Overview
Embark on a 10-day adventure through Uganda, exploring its rich biodiversity, primates, and cultural experiences. This safari is designed to provide an immersive experience in Uganda’s natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and unique cultural heritage. From the vast savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park to the dense forests of Bwindi and Kibale, you’ll encounter wildlife, including gorillas, chimpanzees, and more, while also connecting with local communities.
Highlights
- Wildlife Encounter
- Gorilla Trekking
- Chimpanzee Tracking
- Cultural Encounter
Itinerary
Your Ugandan adventure begins upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, where you’ll be met by your safari guide. After a warm welcome, you'll be transferred to Kampala, the bustling capital city of Uganda. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore some of the city's highlights or relax at your hotel to recover from your journey.
Highlights:
- Arrival in Entebbe
- Scenic transfer to Kampala
- Optional city tour of Kampala
On the second day, you’ll depart Kampala and head towards Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest national park. The drive takes you through picturesque landscapes, passing rural villages, lush farmlands, and local markets. Upon arrival, you'll embark on a short hike to the top of the majestic Murchison Falls, where the Nile River squeezes through a narrow gorge and plunges into the river below, creating a thunderous spectacle.
Highlights:
- Scenic drive through rural Uganda
- Visit to the top of Murchison Falls
- Stunning views of the Nile
Start your day with an exciting game drive in the northern part of Murchison Falls National Park, which is teeming with wildlife. You’ll have the chance to spot animals like lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and various antelope species. After lunch, take a boat safari on the Nile River towards the base of the falls. Along the way, look out for hippos, crocodiles, and a plethora of bird species, including the rare shoebill stork.
Highlights:
- Morning game drive to spot the Big Five
- Afternoon boat cruise on the Nile
- Close encounters with aquatic wildlife
After breakfast, leave Murchison Falls and embark on a journey to Kibale National Park, home to the highest density of primates in East Africa. En route, enjoy scenic views of the Albertine Rift Valley and the Rwenzori Mountains. You'll arrive in the afternoon and settle into your lodge surrounded by the tranquility of the rainforest.
Highlights:
- Scenic drive through the Rift Valley
- Views of Rwenzori Mountains
- Evening relaxation at the lodge in Kibale Forest
The day begins with an exhilarating chimpanzee tracking experience in Kibale Forest. Follow experienced rangers deep into the forest to find families of chimpanzees swinging in the treetops and playing on the forest floor. In the afternoon, explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary on foot, a haven for bird lovers and home to diverse wildlife, including monkeys, bushbucks, and otters.
Highlights:
- Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest
- Nature walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
- Opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife sightings
On Day 6, you'll drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most popular park, famous for its diverse ecosystems. Along the way, you’ll cross the equator and enjoy breathtaking views of the Rwenzori Mountains. After settling in, head out for a late afternoon game drive to spot wildlife such as elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, and Uganda kobs.
Highlights:
- Scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Crossing the equator
- Late afternoon game drive
Your day starts with an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, where predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas are often seen hunting prey. After lunch, embark on a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George. This channel is renowned for its large population of hippos, Nile crocodiles, and a variety of waterbirds, making for excellent wildlife viewing.
Highlights:
- Morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains
- Afternoon boat safari on the Kazinga Channel
- Abundant wildlife, including hippos, elephants, and crocodiles
After breakfast, travel south to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. The journey takes you through the scenic Ishasha sector, where you may spot the famous tree-climbing lions resting in the fig trees. Upon arrival in Bwindi, you’ll check into your lodge and prepare for the following day’s gorilla trekking adventure.
Highlights:
- Drive through the Ishasha sector
- Possible sightings of tree-climbing lions
- Arrival in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
This is the highlight of your safari! After an early breakfast, set out on an unforgettable gorilla trekking expedition in the dense jungles of Bwindi. Accompanied by experienced rangers, you’ll track one of the habituated gorilla families. Once you find them, spend an hour observing the gorillas in their natural habitat as they interact, feed, and care for their young. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is sure to leave lasting memories.
Highlights:
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- One hour of close encounters with mountain gorillas
- Trek through dense rainforest with expert guides
On your final day, enjoy a cultural encounter with the Batwa pygmies, the original inhabitants of Bwindi Forest. The Batwa will share their traditional way of life, including hunting, gathering, and medicinal plant usage. Afterward, begin your journey back to Kampala, arriving in the late afternoon. Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll either be dropped off at Entebbe International Airport or spend the night in Kampala.
Highlights:
- Cultural interaction with the Batwa community
- Learning about their unique traditions and lifestyle
- Return to Kampala and transfer to Entebbe
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Gorilla Trekking Permits
- Transport Costs
- Professional Guide
- Full board Accommodation (meals of your choice)
- Chimpanzee Permits
- Park Entrance
- Park entrances
- Snacks and Water
- Wi-fi On Board
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary.
The Cost Excludes
- International Airfare
- Visa Charges
- Your travel and medical insurance
- Personal Expenses such as shopping, bar bills, hot shower, telephone, laundry etc
- Alcoholic drinks
FAQs
Uganda is a year-round destination, but the best time for this safari is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February. During these months, the parks are less muddy, making it easier to track gorillas and chimpanzees, and wildlife tends to gather around water sources, making it easier to spot animals on game drives.
Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking require a moderate level of fitness, as you’ll be hiking through dense forests and uneven terrain for several hours. The duration of the trek can vary depending on the location of the primate groups, but it’s advisable to be prepared for 3-6 hours of walking. If you have concerns, porters are available to assist during the trek for a fee.
Here’s a list of essentials:
- Light, comfortable clothing in neutral colors (no bright colors)
- Sturdy hiking boots for trekking
- Rain jacket and quick-drying clothes, as the weather can be unpredictable
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
- Binoculars and a camera for wildlife viewing
- Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
- Personal toiletries and basic first-aid supplies
For the trekking days, long sleeves and pants are recommended to protect against scratches and insect bites.
Yes, Uganda is generally safe for tourists, especially in national parks and areas frequented by visitors. The Ugandan government places a high priority on tourism, and security measures are in place to ensure a safe experience. Your safari guide will be well-trained and knowledgeable about the regions you’ll visit.
Yes, most travelers require a visa to enter Uganda. You can apply for an eVisa online before your trip. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. It is also advisable to check with your local Ugandan embassy or consulate for updated visa requirements based on your nationality.
You’ll have opportunities to see a wide variety of wildlife, including:
- Big game like lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, hippos, and crocodiles in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Primates like mountain gorillas in Bwindi and chimpanzees in Kibale Forest
- Tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park
- A wide array of birds, including rare species like the shoebill stork
- Aquatic wildlife along the Kazinga Channel, including hippos and Nile crocodiles
Yes, most we can offer the flexibility to customize the itinerary to suit your preferences. Whether you’d like to focus more on wildlife, cultural experiences, or trekking, the safari can be tailored to meet your specific interests, fitness level, and schedule. Additional activities or destinations can also be arranged based on your desires.
This safari offers a range of accommodation options, from mid-range lodges to luxury safari lodges, depending on your preferences. All accommodations are chosen for their proximity to the national parks and offer comfortable amenities like en-suite bathrooms, hot showers, and delicious meals. Specific lodges may vary based on availability, but they are all designed to enhance your wildlife experience with scenic views and close access to park activities.
