9 Days Uganda Safari – Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzees, Community Uganda Tour

9 Days Uganda Safari – Overview

This 9 Days Uganda Safari is an affordable nine days Uganda tour offering Gorilla trekking in Bwindi , Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest. It also features wildlife game drives in Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo National Parks, Lake Bunyonyi community tours, and scenic viewing.

You will start this 9 days Uganda safari tour by exploring the fabled Amabere Caves from where you will then travel to Kibale National Park. Here you will enjoy the first highlight of your safari as this park is the best place for trekking wild Chimpanzees.

Kibale National Park has over 1500 Common Chimpanzees with 12 more other Uganda primates.

After you have explored Kibale National Park, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park with a stopover at Ruboni Community. This is found along the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains which is the 3^rd tallest Mountain in Africa at 5109m.

You will then proceed to Queen Elizabeth park and which will be your second highlight of the safari. This park is home to over 600 bird species and 96 mammal species including Hippos, Elephants, Buffalo, Leopards, and indefinable Chimpanzees.

Also, this park is home to the rare tree-climbing Lions, and when in this park, you will embark on game drives with the Savannah plains.

And also a fabulous boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel to see the highest concentration of Hippos in the world.

You depart from Queen Elizabeth park to Bwindi National Park a World Heritage site that has the best highlight of this safari. And this is the endangered Mountain Gorillas human’s closest cousins with over 98% DNA similarity.

Meeting these giant apes is a lifetime experience and trekking Gorillas in this park is epic as it has almost half of the world’s Mountain Gorillas. It has about 459 individuals.

This 9 days Uganda tour begins and ends in Kampala. You will visit Lake Mburo National Park where you will enjoy a game walking safari. During this epic walk, will be within wild animals of this Uganda’s smallest Savannah park.

9 Days Uganda Safari – Prime Safaris Activities

• Spend a charming hour with the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi National Park
• Trekking wild chimpanzees (our closest genetic relatives) on foot in Kibale National Park
• Undertake a wonderful boat trip on the remarkable Kazinga Channel filled with Hippos.
• Enjoy safari game drives in the scenic Savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Search for the uncommon tree-climbing Lions in the Ishasha sector
• Walk among the wild mammals of Lake Mburo National Park
• Visit the Igongo Cultural center and learn about life in Uganda and the country’s history or background.

9 Days Uganda Tour – Featured Safari Parks/Destinations

• Day 1&2: Kibale National Park
• Day 3, 4 & 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Day 6: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Day 7: Lake Bunyonyi
• Day 8: Lake Mburo National Park
• Day 9: Transfer to Kampala

9 Days Uganda Tour – Highlights

• Day 1: Drive from Kampala to Kibale National Park.
• Day 2: Enjoy Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale & Bigodi Swamp Walk in the Afternoon.
• Day 3: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park & enjoy an evening game drive upon arrival.
• Day 4: Do a Morning game drive in Kasenyi, a boat cruise along Kazinga Channel & Evening game drive.
• Day 5: Enjoy Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Forest Reserve & transfer to the Ishasha sector.
• Day 6: Do a Game Drive in the Ishasha sector & transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
• Day 7: Enjoy Gorilla trekking in Bwindi & transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation.
• Day 8: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park, and enjoy an evening game drive upon arrival.
• Day 9: Enjoy a morning game walking safari in Mburo and transfer to Kampala.

9 Days Uganda Safari -Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Drive From Kampala To Kibale National Park, Visit Amabere Caves & Fort Portal Crater Lake

Have an early morning breakfast at your hotel in Kampala at around 6:30 am before being picked up by your expert driver guide. After, you will drive for about 5 hours (300km) to western Uganda to the Fort Portal area.

This Uganda road trip is epic as you will enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. Enjoy the sightings of the rural landscapes, en-route towns, swamps, and forests that are both natural and planted.

Upon arrival in Fort Portal town, have lunch and afterward head for a heritage tour to Amabere Caves. These are named after their looks as they look similar to the twin breasts of a woman.

