7 Days Best of Uganda Safari

Gorillas • Chimpanzees • Wildlife • Boat Cruise • Scenic Lakes

Safari Overview

This 7-days Best of Uganda safari offers the ultimate combination of primate encounters, classic wildlife safaris, and scenic landscapes. The journey begins in Kibale Forest National Park, home to the highest diversity of primates in Africa, followed by game drives and a boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park. You will then track tree-climbing lions in Ishasha before culminating with a mountain gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The safari ends with relaxation at the stunning Lake Bunyonyi.

7 Days Best of Uganda safari Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Depart early in the morning and drive west through rural villages and lush countryside. Enjoy panoramic views of the Rwenzori Mountain foothills as you approach Fort Portal. En route, visit the beautiful crater lakes region and tea plantations before arriving at Kibale Forest.
Overnight:

  • Budget: Kibale Forest Lodge / Kibale Chimps Villas
  • Mid-range: Kibale Forest Camp / Turaco Treetops
  • Luxury: Crater Safari Lodge

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

After breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before starting your chimpanzee trekking experience at 8:00 am. Spend one hour observing chimpanzees and encounter other primates such as red colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and blue monkeys.
In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run project famous for birds, butterflies, and possible sightings of sitatunga antelope.
Overnight: Same lodge as Day 1.

Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, drive approximately 3 hours to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Fort Portal. After lunch at the lodge, embark on an afternoon game drive. Expect to see elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob, antelopes, lions, and a variety of bird species amid open savannah and volcanic crater lakes.
Overnight:

  • Budget: Engiri Game Lodge / Tembo Safari Lodge
  • Mid-range: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge / Bush Lodge
  • Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge / Katara Lodge

Day 4: Morning Game Drive, Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise & Ishasha

Begin the day with an early morning game drive, the best time to spot predators and grazing wildlife. After lunch, enjoy a 2-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, famous for large concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and water birds.
Later in the afternoon, transfer south to the Ishasha sector, renowned for its tree-climbing lions.
Overnight:

  • Budget: Topi Lodge Ishasha
  • Mid-range: Enjojo Game Lodge
  • Luxury: Ishasha Jungle Lodge

Day 5: Ishasha Game Drive & Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Enjoy a morning game drive in Ishasha, searching for tree-climbing lions and plains game such as elephants, antelopes, kobs, and warthogs. Afterward, drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, arriving in the evening for dinner and rest ahead of your gorilla trek.
Overnight:

  • Budget: Broadbill Forest Camp / Gorilla Hills Eco Lodge
  • Mid-range: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge / Bakiga Lodge / Gorilla Mist Camp
  • Luxury: Four Gorillas Lodge

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking & Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing before starting your mountain gorilla trekking experience. Trekking may last between 2 and 8 hours depending on the gorilla family’s location, followed by one unforgettable hour in their presence.
In the afternoon, transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, often described as one of Uganda’s most beautiful destinations.
Overnight:

  • Budget: Bunyonyi Safari Resort / Hawk’s Eye
  • Mid-range: Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort
  • Luxury: Birdnest Resort / Arcadia Lodge

Day 7: Lake Bunyonyi Boat Ride & Return to Kampala

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi, known for its birdlife, terraced hills, and island scenery. Later, begin the return journey to Kampala with a stop at Igongo Cultural Centre for lunch and another stop at the Equator for photos and souvenirs. Arrival in Kampala is in the late afternoon.
End of Safari

Safari Inclusions

  • Transportation in a 4WD safari vehicle
  • Gorilla and chimpanzee permits
  • Full-board accommodation during the safari
  • All park entry fees and listed activities
  • Professional English-speaking driver/guide
  • Bottled drinking water

Safari Exclusions

  • International flights
  • Accommodation in Kampala before/after the safari
  • Visa fees
  • Personal expenses (drinks, tips, laundry, cigars)
  • Optional activities not mentioned