Uganda: The Heart of Primate Encounters in Africa.
Plan the Ultimate Gorilla Trek in Uganda.
Have you ever dreamed of locking eyes with a wild mountain gorilla in the misty forests of Central Africa? We did too, and after months of planning, we finally made it happen. Uganda is a country that quickly stole our hearts. From the moment we landed, we were surrounded by lush green hills, friendly faces, and a sense of adventure.
Uganda is hands-down one of the best places on the continent for primate sightings. It’s known not just for gorillas, but chimpanzees and golden monkeys too. We knew this was a trip of a lifetime, so we teamed up with our partners through our new venture, TerrAfrica Safari Co., to help us put together a stress-free, 8-day itinerary. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or planning your first African adventure, we hope our experience helps you plan your own unforgettable journey.
LOGISTICS:
Mapping it out.
We always start our trips by sketching out a map of the route, and this one was no different. Plotting your journey makes everything feel real, helping you visualise just how epic this adventure will be. Uganda’s journey kicks off in Entebbe, where most international flights land. From there, we hopped between small local charter flights and trusty safari 4x4s, which made getting around surprisingly easy. Some of our favourite moments, though, happened on foot: hiking through dense, misty forests, tracking gorillas and chimps, and feeling like true explorers.
A visual overview of our trip.
Best Time of the Year to Visit
Uganda sits right on the equator, so it’s pretty much a year-round destination. If you can choose, though, we’d aim for December to February or June to September. These months are drier, sunnier, and perfect for trekking, so you’ll have the best chance at clear trails and unforgettable wildlife sightings. We lucked out with the weather, and it made all the difference!
Colobus Monkey, Bwindi Lodge.
Working With an Agent
Full transparency: TerrAfrica Safari Co. is actually our own passion project. It’s born out of the incredible response we received from readers of The Moving Lens. Over the years, many of you reached out for advice and help planning your own African adventures, especially after seeing our road trips and journeys across the continent. After more than two decades working in travel, tourism, and hospitality, we decided to take the plunge and create TerrAfrica Safari Co.
Our goal is simple: to help fellow travellers experience the very best of Africa, with all the luxury insider tips, seamless logistics, and special touches we’ve learned to value on our own trips. We hand-pick every destination, partner with the best local lodges, and use our experience to craft journeys that are both authentic and unforgettable.
So, when we say we trust TerrAfrica Safari Co. to handle every detail, it’s because we’re the ones behind the scenes, making sure your adventure is just as magical as ours. If you’re looking for a tailor-made trip with a personal touch, we’d love to help you plan your own unforgettable journey through Africa.
Contact us via our website to plan your next African adventure!
African Blue Flycatcher, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
DESTINATIONS:
Destination 1: Entebbe
Duration: 1-nights (Luxury Lodge)
Driving time: 30 minutes from Entebbe International Airport
Most international flights into Uganda land at Entebbe International Airport. So, if you’re anything like us after a long-haul journey, you’ll be craving a soft bed and a bit of pampering before the adventure truly begins. International flights often arrive late afternoon or evening. We can’t recommend enough spending at least one or two nights here to recharge. Trust us, you’ll thank yourself later when you’re well-rested and ready to dive into the action.
We kicked off our trip at Entebbe Forest Lodge, and honestly, it set the bar high for the rest of our stay. Picture this: private, beautifully designed lodges with king-sized beds and deep baths, delicious meals (seriously, the food is next level), and cocktails that are almost too pretty to drink… all overlooking the tranquil lake.
Entebbe isn’t just a stopover; it’s a destination in its own right. You can fill your days with canoeing, fishing, or soaking in the sunrise or sunset from the lodge’s gorgeous grounds. One of our favourite experiences was taking a boat trip out to spot the elusive shoebill. They are rare and almost prehistoric-looking bird that you can find on a specific island just off Entebbe. If you’re a birder (or just love ticking off unique wildlife), this is a must-do.
Bottom line: give yourself a day or two to unwind in Entebbe. It’s the perfect way to ease into your Ugandan adventure! You’ll start your trip feeling refreshed, re-energised, and already a little bit in love with this country.
Canoe on Lake Victoria, Entebbe Forest Lodge.
Destination 2: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Duration: 4-nights (Luxury Lodge)
Flying time: 1 hour from Entebbe
Driving time: 1 hour from the landing strip
After a quick early morning flight from Entebbe, we touched down ready for the real adventure to begin. Our next stop: Bwindi Lodge with Volcanoes Safaris, perched right on the edge of the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. If you’re dreaming of gorilla trekking in Uganda, this is the place to be! Bwindi is hands-down the premier spot in the country for unforgettable gorilla encounters.
Our stay at Bwindi Lodge was pure luxury from start to finish. Volcanoes Safaris really knows how to make you feel at home in the wild. The rooms are beautifully designed, and after a day in the forest, nothing beats a session in their fantastic spa to soothe those post-trek muscles. We loved wandering the self-guided forest trails around the lodge, but let’s be honest-the highlight here is the gorilla trekking.
