The Pearls of Uganda
On the trail of great primates in Uganda's tropical forest, right up to the mythical encounter with mountain gorillas.
Duration
11 days
Ideal seasons
Jan, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
This circuit will allow you to discover the essential sites of South-West Ouganda.
After a spectacular landing near the Lake Victoria, you will set off to discover primates in the Kibale Forest, renowned for its high concentration of chimpanzees and great diversity of monkeys.
You will then have the unique chance to observe African wildlife in all its splendor, within the magnificent Queen Elizabeth Park, where you will notably take a boat excursion on the Kazinga Channel to encounter exceptional birdlife.
Next heading to the Lake Mburo Park, a peaceful haven for zebras, buffalo and impalas, offering a striking contrast with the landscapes previously crossed.
The highlight of any trip to Ouganda, the encounter with the last mountain gorillas in the Bwindi Forest will close this emotion-filled circuit, for a final unforgettable face-to-face with these peaceful giants of the African mountains.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Entebbe!
Aéroport De Kampala-Entebbe → Entebbe
Upon arrival in Entebbe, you discover from the air the Lake Victoria and the islets that dot its waters.
Your driver welcomes you at the airport and accompanies you to your hotel.
The rest of the day is free, for you to settle in and enjoy this first leg in Ouganda.
Shoebill Observation
In the morning, you join the Mabamba Marshes. You set out by canoe through the marshes in search of the Shoebill, accompanied by guides from the local community.
As you navigate, you will also be able to observe different bird species, including the Marsh Harrier, White-winged Black Tern, Yellow-billed Duck, herons and kingfishers.
Route to Kibale Forest
Marais de Mabamba → Parc national de Kibale
You leave the Mabamba marshes for a day of driving through the countryside of western Ouganda, heading towards the Kibale national park.
The laterite track crosses many villages and allows you to observe scenes of daily life. Between Mubende and Fort Portal, the landscape evolves towards plateaus cut by valleys, before giving way to vast tea plantations.
As you approach Kibale, the terrain becomes more marked with the foothills of the Ruwenzori, whose snow-capped peaks can be seen in the distance.
You arrive at the edge of the Kibale forest and settle into the lodge.
Meeting the Chimpanzees of Kibale
In the morning, you set off for a walk in the Kibale Forest, which is home to more than 12 primate species. You head out in search of chimpanzees and may also observe other monkeys, including the red colobus and blue monkey.
In the afternoon, you continue your exploration of the region in the Bigodi Wetlands, which are home to more than 300 bird species.
Discovery of the Avifauna on the Kazinga Channel
Parc national de Kibale → Parc national Queen Elizabeth
You leave Kibale National Park and head southwest toward Ouganda, in the direction of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Along the way, you pass through several villages and enjoy views of the Ruwenzori Range and its snow-capped peaks. After the village of Kasese, you cross the equator before reaching the landscapes of the park, which feature extinct volcanoes, crater lakes, marshes and grassy plains.
You then discover Lakes Edward and George, connected by the Kazinga Channel. You embark on a boat excursion on this 36 km channel, to encounter the wildlife and birdlife that frequent its shores. Over 500 bird species are recorded in the region.
In the Ugandan savanna
You continue your discovery of the Queen Elizabeth National Park towards its southern section.
In the morning, you explore the Kasenyi plains, covered with candelabra euphorbia. You may observe lions, as well as herds of Uganda kobs, topis and buffalo, not to mention numerous bird species.
In the afternoon, you reach the Ishasha region, known for its tree-climbing lions. The landscape gradually gives way to a vast savanna dotted with umbrella acacias.
Late in the afternoon, you set off on a Jeep safari in search of Uganda kobs, lions, topis and buffalo.
Route to Bwindi Forest
You leave the Ishasha region and head towards the Bwindi forest.
Along the way, the landscape unfolds in different shades of green, between the eucalyptus trees that separate the plots, the cypress trees lining the tracks and the rice paddies nestled in the valley bottoms.
You then reach Bwindi forest, where your encounter with the mountain gorillas awaits you.
Note: gorilla permits are purchased for one of the four sectors of Bwindi park and not for a specific group of gorillas. On the morning of the trek, travelers go to the office of the relevant sector, where the group to visit is assigned to them. Accommodation and travel times may therefore vary depending on permit availability.
Meeting with Mountain Gorillas
Early in the morning, you head to the Bwindi National Park to meet the mountain gorillas. Accompanied by trackers and your specialized guide, you venture deep into the forest in search of the group assigned to you.