These breasts are believed to have belonged to Nyinamwiru who was a fabled princess that every man admired. His father King Bukuku was receiving many marriage proposals even from unsuitable suitors so he decided to cut off her breasts so that she becomes less attractive.

But his was not enough as proposals kept coming in so he decided to hide her in the cave today known as Amabere. However, King Isaza of the Batembuzi found her and impregnated her with a son.

Since Nyinamwiru didn’t have breasts, she remained in the cave feeding her baby with cloudy limestone (milk-like structure).

This structure drips from the stalactites.

This baby was nurtured and matured from the stalactite drips and became King Ndahura. He founded the Bachwezi dynasty that governed the Bunyoro Kitara Empire for centuries.

After enjoying this enchanting adventure, go for a hike to Fort Portal Crater Lake field for a wonderful exploration experience. After enjoying these enticing activities, drive to Kibale National Park which is about 1 hour to the south.

The highlight of the day: A heritage tour to Amabere Caves and Fort Portal Crater Lake field hike

Activities and Services;

• Visit Amabeere Caves
• Fort Portal Crater Lakes hike
• Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Day 2: Enjoy Chimpanzee Trekking In Kibale National Park And Bigodi Swamp Walk In The Afternoon

Have a hearty breakfast at around 7 am and after transfer to the Kanyanchu visitor’s center for the first highlight of this Uganda safari. And, this is Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park.

Kibale National Park covers an area of 752 km2 and it is a lush tropical rainforest known to be having the highest number of primates in Africa. It harbors 13 primates with the highest population of chimpanzees with over 1500 individuals.

There are also many Uganda-red Colobus and the occasional L’Hoest’s Monkeys. And, this park also is home to over 375 bird species including the notable Green-breasted Pitta.

However, Kibale park is the most popular and the best place in the world for trekking wild Chimpanzees. These are human’s closest relatives with 98.8% DNA similarity.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park kicks off with a briefing at 8 am. During the briefing, you will get to know about the Chimps and it will clear the air about the dos and don’ts.

Getting close to the apes is prioritized as it is for your safety and the Chimpanzees. Since we share almost the same DNA, humans can easily spread colds, viruses, and other diseases.

Also, you will be asked not to imitate the calls of the Chimpanzees. This may end up calling them creating a battle cry and over 120 angry Chimpanzees may come down to you.

After you are well briefed, head into the forest in search of the Chimpanzees in the company of the armed park rangers.

You will follow the designated trails which will give you amazing views of tall and huge trees, flowering plants, birds, and a range of primates.

Once you spot the Chimpanzees, you be in their presence for 1 full hour is a great experience. During this time, Chimps can be foraging, rolling in tree canopies, hooting, mating, and many exciting behaviors.

Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park is about 2-5 hours and after this superb activity, you can have lunch.

After, you can then head to explore the Bigodi Eco-community experience. Here you will see local traditions and the way of life of the people

The Highlight of the day: Encounter with the wild Chimpanzees on foot in Kibale National Park.

Activities and services;

• Chimpanzee trekking
• Bigodi Swamp walk

Day 3: Transfer To Queen Elizabeth National Park, Visit Ruboni Community En Route And Enjoy An Evening Game Drive Upon Arrival

This will begin with you having a cozy breakfast and afterward, you will depart from the lodge at 8 am. You will then commence on your journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park which is a 2-3 hour drive with amazing scenic views.

Before reaching the national park, en route to the Ruboni community towards Kasese on the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. This is the 3^rd highest Mountain in Africa and it is a great place to enjoy the cultural traditions of the Bakonjo and Bamba.

These people have lived on the foothills of this Mountain for over 300 past years. On this short adventure, you will learn about their way of life, especially the crops they grow and the livestock they keep.

And, also you get to enjoy the impressive music, dance, and drama. After this, have lunch in Kasese and commence at Queen Elizabeth National Park for an afternoon game drive.

This game drive is well enjoyed within the Kasenyi sector giving you fabulous sightings of the Savannah plains harbored with many fantastic mammals.

