Uganda, popularly known as the “Pearl of Africa,” is one of Africa’s most remarkable safari destinations. The country is blessed with beautiful landscapes, tropical forests, savannah plains, mountains, lakes, rivers and a remarkable variety of wildlife.

A safari in Uganda is much more than a traditional game drive. Visitors have the opportunity to experience mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, hippos, giraffes, antelopes and hundreds of bird species, while also discovering the rich cultures and communities that surround Uganda’s national parks.

Uganda’s combination of wildlife, primates, birdlife, adventure, nature and culture makes it possible to enjoy several different safari experiences during one journey.

MAJOR SAFARI ACTIVITIES IN UGANDA – 2027

1. Gorilla Tracking

Gorilla tracking is one of the most unforgettable experiences available in Uganda.

The activity takes place mainly in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both located in south-western Uganda.

Visitors enter the ancient forest accompanied by trained Uganda Wildlife Authority guides and trackers. The search for a habituated gorilla family can involve walking through dense vegetation, steep slopes and forest trails.

Once the gorillas are located, visitors have the opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat and learn about their behaviour, family structures and conservation.

What makes gorilla tracking special?

• Close observation of mountain gorillas
• Guided forest trekking
• Beautiful rainforest scenery
• Wildlife photography
• Learning about gorilla conservation
• Experiencing the local communities around Bwindi and Mgahinga
• Supporting conservation and tourism-related community initiatives

Gorilla tracking is physically demanding, and visitors should be prepared for hiking on uneven and sometimes steep terrain.

2. Gorilla Habituation Experience

For visitors looking for a longer and more immersive gorilla experience, gorilla habituation is an important activity to include in the safari programme.

The habituation experience involves spending considerably more time observing gorillas that are undergoing the habituation process. Visitors are accompanied by researchers, trackers and guides while learning more about the behaviour and conservation of the gorillas.

For this safari programme:

3 Gorilla Habituation Permits in Bwindi

Three gorilla habituation permits are included in the programme.

The experience provides an opportunity to:

• Spend extended time in the forest
• Observe gorilla behaviour
• Learn about individual gorilla identification
• Follow the work of trackers and conservation teams
• Experience the rainforest ecosystem
• Photograph the gorillas where permitted
• Gain a deeper understanding of mountain-gorilla conservation

The permit should be confirmed and secured in advance because gorilla-related activities have limited daily availability.

3. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of Uganda’s most important wildlife destinations and is particularly famous for its mountain gorillas.

The park consists of ancient rainforest with a rich variety of plants, mammals, primates and birds.

Apart from gorilla activities, visitors can enjoy:

• Forest walks
• Bird watching
• Nature walks
• Primate observation
• Cultural experiences
• Community visits
• Photography
• Conservation experiences

The surrounding communities also provide opportunities to learn about local traditions, crafts, food, music and everyday life.

Bwindi is therefore not simply a gorilla destination; it can be an important part of a broader forest, wildlife and cultural safari experience.

4. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in south-western Uganda and forms part of the larger Virunga conservation landscape.

The park is known for:

• Mountain gorillas
• Golden monkeys
• Volcanoes
• Mountain hiking
• Forest scenery
• Birdlife
• Cultural experiences

The park is surrounded by dramatic volcanic mountains, creating a spectacular landscape for visitors.

Additional activities

Depending on the programme and availability, visitors can participate in:

• Gorilla tracking
• Golden monkey tracking
• Volcano hiking
• Forest walks
• Birding
• Cultural experiences

Mgahinga is particularly attractive for visitors who want to combine primate experiences with mountain and forest adventures.

5. Chimpanzee Tracking

Chimpanzee tracking is another major Ugandan safari experience.

Kibale National Park is particularly famous for its chimpanzee population and diverse primate species.

During chimpanzee tracking, visitors walk through the forest with experienced guides and trackers in search of chimpanzee communities.

The experience may include observing:

• Chimpanzees
• Red-tailed monkeys
• Black-and-white colobus monkeys
• L’Hoest’s monkeys
• Other forest wildlife
• Numerous bird species

Chimpanzee tracking provides a completely different experience from gorilla trekking because visitors explore a different forest environment and observe different primate behaviour.

6. Bird Watching

Uganda is an excellent destination for bird lovers.

The country’s combination of forests, wetlands, lakes, rivers, mountains and savannah creates habitats for a remarkable variety of birds.

