Safari overview
This 12 Day best of Uganda Safari takes you to the best national parks in the country where you will engage in various activities such as rhino tracking in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Launch Cruise on River Nile and game viewing in Murchison Falls national park before proceeding southwest of Uganda to the Kibale Forest National Park the primate capital of East Africa for chimp tracking and then gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park and end in Kampala. On this safari you will encounter all of Africa’s Big Five animals including rhinos, lions, elephants, buffaloes and leopards among many others.
Activities: rhino tracking, Launch Cruise, game drives, chimpanzee tracking, gorilla trekking, boat ride, white water rafting, Batwa cultural experience (optional), Bigodi nature walk (optional)
Day 1: Arrival in Kampala
Day 2: Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Day 3: Game Drive and Boat Cruise on River Nile
Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest NP home of Chimpanzees
Day 5: Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest
Day 7: Full day Game drive
Day 8: transfer to bwindi National Park
Day 9: Gorillas trekking in Bwindi NP
Day 10: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park, boat ride
Day 11: Game Drive, transfer to Jinja through Kampala
Day 12: White Water Rafting on River Nile, end of Safari
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kampala
Once you arrive at Entebbe international Airport, your safari driver-guide will warmly receive you, transfer you to your hotel in Kamapala and also brief you about these amazing 12 days of Safari adventure you are going to spend in Uganda –the Pearl of Africa.
Meal plan: lunch and dinner
Accommodation
- Luxury: Imperial Hotel, Serena Hotel
- Mid-Range: Speke Resort Hotel, Emin Pasha Hotel
- Budget: Acardia Cottages Namirembe Guest House
Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls NP with en-route Rhino Tracking
After an early breakfast, the driver-guide will pick you from your hotel and begin the journey to Murchison Falls National Park located in northwestern Uganda driving through the beautiful countryside past large plantations, village settlements and roadside fruits and vegetable markets. You will make a stopover in Nakasongola at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary where you will get a chance to track the white rhinos on foot for about one and a half hours. This species was severely poached back in the 1970’s and 80’s to total extinction however the establishment of this sanctuary was primarily to re-introduce this species. You will proceed to Masindi where you will have lunch before finally arriving in the park.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation
- Luxury: Ndail Safari Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge
- Mid-Range: Murchison River Lodge, Fort Murchison
- Budget: Red Chilli, Fort Murchison In Tents
Day 3: Game Drive and Boat Cruise on river Nile
Begin the day with an early cup of coffee / tea and then set out on an early game drive to see various animals that live in the different wildlife habitats. During this you will encounter 4 of the Big Five animals including lions, elephants, buffaloes and leopards among many other animals like Giraffes, Waterbucks, Uganda kobs, Jacksons Hartebeast, and birds. Return for a late breakfast at the lodge, rest and have lunch.
In the afternoon set out for a 2 hours launch cruise to the bottom of the Murchison Falls – ‘Devils Cauldron’ to see different animals like the giant Nile crocodiles, hippos, buffaloes, elephants and bird. This adventure offers great opportunities for taking photographs. return for dinner and the overnight rest.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation
- Luxury: Ndail Safari Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge
- Mid-Range: Murchison River Lodge, Fort Murchison
- Budget: Red Chilli, Fort Murchison In Tents
Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale National park found in south western Uganda is home to the chimpanzees and also popularly known as the primate capital of East Africa. The park has 13 different primate species among which are the red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, grey-checked mangabeys, pottos, bush babies, mantled guereza, red colobus and chimpanzees. After breakfast begin on the long journey which takes about 8 hours will take you through various towns, farmlands and villages and later arrive in the park in the late evening.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation
- Luxury: Primates Lodge Kyaninga Lodge, Ndali Lodge, Papaya Lake Lodge
- Mid-Range: Kibale Forest Camp, Turaco Treetops, Mountains Of The Moon
- Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse, Rwenzori Travelers, Kibale Forest Camp
Day 5: Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest
You will have breakfast very early in the morning and then transfer to the park headquarters where you will be briefed about the guidelines of chimpanzee tracking. You will begin tracking in groups of 8 people as you search for the chimps in their local habitat. You will be allowed in the midst of these chimps for one hour observing and taking photos of them.
After your lunch break, there will be an optional guided nature walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary to see different wildlife like the hard to find Sitatunga, warthogs, colobus monkeys, butterflies and birds such as the Great blue Turaco. Alternatively remain at your accommodation at leisure.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation
- Luxury: Primates Lodge Kyaninga Lodge, Ndali Lodge, Papaya Lake Lodge
- Mid-Range: Kibale Forest Camp, Turaco Treetops, Mountains Of The Moon
- Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse, Rwenzori Travelers, Kibale Forest Camp
Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast begin the journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park for another thrilling game viewing expenditure. You will drive through the spectacular crater lakes region and also spot the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountain in a distance.