The hike lasts between 3 and 7 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas. You then discover these primates in their forest environment. Groups can number 8 to 20 individuals, including the dominant male, recognizable by his silverback, adult females and adolescents.
Swimming in Lake Bunyoni
Parc national de Bwindi → Lac Bunyonyi
Early departure heading towards Lake Bunyoni where we can appreciate the beauty of the landscape with terraced cultivated hills descending steeply into the lake. This lake extends in sinuous curves at nearly 2000 meters altitude and encompasses 29 islands and islets.
We take a walk in the surrounding area where we will have the chance to observe some of the 200 bird species recorded in the area, which gave the place its name in Rugika: "The place of many birds"
As the lake is perfectly suited for swimming, why not let yourself be tempted by a few strokes in these enchanting waters.
Safari in Lake Mburo National Park
Lac Bunyonyi → Parc national du lac Mburo
You then continue on the road to the Lake Mburo National Park. You set off on a safari in the park, in search of zebras, buffalo, impalas, Cape elands and other ruminants. The papyrus-covered marshes also allow you to observe local birdlife.
Last moments in Uganda
Parc national du lac Mburo → Entebbe
In the morning, we still enjoy Uganda's wild nature, with a final guided walk in the Lake Mburo reserve.
Finally, we head back to Entebbe and make the most of our last moments on Ugandan soil. Transfer to Entebbe airport where you will board your return flight.
See you soon in Uganda!
Price per person
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights
- Meals not mentioned in the above program
- Alcoholic or recreational beverages
- Tips
- The visa
- Personal Expenses
Included
- Accommodation as indicated in the itinerary or of equivalent quality
- All meals from breakfast on day 2 to lunch on day 11
- 4x4 vehicle transfers, open roof with guaranteed window seat, or minibus depending on the option chosen
- Experienced English-speaking Driver Guide
- Boat on the Kazinga Channel
- Mineral water in the car and during treks
- Entries and activities in the parks
- Gorilla permits: $700
- Chimpanzee Permit: 200$
- Bigodi Swamp: 35$
- Queen Elisabeth NP + Ishasha: 80$
- Guided walk: $30
- Lake Mburo NP: 40$
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Uganda for a tourist stay. As entry requirements may change, we recommend verifying this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Uganda, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of entry into the country and must contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada must obtain a visa to enter Uganda. This visa can be obtained in two ways:
online, before departure, via the official East African Visa portal or the Uganda online visa (e-Visa),
on arrival, at the border post or Entebbe International Airport (visa on arrival), subject to availability and current conditions.
The standard tourist visa permits a stay of up to 90 days. An extension can be requested from the Ugandan immigration services before the visa expires.
The authorities may also request:
a departure ticket from the country (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
a confirmation of accommodation reservation.
East African Tourist Visa
There is also an East African tourist visa allowing you to visit Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda with a single visa. This multiple-entry visa is valid for 90 days and can be particularly advantageous for travelers wishing to explore several countries in the region.
This visa must be requested online before departure and entry into the designated zone must be made through one of the designated entry points.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate
Presentation of an international yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow booklet) is mandatory to enter Uganda. This certificate must be obtained at least 10 days before entry into the country and is valid for life.
Without this document, the Ugandan authorities may refuse entry into the country or impose vaccination on arrival.
Health
In addition to yellow fever, several health precautions are recommended before traveling to Uganda:
malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended, as malaria is present throughout the country,
updating routine vaccinations (tetanus, diphtheria, poliomyelitis, hepatitis A and B, typhoid) is advised,
it is recommended to consult a doctor or international vaccination center at least four to six weeks before departure.
Traveling with Children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay and a valid visa.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the country may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other Nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Uganda in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have evacuation assistance and medical expense coverage abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partners CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one of these.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claim procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claim notification procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
An e-visa is required and must be applied for online before departure. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory. Processing takes 72 hours. Before booking, check with the consular authorities of your destination for specific conditions applicable to your nationality.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailored trip, budget between €200 and €350 per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers, permits and activities. International flights (€800-1,200 return) are additional. The gorilla permit at Bwindi (USD 800) is the major expense.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to match travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, your budget and your dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and depart with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST guarantee (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Southwest Highlands
English-speaking advisor in the heart of Lake District Africa, based in Entebbe
Uganda often surprises travelers. You come for the big wildlife, then you leave remembering mostly the landscapes, the smiles, and the energy of the country.
— Charles
