If you dream of discovering the highlights of western Uganda in one unforgettable journey, this 9 days Uganda safari is one of our favourite itineraries. It is carefully designed to combine Uganda’s famous Mountain Gorillas and chimpanzees with classic wildlife safaris, scenic lakes and authentic cultural encounters. As you travel through western Uganda, you will experience an incredible variety of landscapes, from lush rainforests and rolling hills to open savannah and peaceful lakes.
Your adventure begins in Kibale Forest National Park, where you trek chimpanzees through one of East Africa’s richest rainforests. Next, continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park for exciting game drives and a memorable boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, home to large populations of hippos, elephants and countless bird species. Afterwards, head to the Ishasha sector to search for the famous tree-climbing lions before reaching Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for the unforgettable experience of mountain gorilla trekking.
The journey continues to the peaceful shores of Lake Bunyonyi, where you can relax after your gorilla trek while enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding hills. Finally, complete your safari in Lake Mburo National Park, where zebras, giraffes and antelopes roam the open savannah and a guided safari walk offers a different perspective of Uganda’s wildlife.
Whether it is your first safari in Africa or a long-awaited return, this 9 days Uganda safari offers the perfect balance of primates, wildlife, breathtaking scenery and genuine local hospitality. As a result, you discover the highlights of western Uganda at a comfortable pace while creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Itinerary ref: MS28
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This 9 days Uganda safari includes:
- Kibale Forest National Park
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Ishasha
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Lake Bunyonyi
- Lake Mburo National Park
Learn more about Uganda Complete guide or trekking gorillas.
Why choose this 9 Day Uganda safari?
This itinerary is perfect if you want to discover the highlights of western Uganda in one well-balanced adventure. First, you will trek chimpanzees in Kibale Forest before continuing to Queen Elizabeth National Park for game drives and a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. Next, search for the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha before meeting the mountain gorillas in Bwindi, the highlight for many visitors. Afterwards, unwind by the scenic shores of Lake Bunyonyi before finishing your safari among the zebras and giraffes of Lake Mburo National Park. Along the way, you will experience Uganda’s beautiful landscapes, welcoming communities and remarkable wildlife, making this an unforgettable journey through the Pearl of Africa.
Day-by-Day 9 day Uganda Safari Itinerary:
Below you can see how your 9 days Uganda safari unfolds, from your arrival in Entebbe to your final transfer back to the airport. Each day brings new experiences, from trekking chimpanzees and mountain gorillas to exciting game drives, scenic boat cruises and encounters with Uganda’s friendly people. Along the way, you’ll discover why Uganda is known as the Pearl of Africa, with its incredible wildlife, diverse landscapes and unforgettable safari moments.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL TO UGANDA
Be met by your safari guide at Entebbe international airport for the start your 9 days Uganda safari. This first day you are taken to the lodge by Entebbe to relax after the flight and be ready for an early start tomorrow.
Overnight Tilapia Lodge
DAY 2: TRANSFER TO AREA BY KIBALE FOREST
Early transfer – Swift out of the city, it’s around a 5hrs drive with our target to have lunch in Fortportal town and proceed for an evening around the crater area with pressure and fatigue lessened during punctuation of stopovers at sceneries, typical African village setup in the far countryside and tea plantations along the drive offer us chances of stretching. There is an amazing display of primates in this area over the craters, monkey species that can be seen are for example black and white colobus, red colobus, red tailed monkey and grey cheeked mangabeys.
Overnight Isunga Lodge
DAY 3: CHIMPS TREKKING IN KIBALE FOREST NATIONAL PARK AND COMMUNITY WALK IN AFTERNOON
Kibale forest N.P is a rainy forest and a home to over 1500 Chimpanzees. During your morning chimps trekking you have the chance to see them close and capture shots of our closet cousins in the Jungle in there frenzy exciting moods grooming! In the forest canopy you can see colored aviation creatures-butterflies and various bird species like the native Great blue Turaco, joyful greenbul, olive long tailed cuckoo and the superb black bee eater. After the trek we continue the 9 days Ugnada safari by a transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park after lunch and drive further southwards with the Rwenzori ranges (Longest in Africa) in view or drive through the Crater lakes in the Hills through to sample out the surprising diversity of Savannah trees and wildlife! Arrive at the lodge in the afternoon to enjoy a community walk to see the life in the village close by and a beautiful crater lake.
