5 Star Luxury Itinerary for Uganda and the Gorillas

Ever imagine meeting a large family of mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest? It's the top experience in all my wildlife travels. To meet our cousins only meters away from you, watching them nurse their babies, and hear a silverback beat its chest is the most primal, magical feeling one can have. This is a once in a life time trip to see what has become a rare siting as there are only about 80o gorillas left in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo combined.

I personally have trekked Rwanda and Uganda, and I can attest to personally loving Uganda's trek, primarily because of the mountainous, thick terrain. There are certain starting points that are a bit easier and some that are quite challenging for your more adventurous travelers. The biggest difference between this safari and others in Africa is that you are not in a truck spotting them, you are right there with them! It's so satisfying walking through thick brush in the mountains to find them. There will be porters available and I suggest you use them, both for supporting them but more importantly you'll need them at some point.

If you're interested in visiting this unforgettable experience, here is a sample of a 10 day itinerary from my friend and guide, Mr. Moses Muwangzi at Kisa Safaris. It ranges from $5,800 - $6,300 pp depending on air or road travel.

Day 1: Arrive in Uganda

After arriving in Entebbe Airport, you'll stay the night at Via Via Hotel very close the airport.

Day 2-4: Transfer to Murchison Falls

You'll be flown to Murchison Falls via a charter flight. Here you will stay at Sambiya River Lodge for 2 nights. You'll visit the most powerful water fall in Africa, Murchison Falls, you'll take a boat tour on the Nile where wildlife come to gather, and of course a safari with the opportunity to spot elephants, giraffes, monkeys, lions, hippos, cape buffalo and much more. The hotel has activities as well such as a canopy walk, zip lining, and they even have wildlife that call Sambiya Lodge home.

Day 4-6 Transfer to Fort Portal, Queen Elizabeth Park

Here you'll travel by car or air to stay at Kyaniga Lodge. This is where the chimps live, there are many species of monkeys, you'll visit a waterfall, and have stunning views from a pool that overlooks a crater lake.

You'll then go on a proper Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park where you'll see tree lions, cape buffalo, giraffes, and birds, and possibly a leopard.

Day 7-9: Transfer to Bwindi

You'll be transferred to Bwindi Impenitrible Forest where you'll be staying for 2 nights at the beautiful Sanctuary Retreat. You'll go on the famous gorilla trek which is an experience of a lifetime!

Day 10: Transfer back to Entebbe Airport

You'll be flown back to Entebbe to end the trip and transferred to the airport.

Courtesy of Amanda Olusanya - personal photos of safari in Murchison Falls

Extension Option:

Day 10-12:

If you chose to end your vacation with a relaxing Nile getaway, you'll be transferred to the serene WildWaters that literally sits on a waterfall on the Nile! They'll be additional options such as tubing the Nile, bungee jumping, or boat tours.

You'll also have the opportunity to visit a school where they have different projects year round. They love visitors and people see this as a highlight. The school is run by Mr. Moses himself. You can also add on a dinner with a local family to experience how Ugandans live, the laughter of children running around, and fresh food grown locally.

If you're interested in learning more or you're ready to book your trip to Uganda, please contact me and I can personally arrange travels for you.

You can also check out a video I did of Uganda. :)

With Love,

-Amanda Olusanya-