Come face to face with mountain gorillas in Bwindi’s dense rainforest.

Spot elephants roaming Uganda’s open savannah on safari.

A chimpanzee rests in the forest, offering a glimpse into Uganda’s rich primate life.

Trek through dense rainforest on a guided wildlife walk

Hippos relaxing in the Nile River, Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda.

Experience the rhythm and traditions of Uganda through local cultural encounters.

Experience wildlife from the water, with scenic boat cruises

Best of Uganda

Name: Best of Uganda
Brand: World Expeditions
SKU: BOU
Rating: 4.79 (14 reviews)

Track gorillas and chimps, cruise to Murchison Falls, and safari through Uganda’s richest wildlife regions.

Uganda

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14 reviews

10 Days from

Trip Code: BOU

View dates to Book

Essential Information

Duration

10 Days

Activities

Gorilla trek
Chimpanzee trek
Wildlife Safari
Day Walking

Accommodation

7 nights safari lodge
1 night permanent safari camp
1 night hotel

Meals

8 Dinners
9 Lunches
9 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading: Adventure touring
These adventure tours visit remote areas of the world where facilities are often basic. These adventure tours will often involve long journeys and rough roads. Sightseeing and optional day walks are often included and these days may involve up to 5 hours of physical activity. To enjoy these adventures we suggest you are reasonably fit, healthy, have a moderately active lifestyle and have a positive attitude. The fitter you are for your trip, the more of a holiday it will be. The gorilla tracking will sometimes be quite strenuous and will involve following trails beaten through the forests. These trails are often wet, steep and slippery. * Suggested preparation: Two or three times a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour or more, for at least 3 months prior to departure.
2 / 10
Adventure touring

Carbon Footprint

58kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(520kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

Come face to face with wild mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - a once in a lifetime experience
Track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, home to one of the highest primate concentrations on Earth
Experience wildlife from the water, with scenic boat cruises to Murchison Falls and along the Kazinga Channel
Go on safari by foot and 4WD in Uganda’s top parks

Overview

This is a trip for active travellers seeking rare wildlife encounters. Track chimpanzees and more than a dozen other primates in Kibale Forest with the help of expert trackers. Walk alongside reintroduced white rhinos on foot in Ziwa Sanctuary, and explore the varied ecosystems of Queen Elizabeth National Park, from crater lakes to savannah and wetlands teeming with birdlife. Cruise to the base of Murchison Falls as the Nile crashes through a narrow gorge, then venture deep into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Trek steep, misty jungle to stand quietly within metres of a gorilla family - a moment few travellers ever forget. With insightful local guides and a rewarding mix of walking, safari, and relaxed lodge comfort, this journey reveals the full spectrum of Uganda’s natural beauty.

Itinerary

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On arrival at Entebbe International Airport in Uganda, you shall be welcomed by your guide and transferred to the group hotel for overnight. Accommodation: Boma Guest House or similar

Meals: Nil

After breakfast, you will drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary where you will undertake a walking safari to view the Southern White Rhinos that have been re-introduced in Uganda. In the afternoon you will drive to the legendary Murchison Falls National Park - Uganda’s largest national park. Accommodation: Murchison River Lodge or similar Drive: 364 km/6 hours *all driving times are approximate

Meals: B,L,D

After an early breakfast, we will undertake a morning game drive. This is a beautiful drive across savannah, Borassus Palm Forest and grassland down to Lake Albert where the Albert Nile River heads north. We drive in the open African savannah in search of Lions, Leopard, Hyena, Buffalo, Elephant, Jackson Hartebeest, Oribi, Waterbucks, Uganda Kobs, in addition to spotting various bird species such as the Secretary Bird, Black Chested Snake Eagle, Tawny and Marshal Eagles, Carmine and Swallow Tailed Bee-Eaters, and many more. In the afternoon, we enjoy a boat ride up the Nile River to the spectacular Murchison Falls. We hike to the top of the falls and marvel as the Nile squeezes through a 7 metre gap, with enormous Nile Crocodiles basking at the bottom. Accommodation: Murchison River Lodge or similar Drive: 3-4 hour game drive

Meals: B,L,D

This morning you will drive to Kibale National Park. Along the way you will pass many tea plantations and have an opportunity to visit a tea plantation. We will also stop in Fort Portal and visit the Toro Palace. In the afternoon you will arrive at your accommodation. Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp or Isunga Lodge or similar Drive: 370 km/ 8 hours

