9-Day Classic Uganda Safari Itinerary: Chimps, Wildlife, and Gorillas

Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where your safari guide will warmly welcome you. Entebbe, located on the shores of Lake Victoria, is a peaceful city that serves as the perfect introduction to Uganda. Depending on your arrival time, you can unwind at your hotel or explore nearby attractions.

Options include the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, which offers an excellent opportunity to spot monkeys and colorful birdlife, or a boat ride on Lake Victoria to relax as you enjoy the sunset. Your guide will provide a detailed briefing about your upcoming safari, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the adventure ahead.

After an early breakfast, set off on a scenic 6–7 hour drive to Kibale National Park, often referred to as the “Primate Capital of the World.” The journey takes you through Uganda’s picturesque countryside, passing rolling hills, tea plantations, and bustling rural towns.

Along the way, enjoy photo stops and perhaps try some local snacks. Arrive in Kibale in the afternoon, where the forest’s cool air and lush greenery welcome you. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at your lodge, soaking in the views, and preparing for the exciting chimpanzee trekking experience the next day.

The day begins with an exhilarating morning chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale Forest. After a briefing from your guide, enter the dense forest in search of one of the habituated chimpanzee families. As you trek through the towering trees, listen for the distinctive calls of the chimps.

Once you locate them, spend up to an hour observing their behavior, social interactions, and feeding habits. Afterward, return to your lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a haven for birdwatchers and home to other primates such as red colobus monkeys.

After breakfast, drive approximately three hours to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most popular savannah park. The drive passes through the scenic crater lake region, offering breathtaking views of the countryside.

Arrive at the park in time for an afternoon game drive in the Kasenyi plains, where lions, elephants, buffaloes, and various antelope species roam. The open savannah landscape provides excellent opportunities for photography and wildlife spotting. Enjoy the sunset before heading to your lodge for the evening. Overnight at Buffalo Safari Lodge or Pumba Safari Cottages, both offering mid-range comfort near the park.

Start the day with an early morning game drive to explore more of Queen Elizabeth National Park’s diverse wildlife. The Kasenyi plains are known for their predators, including lions and leopards, as well as large herds of elephants and Uganda kobs. In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. This waterway is teeming with hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of bird species. The cruise provides a unique perspective of the park, offering close encounters with wildlife along the banks. Return to your lodge for the night.

Depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 4–5 hour drive takes you through breathtaking landscapes, including the Ishasha sector, where tree-climbing lions can sometimes be spotted lounging in fig trees. Arrive in Bwindi in the afternoon and settle into your lodge, surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and preparing for your gorilla trekking adventure.

Today is the highlight of your safari—gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After an early breakfast, attend a briefing from your guide before heading into the forest. Trekking can take 2–6 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family, but the effort is rewarded with an unforgettable encounter. Spend up to an hour observing these gentle giants as they interact, play, and feed. In the afternoon, you may opt for a community walk to learn about the Batwa people and the forest’s original inhabitants.

Begin your journey back to Entebbe after breakfast. The drive, approximately 8–9 hours, offers plenty of scenic views along the way. Stop at the equator for photos and a chance to shop for locally made crafts and souvenirs. Arrive in Entebbe in the evening and check into your hotel. Spend your final night reflecting on the incredible experiences of your safari.

Depending on your flight schedule, spend your final hours in Entebbe at leisure. You may choose to visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre or enjoy a relaxing lakeside breakfast. Your guide will transfer you to the airport in time for your departure flight, marking the end of an unforgettable 9-day adventure through Uganda.