5 Days Uganda Classic Safaris Tour

Arrive in Uganda and Drive to Kibale Forest National Park

Your unforgettable journey begins with arrival at Entebbe International Airport, Uganda’s primary gateway for international travelers. On arrival for the 5 Days Uganda Classic Safaris Tour, you will be warmly welcomed by a professional representative from Decisive Safaris Africa Tours Limited, holding a placard with your name to ensure a smooth meet and greet.

From Entebbe, the drive to Kibale Forest National Park unfolds as an immersive introduction to Uganda’s varied landscapes and rich cultural tapestry. This leg of your 5 Days Uganda Classic Safaris Tour covers roughly 7 hours, taking you through the central Ugandan districts of Mityana and Kyejonjo, where rolling hills and verdant plantations dominate the scenery. As you journey westward, the vibrant town of Fort Portal greets you — the seat of the Tooro Kingdom, set against the dramatic backdrop of the legendary “Mountains of the Moon,” or Rwenzori Mountains.

Fort Portal’s cultural significance and natural beauty provide the perfect setting to pause for lunch, whether at a local restaurant or your safari lodge. After settling into the comfortable surroundings of Chimpanzee Forest Lodge, a well-appointed mid-range accommodation situated near Kibale Forest, you will have the opportunity to venture out for an optional excursion to Bigodi Swamp.

The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is a serene area within the rainforest that offers an excellent opportunity to observe diverse primate species such as red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and possibly even elusive forest elephants. Bird watchers will delight in spotting some of the region’s 260 recorded bird species. While this visit is optional and requires a modest contribution to the local community, it presents a meaningful way to connect with Uganda’s wildlife and conservation efforts.

Your Day 1 on the 5 Days Uganda Classic Safaris Tour thus blends a scenic journey with the promise of diverse wildlife viewing and cultural exploration, setting the tone for the remarkable days ahead.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale and Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park

The second day of the 5 Days Uganda Classic Safaris Tour is dedicated to one of the most exhilarating primate encounters available anywhere in the world: chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park. Your day begins early with a hearty breakfast at your lodge, fueling you for the trek ahead.

Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale is a guided adventure that can last between two and three hours, depending on the location of the chimpanzees on the day. Expert trackers and park rangers lead the way through dense tropical rainforest, listening carefully for the chimps’ calls and watching for signs of their presence. This immersive experience not only allows you to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat but also offers insights into their social behavior and conservation status.

After the rewarding chimpanzee trek, you will embark on the second leg of the 5 Days Uganda Classic Safaris Tour — the journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most famous and biologically diverse protected area. The drive, approximately three hours, passes through magnificent scenery, from tropical forests to expansive savannahs.

Upon arrival in Queen Elizabeth National Park, you will check into the Twin Lakes Safari Lodge, a comfortable mid-range accommodation set near the park. After lunch and some rest, your afternoon adventure begins with a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a narrow waterway linking Lake Edward and Lake George. This cruise offers exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing, including large pods of hippos, herds of buffaloes drinking at the riverbanks, basking crocodiles, and a dazzling array of bird species like squacco herons and pied kingfishers.

The Kazinga Channel boat cruise is one of the best ways to experience Queen Elizabeth National Park’s rich biodiversity in a relaxed setting, allowing close observation of animals from the safety of the boat. After this aquatic exploration, the day continues with an evening game drive in the park. The cooler temperatures at dusk make this the prime time to spot lions hunting, alongside sightings of elephants, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, and sometimes elusive leopards.

Day 2 of the 5 Days Uganda Classic Safaris Tour is thus packed with dynamic wildlife experiences, combining primate tracking, boat safaris, and game drives, all under the expert guidance of your safari driver.

Visit Ishasha Sector for Tree-Climbing Lions and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day 3 of the 5 Days Uganda Classic Safaris Tour invites you to witness one of Uganda’s most extraordinary wildlife phenomena — the famed tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha sector in Queen Elizabeth National Park. After an early breakfast, you will embark on a transfer to this unique southern section of the park.

