9 Days Safari Uganda Tour – Gorilla Trekking, Chimps, Wildlife, Lake Bunyonyi & Community Uganda Tour

9 Days Safari Uganda Tour – Overview

Our 9 days Safari Uganda tour is 8 nights/ 9 days safari in Uganda tour featuring gorilla trekking in Bwindi, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale, game viewing in Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo National Parks, relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi as well as community tours.

This memorable 9 days Uganda safari starts with a visit to the mythical Amabere caves and then a charming hike to Fort Portal Crater Lake Field.

From here, this amazing 9 days safari in Uganda tour will take you to Kibale National Park– the best area for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda.

This park holds over 1500 chimpanzees with other 12 primate species counting the beautiful Red-tailed Monkeys. After chimp trekking, you’ll enjoy a village walk to explore the Bigodi community.

Next, you’ll transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park making an en-route amazing stop at Ruboni Community. This will allow you also to explore the rich and unique cultural norms and traditions of Bakonzo and Bamba on the foothills of Mt.Rwenzori.

Upon reaching Queen Elizabeth NP Uganda’s most bio-diverse park, you’ll enjoy incredible game drives and a thrilling boat cruise on Kazinga channel.

You’ll have a golden opportunity of exploring the great wildlife diversity of QENP! Among these include over 600 bird species, 95 animal species such as Hippos, Buffaloes, Leopards, and Elephants, as well as the mysterious tree climbing Lions.

More so, this 9 days safari Uganda tour vacation trip takes you to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a remarkable gorilla trekking adventure.

Bwindi is the best place for gorilla safaris in Africa as it holds almost 50% of Mountain gorillas on earth. After this unique encounter, you’ll visit Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation.

Lake Mburo National Park marks the last safari destination of your exciting 9 days Uganda trip. While in this beautiful park, you’ll enjoy a lovely game drive and an adventurous game walking safari and then transfer back to Kampala.

Please, Feel Free To Contact Us To Book Or Customize This Affordable 9 Days Safari Uganda Tour To Suit Your Travel Interests

9 Days Safari Uganda Tour – Prime Safari Activities

• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi
• Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale park
• A tranquil boat cruise on Kazinga Channel
• Enjoy a game drive in the beautiful plains of Queen Elizabeth park
• Encountering the mysterious tree-climbing Lions of the Ishasha sector
• Game walking adventure within Lake Mburo National Park
• Visiting cultural sites in Uganda

9 Days Safari Uganda Tour – Featured Safari Destinations(Parks)

Day 1 & 2: Kibale National Park

Day 3, 4 & 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 6: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day 7: Lake Bunyonyi

Day 8: Lake Mburo National Park

Day 9: Transferring to Kampala

9 Days Safari Uganda Tour – Highlights

Day 1: Transfer from Kampala to Kibale park, visit Amabere Caves and Fort Portal Crater Lake Field.

Day 2: Have chimpanzee trekking in Kibale national park and Bigodi village in the afternoon

Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth park, visit Ruboni community en route and undertake an evening game drive upon arrival

Day 4: Do a morning game drive in Kasenyi, afternoon Kazinga channel boat cruise and an evening game drive

Day 5: Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Forest and transfer to Ishasha sector.

Day 6: enjoy a game drive in Ishasha sector and drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day 7: Undertake gorilla trekking in Bwindi park and transfer to lake Bunyonyi for relaxation

Day 8: Transfer to Lake Mburo NP and do an evening game drive on arrival

Day 9: Enjoy a morning game walk safari in Mburo park and transfer to Kampala

9 Days Safari Uganda Tour – Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer From Kampala To Kibale Park, Visit Amabere Caves And Fort Portal Crater Lake Field

Wake up for a delicious breakfast from your hotel in Kampala around 6:30 am. And after, meet our professional driver guide to transfer 300km (5-6 hours) drive to Fort Portal town in western Uganda.

You’ll enjoy a picturesque drive as you pass through booming towns en route, scenic rural landscapes, swamps, lush natural and artificial forests, as well the stunning inselbergs of Mubende.

