7 Days Classic Uganda Highlights

Morning

• Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where you will be warmly welcomed by your guide.
• Transfer to Kampala (approximately 1–1.5 hours), enjoying scenic views along the way, including lush landscapes, small villages and bustling towns.
• Check-in at your hotel, settle into your room and take some time to freshen up after your flight.

Afternoon

Optional guided city tour of Kampala:

• Uganda Museum – Explore Uganda’s cultural heritage, traditional artifacts and historical exhibits.
• Kabaka’s Palace – Learn about the history and traditions of the Buganda Kingdom.

Evening

• Dinner at the hotel’s restaurant featuring Ugandan cuisine.
• Overnight stay in Kampala.

Accommodation: Hotel Africana Ltd

Morning

• Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Kampala to start your adventure.
• Depart at 07:00 AM in a comfortable 4x4 safari vehicle, heading southwest toward Queen Elizabeth National Park.
• The drive takes approximately 6–7 hours and passes through scenic Ugandan countryside. Along the way, guests can admire:
  • Rolling hills and lush farmland, dotted with tea and coffee plantations.
  • Traditional rural villages, where children often wave to passing vehicles.
  • Views of distant Rwenzori foothills, offering excellent photo opportunities.
• Stop at the Equator line for a short break.
• Learn about the fascinating Coriolis effect, take fun photos straddling the northern and southern hemispheres and enjoy a moment to stretch your legs.

Afternoon

• Arrive at the lodge around 1PM – 2PM and check in.
• Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch at the lodge, featuring local or continental dishes.
• Take some time to relax at the lodge, enjoy the surrounding nature or explore the lodge grounds.
• This is also a great time to freshen up before your first safari drive in the park.

Evening

• Depart at 3:30 PM for your first game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
• Drive through savanna and woodland areas, with a focus on spotting elephants, buffalo, Uganda kob, warthogs and lions.
• The cooler late afternoon is a prime time for wildlife activity, especially near rivers and watering holes.
• Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge, Buffalo Safari Lodge, Honey Bear Bush Camp

Morning

• Start your day with an early breakfast at 06:30 AM at the lodge.
• Depart for the Ishasha sector in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
• The drive takes approximately 2–3 hours, passing through rolling savanna, local villages and farmland.
• Along the way, the guide will point out interesting bird species, monkeys and scenic landscapes, providing insight into the park’s ecology.

Afternoon

• Arrive in Ishasha for the tree-climbing lion safari, a rare and unforgettable experience.
• These lions often rest in fig and acacia trees, a behavior unique to this region.
• The guide will carefully track them, sharing knowledge about their habits and the savanna ecosystem.
• Enjoy a picnic packed lunch in a designated safe area within the park.
• This allows you to enjoy the sights and sounds of the savanna while refueling for the afternoon.
• After lunch, return to the main park area for an afternoon savanna game drive along the Kazinga Channel.
• This waterway is teeming with wildlife, including:
  • Hippos and crocodiles in the channel
  • Elephants and buffalo roaming the savanna
  • Uganda kob, warthogs and other antelopes grazing along the banks
• The late afternoon is a prime time for wildlife activity, offering excellent photography opportunities.
• The guide will provide interesting commentary on animal behavior, ecology and conservation.

Evening

• Return to the lodge in the early evening.
• Take time to relax, enjoy the lodge’s surroundings or observe wildlife near the lodge.
• Dinner at the lodge featuring local or continental cuisine.

Accommodation: Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge, Buffalo Safari Lodge, Honey Bear Bush Camp

Morning

• Enjoy an early breakfast at 06:00–06:30 AM at your lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
• Depart at 07:00 AM in a comfortable 4x4 safari vehicle for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
• The drive takes approximately 6–7 hours, passing through Uganda’s scenic landscapes:
  • Rolling hills, terraced farmland and tea plantations.
  • Small rural villages, offering a glimpse into everyday Ugandan life.
  • Forested valleys and rivers, perfect for photography stops along the way.

Afternoon

• Make scenic stops en route:
  • Fort Portal town, stretch your legs or explore the local market briefly.
  • Scenic viewpoints overlooking lush valleys and the Rwenzori foothills.
• Arrive at your lodge in Bwindi by early afternoon.
• Check in and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch.
• After lunch, guests can rest and relax at the lodge, enjoy the tranquil forest surroundings, or take a gentle walk around the lodge grounds to acclimatize before the gorilla trek.

