8 Days Uganda Safari

1. Visiting the Bigodi swamp
2. Visiting the Batwa Pygmies
3. Launch cruise along the Kazinga channel
4. Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park
5. Game Drives
6. Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale national park
7. Island hopping, relaxations and nature walks in Lake Bunyonyi

Day 1: Transfer to Kibale National Park

A guide from Mission Africa Safaris will pick you up from your hotel after breakfast and embark on the journey to Kibale national park. As you start your Uganda safari prepare to take photos of Uganda’s beautiful and green countryside along the way. You will have lunch at Fort Portal town and then be taken for a tour of the town and the headquarters of the historical Tooro Kingdom. Fort Portal is small town but located in an area with perfect climate which has resulted in beautiful scenery. The town remains green all year round. Dinner and overnight at Kyaninga Lodge (Luxury), Primates lodge (Luxury and Midrange) and Chimpanzee Guest House (Budget).

Day 2: Chimpanzee tracking and nature walk along the Bigodi Swamp

After early breakfast, you will head for briefing from the Kibale National Park offices regarding the rules and requirements while tracking chimpanzee. After the briefing, you will be given walking sticks and led into the forest to find the primates. Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park takes between 3 to 5 hours. It is a different experience from gorilla trekking because chimps are more vocal and love to spend time on top of trees. They are also more mobile and might require that you follow them for a long time before they settle down to allow good photography. You will return afterwards to your hotel for lunch and rest. Later in the evening, you will go for a walk around the Bigodi swamp walk to spot other primates and several species of birds. Dinner and overnight at Primates lodge (Luxury), Chimp nest (Midrange) and Chimpanzee Guest house (Budget).

Day 3: Head for  Queen Elizabeth national park – game drive in Ishasha
After breakfast, you will head early to queen Elizabeth national park in time to go for the first game drive which is at the Ishasha sector. The Ishasha sector is world famous for tree climbing lions and off course other great mammals, primates and antelopes. The lions prefer resting on top of trees because it helps them escape insect bites and see potential prey. The tree climbing lions of Ishasha are rare. Tanzania also has tree climbing lions in Lake Manyara but tourists can also see them in Kruger National Park. However, the best place to see them is in Queen Elizabeth National Park.  After this first game drive, you should now head back to your lodge for rest.

Dinner and Overnight stay at Mweya Safari Lodge (luxury), Ihamba Lodge / Park view lodge (mid-range), Simba safari camp (budget).

Day 4: Second game drive and boat cruise

You will wake up early to take breakfast ready for a long eventful day. The guide will take you for an early morning game drive at the Kasenyi plains with the purpose of catching up with nocturnal animals retreating to their dens after a busy night of hunting. The morning is also the best time to spot the early risers like birds and other mammals. You should be able to see hippos, lions, leopard, buffalos and antelopes of various kinds. After the game drive, drive back for lunch, rest and then set off at 2.00 pm for a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. This is the meeting point for all of the animals in the park especially during the dry season. Get ready to see a collection of bird species that could rival any you have seen elsewhere. You will also see water dwelling animals like crocodiles and hippos plus all the others you spotted during your previous drinking by the water banks. After this you, should be tired and ready to go back for a rest or take walk around the lodge.

Dinner and overnight stay at Mweya Safari Lodge (luxury), Ihamba Lodge / Park view lodge (mid-range) and Simba safari camp (budget).

Day 5: Visit Maramagambo forest – Transfer to Bwindi forest national park
You will wake up early morning as usual to a sumptuous breakfast at your lodge. Our guide will take you to Maramagambo forest which is home to chimpanzees and cave bats. While in the dense forest, look out for birds, forest hogs, dwarf antelope and several other primate/monkey species. The bats attract pythons to their caves and if you are lucky, you could spot a battle between predator and prey. Chimpanzee trekking is not open in Maramagambo because they are not habituated. However, you may be lucky to spot some along the trails. After having enough of the Maramagambo forest, you will then head off for Bwindi impenetrable forest national park with lunch taken along the way.

Dinner and overnight at Chameleon Hill Lodge (luxury), Bakiga Lodge (Midrange) and Tarvan Trekkers Bwindi (Budget).

Day 6: Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi – Visit to the Batwa Pygmies
You will wake up very early to take your breakfast before heading out to the park offices for briefing at 7:00 am. During the briefing, the park Rangers/Guides will share information about the requirements and rules for gorilla trekking. The meeting is compulsory and it is also at this time that you get to be assigned a gorilla family and porters. How are gorilla groups allocated? Gorilla groups are allocated taking into account your overall fitness. Porters are there to help you carry extra luggage or heavy equipment. Now that you are ready, head to the forest to track your gorilla group along with 7 other tourists. You will go through thick forest, steep and muddy areas before finally meeting the family. Follow instructions from the head guide and take as many photos as you can in the one hour allocated. Stay calm and do not make sudden movements. The memory of the time spent with the gorilla family will always remain with you because watching a family of mountain gorillas is very different from any other wildlife experience.

