9-Nights Classic Uganda: Gorillas, Chimps & Safari from $8,265

Day 1: Arrive in Entebbe

On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by Goway's local representative and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, a half-day trip to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary may be arranged at an additional cost. This could also be arranged at the end of your safari if you prefer. This evening, you will receive a short pre-trip briefing at the hotel.

Hotel: Best Western Premier Garden Hotel Entebbe (4 Star Rating)

Best Western Premier Garden Hotel Entebbe is a contemporary lakeside hotel located in a quiet area of Entebbe, a short drive from Entebbe International Airport. The property offers comfortable rooms and suites, many with views over Lake Victoria or the landscaped gardens. Facilities include a restaurant serving international and local cuisine, a bar, an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and spa services. Business travelers are supported with meeting and conference facilities, while leisure guests can enjoy the peaceful setting and easy access to Entebbe Botanical Gardens and the town center. The hotel provides airport transfers, free Wi-Fi, and on-site parking, making it a practical and relaxing base for both short stays and extended visits in Entebbe.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Check out and transfer to the airport this morning. 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. Set within the forest and just steps away from the Gorilla Trekking headquarters, Buhoma Lodge offers cozy accommodations in wooden chalets with uninterrupted views of the pristine rainforest canopy. Renowned for its warm welcome and attentive service, Buhoma is an eco-friendly lodge operating on solar power and has been constructed using sustainable local materials. Each of the ten wooden chalets has a private verandah and enormous windows, giving spectacular views. Awaken to chattering forest birds, and watch out for the occasional mountain gorilla that has ventured right in to visit the lodge.

Hotel: Buhoma Lodge (4 Star Rating)

Buhoma Lodge commands spectacular and uninterrupted views of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park home to the rare and elusive Mountain Gorilla. Situated within the National Park, less than five minutes' walk, from the start of the gorilla trekking point. Ten, comfortable cottages have been carefully built, each with its own private verandah, allowing wonderful views of the forest canopy of the National Park. An elevated lounge area, complete with bar and dining facilities, offers a cozy, comfortable environment, to discuss the day's activities around the fireplaces which add atmosphere and warmth in the cool evenings.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

You will be escorted to the National Parks headquarters to meet your guides for your gorilla tracking experience. An early morning trek into the forest on the slopes of the volcanoes, led by experienced trackers will bring you amongst a family of Mountain Gorillas. These massive primates are extremely rare, with only approximately 650 remaining. You will get within metres of the family, and be privileged to spend time amongst them. The trekking may be fairly strenuous; up to six hours or longer is not uncommon - at relatively high altitudes. Mountain Gorillas are wild animals, and such sightings cannot be guaranteed; however, the success rate is well over 95%. PLEASE NOTE: on certain departures, due to Gorilla Permit availability, this leg of your safari may be undertaken in Rwanda. A similar standard of accommodation will be utilized in Rwanda, but there may be a surcharge depending on availability. Please check at the time of booking.

Hotel: Buhoma Lodge (4 Star Rating)

Buhoma Lodge commands spectacular and uninterrupted views of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park home to the rare and elusive Mountain Gorilla. Situated within the National Park, less than five minutes' walk, from the start of the gorilla trekking point. Ten, comfortable cottages have been carefully built, each with its own private verandah, allowing wonderful views of the forest canopy of the National Park. An elevated lounge area, complete with bar and dining facilities, offers a cozy, comfortable environment, to discuss the day's activities around the fireplaces which add atmosphere and warmth in the cool evenings.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Today you will have the option of a second Gorilla Trek (additional cost, please request at time of booking). In the afternoon, depart Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and travel to Ishasha, located in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park (a 2-3 hour drive) with a possible community visit en route (time permitting). Check into your accommodations and enjoy dinner at your safari camp. Located on the banks of the Ntungwe River, the eco-friendly Ishasha Wilderness Camp is an idyllic retreat for people who truly enjoy remote wilderness. This exclusive 10-tented camp offers the only luxury accommodation in the remote southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The thatched central lounge and dining area offers a comfortable area for guests to enjoy wholesome dining, although meals are often served "al fresco" next to the river. The outdoor fireplace is the perfect place for guests to relax with sundowners and wind down after an exciting day of game viewing.

Hotel: Ishasha Wilderness Camp (3 Star Rating)

Ishasha Wilderness Camp with its' 6 Meru Style tents is located on the banks of the Ntungwe River and providing access to a host of game viewing including the famous tree climbing lions. Each tent has en-suite bathrooms with hot bush showers and eco-friendly toilets. Ishasha Wilderness Camp is the perfect place to stop on the way to track the gorillas of Bwindi.

Ishasha Wilderness Camp is located inside the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park on the Ntungwe River; it is an idyllic retreat for people who truly want to experience the wilderness. This exclusive tented camp offers quality accommodation and services in this unspoilt remote southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Today is spent exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park with morning and afternoon game drives in the park. Enjoy a sundowner in the park as you take in the glorious African sunset before returning to your camp for another delicious dinner.

Located in the western arm of the Great Rift Valley, the park is home to a wide variety of wildlife including elephants, leopards, lions, hippos, buffalo, Uganda kob, baboons, and many species of birds. With both a riverine and savannah habitat, the southern Ishasha area includes the massive Maramagambo, one of the largest surviving natural forests in Uganda, and is home to the tree-climbing lions typically found in the area. Afternoon game drives will be enjoyed in the Ishasha area, looking for the huge herds of buffalo, elephants, Uganda kob, and of course the famous tree-climbing lion typically found in the area.