On arrival in Fort Portal town (Uganda’s cleanest town), you’ll settle for lunch in one of the premium hotels in this town.

From here, you’ll transfer to undertake a remarkable heritage tour in Amabere cave which is named after the amazing stalactite and stalagmite formation.

Amabeere Ga Nyinamwiru means the breasts of Nyinamwiru due to their resembling a woman’s twin breasts!

There’s a local fable that has the woman in question (Nyinamwiru) as a legendary princess that was so beautiful that every man could admire her!

When Nyinamwiru’s father King Bukuku grew tired of receiving marriage bids from unsuitable admirers, he decided to cut off his daughter’s breasts to lessen her appeal.

But, even this cruel action couldn’t discourage many suitors of Nyinamwiru.

Therefore, the king decided to hide her in the cave that is now known as Amabere.

While in this cave, she was discovered by Batembuzi King Isaza and he impregnated her with a son. Since Nyinamwiru had no breasts, she remained inside the cave and could feed her baby on the Limes stone (milk) that dripped from the stalactites.

Eventually, this child raised in these caves grew up and became King Ndahura, the founder of the Bachwezi Dynasty. This was such a strong dynasty that ruled over the Bunyoro Kitara Empire centuries ago.

After exploring the historical caves, undertake a charming hike to Fort Portal Crater Lake Field for amazing views.

Following this exciting hike, transfer to Kibale forest national park for about one hour’s drive. On arrival, you’ll check in at your lodge, to relax, have dinner as well and overnight.

The Highlight Of The Day:

• A memorable cultural tour to Amabeere caves
• An amazing hike to Fort Portal Crater Lake Field

Accommodation Options Include: Budget, Mid-range, and Luxury

Drive Distance And Time: Approx. 300km (5-6 hours drive)

Day Activities And Services:

• Visiting Amabeere caves
• Hiking Fort Portal Crater Field
• Transferring to Kibale National Park

Optional Activities:

• Nocturnal walks in Kibale Forest where you’ll spot nocturnal creatures such as Bush babies, Pottos and Tree hyrax.
• Cycling tours in Mpanga Tea Estate

Day 2: Have Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park And Bigodi Village In the Afternoon

After having a lovely early breakfast around 7 am, you’ll be transferred to Kanyanchu Visitors’ Centre to enjoy the 1^st highlight of this Uganda tour– chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park.

Kibale National Park is an amazing lush rain forest covering over 766km² of land. This park is famous due to its great diversity and the highest density of primates in Africa! It boasts over 13 primate species with a population of over 1500 chimps.

Some of the other 12 primates in Kibale Forest include Olive Baboons, the rare L’hoest’s Monkey, Black and white colobus, Red-tailed Monkeys, Vervets, Bush-babies, and Pottos.

Also, this bio-diverse forest is home to over 370 bird species, most being forest birds of Uganda counting the rare Green-breasted Pitta.

Please note that Kibale is not only the best place for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda but also in the world!

Kibale chimpanzee trekking starts with a briefing at 8 am where a senior park ranger will share with you the dos and don’ts of this activity.  For example, he’ll emphasize a safe distance of 8-10m from the chimps.

After the briefing, embark on a 2-5 hours hike in search of these amazing and intelligent close relatives of man. Science has it that Chimpanzees share over 98-99% of man’s DNA!

Along the designated trail, you’ll encounter amazing tree species including some which are very tall with huge buttress roots. Other wonderful features on the trail include flowering plants, beautiful birds, as well as several primate species.

Finally, on spotting the man’s close genetic cousins, you’ll enjoy watching them foraging, swinging in trees, patrolling the forest, as well as listening to their fascinating pant-hooting calls, etc.

This memorable encounter with chimpanzees in the world is limited to one hour. 

However, it’s allowed to take as many photos as you wish using a flash-less camera.

 After this thrilling experience, you’ll move back to the starting point to get your chimpanzee tracking certificate as well as enjoy your picnic lunch.

Then, visit the Bigodi community village to explore the local amazing traditions and way of life of Africans.