Birding can be incorporated into almost every safari route.

Important birding destinations include:

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
• Kibale National Park
• Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Murchison Falls National Park
• Lake Mburo National Park
• Mabamba wetlands
• Entebbe and Lake Victoria areas

Birding activities can include:

• Guided forest bird walks
• Wetland birding
• Savannah birding
• Mountain birding
• Boat-based bird watching
• Photography

For serious birdwatchers, Uganda can be planned as a dedicated birding safari rather than simply an additional activity during a wildlife trip.

7. Game Drives

Traditional game drives are an essential part of the Ugandan safari experience.

Depending on the national park, visitors may have opportunities to see:

• African elephants
• Lions
• Leopards
• Cape buffaloes
• Giraffes
• Hippos
• Uganda kob
• Waterbucks
• Warthogs
• Antelopes
• Numerous smaller mammals

Game drives are generally conducted in safari vehicles accompanied by experienced guides.

Early morning and late afternoon are particularly important safari periods because wildlife activity can be higher during cooler parts of the day.

8. Boat Safaris

Uganda offers some excellent water-based safari experiences.

One of the most popular is the Kazinga Channel boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Visitors can observe wildlife along the water’s edge, including:

• Hippos
• Buffaloes
• Elephants
• Crocodiles
• Water birds
• Other wildlife

Boat trips provide a different perspective from a conventional game drive and are particularly good for wildlife photography and bird watching.

Boat activities are also available in other parts of Uganda, including the Nile and various lakes.

9. Murchison Falls Experience

Murchison Falls National Park is one of Uganda’s major safari destinations.

The park offers a combination of:

• Game drives
• Boat cruises
• Bird watching
• Wildlife photography
• Nature experiences
• Murchison Falls scenery

The Nile passes through a narrow gorge at the falls, creating one of the most distinctive natural features in the park.

A typical visit can combine a morning game drive, an afternoon boat cruise and a visit to the falls.

10. Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is another major safari destination.

Visitors can experience:

Game drives

Searching for elephants, buffaloes, lions, antelopes and other wildlife.

Kazinga Channel cruise

A boat experience featuring hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants and many water birds.

Birding

The park supports a wide range of bird habitats.

Nature and community experiences

Visitors can also learn about the communities living around the park and the relationship between conservation and local livelihoods.

11. Ishasha Sector

The Ishasha sector in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park is an important part of a southwestern Uganda safari.

The area is famous for its beautiful savannah landscape and is particularly associated with the tree-climbing lions for which Ishasha is well known.

Other wildlife can include:

• Elephants
• Buffaloes
• Topi
• Uganda kob
• Warthogs
• Various antelope species
• Numerous birds

Ishasha is particularly convenient when travelling between Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi.

DAY 9 – 29 APRIL 2027

Ishasha Sector – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Breakfast and Departure

Have an early breakfast at the lodge before beginning the journey towards southwestern Uganda.

After breakfast, check out and drive through the beautiful landscapes of western Uganda towards the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park and onward to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The journey itself is part of the safari experience, with opportunities to enjoy the changing scenery from open savannah to forested mountain landscapes.

Ishasha Wildlife Experience

Depending on the programme and available time, the safari may include an Ishasha game drive.

The sector is famous for its tree-climbing lions, although sightings of wildlife can never be guaranteed.

During the drive, you may also encounter:

• Elephants
• Buffaloes
• Uganda kob
• Topi
• Warthogs
• Antelopes
• Various bird species

After the Ishasha experience, continue towards Bwindi.

Arrival in Bwindi

Upon reaching the Bwindi area, check in at the lodge and enjoy the peaceful forest surroundings.

The evening can be used for:

• Resting after the long journey
• Enjoying the forest environment
• Preparing for the following day’s gorilla activity
• Meeting local guides
• Receiving information about the gorilla experience
• Optional community or cultural activities, depending on the programme

Because gorilla activities normally require an early start, guests should have an early dinner and prepare hiking equipment for the following day.

Gorilla Habituation Programme

Included in the safari:

3 Gorilla Habituation Permits in Bwindi

The three permits provide access to the planned gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi.

Guests should be prepared for a full forest experience. The duration of the trek can vary depending on the location and movement of the gorilla family being followed.

