The experience
Safari Overview
Discover three of Uganda's signature natural environments in one carefully paced route: the tropical forest of Kibale, the wildlife-rich savannah and waterways of Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the montane rainforest of Bwindi. The journey combines planned chimpanzee tracking, a game drive and a Kazinga Channel boat excursion with a gorilla trek. Primate permits are limited and must be secured for the exact dates before the itinerary is treated as confirmed.
The journey
Route and starting point
Entebbe or Kampala – Kibale Forest – Queen Elizabeth National Park – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Entebbe or Kampala
Starts in
Entebbe or Kampala
Ends in
Entebbe or Kampala
Find your kind of adventure
Tour type and activities
Why travel with us
Tour highlights
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Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, subject to permit availability
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Game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
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Boat excursion on the Kazinga Channel, subject to schedule
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Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi, subject to permit confirmation
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A varied route through forest, crater-lake and savannah landscapes
Your journey, day by day
Safari itinerary
Day 1
Day 1: Entebbe or Kampala to Kibale Forest
Meet your driver-guide and travel west towards Kibale Forest. Stop along the way as agreed and arrive at the lodge in the forest area. Review the next day's chimpanzee tracking arrangements.
Accommodation
Kibale area accommodation
Meals:
Meals as confirmed
Day 2
Day 2: Chimpanzee tracking and Bigodi wetland
After an early breakfast, report for the chimpanzee tracking briefing and guided forest walk, subject to permit confirmation. In the afternoon, a Bigodi wetland or community nature walk may be arranged subject to availability and the final quotation.
Accommodation
Kibale area accommodation
Meals:
Breakfast; other meals as confirmed
Day 3
Day 3: Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Travel south towards Queen Elizabeth National Park. Depending on arrival time and the confirmed schedule, enjoy a scenic crater-lake stop or an afternoon game-viewing drive.
Accommodation
Queen Elizabeth area accommodation
Meals:
Breakfast; other meals as confirmed
Day 4
Day 4: Game drive and Kazinga Channel
Set out for a guided game drive in a selected park sector. Later, take the scheduled boat excursion on the Kazinga Channel to view wildlife along the water, subject to boat availability and park arrangements.
Accommodation
Queen Elizabeth area accommodation
Meals:
Breakfast; other meals as confirmed
Day 5
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi
After breakfast, travel towards the assigned Bwindi trekking sector. The route may pass through the Ishasha area when appropriate, but wildlife sightings and route access are not guaranteed. Arrive at the lodge and prepare for the gorilla trek.
Accommodation
Bwindi area accommodation
Meals:
Breakfast; other meals as confirmed
Day 6
Day 6: Gorilla trekking and onward transfer
Attend the park briefing and join the ranger-guided gorilla trek, subject to a confirmed permit. After the trek, transfer to the agreed onward location. A same-day return to Entebbe or Kampala may be a long journey; the final drop-off plan must be confirmed before booking.
Meals:
Breakfast; other meals as confirmed
Know what's covered
What's included and excluded
Included
- Private road transport and driver-guide only as specified
- Five nights of accommodation and meals as itemised
- Chimpanzee permit only if expressly listed and confirmed
- Gorilla permit only if expressly listed and confirmed
- Park entry and Kazinga Channel boat activity only where itemised
Not included
- Chimpanzee and gorilla permits unless expressly listed and secured
- Park fees and activity charges unless itemised as included
- Flights, visas, insurance, tips, drinks and personal expenses
- Optional activities and services not included in the written quotation
Plan your visit
Best time to travel
Primate tracking operates subject to permit availability and park rules. June to September and December to February are commonly popular travel windows, but forest conditions and wildlife movement vary. Check permits first, then align accommodation and transfers.
Before you go
Practical information
The route includes long transfers between national parks. Chimpanzee and gorilla tracking have separate permit and age requirements; Minimum ages and participation rules differ by activity and may change; confirm the current chimpanzee and gorilla tracking requirements with Uganda Wildlife Authority before booking. Gorilla tracking has a minimum age of 15 under the published UWA rules. Trek duration depends on animal movement, terrain and weather.
Frequently asked questions
Are both primate permits included?
Only if chimpanzee and gorilla permits are each expressly itemised and confirmed in the written quotation.
What happens if a permit is unavailable?
The travel dates or route may need to change; no permit should be treated as secured until confirmed.
Is the Kazinga Channel cruise included?
It is included only when listed in the final written quotation and scheduled for the travel dates.
Can the safari be done at a slower pace?
Yes. A longer version can be quoted to allow more nights between parks and reduce the pace of transfers.
