Best of Uganda: 8-day Scheduled Safari

On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, a friendly Wild Frontiers representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

Set on the shores of Lake Victoria, Entebbe is a relaxed town that’s easy to explore on foot or by local boda bodas (motorbike taxis). Browse colourful markets or take a leisurely boat cruise on Lake Victoria.

Overnight Best Western Premier Garden Hotel Entebbe, or similar. 

This morning’s flight on a light aircraft to Kihihi airstrip takes just over an hour. Transfer through local villages and along mountain roads to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a World Heritage site (a drive of +- 90 mins).

Considered the most diverse forest in Uganda, Bwindi is one of the richest ecosystems in East Africa and home to over 120 mammals, 345 species of birds, 200 species of butterflies and 160 species of trees. The park contains an estimated one half of the world’s population of the endangered Mountain Gorilla, making it an extremely valuable conservation site.  

Overnight Buhoma Lodge.                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Gorilla Trekking - Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Coming face to face with a mountain gorilla is a rare encounter— and one of Africa’s wildlife experiences that’s hard to sum up in mere words. Accompanied by experienced guides and trackers, you’ll set off early for a trek through the dense rainforest, navigating steep slopes in search of your allocated gorilla family.

Trekking can be strenuous, lasting anywhere from 45 minutes to 8 hours, often in hot, high-altitude conditions. Hiring a local porter is highly recommended—they’ll lighten your load and enrich your experience. While sightings can't be guaranteed, the success rate is over 95%.

Once found, you’ll spend a magical hour observing the gorillas up close. Time flies—so take a few photos, then soak up the experience fully.

On scheduled departures, permits are typically secured for Buhoma and Ruhija regions, both accessible from Buhoma. Some treks start with a road transfer—offering the bonus of exploring more of this beautiful region. Permits are usually scheduled for day 3 or 4, depending on availability.

After your trek, return to Buhoma Lodge for a well-earned complimentary massage, or spend time exploring the surrounding Bwindi community.        

Overnight Buhoma Lodge. 

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Depart Bwindi and head to Ishasha in southern Queen Elizabeth National Park—a scenic 2–3 hour drive with a stop at a local community project near Ishasha Village.

Set within the western arm of the Great Rift Valley, Queen Elizabeth National Park boasts a rich tapestry of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, hippos, leopards, Uganda kob, and over 600 bird species. The remote Ishasha sector, characterized by its unique blend of savannah and riverine forest, is renowned for its tree-climbing lions which often seek refuge in the branches of sycamore fig and acacia trees.

Overnight Ishasha Wilderness Camp.

Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in Ishasha, rounding off the day with scenic bush sundowners including drinks and snacks. Whether beside the river or atop a ridge, soak in the breathtaking views and tranquil atmosphere. This is what safari memories are made of!

Overnight Ishasha Wilderness Camp. 

Head north to the Mweya sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing crater lakes, mountains and thickets of the unique Euphorbia “candelabra” trees along the way.

In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a 32-kilometre waterway linking Lake Edward and Lake George. Glide past fishing villages, buffalo herds, wallowing hippos and crocodiles basking on the shore, while birdlife flourishes along the banks. (Cruise usually departs at 14h00 — no drinks/snacks included.)

Overnight at Elephant Plains Lodge, or similar. 

Head out for an exhilarating chimp trek in Kyambura Gorge, followed by game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The forest is alive with sound—chimpanzees call, chatter and swing through the canopy, though you might spot them resting or feeding closer to the forest floor. It’s a scenic walk through varied terrain, and while sightings aren’t guaranteed, the experience is well worth it.

Overnight Elephant Plains Lodge, or similar. 

Depart to Mweya airstrip (Kasese) for your scheduled flight back to Entebbe. 

End of safari.