Recommended preparation

Visitors should bring:

• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Long trousers
• Long-sleeved shirt
• Rain jacket
• Hat
• Insect repellent
• Reusable water bottle
• Small backpack
• Camera
• Binoculars
• Personal medication
• Waterproof protection for cameras and personal belongings

Bwindi’s weather can change quickly, so appropriate rain protection is strongly recommended.

12. Cultural Experiences

A Ugandan safari is incomplete without experiencing the people and cultures surrounding the parks.

Visitors can participate in activities such as:

• Traditional dances
• Local music
• Community walks
• Traditional food experiences
• Craft demonstrations
• Village visits
• Storytelling
• Learning about traditional lifestyles

Around Bwindi and Mgahinga, community experiences can be incorporated into the safari itinerary where available.

These activities provide visitors with a deeper understanding of Uganda beyond wildlife.

13. Nature Walks and Forest Experiences

For visitors who enjoy walking rather than spending all their time in a safari vehicle, Uganda provides many opportunities for guided nature walks.

Activities can include:

• Forest walks
• Waterfall walks
• Birding walks
• Botanical observation
• Primate observation
• Photography
• Mountain walks

These experiences allow visitors to appreciate the smaller details of the ecosystem that can easily be missed during a vehicle safari.

14. Golden Monkey Tracking

Golden monkey tracking is an additional primate experience available in Mgahinga.

Golden monkeys are associated with the Albertine Rift and are known for their distinctive golden-orange colouring.

The activity involves entering the forest with guides and trackers to search for habituated golden monkey groups.

This can be combined with gorilla experiences to create a broader Uganda primate safari.

15. Community and Conservation Experiences

Modern safari tourism in Uganda can also provide opportunities to understand conservation and community development.

Visitors can learn about:

• Wildlife conservation
• Forest protection
• Gorilla conservation
• Community tourism
• Local livelihoods
• Traditional crafts
• Sustainable tourism

16. Adventure Experiences

Uganda also offers activities for visitors who want more adventure.

Depending on the itinerary, these can include:

• White-water rafting on the Nile
• Kayaking
• Mountain hiking
• Volcano climbing
• Cycling
• Nature walks
• Horse riding
• Boat excursions

Day 1: Arrival
Our representative will meet you at Kigali International airport, and then transfer you at your hotel in Kigali.  Dinner and Overnight at Kigali Serena Hotel.B.B

Day 2: Kigali – Nyungwe
Begin your safari from Kigali heading to Nyungwe National Park via Butare Museum. After Butare, head to Gikongoro and visit Murambi genocide memorial centre and break for lunch.Later proceed to Nyungwe forest. Dinner and Overnight at Nyungwe Forest Lodge.B.L.D

Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking
Chimpanzee trekking in the morning and later return to the lodge for a hot lunch. After lunch, visit of Gisakura Tea Factory. Dinner and Overnight at Nyungwe Forest Lodge.B.L.D

Day 4:Canopy Walk 

Today you can 
opt for a walk on the second African highest Canopy or for a nature walk visiting water fall in the morning. After lunch, track the Colobus monkeys and later return at the lodge for Dinner and Overnight at Nyungwe Forest Lodge.B.L.D

Day 5: Nyungwe – Kibuye
After breakfast, hit the road to Kibuye in the beautiful lake resort of Lake Kivu. Lake Kivu is one of the greatest Lakes in Rwanda, and is in the Albertine (western) Rift valley, a part of the Great Rift Valleys. The lake is a 2650 Square kilometer freshwater expanse and the largest of all the lakes that fill the valleys of Rwanda. Spend the afternoon by the Lakeshores. Overnight at Lake Kivu Serena hotel.B.L.D

Day 6: Kibuye Musanze- Volcanoes 
After breakfast, drive to Musanze (ex- Ruhengeri) the base town for mountain gorillas. In the evening you will go for a cultural adventure at Ibyiwacu Cultural Village. Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village gives you a rare chance to meet local people, in their environment, with a taste of Rwandan culture and traditions. The community you visit will genuinely welcome you as a special guest while they proudly present to you aspects of their traditions and beliefs. This will truly be an experience of a lifetime. Return to the lodge for Dinner and Overnight at Sabinyo Silverback Lodge. B.L.D

Day 7: Golden Monkeys trekking
After your morning wake-up call and breakfast, transfer and report to the park headquarters, for Golden monkeys trekking formalities and briefing. After Golden monkey trek have lunch at the lodge and relax. Dinner and Overnight at Sabinyo Silverback Lodge. B.L.D

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking – Kigali
Early morning transfer to Virunga National park headquarters for gorilla trekking adventure briefing. You will be allocated your specific group and hike to the forest following a ranger. When you meet the mountain gorillas, you will spend one hour with them and take pictures. Return to the lodge, have lunch and transfer to Kigali. Dinner and Overnight at Kigali Serena Hotel.B.B

Day 9: City Tour and Departure
After breakfast, take Kigali city tour including visits to the genocide memorial site/museum. Thereafter proceed to the airport for your departure flight.

