9 Days Uganda Safari – Gorillas, Chimps, Rhinos & Wildlife

Overview

This 9 Days Uganda Safari is a perfectly balanced adventure combining wildlife safaris,primate encounters, scenic landscapes, and cultural experiences. The journey takes you to Uganda’s most iconic destinations, offering unforgettable encounters with mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, rhinos, and the Big Five, alongside relaxing boat cruises and breathtaking scenery.

You will explore Murchison Falls National Park, home to the world’s most powerful waterfall and abundant savannah wildlife, enjoy classic game drives and a Nile boat cruise, and track endangered rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Uganda’s only rhino refuge. The safari continues to Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its diverse ecosystems, tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, rich birdlife, and the wildlife-filled Kazinga Channel.

A highlight of the trip is chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge or Kalinzu Forest, followed by the ultimate primate experience—mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The safari concludes with a relaxing stay at Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s most scenic lakes, known for its terraced hills, islands, and tranquil atmosphere.

Designed for travelers seeking a complete Uganda safari, this itinerary blends adventure, nature, and comfort and can be enjoyed any time of the year.

Safari Highlights

  • Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
  • Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge or Kalinzu Forest
  • Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
  • Game drives in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks
  • Boat cruises on the River Nile and Kazinga Channel
  • Scenic Lake Bunyonyi experience

This safari can be enjoyed all year round.

9 Days Uganda Safari Detailed Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by your professional driver-guide and transferred to your hotel in Entebbe. Dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation

  • Mid-range: 2 Friends Beach Hotel / Horizon Hotel
  • Budget: Okra House / Frontiers Hotel
    Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 2: Entebbe – Murchison Falls National Park (Rhino Tracking & Top of the Falls)

After breakfast, drive north towards Murchison Falls National Park. En route, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for guided rhino tracking, followed by lunch in Masindi.
Continue to Murchison Falls National Park and visit the Top of the Falls, where the Nile forces its way through a narrow 7-meter gorge, creating a spectacular thunderous cascade. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Accommodation

  • Mid-range: Fort Murchison Lodge / Ikorom Safari Lodge
  • Budget: Heritage Safari Lodge / Parkside Safari Lodge

Day 3: Game Drive & Nile Boat Cruise

Enjoy an early morning game drive on the northern bank of the Nile, home to elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, and numerous bird species.
After lunch, take a 2-hour boat cruise to the base of the falls, offering excellent views of hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Same as Day 2

Day 4: Murchison Falls – Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, drive southwest through the scenic Albertine Rift Valley to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy lunch in Fort Portal before continuing to the Mweya Peninsula. Evening arrival, dinner, and overnight at the lodge.

Accommodation

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

Day 5: Morning Game Drive – Queen Elizabeth National Park

Start the day with an early morning game drive to spot lions, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, warthogs, hippos, and leopards. The park is also a birding paradise with numerous Albertine Rift endemics.
Return to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

Accommodation: Same as Day 4

Day 6: Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise & Chimpanzee Trekking

After breakfast, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, famous for its dense concentration of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and birdlife.
After lunch, proceed for chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge or Kalinzu Forest. Optional evening forest walk in Maramagambo Forest to visit the bat cave. Dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Same as Day 4

Day 7: Queen Elizabeth – Bwindi via Ishasha Sector

Depart early for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, passing through the Ishasha Sector, renowned for its tree-climbing lions.
Continue to Bwindi with lunch en route. In the evening, enjoy a Batwa cultural community experience. Dinner and overnight.

Accommodation

  • Mid-range: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge / Bweza Gorilla Lodge / Bakiga Lodge
  • Budget: Broadbill Forest Camp / Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking – Lake Bunyonyi

After breakfast, attend a briefing at the park headquarters before embarking on an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience. Trekking time varies, but the reward of spending an hour with a gorilla family is priceless.
After lunch, transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, famous for its terraced hills, cool climate, and scenic beauty. Dinner and overnight by the lake.

Accommodation

  • Mid-range: Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort / Keije Bunyonyi Resort
  • Budget: Hawk’s Eye Lodge

Day 9: Lake Bunyonyi – Entebbe

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi, known as the “Place of Little Birds.”
Drive back to Entebbe with lunch en route in Mbarara. Arrival in the late afternoon for your outbound flight or hotel drop-off.

End of 9 Days Uganda Safari

Safari Inclusions

  • Airport transfers (Day 1 & Day 9)
  • Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
  • English-speaking professional driver/guide
  • Gorilla trekking permit
  • Chimpanzee trekking permit
  • Rhino tracking experience
  • Game drives and boat cruises
  • Park entrance fees
  • Full board accommodation
  • Meals en route

Safari Exclusions

  • International and domestic flights
  • Accommodation before or after the tour
  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, visas, travel insurance)
  • Drinks and alcoholic beverages