itinerary

Ultimate Safari: Rhino, Gorilla, and Chimpanzee Expedition

Lake Mburo National Park

Bwindi impenetrable National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Kibale National Park

Duration
10 days
Destinations
4
Decorative Wave Shape

Itinerary overview

This is the most memorable Uganda safari itinerary because it combines Lake Mburo’s open savannah, Bwindi’s famous gorilla tracking, Queen Elizabeth’s abundant wildlife, and Kibale’s playful chimpanzees. It’s a perfect way to experience Uganda’s extraordinary wildlife and breathtaking landscapes in one unforgettable journey

Timeline

  • Entebbe > Kampala City

    Start / Day 1
  • Lake Mburo National Park.

    Day 2
  • Bwindi National Park.

    Day 3
  • Starting point for Gorilla tracking.

    Day 4
  • Lake Bunyonyi.

    Day 5
  • Queen Elizabeth National Park.

    Day 6
  • Kasese town to see the Rwenzori Mountain ranges through Kilembe.

    Day 7
  • Starting point for Chimpanzee tracking > Kibale forest

    Day 8
  • Semiliki National Park.

    Day 9
  • Kampala > Entebbe

    Day 10 / End
Locations

Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park is the smallest savannah park of Uganda. It’s famous for Zebras and Impalas, which are not found in other savannah parks of Uganda. The park also has buffaloes, giraffes, Topis, waterbucks, leopards, hyenas, warthogs, Elands and you can do a safari boat cruise on Lake Mburo to see Hippos, crocodiles and many bird species, the reason we add this park on the package while you’re heading for gorilla tracking in Bwindi park. Enroute to Lake Mburo, you will also be able to see the unique local cows of Uganda that have very big white horns.

Lake Mburo National Park
Locations

Bwindi impenetrable National Park

Bwindi impenetrable National Park lies in south western Uganda. Its mist covered hillsides are blanketed with a biologically diverse rain forest which is home to over 500 mountain gorillas. Mountain Gorillas are much endangered mammals, currently in only 3 countries with a population of just over a 1000 members. Gorilla tracking is an activity where you trek in the Bwindi forest for a couple of hours while looking for Mountain gorilla families. When you come across the members, you will spend a whole 1 hour with them before starting the hike back to the starting point. It’s a breathtaking moment to spend time with these gentle giants known as Mountain gorillas.

Bwindi impenetrable National Park
Locations

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the best tourism destinations of Uganda. The park was founded in 1952 as Kazinga National Park and renamed Queen Elizabeth N P, two years later to commemorate a visit by the late Queen Elizabeth II of England. The park is home to over 95 mammal species and over 600 bird species. It lies within a rift valley, with two wonderful lakes ( L.Edward & L.George) joined by a 40km Kazinga channel. Its home to the largest population of elephants in Uganda. A unique situation about this park, is how human beings co-exist with wild animals. There are about 10 different villages that are within the boundaries of Queen Elizabeth.

Queen Elizabeth National Park
Locations

Kibale National Park

Kibale National Park is a rain forest park that is known as the capital of primates in the whole world with a chimpanzee population of over 1500. Chimpanzees stay in communities consisting of about 30 members each. The activity of chimpanzee tracking is done twice a day, morning and evening, involving a trek of about 1 – 3 hours in the rain forest and when you come across the chimpanzees, you will spend 1 hour with them as you observe and enjoy their lifestyle.

Kibale National Park

Day-by-Day Itinerary Breakdown

Day One (1)
  • Arrive at Entebbe Airport.

  • Pick up from the airport by our driver guide.

  • Transfer to Kampala City which is 1 hour drive.

  • Check in a hotel for the night.

Day Two (2)
  • Early morning. – Pick up from your hotel after breakfast.

  • 3hour drive from Kampala to Lake Mburo National Park.

  • Have a mid-morning game drive in the park seeing animals Zebras, Impalas, Giraffes, Buffaloes.

  • Lunch.

  • Have an afternoon safari boat cruise on Lake Mburo seeing Hippos, Crocodiles and many Bird species.

  • After the boat cruise, Proceed to the lodge. Below are the lodge options:

  • Upon arrival, check in, dinner, campfire and sleep early by 9 pm

Day Three (3)
  • 7 am Breakfast.

  • 5 hours Transfer from lake Mburo to Bwindi National Park.

  • 1 pm Arrive in Bwindi. Check in. Below are the options.

  • Have lunch, relax, read a book, etc.

  • Evening visit to Batwa community and local communities.

  • Return to the lodge, dinner and sleep early.

Day Four (4)
  • 6:30 am Breakfast.

