10 Days /
9 Nights
10 Days Best of Uganda Safari
Mabamba Swamp, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Overview
Prepare to embark on the safari of a lifetime, a meticulously curated journey through the very heart of Africa's most breathtaking landscapes and intimate wildlife encounters. From Entebbe, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and then back to Kampala. This isn't just a trip; it's a decade-long story waiting to be told. From the thunderous roar of the Nile to the profound silence shared with a mountain gorilla, every moment is designed to stir your soul and ignite your sense of wonder. Let us guide you through an unparalleled adventure where the wild calls and you answer.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Your epic adventure begins as you depart Entebbe, heading north into the wild heart of Uganda. Your first stop is the acclaimed Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you'll have a rare and thrilling opportunity to track endangered white rhinos on foot with an expert ranger. Witnessing these prehistoric giants in their natural habitat is a powerful and humbling start. Afterward, savor a delicious lunch at the Kabalega Diner before proceeding to the legendary Murchison Falls National Park. Here, you embark on an exhilarating hike to the "Top of the Falls". Feel the mist on your face and hear the deafening roar as the world's longest river is forced through a mere 7-meter gorge, plunging 43 meters into a cauldron of spray a truly awe-inspiring spectacle. You then proceed to your lodge to check in, allowing you to relax on your private balcony with a sundowner, listening to the sounds of the African bush as you unwind from your first incredible day.
Day 2: Morning Game Drive and Nile Boat Cruise
Awake at dawn to the symphony of the wild. After a hearty breakfast, you embark on a morning game drive across the rolling savannah of the Buligi Game Track. Keep your eyes peeled for herds of elephants, towering giraffes, lounging lions, leopards draped over acacia trees, and vast numbers of antelope. Return to the lodge for a leisurely lunch and a siesta. In the afternoon, prepare for a magical boat cruise on the Victoria Nile to the base of Murchison Falls. This is a paradise for birdwatchers and photographers, with countless hippos, enormous crocodiles, and aquatic birds lining the banks. As dusk falls, the adventure intensifies with an optional Night Safari, offering a rare glimpse into the elusive world of nocturnal creatures like genets, porcupines, and the mesmerizing eyes of bushbabies.
Day 3: Transfer to Kibale National Park
After breakfast, bid farewell to Murchison and journey south, traversing picturesque landscapes towards the lush, misty hills of Kibale Forest. Stop for lunch enroute, savoring local flavors. Upon arrival, you'll check into your lodge, nestled on the edge of the forest. In the afternoon, we immerse you in local culture with a community visit, where you'll interact with warm Ugandan families and learn about traditional life. This is followed by a guided Bigodi Swamp Walk, an eco-tourism gem managed by the local community. Traverse boardwalks through the wetland, spotting a stunning array of primates, including the black-and-white colobus monkey, and over 200 species of birds in this rich, biodiverse sanctuary.
Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Today is for the chimpanzees! After breakfast, you head to the Kibale Forest Visitor Centre for a comprehensive briefing. Then, with your expert guide, you'll head into the dense rainforest for chimpanzee trekking. The forest comes alive with their pant-hoots and screams as you track them through the undergrowth. The moment you lock eyes with our closest genetic relatives observing their human-like expressions, social interactions, and acrobatics in the canopy is an experience that will resonate deeply. After this unforgettable encounter, you return for lunch before transferring to the renowned Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enroute, you make a stop at the Kikorongo Equator line for the classic photo moment. We check into your lodge with stunning views of the Rwenzori Mountains, ready for more adventures.
Day 5: Morning Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
An early start rewards us with a morning game drive through the Kasenyi Plains, known for its prolific wildlife. This is Kob mating ground, which attracts numerous predators. You may see lions, leopards, buffalo, and elephants against the backdrop of the glacial Rwenzori Mountains. After lunch at the lodge, you embark on a famous afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a 40km natural waterway linking Lakes George and Edward. This is arguably the best boat safari in Africa, offering hyper-concentrated wildlife viewing massive herds of elephants, hippos, and buffaloes crowd the banks, while the water teems with birds. You cap the day with an evening game drive for a chance to spot creatures as they become more active in the cooler hours.
Day 6: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, we journey south, entering the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famed for its unique tree-climbing lions. We'll keep a keen eye on the ancient fig trees, hoping to spot these majestic cats lounging on the branches. We enjoy lunch enroute, absorbing the changing scenery as we climb into the highlands. Our destination is the Buhoma Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the revered home of the mountain gorillas. You'll check into your lodge on the forest edge, where the air is cool and thick with anticipation. The evening is for relaxation, as you prepare mentally and physically for the profound experience that awaits you tomorrow.