The Highlight Of The Day:

• Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park

Accommodation Choices Include: Budget, Mid-range and Luxury

Day Activities And Services:

• Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest
• Bigodi village walk

Optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:

• Undertaking Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHE)
• Birding watching in Kibale
• Night walks in Kibale forest national park

Day 3: Transfer To Queen Elizabeth Park, Visit Ruboni Community En Route And Undertake An Evening Game Drive Upon Arrival

You’ll wake up and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your lodge around 8 am. And after, transfer on a 2-3 hours drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

While on this picturesque drive, you’ll have an en-route stop to Ruboni Community in Kasese town on the foothills of the legendary Rwenzori Mountains- Africa’s 3^rd tallest mountain (5109m a.s.l).

While in this rich cultural community, you’ll have a golden opportunity of exploring the cultural values and traditions of the Bakonjo and Bamba people who have lived on Rwenzori foothills for about 300 past years.

On this thrilling cultural experience, you’ll learn about the crops they grow, their livestock, as well as their amazing arts and crafts.

Usually, visitors get entertained with unique vibrant dance and songs.

From here, you’ll have lunch in Kasese and embark on a charming drive to Queen Elizabeth NP for an afternoon charming game drive in the Kasenyi sector. On this drive, you’ll enjoy great Savannah views dotted with fantastic game animals.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the most biologically diverse parks in the world holding over 600 bird species and about 95 mammal species. Its great biodiversity is due to its numerous ecosystems.

The Highlight Of The Day:

An evening game drive through the stunning landscapes of Kasenyi

Accommodation Options Include: Budget, Mid-range and, Luxury

Drive Distance And Time: Approx. 157km (2-3 hours drive)

Day Activities And Services:

• Transferring to Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Visiting Ruboni community
• Afternoon game drive in Queen Elizabeth park

Day 4: Do A Morning Game Drive In Kasenyi, Afternoon Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise And An Evening Game Drive

On day 4 of your 9 days Uganda tour, you’ll wake up early for a morning breakfast around 7 am and transfer to the Kasenyi area for a morning game drive.

The Kasenyi area (the northern section of Queen’s park) is the main area for game drives in Queen Elizabeth Nation Park. It offers great opportunities for spotting most of Africa’s big games such as:

• Lions
• Elephants
• Buffaloes
• Leopards and,
• Uganda kobs, etc.

Furthermore, during this sensational game drive you’ll also spot several birds counting Palm-nut Vultures, Hooded Vultures, White-headed Vulture, White-backed Vulture, and Long-crested Eagles.

After this 3-4 hours game drive, drive back to your lodge to unwind, have lunch and have some bit of relaxation as you wait for your afternoon boat cruise.

Next, your expert guide will transfer you for a 2 pm thrilling boat cruise on the Kazinga channel. Please note that the Kazinga channel is a natural amazing 32km natural waterway connecting Lake George to Lake Edward.

While on the Kazinga channel boat cruise, you’ll have an exciting close encounter with over 100s of Hippos, Buffaloes, Elephants, Crocodiles, and numerous antelopes along the channel banks. The area is so ideal for incredible photo shoots!

More so, the Kazinga channel area support over 100 bird species including:

• African fish Eagle
• Pink-backed Pelicans
• Saddle-billied Stork
• Yellow-billed Stork
• Colorful Kingfishers
• Long-tailed Cormorants
• Water thick-knee and,
• African Jacana, etc.

Please note that the Kazinga channel holds the highest concentration of Hippos in one place in the world.

On finishing this wonderful cruise, you’ll enjoy a short game drive along the channel track as you head back to your lodge to relax, and enjoy dinner as well as an overnight stay.

The Highlight Of The Day:

• An afternoon scenic boat cruise on Kazinga channel

Accommodation Options Include: Budget, Mid-range and Luxury  

Drive Distance And Time: Approx. 157km (2-3 hours drive)

Day Activities And Services:

• A lovely morning game drive in the Kasenyi sector
• Afternoon amazing boat cruise on Kazinga Channel
• An evening short game drive along the channel track

Optional Activities You On This Day:

• Lion tracking in the Kasenyi area
• Night safari game drive in Queen Elizabeth NP
• Cultural visits
• Bird watching in Queen Elizabeth park

Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking In Kalinzu Forest And Transfer To Ishasha Sector

On day 5 of your 9 days Uganda safari, you’ll wake up early for a morning breakfast from your lodge. Then, transfer to Kalinzu Forest Reserve for a chimpanzee trekking adventure.

