9-Day Uganda Gorilla Safari
tour features
About This Uganda Gorilla Safari
Come face to face with Africa’s great apes on this 9-day Uganda gorilla safari. You’ll track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, cruise the Kazinga Channel among hippos in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and journey into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to more than half the world’s mountain gorillas. Your adventure ends with game viewing at Lake Mburo before returning to Entebbe.
Quick Answer
This Uganda gorilla safari lasts 9 days and 8 nights with The Out Of Africa Experience. It starts and ends in Entebbe, with 2 nights in Kibale for two chimpanzee treks, 2 nights in Queen Elizabeth National Park, 2 nights in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and 1 night at Lake Mburo. You travel in your own 4×4 Land Cruiser with a professional English-speaking driver-guide, with full board on safari and all national park entrance fees included.
With a private Land Cruiser and handpicked lodges along the way, this Uganda gorilla safari combines unforgettable primate encounters, Bwindi gorilla trekking country and some of East Africa’s most beautiful scenery, from tea plantations and crater lakes to the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains.
Duration
9 Days / 8 Nights
Start / End
Entebbe
Vehicle
Own 4×4 Land Cruiser
Parks
Kibale · Queen Elizabeth · Bwindi · Lake Mburo
Uganda Gorilla Safari Highlights
🦍 Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to more than half the world’s mountain gorillas
🐒 Two chimpanzee treks in Kibale Forest, home to 13 primate species
🌿 Swamp walk in the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary
🛶 Private boat trip on the Kazinga Channel among hippos
🦁 Game drives in Queen Elizabeth NP, including the Ishasha region
🦓 Game drive at Lake Mburo National Park
Your 9-Day Uganda Gorilla Safari Itinerary
Tap each day to see the details.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
🛏 Overnight: Karibu Guesthouse (Bed & Breakfast)
Your Uganda gorilla safari begins at Entebbe International Airport, where our representative meets you and transfers you to your hotel.
Day 2: Entebbe – Kibale National Park
🛏 Overnight: Primate Lodge (Full Board)
Today is a full day’s drive of about seven hours to the Kibale Forest area. After leaving the Lake Victoria Basin, pass through beautiful agricultural countryside where every type of fruit and vegetable imaginable is grown.
On reaching Kyenjojo, in the lower foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains (the Mountains of the Moon), drive through beautiful tea plantations and into Kibale’s tropical rainforest.
Day 3: Bigodi Swamp Walk & Kibale Chimpanzee Trekking
🛏 Overnight: Primate Lodge (Full Board)
This morning, enjoy a swamp walk in the Bigodi community. Bigodi village lies in the highlands of western Uganda, in the shadow of the Rwenzori Mountains. The walk takes place in the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary, in the Magombe wetland.
In the afternoon, explore Kibale Forest National Park, home to 13 primate species, on a guided trek in search of the chimpanzee, one of the most popular primates in the world.
Deep in the lush green forest, you’ll be surrounded by birdsong and can expect to see at least five or six other types of primate.
Day 4: Second Chimp Trek – Queen Elizabeth National Park
🛏 Overnight: Kyambura Game Lodge (Full Board)
This morning, set out on a second chimp trek. In the afternoon, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Fort Portal and south along the eastern length of the Rwenzori Mountains, with the hope of viewing the glaciated peaks.
Gently descend into the Great Rift Valley and Queen Elizabeth National Park, set on a peninsula overlooking Lake Edward and the Kazinga Channel, with beautiful views of the park and the Rwenzori Mountains behind.
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari & Kazinga Channel Boat Trip
🛏 Overnight: Kyambura Game Lodge (Full Board)
Enjoy game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, including a private boat trip of about two hours on the Kazinga Channel to see one of the largest concentrations of hippos in the world, other game and excellent birdlife. Queen Elizabeth is one of the best birding parks in Africa.
Days 6–7: Ishasha – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
🛏 Overnight: Mantana Engagi Lodge (Full Board)
Take a morning game drive through the Ishasha region of Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to the famous tree-climbing lions, then drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, a World Heritage Site, through the scenic area known as “the Switzerland of East Africa”.
The highlight of your Uganda gorilla safari: Bwindi is home to more than half of the world’s mountain gorillas. Looking deep into the expressive brown eyes of these gentle giants is an extremely special privilege and an unparalleled encounter.
Day 8: Bwindi – Lake Mburo National Park
🛏 Overnight: Lake Mburo Safari Lodge (Full Board)
After check-out, drive to Lake Mburo National Park to enjoy the views and a game drive among its zebra, impala, buffalo and eland.
Day 9: Lake Mburo – Entebbe – Departure
After breakfast, drive to Entebbe for your onward journey.
End of your Uganda gorilla safari.
What’s Included in Your Uganda Gorilla Safari
✓ All transfers as per itinerary
✓ Game drives in your own 4×4 Land Cruiser with a professional English-speaking driver-guide
✓ All national park entrance fees
✓ Accommodation and meals as per itinerary (1 night bed & breakfast, 7 nights full board)
Not Included
✗ Visa fee
✗ Meals not mentioned above
✗ Optional activities
✗ Travel insurance
✗ Expenses of a personal nature
Booking Notes
• A 20% non-refundable deposit is payable immediately after the reservation is confirmed by an invoice.
• On receipt of your deposit, we will reserve the accommodation and services of your selected trip.
• Final payment is due no later than 30 days before departure.
Cancellation fees
• 61 days or more before the trip: 20% of total trip price
• 60–22 days before the trip: 50% of total trip price
• 21 days or less, and no-shows: 100% of total trip price
Uganda Gorilla Safari: Frequently Asked Questions
How long is this Uganda gorilla safari?
9 days and 8 nights, starting and ending in Entebbe: 1 night in Entebbe, 2 in Kibale, 2 in Queen Elizabeth National Park, 2 in Bwindi and 1 at Lake Mburo.
How many chimpanzee treks are included?
Two: an afternoon trek in Kibale Forest on day 3 and a second trek on the morning of day 4, before you drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Where can I see tree-climbing lions?
In the Ishasha region of Queen Elizabeth National Park, which this safari crosses with a morning game drive on day 6. Sightings depend on luck, as with all wildlife.
When is the best time for a Uganda gorilla safari?
The drier months, December to February and June to September, are best for gorilla trekking and wildlife viewing. Gorilla permits are limited, so book well in advance.
How do I book, and what is the deposit?
A 20% non-refundable deposit secures your booking once we confirm it by invoice, and the balance is due 30 days before departure.
Want to add Murchison Falls? See our 12-Day Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari, or compare with our Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris.
Ready for Your Uganda Gorilla Safari?
Get in touch with The Out Of Africa Experience team to check availability and start planning your journey.
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