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Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Volcanoes National Park
Tour Highlights
What makes this trip special
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Your trip, day by day
Entebbe to Kibale Primate Capital
Travel west through the lush tea estates of Fort Portal to reach Kibale National Park. This rainforest is the most important primate sanctuary in Africa. Enjoy an evening nature walk and soak in the humid atmosphere of the deep woods. Morning: Arrive at Entebbe International Airport (EBB) or meet your driver-guide at your hotel. Depart Entebbe for the scenic drive west through the Ugandan countryside. The route passes through sprawling sugarcane plantations, traditional villages, and the bustling town of Mityana. Look out for troops of olive baboons and black-and-white colobus monkeys along the roadside. Afternoon: Continue through Fort Portal, known as the "Switzerland of Africa," with its rolling green hills and panoramic views of the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains — the legendary "Mountains of the Moon." Arrive at Kibale Forest National Park and check into your lodge. The tea estates around Fort Portal produce some of Uganda's finest tea — stop for photos at the vast green tea plantations. Evening: Guided nature walk around the lodge grounds. This is an excellent opportunity to spot nocturnal wildlife such as bush babies, pottos, and tree hyraxes. Dinner and overnight in the Kibale area, surrounded by the sounds of the tropical forest.
Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetlands
Spend your morning with our closest relatives, the chimpanzees, as they forage and play in the high canopy. In the afternoon, a community walk through Bigodi Wetland reveals eight more primate species and dozens of rare bird species including the Great Blue Turaco. Morning: Early breakfast at 6:00 AM. Head to the Kanyanchu Visitor Centre for a briefing, then enter Kibale Forest with your guide and ranger for chimpanzee tracking. Kibale is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees — the highest concentration in East Africa. Walk through the tropical rainforest (795 sq km) in search of habituated chimp families. In addition to chimps, you may encounter red-tailed monkeys, L'Hoest's monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and the occasional forest elephant. Afternoon: Return to the lodge for lunch. At 2:00 PM, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided community walk. This pristine wetland is managed by the local community and home to red colobus monkeys, black-and-white colobus, vervet monkeys, over 200 bird species (including the great blue turaco), and spectacular butterflies. Photography tip: the wetland boardwalk provides excellent close-up bird photography opportunities. Evening: Relax at the lodge. Dinner and overnight in the Kibale area, surrounded by the sounds of the tropical forest at night.
Savannah Secrets: Queen Elizabeth NP
Drive south into the Great Rift Valley to Queen Elizabeth NP. We'll head straight for the Kazinga Channel boat safari to witness incredible hippo density and herds of elephants cooling off in the water at sunset. Morning: Breakfast at 7:00 AM and check out from Kibale. Enjoy a scenic 3-hour drive through the Rwenzori foothills to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The route passes through the Kyambura Gorge, a lush riverine forest that is home to a chimpanzee community. The drive offers spectacular views of the Rwenzori Mountains on clear days. Afternoon: Arrive at Queen Elizabeth NP (1,978 sq km) and check in at your lodge. Enjoy lunch with views over the savannah. At 2:00 PM, board a 2-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. This 32 km natural channel connecting Lake Edward and Lake George has the highest concentration of hippos in the world — over 5,000 individuals. Witness elephants drinking and bathing at the shoreline, buffalo wading in the shallows, and a stunning variety of waterbirds including great white pelicans, yellow-billed storks, and African fish eagles. Evening: Sundowner drinks at the lodge terrace. Watch the sunset paint the savannah in shades of orange and gold. Dinner and overnight in Queen Elizabeth NP.
Predators of Kasenyi & Tree-Climbing Lions
A double-dose of big cats. Monitor the lion prides of Kasenyi in the morning, then head south to Ishasha to find the unique tree-climbing lions resting in giant sycamore trees. Stay at a wilderness lodge surrounded by the calls of the wild. Morning: Early morning game drive (6:30 AM departure) along the Kasenyi Track, the prime predator-viewing area of Queen Elizabeth NP. Search for lions and leopards with your experienced guide. This area is also excellent for spotted hyenas, side-striped jackals, and large herds of Uganda kobs. The Kasenyi plains offer some of the best big cat photography in Uganda, especially in the early morning golden light. Afternoon: Return to the lodge for breakfast and checkout. Drive south to the Ishasha sector (about 2 hours) — famous for its tree-climbing lions that lounge in the fig trees. Game drive through Ishasha in search of these unique lions. This rare behaviour is rarely seen elsewhere in Africa. Ishasha is also home to large herds of topi and buffalo. Picnic lunch in the Ishasha sector overlooking the savannah. Evening: Check in at your Ishasha area lodge. Enjoy dinner overlooking the wild landscape. An optional night game drive (available at extra cost) offers the chance to spot nocturnal wildlife such as leopards, porcupines, and genet cats. Overnight in the Ishasha area.