Hotel: Ishasha Wilderness Camp (3 Star Rating)

Ishasha Wilderness Camp with its' 6 Meru Style tents is located on the banks of the Ntungwe River and providing access to a host of game viewing including the famous tree climbing lions. Each tent has en-suite bathrooms with hot bush showers and eco-friendly toilets. Ishasha Wilderness Camp is the perfect place to stop on the way to track the gorillas of Bwindi.

Ishasha Wilderness Camp is located inside the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park on the Ntungwe River; it is an idyllic retreat for people who truly want to experience the wilderness. This exclusive tented camp offers quality accommodation and services in this unspoilt remote southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

This morning, you'll have one last chance to do some game viewing in the Ishasha section of the park. From Ishasha, you drive approximately 2 hours to the northern region of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.

Hotel: Elephant Plains Lodge (4 Star Rating)

Welcome to Elephant Plains Lodge, nestled within the picturesque landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda. This lodge offers an unparalleled safari experience, where the rhythms of nature harmonize with exceptional comfort. Surrounded by the diverse wildlife of the savanna, accommodations blend luxury with an authentic safari ambiance. Each room is meticulously designed, offering panoramic views of the park and featuring modern amenities for a relaxed stay after adventurous days. Savor delectable cuisine at our restaurant, crafted from fresh local ingredients, complemented by breathtaking views of the park. Unwind by the poolside or gather around the campfire, sharing stories of the day's adventures. At Elephant Plains Lodge, immerse yourself in the wild beauty of Uganda for an unforgettable safari retreat.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

After breakfast at your lodge, head to Kyambura for your first chimp trek. The forest is alive with noise! Chimpanzees can be quite active and may move quickly through the forest canopy...or, if you are lucky, you may find them resting or eating near the forest floors. It's an exhilarating walk, in the beautiful scenery. As with gorilla trekking, sightings cannot be guaranteed. After your trek, return to your lodge for lunch and a bit of leisure time before heading out on your afternoon game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Hotel: Elephant Plains Lodge (4 Star Rating)

Welcome to Elephant Plains Lodge, nestled within the picturesque landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda. This lodge offers an unparalleled safari experience, where the rhythms of nature harmonize with exceptional comfort. Surrounded by the diverse wildlife of the savanna, accommodations blend luxury with an authentic safari ambiance. Each room is meticulously designed, offering panoramic views of the park and featuring modern amenities for a relaxed stay after adventurous days. Savor delectable cuisine at our restaurant, crafted from fresh local ingredients, complemented by breathtaking views of the park. Unwind by the poolside or gather around the campfire, sharing stories of the day's adventures. At Elephant Plains Lodge, immerse yourself in the wild beauty of Uganda for an unforgettable safari retreat.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Today you will travel on a 2-3 hour drive from Queen Elizabeth National Park (north) on good roads to the Kibale area. On a clear day, you may get views of the Rwenzoris in the distance. You will spend the next two nights here, allowing ample time to enjoy the very best this area has to offer, with the option to join a second chimpanzee tracking experience in the forest. The park contains pristine lowland tropical rainforest, montane forest, and mixed tropical deciduous forest. In addition to the forest, you will also notice areas of grassland and swamp. The forest is rich in wildlife. It is most noted for its primate population. Some of the other mammals you might see are bushbuck, Harvey's red duiker, blue duiker, bush pig, and African civet. More difficult to spot are buffalo, waterbuck, hippo, warthog, and giant forest hog. Herds of elephants once traveled back and forth through the area. These elephants have become more and more rare and now are seldom seen. The birdlike in the forest and grasslands of the forest are abundant. There are almost 300 species, which have been identified here. There are 144 species of butterflies in the park and a diverse population of moths and other insects. A system of trails has been developed within the park, and tour guides are available to guide visitors.

Hotel: Primate Lodge (4 Star Rating)

Experience the world renowned Ugandan hospitality amidst unrivaled nature, scenery and serenity in the heart of Kibale rainforest National Park, Uganda's primates' paradise and home to over 13 different species of primates and numerous other mammals, butterflies and birds. Primate Lodge Kibale's principal edge is location, tucked deep in the forest and right next door to the starting point for Chimpanzee tracking excursion as well as the incredible Chimpanzee Habituation, really, two of the most genuinely breath-taking wildlife experiences on the planet.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

This morning you have a second opportunity to do chimp trekking, this time in the Kibale Forest National Park (permit required at additional cost) or enjoy some leisure time around the Lodge.

In the afternoon, enjoy a visit to the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary - run by the local community and famous for monkeys and birdlife. The star attraction you might get to see - the red colobus monkeys! Also black-and-white colobus; L'Hoest's monkeys; vervet monkeys; olive baboons, and sometimes the grey-cheeked mangabey. For birding enthusiasts - how about the chance to spot the great blue Turaco; Papyrus gonolek; green-breasted pitta (rare, seasonal); and perhaps hornbills, kingfishers, and weavers going about their daily routines.

Hotel: Primate Lodge (4 Star Rating)

Experience the world renowned Ugandan hospitality amidst unrivaled nature, scenery and serenity in the heart of Kibale rainforest National Park, Uganda's primates' paradise and home to over 13 different species of primates and numerous other mammals, butterflies and birds. Primate Lodge Kibale's principal edge is location, tucked deep in the forest and right next door to the starting point for Chimpanzee tracking excursion as well as the incredible Chimpanzee Habituation, really, two of the most genuinely breath-taking wildlife experiences on the planet.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

After an early breakfast for the drive back to Entebbe, stopping for curio shopping on the roadside and a quick photo stop at the Equator time permitting. Arrive back in Entebbe, late afternoon with drop off at the airport.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch