Uganda Safari
Gorilla of Uganda Tailormade Tour

Start you tailormade Uganda safari when you arrive in Entebbe and transfer to the hotel accommodation in Kampala. Overnight Urban by City Blue Kampala or similar. No meals or guided activities are included today.

(Approximate driving time: one-and-a-half-hours)

After an early breakfast, we travel to Kibale Forest National Park. Driving south via Hoima to Fort Portal we pass through countryside punctuated by traditional homesteads, farms and tea estates. Arrive at your lodge situated superbly on the edge of a beautiful volcanic crater lake in time for a late lunch.

After lunch, stretch your legs with a nature walk in the alluring verdant surroundings. Overnight Crater Safari Lodge. (BLD)

(Approximate driving time: five to six hours)

Please Note: It is also possible to fly to from the capital to an airstrip close to Kibale. Contact us if you would like us to quote for this option.  

Enjoy one of the trip’s highlights, Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park, reputed to have the greatest variety and highest concentration of primates in East Africa.

Escorted by an expert ranger we walk in the tropical rainforest searching out wild chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys and many others. Although chimp sightings are not guaranteed, visitors stand a very high chance of hearing and seeing our distant cousins as they groom and bond with one another, a sight never to be forgotten.

Later, for those wishing to keep active, take a rewarding but easy walk at Bigodi Swamp community project accompanied by a local community guide. The swamp is an oasis for birdlife and it is also common to see several primate species on the walk.  If time allows, after the Bigodi swamp walk, visit the local community to discover how coffee is grown, harvested, roasted, and prepared to drink.

There’s also a chance to learn how banana beer is brewed from bananas and sorghum – the bananas are mashed not so much by hand as by foot! Subject to permission it’s possible to visit a women’s group supported by the lodge, and the school where the kids will sing to you. Overnight Crater Safari Lodge. (BLD)

Please Note: Long sleeves and trousers and robust walking shoes/boots are recommended in Kibale Forest.

Have our breakfast before we drive towards Queen Elizabeth National Park, and on arrival immediately set out on a game drive with the Rwenzori Mountains as a spectacular backdrop. After lunch at the lodge we cruise on the Kazinga Channel to view buffalo, hippo, elephant and other animals drawn to the water to drink and cool off.

European migratory birds, including flocks of terns and gulls may also be observed in the area. Overnight Park View Safari Lodge. (BLD)

(Approximate driving time: thee hours)

This morning we explore a different part of the park, all the while looking out for wildlife. Later in the afternoon take a game drive on the Ishasha plains in search of lions famed for their unusual habit of tree climbing. Overnight Ishasha Jungle Lodge. (BLD)

(Approximate driving time: two hours)

Take a morning game drive through the Ishasha plains to allow for another chance to spot the tree climbing lions and other wildlife. We then leave Queen Elizabeth National Park bound for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. En route we pass through memorable highland scenery often referred to as ‘little Switzerland’.

We can take our time on this beautiful drive stopping for plenty of photo opportunities of the verdant terraced hillsides. Overnight Gorilla Safari Lodge. (BLD)

(Approximate driving time: five hours)

Please Note: It is also possible to fly from Queen Elizabeth National Park to an airstrip close to Bwindi Forest, but we recommend this beautiful drive to appreciate the rural splendour of Uganda.   

An early breakfast then we travel the short distance to the park HQ for an important briefing about your gorilla trekking adventure.

Small groups, led by highly experienced gorilla trackers; head out across the slopes of the volcanoes in search of the gorillas. Although the hike can be physically demanding, anticipation ensures that adrenaline levels remain high, and the beauty of the forest itself is memorable. One of Africa’s major wildlife highlights, encountering gorillas at close quarters is a humbling experience.

Time spent just metres from our not-too-distant relatives as they eat, rest, play and bond with young, passes all too quickly. Although it’s natural to want to take photographs, some minutes simply absorbing the scene without wanting to frame it is highly recommended.

One hour is the maximum time permitted with the gorillas in any encounter. If your trek was relatively short, you may have time later today for a guided nature walk around the lodge and the surrounding communities. Overnight Gorilla Safari Lodge. (BLD)

Please Note: Subject to availability, and for a supplement, you can opt for a Gorilla Habituation experience occupying most of the day and enabling you to be with the gorillas for up to four hours.

Please Note: Long sleeves, trousers and robust walking boots are recommended in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

The last day of your tailormade Uganda safari and we start early with a long drive of around 8 hours today. There is plenty of time to reflect on the incredible wildlife and scenery you have witnessed on this Ugandan adventure.

We arrive in Entebbe by late afternoon and transfer to the airport for your late evening departure or perhaps you may wish to extend your stay in Uganda.  (BL)

Please Note: An internal flight can be arranged for a supplement to avoid the long drive back to Entebbe. Contact us if you wish to explore this option.