Meals: B,L,D

After an early morning breakfast, you will undertake a chimp trek. Note: the chimp permits are subject to availability - there are two slots in either the early morning (when they are often up in the trees feeding and more active) or at mid morning (when they often come down to take a nap as it is cooler on the forest floor and therefore closer and more relaxed). Both of these viewing slots are rewarding and interesting. Kibale’s 795 sq km National Park contains one of the most beautiful and varying tracts of tropical forest in the whole of Uganda. This is home to 13 species of primate including chimpanzees. The park’s highest point is at 1590m above sea level. After lunch we will proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park, and enjoy a game drive on the way to our lodge. Named after Her Majesty’s Queen Elizabeth of England, it is Uganda’s most popular and scenic game reserve. It stretches from the crater-dotted foothills of the Rwenzori range in the north, along the shores of Lake Edward to the remote Ishasha River in the south, incorporating a wide variety of habitats that range from open savannah, wetlands, crater lakes and rainforest. Accommodation: Marafiki Safari Lodge or similar Drive: 4-5 hour game drive

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we will have an early morning game drive. Queen Elizabeth National Park includes parts of Lakes Edward and George which are linked by the Kazinga channel. The park boasts the world’s highest bio-diversity rating with over 600 bird and 100 mammal species including lions, hippos, buffaloes, leopard, Spotted Hyena, elephants and the elusive Giant Forest Hog. The primates include Chimps, Black and White Colobus Monkeys, Blue, Black faced Red Colobus, and Red tailed monkeys and Olive Baboons. Lunch at the lodge will be followed by an afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise. Accommodation: Marafiki Safari Lodge or similar Drive 3 hour game drive

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast, you will be driven to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, passing through the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree climbing lions. Bwindi National Park is the habitat of half of the world’s Mountain Gorilla population and also home to chimpanzee, monkeys, elephants, small antelope and birdlife. Your accommodation tonight is located near Bwindi National Park. Accommodation: Engagi Lodge or similar Drive 150km/5 hours (including game drive)

Meals: B,L,D

A very early start for the short drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park for your Gorilla trek. You will be taken to the Park Headquarters for a short briefing after which you will enter the forest and start your Gorilla trek (please note that a drive may be required to your trekking starting point). The trek can be anything from 2 hours to 6 hours or longer depending on the location of the Gorillas on the day. The terrain is rough, often over steep slopes covered with matted vegetation. You will be led by an experienced ranger who will tell you interesting facts about the flora and fauna and the lifestyle of the Gorillas. Be prepared for rain, mud and giant stinging nettles – long trousers, gloves and a waterproof jacket will help. The mountain gorillas have inspired travellers from all over the world to experience one of nature’s greatest interactions. Anyone who has witnessed the Mountain Gorillas of East Africa will strongly agree that it is a once in a lifetime experience that will never be forgotten. Afterwards we will drive to Lake Bunyonyi for overnight. Accommodation: Birds Nest Resort or similar Drive: 60 km/1.5 hours

Meals: B,L,D

This morning after breakfast we will depart Bwindi and drive to Lake Mburo National Park, the only park in Uganda with an entire lake. Here we enjoy a brief game drive along the way to your accommodation. Lake Mburo National Park forms a mosaic-like habitat with rocks, dry slopes, open and wooded savannahs, forests and swamps. These diverse habitats are home to 313 recorded bird species including Flame Head Barbet, Long-tailed Zitting Cisticola (Tabora), African Bins Rail, Collared Barbet and Binding Bush Singer. Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock or similar Drive: 180 km/ 4-5 hours (including game drive)

Meals: B,L,D

You will get up early morning for a guided nature walk before returning to the lodge for a hearty breakfast. Then you will drive to Entebbe. Time permitting you can stop for a photo opportunity at the Equator. Transfer to Entebbe Airport, where trip concludes. (Please note: earliest departure time is 20:00hrs). Drive: 270 km/ 5 hours

Meals: B,L

Ready to start your adventure?

10 scheduled departures between 11 Dec 2026 and 10 Dec 2027.

Departs 11 Dec 2026 – ends 20 Dec 2026 (10 days)
Departs 15 Jan 2027 – ends 24 Jan 2027 (10 days)
Departs 19 Feb 2027 – ends 28 Feb 2027 (10 days)
Departs 12 Mar 2027 – ends 21 Mar 2027 (10 days)
Departs 11 Jun 2027 – ends 20 Jun 2027 (10 days)
Departs 16 Jul 2027 – ends 25 Jul 2027 (10 days)
… and 4 more departures.

View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

9 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 8 dinners
Airport transfers (day 1 and 10 only)
7 nights in 3 star safari lodge on a twinshare basis
1 night in 3 star permanent safari camp on a twinshare basis
1 night in 3 star hotel on a twinshare basis
English speaking local driver-guide
Private transport in a 4WD safari vehicle
Game drives and excursions as listed in itinerary
National park and conservation fees (including gorilla and chimp permits) valued at US$900
*payment is required for the Gorilla and Chimp permits at time of booking and is not refundable

Not included

Airfares
Travel insurance (compulsory)
Visa
Items of a personal nature
Meals and drinks not noted as included
Optional activities
Tips

Reviews (14)

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The guide was very knowledgeable and the organisation was really good. The wildlife was amazing, the accommodation excellent. Could have had an extra day in Kibale.

