Overview
Experience the best of southwestern Uganda on an unforgettable safari combining wildlife, primates, lush forests, and mountain gorillas.
This journey takes you through three of Uganda’s most remarkable destinations: Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. From game drives across open savannahs and boat cruises along the Kazinga Channel to chimpanzee trekking and the extraordinary experience of meeting mountain gorillas, this safari offers a diverse taste of Uganda’s natural beauty.
Queen Elizabeth is renowned for its wildlife and the Kazinga Channel, Kibale is famous for its chimpanzees and exceptional primate diversity, while Bwindi offers the chance to trek through ancient rainforest in search of endangered mountain gorillas
Highlights
- Queen Elizabeth National Park Morning and afternoon game drives
- Kibale National Park Chimpanzee trekking
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Mountain gorilla trekking
Itinerary
On your arrival at Entebbe international airport (EBB), you will be met by a Nyana safaris staff
that will brief you and transfer you to your hotel for relaxation. In the evening you will be
transferred to Ndere cultural center In Kampala central, which is a home of performing arts and a
representation of Ugandan cultures through music, dance, and drama. Dinner and overnight stay
at your hotel.
After breakfast, you will depart to Kibale Forest National Park. The drive is incredibly scenic,
passing through villages, lush green countryside, and hills dotted with tea plantations. Kibale NP
is popular for its primates like the chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and
red-tailed monkeys.
Have breakfast and head to the trekking point for a briefing. Thereafter, you will proceed to trek
the chimps in the Kibale Forest. Once you locate the chimpanzees, you will have a full hour with
them. Later, go out for the Bigodi swamp walk in the Magombe swamp, recognized for its
extensive array of biodiversity.
Exit Kibale NP and continue to Queen Elizabeth NP. After lunch, go for a boat safari along the
Kazinga Channel which joins Lake George to Lake Edward. You will see concentrations of giant
hippos, elephants, and crocodiles.
Proceed for a morning game drive along the Kasenyi plains looking for Lions, Elephants,
Leopards, and more. In the afternoon, go for the explosion crater drive for spectacular views of
the breathtaking scenery in and around Queen Elizabeth NP.
Go for a tree-climbing lion sighting in the Ishasha sector and thereafter transfer to Bwindi
Impenetrable National Park, which harbors roughly half of the world‘s mountain gorilla
population.
After a briefing, enter the gorilla sanctuary. Once you locate a gorilla group, you will be allowed
one hour in their presence. Thereafter, embark on a transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation.
Have a relaxed breakfast and embark on your return journey to Entebbe Airport. Expect
stopovers at the Uganda Equator line for photos. Arrive in the late afternoon/evening for your
drop-off.
Trip Inclusions
- Park fees
- Gorilla permits
- Chimp permits
- all activities
- professional driver/guide,
- transportation
- airport transfers
- meals/drinks as specified.
Trip Exclusions
- International flights
- tips
- personal items.
Important Information
Before Your Safari
- Carry a valid passport and the required travel documents.
- Confirm visa requirements before travelling.
- Make sure your travel insurance covers your planned activities.
- Keep copies of important travel documents.
What to Pack
- Lightweight, comfortable clothing
- Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts
- Waterproof jacket/rain gear
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Binoculars
- Camera and extra batteries/power bank
- Small backpack for trekking
- Reusable water bottle
- Warm clothing for cool mornings and evenings
Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking
Wear suitable hiking clothing and sturdy shoes. Trails can be steep, muddy and slippery, especially after rainfall.
Follow your guide and the park authorities’ instructions at all times, particularly regarding the distance to maintain from wildlife.
Park & Activity Fees
Park entry, chimpanzee trekking, gorilla trekking, boat cruises and other activities may have separate charges. Fees can change, so confirm the current rates when booking. For example, UWA currently lists Queen Elizabeth park entry for foreign non-residents at US$40 per adult per day, with separate charges for activities such as the Kazinga Channel boat cruise.
Travel Times
Road travel between destinations can take several hours. Bwindi is particularly mountainous and roads can be winding, so the journey may take longer depending on weather and road conditions. A 4×4 safari vehicle is recommended for many routes, especially during rainy periods.
Responsible Tourism
Help protect Uganda’s wildlife and communities by:
- Following park rules
- Avoiding littering
- Respecting wildlife and keeping appropriate distances
- Supporting local communities and businesses
- Avoiding single-use plastics where possible
- Listening carefully to your guide and trackers
Frequently Asked Questions
Uganda can be visited throughout the year. The drier periods are generally popular for trekking and game viewing, while rainy periods bring lush vegetation and fewer visitors. Kibale's trekking conditions can become muddy during rainy periods.
You may encounter elephants, buffaloes, lions, Uganda kobs, hippos, warthogs, antelopes, monkeys and many bird species. Leopard sightings are possible but never guaranteed.
Yes. However, age requirements and suitability can vary for activities such as chimpanzee and gorilla trekking. Your safari operator should confirm the applicable requirements before booking.
The difficulty varies depending on the location of the gorilla family and the terrain. You should be prepared for walking through steep, muddy and dense forest conditions.
Most safari itineraries use a 4×4 safari vehicle with a professional driver-guide. Road conditions and travel times can vary, particularly around Bwindi.