Overnight in Pumba safari cottages
DAY 4: GAME-DRIVE AND BOAT-CRUISE IN QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
Experience Queen Elizabeth National Park in the cool morning as we continue your 9 days Uganda safari, an early game drive that exposes us to diverse animals, Big 5 members Elephants, Buffalos, big cats- Lions, Leopards more times in the evening, warthogs- Hunchback carnivals like Hyenas and many more species that are residents to this park are spotted along the Circuits as we drive along. There is a rich bird life especially our version of storks in the wetland spots as we reach the Flamingoes in the salt lakes. After lunch get ready for the Classic highlights on the 2hrs Boat cruise starting at 3pm on the famous Kazinga channel, this 36kms channel links Lake George – Lake Edward. Here you can see land and water Adapted Hippopotamuses Yawning and some slashing canines to each other, the National Geographical society Killing machine the Nile Crocodile gaping along the Banks and Savannah version of Pigs the Warthog- Pumba of the award winning Lion King are a hallmark sign in this Animal home of Mamaland Uganda. With your Binoculars along the peninsula you have a magnificent view of Birds and animals like the ever playing African Elephants in Waters as we sigh and reset Fatigue and stress, to point zero.
Overnight in Pumba safari cottages
DAY 5: TRANSFER TO ISHASHA SECTOR AND AFTERNOON GAME-DRIVE
After a relaxed breakfast we start the adventurous journey through the park to the southern Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth NP. If we are lucky we can see elephants, monkeys, beautiful birds and even big cats along the road-side. We arrive at the lodge for lunch and then in the afternoon head out for a game-drive to search for tree-climbing lions during our 9 days Uganda safari. The Ishasha sector is one of only two locations in Africa where the lions have the habit of regularly climbing the trees to rest. During the game-drive we also have chance to see topis, buffaloes and lovely scenery.
Overnight Topi Lodge
DAY 6: MORNING GAME-DRIVE IN ISHASHA & TRANSFER TO BWINDI
In the early morning we will ones again drive off in the adventurous vast savannah of the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth NP to search for interesting sights. After the game-drive we head to the lodge for lunch and then start the drive to Bwindi mountains the home of the mountain gorillas. The journey takes us from the savanna via cultivated hills to the jungle covered mountains of Bwindi where you will have the great highlight of this 9-days Uganda Safari the next day.
Overnight in Gorilla Mist Camp
DAY 7: GORILLA TREKKING DAY- BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is the home to the forest giants that are cousins to human beings, the gorillas, and here you will have the highlight of your 9 days Uganda safari; the gorilla trekking. This Impenetrable Forest is full of birds, butterfly and plant species plus forest hog, forest Elephants, Statungas and Dikers. After the trek transfer to beautiful Lake Bunyonyi through cultivated hills, we check in to a lake 1840m above sea level. It is deservedly nice after trotting from Kampala since day 1 and some early starts – without any rest!
Overnight Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort. Lake Bunyonyi this night will depend on which group or time registered back after trekking.
DAY 8: TRANSFER TO LAKE MBURO, THE ‘ZEBRA MAGNET’
After breakfast leave the peaceful island and continue our 9 days Uganda safari by driving through the Hilly areas. Arrive at the lodge by Lake Mburo National Park in time for lunch. Head in to the park and game drive for view of zebras, giraffes, topis, warthogs, cape buffaloes and impalas.
Overnight in Rwakobo Rock
DAY 9: EARLY MORNING SAFARI WALK, SHOEBILL STORK AND TRANSFER TO ENTEBBE AIRPORT
Get early up for a safari walk by the lodge with chance to see zebras, waterbucks, birds and impalas in their day break jungle life! Go back to the lodge for breakfast before starting the transfer towards Entebbe. Make a stop along the way at the famous Mabamba Swamp to search for the Pre historic looking Great Shoebill Stork (this is the most sought after bird in Uganda), it is a special experience to go in a small boat searching the channels of the swamp. Connect to Entebbe in time for an evening flight as we have finalized your 9 days Uganda safari (if your flight is next day you can add an extra night in Entebbe).
‘IN CONSERVATION WE TRUST- DISCOVER YOUR TRAVEL DREAMS’
Map showing the route
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Useful Information
Reviews: See what our visitors think on TripAdvisor & Safaribookings
Tailor-made safaris: We work with private safaris that can be tailor-made to fit your wishes. Contact us and we adjust the itinerary to your preferences.
Price: The price depends on number of people and accommodation level. Contact us with your inquiry to get the best price for your safari.
