Uganda's signature eight-day circuit combines Lake Mburo, Bwindi Impenetrable, Queen Elizabeth, and Kibale Forest. It delivers mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, launch cruises, and the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha in one well-paced itinerary.
Day 1 — Kampala / Entebbe to Lake Mburo
After breakfast, meet your driver-guide for the drive to Lake Mburo National Park with a stop at the equator experience. Check in for lunch and later enjoy a boat ride on Lake Mburo for views of aquatic species and the park's surrounds.
Accommodation: Eagles' Nest Mburo (budget), Arcadia Cottages (mid-range), Mihingo Safari Lodge (luxury).
Day 2 — Morning game drive and transfer to Bwindi
Early morning game drive catches the early risers. Look for waterbucks, topi, zebra, elephants, buffalo, and more. Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with a lunch stop in Mbarara town.
Accommodation depends on the trekking sector: Nshongi Camp / Buhoma Community (budget), Bweza Lodge / Rushaga Gorilla Lodge (mid-range), Chameleon Hill Lodge / 4 Gorilla Lodge (luxury).
Day 3 — Gorilla trek in Bwindi
Early breakfast, transfer to park headquarters for a behaviour-in-the-jungle briefing. You'll be grouped in eights with park rangers, following well-established trails in search of the gorillas.
After locating a family, you're allowed one hour in their presence as they play with young ones, feed, and move — enough time for photos, videos, and awe. Return to the lodge for rest and an evening community walk.
Day 4-5 — Queen Elizabeth National Park
Transfer from Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth via the southern Ishasha sector where the tree-climbing lions rest in fig-tree branches. A short afternoon game drive on the Kasenyi Plains reveals elephants, buffalo, kobs, bushbucks, and a stunning sunset.
Day 5 combines a morning Kasenyi Plains drive (tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, buffaloes, antelope, leopards, waterbucks, elephants, hippos, warthogs) with an afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise (hippos, crocodiles, waterbirds).
Day 6-7 — Kibale Forest chimpanzee tracking
Drive to Kibale Forest, renowned for its chimpanzee population, with lunch en route. A guided nature walk through the Bigodi wetland reveals birds, insects, reptiles, and more.
Day 7 starts with a briefing at the park offices, then a chimp-tracking trek in small groups. You can stay with chimps for a short window while watching them play, feed, and rest. Options include Chimpanzee Guest House / Kibale Forest Lodge (budget), Guerreza Canopy Lodge / Kibale Forested Camp (mid-range), Chimpundu Lodge / Primate Lodge (luxury).
Day 8 — Return to Kampala
Breakfast, check-out, and the scenic drive back to Kampala. Our guide drops you at the airport for your return flight, or at a hotel in Kampala / Entebbe if you're staying another night.
Package includes airport pick-up and drop, park entrance fees, boats on Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth, game drives, gorilla and chimpanzee permits, ground transport, an English-speaking driver-guide, and all accommodation. Excludes international flights, visa fees, personal insurance, alcoholic drinks, and tipping.
Need help turning this guide into a real itinerary?
Tell us your travel window, pace, and priorities. We will build the route around your style and timing.
Hear what our clients have to say
Genuine stories from travelers who experienced East Africa with Simba Paka Safaris.
Our Affiliations
