Day 1
Arrive Entebbe | Lake Victoria Walk | Entebbe Botanical Garden
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport on the shore of Lake Victoria, the world's largest tropical lake. Afternoon walk through the Entebbe Botanical Garden where Tarzan was partially filmed, with superb birdlife and views over the lake. Optional boat trip to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary for rescued chimps that have been released into a forest island. Overnight Entebbe.
💡 Tip: Entebbe is a quiet, pleasant town right on Lake Victoria. The Botanical Garden is genuinely beautiful and makes for a relaxed first afternoon before the long drives ahead.
Day 2
Drive to Kibale Forest | Afternoon Primate Walk | Bigodi Wetland
Five-hour drive through western Uganda to Kibale National Park, home to the largest population of chimpanzees in Uganda and the highest concentration of primates in Africa. Afternoon guided walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-managed swamp bordering Kibale, for red-tailed monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and hundreds of bird species. Overnight Kibale forest lodge.
💡 Tip: The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is run by the local community and provides an excellent afternoon activity. The guides are knowledgeable and the forest birding is exceptional.
Day 3
Kibale Chimpanzee Tracking | Forest Habituation | Afternoon at Leisure
Early morning chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest with rangers tracking one of the habituated chimp communities through the ancient forest. When located, spend one hour watching the chimpanzees feeding, grooming, playing, and moving through the canopy. The vocalizations of a full community in the forest are astonishing. Afternoon optional chimp habituation experience for a longer and more intimate encounter. Overnight Kibale.
💡 Tip: Chimpanzee permits in Kibale must be booked in advance. The habituation experience allows a full day with a chimp group rather than one hour and is an extraordinary upgrade if available.
Day 4
Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park | Tree-Climbing Lions | Afternoon Game Drive
Three-hour drive south to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda's most diverse wildlife area with savannah, forest, wetland, and crater lake habitats. Afternoon game drive across the Kasenyi plains for Uganda kob antelope, buffalo, and the famous lion prides that have learned to climb fig trees, a behaviour unique to this park and the Ishasha sector in the south. Overnight park lodge.
💡 Tip: The tree-climbing lions of Queen Elizabeth are one of only two places in the world where this behaviour is regularly observed. Ask your guide to check the Ishasha sector fig trees specifically.
Day 5
Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise | Full Day Queen Elizabeth | Crater Lakes
Morning game drive on the Kasenyi plains for lions and elephants. Two-hour afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel connecting Lakes Edward and George, with arguably the highest concentration of hippos anywhere in Africa lining both banks alongside enormous Nile crocodiles and spectacular bird life. Late afternoon drive to the volcanic crater lakes area, a beautiful landscape of explosion craters filled with turquoise and green water. Overnight Queen Elizabeth lodge.
💡 Tip: The Kazinga Channel boat cruise is one of the finest wildlife experiences in East Africa. Position yourself on the lower deck near the front for the closest views of hippos and crocodiles.
Day 6
Drive to Bwindi | Community Walk | Pre-Trek Briefing
Four-hour drive through the Kigezi highlands to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Afternoon guided community walk through Buhoma village to meet local Batwa forest people, the original inhabitants of the Bwindi forest, and learn about their deep connection with the forest ecosystem that was their home for thousands of years. Evening briefing at the park headquarters for tomorrow's gorilla trek. Overnight Bwindi forest lodge.
💡 Tip: Gorilla trekking requires a permit costing 700 USD in Uganda. Book at least six months ahead. Bring waterproof boots, long sleeves, and gloves as the forest is steep, muddy, and dense with stinging nettles.
Day 7
Mountain Gorilla Trek | Drive to Entebbe | Departure
The most powerful wildlife experience in Africa. Trek into the Bwindi forest with rangers tracking one of the habituated gorilla families. Treks can take between one and eight hours depending on gorilla location. When found, one unforgettable hour watching silverbacks, mothers with infants, and juveniles playing in the forest understorey metres from where you stand. Drive back to Entebbe Airport for your return flight. End of tour.
💡 Tip: Hire a porter at the Bwindi trailhead for around 15 USD. They carry your bag and physically assist you up the steep and slippery forest sections. Their knowledge of the trails is invaluable.
