6 Days Uganda Trip – DETAILED SAFARI ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive at Entebbe International Airport & transfer to a hotel in Entebbe to unwind

Welcome to Uganda! Your fantastic Gorilla and wildlife safari will start as soon as you touch down at the Entebbe International Airport while you enjoy the beautiful landscape and water views of the waters of Lake Victoria world’s second-largest freshwater lake, the largest lake in Africa and the largest tropical lake in the whole world which welcomes you to this beautiful Pearl of Africa.

After clearing with immigration you will get out of the terminal building to the arrivals section where you will be met by your Prime safaris guide who will help load the bags into our comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle before heading to your lodge situated nearby in Entebbe for overnight. The guide will inform you about your pickup time for the next day.

The highlight of the day: Sighting the serene waters of the second biggest freshwater lake in the world Lake Victoria

Accommodation: –

• Luxury/ Upmarket: Protea Entebbe Hotel

Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast / Half board in a hotel in Entebbe

Drive distance & time: Approx. 3-5km or 10-20 hours

Activities & Services: –

• Airport pick up

Other activities you can do include: –

If your flight arrives early to Entebbe, you can opt to engage in any of the following activities

• Birding experience in Mabamba swamp & Botanical gardens
• Entebbe city tour
• Ngamba chimpanzee sanctuary
• Fishing on Lake Victoria
• Visiting Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC) for a chimpanzee close up experience
• Sundowner boat cruise on Lake Victoria

Day 2: Drive to Lake Mburo Park and engage in an afternoon game drive

The second day of this epic safari tour will commence early in the morning at 6:00 am with picked up from your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala by one of our guides in a 4×4 safari car. If you choose to fly to Mburo, you will be driven to Entebbe airport where you will catch your domestic flight to Lake Mburo National Park.

This flight lasts only an hour to get you there. Upon landing at Mbarara airstrip, you will be welcomed by our safari guide who will drive you to your lodge in Mburo Park. However, if you choose to drive to Mburo, you will then embark on an incredible 240km road trip to Lake Mburo National Park which takes about 4 hours to get there from Kampala.

While on this epic road journey, you will enjoy exciting road stops at Mpambire drum centre and have an encounter with local artists as they manufacture a wide variety of local musical instruments such as drums, and African chairs.

Another stop is done at the Equator where you get to have an equator experience on how to differentiate the Northern from the Southern hemispheres and also have a photo moment. You will also immerse yourselves in the Equator experience which shows you how the 2 halves are different from each other.

From here, continue with your remarkable journey to Lake Mburo where you will be greeted by the undulating topography of this untamed wilderness that is fully beaming with a wide diversity of wild animals. Check in at the lodge, enjoy lunch, relax for a while and later embark on a rewarding evening game drive in the acacia savannah landscapes of Lake Mburo National Park with likely sights of Impalas found nowhere else in Uganda, Burchell’s Zebra and Elands found only here and in far northeast (Kidepo and Pian Upe), Topis, Cape Buffalos, Rothschild Giraffes and if you’re lucky you might also encounter the beautiful and stocky Leopards that might found enjoying an evening stroll or even on a hunting escapade.

Accommodation: –

• Luxury/ Upmarket: Mihingo Safari Lodge/ Matana Tented Camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drive distance & time: Approx. 240km or 4-5 hours

Meal Plan:  Lunch in Fort portal & Dinner @ the lodge in or near the Park

Optional activities: –

• Nature walk
• Biking
• Evening boat cruise
• Night game drive

Day 3: Engage in a Banyakole cultural visit and transfer to Bwindi

On the second day of this tour, you will visit the local Banyankole communities where you will encounter the long-horned cattle that are endemic to this area. While here, you will have a chance to see these local people how they go about their daily lives and if you like you can also engage in some of their daily activities such as cattle grazing by the herdsmen, milking process where you will milk the cows using your own hands as you pull the cow’s adder to produce milk.

You can also join the ladies as they churn their milk pots to produce cow ghee and yoghurt without using any machine but just their hands. From here you will leave the local community and transfer to Igongo country hotel for a lunch buffet inspired by the local cuisines that are a delicacy to this part of the country.

After having this lunch, you embark on the remaining 4-5 hour journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda, passing through the beautiful Mirama hills that have been tamed by locals who are growing bananas and other foodstuffs on the slopes of these hills. Along the way look out for sightings of local people carrying riding bicycles loaded with farm products such as bananas. You won’t also miss seeing women carrying their children monkey style as they have them strapped to their backs.

A final stop will be made at the Great Lakes Museum in Kabale where you get to encounter the African tree of life. This tree is made of different sculptures that depict the different forms of life of Africans.

You can take a moment a pose for photos before you continue with the rest of your journey to the lodge in Bwindi.