Wendy|Victoria, Australia

1 Sep 2026

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Great trip with fantastic service and memories

Robert|Australia

28 Oct 2025

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Loved this trip. The Ugandan people we met along the way were friendly and helpful. The wildlife was amazing and plentiful. The gorilla and chimpanzee tracking was what this trip had been about, was worth spending the money on if you are wanting to see them in their natural habitat and have a close up experience. We had an amazing encounter with a gorilla group of 10! Highky recommend this tour.

Joy Bell|Waverley, NSW Australia

2 Nov 2023

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I absolutely loved everything about this trip. The guide, Africano, was awesome, the country is stunning, the wildlife brilliant and although there were long day’s driving, it didn’t feel like it as there was so much to see on the road

Jill Doctor|Glebe, NSW Australia

6 Aug 2023

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enjoyable holiday

Rusli Suwito|NSW Australia

1 Aug 2023

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This trip delivered everything that was promised, plus more - attentive and knowledgeable local guides, memorable and diverse landscapes, outstanding wildlife viewing opportunities, and very comfortable accommodation and transportation. Seeing chimps and gorillas in the wild was truly a once in a lifetime experience, and one I'll never forget. There were so many other unexpected and thrilling things to see and do, from exploring the Katwe explosion craters in Queen Elizabeth National Park to spotting animals travelling through the Kazinga Channel. Uganda is now one of my favourite countries.

Ian Hanson|NSW Australia

18 Jul 2023

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We had a superb guide, Charles, who was amazing at spotting animals! The lodges were all very good and the trip was we enjoyed trying local food too outside of the lodges. The wildfire was just amazing. And gorilla trekking is so special.

Clara Lopez Prunonosa|London, UK

25 Aug 2022

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Wow! This trip was absolutely amazing. We were so lucky to see all of the animals, including the big 6. (Lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, cape buffalo and gorilla.) There were plenty of sightings of elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, various antelopes and heaps of different monkeys. My absolute highlight was the trek to see the chimpanzees. These apes have such personality and we saw them playing, eating and it seemed as though they were having an absolute ball! The gorillas were also another highlight, and we were extremely lucky with the weather and not having to trek very far through the jungle. We were also very privileged to see 1 of the 25 tree climbing lions that live in the Queen Elizabeth National Park. The food was delicious and the accommodation, which located in some gorgeous settings, was always different (ranging from permanent tent sites to cabins to hotels and resort). Really this trip was an experience not to be missed.

J. Wall|Tingalpa, QLD

26 May 2019

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From planning to completion of our trip everything went exactly as planned with World Expeditions. Fantastic holiday.

S. Hammond|Malvern East, VIC

11 Apr 2019

Extra trip info

Accommodation Will My Trip Run?Wildlife Safari Safety

Queen Elizabeth: Marafiki Safari Lodge

Perched above the plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, this lodge offers an elevated stay within the surrounding savannah landscape. You stay in tented accommodation on raised timber platforms, with open sides and a deck that connects you to the environment. The open setting creates a natural place to pause between game drives, with wide views across the park.

Lake Bunyonyi – Bird Nest Resort

Set on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi, this lodge provides a quieter stop within the journey, surrounded by steep hills and open water. You stay in comfortable rooms in a relaxed lakeside setting, offering time to rest after wildlife tracking and travel through Uganda’s national parks.

Kibale Forest Camp
Tented accommodation in a forest setting

Kibale: Kibale Forest Camp

Set on the edge of Kibale Forest, this camp provides a relaxed stay in a natural forest setting. You stay in comfortable tented accommodation, offering a simple and well-supported base within the region. Surrounded by forest, it’s a quiet place to unwind between travel days while remaining close to the landscapes you are exploring.

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.

Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.

Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.

Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

Early morning game viewing walk in Hlane National Park in Swaziland

Your safety is our main priority

Africa's wildlife is wild and unfenced. On many wildlife safaris you may meet them on foot, or from a vehicle. Walking in big-game country carries some risk, and the safeguards are not the same in every country.

Rules on firearms, guide qualifications, group size and how close you may approach an animal are set country by country, park by park. Many incorrectly assume that every wildlife safari in Africa travels with an armed ranger. Several countries prohibit firearms outright. Where an armed escort is required, it is supplied by the park authority.

What is consistent is how these trips operate. You walk in a small group with a professional local guide who knows the country and the animals in it. We do not include captive or hands-on wildlife encounters in any itinerary.

Guaranteeing A Great Uganda Trip

Pioneering World Firsts

Quality equipment

Quality accommodations

Innovative itineraries

Custom built, reliable transport

Our all inclusive approach

Best of Uganda

Trip highlights

Overview

Itinerary

Ready to start your adventure?