  • 7 am Transfer to the starting point for Gorilla tracking. You will get a detailed briefing before entering the Bwindi forest to start tracking.

  • Trekking usually starts at 8am. It can take between 1 – 3 hours hike before finding the members. You will enjoy the journey in the rainforest.

  • Upon finding the gorillas, you will spend a full 1 hour with them as you watch them relax, feed and move around.

  • After, hike back to the starting point.

  • When done with the activity, you will be driven back to the safari lodge.

  • Have lunch.

  • Rest for the rest of the day.

  • Dinner and sleep.

Day Five (5)
  • 7 am Breakfast.

  • 2 hour transfer to Lake Bunyonyi. It’s a very beautiful lake with many islands.

  • Have a boat cruise of Lake Bunyonyi.

  • 4 hour Transfer from Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth National Park

  • 6 pm Arrive and check in. Below are the lodge options:

  • Have dinner and sleep early.

Day Six (6)
  • 6 am Breakfast.

  • 6:30 am Game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park Animals likely to be seen are elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopard, antelopes, etc

  • 10:30 am Back to the lodge, relax, swim, etc.

  • 1 pm Lunch.

  • 2 pm Transfer to Kazinga Channel for a safari boat cruise

  • 3 pm Have a 2 hour safari boat on Kazinga seeing animals like hippos, crocodiles and many bird species. You will also be able to sail on Lake Edward. On this boat cruise, you will see one of the communities that stay inside the park

  • 5 pm Transfer to Lake Katwe to see the local methods of salt mining.

  • Late evening, transfer back to the lodge, refresh, dinner, campfire and sleep at leisure.

Day Seven (7)
  • Have enough sleep.

  • 9 am Have breakfast at the lodge.

  • Transfer to Kasese town to see the Rwenzori Mountain ranges through Kilembe.

  • Proceed to Fortportal / Kibale National Park.

  • Check in. Below are the lodge options.

  • Have dinner and sleep early.

Day Eight (8)
  • 6:30 am Breakfast

  • 7 am Transfer to the starting point for Chimpanzee tracking. You will get a detailed briefing before entering the Kibale forest to start tracking.

  • Trekking usually starts at 8am. It can take between 1 – 3 hours hike before finding the chimpanzee community. You will enjoy the journey in the rainforest.

  • Upon finding the chimpanzees, you will spend a full 1 hour with them as you watch them relax, feed and move around.

  • After, hike back to the starting point. You will be provided with hiking sticks.

  • When done with the activity, you will be driven back to the safari lodge so that you have enough rest

Day Nine (9)
  • 8 am Breakfast.

  • 2 hour transfer to Semiliki National Park to visit sempaya hot springs, the hottest in Uganda and probably in Africa. They water is too hot to boil an egg in just 10mins.

  • Visit Amabere caves and falls.

  • After have an evening gentle hike in the hills of Tooro, overlooking the Rwenzori mountains, to see a number of crater lakes.

  • Later transfer back to your lodge.

  • Dinner and sleep at leisure.

Day Ten (10)
  • Have enough sleep.

  • 9 am Breakfast.

  • 10 am check out and transfer back to Kampala.

  • Drop off at the Entebbe Airport.

  • End of Safari.

Accommodation

Options in Kampala City

Budget

Eliana Hotel

Hotel Eliana, situated on Ntinda-Kiwatule Road in Kampala, Uganda, offers guests a blend of comfort and convenience. The hotel features elegant rooms, including Executive, Twin, Deluxe, and Standard options, each equipped with modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and flat-screen TVs.

Mid-range

Fair Way Hotel

Fairway Hotel & Spa, located on Kafu Road in Kampala, Uganda, offers guests a tranquil retreat with expansive lush gardens and an outdoor pool. The hotel provides a variety of rooms, each equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and private balconies overlooking the gardens.

High end

Serena Hotel

The Kampala Serena Hotel, located on Kintu Road in central Kampala, Uganda, is a 5-star establishment set amidst 17 acres of landscaped grounds and water gardens. The hotel features 186 guest rooms, including 14 suites, each adorned with African artwork and private balconies offering garden views.

Options in Lake Mburo National Park

Budget

Eagles Nest Lodge

Perched on a scenic ridge overlooking Lake Mburo National Park, Eagles Nest Lodge offers dramatic views of Uganda’s savannah. Guests can spot wildlife on guided game drives or hikes, then unwind in cozy, safari-style tents. With warm hospitality and a commitment to nature, this lodge provides an intimate bush experience.

