Uganda's premier attraction is mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site protecting nearly half the world's remaining 1,000 mountain gorillas. Trek through dense rainforest guided by expert trackers to spend an unforgettable hour observing habituated gorilla families in their natural habitat - an intimate, life-changing wildlife experience. Combine gorilla trekking with classic safari at Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda's largest protected area, where the Nile River explodes through a 7-meter gorge creating spectacular waterfalls. Enjoy game drives spotting lions, elephants, giraffes, and Uganda kob, plus boat safaris with hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife. Visit chimpanzee communities in Kibale Forest during primate tracking. Experience the "Pearl of Africa" with its lush landscapes, friendly people, and incredible biodiversity. Uganda offers Africa's most exclusive primate encounters combined with excellent traditional safari experiences in a compact, accessible destination perfect for first-time Africa visitors.
Day 1:
Arrive Entebbe International Airport, transfer to hotel on Lake Victoria shores. Rest and orientation briefing about gorilla trekking permits and preparation|
Day 2:
Early morning fly to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (southwestern Uganda). Afternoon village walk meeting local Batwa pygmy communities, cultural performance and traditional medicine demonstrations|
Day 3:
GORILLA TREKKING DAY - Early breakfast, briefing at park headquarters (7am). Trek duration 2-8 hours depending on gorilla family location. One hour observation time with gorillas (cameras allowed, no flash). Afternoon relaxation and sharing experiences|
Day 4:
Optional second gorilla trek (additional permit $700) or nature walk through forest with birding. Afternoon transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park (4 hours)|
Day 5:
Morning game drive in Kasenyi plains searching for lions, elephants, buffalo, Uganda kob. Afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise (2 hours) - excellent hippo and crocodile viewing, waterbirds, elephants drinking at shores|
Day 6:
Transfer to Kibale Forest (3 hours). Afternoon chimpanzee tracking (3-4 hours) in "Primate Capital of the World" with 13 primate species. 90% chimp sighting success rate|
Day 7:
Drive to Murchison Falls (6 hours). Afternoon visit Top of the Falls viewpoint where Nile crashes through narrow gorge with tremendous power and rainbow mist|
Day 8:
Early morning game drive northern bank - giraffes, lions, elephants, leopards possible. Afternoon boat safari to base of falls, watching hippos and massive Nile crocodiles|
Day 9:
Fly back to Entebbe, day room. Optional Entebbe Botanical Gardens or Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Evening departure