Uganda National Parks: Kibale, Queen Elizabeth & Bwindi - 8 days

Day 1: Welcome to Uganda! Arrive in Kampala

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, your guide will meet you and help you transfer to your accommodation. Spend your first day in beautiful Uganda—often called "The Pearl of Africa"—resting and preparing for a trip full of thrilling adventures.

If you feel like you don't need rest, you can take the afternoon and/or evening to explore the capital city of Kampala. Visit the Uganda Museum and the Lubiri Palace, or simply walk around the busy streets.

Day 2: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

In the early morning, you'll head to Fort Portal and explore the area around the base of the Rwenzori Mountains. Later, you'll continue driving toward Kibale Forest National Park. This incredibly diverse forest is home to over 13 species of primates, including chimpanzees, red colobus monkeys, rare L'Hoest's monkeys, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, black-faced vervet monkeys, baboons, pottos, and bush babies.

You'll make a stop at Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary—a few minutes' drive from Kibale Forest. Cleverly constructed boardwalks lead you through towering papyrus and make it easy to explore the wetlands. With over 130 bird species, multicolored butterflies, eight different types of primates, and the rare, semi-aquatic sitatunga (swamp-dwelling antelope), the sanctuary is absolutely splendid.

Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park

After breakfast, it's an early start toward Kibale Forest National Park. Today, you will be tracking chimpanzees, our closest living relatives.

These great apes are incredibly fun to watch as they play and fight in the trees. Your experienced guides will introduce you to the members of the chimp families that inhabit the forest. There will also be plenty of opportunities to see different species of birds and plants.

Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Get an early start on your transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Set on the floor of the Rift Valley, the landscape of northern Queen Elizabeth comprises dozens of ancient craters carved into gently rolling hills. Occasionally, you will be able to see the majestic Rwenzori Mountains.

The Kazinga Channel lies in central Queen Elizabeth. Its banks attract large mammals such as hippos, elephants, and buffaloes. The park boasts over 600 species of birds—more than any other national park in Uganda!

Day 5: Land & Water Safari at Queen Elizabeth National Park

This morning, you'll enjoy an exciting game drive in Queen Elizabeth. A popular route is the Kasenyi Sector, known for its numerous lions that prey on the large population of Uganda kob (antelope). If you are very lucky, you may spot a giant forest hog—Africa's largest pig—or an elusive leopard!

In the afternoon, you will hop on a boat for a water safari on the Kazinga Channel, which connects Edward and George Lakes. The Uganda Wildlife Authority guides leading the trip will identify many of the channel's 100 bird species. You're likely to see African skimmers, great white pelicans, spoonbills, and a number of bee-eater species. Hippos wallow at the edge of the water, huge Nile crocodiles bask in the sun, and elephants often come down for a refreshing drink.

Day 6: Transfer to Bwindi National Park

Today, you will make your way to amazing Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, a UNESCO Natural Heritage site and one of the richest biological and botanical regions in the world.

The forest covers an area of 205 miles (331km²) at the southwestern edge of the Western Rift Valley. Bwindi's most-revered species are the approximately 400 wild mountain gorillas that reside within. These gorillas make up half of the world's population of these gentle apes. For this reason, Bwindi Impenetrable is one of the best places on the planet to come face-to-face with the species.

Day 7: Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi National Park

Rise bright and early for a gorilla-tracking adventure! Before beginning the trek, park rangers will brief the group to ensure your safety and that of the great apes. The trek usually takes three to six hours. We recommend bringing a good pair of walking boots or shoes. The rangers will guide you through the village gardens and into the jungle-like forest. They will escort you through the (sometimes) thick bush, occasionally hacking the dense undergrowth with a machete as you search for gorillas. As part of anti-poaching efforts, the apes are under 24-hour monitoring, so you're almost guaranteed to see them!

Once you have located a gorilla family, you will be asked to leave all your belongings on the side and approach the gentle giants with only your camera. It is advised that you keep within 23ft (7m) of the apes to reduce the risk of transmitting human diseases to them. This also helps guides interpret the animals' behavior and easily retreat if danger is perceived.

You will be able to see the families in their natural environment: feeding, playing, interacting with each other, or just sleeping. The gorillas are usually quite curious to see humans as well! You'll be allowed exactly one hour with the apes before returning to base.

Day 8: Depart

After breakfast, you'll begin the journey back to Entebbe International Airport. On the way, you will stop for a delicious picnic lunch and have a fun photo opportunity at the Equator. Your guide will help with check-in procedures, and wish you safe travels.

More Great Uganda Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Uganda? Check out these other Uganda itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.