9 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari

Your Uganda Wildlife Safari Adventure begins as you leave the bustling capital city of Kampala and head southwest towards Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most famous wildlife reserves. The journey takes approximately 6-7 hours, passing through scenic countryside, tea plantations, and the dramatic Rwenzori Mountain ranges. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and enjoy a relaxing evening. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, buffaloes, and numerous bird species. As the sun sets, you may even hear the distant roar of lions, setting the tone for the exciting days ahead.

An early morning game drive through the Kasenyi Plains offers the best opportunity to spot wildlife when animals are most active. The savannah grasslands are home to lions, leopards, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, and herds of elephants. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 600 species recorded. In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a 32-kilometer waterway connecting Lake George and Lake Edward. This cruise provides an up-close encounter with hippos, crocodiles, and buffaloes cooling off at the water’s edge. Bird species such as African fish eagles, kingfishers, and pelicans are also abundant.

After breakfast, head to Kyambura Gorge, a lush forested valley known for its habituated chimpanzee families. Chimpanzee tracking here is an exhilarating experience as you trek through dense vegetation, listening to the chimps’ calls. Besides chimps, the gorge is home to other primates like red-tailed monkeys and baboons. In the afternoon, begin your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The drive takes you through picturesque landscapes, with terraced hills and rural villages. Arrive in the evening and prepare for the highlight of your safari—gorilla trekking the next day.

The day begins early with a briefing from park rangers before setting off into the dense forest for gorilla trekking. Bwindi’s terrain is challenging but rewarding, as encountering a gorilla family in the wild is a life-changing experience. You’ll spend an hour observing these gentle giants, watching them feed, play, and interact. In the evening, take a community walk to interact with the local Batwa pygmies, the indigenous people of the forest. Learn about their traditional way of life, music, and dance, gaining insight into Uganda’s rich cultural heritage.

After the intensity of gorilla trekking, relax with a scenic drive to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda’s most beautiful lakes. Known as the "Lake of a Thousand Little Birds," it is surrounded by terraced hills and dotted with islands. Enjoy a canoe ride, visit local communities, or simply unwind at your lakeside lodge, soaking in the serene atmosphere.

Depart for Lake Mburo National Park, a smaller but wildlife-rich park known for its zebras, impalas, and acacia-dotted savannah. The journey offers stunning views of the countryside. Upon arrival, take an evening game drive or a guided nature walk, where you may spot hyenas, leopards, and various antelope species.

Start the day with a morning game drive, exploring the park’s diverse ecosystems. Lake Mburo is unique for its high concentration of zebras and elands. A boat ride on the lake provides sightings of hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds like the rare shoebill stork. In the afternoon, opt for a biking safari or another guided walk to experience the park’s wildlife on a more intimate level.

Leave Lake Mburo and drive east to Jinja, the adventure capital of Uganda. Here, you’ll visit the Source of the Nile, where the world’s longest river begins its journey to the Mediterranean. Enjoy a boat cruise, visit nearby craft markets, or engage in adrenaline activities like white-water rafting (optional).

On your final day, explore Kampala or Entebbe. Visit historical sites like the Uganda Museum, Kasubi Tombs, or the Bahai Temple. If in Entebbe, stroll along Lake Victoria’s shores or visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens. This 9-day Uganda wildlife safari offers a perfect blend of adventure, wildlife, and culture. From tracking gorillas and chimps to cruising along the Nile and relaxing at Lake Bunyonyi, every moment is filled with wonder. Uganda’s natural beauty and warm hospitality make it a must-visit destination for any nature lover.