Information
This 10-day Uganda safari combines thrilling wildlife encounters, including tracking the endangered mountain gorillas of Bwindi, observing the energetic chimpanzees of Kibale, and experiencing classic game drives through Uganda’s premier national parks. From savanna plains and wetlands to rainforests, you’ll explore the diverse landscapes of Uganda and get up close with its abundant wildlife, including the Big 5, hippos, crocodiles, and a plethora of bird species.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Arrival in Entebbe: Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you’ll be welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel for rest and relaxation after your flight. Optional Activity: Depending on your arrival time, you can take a brief tour of Entebbe, including a visit to the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre or the Entebbe Botanical Gardens. Overnight: Accommodation at a mid-range or luxury hotel in Entebbe.
Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Transfer to Murchison Falls: After breakfast, depart Entebbe and drive to Murchison Falls National Park (about a 6-hour drive). En route, you’ll stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a walking safari to track white rhinos. Arrival at the Park: Continue to Murchison Falls, where the Nile River plunges through a narrow gorge to create one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls. Evening Relaxation: Arrive at your lodge, enjoy dinner, and relax after the long drive. Overnight: Lodge accommodation in Murchison Falls National Park.
Day 3: Game Drive & Nile River Boat Safari
Morning Game Drive: Set off early for a game drive on the northern bank of the Nile River. Expect to see elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo, and Uganda kob, along with other savanna wildlife. Lunch at the Lodge: Return to the lodge for lunch. Nile River Boat Safari: In the afternoon, take a boat safari on the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls. Along the way, you'll see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. Optional Hike: You can opt for a guided hike to the top of the falls for panoramic views of the Nile River. Overnight: Lodge accommodation in Murchison Falls National Park.
Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Transfer to Kibale: After breakfast, leave Murchison Falls and drive to Kibale Forest National Park (about 7 hours). Kibale is home to the highest concentration of primates in East Africa, including chimpanzees. Check-in & Relaxation: Arrive in Kibale in the afternoon, check in at your lodge, and relax. Overnight: Lodge accommodation near Kibale Forest.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetland Walk
Chimpanzee Trekking: After an early breakfast, head to Kibale Forest for a thrilling chimpanzee trekking experience. Follow your guide through the forest in search of these playful primates, observing them as they swing from trees and go about their day. Lunch at the Lodge: Return to the lodge for lunch. Bigodi Wetland Walk: In the afternoon, take a guided nature walk through Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary, known for its rich birdlife and chance to see other primates, including colobus monkeys and baboons. Overnight: Lodge accommodation near Kibale Forest.
Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Game Drive
Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park: After breakfast, depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park (about 3 hours’ drive). The park is famous for its diverse ecosystems, including savannas, lakes, and wetlands, and is home to the Big 5. Afternoon Game Drive: Upon arrival, embark on a game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, a prime area for spotting lions, elephants, buffaloes, and various antelope species. Overnight: Lodge accommodation in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Day 7: Morning Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
Morning Game Drive: Start the day with an early morning game drive in search of more wildlife, including leopards, hyenas, and a variety of birds. Lunch at the Lodge: Return to the lodge for lunch. Kazinga Channel Boat Safari: In the afternoon, take a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George. This waterway is home to large populations of hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. Overnight: Lodge accommodation in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Gorilla Trekking Briefing
Transfer to Bwindi: After breakfast, drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park (about 4 hours). Bwindi is home to almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Check-in & Gorilla Briefing: After checking into your lodge, you’ll attend a briefing on gorilla trekking, preparing for the adventure the next day. Overnight: Lodge accommodation near Bwindi.
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Gorilla Trekking: After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before setting out to track a family of mountain gorillas. The trek can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the gorillas' location. Once found, you’ll spend up to an hour observing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Lunch & Relaxation: Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation after your trek. Optional Community Visit: You can opt to visit a local Batwa pygmy community to learn about their culture and way of life. Overnight: Lodge accommodation near Bwindi.
Day 10: Transfer to Entebbe – Departure
Transfer to Entebbe: After breakfast, depart Bwindi and drive back to Entebbe (about 8 hours’ drive), stopping for lunch along the way. Departure: Upon arrival in Entebbe, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your Uganda adventure.
Included in the package
9 nights’ accommodation in mid-range or luxury lodges. All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the safari. Gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Chimpanzee trekking permit in Kibale Forest National Park. All game drives and boat safaris as per the itinerary. Transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for game viewing. Services of an experienced, English-speaking driver/guide. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary walking safari. Park entrance fees and conservation fees. Bottled water during game drives and transfers. Airport transfers.
Excluded
International flights to and from Uganda. Visa fees for Uganda. Travel insurance (mandatory). Optional activities (e.g., community visit in Bwindi, Entebbe city tour). Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, laundry, phone calls). Premium alcoholic beverages. Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and lodge staff. Items of a personal nature (e.g., snacks, medication).