You will be fascinated by the Ankole culture and learn new tips

Accommodation: –

• Top-Notch / Exclusive: Gorilla Forest Camp/ Buhoma Lodge
• Luxury/ Upmarket: Haven Lodge Buhoma

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drive distance & time: Approx. 250km or 4-5 hours

Activities & Services: –

• Morning Banyankole cultural experience
• Transfer to Bwindi

Optional activities: –

• Nature walk
• Biking
• Game drive
• Evening boat cruise
• Birding

Day 4 of the 6 Days Uganda Trip: Do Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & do a community walk

This is a great day that will mark your reunion with your long lost cousins – the mountain gorillas. You gather at the respective park headquarters for briefing in the morning at 8 am where you are also allocated the respective gorilla families to track. From here, you head to the forest in the company of the armed ranger guides that will lead you up the gorillas.

The walk is beyond the ordinary as it involves traversing the dense jungle whose thickness would at some points necessitate using a machete to make a path, hiking the challenging landscapes some of which are steep and slippery at times under the canopy of the mature forest which forms darkness even during the day. You are treated to the impressive bird songs and beautiful flowers throughout the experience.

The encounter tends to take 2 – 8 hours depending on the gorilla’s movements and one hour is availed to you to have a direct touch with the gorillas. Upon approaching gorillas, their reaction is not predictable as it can include them giving you a courteous welcome, minding less about you and charging against you. However, as a result of habituation, Mountain gorillas are always welcoming with the Silverback beating a little of his chest to demonstrate his might and also welcoming you to the group.

The young gorillas are very playful and are at times not aware of the 7m rule thus can try to draw closer to even touching your body – save it by taking some steps away to observe the distance. You are not limited in any way to ask as many questions about gorillas and their habitats along with taking pictures so long as you have the opportunity to do so.

After your one hour with the gorillas, return to the starting point and connect to the lodge for relaxation. In the evening, chilling at the lodge grounds you are treated to a traditional thrill performance of the local Batwa or the Bakiga that live around the park. They have magical songs and dancing styles which definitely make your evening colourful. This activity will allow you to have an up-close encounter with these people to have an understanding of their daily lives.

Being in close contact with Mountain Gorillas will be the highlight of the day

Accommodation: –

• Top-Notch / Exclusive: Gorilla Forest Camp/ Buhoma Lodge
• Luxury/ Upmarket: Haven Lodge Buhoma

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities & Services: –

• Engage in gorilla trekking
• Batwa or Bakiga village walk

Optional activities: –

• Nature walk
• Birding

Day 5 of the 6 Days Uganda Trip: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for a relaxed boat ride and an evening nature hike

This day is fairly relaxed as you get to wake up a little bit late at 8:00 am for breakfast. You will then check out of the lodge and drive to Lake Bunyonyi driving through the fascinating Kigezi Highlands with magical sceneries. Along the way, you will have an en-route stop at a local market which gives you an opportunity to have an African shopping experience as you haggle for the best price bargain while shopping a selected few items courtesy of the company.

This also allows you to interact with the locals and have an insight into how they live their daily lives. Upon your arrival at Lake Bunyonyi and embark on the whole day of Island hopping exploration visiting the main Islands of Lake Bunyonyi. You explore the Bucuranuka (Upside down) Island which is believed to have buried people alive after refusing to offer local brew to an old woman and she cursed the Island to turn upside down burying its inhabitants.

You also visit the Akampane (Punishment) Island where the girls with unwanted premarital pregnancies would be dumbed to die of hunger or as they as try to swim back to the mainland. Njuyera Islands which is a traditional leprosy healing centre can also be visited. Have a lunch break then in the evening, embark on a hike to the top of the world point here which takes you 2200meters above sea level and if you manage to get to the top your efforts will be rewarded with spectacular views of the entire Bunyonyi lake which will forever be imprinted in your memory.

While at the top take time off to catch your breath and enjoy a picnic evening tea that comes with a warm cup of coffee & an assortment of snacks while you appreciate nature’s work and also re-energize before you slope down.

After this hike, set off for a community tour as you visit some of the local schools if the school term is open. While here, you will get to meet the local students who are striving for a better future, if it’s fine with you, you can donate a few scholastic items to the school to enable these students to have a comfortable stay in school. From the school visit. Retire from the activity and return to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

An experiential boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi will make be the highlight of the day

Accommodation: –

• Luxury/ Upmarket: Birds nest @ Bunyonyi

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drive distance & time: Approx. 55-85 km or 1-3 hours

Activities & Services

• Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi
• Bakiga community walk

Day 6 of the 6 Days Uganda Trip: Fly or drive from Lake Bunyonyi to Kampala

You will wake up at 7:00 am to the sweet melodies of birds that will be singing their hearts off to the dawn of a new day and this will fairly make you understand why this Lake is called Bunyonyi which means a Lake of many small birds as you will hear interjecting voices of many birds singing together in uniformity as they welcome the day.

