Sample itinerary - FORESTS & PLAINS OF UGANDA SAFARI

Day notes

On arrival into Entebbe, a VIP meet and greet ensures a smooth and effortless passage through immigration before you are welcomed by your guide and transferred to The Boma Guest House. Set within lush tropical gardens, The Boma provides a charming and relaxed introduction to Uganda, with a peaceful atmosphere that allows you to unwind after your journey. It is a gentle start, offering comfort and a sense of calm before heading into the more remote regions of the country.

Day notes

Take a scheduled flight to Kasese that offers a dramatic change in scenery, with views over lakes, farmland and the distant Rwenzori Mountains. On landing, a scenic two-hour drive brings you to Kibale Forest National Park, one of Africa’s most important primate habitats. Staying at Primate Lodge, set within the forest itself, you are immediately immersed in the dense greenery and rich sounds of the jungle. That afternoon, a guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary introduces you to the area’s biodiversity, with excellent birdlife and the chance to see several primate species. The visit also includes time with the KAFRED community project, offering insight into local livelihoods and conservation efforts.

The next day is dedicated to chimpanzee tracking, one of Kibale’s defining experiences. Setting out early, you head into the forest with experienced guides in search of habituated chimpanzee troops. The trek can be lively and engaging, often guided by distant calls echoing through the trees. Time spent with the chimpanzees is both fascinating and intimate, as you observe their social interactions, movements and behaviours at close range. Returning to the lodge, the afternoon is left free to relax and absorb the atmosphere of the forest.

Day notes

From Kibale, the journey continues south to Queen Elizabeth National Park, a transition that gradually opens the landscape into rolling savanna, crater lakes and wide plains. After arriving at Honey Bear Bush Camp and settling in over lunch, the afternoon introduces the park’s diverse wildlife. Activities here are varied and include game drives, nature walks and boat excursions, often complemented by sundowners as the light softens over the plains. The park is known for its ecological diversity, supporting everything from elephants and buffalo to a wide range of bird species, all set against a backdrop of dramatic scenery.

A full day in Queen Elizabeth allows for deeper exploration, with morning and afternoon activities revealing different aspects of the park. Game drives traverse open grasslands and acacia woodland, while boat excursions along the Kazinga Channel offer close-up encounters with hippos, crocodiles and an abundance of waterbirds. The pace of the day is relaxed yet rewarding, with time to appreciate both the wildlife and the ever-changing landscapes.

Day notes

The safari then continues into the remote southern sector of the park, Ishasha, reached via a game drive that often delivers excellent sightings along the way. This region is particularly famous for its tree-climbing lions, which are sometimes seen resting in the branches of fig trees. Ishasha Wilderness Camp provides a more intimate and off-the-beaten-track experience, set along the Ntungwe River and surrounded by unspoilt wilderness. An afternoon game drive followed by a sundowner sets the tone, with the sense of remoteness and quiet adding to the overall experience.

A full day in Ishasha allows for unhurried exploration of this unique ecosystem. Game drives here feel more exclusive, with fewer vehicles and a strong sense of solitude. In addition to the tree-climbing lions, the area supports large herds of buffalo and elephant, along with a variety of plains game. The rhythm of the day is dictated by wildlife movement and the quality of light, with time to fully appreciate the subtleties of the landscape.

Day notes

From Ishasha, the journey continues into the highlands of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a drive of approximately three hours that climbs steadily into cooler, mist-covered terrain. Arriving at Buhoma Lodge, perched on the edge of the forest, you are welcomed into one of Uganda’s most iconic settings. After lunch, a visit to the Ride 4 a Woman community project offers a meaningful cultural interaction, providing insight into local initiatives that support women and families living alongside the forest.

The highlight of the entire safari comes the following day with gorilla trekking. After an early morning briefing, you set out in small groups with experienced guides and trackers, heading into the dense forest in search of a habituated gorilla family. The trek can vary in length and difficulty, but the moment of encountering the gorillas is unforgettable. Spending time in their presence, observing their behaviour and interactions at close range, is a deeply moving and humbling experience. Returning to the lodge afterwards, there is time to reflect on what is often considered one of Africa’s greatest wildlife encounters.

Day notes

On the final day, after breakfast, a transfer to Kihihi Airstrip connects with a scheduled flight back to Entebbe. The flight offers a final aerial perspective of Uganda’s diverse landscapes, from forested hills to open plains, before arriving in time for your onward international departure. This itinerary, rich in variety and carefully paced, delivers a comprehensive exploration of Uganda’s natural highlights, combining primates, big game and cultural encounters into a seamless and memorable journey.