The Ishasha sector is world-renowned for its resident lions that have adopted the unusual habit of resting and sleeping in the branches of large fig trees, a behavior rarely observed elsewhere in Africa. Tracking these magnificent cats among the Kasenyi Plains and the park’s dense woodlands is a thrilling experience, offering a rare glimpse of predator behavior in an unexpected setting.

Following this extraordinary game drive, your journey continues with a scenic five-hour drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the home of Uganda’s famous mountain gorillas. This leg of the 5 Days Uganda Classic Safaris Tour transitions you from savannah plains to the dense, misty forests that harbor some of the world’s rarest primates.

Upon arrival at Bwindi, you will check into Gorilla Mist Camp, a mid-range lodge nestled near the park’s entrance. After settling in and enjoying lunch, you have the opportunity to engage in a culturally enriching community walk. This walk allows you to visit the Batwa people, an indigenous pygmy tribe with a profound history dating back hundreds of thousands of years. During this interaction, you will witness traditional Batwa dances and dramatic performances, gaining insight into their ancestral forest lifestyle and the challenges they face today.

Day 3 of the 5 Days Uganda Classic Safaris Tour is thus a perfect blend of remarkable wildlife encounters and deep cultural connections, underscoring the multifaceted appeal of Uganda’s natural heritage.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest and Afternoon Travel to Lake Bunyonyi

Day 4 of the 5 Days Uganda Classic Safaris Tour is the highly anticipated highlight — mountain gorilla trekking in the ancient Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After breakfast at your lodge, you will proceed to the park headquarters for a detailed briefing from experienced park rangers. This briefing covers crucial information on park rules, safety measures, and the respectful behavior required when interacting with the gorillas.

The gorilla trek begins around 8:00 am and can last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family. Trekking through the dense, mist-covered rainforest is both a physical and spiritual journey. You will navigate steep slopes, muddy trails, and lush vegetation, all accompanied by expert guides who provide invaluable knowledge about the forest’s ecology, flora, and fauna.

The ultimate reward is the rare opportunity to spend up to one hour in the presence of these gentle giants. Observing the silverback’s commanding presence, the playful interactions of juveniles, and the tender care within the family group is a profoundly moving experience that leaves a lasting impression.

After the trek, you return to your lodge to freshen up and enjoy lunch. Later in the afternoon, the 5 Days Uganda Classic Safaris Tour continues with a scenic drive to Lake Bunyonyi, a breathtaking water body famed for its calm waters, 29 islands, and tranquil atmosphere. Here, you will check into Bunyonyi Safaris Resort, where you can relax and reflect on the incredible gorilla encounter as the sun sets over the lake.

Day 4 exemplifies the depth and wonder of the 5 Days Uganda Classic Safaris Tour, combining one of the world’s premier wildlife experiences with serene natural beauty.

Drive Back to Entebbe Airport for Departure – Concluding

The final day of the 5 Days Uganda Classic Safaris Tour begins early with a 5:00 am departure from Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort, accompanied by a packed breakfast to sustain you through the journey. The drive back to Entebbe International Airport is a long but scenic 9-hour journey, retracing your route through Uganda’s rich landscapes.

During the return journey, the tranquil morning views provide ample opportunity to reflect on the profound experiences of your safari — from chimpanzee calls in Kibale, lions lounging in trees, to the unforgettable moments with mountain gorillas. You will have a stopover for lunch en route, ensuring you are comfortable and refreshed.

Upon arrival at Entebbe Airport, your 5 Days Uganda Classic Safaris Tour concludes with a timely drop-off to meet your international flight or next destination plans. While no accommodation is included on this day, Decisive Safaris Africa Tours Limited can assist with additional bookings if required.

This final day wraps up an extraordinary wildlife and cultural adventure, leaving you with memories of Uganda’s natural wonders and an eagerness to return.