End of Tour!

Price from $3,289 PP (*Minimum 2 Persons)

Price Quotes Includes

Airport transfers
Ground transport per 4WD safari vehicle
English speaking driver/guide
Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary, based on double room
Three meals a day, apart from where it is mentioned (B&B)
Mineral water in the safari vehicle
Park entrance fees
Gorilla permit (USD $1,500 per permit in Rwanda)
Ranger fees
All mentioned activities except for the optional ones

Price Quote Excludes

International flight
Local flights
Visa (USD $50 per person)
Meals and drinks not mentioned
Items of personal nature
Tips & laundry service
Christmas supplement

Day 1: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park

Today morning our guide will transfer you to Nyungwe National Park home of the chimpanzees in Rwanda. Along the way you will make stopovers to visit the king’s palace in Nyanza, Butare national museum and the Murambi genocide memorial site. Dine and spend the night at Nyungwe Forest Lodge. B.L.D- 

Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking

In the morning you will have an early breakfast and then transfer to the headquarters of the park where you will be briefed by the park warden about the guidelines to follow while tracking chimpanzees. You will then head to the trailhead and then in the company of experienced guides start searching for the chimps. Some of the other primates you may see include:  vervet monkeys, black-and-white Colobus monkeys and baboons. Later head back to the lodge to relax; dine and spend the night at Nyungwe Forest Lodge. B.L.D

Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, you will set out on a lengthy scenic drive to the renowned Volcanoes national park in northwestern Rwanda. Dinner and Overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge-B.L.D  

Day 4: Enjoy the Gorilla Trekking Expedition

In the morning you will assemble at the park headquarters for a briefing by the park ranger before starting on this very enjoyable gorilla trekking expedition that takes between 1 and 8 hours. Once you find them you will spend at most an hour observing at taking photos of them; it’s a very memorable encounter! You will afterward return to your lodge and relax after that long tracking. Dinner and Overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge-B.L.D 

Day 5: Return to Kigali, Departure

After your breakfast our guide will drive you back to the capital city and if time allows you may visit the Gisozi genocide memorial site before transferring to the airport to catch your departure flight.

End of Tour!

Price from $2,298 PP (*Minimum 2Persons)

Price Quotes Includes

Airport transfers
Ground transport per 4WD safari vehicle
English speaking driver/guide
Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary, based on double room
Three meals a day, apart from where it is mentioned (B&B)
Mineral water in the safari vehicle
Park entrance fees
Gorilla permit (USD $1,500 per permit in Rwanda)
Ranger fees
All mentioned activities except for the optional ones

Price Quote Excludes
International flight
Local flights
Visa (USD $50 per person)
Meals and drinks not mentioned
Items of personal nature
Tips & laundry service
Christmas supplement

Day 1: Arrival at the Airport in Kigali

On arrival at the airport, you will be received by our representative from 1000 Shades of Green who will transfer you to your hotel. Dine and spend the night at the luxury Flame Tree Village B.B 

Day 2: Morning Kigali City Tour, Transfer to Volcanoes Park

After breakfast, you will enjoy a Kigali City Tour and visit among other places the national museum and the genocide memorial site. In the afternoon after lunch, you will set off on a scenic drive to Volcanoes national park, habitat to the highly endangered mountain gorillas.

