindi in the afternoon and settle into your lodge, surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and preparing for your gorilla trekking adventure.
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi (11th October)
Today is the highlight of your safari—gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After an early breakfast, attend a briefing from your guide before heading into the forest. Trekking can take 2–6 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family, but the effort is rewarded with an unforgettable encounter. Spend up to an hour observing these gentle giants as they interact, play, and feed. In the afternoon, you may opt for a community walk to learn about the Batwa people and the forest’s original inhabitants.
Bwindi to Entebbe (12th October)
Begin your journey back to Entebbe after breakfast. The drive, approximately 8–9 hours, offers plenty of scenic views along the way. Stop at the equator for photos and a chance to shop for locally made crafts and souvenirs. Arrive in Entebbe in the evening and check into your hotel. Spend your final night reflecting on the incredible experiences of your safari.
Departure from Entebbe (13th October)
Depending on your flight schedule, spend your final hours in Entebbe at leisure. You may choose to visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre or enjoy a relaxing lakeside breakfast. Your guide will transfer you to the airport in time for your departure flight, marking the end of an unforgettable 9-day adventure through Uganda.
Departure Dates & Pricing
Available on request — tell us your preferred dates and we'll tailor a departure around them.
What's Included
- Accommodation in double occupancy (two people sharing) with an option to upgrade
- Local transportation in private customized safari vehicles
- Experienced local tour manager
- 8 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 8 dinners
- All activities as described in the itinerary
What's Excluded
- International Airfare
- Travel Insurance
- Visa - $50 per person
- Meals not included on your itinerary
- Optional Activities
- Any personal expenses
- Drinks
- Gratuities for Paanvuu Safaris’ guide
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.