High Ascent to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Venture from the savannah into the misty mountains of Bwindi. The terraced hills and cool highland air signal our arrival in the world of the mountain gorilla. Check in and prepare for the ultimate trek. Morning: Breakfast at 7:00 AM and check out from Ishasha. Depart for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, passing through the stunning terraced hills of the Kigezi Highlands. This region is known as the "Switzerland of Africa" for its steep green hills and neat farming terraces carved into every slope. The drive offers breathtaking views at every turn. Afternoon: Arrive at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (about 4 hours total drive). Check in at your Bwindi area lodge and enjoy lunch. The cool highland air and mist-covered forest signal your arrival in the realm of the mountain gorilla. Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas. Evening: Comprehensive briefing from your lead guide about the gorilla trekking experience scheduled for tomorrow. The briefing covers trekking rules, gorilla etiquette, what to pack for the trek, and photography tips in the forest. Enjoy a hearty dinner and an early bedtime — gorilla trekking starts at sunrise.
The Gorilla Encounter & Batwa Culture
Today is the spiritual heart of the safari. Trek into the ancient forest to meet a family of mountain gorillas. Watch the silverback protect his family, mothers nurse their infants, and juveniles play-fight. Later, meet the Batwa forest people to understand their ancient traditions and deep connection to the rainforest. Morning: Early breakfast at 5:30 AM with packed snacks for the trek. Transfer to the park headquarters at 6:30 AM for a final gorilla trekking briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. Groups of 8 visitors are assigned to specific gorilla families. Enter Bwindi's misty forest with your group, lead guide, trackers, and armed rangers. The trek can take 1-5 hours through steep, dense, and often muddy terrain. Porter services are available for hire (approximately $15-20). Afternoon: Once the gorilla family is located, spend one unforgettable hour in their presence. After the trek, enjoy lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon, visit the Batwa community for a cultural experience. The Batwa are the original forest people of Bwindi and share their ancient traditions, hunting techniques, and deep connection to the forest through song, dance, and storytelling. Evening: Return to the lodge to celebrate your gorilla trekking achievement. Receive a gorilla trekking certificate from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Enjoy a celebratory dinner and share stories with your trekking group. Overnight in Bwindi.
Scenic Return across the Equator
A final drive back to the capital, crossing the Equator once more. Stop for a farewell lunch and reflect on a week that covered the very best of Uganda's wildlife and primates. Morning: Final breakfast at the lodge at 7:00 AM. Depart Bwindi for the journey back to Entebbe. Drive through the scenic Kigezi Highlands and Mbarara town, the heart of Uganda's cattle-keeping region. The rolling green hills dotted with long-horned Ankole cattle provide a beautiful backdrop for the final day of your safari. Afternoon: Stop at the Uganda Equator for photos and souvenir shopping at the local craft markets. This is a memorable photo opportunity standing with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and one in the Southern Hemisphere. Enjoy farewell lunch en route. Continue the drive to Entebbe, passing through the sprawling suburbs of Kampala. Evening: Arrive in Entebbe (approximately 5:00-6:00 PM). Transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight or onward connections. End of tour. We recommend booking flights departing after 8:00 PM to allow ample time for the drive and any unexpected delays.
What's Included & Excluded
Know exactly what your package covers
Included
- Kilimanjaro National Park entry & camping/hut fees
- KPAP-certified mountain guides, cooks and porters
- All meals on the mountain (breakfast, packed lunch, dinner, hot drinks)
- Mountain camping equipment or hut accommodation (route-dependent)
- Treated drinking water throughout the climb
- Government rescue fees
- Airport transfer on arrival/departure
- Pre-climb briefing and equipment check
- All national park entrance fees
- 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for game viewing
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Full board accommodation at camps/lodges
- Game drives per the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
- Airport transfers
Not Included
- International flights
- Tanzania visa
- Travel & medical evacuation insurance
- Tips for guides, cooks and porters
- Personal climbing gear (boots, jacket, sleeping bag)
- Alcoholic drinks and snacks
- Hotel accommodation before/after the climb (unless stated)
- Travel insurance
- Tips for driver-guide and camp/lodge staff
- Alcoholic beverages
- Optional activities (hot air balloon, cultural visits) unless stated
- Personal expenses
Best Time to Travel
The clearest, driest climbing conditions fall in two windows: late June through October, and January to mid-March. Kilimanjaro can be climbed year-round, but the short and long rains (November, and April-May) bring wetter trails and lower summit visibility.
Mountain camping/huts + safari lodges and tented camps
Full board throughout — mountain meals during the climb, lodge/camp meals on safari
What to Pack
Suggested gear for this trip
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