After your one hour with the gorilla family, you should return back to the starting point where our guide will drive you back to your hotel for rest and lunch. After some rest, you will be taken to visit the Batwa pygmy community who once lived side by side with the gorillas in the forest. They have now been resettled elsewhere to allow for mountain gorilla conservation activities in the park. The Batwa will let you know if their resettlement was successful or not while also entertaining you with cultural stories and dances.

Dinner and overnight at Chameleon Hill Lodge (luxury), Bakiga Lodge (Midrange) and Tarvan Trekkers Bwindi (Budget).

Day 7: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

After a long night of resting, you should wake up for late breakfast before starting the journey to Lake Bunyonyi. Lake Bunyonyi is arguably Uganda’s most beautiful lake. It has got several beautiful islands, romantic shores and is a sanctuary for countless bird. Lake Bunyonyi is an excellent destination for relaxation after a long safari. You will enjoy relaxing by the lake shores, go boat riding, island hopping and touring the local fishing villages.

Dinner and overnight at Bunyonyi overland Resort (budget), Bunyonyi safari camp / Bunyonyi Birdnest (Midrange) and Bunyonyi resort (luxury)

Day 8: Transfer back to Kampala for departure

Wake up early, take breakfast and prepare for the long journey back to Kampala/Entebbe for your departure flight or a drop at your hotel. The driver will ensure that you stop at key points of interest along the way including the Equator crossing in Kayabwe for lunch and photography

End of Tour

You will need good hiking boots, thick cotton gloves, a light raincoat, snacks and drinking water. If you have extra luggage or equipment, hire a porter to help you carry them. Many of these porters were once poachers and by hiring them, you help support their families hence keeping them from hunting park animals. Hiring a porter costs between 10 to 15 US Dollars.

For the best possible fun tracking the gorillas: –

1. Be in good shape
2. Acquire good shoes that will help you climb steep and muddy terrain
3. Plan for the rain
4. Pack enough drinking water and light snack to avoid getting thirsty or hungry
5. Tip the guides, rangers and porters. We recommend a tip of 10 USD that can also be paid in local notes.

It is also important to note that: –

1. This itinerary includes Accommodation and Dinner
2. The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years while chimpanzee tracking is 14 years
3. All travelers should check visa and inoculation requirements.
4. You are required to have a yellow fever immunization card to enter Uganda
5. The Uganda visa can be got at the airport of border crossing points

The itinerary and package includes: –

1. A 4X4 safari vehicle
2. A Full-Time English speaking Driver/Guide
3. Fuel
4. Game drives
5. Boat cruises
6. Activities in Lake Bunyonyi
7. Gorilla Permits
8. Chimpanzee Permits
9. Bottled drinking water
10. Park fees
11. Pickup and drop-off at in Kampala or Entebbe
12. Cultural visit to the Batwa pygmies

The tour cost will exclude international/local flights, visas, personal expenses (tips, beverages, wines and Personal Insurance).

Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge: This mid-range lodge is found in Queen Elizabeth National Park – on the shores of Lake George and close to the fishing village in Kahendero. Ihamba is an excellent lodge for those who want to relax in a tranquil environment in a wilderness setting. The lodge has 10 private cottages overlooking Lake George and the great savannah grasslands of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The room have either twin or double beds. Each cottage is self-contained and will be your home away from home. You will find a private deck, indoor showers, bathrooms, working tables, Wi-Fi, slippers, drinking water, Television sets and much more. Other services and amenities including a central lounge area, parking space, laundry services, a swimming pool and housekeeping.

Chameleon Hill Lodge: Chameleon Hill is one of the best luxury lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable forest. It is built on a hill with amazing views of the Bwindi forest, Lake Mutanda and the Virunga Volcanoes. Each chalet is built different with its own decorations and finishing. The rooms are decorated with both local and contemporary furnishings. Food is great. By great, we mean they prepare tasty international dishes, baked bread, fresh vegetables and fruits got from their own garden. The lodge offers excellent spots for relaxation after gorilla trekking. A good spot to go to tis the wooden deck overlooking the lake Mutanda or one of the private gardens.

Kyaninga Lodge: This is a luxury lodge found in Kibale National Park. It is built overlooking Lake Kyaninga and the great Rwenzori Mountains. The lodge offers a true experience of being out in the African wilderness while retaining the comfort and luxury services of its nine cottages. The private cottages are built on raised platforms to allow guest get all the beautiful views of the wilderness and water bodies. Guests can choose to book a twin or double bed cottage. The cottages are self-contained with very modern showers, bathrooms, a private deck, comfortable beds and feather pillows. Meals are excellent and there is a central lounge where all guests can gather to mingle and have fun as they relax by a fireplace. Other amenities include a full stocked bar, a swimming pool. Kyaninga lodge was on several community development projects and organizes marathons to raise money for great causes. Some of their projects include the Kyaninga Child Development Centre, Kyaninga Dairy and Kyaninga Forest Foundation (KFF).