In the evening you will visit the Ib’iwachu Cultural Village and learn more about the practices and norms of the Banyarwanda people. Dinner and Overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge-B.L.D 

Day 3: Gorilla Tracking and Nature Walk

Early morning you will be briefed by the park ranger at the park headquarters about the tracking guidelines, and then set out with other trekkers led by an experienced guide into the forest as you look for them. On finding the mountain gorillas, you will spend at most an hour observing at taking photos of them. Afterward, return to your lodge and relax. Later on in the evening, you there will be an optional cultural walk to the adjacent village community where you will be amazingly entertained by the local people, or take a nature walk to the caves and lakes nearby. Dinner and Overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge-B.L.D  

Day 4: Dian Fossey Hike and transfer to Lake Kivu

Today after breakfast, you will hike to the Karisoke research center which was established by Dian Fossey. There you will learn more about the various activities that Dian Fossey did in a bid to conserve the mountain gorillas. After lunch you will drive on you to Lake Kivu. Dinner and Overnight at Lake Kivu Lodge. B.L.D

Day 5: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park

After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel and begin on the drive to Nyungwe National Park. You will stopover for lunch along the way and also take photographs of the beautiful scenery. Dine and spend the night at Nyungwe Forest Lodge. B.L.D

Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking, Cultural Visits, Departure

Early morning you will head to the park headquarters where you will be briefed and then head into the forest where you will track chimpanzees and see some other primates like vervet monkey. Afterward, you will drive back to the capital Kigali with visits to several sites along the way such as the Murambi Genocide Memorial Site, Nyanza King’s Palace and Butare Museums. You will then be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.

End of Tour!

Price from $2,830 PP (*Minimum 2 Persons)

Price Quotes Includes

• Airport transfers
• Ground transport per 4WD safari vehicle
• English speaking driver/guide
• Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary, based on double room
• Three meals a day, apart from where it is mentioned (B&B)
• Mineral water in the safari vehicle
• Park entrance fees
• Gorilla permit (USD $1,500 per permit in Rwanda)
• Ranger fees
• All mentioned activities except for the optional ones

Price Quote Excludes

• International flight
• Local flights
• Visa (USD $50 per person)
• Meals and drinks not mentioned
• Items of personal nature
• Tips & laundry service
• Christmas supplement

Day 1: Arrival
Our representative will meet you at Kigali International airport, and then transfer you to your hotel in Kigali. Overnight Hotel Chez Lando. BB

Day 2: Kigali – Nyungwe
Start your safari from Kigali heading to Nyungwe National Park via Butare. Where you will visit the King`s palace and the Rwanda national museum. Break for lunch and later head to Nyungwe with a visit to Murambi Genocide Memorial Centre and then proceed to Nyungwe. Dinner and Overnight at Nyungwe Top View Hill Lodge. B.L.D

Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking
Chimps trekking in the morning afterwards opt for the canopy walk or go got Nature walk at Nyungwe forest national park. Dinner and Overnight at Nyungwe Top View Hill Lodge.B.L.D
Day 4: Nyungwe – Kibuye

After breakfast, drive to Lake Kivu one of the greatest Lakes in Rwanda, and is in the Albertine (western) Rift valley, a part of the Great Rift Valleys. The lake is a 2650 Square kilometer freshwater expanse and the largest of all the lakes that fill the valleys of Rwanda. Spend the afternoon by the Lake shores. Dinner and Overnight at Lake Kivu Lodge. B.L.D

Day 5: Kibuye- Musanze
.

After breakfast; drive to Musanze (ex- Ruhengeri) the base town for mountain gorillas. Visit the Ibyiwacu Cultural Village and spend your evening enjoying the cultural experience. Dinner and Overnight at Le Bambou Gorilla lodge- B.L.D

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking
Morning wake-up call, breakfast, and transfer to the park headquarters for briefing. Penetrate the Volcanoes for sensational gorilla trekking and return for lunch after trekking. After lunch, drive to Kigali for Overnight Hotel Chez Lando. B.L

Day 7: Kigali City tour.
After breakfast, take Kigali city tour including visits to Genocide memorial site/museum. Thereafter proceed to the airport for your departure flight.
End of Tour!
Price from $2,561PP (*Minimum 2 Persons)

Price Quotes Includes

Airport transfers
Ground transport per 4WD safari vehicle
English speaking driver/guide
Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary, based on double room
Three meals a day, apart from where it is mentioned (B&B)
Mineral water in the safari vehicle
Park entrance fees
Gorilla permit (USD $1,500 per permit in Rwanda)
Ranger fees
All mentioned activities except for the optional ones

Price Quote Excludes
International flight
Local flights
Visa (USD $50 per person)
Meals and drinks not mentioned
Items of personal nature
Tips & laundry service
Christmas supplement