Uganda safari itinerary - Safari combines the savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park with the tropical rainforests of Kibale & Bwindi (encounters with the primates of Uganda).
Boasting one of the largest selections of forest Primates in the world, Uganda's star attraction is the endangered mountain gorilla. Staring into the pensive brown eyes of these gentle giants, who share 95% of their genes with humans, is an experience as humbling as it is thrilling. Uganda's verdant biodiversity is supplemented by an impressive selection of plains antelope and over 1000 species of birdlife.
An amazing safari that combines the wide savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park with the dense tropical rainforests of Kibale and Bwindi. Excellent wildlife viewing and unforgettable encounters with the primates of Uganda!
Safari Highlights :Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Boat safari to the Murchison Falls
Chimp tracking in Kibale NP
Game-viewing drives in Queen Elizabeth NP
The ultimate Gorilla tracking in Bwindi NP
Accommodation in intimate safari lodges
Email us now for more information on this This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or for your This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..Boat safari to the Murchison Falls
Chimp tracking in Kibale NP
Game-viewing drives in Queen Elizabeth NP
The ultimate Gorilla tracking in Bwindi NP
Accommodation in intimate safari lodges
B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner
The estimated traveling hours are based on the actual hours of driving; stops for lunch or photos are not included.
Welcome to the Pearl of Africa! Arrive at Entebbe Airport where you will be welcomed by a representative and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight at Protea Hotel, Entebbe (BB)
Day 2: Entebbe - Murchison Falls National Park (350kms/6-7hrs)
Today we will depart for the most beautiful protected area in Uganda: Murchison Falls National Park. En route, we will make a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to the only wild rhinos in Uganda. The reserve was created to reintroduce rhinos to the country which had been extinct since 1982. Together with a guide you will track the rhinos and observe them in their habitat at a very close and safe distance. Have lunch at the Rhino sanctuary and thereafter we will drive to Murchison Falls National Park and drive for an hour deeper into the National Park to the site of Murchison Falls after which the park is named one of Uganda's most beautiful sights. Check-in at the Lodge for dinner and overnight.
Overnight at Twiga Safari Lodge (FB)
Today we will depart for the most beautiful protected area in Uganda: Murchison Falls National Park. En route, we will make a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to the only wild rhinos in Uganda. The reserve was created to reintroduce rhinos to the country which had been extinct since 1982. Together with a guide you will track the rhinos and observe them in their habitat at a very close and safe distance. Have lunch at the Rhino sanctuary and thereafter we will drive to Murchison Falls National Park and drive for an hour deeper into the National Park to the site of Murchison Falls after which the park is named one of Uganda's most beautiful sights. Check-in at the Lodge for dinner and overnight.
Overnight at Twiga Safari Lodge (FB)
Murchison Falls National Park is the largest protected area in Uganda. The waterfall for which the park is named is the most electrifying sight of its type in East Africa. The southern part is mostly covered by dense woodlands and harbors one of the most varied forest faunas in East Africa, and is a premier site for bird watchers, as well as one of the best- and most affordable - places to track chimpanzees. The northern part is mostly covered by green grasslands with scattered acacia trees, Borassus palms, and riverine woodlands. The world’s longest River Nile is thronged with hippos, crocodiles, waterbucks, and buffaloes. Wildlife includes lions, Leopards, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hartebeests, oribis, Uganda kob and so much more.
Twiga Safari Lodge has 8 exclusive cottages situated on the bank of the river Nile in Mubaako Paraa opposite the Murchison falls National Park. The lodge is located at the heart of all the activities carried out in the park as it is a 5-minute drive away from the Paraa ferry crossing. Our guests are able to therefore enjoy a boat ride and or hike to the famous Murchison falls, sport fishing, bird watching at the Lake Albert delta, and game drive through the national park across the river.
Day 3: Murchison Falls National Park
After an early breakfast, we start the day with a game drive on the northern bank of the Nile, with chances of seeing Rothschild Giraffe, elephants, lions, Jackson Hartebeest, Oribis, Waterbucks, different species of the savannah woodland birds, and if lucky even the elusive leopard to top Africa’s “The Big 5” amongst a multitude of African plains game.
In the afternoon, enjoy a Nile launch cruise to the bottom of the waterfalls for game viewing at close quarters, after the launch cruise, get off from the bottom of the falls and hike up to the top of the falls where you will be rewarded with amazing views of the Nile.
