Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport, Pick-Up, and Transfer to Hotel

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, your 9 Days Best Uganda Tour adventure begins. The first step in your Uganda tour is a smooth airport pick-up by your driver-guide. Uganda is known for its welcoming people, and your guide will make you feel at ease right from the start. If you’ve arrived in the afternoon or evening, the first day will be relatively relaxing with no major activities planned, allowing you to recover from jet lag.

You’ll be transferred to your hotel where you can unwind after a long flight. This initial rest day is crucial to adjust to the time zone, especially if you’re traveling from afar. Depending on your time of arrival, you may be able to take a quick evening stroll around the hotel or relax and enjoy a nice dinner at the hotel restaurant. Most accommodations near Entebbe offer a mix of comfort and style, giving you the perfect environment to begin your Ugandan adventure. Rest is vital as it will prepare you for the exciting days ahead.

• Accommodation: Karibu Guest House Entebbe

Day 2: Transfer from Kampala to Kibale Forest National Park

The second day begins with an early breakfast, and after checking out, you’ll be transferred from Entebbe to Kampala, the capital of Uganda. The drive offers you a chance to see Uganda’s beautiful countryside, where lush green hills and vibrant villages pass by your window. On the way, your 9 Days Best Uganda Tour guide will offer fascinating insights about the country’s culture, history, and geography, giving you a deeper appreciation of the environment.

Lunch will be taken en route at a local restaurant, offering you a taste of Ugandan cuisine—perhaps a savory dish like “matoke” (steamed bananas) or “ugali” (a maize dish), typical to this region. You’ll also have the chance to stop and interact with the locals, enhancing your cultural immersion.

After lunch, you’ll continue your journey to Kibale Forest National Park, a renowned hotspot for chimpanzee trekking. Upon arrival at the park, you’ll check in at your accommodation and enjoy a peaceful evening in the heart of Uganda’s tropical rainforest. The sounds of birds chirping and the fresh, crisp air of the forest will make this a memorable night.

• Accommodation: Turaco Treetop

Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking in the Morning and Visit to Bigodi Wetland in the Afternoon

Day 3 is an exhilarating day for wildlife enthusiasts. After an early breakfast, you’ll set out for a chimpanzee trekking experience in the Kibale Forest, which is one of the best places in the world to see wild chimpanzees. Kibale is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, and this trek will take you deep into the forest as you search for these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.

Trekking through the dense forest, you will encounter various other species of animals, including monkeys, forest elephants, and a vast array of bird species. When you finally come upon the chimps, you’ll experience a profound connection with one of mankind’s closest relatives. You’ll witness the chimps in their natural state, swinging from trees, grooming each other, or perhaps playing. The trek usually lasts about 3 to 4 hours depending on where the chimps are located, and the thrill of encountering these incredible animals makes the journey well worth it.

After your chimpanzee encounter, you’ll return to the park headquarters, where you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, the 9 Days Best Uganda Tour adventure continues with a visit to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a renowned birdwatching location. Here, you will embark on a guided nature walk through the wetland, which is home to a variety of bird species, including the rare shoebill stork. The serene environment of the wetland is a perfect way to conclude the day before returning to your lodge for a well-earned dinner.

• Accommodation: Turaco Treetop

Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park with a Tour in Fort Portal

On Day 4, after a hearty breakfast, you’ll embark on a scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most iconic parks. The journey takes you through Uganda’s picturesque countryside, with rolling hills and wide savannahs filling your view. On the way, you’ll stop at Fort Portal, a charming town with a rich history.

Fort Portal is known for its vibrant market and beautiful landscapes, including views of the Rwenzori Mountains. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the town, take a quick tour of the local market, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, experiencing Uganda’s flavorsome dishes.

Afterward, you’ll continue your journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park, arriving in the late afternoon. This park is famous for its diverse ecosystems, ranging from savannah to wetlands, and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, leopards, and buffalo. In the evening, you will enjoy a game drive in the park, giving you your first opportunity to spot some of the park’s incredible wildlife. After a thrilling game drive, you will head to your accommodation for a restful dinner and overnight stay.

