Discover Uganda’s Untamed Beauty
CLASSIC UGANDA SAFARI
Experience the Ultimate Uganda Adventure!
Uganda, the ‘Pearl of Africa,’ is a land where lush rainforests, majestic mountains, and pristine lakes converge, creating a breathtaking tapestry of natural beauty. It’s vibrant landscapes and diverse wildlife make it a true gem for travellers seeking an unforgettable adventure.
Embark on this 10 night safari through the heart of Uganda, immersing yourself in the wonders of nature. Our expert guides will lead you on this Classic Uganda Safari, beginning with a convenient flight to the enchanting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Your adventure kicks off with a captivating guided forest walk, followed by an exhilarating gorilla trekking experience. Departing from Bwindi, you’ll venture to the iconic Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you’ll encounter an array of wildlife. Keep a keen eye out for the elusive tree-climbing lions, majestic leopards, towering elephants, and more. Glide serenely along the stunning Kazinga Channel on a boat cruise and, if you wish, join an optional chimpanzee expedition in the Kyambura Gorge.
The grand finale of your Uganda safari awaits in the Kibale National Park, where you’ll dedicate precious hours to tracking chimpanzees, exploring the captivating Bigodi Swamps, and soaking in the mesmerizing beauty of the forest and its picturesque crater lakes.
This is a set departure, small group tour. We offer the flexibility to customize this journey into a private adventure tailored to your preferences. Discover the scenic splendours of Uganda by road, accompanied by our skilled guides and licensed vehicles. Your adventure begins when you’re ready.
Please note that the accommodation listed below could change during specific departures.
Classic Uganda Safari Rates 2023
Classic Uganda Safari Rates 2024
A single supplement applies only to the accommodation should these scheduled tours already have 2 guests. This is a wonderful and affordable way for solo travellers to enjoy Uganda. The single supplement is US$1200 in high season and US$720 in low season.
The rate is per person sharing and includes all meals (except in Entebbe), all transport to and from Entebbe (1 flight from Entebbe to Kihihi airstrip then vehicle tour), relevant park fees on scheduled activities, bottled water, professional guide and licensed vehicle,1 gorilla trek and 1 chimpanzee trek in Kibale, Kazinga Boat cruise and forest walk in Bwindi.
Excluded are all drinks, gratuities, travel insurance, additional gorilla trek permits, Kyambura Gorge chimp permit, Batwa visit, international flights to Uganda, items not listed, spa treatments, curio purchases and items of a personal nature.
Families are welcome on this safari, however, no under 15’s are allowed on a gorilla or chimpanzee trek.
2023 scheduled departure dates:
05 Jan/ 13 Feb/ 16 Mar/ 18 Apr/ 02 May/ 07 Jun/ 14 Jul/ 20 Jul/ 09 Aug/ 18 Aug/ 20 Sep/ 21 Oct/ 15 Nov/ 20 Dec
2024 scheduled departure dates:
11 Jan/ 05 Feb/ 18 Mar/ 12 Apr/ 10 May/ 09 Jun/ 03 Jul/ 22 Jul/ 21 Aug/ 15 Sep/ 16 Oct/ 16 Nov/ 21 Dec
This is a set departure tour, with 6 to 8 people maximum per trip. Prices are subject to change and are a guide.
Let’s chat about your safari to Uganda
Day by Day itinerary
Days 01 to 02 – Best Western Garden Hotel
Entebbe lies 36 km south of Uganda’s capital city, Kampala and is a quieter leafy town. Located on a peninsula of Lake Victoria, you can enjoy activities like cruises, beach days and more along the banks. The beautiful botanical gardens are a sight to behold, first laid out in 1898. It attracts a myriad of birdlife and black and white colobus monkeys.
On arrival at Entebbe Airport, you will be met and transferred to The Best Western Premier Garden Hotel Entebbe for the night.The Best Western Premier Garden Hotel Entebbe is excellently located a few minutes from Entebbe Airport on the
Kampala-Entebbe Highway. Set adjacent to the Victoria Shopping Mall, guests have direct access to the mall and all its
facilities. The Entebbe Golf Club, Botanical Gardens and Lake Victoria are all nearby.
