Welcome to the “Best of Western Uganda” itinerary, an 8-10 day adventure that takes you beyond the ordinary African safari. With Walter’s as your guide, you’ll discover gorillas, chimps, stunning landscapes, and local culture. Join us for an unforgettable exploration of Western Uganda.
Day 1 – Arrival in Fort Portal – Exploring Crater Lakes
Day 2 – Chimpanzee Trekking at Kibale Forest – Journey to Queen Elizabeth
Day 3 – Exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 4 – Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Ride
Day 5 – Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Day 6 – Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi – Lake Bunyonyi
Day 7-9 – Return Journey and Optional Stops
Day 1 – Arrival in Fort Portal – Exploring Crater Lakes
Depart from Kampala and drive approximately 300 kilometers to reach Fort Portal/Kibale Forest and the crater lakes. On either Day 1 or Day 2, embark on a two-hour walk to explore the crater lakes and foothills of Rwenzori. Spend the night or two in this remarkable area. Fort Portal, with its friendly people, natural beauty, and tranquility, is my favorite place in Uganda. I strongly recommend visiting it during your trip.
Day 2 – Chimpanzee Trekking at Kibale Forest – Journey to Queen Elizabeth
Track chimpanzees at Kibale Forest National Park until noon. Afterward, either drive to Queen Elizabeth, a two-and-a-half-hour journey, or spend another night in Kibale/Fort Portal. Chimp tracking is also available at Kyambura Gorge and Kalinzu Forest in Queen Elizabeth National Park, but I particularly enjoy Kyambura Gorge.
Day 3 – Exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park
Enjoy a relaxing scenic drive, crossing the equator to reach Queen Elizabeth. Take the opportunity to spot tree-climbing lions, relax, witness a beautiful sunset, or explore the park with two to three game drives.
Queen Elizabeth boasts the second-largest variety of mammals in Uganda after Murchison Falls National Park, and its 2,000-square-kilometer landscape showcases the Rwenzori Mountains, Lake Edward, Lake George, Kazinga Channel, and Congo. We may also take the Ishasha route for a game drive to see the tree-climbing lions, followed by chimp tracking in Kyambura Gorge, nature walks, or a leisurely boat ride, depending on your preferences.
Day 4 – Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Ride
Begin the day with a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park and enjoy an afternoon boat ride on the Kazinga Channel, considered the best boat ride in Uganda.
Day 5 – Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Drive through the forests of Bwindi to Kisoro/Mgahinga or stay in Bwindi forests.
Gorilla Tracking:
Uganda offers two prime gorilla tracking locations:
Bwindi: This is the largest forest and national park for gorillas, well-known on the internet and in guidebooks. Bwindi’s impenetrable forest houses over 20 gorilla families. Please share your fitness level, and we can recommend a trail suitable for you.
Kisoro (Mgahinga Gorilla National Park): Located in the far southwest of Uganda, bordering Rwanda and Congo, this park offers the Nyakagezi group. If you’re fortunate, you may also encounter golden monkeys here. Kisoro is unique for being a place where gold meets silver, bordering Volcanoes Park in Rwanda and Virunga in Congo. After gorilla tracking, unwind and relax. The trails here are slightly easier, making it suitable for all ages and those with limited time or a preference for an easier trek.
Track gorillas in the morning and finish by 12-3 pm. Afterward, enjoy lunch and take a two-hour drive to Lake Bunyonyi for an overnight stay.
Day 6 – Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi – Lake Bunyonyi
Track gorillas in the morning, concluding the experience by 12-3 pm. Enjoy lunch and then embark on a 2-hour drive to Lake Bunyonyi, where you will spend the night.
Optional Extension in Kisoro:
For those with extra time to spare, Kisoro offers exciting activities beyond gorilla tracking, including a day of hiking amidst the awe-inspiring Virunga volcanoes. These mountains are renowned for their steep beauty, standing as Uganda’s three highest peaks (reaching 4200 meters/12,000 feet), with the last glaciers in Africa. Located in a region shared by Bwindi, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, the Virunga volcanoes provide a unique trekking opportunity.
While the hike can be challenging due to the steep terrain, it offers rewarding experiences. The hike to the highest peak, Muhavura, boasting a stunning crater lake at its summit, spans 6 kilometers to the top. Other peaks, such as Gahinga, extend for 8 kilometers. Remarkably, Virunga is the only high mountain in Uganda that you can hike in a single day, with walks commencing at 7 am and lasting the entire day. Completion times vary, with some reaching the peak in just 4 hours, while others take 6 hours. Descending typically requires around 4 hours. The lush greenery throughout the journey, ample oxygen, and manageable altitude make this mountain accessible to most adventurers.
Walter, our guide, considers Virunga his favorite mountain due to its challenging yet efficient one-day hike that saves time while providing a profound sense of accomplishment and natural beauty.
Day 7-9 – Return Journey and Optional Stops
Drive back to Kampala at a leisurely pace. Consider stopping at the equator to witness water swirling in different directions in the atmosphere. If you have an extra day or more, you can opt to stay at Lake Mburo National Park or spend a relaxing day at Ssese Islands before returning to Kampala.
Optional Stop: Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo is one of Uganda’s smallest national parks, known for rare zebras, various antelopes, including the world’s largest antelope, Elands, and the famous Impalas, from which Kampala derived its name.
Embarking on a Uganda safari offers a unique and unforgettable journey into the heart of Africa’s natural wonders, combining lush landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural encounters in the “Pearl of Africa
You have multiple safari experiences to choose from, and we’re excited to offer them to you.