Get treated to the sights and delights of Uganda on this 8-day Gorillas & Wildlife Safari. You will get the chance to explore four National Parks in the shortest time possible while sighting lots of wildlife species- big game, mountain gorillas, and chimpanzees among others. While gorillas and other wildlife species are the highlights of this trip, be prepared to soak up the rich cultures, savor delicious local dishes and enjoy jaw-dropping sceneries while you fall in love with the Pearl of Africa.
Highlights
• Take game drives in Murchison falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks.
• Walk through Bwindi to search for the mountain gorillas.
• Trek the chimpanzees of Kibale Forest National Park.
• Enjoy boat cruises through Victoria Nile and Kazinga Channel.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Murchison falls National Park, northwest Uganda, and drive to the top of the falls
Day 2: Explore Murchison falls National Park; Game drives and Boat ride to the bottom of the falls.
Day 3: Murchison falls- Kibale Forest National Park via the Albertine Escarpment.
Day 4: Explore Kibale National Park; Chimp trek & Bigodi wetland walk.
Day 5: Transfer from Kibale National Park to Queen Elizabeth National Park, afternoon boat cruise.
Day 6: Morning game drive and transfer to Bwindi National Park.
Day 7: Explore the incredible Bwindi National Park: Gorilla Trekking & Community visit.
Day 8: Drive back to Kampala/Entebbe, connecting international flight.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Murchison falls National Park, northwest Uganda, and drive to the top of the falls
Your first day starts with a 7:00 am pick-up from the Hotel in Kampala or Entebbe, followed by a scenic 6-7-hour drive to Murchison falls National Park. Your first stop will be at Nakasongola district.
On getting to Nakasongola Town, there will be a detour to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a wonderful site that was established in 2005 to re-introduce Rhinos into the country after getting extinct in the 1980s. There are over 32 Southern white Rhinos here (at the time of writing) and you will get a chance to track them. Follow the trails in the company of an armed Ranger and guide for the next 1-2 hours until they are found. The good news is that while on this walk, there are chances of sighting other wildlife species such as Defassa waterbucks, Uganda Kobs, oribis, and bushbucks as well as a plethora of birds.
Have lunch at Amuka Lodge and continue with the journey to Murchison falls National Park, arriving after about 3 hours. Later, continue for the drive to the top of the falls for photography and then to the Lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Explore Murchison falls National Park; Game drives and Boat ride to the bottom of the falls
Today, you will get the chance to explore the oldest and largest National Park in Uganda. Grab a cup of tea/coffee and hop into the safari vehicle for a morning game drive.
At 3840 square kilometers, Murchison falls National Park is the largest Protected Area in Uganda and boasts numerous game drive circuits that crisscross through its sweeping savanna grasslands and other vegetation types, hence introducing visitors to some of its 80 mammal species that include lions, African bush Elephants, spotted hyenas, Olive baboons, leopards, Jackson’s hartebeests, Rothschild’s Giraffes, and Hippos among others. After this interesting and informative game drive, return to the lodge for a proper breakfast. Relax, cool off at the Lodge swimming pool (depending on where you are staying), and later enjoy lunch.
In the afternoon, head to the Paraa jetty where you will start the boat cruise on the calm Victoria Nile towards the bottom of the falls. Here, you will have the opportunity to get up close to Big Game especially elephants, Hippos, buffaloes, and sometimes giraffes. This is also a wonderful birding experience. Your boat ride culminates with beautiful views of the waterfalls as large volumes of water are forced through a 7-meter gorge and create an awe-inspiring “Devil’s Cauldron”. In the evening return to the Lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Murchison falls- Kibale Forest National Park via the Albertine Escarpment
Early in the morning you will enjoy breakfast and get transferred to Kibale Forest National Park. Drive through the stunning Albertine Escarpment of the western Rift valley and this journey takes only about 7-8 hours. Enjoy views of the countryside, and the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, and arrive at the Lodge on time for lunch.
