8 Days Uganda gorilla tracking and wildlife safari

Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Kampala

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by a Mzanga Safaris guide and transferred to Kampala. The remainder of the day is at leisure as you prepare for your safari adventure.

Day 2: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park, Boat Ride and Evening Game Drive

Depart Kampala and travel to Lake Mburo National Park in western Uganda. Along the way, visit the Mpigi Royal Drum Makers Centre to learn about the traditional craftsmanship behind Uganda’s ceremonial drums and stop at the Equator for photographs and sightseeing. Continue through the scenic Ankole region, known for its rolling hills and long-horned cattle, before arriving at Lake Mburo National Park. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride on the lake, where you may encounter hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species, followed by an evening game drive in search of zebras, impalas, elands, buffaloes, warthogs, and other wildlife.

Day 3: Morning Game Drive, Walking Safari and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Begin the day with a morning game drive through Lake Mburo National Park, home to large populations of zebras, impalas, elands, topis, and a variety of bird species. Later, enjoy a guided walking safari from the Rwonyo area, offering unique opportunities to observe wildlife on foot, including buffaloes, zebras, impalas, topis, and, with luck, the elusive sitatunga antelope. After the walk, continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park, arriving in the evening.

Day 4: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Set out early for a game drive across the savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park in search of lions, leopards, elephants, Cape buffaloes, giant forest hogs, Uganda kobs, topis, bushbucks, and other wildlife. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, the natural waterway linking Lake Edward and Lake George. The channel is famous for its high concentration of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and an incredible diversity of birdlife, making it one of the best wildlife-viewing experiences in Uganda.

Day 5: Ishasha Game Drive and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Travel through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its rare tree-climbing lions that are often seen resting in fig trees. During the game drive, keep an eye out for leopards, spotted hyenas, warthogs, buffaloes, elephants, antelopes, and a variety of bird species. You will also visit areas frequented by Uganda kobs before continuing to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Cultural Experience

After a briefing by park rangers, venture into the dense rainforest of Bwindi in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. The trek can take between two and eight hours depending on the gorillas’ location, but the reward is a memorable hour spent observing these magnificent primates in their natural habitat. Later, enjoy a cultural experience with the Batwa community, learning about their traditional forest lifestyle, medicinal practices, craftsmanship, music, dance, and cultural heritage.

Day 7: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, Canoe Ride and Community Visits

Travel to the breathtaking Lake Bunyonyi, often referred to as one of Uganda’s most beautiful destinations. Surrounded by terraced hills and dotted with numerous islands, the lake offers spectacular scenery and rich birdlife. Enjoy a traditional canoe ride, explore the surrounding hills on foot, visit local schools, and spend time with the Batwa community to gain insight into their culture, traditions, and way of life.

Day 8: Return to Kampala

After enjoying the beauty of Lake Bunyonyi, begin the journey back to Kampala through Uganda’s scenic countryside. Arrive in the late afternoon, marking the end of your unforgettable safari with Mzanga Safaris.

Price Includes

• Transportation in a 4WD safari vehicle
• Gorilla trekking permit
• National park entrance fees
• Game drives
• Boat cruise on Lake Mburo
• Kazinga Channel boat cruise
• Guided walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park
• Batwa cultural experience
• Canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi
• Services of an English-speaking driver-guide

Price Excludes

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Visa fees
• Drinks and beverages
• Tips and gratuities
• Souvenirs
• Personal expenses and any items not specifically mentioned in the inclusions