Category: Uganda Safaris
Destination: Uganda
Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights
Tour Type: Private or Small Group Safari
Start & End Point: Entebbe International Airport, Uganda
11 Day Southwest Uganda Safari Overview
This 11 day southwest Uganda safari is a round-trip loop that starts and ends in Entebbe — no border crossing and no second country’s visa required. If you’d prefer a cross-border route instead, see our 11-day Uganda-Rwanda Cross-Border Grand Loop. It brings together Uganda’s biggest wildlife highlights, mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, chimpanzees in Kibale, and tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, with a relaxed stop at Lake Bunyonyi, the only itinerary on our site to include this scenic crater lake. From misty forest to open savannah to calm, island-dotted water, this is a complete, self-contained journey through southwest Uganda.
Safari Highlights
- Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park
- Game drives and boat cruises in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector
- Canoeing and island-hopping on Lake Bunyonyi — a relaxed, scenic stop unique to this route
- Wildlife walks and game viewing in Lake Mburo National Park
- Cultural interactions and community experiences
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Relax and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Accommodation: Hotel in Entebbe
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Transfer to Kibale National Park
Drive through rolling hills and tea plantations to Kibale Forest, home to Uganda’s highest concentration of primates.
Accommodation: Lodge near Kibale
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetland
Track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest and visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for birdwatching and community interaction.
Accommodation: Lodge near Kibale
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Drive to Queen Elizabeth NP and enjoy an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.
Accommodation: Safari lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 5: Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth NP
Morning and evening game drives to spot elephants, lions, buffaloes, and other wildlife.
Accommodation: Safari lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 6: Ishasha Sector – Transfer to Bwindi
Travel to the Ishasha sector to see the famous tree-climbing lions, then continue to Bwindi Forest.
Accommodation: Lodge near Bwindi
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime mountain gorilla trekking experience.
Accommodation: Lodge near Bwindi
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 8: Lake Bunyonyi
Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, often nicknamed the “Switzerland of Africa” for its terraced hillsides and scattered islands. Spend the afternoon at leisure: paddle a dugout canoe across the water, visit one of the lake’s small islands, or simply relax lakeside after a week of trekking and game drives.
Accommodation: Lodge near Lake Bunyonyi
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 9: Lake Mburo National Park
Drive to Lake Mburo NP for a walking safari or evening game drive.
Accommodation: Safari lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 10: Return to Entebbe
Enjoy a morning activity in Lake Mburo, then drive back to Entebbe.
Accommodation: Hotel in Entebbe
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 11: Departure
Transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your international flight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
What’s Included
- Gorilla and chimpanzee permits
- All park entrance fees
- Game drives, boat cruises, and guided walks
- Professional safari guide/driver
- Accommodation as listed
- Ground transportation and airport transfers
- Meals as specified
- Bottled drinking water
What’s Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees and travel insurance
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, tips, drinks)
- Optional activities not listed