Upon your arrival in Uganda, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative and transferred to your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe, where you can relax and recover from your journey. This day is dedicated to settling in and preparing for the exciting adventure ahead. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to explore the city or simply unwind at the hotel, enjoying the comfort of your accommodation and gearing up for the experiences to come.

Overnight: Kampala Serena Hotel

Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

After breakfast, you’ll embark on a scenic drive to Kibale National Park, often referred to as the “Primate Capital of the World.” The journey will take you through the lush green countryside, tea plantations, and small towns, giving you a glimpse of Uganda’s rural life. Upon arrival, you’ll check in at your lodge, where you can relax and take in the serene surroundings, preparing for the exciting chimpanzee trekking adventure that awaits you the next day.

Kibale National Park is renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity, particularly its rich primate population. The park is home to 13 different primate species, including the famous chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys. The lush tropical rainforest provides a perfect habitat for these primates, but it is also a haven for other wildlife. Over 375 bird species, such as the African pitta and the green-breasted pitta, call this park home, alongside forest elephants, bushbucks, and an array of butterfly species. The park’s diverse ecosystems, from wetlands to evergreen forests, make it one of the most ecologically significant areas in East Africa.

Overnight: Kyaninga Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

Your day starts with an early breakfast before heading into the depths of Kibale Forest for an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking experience. Led by experienced guides, you’ll follow trails through the dense jungle, listening to the sounds of nature and the calls of the chimps. Once you locate them, you’ll spend time observing their behavior—playing, grooming, and swinging from the trees. The proximity to these intelligent creatures offers a rare insight into their world and is a highlight of any Ugandan adventure.

In the afternoon, you’ll embark on a guided walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run conservation area near Kibale National Park. The swamp is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 200 bird species, including the great blue turaco, and is home to several primates such as red colobus monkeys and baboons. As you explore the swamp’s boardwalks, you’ll also discover rich plant life, butterflies, and small mammals, all contributing to the vibrant ecosystem. The walk offers a perfect blend of nature, conservation, and culture, as your guide shares stories about the local community’s efforts in preserving this unique environment.

Overnight: Kyaninga Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

After breakfast, you’ll embark on a journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity. The drive will take you through picturesque terraced hills and quaint villages, offering breathtaking views of the countryside. Upon arrival at Bwindi, you’ll check in at your lodge, where you can relax and enjoy the serene environment, setting the stage for the incredible experiences that lie ahead.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife reserves, famed primarily for its population of endangered mountain gorillas. This lush, ancient rainforest is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, providing a sanctuary for these majestic creatures. In addition to gorillas, the park boasts a diverse array of wildlife, including numerous bird species, butterflies, and other primates like the black-and-white colobus and red-tailed monkeys. The dense vegetation and rugged terrain create a dramatic backdrop for trekking and wildlife watching. Bwindi’s commitment to conservation and local community involvement enhances the experience, offering visitors a unique opportunity to learn about both the wildlife and the culture of the surrounding communities.

Overnight: Buhoma Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

Today is the highlight of your trip as you embark on the unforgettable gorilla tracking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After an early breakfast, you’ll meet your guide and be briefed on the day’s activities and safety protocols. Then, you’ll head into the lush rainforest, where you’ll track one of the resident gorilla families.

The trek can vary in duration and difficulty, depending on the location of the gorillas, but every step through the dense undergrowth and towering trees is filled with anticipation. Once you reach the gorillas, you’ll have a precious hour to observe them in their natural habitat. Witness their fascinating behaviors—playing, feeding, and interacting with each other. This intimate experience with these gentle giants is both awe-inspiring and humbling, offering a profound connection to nature.

After the trek, you’ll return to your lodge to reflect on the day’s adventure, perhaps sharing stories with fellow travelers over dinner. The memories of your time spent with the gorillas will stay with you long after you leave Uganda.

Overnight: Buhoma Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

On your final day, you have the opportunity to engage with the Batwa community, the indigenous people of the forest, through a culturally enriching experience. After breakfast, you’ll visit a Batwa village, where you’ll learn about their traditional way of life, customs, and the significance of the forest to their culture. You may participate in activities such as traditional dance, storytelling, and even a demonstration of their hunting and gathering skills, providing a unique insight into their rich heritage.

Following this immersive experience, you’ll begin your journey back to Entebbe. As you transfer, take in the stunning scenery one last time, reflecting on the incredible adventures you’ve had in Uganda. Upon arrival in Entebbe, you’ll prepare for your outbound flight home, carrying with you unforgettable memories of your Ugandan safari and the remarkable wildlife and culture you’ve encountered along the way.