9 Days Best of Uganda Safari
The Best of Uganda Safari offers a perfect blend of wildlife game drives, primate experiences and breathtaking landscapes. It brings together Uganda’s signature attractions including Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Lake Bunyonyi. The journey is designed to give travelers an immersive experience that highlights the country’s natural beauty, diverse cultures and exceptional wildlife encounters, especially gorilla and chimpanzee trekking.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Upon landing at Entebbe International Airport, your safari guide receives you and transfers you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to relax at the hotel or explore attractions around Entebbe such as the botanical gardens, the craft market, or a quiet sunset by Lake Victoria. Your overnight stay will be at Airport Guesthouse Entebbe.
Day 2: Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast, you begin your journey northwards to Murchison Falls National Park. Along the way you stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking, an excellent opportunity to see Uganda’s only wild rhinos. You continue to the park and proceed to the top of Murchison Falls where the Nile River dramatically squeezes through a narrow gorge, creating a thunderous spectacle. You then head to your lodge for relaxation. Overnight at Pakuba Safari Lodge.
Day 3: Game Drive and Boat Safari on the Nile
You rise early for a rewarding game drive through the northern savannah plains of Murchison Falls. This area is rich with wildlife including elephants, giraffes, lions, buffaloes and several antelope species. After lunch, you embark on an afternoon boat safari along the River Nile towards the base of the falls. The cruise offers excellent viewing of hippos, crocodiles and numerous water birds along the riverbanks. You return to the lodge for dinner and overnight at Pakuba Safari Lodge.
Day 4: Murchison Falls to Kibale Forest National Park
After breakfast, you depart Murchison Falls and drive southwards through beautiful countryside, plantations and small towns on your way to Kibale Forest. This scenic route showcases Uganda’s lush landscapes and local life. You arrive in the late afternoon and check in at Turaco Treetops Lodge, a beautiful lodge nestled at the edge of the forest.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Experience
Today begins with a briefing at the park headquarters before heading into the forest for your chimpanzee trekking adventure. Kibale Forest is home to the highest concentration of primates in East Africa, and your ranger guide helps you track chimpanzee families as they feed, groom and play in the trees. After lunch, you visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for an afternoon nature walk rich in primates, birds and lush vegetation. You return for another night at Turaco Treetops Lodge.
Day 6: Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Boat Cruise
After breakfast, you transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through the crater lakes region with its stunning viewpoints. You arrive in time for lunch and later enjoy a memorable afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lakes George and Edward. The channel is famous for having one of the largest concentrations of hippos and attracts a high number of elephants, buffaloes and bird species along the shoreline. You spend the night at Elephant Hab Lodge.
Day 7: Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Bwindi
You start with a sunrise game drive on the Kasenyi plains in search of lions, elephants, hyenas, buffaloes and Uganda kobs. The early hours provide the best sightings as wildlife is most active. After the game drive, you continue to the southern sector and later head to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. This beautiful journey takes you through terraced hills and lush landscapes. You check in for dinner and overnight at Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge.
Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
After an early breakfast, you report to the briefing point for your gorilla trekking adventure. With the help of your ranger guides, you hike through the dense rainforest in search of a gorilla family. Once found, you spend a full hour observing and photographing these incredible giants in their natural habitat. After the trek, you drive to the scenic Lake Bunyonyi, known for its serene waters and dotted islands, perfect for relaxation after the trek. You spend the night at Bunyonyi Eco Resort.
Day 9: Lake Bunyonyi to Entebbe/Kampala
You enjoy a relaxed morning by the lake and later begin your return journey to Entebbe or Kampala. Depending on your flight time, you may enjoy brief stopovers along the way. The safari ends with drop-off at either your hotel or the airport for your onward journey.
What to Expect on This Safari
Travelers can expect well-paced days combining adventure, relaxation and scenic transfers. Game drives take place in the early morning and late afternoon when wildlife is most active, while boat safaris provide close-up views of hippos, crocodiles and water birds. Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking require moderate physical fitness but are rewarding experiences that bring you face to face with primates in their natural habitat. The accommodations selected are comfortable mid-range lodges that offer great food and warm hospitality throughout the journey.
Routing for the 9 Days Safari
The safari route starts in Entebbe and heads north to Murchison Falls before curving southwest through Kibale Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Park. It continues to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for the gorilla trek and ends with a relaxing stay at Lake Bunyonyi. From here, the final drive returns you to Kampala or Entebbe for your onward flight. This circular route avoids backtracking and allows you to explore multiple ecosystems across Uganda.
What to Carry
Travelers are advised to pack light, comfortable clothing suitable for warm days and cool evenings. Long-sleeved shirts, long trousers and sturdy hiking boots are essential for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. A rain jacket, insect repellent, sunscreen, reusable water bottle and a small backpack will make trekking easier. Don’t forget your camera, binoculars and personal medication. For gorilla trekking specifically, gardening gloves and gaiters can be helpful when navigating the forest.
Inclusions
The safari includes all accommodation as per the itinerary, meals on full-board basis except on the first night, all park entrance fees, game drives, boat cruises, chimpanzee trekking permits, gorilla permits, an English-speaking guide, all ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle, bottled drinking water and all government taxes.
Exclusions
Items not included in the safari price are international flights, visa fees, travel insurance, tips and gratuities, personal expenses such as alcoholic drinks, laundry, optional activities not listed in the itinerary, and lodge upgrades unless requested in advance.
Begin your unforgettable journey through Uganda’s most iconic destinations with this expertly crafted Best of Uganda Safari. Whether you’re seeking wildlife, nature, culture or once-in-a-lifetime primate encounters, this itinerary offers it all. Contact us today to secure your gorilla permits and reserve your spot on this extraordinary 9-day adventure. Our team is ready to help you customize the safari to match your travel dates, interests and comfort level.