Sample Trip

7-Night Highlights of Uganda

“Chimps, Gorillas and plenty of time for safari in Queen Elizabeth NP!”
Budget level: Mid-Range
Country
Uganda
When to Go
All year
Duration
7 Nights
Safari Type
Lodge
Location
Bwindi Impenetrable & Mgahinga National Parks, Kampala & Entebbe, Kibale & Queen Elizabeth National Parks
Kids Min Age
15

All the highlights of Uganda packed into one powerhouse 7 night safari. Track chimps in Kibale, search for 4 of the Big 5 in Queen Elizabeth NP then finish with a Gorilla Trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest!


Itinerary in Brief

1 Night Entebbe

2 Nights Crater Safari Lodge

2 Nights Ishasha Wilderness Camp

2 Nights Gorilla Safari Lodge

crater safari lodge uganda crater view2

This trip is the all in one Uganda Highlights safari. It includes Chimpanzee tracking, searching for tree climbing lions and other wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park and a Gorilla trekking experience! Use this safari as the core to your holiday in Africa ,or as half of the total safari action in combination with another East African country!

This 7-Night highlights of Uganda safari starts with a comfortable night in Entebbe to relax and prepare for the coming days. You then drive to Crater Safari Lodge, near Kibale forest where you will embark on a Chimpanzee tracking exercise and also other primate activities. From there heading south towards Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you will set off on an afternoon boat cruise along the banks of the wildlife filled Kazinga channel before heading to your accommodation at Ishasha Wilderness Camp. Spend the next few activities exploring the best wildlife viewing region of Queen Elizabeth National Park, made famous for its tree climbing lions and high concentration of wildlife! Then finally heading further south to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest where you will enjoy a Gorilla Trekking Experience, sure to leave you awe-struck!

This package includes: flight from Kisoro to Entebbe, road transfers, bed & breakfast in Entebbe and accommodation, all meals, one gorilla trekking permit (USD$700) and a Chimpanzee tracking permit (USD$200), local soft & alcoholic drinks and laundry at Gorilla Safari Lodge & Crater Safari Lodge. A cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park and accommodation, all meals and activities at Ishasha Wilderness Camp.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Entebbe

Upon arrival at Entebbe airport, you will be met by your hotel transfer company. enjoy a well-deserved drink and dinner in the comfort of the hotel bar and restaurant area.

Day 2: Crater Safari Lodge

4 -5 hour road transfer to Crater Safari Lodge Your driver will collect you from your hotel in Entebbe.

Meander your way past hilly tea plantations, muddy roads fringed by banana trees, coffee plantations and carpets of lush greenery smothering vast tropical landscapes. Dotted across the region you’ll stumble across small villages, reed huts and friendly locals.

Expect awe-inspiring views of misty horizons hovering over pristine crater lakes as you head up into the hills. Your driver will stop en-route so that you can take in the views. Feel free to ask him questions about the area.

Uganda certainly lives up to its reputation as being the “pearl of Africa” and this short drive introduces you to the remote, untouched beauty of this country.

After an eye-opening journey into paradise you will arrive at Crater Safari lodge. Settle in, enjoy lunch and take in the atmosphere before heading out on your afternoon activity.

Afternoon activity: Top of the World Hike

The surrounding area is home to 9 crater lakes and abundant tea and
coffee plantations. The famous Kibale national Forest is home to gangs
of chimpanzee, and the neighbouring Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is home to abundant birdlife and primates. The “top of the World” viewpoint hike offers breathtaking views of the 9 crater lakes as well as Uganda’s landscape.

Day 3: Tracking Chimpanzee

Today is the day you will enjoy tracking and observing chimpanzees in the wild! You will need to pre-arrange your trekking time.

There are two slots – morning and afternoon.

  • Get up early, have a full breakfast and amazing Ugandan coffee.
  • Set off on your morning activity of a crater lake or visit Wilson’s village before the chimp trek. If you have the morning permit, these activities can be done after your chimp tracking.
  • Depart for the chimpanzee trek. It’s a 15-minute drive to the starting point. Walks leave Kanyanchu Visitor Centre at 08.00, 11.00 and 14.00 and last between 2-5 hours. early arrival to allow for registration and briefing is recommended. Contact time with chimpanzees is limited to one hour; and participants must be aged 16 or over.
  • Lunch is at the lodge
  • If there’s time in the day, we highly recommend a guided walk to the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a fascinating boardwalk trail that meanders through the papyrus swamp.

Day 4: Transfer to Ishasha Wilderness Camp

Today you will drive from Kibale Forest to Northern Queen Elizabeth National Park. 

Here you will embark on an afternoon river cruise on the wildlife filled Kazinga Channel in Northern Queen Elizabeth. Animals are drawn to the water’s edge, particularly during the dry season, so wildlife viewing is particularly productive in the afternoons.

Transfer to Ishasha Wilderness Camp for dinner.

Day 5: Ishasha Sector

Day at leisure to enjoy game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The Ishasha area is famed for its unusual tree climbing lions. Watch the African sun set as you enjoy bush sundowers.

Day 6: Transfer to Gorilla Safari Lodge

A last morning game drive in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Followed by a transfer to Gorilla Safari Lodge located just outside of Bwindi Impenetrable forest.

Day 7: Gorilla Trekking

Today is the day you will enjoy a gorilla trekking experience. You can choose the degree of difficulty when it comes to trekking. You will need to pre-arrange your trekking time.

  • Get up early, have a full breakfast and amazing Ugandan coffee. You will walk the short 8 minute walk to the starting point for the briefing with the rangers and porters.
  • At the briefing point you will be assigned to a Gorilla family. Your personal ranger will lead your group for the trek. You have the option of employing a porter to carry your gear (advisable). porters have walked in excess of 3 hours
    to the briefing point in the hopes of being selected to accompany you on your trek. By supporting them, you are also supporting the local communities.
  • A packed lunch is provided. You will stop en-route to enjoy your lunch.

Day 8: Kisoro to Entebbe

Enjoy a 2 – 3 hour adventurous road transfer from gorilla Safari lodge to Kisoro airport. This will be an extremely early morning departure, which means there will be a packed breakfast for the road. You will fly in a small plane over scenic Uganda and take in the aerial views of Lake Victoria and the spectacular hilly landscapes below. This is one of Africa’s most scenic flights.

The duration of the flight is approx. 1hr 15mins and takes place in a Cessna grand Caravan.

You will arrive in Entebbe before midday, in time to connect with your international flight. If your homeward bound flight departs the following day, you will overnight in Entebbe. Catch up on your sleep and relax before the long homeward bound journey.

Ready for an adventure? Lets Talk!

Contact SAFARI FRANK to get started on your safari of a lifetime!