7-Day Bwindi, Kibale & Queen Elizabeth NP Tour

Your adventure begins in the morning when your guide meets you at your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala, or at Entebbe International Airport. After a short trip briefing, you set off for Kibale Forest National Park.

The drive is an experience in itself. You’ll pass small villages, lush rainforests, endless tea plantations, and sparkling crater lakes. On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains rising in the distance. By the time you arrive at Kibale Forest, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a whole new world – a world full of monkeys!

Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale is one of the most primate-rich rainforests in all of Africa. It is home to 13 different primate species, including the red-tailed monkey, black-and-white colobus, red colobus, diademed monkey, mantled mangabey, and the playful bush baby. The park sits at an average elevation of 1,300 meters, surrounded by tea plantations to the north and papyrus swamps to the south.

After settling into your lodge, you’ll take a guided walk through Bigodi Swamp. This beautiful wetland is famous for its wildlife, especially monkeys and rare birds. Keep an eye out for the giant turaco, one of Uganda’s most striking birds, as well as several monkey species swinging in the treetops.

Accommodation Options:

Simple: Kibale Forest Camp (Full Board)

Middle class: Turaco Treetops – Standard Cottage (Full Board)

Semi-luxury: Turaco Treetops – Luxury Cottage (Full Board)

Luxury: Papaya Lake Lodge (Full Board)

Today is all about adventure and unforgettable moments. Your morning begins deep in the lush Kibale Forest, where you set off on an exhilarating chimpanzee trek. Guided by an experienced ranger, you’ll follow fresh clues — broken branches, calls in the distance, and scattered fruit — until you finally come across these lively primates. Watching them play, groom each other, and swing through the trees is a thrilling and humbling experience.

After your trek, enjoy a relaxed lunch and a bit of rest at the lodge before saying goodbye to the rainforest. Your journey continues toward Queen Elizabeth National Park, taking you past rolling green hills, endless tea plantations, and sparkling crater lakes. As you drive further, the scenery shifts into wide golden savannah — a sign that you’ve reached safari country.

On arrival, check into your lodge and take a moment to unwind. Enjoy a refreshing drink, soak in the sweeping wilderness views, and breathe in the fresh air as you settle into the rhythm of the African bush.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Covering nearly 2,000 km², Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s most famous and diverse wildlife reserves. Nestled in the Great Rift Valley, it is framed by the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains to the north and the shimmering waters of Lake Edward to the west. At its heart lies the Kazinga Channel, a haven for hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and over 600 species of birds — a paradise for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Accommodation Options:

Simple: Bush Lodge – Banda (Full Board)

Middle class: Engazi Game Lodge (Full Board)

Semi-luxury: Katara Lodge (Full Board)

Luxury: Kyambura Gorge Lodge (Full Board)

Today is all about discovering the incredible wildlife of Queen Elizabeth National Park. After an early breakfast, you’ll set off on a morning game drive, with the golden sunrise painting the savannah in soft light. The air is cool, the mist hangs low, and the sounds of the bush — distant roars, bird calls, and rustling grasses — set the perfect mood for your safari. Keep your eyes open for elephants, buffalo, antelopes, and, if you’re lucky, lions or leopards as they finish their night’s hunt.

After your safari, return to your lodge for a well-deserved lunch and some time to relax. Then, in the afternoon, get ready for one of the most spectacular experiences in Uganda — a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel. This natural waterway links Lake Edward and Lake George and is teeming with life. You’ll see huge pods of hippos lounging in the water, massive crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks, buffalo cooling off, and a dazzling array of birds. If you’re really lucky, you might even spot elephants wading into the channel to playfully spray each other — the perfect end to an unforgettable day.

Optional Experiences (Available by adding an extra day or swapping activities):

• Predator Tracking: Join a park biologist on a special tracking safari to locate lion prides and possibly leopards using radio collars. This unique activity allows you to go off-road, learn about predator behavior, and support vital conservation work.

• Private Boat Safari: Upgrade to a private boat on the Kazinga Channel for a closer, more intimate experience. With a smaller boat, you can approach wildlife more quietly and set your own pace — perfect for photography and an exclusive adventure.

• Kyambura Gorge Trek: Hike through the dramatic Kyambura Gorge, an 11-kilometer chasm cutting through the savannah. The rainforest inside is stunning, and while chimpanzee sightings are only about 50% likely, the trek itself — with its climbs, descents, and lush scenery — is one of the most beautiful hikes in Uganda.

Accommodation Options:

Simple: Bush Lodge – Banda (Full Board)

Middle class: Engazi Game Lodge (Full Board)

Semi-luxury: Katara Lodge (Full Board)

Luxury: Kyambura Gorge Lodge (Full Board)

This morning, you say goodbye to the wide savannahs and begin your scenic journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. This drive is one of the most beautiful in Uganda, showcasing just how diverse this country truly is. Along the way, you’ll pass through lush rainforests, rolling hills, coffee and banana plantations, and mountain passes with breathtaking views. Eventually, you’ll arrive at the charming Orugano Bwindi Lodge, your base for gorilla trekking and rainforest exploration.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Bwindi is one of Africa’s most remarkable rainforests and, together with Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains, is the most important area for mountain gorilla conservation. Despite its relatively small size, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The forest is also a haven for biodiversity, sheltering over 120 mammal species and more than 350 bird species — making it a paradise for wildlife lovers and birdwatchers alike.