Overnight at Twiga Safari Lodge (FB)
Day 4: Murchison Falls - Kibale Forest National Park. Approx. 400km/7- 8hrs drive
After breakfast, check out and drive south to Fort Portal, with lunch (packed) en route. Fort Portal rests in the shadow of the fabled ‘Mountains of the Moon’ and is famous for her many tea plantations. You will continue into Kibale National Park arriving at Primate Lodge Kibale in time for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Primate Lodge Kibale- luxury cottages (FB)
Overnight: Primate Lodge Kibale- luxury cottages (FB)
Kibale Forest National Park is an extensive Biodiversity National Park in southern Uganda and also known as the “Primate Paradise” has one of the greatest varieties and concentrations of primates in Africa including our famous cousins the Chimpanzee, Red Colobus Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, L’Hoest’s, Black-and-White Colobus and the Olive Baboons. There is also a wide array of unique birds, forest elephants (smaller and hairier than the more familiar savannah elephant), and much more.
Primate Lodge Kibale – Kibale Forest National Park
The new luxury cottages at Primate Lodge feature large twin or double beds, a spacious bathroom, and a private veranda. Large glass windows and a full-size glass sliding door allow 180-degree views of the beautiful rainforest.
The main lodge has a spacious dining room, serving local and international meals, with an adjacent bar and lounge area. Wifi is available in the main area.
The new luxury cottages at Primate Lodge feature large twin or double beds, a spacious bathroom, and a private veranda. Large glass windows and a full-size glass sliding door allow 180-degree views of the beautiful rainforest.
The main lodge has a spacious dining room, serving local and international meals, with an adjacent bar and lounge area. Wifi is available in the main area.
Day 5: Kibale Forest NP - Queen Elizabeth National Park (185km/3hrs)
Today the forest opens its doors for a sensational chimpanzee tracking experience.
Following the pre-tracking briefing, you will walk or drive to the trailhead for the start of an unforgettable adventure – hiking in the footsteps of the habituated family of chimpanzees. En route, your guide will enthrall you with stories and facts about the forest and its other inhabitants including other species of primates and birds, and other big mammals.
Today the forest opens its doors for a sensational chimpanzee tracking experience.
Following the pre-tracking briefing, you will walk or drive to the trailhead for the start of an unforgettable adventure – hiking in the footsteps of the habituated family of chimpanzees. En route, your guide will enthrall you with stories and facts about the forest and its other inhabitants including other species of primates and birds, and other big mammals.
Upon sighting the chimpanzees, you will spend an unforgettable one hour with them as they go about their daily life - feeding, playing, grooming, taking care of their young, howling, and screeching, in their natural habitat.
Return back to the lodge for lunch then in the afternoon drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park with scenic views of crater lakes and the surrounding rolling hills, you will go through banana farmlands, Afterwards, you will proceed south alongside the majestic Rwenzori ‘Mountains of the Moon’ to Queen Elizabeth National park. You will arrive at the Lodge in time for dinner and overnight.
Overnight at Elephant Plains Lodge (FB)
Overnight at Elephant Plains Lodge (FB)
Elephant Plains Lodge
Situated on the edge of the Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Africa's finest national parks, Uganda Lodge's newest lodge, Elephant plains, has stunning views over Kasenyi plains, Lakes George, and Kikorongo, and the lush savannah of the park. The lodge will offer spacious luxury en-suite rooms with large windows for breathtaking views of the extensive Queen Elizabeth National Park from the comfort of your bed – complete with large luxury bathrooms with his and hers sinks, shower, and bath combination. The lodge has a swimming pool for guests to relax after a day of game viewing.
Situated on the edge of the Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Africa's finest national parks, Uganda Lodge's newest lodge, Elephant plains, has stunning views over Kasenyi plains, Lakes George, and Kikorongo, and the lush savannah of the park. The lodge will offer spacious luxury en-suite rooms with large windows for breathtaking views of the extensive Queen Elizabeth National Park from the comfort of your bed – complete with large luxury bathrooms with his and hers sinks, shower, and bath combination. The lodge has a swimming pool for guests to relax after a day of game viewing.
Day 6: Game Drive & Boat Cruise
The day begins early when we start with a morning game drive and head to the mating ground of the Uganda Kobs. We search for lions, elephants, buffaloes, and other wild animals in their natural habitat.