Day 4: Explore Kibale National Park; Chimp trek & Bigodi wetland walk
Start this day early with a hearty breakfast at the Lodge before heading out to the Kanyanchu Visitor Center. Attend briefing on the dos and don’ts of chimpanzee trekking and this usually starts at 7:30 am before heading out to the forest. The 795-square-kilometer Kibale Forest National Park is a stronghold for the highest concentration of primates in the world – 13 species that include chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, L’Hoests monkeys, and others.
During the chimpanzee trek, the Ranger guide provides comprehensive information on the trees, birds, butterflies, and the Park in general. After walking for 1-3 hours, the chimpanzee community will be found, after which you will be allowed one hour to watch and take photos as they feed, play, rest, mate, or groom each other. Enjoy a picnic lunch or return to the Lodge for a hot one.
Next, drive to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary where you will have a guided wetland walk to see different wetland bird species and a number of primates. In the evening, return to the Lodge to relax, have dinner, and overnight.
Day 5: Transfer from Kibale National Park to Queen Elizabeth National Park, afternoon boat cruise
Early this morning, you will get treated to your last Kibale breakfast and meet your safari driver for the drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of the best safari destinations in Uganda. As you drive to Kasese, enjoy views of the Rwenzori Mountains while proceeding to your Lodge in/around Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Fuel up at lunch this afternoon and head to the Mweya pier for the 2 pm boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. This boat cruise ensures that you catch a clearer glimpse of the elephants, buffaloes, crocodiles, Hippos, and lots of bird species. After your boat ride, you will back to dinner and overnight at the Lodge.
Day 6: Morning game drive and transfer to Bwindi National Park
Early morning, have a game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park while exiting and heading to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You will come across elephants, lions, leopards, Topis, buffaloes and others. Continue towards the Ishasha sector, popular for its tree climbing Lions and plethora of unique species of wildlife. It will take you about 3 hours to get to Ishasha, where you will enjoy a short game drive lasting about one hour.
After this short game drive, continue to Bwindi arriving on time for a late lunch. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
Day 7: Explore the incredible Bwindi National Park: Gorilla Trekking & Community visit
In the morning, after your breakfast at the Lodge, transfer to the Park Headquarters for a briefing on how to go about the main activity of the day- gorilla trekking. Be at the briefing point by 7:00 am because it usually starts with entertainment from the local community (which you can’t afford to miss). Get briefed until 8:00 am when you venture into the jungles in search of the allocated gorilla family.
The overall time spent searching for the mountain gorillas largely depends on their movement, the pace of the slowest person, and the terrain. However, expect 1-6 hours or more but the excitement of finally setting your eyes on them is second to none. You will be allowed to spend 60 minutes with them. Remember you will be at 2500 to 4000 meters above sea level hence take it easy and carry lots of drinking water.
Your afternoon is dedicated to community tours, to learn about the breathtaking ways and cultures of the local communities living around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Another exciting adventure! Relax with the views of the forest, and enjoy dinner and overnight.
Day 8: Drive back to Kampala/Entebbe, connecting international flight
This is your last day in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Your safari driver will brief you at the Lodge and transfer back to Kampala for your next safari plans or Entebbe International Airport for International departure. Safe travels!!!
Inclusions;
• Gorilla permit.
• Game drives in Murchison falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks.
• Boat rides.
• Park entry fees.
• Relevant Government taxes/levies.
• Chimpanzee trek.
• Bottled water.
• A private and comfortable safari vehicle.
• A private English-speaking guide.
• Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary.
• Meals per the itinerary.
• Rhino tracking fees.
• Drive to the top of the falls.
Exclusions;
• Airport fees.
• Insurance.
• Other activities not on the itinerary.
• Laundry fees.
• Cigarettes and drinks.
• Telephone costs.
• Visa fees.
• Domestic and International flights.