The Garden Restaurant serves international cuisine, with a Terrace Bar and Coffee shop completing the dining options
for guests. The outdoor pool, complete with sun loungers, is a lovely space in which to relax. The hotel offers 51 full
service ensuite rooms, equipped with modern amenities and free Wi-Fi.
Days 02 to 04 – Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Bwindi Forest is an ancient, deep forest that is found in the southwestern border of Uganda, on the edge of the Albertine Rift. The Park consists of narrow, steep valleys, covered in dense green forests and often shrouded in mist. Due to the density of the undergrowth, Bwindi Forest is only accessed by foot. This protects a large number of both flora and fauna species. Forest elephants, hundreds of species of butterflies and several primate species are found in the forest where the rich flora sustains them. The birdlife is also excellent in Bwindi.
After an early breakfast in Entebbe you will transfer the short distance to Entebbe Airport for a charter flight to Bwindi. Your guide and safari 4×4 vehicle will be waiting to transfer the +-2 hours to Bwindi and the Buhoma Lodge.
Almost half the habituated gorilla families can be found in the Buhoma Sector and it was the first area to open up to tourism. Gorilla Trekking is the main attraction, with community walks through the local areas, a Batwa Tribe Experience, Birding and forest walks and more can be enjoyed at Bwindi.
Coming face to face with mountain gorillas is a rare and exhilarating wildlife encounter that is hard to capture in
words. Experienced guides and trackers will accompany your party on an early morning trek into the dense rain
forest on the steep mountain slopes.
Please note that gorilla trekking can be strenuous, with treks ranging from 45 mins up to eight hours, at high
altitudes in often hot conditions. We do recommend hiring a local porter to assist you on your trek. Although
mountain gorillas are wild animals and sightings cannot be guaranteed, viewing success rates are over 95%.
Once you have located your gorilla family, spend an hour quietly observing them. The time passes so quickly; be sure
to enjoy this experience fully and not just through your camera lens.
Buhoma Lodge is one of only 2 lodges within the national park, located in the northern part of Bwindi and offers an exclusive gorilla trekking experience. Constructed using sustainable materials, Buhoma Lodge boasts amazing uninterrupted views over the forest.
The elevated central lounge, bar and dining area offer a cosy spot for you to unwind and enjoy the views. Each of the spacious eco-friendly wooden chalets offers a private escape and is spacious, with an ensuite bathroom. Some have a tub and all have a shower.
On our scheduled departures, we typically buy permits for Buhoma & Ruhija, which are accessible from On our
scheduled departures, we typically buy permits for Buhoma & Ruhija, which are accessible from Buhoma area. One
of the Buhoma families, and the Ruhija families, require a road transfer to the start point. This does not deviate
from the enjoyment of the trek (and could be considered as enhancing your trip as you are seeing a different part of
the region). Your permit may be organised for day 3 or 4 – depending on availability at the time of purchase.
Head back to Buhoma Lodge for a complimentary massage after your trek, or explore the surrounding Bwindi
community.
Days 04 to 06 – Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Home to the widest variety of wildlife in Uganda, the Queen Elizabeth National Park has grassland savanna, forests, lakes and wetlands that support mammals and primates. Lions, leopards, elephants and buffalo are among the big species found in the area. The Ishasha area of QENP is home to tree-climbing lions and the whole park boasts over 600 species of birds.
You will depart Bwindi with your guide and drive the 2-3 hours to the Ishasha sector in Queen Elizabeth National Park, stopping en route at a community project. You will arrive at Ishasha Wilderness Camp in time for lunch. Spend your time enjoying game drives in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, rounding things off with scenic bush sundowners including drinks and snacks. This is what memories are made of!