The day begins early when we start with a morning game drive and head to the mating ground of the Uganda Kobs. We search for lions, elephants, buffaloes, and other wild animals in their natural habitat.
In the afternoon we take on a scenic boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a 33km long natural and pre-historic canal that joins Lakes Edward and Lake George. Formed by tectonic activity millions of years ago during the formation of the rift valleys, the canal, 2 to 3 km at its widest, is now the most dominant feature of Queen Elizabeth National Park and one of her key tourist attractions.
On a scheduled boat ride over a 12km stretch from Mweya to the bird sanctuary (2hrs), guests are almost always guaranteed excellent wildlife sightings including large schools of hippos, Nile crocodiles, wallowing buffaloes on its reedy banks, elephants, multitudes of birds including many endemics as well as numerous other plains game that come to drink at its water’s edge all day long. Later return to the lodge for dinner.
Overnight at Elephant Plains Lodge (FB)
Day 7: Queen Elizabeth – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Approx. 225km/4hrs drive
After breakfast drive to Bwindi through the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth NP famously known for the tree climbing Lions that are a resident here, continue further south to Bwindi National Park, home of the gorillas.
After breakfast drive to Bwindi through the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth NP famously known for the tree climbing Lions that are a resident here, continue further south to Bwindi National Park, home of the gorillas.
Upon arrival check in and enjoy lunch. After some time to rest, you will then embark on an evening village walk meeting the locals and engaging in the community. Later return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Overnight at Mahogany Springs Lodge (FB)
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home of the rare but critically endangered Mountain Gorillas, lies on the edge of the Albertine Rift Valley in southwestern Uganda, with a wide altitude range between 1,160m and 2,600m. The forest itself, dating back to the ice ages, is one of Uganda's oldest and ecologically most diverse with almost 400 species of plants, 350 species of birds including 23 Albertine Rift endemics as well as 120 mammals species including lots of smaller ones like rodents and bats but also the Gorillas, Baboons, Chimpanzees, Elephants, and Antelopes.
Mahogany Springs
Located at a 2-minute drive from the headquarters in Buhoma. It offers eight individual Bandas with 2 double beds, an en-suite bathroom, and a private terrace with panoramic views of the forest and surrounding land. The main building includes a craft shop, a large bar area, a relaxing lounge area with a fireplace, a restaurant, and a large veranda. WIFI is available
Located at a 2-minute drive from the headquarters in Buhoma. It offers eight individual Bandas with 2 double beds, an en-suite bathroom, and a private terrace with panoramic views of the forest and surrounding land. The main building includes a craft shop, a large bar area, a relaxing lounge area with a fireplace, a restaurant, and a large veranda. WIFI is available
Day 8: Gorilla Tracking (3 to 8hrs)
Arise early today and prepare for an amazing adventure; an unforgettable encounter with the gentle giants of Bwindi! Following breakfast, transfer to the park offices where participants are divided into groups of 8 and allocated a gorilla family as well as a tracking guide.
Arise early today and prepare for an amazing adventure; an unforgettable encounter with the gentle giants of Bwindi! Following breakfast, transfer to the park offices where participants are divided into groups of 8 and allocated a gorilla family as well as a tracking guide.
Please remember to bring your passport for registration, appropriate, waterproof hiking boots, and a light raincoat. To protect from stinging nettles, we recommend long pants and long-sleeved tops. A pair of old gardening gloves can help grab onto the vegetation while most hotels/lodges provide a walking stick that comes in very handy especially when hiking downhill. A small waterproof backpack is an excellent idea to carry a light snack, bottled water as well as protection for your camera.
After a pre-tracking briefing by your guide (touches on the gorillas generally, your assigned gorilla family as well as appropriate safety precautions), you drive to the trailhead for the start of your thrilling adventure – participants can expect to walk long distances in steep and sometimes muddy conditions with rain overhead, which can be tough and require a degree of fitness. Granted, the time taken can be quite unpredictable taking anything from 2 to 8hrs or longer however the thrill of coming face to face with a giant Mountain Gorilla silverback will more than compensate for the effort in their quest.
Upon sighting the gorillas, you spend the allowed one hour with them as they go about their daily life; feeding, moving, playing, raising their young, and sometimes wrestling by the juveniles – it is a totally unique and unforgettable experience!
NB: Coming face to face with a giant Mountain Gorilla must truly be the most genuinely breathtaking wildlife experience on earth!
