Detailed Safari
Day 1: Transfer from Kampala to Kibale Forest National Park
Your journey starts early in the morning as you drive west through the beautiful countryside dotted with tea plantations and rolling hills. You stop for lunch in Fort Portal before driving to your lodge near Kibale Forest. The afternoon is for relaxing, enjoying views of the forest and preparing for the next day’s chimp trekking adventure.
Accommodation Suggestions:
- Budget: Kibale Forest Camp (Lazy Camping) / Chimpanzee Forest Guest House (Budget Rooms) / Lake Nkuruba Nature Reserve
- Mid-range: Isunga Lodge / Turaco Treetops / Chimpanzee Forest Guest House (Cottages)
- Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge / Ndali Lodge / Crater Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch en route, Dinner at the lodge
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale + Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP
After an early breakfast, you head to Kanyanchu Visitor Centre for a briefing. You then step into the cool rainforest in search of lively chimpanzee families. The forest buzzes with bird calls, monkeys, butterflies and thick vegetation. Once you locate a chimp community, you spend time watching them feed, groom and play.
After the trek, enjoy lunch before driving south toward Queen Elizabeth National Park. Arrive in the late afternoon, check in, relax and enjoy the wild atmosphere.
Accommodation Suggestions:
- Budget: Pumba Safari Cottages / Bush Lodge (Lazy Camping) / Tembo Safari Lodge
- Mid-range: Elephant Hub Lodge / Irungu Safari Lodge / Buffalo Safari Lodge
- Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge / Kyambura Gorge Lodge / Elephant Plains Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Morning Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Start your day with a powerful morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains. You look out for lions, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob, hyenas, warthogs and countless birds. The open savannah gives you excellent photography moments under the warm morning light.
Return to the lodge for lunch, then drive to the Kazinga Channel for an unforgettable boat cruise. The channel is filled with hippos, crocodiles, bathing buffaloes and hundreds of birds along the shoreline. Elephants often come to drink and cool off. After the cruise, head back to your lodge for dinner and a relaxed evening.
Accommodation Suggestions:
- Budget: Pumba Safari Cottages / Bush Lodge (Lazy Camping) / Tembo Safari Lodge
- Mid-range: Elephant Hub Lodge / Irungu Safari Lodge / Buffalo Safari Lodge
- Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge / Kyambura Gorge Lodge / Elephant Plains Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Enjoy breakfast and begin a scenic drive toward Bwindi. The route passes through the Ishasha sector, known for tree-climbing lions. If lucky, you may spot them resting in fig trees. Continue toward Bwindi through rolling hills, green landscapes and local villages.
Arrive in the afternoon, settle into your lodge and enjoy the peaceful forest atmosphere as you prepare for the next day’s gorilla experience.
Accommodation Suggestions:
- Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp / Bwindi Forest Lodge / Gorilla Valley Lodge
- Mid-range: Haven Lodge Buhoma / Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge
- Luxury: Mahogany Springs Lodge / Buhoma Lodge / Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest
Today is the highlight of your safari. After a hearty breakfast, you head to the park headquarters for a briefing. With ranger guides, you follow forest trails in search of one of Bwindi’s gorilla families.
The trek may take anywhere from a few hours to most of the day, depending on the gorillas’ movements. Once you meet them, you spend an unforgettable hour watching them feed, play, interact and move through the forest. Their calm nature and human-like behavior create a deep emotional moment.
After trekking, return to your lodge for relaxation and a celebration of your remarkable achievement.
Accommodation Suggestions:
- Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp / Bwindi Forest Lodge / Gorilla Valley Lodge
- Mid-range: Haven Lodge Buhoma / Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge
- Luxury: Mahogany Springs Lodge / Buhoma Lodge / Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Drive Back to Kampala
After breakfast, you begin the drive back to Kampala through beautiful countryside and terraced hills. You stop in Mbarara for lunch and continue through the Mpigi and Masaka regions. Arrive in the evening and mark the end of your unforgettable safari.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch en route
Best Time to Do the Safari
The best months for this safari are June to September and December to February, when trails are drier and primate trekking is easier.
Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking are possible all year, and the forests are vibrant even in the wetter months.
Estimated Cost Per Person (Based on 6 People Sharing)
| Comfort Level | Estimated Cost Per Person |
|---|---|
| Budget | USD 1,750 – 2,150 |
| Mid-range | USD 2,300 – 3,000 |
| Luxury | USD 3,600 – 5,200+ |
Notes:
- Gorilla permit: USD 800
- Chimpanzee permit: USD 250
- Prices depend on lodge selection and travel period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How difficult is gorilla trekking?
The hike is moderate to challenging, depending on terrain and gorilla movement. Porters are available to assist.
Q: What is the age limit for primate trekking?
Gorilla trekking: 15 years and above
Chimpanzee trekking: 12 years and above
Q: Can I combine this itinerary with a visit to Lake Bunyonyi?
Yes, a night in Lake Bunyonyi can be added after Bwindi.
Q: What should I pack for the safari?
Sturdy hiking boots, long trousers, long-sleeved shirts, gloves, a rain jacket, insect repellent, and sunscreen.
Q: Are wildlife sightings guaranteed in Queen Elizabeth NP?
Sightings vary, but the park is rich with lions, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes and birdlife.
Q: Are the lodges close to the trekking starting points?
Yes, all listed lodges are near the main trekking gates.