8 Day Classic Uganda Gorillas Small Group Tour

Day Overview

Day 1: Entebbe

On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you’ll be met by your tour representative, who will escort you to your private 4×4 safari vehicle and introduce you to your dedicated driver–guide for the journey ahead. A short transfer takes you to your accommodation where you can settle in, relax, and begin preparing for the adventure to come. Your guide will accompany you throughout the safari and is always available to assist with any questions or arrangements.

Day 2: Lake Mburo National Park

Your safari begins as you travel west toward Lake Mburo National Park, passing through the scenic landscapes of the Ankole Kingdom, famed for its long-horned cattle and expansive grasslands. After arriving, enjoy one of the park’s signature experiences—a tranquil boat cruise on Lake Mburo. Whether done at sunrise or sunset, this two-hour journey reveals an array of wildlife including hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, and prolific birdlife such as African fish eagles and colourful kingfishers. It’s a gentle and immersive introduction to Uganda’s abundant biodiversity.

Day 3: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Begin the day with a short game drive through Lake Mburo National Park, home to diverse wildlife including zebra, eland, impala, and newly reintroduced Rothschild’s giraffe. After soaking up the park’s peaceful charm, continue your journey southwest through rolling hills and changing cultural landscapes as you enter the Kigezi region—gateway to the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the mountain gorillas that inhabit it. Arrive at your lodge, ready for the extraordinary experience that awaits.

Day 4: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi begins with an early morning start, as you make your way to the Uganda Wildlife Authority briefing point just after dawn. After meeting your ranger guides and receiving a short introduction to the forest and its inhabitants, you’ll set off into the misty jungle in search of one of Bwindi’s habituated mountain gorilla families. The trek can take anywhere from one to several hours depending on the gorillas’ movements, but the journey through thick rainforest, birdsong, and sun-dappled foliage is an experience in itself. Once the gorillas are located, you’ll spend an unforgettable hour observing them at close range—an intimate wildlife encounter that ranks among Africa’s greatest natural wonders.Day 5: Northern Queen Elizabeth National Park

After your unforgettable gorilla trekking experience, travel north toward Queen Elizabeth National Park. The scenery shifts from dense rainforest to wide savannah dotted with traditional homesteads and farmland. Enter the park via the Ishasha sector, renowned for its rare tree-climbing lions lounging in giant fig trees. Alongside these unique predators, you may encounter Uganda kob, elephants, hippos, and other wildlife grazing across the plains as you continue toward the northern part of the park.

Day 6: Northern Queen Elizabeth National Park

Spend the day exploring the diverse habitats of Queen Elizabeth National Park on game drives. Its mix of plains, crater lakes, forests, and wetlands supports an outstanding variety of wildlife. Enjoy sightings of elephants, buffalo, lions, hyena, antelope species, and an impressive range of birdlife as you make the most of your time in this iconic ecosystem.

Day 7: Kibale Forest National Park

Continue north into the lush Tooro Kingdom, passing through Fort Portal with its impressive hilltop royal palace. In the afternoon, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-led conservation project home to over 200 bird species and several primates, including black-and-white colobus monkeys. Wander along raised walkways and forest paths as you learn about the important partnership between local communities and wildlife conservation.

Day 8: End of itinerary – chimpanzee trekking & return to Entebbe

This morning brings the excitement of your chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale Forest. After a briefing at the Uganda Wildlife Authority offices, head into the forest while an advance team locates the chimpanzees’ nesting site. The trek offers wonderful opportunities to spot other primates, birds, and diverse flora before you spend one unforgettable hour with the chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

Afterward, begin your scenic return journey to Entebbe, leaving the Tooro Kingdom behind as you enter Buganda once more. Enjoy lunch en route and take time to reflect on your incredible safari experiences.