Kalinzu forest is situated about 1 hour’s drive from Queen Elizabeth park headquarters. It’s just on the outskirts of this park.

This lush tropical rain-forest is home to over 300 Chimpanzees with one fully habituated chimp community holding about 100 members. The chances of spotting chimps in Kalinzu are about 90%.

Along the chimp trekking trail in Kalinzu, you’ll encounter various primates, beautiful butterflies and birds as well as several amazing plant species.

On spotting these intelligent and amazing apes, you’ll enjoy them foraging, patrolling the forest, mating, grooming, swinging in trees, and breastfeeding if any.

This 2-5 hours great thrilling adventure is limited to one magical hour and you can take as many photos as you wish.

Flash-less cameras are recommended!

After this memorable experience, you’ll embark on a 2-3 hours drive to enjoy an afternoon game drive in the Ishasha sector in search of mysterious tree-climbing Lions. Normally, visitors spot these amazing Lions resting up in big Fig tree branches.

Also, Elephants, Buffaloes, Topis and Uganda kobs are resident visitors in this area.

Upon finishing this incredible drive, transfer to your lodge within this sector to relax, enjoy dinner and overnight.

The Highlight Of The Day:

• Encountering the incredible tree-climbing Lions of the Ishasha sector

Accommodation Options Include: Budget, Mid-range, And Luxury

Drive distance & time:  Approx. 157km (2-3 hours drive)

Day Activities And Services:

• A morning game drive in the Kasenyi sector
• Enjoying an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga channel
• Evening game drive along the scenic channel track

Optional Activities On This Day Include:

• Night safari game drive
• Cultural visits
• Bird watching

Day 6: Enjoy A Game Drive In Ishasha Sector And Drive To Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

You’ll have an early delicious breakfast around 6:30 am and then embark on a morning game drive in the Ishasha sector. This memorable drive further gives you a great opportunity of spotting the iconic tree-climbing Lions.

From here, you’ll depart Queen Elizabeth park and drive south to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park– home to over 50% of the Mountain gorillas on earth.

Bwindi is a UNESCO world heritage site offering the best gorilla trekking in Uganda – one of the once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences for travelers on African safaris.

Furthermore, this bio-diverse forest is a birder’s haven holding over 350 bird species. Among these, 23 are Albertine endemics and 14 are endemic to this park.

Also, this Bwindi forest is home to about 120 mammal species such as Forest Elephants, Giant forest Hogs, and over 10 primate species. For nature lovers, this misty and hilly forest boasts over 200 colorful butterfly species.

Upon arrival in the evening, you’ll check in at your lodge for relaxation, and enjoy dinner as well as an overnight stay.

The Highlight Of The Day:

A memorable search for the mythical tree-climbing Lions of Ishasha Sector

Accommodation Options Include: Budget, Mid-range, and Luxury

Drive Distance And Time: Approx. 160km (4-7 hours drive)

Day Activities And Services:

• An incredible game drive in the Ishasha sector in search of the rare tree-climbing Lions
• Transferring to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day 7: Undertake Gorilla Trekking In Bwindi Park And Transfer To Lake Bunyonyi For Relaxation

On day 7 of your 9 days Uganda safari holiday, you’ll wake up early breakfast around 6:30 am. After, you’ll transfer to the gorilla sanctuary park headquarters for a notable gorilla trekking adventure!

After a gorilla trekking briefing at 8 am, you’ll undertake a 2-8 hours hike in search of the allocated habituated gorilla family in a company of park rangers, porters and trackers.

While on this somewhat challenging hike, you’ll enjoy the spectacular beauty of this rain forest and the dramatic views of the hilly and misty hills! Also, travelers usually encounter beautiful birds and primates along the hike.

An encounter with these shy gentle and endangered giants is an awesome exciting experience worth undertaking! You’ll enjoy them feeding, grooming, breastfeeding if any, playing and getting sights on the incredible size of the great Silver-back.