Afterward, you hike back to base where your driver will be waiting to transfer you to the lodge for a deserved shower and lunch or dinner depending on the time taken on the trek.
Overnight at Mahogany Springs Lodge (FB)
Day 9: Bwindi Impenetrable - Lake Mburo National Park (250km/5-6 hrs)
We drive to Lake Mburo National Park and as we enter the park it is likely that you will spot some wildlife, like impalas, topis, warthogs, zebras, and buffaloes. In the afternoon you can go on a boat ride on the lake and enjoy the rich birdlife and the hippos that are cooling off.
Overnight at Mihingo Lodge (FB)
We drive to Lake Mburo National Park and as we enter the park it is likely that you will spot some wildlife, like impalas, topis, warthogs, zebras, and buffaloes. In the afternoon you can go on a boat ride on the lake and enjoy the rich birdlife and the hippos that are cooling off.
Overnight at Mihingo Lodge (FB)
Optional: Night game drive in Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo NP is one of the few parks in Uganda where you can watch wildlife after the sun has set. A night game drive (usually 2-3 hours) is an exciting experience and unusual twist on your regular game drives, allowing you to search for a variety of animals that you would not easily see during the day, such as bush pigs, genet cats, and white-tailed mongoose. But also the elusive leopards and spotted hyenas are best to be seen at night. And with some luck, you will be able to spot the one male lion in the park who resides down by Lake Mburo!
NB. Booking in advance is required to avoid disappointment.
NB. Booking in advance is required to avoid disappointment.
Mihingo Lodge – Lake Mburo National Park
Mihingo Lodge is a peaceful and exclusive retreat, situated in Lake Mburo National Park. It features 12 luxury, tented rooms designed to provide guests with privacy and tranquillity. Each spacious canvas tent is equipped with en-suite bathrooms, hot and cold running water, showers, and flush loos. The rooms have been sensitively designed to complement the local environment with great attention to detail. All the rooms have their own unique charm and character, whether it is nestled in the forest, overlooking the lake, perched on a rocky outcrop, or down by the water hole. Below the dining area, an infinity swimming pool stretches out from the rocks. Wifi is available.
Day 10: Lake Mburo National Park - Entebbe (270km/4hrs)
Early start of the day as we go for a nature walk guided by a ranger. After breakfast, we transfer to Entebbe with a stop at the equator for photos or shopping. Connect with your international flight back home.
Early start of the day as we go for a nature walk guided by a ranger. After breakfast, we transfer to Entebbe with a stop at the equator for photos or shopping. Connect with your international flight back home.
Travel tip:
Extend your safari with two or three days and explore Uganda’s most amazing retreats to unwind before flying back home. Stay at Wildwaters Lodge, Jinja, nestled on a private island amidst the wild rapids of the river Nile.
Or cross Lake Victoria to the remote Bulago Island and relax on the white sandy beaches at Pineapple Bay Resort.
| 2023 Tour price |
Per person sharing | Single Supplement |
| Low season (March, April, May, October, and November)* | Price on application based on the number of people | |
| High season (January, February, June, July, August, September, and December) | ||
Includes:
Airport transfers
Ground Transportation in a safari customized 4WD Toyota Landcruiser, with fuel
Accommodation as shown
Meals where mentioned as included in the itinerary.
All park entrance fees
English-speaking guide / driver
Mineral water in the vehicle; 2 liters per person daily on safari
Medical emergency evacuation cover
Ground Transportation in a safari customized 4WD Toyota Landcruiser, with fuel
Accommodation as shown
Meals where mentioned as included in the itinerary.
All park entrance fees
English-speaking guide / driver
Mineral water in the vehicle; 2 liters per person daily on safari
Medical emergency evacuation cover
Exclusions:
International Airfares
Optional activities unless specified as included
Gorilla permit - $700
Excessive baggage charges
Entry Visa Fees; fees for International travel Vaccinations and Inoculations
Items of personal nature such as Room service, Beverage, and Communication charges (telephone, fax, and internet). Laundry
Porterage fees
Tips and gratuities for Guide/driver. and hotel staff
Shopping Charges for Curios and Crafts
Entry Visa Fees; fees for International travel Vaccinations and Inoculations
Items of personal nature such as Room service, Beverage, and Communication charges (telephone, fax, and internet). Laundry
Porterage fees
Tips and gratuities for Guide/driver. and hotel staff
Shopping Charges for Curios and Crafts
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