Uganda Gorilla Safaris

Day 1: Entebbe, Uganda—Botanical Gardens

Our Uganda tour begins in Entebbe, where you’re met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. If time permits, you may opt to visit the famous Entebbe Botanical Gardens. Established in 1902, the gardens’ fine collection of plants spans the country’s tropical, sub-tropical and temperate zones. The gardens are also home to many different avian species, offering an excellent introduction to Uganda’s diverse birdlife. We commonly spot vervet and black-and-white colobus monkeys here, too. After head to a luxurious hotel in Entebbe for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Protea Hotel
Midrange: Lake Victoria Hotel
Meal plan: Full board

Day 2: drive to Kibale Forest National Park

Early in the morning, meet and great with driver/guide and begin your journey to the verdant highlands, where fertile volcanic soil supports a tapestry of tea, coffee and banana plantations. Arrive at our hilltop lodge in time for a late lunch and settle in before the sun dips behind the Rwenzori Mountains.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge
Meal plan: Full board

Day 3: Bigodi Swamp Walk & Chimpanzee Tracking

This morning, a “swamp walk” through a wetland sanctuary reveals more than 100 bird species. After lunch, we meet our local trackers and begin our first chimpanzee trek in Kibale forest National Park. This equatorial rain forest reserve has one of the highest concentrations of primates in the world, including 1,300 chimpanzees. We may also see red colobus, black-and-white colobus, red tail, gray-cheeked mangabey and other monkeys.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge
Meal plan: Full board

Days 4 : Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park & Cruise on Kazinga Channel

An early start launches an activity-filled day exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park, located along the western Rift Valley. The park is a microcosm of East Africa’s safari highlights, home to a great diversity of wildlife residing among its volcanic craters, grassy plains and tropical forest. More than 600 bird species—one of the highest concentrations of any park in Africa—and nearly 100 different mammal species are found in the park, including the Ugandan kob, an endemic antelope featured on the country’s currency. On a morning game drive, search for classic African wildlife, possibly spotting lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and antelope in the park’s northern sector. We then cruise the Kazinga Channel on a private boat trip among one of the largest concentration of hippos in Africa. The waterway is also home to abundant colorful birdlife, and baboons frequently entertain us from the banks.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
Meal plan: Full board

Day 5 : Full day Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park

The Rwenzori range, also called the “Mountains of the Moon,” provides a dramatic backdrop, with snow-capped heights rising above 16,000 feet. Glimpse magnificent views over Lake Edward before transferring via a wildlife drive into the southern Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth Park. As we explore this region, look for the park’s famous tree-climbing lions one of just two populations of lions that climb trees as part of their regular behavior. Though no one knows for sure, some speculate that these Lions seek respite from the heat by availing themselves of cool breezes blowing through the branches on high.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Mahogany Springs Lodge
Midrange: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Meal plan: Full board

Day 8 : Batwa Cultural walk and relaxation at the Lodge

This morning after breakfast, you hike in the forest with the people of the forest with the help of a Batwa guide and he will provide you with the chance to see the forest and its habitats through their eyes. See how the batwa lived and hunted in the traditional manner. Enjoy trying out your hunting techniques as the Batwa teach you how to shoot with a bow and arrow. Visit a traditional Batwa homestead and learn from the women how to prepare, cook and serve a meal. You will also have the opportunity to sample the prepared dishes. Talk to a medicine man and learn about the medicinal properties of the forest flora. Hear ancient legends and traditional songs.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Mahogany Springs Lodge
Meal plan: Full board

Day 9 : Entebbe / Depart

Our Uganda safari comes to a close today with a drive back to Entebbe. A day room is provided on arrival, to relax and refresh for those preparing to depart. We share a farewell meal before transferring to the airport for departing flights.