Enjoy a delightful breakfast that comes with a warm cup of coffee or tea & an assortment of snacks while you appreciate nature’s work. You will check out of the lodge and drive to the Kihihi airstrip for your return flight back to Entebbe which lasts only 1-2 hours or embark on the transfer to Kampala 420km and Entebbe 470km from Lake Bunyonyi by road.

During this 470km return journey to Entebbe, you will drive through the rolling hills of Mirama which will fascinate you given how the locals here have managed to tame these wildlands by cultivating along these steep slopes.

Along the way back you will encounter many local men carrying farm produce on their bicycles headed towards the nearest local markets. You will make an en-route stop for lunch at Igongo country hotel and just a few kilometres outside Mbarara town to enjoy a locally inspired lunch buffet and if you wish, you can try out the Ishabwe dish which is a local delicacy in this region. From here proceed with the rest of your journey back to Entebbe airport where your safari will come to an end as you catch your departure flight back home.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Drive distance & time: Approx. 450km or 7-8 hours

Activities & services: –

• Transfer back to Kampala
• Traditional Lunch buffet at Igongo country hotel
• Equator experience
• Transfer to Kampala

End of the 6 Day Uganda Safari, Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Game Viewing Safari in Lake Mburo

6 Days Uganda Trip – SAFARI INCLUSIONS 

   Full-time English professional safari driver-guide

   4×4 safari van/ 4×4 Safari land cruiser with pop up roof for game viewing with functional A/C

   Full board accommodation

   Gorilla & chimpanzee trekking permit fees

   Boat cruise fees

   Wi-Fi Internet on board the safari vehicle

   Bottled water

6 Days Uganda Trip – SAFARI EXCLUSIONS 

•    International &domestic flight fees
•    Visa fees
•    Laundry services
•    Items of personal nature
•    Gratuities and tips
•    Other beverages/ drinks
•    Other extras not mentioned in the itinerary above

6 Days Uganda Trip – GETTING THERE 

6 Days Uganda Trip – PRICE PER PERSON

Number of people against price per person

2 – $na pp

3 – $na pp

4 – $na pp

5 – $na pp

6 – $na pp

6 Days Uganda Trip – RELATED SAFARI ACCOMMODATION 

RELATED UGANDA SAFARI CATEGORIES TO THE 6 DAYS UGANDA TRIP ITINERARY

• Gorilla Safaris From Kigali
• Uganda Wildlife safaris
• Uganda Chimpanzee Trekking Safaris
• Uganda Birding safaris
• Uganda Fishing safaris
• Uganda Mountain Hiking Safaris
• Long Uganda Safaris
• Short Uganda safaris
• Days Tours In Uganda
• Cultural Safaris In Uganda
• Scheduled Group Safaris In Uganda
• Adventure Vacation Safari Holidays
• Uganda Agricultural Safaris
• Luxury Safaris In Uganda
• Budget safaris In Uganda
• Uganda Rwanda Safaris

6 Days Uganda Trip – GORILLA TREKKING TIPS 

•   Mountain gorillas sometimes nest far from the start of your gorilla trek, you should ready yourself for a long walk and drink plenty of water.
•    Eating, drinking and smoking near the gorillas is forbidden – designated time and place will be communicated.
•    Smoking while inside the forest is strictly forbidden
•    Bwindi being a tropical forest, it can rain anytime so we encourage you to carry a rain poncho
•    Waterproof walking shoes or hiking boots are essential.
•    Gardening gloves for protection against stinging plants
•    Long trousers and long-sleeved sweaters or shirts while in the forest to avoid insect stings.
•    Photography is permitted, although you must not use flash
•    Porters are available to help you carry your day pack for a small charge
•    As you prepare to come for your Uganda gorilla adventure, please do some exercises so that you prepare your body for gorilla trekking which can last between 3-8 hours
•    In case you can’t walk for a very long time, you shouldn’t really worry about not being able to do gorilla trekking because there are potters who can carry you throughout at a small extra cost.
•    Carry your sunscreen lotion to keep your skin safe from the tropical heat & sun rays
•    When you get to the gorillas, don’t make noise because this agitates the gorillas
•    For more information about gorilla trekking tips please follow these links to read more about gorilla trekking tips and advice.

At Prime Safaris and Tours Ltd, your safety is our utmost priority. We have thus undertaken the necessary safety measures in compliance with the approved Standard Operating Procedures by the Governments of ALL African countries in which we operate with a goal of protecting our customers while travelling and on their Africa safari. The following guidelines will be applicable for your  Safari in Uganda, Rwanda, Congo and other African Countries.