Located on the banks of the Ntungwe River, Ishasha Wilderness Camp is in a remote part of the QENP. The area of Ishasha boasts tree-climbing lions, leopards and more. Ishasha Wilderness Camp is an idyllic retreat for people who truly enjoy the wilderness, coupled with wonderful accommodations and exceptional service.
The main areas have a lounge and dining area which overlook the tranquil river setting. It is not uncommon to see an elephant wandering past. Spend your time out on game drives and take a bush walk with the local knowledgeable guides. A large bonfire is lit in the evenings creating a perfect place to swap stories with fellow guests.
Spacious tented rooms have private decks that overlook the river and the reserve. The rooms are simple but elegant with ensuite bathrooms with hot bucket showers and flushing eco-friendly toilets.
Spend 2 nights at Ishasha Wilderness Camp on a full board basis.
Days 06 to 08 – Elephant Plains Lodge, Queen Elizabeth National Park
You will head north through the Queen Elizabeth National Park to the Mweya Sector of the park. This area is rich with wildlife, and the landscape is dotted with Uganda’s unique and strange Euphorbia or “candelabra” trees. The many nearby crater lakes and mountain ranges provide a beautiful backdrop for your journey.
Take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which links Lake Edward and Lake George and where boat cruises are enjoyed. The Kazinga Channel is home to large pods of hippos, elephants, buffalo and many birds, including many migratory species as they make their way south to warmer climates. The cruise also provides a spectacular view of the beautiful Mweya Peninsula and life in local fishing villages set along the banks.
Kyambura Gorge adjoins the Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda. The 13km long Kyambura Gorge houses a mystical and ancient sunken forest, with a river running through it. Here it is possible to track the ‘lost’ chimpanzees of the gorge and witness their interactions in person. Chimpanzee tracking is active and exciting as they move through the trees above your head. This is an optional activity that can be rebooked.
Elephant Plains Lodge is lovely with breathtaking views of the vast Queen Elizabeth National Park’s grasslands to Lake George. Lake Kikorongo attracts elephants to drink regularly. Each cottage is unique in layout and décor, with en-suite facilities. The main thatched area houses an open-plan lounge, bar and dining area, with a swimming pool.
Spend 2 nights at Elephant Plains Lodge on a full board basis.
Days 08 to 10 – Primate Lodge, Kibale National Park
Set off for an early morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park and continue north through Mweya to Kibale Forest. Kibale National Park is home to the highest concentration and diversity of primate species in Africa, including chimpanzees, red colobus, L’Hoest’s, Olive Baboons and more.
A large wildlife corridor links Queen Elizabeth with Kibale, where open savannah merges to woodlands and tropical rain forests. Kibale is home to over 300 species of birds, elusive forest leopards and buffalo and elephants who wander in from Queen Elizabeth. The wider area is home to a staggering 50 serene crater lakes which are spectacular to view, coffee and tea plantations and rural villages.
Enjoy a chimpanzee tracking tour with experienced rangers. Your Kibale Forest chimp trek will generally take place in the morning. This is a fast-paced and exhilarating experience with hiking through dense forests, dangling vines and fallen trees to locate the chimps. Spend an hour with them while they forage in the trees or play on the ground.
Afternoon Bigodi Swamp visit. Considered one of Uganda’s best bird watching locations, Bigodi Swamp’s rich
ecosystem makes it a spectacular venue for viewing numerous primate and bird species in their natural habitat. This
two to three-hour walk can be tailored to individual schedules and interests.
Located in the heart of the Kibale rainforest, Primate Lodge is the perfect base to explore the region and see the chimps. Each cottage is deep in the forest with verandahs to sit and enjoy the forest sounds. Each room is ensuite and comfortably decorated. The main areas have a dining terrace, bar, lounge and library area and a campfire area. A warm and welcoming team are on hand to ensure your stay is a great one.
Spend 2 nights at Primate Lodge on a full board basis.
On your last day, you will set off to drive back to Entebbe Airport. This drive will take 5 to 6 hours, arriving late afternoon. It is advisable not to book a flight that departs before 7 pm.