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking and Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
This is the pinnacle of your adventure. After an early breakfast, we report to the park headquarters for a gripping briefing. You will then be assigned a tracking group and guide and enter the dense, mystical Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The trek can be challenging but is immensely rewarding. Pushing through the lush vegetation, you will finally come face-to-face with a family of endangered mountain gorillas. You are allowed one magical hour to observe them as they go about their daily lives a silverback leading his family, mothers nurturing their young, and juveniles playfully tumbling. This intimate encounter is a humbling, emotional, and life-altering event. After trekking back, we begin our scenic transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for a well-deserved rest.
Day 8: A walk in the wild side and journey home
Awake on the serene shores of Lake Bunyonyi, surrounded by terraced hills and the deepest lake in Uganda. After breakfast, we check out and begin our journey to Kampala. We stop for a memorable lunch enroute and have another chance for a classic photo moment and souvenir shopping at the famous Kayabwe Equator line marker. We arrive in Kampala in the evening, where you check into your lodge for a relaxing overnight stay.
Day 9: Kampala City Tour - The Cultural Heartbeat of Uganda
Today, you explore the vibrant soul of Uganda's capital. The comprehensive city tour includes the culturally significant Kasubi Tombs (a UNESCO site and burial grounds of Buganda kings), the architectural marvel of the Bahai Temple, and the majestic Gaddafi National Mosque for panoramic city views. You delve into history at the Uganda Museum and pay our respects at the Namugongo Martyrs' Shrine. The day culminates at the Ndere Cultural Centre, where you enjoy lunch and are treated to a spectacular performance of traditional music, dance, and storytelling from across Uganda a vibrant and joyful celebration of the nation's heritage. You then visit the African Village for a final opportunity to purchase authentic crafts and souvenirs before transferring to Entebbe for our overnight stay.
Day 10: The Elusive Shoebill and Botanical Wonders
On your final day, you have one last magical encounter. After an early breakfast, you venture to Mabamba Bay Wetland, a vast marshland on the edge of Lake Victoria. You glide through the papyrus-lined channels in a local canoe in search of the prehistoric and elusive Shoebill Stork. Spotting this rare, dinosaur-like bird is a triumphant finale for any birder or wildlife enthusiast. We return to Entebbe for lunch, followed by a tranquil stroll through the beautiful Entebbe Botanical Gardens, where scenes from the classic "Tarzan" films were shot and where monkeys and tropical birds abound. Depending on your flight schedule, you will either be dropped off at Entebbe International Airport (EBB) for your departure, filled with a lifetime of memories, or you will enjoy one final relaxing night at your lodge or be transferred to Entebbe International Airport depending on your departure date
What's Included
- All ground transportation in a custom 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for optimal game viewing.
- Services of a professional, English-speaking driver/guide throughout the tour.
- All accommodation as specified in the itinerary.
- All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) as specified in the itinerary.
- All park entrance fees, trekking permits and activities mentioned.
- WiFi connectivity throughout the whole trip
- Bottled drinking water in the vehicle.
What's Not Included
- International flights and visas.
- Tips for your guide, lodge staff, and trackers (highly recommended).
- Personal travel insurance (mandatory).
- Alcoholic beverages, sodas, and other personal drinks.
- Optional activities (e.g., Night Safari in Murchison Falls).
- Laundry services and any other items of a personal nature.
- Meals not specified in the itinerary.
Helpful Tips
- Gorilla & Chimp Permits: These are strictly limited and sell out months in advance. Book early to secure your spot!
- Fitness: Gorilla and chimp trekking require a moderate level of fitness. Terrain can be steep and muddy. Please prepare accordingly.
- Packing: Pack waterproof clothing, sturdy hiking boots, gaiters, gardening gloves for trekking, warm layers for cool evenings, neutral-colored clothing for game drives, a good camera, binoculars, and plenty of memory cards.
- Health: Consult your doctor regarding recommended vaccinations (Yellow Fever certificate is required) and anti-malarial prophylaxis.
- Cash: Bring US Dollars in crisp, post-2009 bills for incidental expenses, souvenirs, and tips. Smaller denominations are useful. Please endeavor to exchange and get some local currency as well.
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