• Accommodation: Aardvark Safari Lodge

Day 5: Morning Game Drive and Evening Boat Cruise

Day 5 starts early with a morning game drive in the savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The early morning hours are prime for wildlife spotting, as the animals are most active at this time. Your 9 Days Best Uganda Tour guide will take you on a carefully planned route through the park, where you may encounter lions lounging in the grass, herds of elephants roaming through the savannah, and kobs (a type of antelope) grazing peacefully. The park’s diverse wildlife and spectacular views will leave you in awe.

After the game drive, you’ll return to the lodge for a hearty lunch and some time to relax. In the afternoon, you’ll embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George. The boat cruise is one of the highlights of the park, as it offers excellent opportunities to observe hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species, including the African fish eagle. The cool breeze on the water and the chance to see wildlife in this unique setting makes this an unforgettable experience.

Later, you’ll enjoy a brief sunset game drive on your way back to the hotel, where you’ll have dinner and reflect on the day’s adventures.

• Accommodation: Aardvark Safari Lodge

Day 6: Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

On Day 6, you’ll have an early breakfast before heading to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park for another exciting game drive. This region is famous for its tree-climbing lions, which are rare and not easily spotted in other parks. Your guide will take you to the best locations to spot these incredible animals, as they rest on the branches of fig trees, often providing perfect photographic opportunities. The Ishasha sector is also home to other wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, and various antelope species.

After your game drive, you’ll enjoy lunch at a local hotel before continuing your 9 Days Best Uganda Tour journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its population of mountain gorillas. The drive will take you through lush landscapes, and you’ll be amazed by the dense vegetation and steep slopes as you approach the park. Upon arrival, you’ll check in at your lodge and relax for the evening.

• Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge

Day 7: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The highlight of your 9 Days Best Uganda Tour adventure arrives on Day 7: gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the park headquarters for a briefing by the park rangers. The rangers will explain the safety guidelines and the proper behavior to follow when trekking with the gorillas.

The trek begins around 8:00 am, and you will be led by expert guides who will help you navigate through the dense, mist-covered forest. The trek can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas, and it may involve some challenging terrain, including steep hills and thick vegetation. When you finally reach the gorillas, you’ll spend a precious hour observing them as they interact with each other. Seeing these magnificent creatures up close in their natural habitat is a truly life-changing experience.

After your gorilla encounter, you’ll trek back to the park headquarters, where you’ll receive a congratulations certificate as a reminder of your achievement. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and reflect on the experience, before transferring to Lake Bunyonyi, a serene lake surrounded by beautiful hills. You’ll check in at your lakeside lodge for dinner and overnight.

• Accommodation: Birdnest Resort Bunyonyi

Day 8: Relax at Lake Bunyonyi

After the excitement of gorilla trekking, Day 8 is a day of relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi. The lake is known for its tranquil atmosphere and crystal-clear waters. It is safe for swimming, and you can enjoy a peaceful day with activities such as canoeing or hiking around the lake’s islands.

Lake Bunyonyi is free of crocodiles and bilharzia, making it a safe and enjoyable spot for swimming. The surrounding scenery, with terraced hills and lush vegetation, provides a perfect backdrop for relaxation. You may also wish to take a boat tour around the lake to explore its islands, each with its own unique history and charm. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at your hotel, and in the evening, relax by the lake and savor a delicious dinner.

• Accommodation: Birdnest Resort Bunyonyi

Day 9: Return Drive to Kampala

On the final day of your 9 Days Best Uganda Tour adventure, you’ll enjoy a relaxed breakfast before being driven back to Kampala. The drive will take you through stunning landscapes, and you’ll stop for lunch along the way. Depending on your time of departure, you may have the option to explore some more parts of Kampala or make a brief stop at the Uganda Equator for a photo opportunity.

Once you arrive in Kampala, your driver-guide will drop you off at your hotel, place of residence, or directly at the airport, marking the end of your unforgettable 9-day tour of Uganda.