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UGANDA - GORILLAS & BEYOND

Best of the South West – Safari & Great Apes

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Summary of the Trip

Experience the wild heart of Uganda on a journey that blends classic safari adventure with intimate encounters with great apes. Trek through lush rainforests in search of mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, cruise along wildlife-rich waterways, and explore scenic crater lakes and sweeping savannahs. Along the way, immerse yourself in vibrant local cultures and unwind in some of Uganda’s most beautiful and luxurious lodges. This trip offers a perfect balance of wildlife, culture, and comfort, ideal for anyone seeking Africa’s most soulful and unforgettable wilderness experiences.

The Experience

This journey begins on the tranquil shores of Entebbe, setting the stage for a deep dive into Uganda’s most iconic landscapes and wildlife. Venture into the lush forests of Bwindi for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience, then travel to the savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park for classic game drives, boat safaris, and sightings of tree-climbing lions. Continue onward to the crater lakes and rainforests of Kibale, where chimpanzee tracking and birdwatching await. Throughout the trip, connect with welcoming local communities, learn about Uganda’s rich cultural heritage, and unwind each evening in handpicked lodges that blend comfort, authenticity, and stunning natural settings, ensuring a truly immersive African adventure.

HIGHLIGHTS

GORILLA AND CHIMPANZEE TREKKING,
ICONIC WILDLIFE AND BIRDING,
TAILOR-MADE SAFARIS,
GAME DRIVES AND BOAT CRUISES,
CRATER LAKES AND SCENIC LANDSCAPES,
CULTURAL IMMERSION

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WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • All accommodations & scheduled meals 
  • Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits
  • Daily game drives and boat cruises
  • Private transfers and domestic flights
  • Cultural visits and immersive experiences
  • Park and conservancy fees
  • All entrance and activity costs

DAY BY DAY

Itinerary is subject to change

Day 1

Arrival in Entebbe – Lakeside Welcome

Arrive in Entebbe and settle into your boutique lakeside hotel. Enjoy the afternoon exploring botanical gardens, birdwatching, or visiting local markets. Savor your first Ugandan meal as you relax by the lake. Prepare for your adventure ahead in this welcoming city, where the journey into Uganda’s wild heart begins.
Day 2

Exploring Entebbe – Local Insights

Take a leisurely day to discover Entebbe’s lakeside charms. Visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre or join a guided birdwatching excursion. Stroll through the botanical gardens or explore bustling local markets. Enjoy the tranquil setting of your hotel, relaxing before your journey into Uganda’s wild landscapes and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Day 3

Journey to Bwindi – Forest Immersion

Fly from Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO site. Settle into your forest lodge surrounded by ancient trees and birdsong. Spend the afternoon exploring a local community or visiting a craft market. Relax with views of the misty hills before dinner, preparing for tomorrow’s unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure.
Day 4

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Rise early for your gorilla trekking briefing, then venture into the dense forest with expert guides. Track a family of endangered mountain gorillas and spend an unforgettable hour observing their behavior up close. Return to your lodge for rest and reflection, sharing stories of this profound wildlife encounter over a well-earned meal.
Day 5

To Queen Elizabeth National Park – Wildlife & Waterways

Travel by scenic road to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for tree-climbing lions. Enjoy a game drive en route, spotting elephants, buffalo, and antelope. Arrive at your lodge and, if time allows, take a short nature walk or relax before dinner, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the savannah.
Day 6

Kazinga Channel & Crater Lakes

Embark on a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, teeming with hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife. Continue north through rolling landscapes, stopping to admire the dramatic crater lakes. Arrive at your lodge perched above a crater lake, where you can enjoy panoramic views and a peaceful evening in the heart of western Uganda.
Days 7-8

Kibale Forest & Farewell – Primate Encounters and Journey’s End

Set out early for chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, observing playful primates and birds. After lunch, enjoy a nature walk or swim at your crater lake lodge. The next morning, take a final stroll or swim before transferring to Kasese airstrip for your flight to Entebbe, reflecting on your Ugandan adventure and wildlife encounters.

FAST FACTS

Beyond the Safari Jeep

Hot air balloon safari over Queen Elizabeth NP
Night game drive in Queen Elizabeth
Community coffee or tea tour
Forest birding walk with an expert guide
Canoeing or boat trip on a crater lake
Extra night at Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation

Why we love it

“Nowhere else puts you eye-to-eye with gorillas at dawn and lions by sunset: this is Uganda at its wildest, most soulful, and most unforgettable.” – The Nomad Africa Team
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When to travel

Best from June to September and December to February for primate trekking and wildlife viewing.

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SEE WHAT YOU LIKE? BOOK YOUR TRIP TODAY

Book your trip with Nomad today, you will get everything in the itinerary listed above and much more. Our goal is to make your trip dreams come alive.

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