7 Day Uganda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari

Welcome to Uganda.

On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by your safari representative and assisted with your luggage before transferring to your hotel.

Depending on your arrival time, the remainder of the day is at leisure. Rest after your flight and prepare for the journey into western Uganda the following morning.

If you arrive early, additional activities in and around Entebbe can be arranged separately depending on your interests and available time.

After breakfast, meet your driver-guide and begin the journey west towards Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Travel through Uganda's countryside, passing towns, farmland and rural communities along the route. Stops will be made for refreshments, lunch and comfort breaks as arranged.

As you approach western Uganda, the landscapes change considerably, with views opening towards the highlands and the wider Queen Elizabeth National Park region.

Arrive at the park later in the day.

Depending on your arrival time and park conditions, there may be an opportunity for an introductory game drive before continuing to your lodge. Look for elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs and other wildlife, while your guide will also keep watch for predators.

Check in at your lodge and spend the evening at leisure.

Start the day early with a morning game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Explore the Kasenyi Plains and surrounding wildlife areas with your driver guide, searching for elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks and other savannah species. Lions may also be encountered, while leopards are among the more elusive predators your guide will look for.

Return to your lodge after the game drive for breakfast and some time to relax.

After lunch, head to the Kazinga Channel for an afternoon boat safari.

The channel connects Lake George and Lake Edward and provides excellent opportunities to observe wildlife from the water. Look for hippos, Nile crocodiles and numerous waterbirds, while elephants, buffaloes and other animals may also be seen along the shoreline.

Return to your lodge after the cruise for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, leave the central sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park and travel south towards Ishasha.

Spend time exploring the sector with your driver-guide, searching for the tree climbing lions for which Ishasha is particularly known. The lions may sometimes be seen resting in large fig trees, although sightings cannot be guaranteed.

The area also supports elephants, buffaloes, topis and other savannah wildlife, giving you additional game-viewing opportunities throughout the drive.

Unlike shorter itineraries that pass through Ishasha on the way to Bwindi, this safari includes an overnight stay in the area. This gives you more time to explore the sector without immediately continuing on another long transfer.

Later, check in at your lodge and enjoy a relaxed evening.

After breakfast, leave Ishasha and continue towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The journey takes you away from the open savannah and into the greener, increasingly hilly landscapes surrounding Bwindi.

Arrive in the Bwindi region later in the day and transfer to your lodge.

The remainder of the afternoon is intentionally left relatively relaxed. Settle in, enjoy the surroundings and prepare for the following morning's gorilla trekking experience.

Your guide will also ensure that you have the necessary information for the trek, including the appropriate clothing, equipment and reporting arrangements.

After an early breakfast, transfer to your designated gorilla trekking briefing point.

Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers will explain the trekking procedures, forest guidelines and appropriate behaviour around the gorillas before you enter Bwindi.

Accompanied by ranger guides and trackers, begin your trek in search of your assigned habituated mountain gorilla family. The duration and difficulty vary according to the gorillas' location, and trekkers should be prepared for hills, thick vegetation and uneven or potentially muddy forest terrain.

Once the gorillas are located, you will have the opportunity to observe the family for the regulated viewing period while following your ranger's instructions.

Watch their natural behaviour as they feed, rest, groom and interact within the forest before beginning the walk back.

After completing the trek, return to your lodge and spend the remainder of the day resting.

After breakfast, check out and begin the return journey towards Kampala or Entebbe.

This is a substantial road transfer day, and appropriate stops will be made along the route for refreshments, lunch where arranged and comfort breaks.