Queen Elizabeth park is among the most biologically diverse parks in the world covering an area of 1,978 km2.

This park is home to over 600 bird species and over 96 Uganda mammals in its diverse landscapes of tropical habitats. These habitats are rolling grasslands, moist acacia woodland, tropical rain forest, and a variety of wetland habitats.

These wetland habitats range from the open waters and swampy shores of Lake Edward and George. These lakes are connected by a 40km-long Kazinga Channel and several freshwater and saline crater lakes in the park.

The Highlight Of The Day: Enjoy An Evening Game Drive Through The Magnificent Landscapes Of Kasenyi

Activities and Services;

• Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Visit the Ruboni Community
• Afternoon game drive

Day 4: Morning Game Drive In Kasenyi, Afternoon Boat Cruise Along The Kazinga Channel, And Evening Game Drive

Have an early morning breakfast and head for a game drive at 7 am within the Kasenyi sector of the park. This area is of great interest offering high chances of seeing Africa’s fascinating big game.

These include Lions, Elephants, Buffaloes, Leopards, Topi, Uganda Kobs, and much more. Also, during this activity, you will see numerous bird species;

This amazing safari game drive usually lasts 3-4 hours and after you will drive to Mweya Peninsular for a superb hot lunch.

After lunch, jump on the 2-hour experience of the boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel that departs at 2 pm. On this cruise, you will get clear opportunities of seeing hundreds of Hippos and Crocodiles.

You will as well see various animals along the shores like Buffaloes, Elephants, Bush-bucks, and Water-bucks, along with numerous water birds such as;

Being on this boat cruise as you see animals and birds is truly remarkable as you receive lifetime memories. After you have enjoyed the boat cruise, you can embark on an evening game drive along the channel track.

You can then afterward retire at your lodge and await for dinner and enjoy an overnight stay.

The Highlight of the day: Enjoy an afternoon boat cruise on the amazing Kazinga Channel

Activities and Services;

• Morning game drive in the Kasenyi sector
• Afternoon boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel
• Evening game drive along the Channel track

Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking In Kalinzu Forest Reserve And Transfer To Ishasha Sector

Day 5 will start at 6:30 am with you having breakfast afterward you will transfer to Kalinzu Forest Reserve. This forest is on the border of Queen Elizabeth National Park and it is ideal for Chimpanzee trekking experiences.

Chimpanzee Trekking in this lush tropical rain forest is about 2-5 hours and you get 1 hour to be in the presence of the apes. During this hour, you will see Chimpanzees as they forage, patrol, mate, jump from branch to branch and hunt among other behaviors.

After enjoying the Chimpanzees, head to the Ishasha sector which is about a 2 and half-hour drive. You will enjoy an afternoon game drive where you will be searching for the rare Tree-climbing Lions.

However, you will be able to see other wild Savannah animals like Elephants, Buffaloes, and water-bucks among others.

The highlight of the day: Encountering the occasional Tree-climbing Lions in the Ishasha sector.

Activities and Services;

• Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Forest
• Game Drive in the Ishasha sector

Day 6: Game Drive In Ishasha Sector And Transfer To Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

On this day you will have breakfast at around 6:30 am and embark on a morning game drive in the Ishasha sector. Here, you will see numerous wildlife, and the opportunities of seeing the tree-climbing lions are high.

From there, you will then drive far south to Bwindi National Park home to about 459 Mountain Gorillas. This is almost half of the world’s remaining Mountain Gorillas and they are human cousins.

Bwindi National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site offering the best Gorilla trekking in Uganda. This a lifetime experience and a mere look at the Gorillas is unforgettable.

When you are in search of the mystical Habituated Gorilla Families, you are accompanied by armed ranger guides. From here you will be with the Gorillas for 1 full hour without any interruption.

The daily trekking basis of finding the Mountain Gorillas is successful with 99% chance. This means that the conservation of Gorillas has positively impacted leading to the rise of the ape population.

When trekking in Bwindi National Park, you will see other 11 primate species including the rare L’Hoest’s Monkeys. Also, you will see a variety of other mammals ranging from shy Forest Elephants to Giant Forest Hogs.

