This itinerary runs the standard southwestern circuit in the opposite direction to most, starting at Lake Mburo rather than ending there, which changes the rhythm of the trip: an easy, low-key opening two days before the gorilla trek, rather than building toward it as the final push.
Lake Mburo’s zebra and eland herds, unusual for Uganda where savanna parks are otherwise thin on the ground, open the trip; Bwindi’s gorillas form the centrepiece; Queen Elizabeth’s Kazinga Channel and Ishasha sector add density and variety; Kibale’s chimps close things out on a primate high note before the final transfer back north.
Nine days is enough to let each stop run two nights rather than the flying one-night visits a shorter circuit forces, which matters more than it sounds for actually settling into a lodge rather than just sleeping in it.
Park entry fees and gorilla and chimp permits in Uganda are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