Included: Accommodation, meals, safari car, fuel, guide, park entries, gorilla permits (if applicable) and activities mentioned in the itinerary. Plus water in the car and a couple of fruits along the way.
Excluded: International flights, visas, drinks, tips and personal expenses.
Accommodation: In general accommodation mentioned in the itinerary is good places on budget to mid-range level (with the exception of luxury safaris). The accommodation can be adapted to your price range of budget, mid-range or luxury. Of-course a mix is also possible. Take a look on the website’s of the lodges we regularly work with: Good accommodation in Uganda.
Payment options: We accept international bank transfer, card payment through PesaPal (adds 3,5% charge) and cash payment if you are in Uganda.
For more info see our terms & conditions.
Photo Gallery | 9 day Uganda safari
Get inspired for your tour with highlights from our past visitors.
FAQ’S ABOUT 9 day Uganda tour
Is 9 days enough for a Uganda safari?
Yes. Nine days is an ideal length for discovering the highlights of western Uganda at a comfortable pace. During this safari, you will trek both chimpanzees and Mountain Gorillas, enjoy game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Ishasha, cruise the Kazinga Channel and relax by beautiful Lake Bunyonyi before finishing in Lake Mburo National Park. As a result, you experience Uganda’s most famous wildlife, stunning scenery and welcoming culture without feeling rushed from one destination to the next.
What animals can I expect to see on this safari?
This safari offers the chance to see Mountain gGorillas, chimpanzees, elephants, buffaloes, lions, the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, zebras, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles and many antelope species. In addition, Uganda is a birdwatcher’s paradise with more than 1,000 recorded bird species, making every day rewarding for wildlife lovers.
How difficult is gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking requires a reasonable level of fitness, as the trek can last anywhere from one to several hours depending on where the gorillas are that day. However, your guide sets a comfortable pace and adjusts it to the group, making the experience achievable for most visitors.
When is the best time to do this 9 days Uganda safari?
This safari can be enjoyed throughout the year. Although the drier months from June to August and December to February are especially popular, the low seasons offer lush scenery, fewer visitors and excellent wildlife viewing. Therefore, the best time depends on your travel preferences. Learn more about when to travel to Uganda.
Is the gorilla trekking permit included?
Yes. If your quotation includes a gorilla trekking permit, we arrange it on your behalf, so everything is ready before your arrival. Since permits are limited, we recommend booking well in advance, especially during the high season.
Can this itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. All our safaris can be tailored to your interests, budget and travel dates. For example, you can add extra nights, upgrade accommodation or include additional activities. This way, your safari is designed to match your travel dreams.
Similar safaris to consider
7 days Uganda tour
A shorter western Uganda highlights safari.
This safari start with a search for the pre-historic looking Great Shoebill Stork at Mabamba Swamp. Next the itinerary takes us to Kibale Forest National Park for chimps trekking. Continuing south we have a boat-cruise on Kazinga channel. Then on to the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha. Next on the itinerary is Mountain Gorilla trekking in Bwinid Impenetrable National Park a great highlight of Uganda tours. The last stop of the tour is in Lake Mburo National Park for zebras, impalas and giraffes.
Ref: Itinerary MS24
10 days Uganda tour
Explore more of Uganda by adding Murchison Falls and rhino trekking.
This itinerary lets you tick off the most popular destinations for Uganda tours in just 10 days. We visit Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Lake Mburo National Park for animals of the savannah. You enter the jungle to trek chimps in Kibale Forest National Park and Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Added to these great experiences is rhino trekking at Ziwa rhino sanctuary and search for the Great Shoebill Stork at Mabamba swamp.
Ref: Itinerary MS29
10 days Primate tour
Perfect for travellers who want to focus on Uganda’s remarkable primates.
Come to Uganda to focus on primates for 10 days! You head for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest (optional habituation experience) & in Kyambura Gorge, Mountain Gorilla trekking in Bwindi forest as well golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga. On top of this you will very likely see baboons, red tailed monkey and black & white colobus monkey. Along the way we also include a serach for Shoebill Stork, a boat-cruise on Kazinga channel and a search for tree-climbing lions in Ishasha. The safari starts in Entebbe and finishes in Kigali, Rwanda.
Ref: Itinerary MS30
Posts in our Safari Blog that might interest you
A deep dive into all about our favorite primate, Mountain Gorillas. Here you’ll find answers to all your questions.
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Here we get practical on all about how to plan a Uganda safari. A great read to make the dream holiday come true.
We’ll gladly tailor this itinerary to your wishes.
