Tour Overview
Experience the best of Uganda on this 10-Day Classic Uganda Safari, starting in Kigali and ending in Entebbe. This journey combines mountain gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge, game drives in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks, boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel and the Nile River, and a shoebill excursion on Lake Victoria wetlands. Travel through volcanic highlands, savannah plains, crater lakes, and tropical forests while staying in comfortable budget lodges and camps.
Tour Highlights
- Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge
- Tree-climbing lion game drive in the Ishasha Sector
- Kazinga Channel boat safari
- Murchison Falls National Park game drives
- Boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls
- Shoebill stork excursion at Nakiwogo wetlands
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with professional English-speaking guide
Detailed Itinerary
Arrive at Kigali International Airport where you’ll meet your safari guide and transfer to your hotel. Relax and recover from your journey as you prepare for the adventure ahead.
● Airport pickup and short transfer (30–50 min)
● Safari briefing (permits, trekking rules, driving plan)
● Currency exchange & SIM card assistance (if needed)
Accommodation
Green Nest Homestay
Meal Plan
Full Board
Drive time: 3–4 hrs
Border crossing assistance provided by your guide. East African Tourist Visa is recommended since it works for both Rwanda and Uganda.
Why Mgahinga over Bwindi
Fewer trekkers (more exclusive)
Dramatic volcanic scenery
Home to the Nyakagezi gorilla family
Arrive at your lodge for relaxation and trekking briefing preparation
Evening:
Relaxation
Trekking gear preparation
Early dinner
Accomodation
Iliba Guest House
Meal Plan
Full Board
Early breakfast and transfer to park headquarters for briefing at 7:30 AM.
Trekking duration: 2–6 hours depending on gorilla location. You will spend one magical hour with a gorilla family.
What to Expect
Assigned to one habituated gorilla family
Guided by armed ranger
1 full hour with mountain gorillas
Photography allowed (no flash)
Afternoon options:
Batwa cultural experience
Local Coffee making tour
Full rest (recommended)
Accommodation
Iliba Guest House
Meal Plan
Full Board
After breakfast, drive north to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Drive time: 4–6 hours through:
Rolling highlands
Crater lakes region
Savannah transition landscapes
Accomodation
NB Motel
Meal Plan
Full Board
Morning: Ishasha Game Drive
Best for:
Lions hunting at sunrise
Tree Climbing Lions
Hyenas
Large elephant herds
Leopards (occasionally)
Afternoon: Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
2–3 hour cruise
One of Africa’s densest hippo populations
Nile crocodiles
Elephants drinking at shoreline
Massive birdlife
This day balances land and water wildlife viewing.
Accommodation
Twin Lakes Eco-Lodge & Camping
Meal Plan
Full Board
Morning transfer to Kyambura Gorge for chimpanzee tracking.
Chimpanzee Tracking duration: 2–4 hours.
Route via:
● Descend into a dramatic 100-meter-deep gorge
● Search for habituated chimpanzee groups
● Learn about forest ecology and primate behavior
Possible sightings of red-tailed monkeys & black-and-white colobus Kyambura offers a unique contrast to gorilla trekking - chimps are faster, louder, and highly social.
Afternoon/Evening Activities
Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park (6 to 7 hours)
Accomodation
Red Chilli Rest Camp
Meal Plan
Full Board
Morning game drive in the Northern Sector on Murchison Falls National Park.
Possible sightings:
● Rothschild giraffes
● Elephants
● Lions
● Jackson’s hartebeest
● Oribi
Afternoon
Nile boat safari toward the base of the falls.
Highlights:
● Hippos
● Crocodiles
● Elephants at riverbanks
● Spectacular view of the falls
● Optional visit to the Top of the Falls viewpoint where the Nile squeezes through a
7-meter gorge and plunges 43 meters - extremely dramatic photography spot.
Accomodation
Red Chilli Rest Camp
Meal Plan
Full Board
After breakfast, depart Murchison for Entebbe.
Drive time: 5–6 hours via Masindi-Kampala highway.
Evening relaxation near Lake Victoria and overnight in Entebbe.
Accomodation
Plastic Bottles House
Meal Plan
Full Board
Early morning transfer to Nakiwogo Landing Site for a shoebill excursion.
This guided wetland boat trip offers a chance to spot:
● Shoebill stork
● Malachite kingfishers
● African fish eagles
● Various water birds
Return to lodge in the afternoon, packing, and preparing for Airport transfer the next day.
Accomodation
Plastic Bottles House
Meal Plan
Full Board
End of Safari & Departure.
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Accommodation: 10–11 nights in budget lodges, safari camps, and guesthouses (meals included)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner where included in accommodations
- Transport: Private 4×4 safari vehicle for the duration of the trip
- Professional Driver-Guide: 11 days of experienced, English-speaking guiding
- Fuel: For the entire safari vehicle (drives between parks and lodges)
- Permits & Park Fees: Gorilla Trekking (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park)
- Chimpanzee Tracking (Budongo Forest)
- All other parks (Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Budongo Forest)
The Cost Excludes
- International or domestic flights to/from Uganda
- Airport taxes and visa fees
- Drinks, snacks, and meals outside accommodation plans
- Personal items and souvenirs
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
- Driver-Guide tips
- Any unforeseen expenses or emergency costs
FAQs
Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking
Gorilla trekking is moderately challenging and can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family. A reasonable level of fitness and sturdy hiking boots are recommended.
After locating the gorilla family, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing and photographing them while following the guidelines provided by your Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger.
The minimum age for both gorilla trekking in Mgahinga and chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge is 15 years.
Wear long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, waterproof hiking boots, gardening gloves, and a lightweight rain jacket. Don't forget insect repellent, a hat, and plenty of drinking water.
Yes. The safari includes both the gorilla trekking permit for Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the chimpanzee tracking permit for Kyambura Gorge, unless stated otherwise.
Uganda Wildlife & Safari Experience
You may see elephants, lions, buffaloes, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, warthogs, hyenas, numerous antelope species, chimpanzees, mountain gorillas, and hundreds of bird species.
No. Tree-climbing lions are wild animals, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. However, the Ishasha Sector is one of the best places in Africa to look for them.
The cruise offers excellent opportunities to see hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, monitor lizards, and a wide variety of water birds along the shoreline.
Yes. The Nakiwogo wetland excursion is one of the best opportunities in Uganda to search for the rare shoebill stork, along with kingfishers, fish eagles, herons, and other wetland birds.
The best time is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February, when trekking trails are drier and wildlife viewing is at its best.
Planning Your Trip
Most travelers are advised to obtain the East African Tourist Visa, which allows entry into Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya with a single visa.
You will travel in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, allowing excellent wildlife viewing and photography throughout the journey.
The safari includes accommodation, meals as specified, private transportation, gorilla and chimpanzee permits, park entrance fees, game drives, boat cruises, the shoebill excursion, and the services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide.
International flights, visas, travel insurance, alcoholic drinks, personal expenses, optional activities, laundry, tips, and items of a personal nature are not included.
Absolutely. This itinerary can be tailored to suit your travel dates, budget, accommodation preferences, group size, or special interests. Additional nights, luxury lodge upgrades, and extra activities can also be arranged.