In the park you will have an afternoon launch cruise on the Kazinga Channel to see different wildlife such as hippos and different birds.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation
- Luxury: Jacana Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge, Katara Lodge
- Mid-Range: Enganzi Lodge, Buffalo Safari Resort, Ihamba Safari Lodge
- Budget: Simba Safari Camp Bush Lodge In Tents Kazinga Channel View Lodge
Day 7: Game drive and Launch cruise
Begin the day with an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi trail to see various including buffaloes, leopards, Uganda Kobs, African elephants, lions, giant forest hogs and several birds. The Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to 95 different Mammal species and over 500 types of birds.
After lunch transfer to the southern part of the park –the Ishasha area where you will search for the unique tree climbing lions and also encounter various wild animals during this game drive. These unique animals are normally seen resting up in tree branches of the large acacia trees. Transfer to your accommodation where you will have dinner and spend the night.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation
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- Luxury: Kyambura Gorge Lodge
- Mid-range: Twin Lakes Lodge
- Budget: Elephant Hab Lodge
Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi impenetrable Forest
Today you will transfer to the Bwindi Impenetrable forests National Park home to the endangered mountain gorillas, and other monkeys and different birds. You will traverse through the spectacular countryside with rolling hills covered with green vegetations, plantation and farmlands. Have lunch either at your accommodation in Bwindi National Park or along the way basing on your travel time.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation
- Luxury: Gorilla Forest Camp Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge Chameleon Hill Lodge Bwindi Lodge
- Mid-Range: Gorilla Mist Camp, Engagi Lodge
- Budget: Ruhija Gorilla Friends Camp
Day 9: Gorillas trekking in Bwindi National Park
Have breakfast very early in the morning and by 8:00am be at the park headquarters where you will be briefed by the park rangers on the guidelines to follow while tracking gorillas in their natural habitat. In groups of 8 people start search for them in this densely covered forest floor of the Bwindi. The trek takes between 2 to 5 hours however you will eventually meet the gorillas and spend one hour observing them play, feed and cater for each other. The huge dominant silverback will also be easily seen as he will be quietly staring at you from a distance.
After the lunch break, have an optional cultural visit to the Batwa pygmies to learn about the traditional ways of life and be entertained; or spend the rest of the day at your accommodation at leisure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation
- Luxury: Gorilla Forest Camp Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge Chameleon Hill Lodge Bwindi Lodge
- Mid-Range: Gorilla Mist Camp, Engagi Lodge
- Budget: Ruhija Gorilla Friends Camp
Day 10: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is best known for its remarkably large population of Zebras. After breakfast drive to Lake Mburo national park. Along the way you will enjoy views of the breathtaking landscapes, rolling hills, cultivated farmlands and village settlements.
visit the local museum that offers a good display of the traditional lifestyle of the people living in this area. Have lunch along the way and once in the park, you will have a boat ride on the lake.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation
- Luxury: Mihingo Lodge
- Mid-range: Rwakono Rock
- Budget: Eagles Nest
Day 11: Early Game Drive, transfer to Jinja
Today after breakfast, you will transfer to Jinja driving through the capital Kampala. along the way you will have a stopover at the Equator for a photograph moment and also to buy souvenirs. Lunch will be en-route.
Meal Plan: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation
- Luxury: Wild waters Lodge
- Mid-range: Haven Lodge Rock
- Budget: Eagles Nest
Day 12: White Water Rafting, end of Safari
This is the final day of the 12 day safari. After an early breakfast you will transfer to the white water rafting area. It is here in jinja that the source of River Nile (the longest river in the world is found). Some of the optional activities you can enjoy here include: horseback riding, bungee jumping and quad biking.
Later in the day you will drive back to Kampala where the safari driver-guide will drop you at a hotel of your choice or at the Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight.
End of Safari
Meal plan: breakfast and lunch
Safari includes:
Full Board Accommodation as highlighted in itinerary
Service of a full-time English speaking driver-guide
All meals included in the itinerary
Transportation in a 4WD safari vehicle
Bottled water in the safari vehicle
Chimpanzee tracking permit
Gorilla trekking permit
Rhino tracking fee
Launch Cruise
White water rafting fee
Park entrance Fees
Airport transfer if your flight is on the same day the safari ends.
Safari Excludes:
Flight and Visa Fees
Personal Insurance
All activities listed as optional
Personal Expenses such as cigarettes, drinks, telephone, tips and laundry services