Optional Experiences Around

This region offers a variety of activities for travelers who want to explore even more. You can glide across the serene waters of Lake Mutanda in a dugout canoe, trek through Mgahinga National Park to see rare golden monkeys, or even climb one of the Virunga volcanoes for sweeping views over Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. Within Bwindi itself, you can enjoy guided nature walks to spot birds and smaller forest creatures, visit a local village, or spend time with the Batwa pygmy community to learn about their fascinating culture.

Whether you want to stay active or simply soak up the tranquil surroundings from your veranda, this day is perfect for immersing yourself in the magic of Bwindi.

Accommodation: Orugano Bwindi Lodge

Today is the day you’ve been waiting for — the ultimate highlight of your Ugandan adventure. After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the Bwindi National Park headquarters for a briefing before setting off on your once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trek.

Led by the expert rangers of the Uganda Wildlife Authority, you’ll step into the dense, mystical rainforest. The trek can take you over hills, through thick vegetation, and across streams as you follow clues — broken branches, fresh dung, and trampled leaves — that reveal the gorillas’ path.

And then, the moment arrives. You find yourself just meters away from a mountain gorilla family. The mighty silverback sits watchful, calm, and powerful, while young gorillas play and tumble nearby. For a full hour, you’ll quietly observe them as they feed, groom, and interact. It’s an experience that is humbling, emotional, and truly unforgettable — a memory you will carry with you forever.

After the trek, you’ll return to your lodge to relax, reflect, and savor this incredible encounter with a cool drink and the sounds of the rainforest all around you.

Optional Upgrade: Gorilla Habituation Experience

For those who want to spend more time with the gorillas, you can join a unique gorilla habituation experience instead of the standard trek. Accompanied by researchers, you’ll spend up to four hours with a gorilla family that is in the process of becoming accustomed to human presence. With only four participants allowed, this is a rare and intimate opportunity to witness the gorillas’ natural behavior and the careful work that goes into their protection.

This morning begins with another incredible primate encounter — golden monkey tracking in nearby Mgahinga National Park. These rare and playful primates are a delight to watch as they leap from branch to branch in their bamboo forest home. Your ranger will guide you through the forest, sharing insights about these endangered monkeys and their fascinating social behavior. This experience is the perfect complement to your gorilla trek, giving you the chance to see yet another of Uganda’s most unique primates up close.

After your golden monkey adventure, you’ll say goodbye to the misty Virunga volcanoes and begin the scenic drive toward Lake Mburo National Park. The road takes you along the route that connects Rwanda with Kampala and Kenya, offering beautiful views of rolling hills, villages, and farmland along the way.

By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at Lake Mburo National Park — a small but incredibly beautiful reserve known for its rich wildlife and serene atmosphere. After checking in at your lodge, you can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings or choose to embark on an optional night safari.

Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo is Uganda’s smallest safari park, but it is full of charm and unique species. It is the only park in Uganda where you can see impalas and elands, alongside zebras, giraffes, buffalo, and hippos. The park’s centerpiece is the tranquil Lake Mburo itself, which is home to hippos, crocodiles, and over 300 bird species.

Optional Night Safari

Just before dinner, set off on an exciting night game drive. This is your chance to spot nocturnal animals such as bush babies (galagos), hyenas, and — if you’re lucky — the elusive leopard. A night safari offers a completely different perspective of the African bush and is a thrilling way to end the day.

Accommodation Options:

Simple: Eagles Nest (Full Board)

Middle class: Rwakobo Rock (Full Board)

Semi-Luxury: Kigambira Lodge (Full Board)

Luxury: Mihingo Lodge (Full Board)

In the morning, you can choose between a walking safari or a mountain bike safari through Lake Mburo National Park (both included). Since there are no lions or elephants in the park, these activities are safe yet full of excitement, offering an intimate way to explore the park’s wildlife.

You also have the optional opportunity to experience a horseback safari, which can only be booked if you stay overnight at Mihingo Lodge. This provides a completely unique perspective on the park and its animals.

After your morning activity and a (late) breakfast, you will cross the Equator and begin the drive back to Entebbe, arriving in the early evening for your airport drop-off and return flight home. This marks the end of your unforgettable Uganda adventure.

Lake Mburo Walking Safari – Morning

Accompanied by a ranger, you’ll hike through the park in search of zebras, buffalo, eland, and giraffes. Bird lovers will also enjoy capturing photos of the park’s impressive variety, as Lake Mburo is home to over 310 bird species.

Mountain Bike Safari Lake Mburo – Morning (Optional)

For a more active start to your day, enjoy a mountain bike tour through the lush greenery of Lake Mburo National Park. Along the way, you may spot zebras, impalas, and hartebeest while taking in panoramic views of the savannah. The elevation changes make this an invigorating and rewarding experience.

Horseback Riding Safari Lake Mburo – Morning (Optional)

Explore the park on horseback during this exciting safari. Suitable for both beginners and experienced riders, you’ll enjoy close encounters with wildlife and the stunning scenery of the savannah. Please note that participants must weigh no more than 90 kilograms (200 lbs), and availability must be confirmed on-site. This activity is only available for guests staying at Mihingo Lodge.