We were lucky enough to track the Mubare family up on the slopes of Bwindi Mountain and got to spend time observing the second youngest gorilla in the world called Kashundwe. It’s hard to put into words just how special that moment was, watching these gentle giants in their natural habitat is something we’ll never forget.
But Bwindi isn’t just about the gorillas. There’s more to experience: from visiting local communities and exploring their vibrant art scene, to learning about the incredible conservation work Volcanoes Safaris supports in the region. Don’t miss a stop at the Bwindi Bar, a must after a long trek! And if you need to unwind, the spa and sauna come with a stunning mountain view. It’s the perfect spot to relax and soak in the beauty of the forest.
If you’re looking for a blend of adventure, luxury, and a real connection to the local culture, Bwindi Lodge is the place to be. We left feeling both exhilarated and completely recharged, already dreaming of coming back.
Baby Gorilla, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Destination 3: Kyambura
Duration: 3-nights (Luxury Lodge)
Driving time: 4,5 hours from Bwindi
After an unforgettable stay in Bwindi, we hit the road with our private Volcanoes Safaris guide, heading north by safari vehicle. They even packed us a delicious lunch for the journey, one of those little details that makes you feel truly looked after. The drive from Bwindi Lodge up to Kyambura Lodge took us about four and a half hours, but we made the most of it by spending the morning and early afternoon exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park.
If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing tree-climbing lions, this is the place. We were lucky enough to spot a few lounging in the branches, an absolute highlight, especially since these unique lions are sadly becoming rarer due to habitat loss and encroachment from local communities. It was a bittersweet moment, but one that made us appreciate the park’s conservation efforts even more.
Arriving at Volcanoes Safaris’ Kyambura Lodge felt like stepping into a hidden oasis. The lodge is just two kilometres from the famous Kyambura Gorge, home to wild chimpanzees, forest elephants, and pods of hippos. We were welcomed with refreshing cocktails and a tour of the stunning property. The suites are ultra-luxurious, with outdoor showers, a sparkling swimming pool, and a spa where you can treat yourself to a much-needed massage after a day of trekking.
During our stay, we did two chimpanzee trekking adventures. The first was right in Kyambura Gorge, where we watched chimps swinging high up in the treetops and even stumbled upon a pod of curious hippos. The second trek took us to Kalinzu Forest, hands down the most immersive chimp trekking experience of our entire journey. If you have time, we’d also recommend a chimp trek in Kibale Forest for even more up-close encounters.
Kyambura Lodge offers plenty of other activities, too. We loved the coffee experience with the local community, which is part of the Kyambura Gorge Ecotourism Project. There’s also the Fig Tree Trail, a magical sunrise or sunset walk from the lodge down to the gorge. We highly recommended the walk for anyone who loves a good forest adventure. And if birdwatching is your thing, don’t miss the chance to explore the sunken rainforests and wetlands around Kyambura. You can enjoy some truly spectacular bird sightings.
We also squeezed in a couple of game drives back in Queen Elizabeth National Park. And we also had the chance to contribute to the Kyambura Lion Monitoring Team’s project. This supports efforts to track and protect the park’s lions, leopards, and hyenas as part of their annual census.
Kyambura was the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and meaningful conservation work. It’s a place that really gets under your skin-and we left with memories (and photos!) we’ll treasure forever.
Chimp resting in a tree, Kyambura Gorge.
Heading Home
Flying time: 1 hour to Entebbe
All good adventures must come to an end. On our final morning in Uganda, we woke up early and took one last drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park. There’s something special about those quiet, early hours-just us, the sunrise, and the lingering thrill of the past week’s adventures. From the nearest airstrip, we hopped on a short charter flight back to Entebbe International Airport. We felt exhausted and completely content!
With about six hours to spare before our international flight (Entebbe to Doha, then home to Europe), we decided not to waste a minute. We left the airport, found a local spot for a hearty breakfast, and later enjoyed a leisurely lunch-soaking up every last bit of Ugandan hospitality and sunshine. It was the perfect way to wind down, reflect, and relive the highlights of our journey.
Back at the airport, we breezed through customs and settled in for our flight. With a little time to kill, we finally had a chance to scroll through the content we’d captured. Each piece of content, a reminder of just how magical this trip had been. If you’d like to see more of our Uganda adventure, we’ve uploaded a full gallery and travel diary here.
Tree-climbing lions of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Do you have any questions or enquiries about tips for African safari’s or travel? Write to us in the comments sections below or email us on [email protected]. We would be happy to help you!
Final Thoughts:
Uganda truly stole our hearts. From the misty forests of Bwindi to the wild savannahs of Queen Elizabeth and the unforgettable moments with gorillas and chimps. This trip was everything we hoped for and more. It was wild, beautiful, and full of memories that linger long after you’ve unpacked your bags.
If you’re dreaming of an African adventure that’s equal parts exhilarating and soul-stirring, we can’t recommend Uganda enough. And if you need a little help planning, you can find us at TerrAfrica Safari Co.
Safe travels, and we look forward to planning your next African adventure!