In addition, the bird life in this park is marvelous with over 351 recorded bird species including 23 Albertine endemics. And, not forgetting the good scenic nature and incredible colors of Bwindi’s 200 butterfly species.

The Highlight of the day: Searching for the amazing Tree-climbing Lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Activities and Services;

• Game drive in Ishasha sector in search of the climbing lions
• Scenic transfer to Bwindi National Park

Day 7: Gorilla Trekking In Bwindi National Park And Transfer To Lake Bunyonyi For Relaxation

Have a vigorous breakfast and head to the park’s headquarters for Mountain Gorilla trekking briefing which is headed by a ranger guide. You will then penetrate the forest for your Gorilla adventures.

The landscape of this rain forest is a natural beauty! It has a dazzling steeply forested landscape and it is dense though has various animal trails making it more accessible.

Trekking the Gorillas depends on their movements but it is usually between 2-6 hours and you get 1 hour with them. This time with the Gorillas is epic and being closer to them is an exciting experience.

You will see the prevailing Silver-back and other individuals between a dozen and around 30 individuals. All these Gorilla individuals have their personalities, from swaggering adolescents and intelligent mothers.

And not forgetting the young ones rolling through the bamboo forests. If you wish, you can take as many pictures as you want though the use of a flashlight is prohibited.

After you have enjoyed the magical Gorillas, you then drive to Lake Bunyonyi passing via the enchanting Kigezi Highlands. Lake Bunyonyi is edged with lush green-terraced hills that reach a height of 2,200m-2,478m.

There are 29 islands dotted within the lake waters making it a magical destination. You will arrive here in the evening and encounter on a boat cruise so that you discover the beauty of this lake.

The Highlight of the day: Enjoy the magical hour with the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Park.

Activities and Services;

• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park
• Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi

Day 8: Transfer To Lake Mburo National Park & Enjoy An Evening Game Drive Upon Arrival

Have an early morning breakfast at 6:30 am and after transfer to Lake Mburo National Park which is about a 99km (4 hours) drive. Along this journey, you will enjoy the scenic views and en-route for Lunch at Igongo Cultural Center restaurant.

You have a local Uganda Cuisine if you are not a picky eater. When here, there is also an option of having a cultural museum tour.

You will then commence your journey to Lake Mburo National Park and enjoy an afternoon game drive. This 370 km2 Savannah is the only place in southwestern Uganda for seeing Zebras and the only park with Impala antelopes.

However, you will see many Elands, Topis, Water-bucks, Rothschild’s Giraffes, etc. and as well the epic sightings of the Savannah at the sunset.

The Highlight of the day: The rewarding evening game drive in Lake Mburo National Park

Activities and Services;

• Transfer to Lake Mburo
• Evening game drive in Lake Mburo National Park

Day 9: Do A Morning Walking Safari And Transfer To Kampala

Enjoy a superb breakfast at leisure at around 7 am and embark on a satisfying game walking safari. This safari is most enjoyed along the moist Savannah stretches of Lake Mburo National Park.

Here you will get clear sightings of the ancient Precambrian rocks that have been here for the past 500 million years. And also you will see many rolling hills and a wide range of wild game like;

You will as well see many bird species since this park is home to over 350 bird species most notable include;

After this activity, you will then return to Kampala and this will mark the end of your 9 days Uganda Tour.

Activities and Services;

• Game walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park
• Transfer to Kampala

End of The 9 Days Uganda Safari

Safari Inclusions

• Full-time English professional safari driver-guide
• 4×4 safari van/ 4×4 Safari land cruiser with pop-up roof for game viewing with functional A/C
• Full board accommodation
• Gorilla & chimpanzee trekking permit fees
• Boat cruise fees
• Wi-Fi Internet on board the safari vehicle
• Bottled water

Safari Exclusions

• International &domestic flight fees
• Visa fees
• Laundry services
• Items of personal nature
• Gratuities and tips
• Other beverages/ drinks
• Other extras not mentioned in the itinerary above