Mid-range

Rwakobo Rock Lodge

Rwakobo Rock Lodge sits atop a scenic outcrop near Lake Mburo National Park, blending seamlessly with the surrounding bush. Guests can relax in cozy cottages, enjoy open-air dining, and spot local wildlife from the lodge’s vantage point. With warm hospitality and a commitment to eco-friendly practices, it offers an authentic Ugandan nature getaway.

High end

Kigambira Safari Lodge

Kigambira Safari Lodge is tucked within Lake Mburo National Park, offering serene forest views and modern safari comforts. Guests can explore the park’s abundant wildlife through guided walks or game drives, then unwind in cozy, eco-friendly accommodations. With genuine Ugandan hospitality and a commitment to nature, it delivers an immersive wilderness escape.

Options in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Budget

Rushanga Gorilla havens Lodge

Rushanga Gorilla Havens Lodge sits near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, offering comfortable cabins amid lush greenery. Guests can trek to see mountain gorillas, explore forest trails, and immerse themselves in Uganda’s biodiversity. With warm local hospitality and an eco-friendly focus, it promises a memorable jungle getaway.

Mid-range

Icumbi gorilla Lodge

Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge perches on the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, offering panoramic forest views. Guests can embark on gorilla treks, forest hikes, and cultural experiences to explore Uganda’s natural wonders. With cozy accommodations and genuine hospitality, it provides an immersive wildlife retreat.

High end

Four Gorillas Lodge

Four Gorillas Lodge nestles on the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, providing a prime base for gorilla trekking. Guests can enjoy sweeping forest views, cozy accommodations, and local hospitality. With a focus on eco-friendly practices, it offers an unforgettable jungle escape in Uganda.

Options in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Budget

Simba Safari Lodge

Simba Safari Lodge sits on a hill near Queen Elizabeth National Park, offering sweeping savannah views. Guests can venture on guided game drives or boat safaris to encounter Uganda’s diverse wildlife. With comfortable accommodations and friendly hospitality, it’s an ideal base for exploring this iconic safari destination.

Mid-range

Acacia Wilderness Lodge

Acacia Wilderness Lodge overlooks the sweeping savannah of Queen Elizabeth National Park, offering an intimate safari retreat. Guests can spot abundant wildlife on guided game drives or boat cruises along the Kazinga Channel. With comfortable cottages and genuine Ugandan hospitality, it provides a memorable wilderness escape.

High end

Mweya Safari Lodge

Mweya Safari Lodge rests in the heart of Queen Elizabeth National Park, offering panoramic views of the Kazinga Channel and the Rwenzori Mountains. Guests can enjoy guided game drives, boat cruises, and abundant wildlife sightings. With comfortable accommodations and warm Ugandan hospitality, it ensures a memorable safari getaway.

Options in Kibale National Park

Budget

Mountains of the moon Hotel

Mountains of the Moon Hotel sits in the heart of Fort Portal, surrounded by lush gardens and views of the Rwenzori Mountains. Guests enjoy comfortable accommodations, warm hospitality, and easy access to nearby attractions. With a relaxed ambiance and local charm, it provides a serene retreat in western Uganda.

Mid-range

Turaco Treetops Lodge

Turaco Treetops Lodge sits at the edge of Kibale National Park, offering panoramic forest views and easy access to chimpanzee trekking. Guests can unwind in spacious rooms, immerse themselves in nature walks, and embrace genuine Ugandan hospitality.

High end

Chimpundu Lodge

Chimpundu Lodge sits near Kibale National Park, offering modern comfort and prime access to chimpanzee trekking adventures. Guests can enjoy sweeping forest views, guided nature walks, and warm Ugandan hospitality. It provides a tranquil base for unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Transportation

Safari vehicles

Transport will either a Toyota tourism Van or a Toyota tourism Landcruiser according to the fee option, you will choose.

The Toyota tourism Van is a 4x4 minivan that can accommodate up to 6 passengers. The Toyota tourism Landcruiser is a 4x4 SUV that is ideal for 7-8 passengers. Both vehicles are equipped with pop-up roof, fridge, charging ports and AC. The vehicles are well maintained and have a professional driver. They are also equipped with a first aid kit and fire extinguisher.

toyota tourism vantoyota tourism land cruisertoyota tourism vantoyota tourism land cruiser
Important Travel Information

What to carry

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip, we recommend packing the following items:

Comfortable closed shoes
A pair of open shoes
Light clothes for the sunny days
A few warm clothes because sometimes it gets a bit cold at night
Insect repellant
Sun glasses / hat / cap
Sun creams
Emergency pills in case you have any medical conditions
Camera or good smart phone with storage space
Anti – malaria drugs

Frequently asked questions

During Your Trip

Lodges & Accommodation