Overview
This 9-day plan showcases several key wildlife regions of Uganda, featuring opportunities to observe members of the Big Five, chimpanzees, mountain gorillas, smaller primates, and remarkable landscapes. The route begins at Lake Bunyonyi, known for its calm waters, island visits, paddling activities, and local community interactions. Next, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park allows mountain gorilla trekking and encounters with additional forest primates. Queen Elizabeth National Park follows, renowned for its tree-climbing lions, crater lakes, and the Kazinga Channel—an excellent place to see an abundance of animals. You will then head to Kibale National Park for chimpanzee trekking and chances to see forest elephants, hippos, and other species. Rounding out the journey, Murchison Falls National Park offers a diverse range of large mammals, dramatic waterfalls, and proximity to Ziwa Rhino—a protected area dedicated to safeguarding the country’s remaining rhinos.
For those seeking alternate durations, there are related tours spanning fewer or additional days, as well as combined itineraries with neighboring regions.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer from Kampala or Entebbe to Lake Bunyonyi
Begin the day with breakfast and a briefing by the driver/guide, who will advise on any final preparations or currency exchange. Although the drive to Lake Bunyonyi is long, it provides a window into Uganda’s rural areas, passing fertile fields, tea plantations, rolling hills, and traditional markets.
Stop at key points of interest along the way, including the Equator crossing for photographs. Break for lunch, then continue to the lakeshore to check in at your lodge. Late in the afternoon, take a leisurely walk to enjoy the lakeside environment before sunset.
Lake Bunyonyi, often cited as Africa’s second-deepest lake, contains 29 small islands and supports over 200 bird species. Because it has no crocodiles or bilharzia, it attracts swimmers who are comfortable with deep water.
Overnight: Bunyonyi Safari Resort or Bunyonyi Eco Resort
Day 2: Canoeing, Island Visits, Swimming – Travel to Bwindi – Batwa Cultural Interaction
After an early breakfast, explore Lake Bunyonyi by canoe, hopping among several islands and visiting local schools, clinics, and fishing communities. Birdlife is plentiful, and you may see various species nesting along the shores.
By midday, drive for about two hours to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. On arrival, check in, freshen up, and later proceed to meet the Batwa. Historically forest-dwelling, the Batwa once survived through hunting and gathering before relocation from the park. Hear about their history, daily life, and how they are adapting to new environments.
Overnight: Bakiga Lodge or Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – Proceed to Ishasha Sector (Queen Elizabeth Park)
Set out by 7:30 a.m. for the gorilla trekking briefing, led by park rangers who discuss forest rules and assign trekkers to different gorilla families. Bring a packed lunch from your lodge. The trek itself can vary from 30 minutes to five hours, traversing dense forest with chances to spot smaller primates, waterfalls, streams, birds, and other wildlife.
Upon locating your allocated gorilla group, spend up to one hour quietly observing their routine—feeding, grooming, and interacting. Maintain a safe distance, avoid direct eye contact, and resist touching the animals. After the trek, collect your participation certificate and return to the lodge for lunch and check-out.
Then embark on a drive to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, reaching in time to settle in for dinner.
Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge (Luxury), Park View Safari Lodge (Mid-range), or Eganzi Lodge (Budget)
Day 4: Wildlife Drive in Ishasha – Afternoon Kazinga Channel Boat Ride
Begin the morning with a game drive in Ishasha, famous for lions that rest in large fig trees. You may also see numerous Uganda Kobs, buffalos, and other resident species. Head back to your lodge for lunch, then transfer to the Kazinga Channel for an afternoon boat excursion.
The Kazinga Channel links Lake George to Lake Edward, creating a hotspot for animals like hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a variety of bird species—pelicans, pink-backed creatures, and shoebills are often seen. During the dry months, animals congregate here for water, offering prime viewing opportunities.
Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge (Luxury), Park View Safari Lodge (Mid-range), or Eganzi Lodge (Budget)
Day 5: Kasenyi Sector Game Drive – Transfer to Kibale National Park – Bigodi Wetlands Visit
Wake early for a second game drive in the Kasenyi plains. This zone is abundant with wildlife, including elephants, lions, hyenas, and many antelopes. You might also see scenic crater lakes near Lake Edward, home to various bird species such as black bee-eaters.
After about three hours, travel on to Kibale National Park with a stop for lunch. Check in to your lodge, then go to Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary for an afternoon nature walk. The wetland harbors 12 primate species and over 300 recorded birds.
Overnight: Chimpanzee Forest Guest House (Budget/Mid-range), Turaco Treetops (Luxury)
Day 6: All-Day Chimpanzee Habituation in Kibale Forest
Following an early breakfast, meet rangers at Kanyanchu Center for a briefing on the chimpanzee habituation program, which differs from a standard trek. You will accompany a chimp group from the time they leave their nests until they settle again in the evening.
Along the way, look out for other primates like red colobus monkeys and grey-cheeked mangabeys, as well as various forest birds (great blue turaco, black bee-eater) and interesting flora. With Kibale’s chimp population estimated at 1,500, sightings are generally reliable.
Overnight: Chimpanzee Forest Guest House (Budget/Mid-range), Turaco Treetops (Luxury)
Day 7: Drive to Murchison Falls – Top of the Falls Tour
After breakfast, embark on the drive to Murchison Falls National Park via Fort Portal, Hoima, and Masindi. Observe rural communities and farmland with occasional views of distant peaks. Stop for lunch en route.
On entering the park, proceed to the top of Murchison Falls, where the Nile rushes through a narrow ravine before plunging about 45 meters below. Take in the sights, listen to the roaring water, and capture photos.
Overnight: Paraa Safari Lodge (Luxury), Pakuba Safari Lodge (Mid-range), Red Chili Rest Camp (Budget)
Day 8: Early Wildlife Drive – Afternoon Nile Boat Excursion
Rise early to explore the northern bank on a game drive aimed at finding predators returning to cover after night hunts. Lions, leopards, hyenas, Rothschild’s giraffes, oribis, and various antelopes commonly appear. Return to the lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, board a vessel along the Nile. This route reveals hippos, crocodiles, and water-loving birds in large numbers. The ride concludes near the base of the falls—take photos, then follow a brief trail upward to meet your driver.
Overnight: Paraa Safari Lodge (Luxury), Pakuba Safari Lodge (Mid-range), Red Chili Rest Camp (Budget)
Day 9: Ziwa Rhino Visit – Return to Kampala or Entebbe
On this final morning, depart after breakfast for Kampala or Entebbe. Make a notable stop at Ziwa Rhino, where experts are working to boost rhino numbers under protection and reintroduce them into national parks in the future. Take part in a guided walk to see these large mammals up close.
Afterward, continue to Kampala or Entebbe, marking the end of this trip.
End of the 9 Days Uganda Safari