Evening

• Dinner at the lodge featuring local and international cuisine.
• Overnight stay in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge, Nkuringo Lodge, Clouds

Morning

• Start your day with an early breakfast at 06:00 AM at the lodge.
• Transfer in a 4x4 vehicle to the gorilla trekking starting point, where your ranger guide will give a detailed briefing on:
  • Safety rules and proper behavior around gorillas.
  • Learn to identify gorilla families and observe their social behaviors.
• Embark on the trek through Bwindi Forest, lasting 2–6 hours depending on the gorilla family’s location:
  • Navigate narrow, sometimes steep forest trails, surrounded by towering trees, ferns and tropical vegetation.
  • Spot other forest wildlife, including birds, monkeys and butterflies, as your guide shares insights about the forest ecosystem.
• Upon locating the gorillas, spend one hour observing them in their natural habitat, watching feeding, social interactions and playful behaviors.
• Photography is allowed but without flash.

Afternoon

• Return to the lodge for a well-deserved lunch.
• After lunch, guests can rest and relax at the lodge.
• Options include:
  • Swimming in the lodge pool.
  • Spa treatments or massages to unwind after the trek.
  • Enjoying the scenic views of the surrounding forest and taking gentle walks around the lodge grounds.
• Optional: Take a community walk in nearby villages to meet locals, see traditional crafts and learn about daily life in the area.

Evening

• Dinner at the lodge featuring local and international dishes.
• Overnight stay in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge, Nkuringo Lodge, Clouds

Morning

• Enjoy breakfast at the lodge in Bwindi, fueling up for the journey ahead.
• Depart at around 07:00 AM for Lake Mburo National Park in a comfortable 4x4 safari vehicle.
• The drive takes approximately 5–6 hours, passing through Uganda’s picturesque countryside, including:
  • Rolling hills, farmland and small villages where you can glimpse local life.
  • Tea and banana plantations, providing scenic photo opportunities along the way.
• The guide will share insights about Uganda’s wildlife, culture and natural history, keeping the journey informative and engaging.

Afternoon

• Arrive at your lodge in Lake Mburo National Park around 1:00 PM.
• Check in and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch at the lodge.
• After a short rest, embark on an afternoon game drive through the park’s savanna and woodland areas.
• The drive offers excellent opportunities to spot:
  • Zebras, impalas and elands grazing across the plains.
  • Buffalo herds moving near watering holes.
  • Warthogs, bushbucks and giraffes browsing in the woodland areas.
  • Birdlife including crowned cranes, hammerkops, storks and kingfishers, making it a delight for birdwatchers.
• Return to the lodge in time to prepare for the evening boat cruise.

Evening

• Embark on a boat cruise on Lake Mburo, where you can observe:
  • Hippos lounging in the water or surfacing to breathe.
  • Crocodiles basking along the lake banks.
  • An array of bird species, including African fish eagles, herons, kingfishers, cormorants and weavers.
• After the cruise, enjoy a cultural performance by local dancers and musicians, showcasing traditional songs, dances and instruments, offering an immersive insight into the local culture.
• Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock

Morning

• Begin the day with an early game drive in Lake Mburo National Park.
• This is a great opportunity to spot wildlife such as zebras, impalas, elands, warthogs and various bird species while the animals are most active in the cooler morning hours.
• Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast, enjoying the serene views of the park one last time before your journey.

Afternoon

• After breakfast, check out of the lodge and depart for Entebbe International Airport in a comfortable 4x4 vehicle.
• The drive takes approximately 4–5 hours, passing through scenic Ugandan countryside and towns.
• Along the way, enjoy:
  • Rolling hills and farmland, offering excellent photo opportunities of rural Uganda.
  • Local villages and roadside markets, giving a glimpse of daily Ugandan life.
• The guide will ensure a smooth journey and provide interesting commentary on the culture, history and landscapes along the route.

Evening

• Arrive at Entebbe International Airport in time for your departure flight.

This brings an end to the safari, full of memories of an unforgettable adventure.