Visitors are free to take as many photos as they wish, however, cameras with the flashlight are strictly banned!

From this unforgettable lifetime encounter, you’ll trek back to the starting point to get awarded a gorilla tracking certificate. And then, transfer to Lake Bunyonyi.

Along the drive, you’ll enjoy great views of the eye-catching rolling terraced hills of Kigezi Highlands.

Lake Bunyonyi is considered the most beautiful lake in Uganda as its dotted with over 29 magical islands, bounded by lush and green-terraced hills. You can spend a day watching the beauty of this natural wonder of Uganda!

Upon arrival, you’ll undertake a relaxing boat cruise on the serene waters of Lake Bunyonyi to explore its incredible beauty.

After, you’ll check in at your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

The Highlight Of The Day:

• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park- encountering gorillas in their natural habitat!

Accommodation Options Include: Budget, Mid-range, and Luxury

Drive Distance And Time:  Approx. 55-85km (1-3 hours drive)

Day Activities And Services:

• Undertaking a tranquil boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi
• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi national park

Day 8: Transfer To Lake Mburo NP And Do An Evening Game Drive On Arrival

Wake up early and enjoy your breakfast around 6:30 am from your lodge and then embark on a 99km (4 hours drive) to Mburo national park.

You’ll truly enjoy this scenic and amazing drive! An en-route stop will be made at Igongo for a pleasant cultural meal. While in this place, you can explore the cultural museum around if you wish.

Next, you’ll proceed to Lake Mburo National Park for an afternoon game drive.

Mburo Park (covering over 370km²) is the only site to spot Zebras, Impalas, as well as Elands in western Uganda!

On the drive, you’ll also look out for Topis, Water-bucks, Bush bucks, and Rothschild’s Giraffes, as well as enjoy the beautiful views of the Savannah at the sunset.

After, retire and transfer to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Highlight Of The Day:

• An evening game drive in Mburo national park

Accommodation Choices Include: Budget, Mid-range, and Luxury

Drive Distance And Time:  Approx. 199km (3-4 hours drive)

Day Activities And Services:

• Transferring to Lake Mburo National Park
• An evening game drive in Lake Mburo park

Day 9: Enjoy A Morning Game Walk Safari In Mburo Park And Transfer To Kampala

Wake up early and enjoy your breakfast around 7 am from your lodge.  And after, embark on a scenic guided game walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park.

During this rewarding game walk, you’ll explore the moist Savannah plains of Mburo park marked with, beautiful rolling hills containing ancient Precambrian rocks dating over 500 million years ago.

Furthermore, you’ll enjoy a memorable on-foot encounter with game animals such as Impalas, Zebras, Buffaloes, Elands, Topis, and Water-bucks.

Normally, visitors undertaking game walking safaris in Mburo park encounter several acacia birds such as:

• Red-faced Barbet
• Yellow-rumped tinker-bird,
• Blue-headed Coucal,
• Back-throated Barbets
• Black-collared barbets
• Bare-faced Go-away bird
• Southern ground horn-bill and,
• Green-capped Eremomela, etc.

From this pleasing game-walking adventure, you’ll embark on a 4-5 hour drive back to Kampala.

Highlight Of The Day:

• Game walking adventure in Lake Mburo National Park

Drive distance And time:  Approx. 280km (4-5 hours drive)

Day Activities And Services:

• Game walking adventure in Mburo national park
• Transferring to Kampala

End Of The 9 Days Uganda Tour

Safari Inclusions

• Full-time English expert safari driver-guide
• 4×4 safari van (4×4 safari land cruiser)- all with pop-up roof for game viewing with a functioning A/C
• Full board accommodation
• Fees for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits
• Fees for a boat cruise
• Entrance fees in all tourist places mentioned
• Free Wi-Fi Internet within a safari vehicle
• Bottled water on a trip

Safari Exclusions

• Visa fees
• Laundry services
• Items of personal nature
• International and domestic flight fees
• Tips for a safari guide among others
• Other personal beverages (drinks) like alcohol
• Other safari activities not mentioned in the itinerary above