12 Days Uganda Safari

Day 1: Pickup – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Transfer to Murchison falls National Park

Day 2: A game drive and afternoon boat cruise

Day 3: Head to Kibale National Park – Visit the Crater Region

Day 4: Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest – Visit the Bigodi wetlands Sanctuary

Day 5: Visit the Foot of Mount Rwenzori – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 6: Morning Game drive and afternoon boat cruise at the Kazinga Channel

Day 7: Visit Maramagambo Forest for a nature walk and have an afternoon game drive

Day 8: Game drive to see tree climbing lions – Transfer to Bwindi National Park

Day 9: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park – Visit the Batwa Pygmies

Day 10: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park – Night Game Drive

Day 11: Morning Game Drive Afternoon boat ride

Day 12: Transfer back to Kampala or Entebbe for departure

Day 1: Pickup from Kampala/Entebbe – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Transfer to Murchison falls National Park

Wake up early and take your breakfast as you prepare to meet our Guide/Driver for the first time. After the briefing, the Guide will start the journey to the Murchison Falls National Park. The first major stop will be at the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary. The sanctuary was established to protect the last remaining Uganda Rhino’s from poaching and extinction. It is the only place where once can see Rhinos in Uganda. Uganda once had over 1000 Rhinos roaming the plains and some of the national parks. Unfortunately, they were hunted down for their valuable horns. Rhino horn is used as medicine in China or for daggers and swords in countries like Yemen. The Ziwa Rhino sanctuary is important for breeding young Rhinos which will then be later reintroduced into the wild.  The sanctuary is protected by an electrical fence and 24-hour security. As soon as you arrive, you will be taken for the briefing by the chief Ranger. The Ranger will show you around the facility which also has a great collection of birds, Kobs, Water bucks, Leopards and duikers. While at the sanctuary, it is important to follow instructions from the Rangers because Rhinos can become aggressive when they feel threatened by any unfamiliar movements or actions. You are only allowed one hour with the Rhinos after locating them. During that one hour, you will get to know a lot of about them and what is being done to conserve them worldwide.

Lunch will be after seeing the Rhinos. From the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the journey continues to the park. The Murchison falls National Park is Uganda’s largest and covers an area measuring 3840 square kilometers. It has incredible biodiversity and is just one of the many reasons why Uganda is known as the “Pearl of Africa”. It is a combination of savanna grassland, riparian forests, swamps and woodlands. The park is home to lions, leopards, hyenas, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, elephants, chimpanzees and other smaller primates. The Murchison Falls National Park is one of the best places for birdwatching in Uganda. It is home to species like the blue throated roller, forest robin, Ituri Batis, the grey throated, the shoebill stork, Tit Hylia and Uganda woodland warbler to mention but a few.

Once you reach the park, you will go straight to the top of the waterfalls for beautiful views of the great river Nile – one of the two longest rivers in the world. The Murchison falls are formed when the River Nile forces its way through a narrow gorge.

Dinner will be at Paraa Safari Lodge (Upmarket), Pakuba Safari Lodge (Moderate) and Red Chilli Rest Camp (Basic).

Day 2: Game drive in the morning – Boat cruise in the afternoon

Wake early enough for breakfast and wait for the Guide/Driver to pick you up. The morning game drive allows you to spot the early risers and predators going back to their dens after a night of hunting. Expect to spot buffaloes, giraffes, elephants, lions and countless antelopes. After the game drive, you will be taken back to the lodge for lunch and refreshments as you prepare for the afternoon boat cruise. The boat cruise takes you to the river bile to see one of the largest collection of crocodiles and hippos in Africa. Birders will find the journey along the river highly rewarding. Among the bird species to look out for are the shoebill stork, Kingfishers, bee-eaters, yellow billed and grey throated birds.

Dinner will be at Paraa Safari Lodge (Upmarket), Pakuba Safari Lodge(Moderate) and Red Chilli Rest Camp (Basic).

Day 3: Transfer to Kibale National Park – Visit the Crater region

Wake up early as you prepare for a long journey to Kibale National Park. The journey will be long but you will be rewarded with exceptional scenery. The route goes through the western arm of the East African Rift Valley with amazing escarpments, banana plantations, birds and local villages. Watch out for the long horned Ankole cattle and peasants tending to their gardens. This is the time to observe the kind of life lived by rural peasants, types of crops grown and much more.

Lunch will be in one of the hotels in Hoima. After lunch, you will continue the journey to Fort Portal. Fort Portal is considered to be one of the most beautiful towns in Uganda. It is located very close to the slopes of the great Rwenzori Mountains. From Fort Portal town, the distance to Kibale National Park is not that far. The Park is named after Kibale forest which is known as the primate’s capital of Africa. It is home to 13 species of primates including baboons, vervet monkeys, black and White colobus monkeys and some that can only be seen at night. Once you arrive at the park, you will check in at the lodge, refresh and go for a tour of the crater region. The area has naturally beautiful scenery that cannot be compared to anywhere else in the world. You will see tea plantations, Lake Nyinambuga and other smaller lakes.

Dinner and overnight at Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse (Moderate and Basic) and Turaco Tree Tops (Luxury).

Day 4: Chimpanzee tracking – Visit the Bigodi wetlands sanctuary

You should wake up early, take breakfast and be driven to the Park office for briefing. Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park starts at 8:00am. Kibale forest was once an extension of the vast rain-forests of central Africa. It has a population of over 1500 chimpanzees. Three of the clans are habituated. Each chimpanzee troop can contain up to 100 individuals. Chimps are our closest relatives and we share about 98% of our DNA with them.  They are highly intelligent primates compared to even mountain gorillas. Unfortunately, they are more mobile and also not as organized as gorillas. Gorillas are wiser and have more stable groups. Chimpanzee clans are led by a dominant male who is responsible for protecting the group.

While tracking the chimps, expect to also see red tailed Monkeys, L’Hoests Monkeys, colobus monkeys, grey cheeked Mangabey, bush babies and pottos. Kibale forest is excellent for birding and the top species are the yellow spotted nictor, little green bul, black bee spotted eater, the crowed eagle, green breasted pitta and the rumped tinker bird. Many of the mammals from Queen Elizabeth National Park sometimes come to Kibale to find food. Chimps are very vocal and a can be got by following the direction of their loud screams, barks and hoots even before sighting an individual. Once you locate them, you can watch them feed, play, socialize and jump from tree to tree.

After being with the chimps for a while, you should then go back to your hotel for lunch and refreshment. The driver will then take you to visit the Bigodi Wetlands sanctuary in the afternoon. At the sanctuary, you will spot more primates and animals including baboons, blue monkeys, baboons, bush bucks, otters, bush pigs and mongooses among many others. The Bigodi Wetlands sanctuary is one of the best places to spot birds in Uganda. It is home to the green breasted pitta and great blue turaco.

Dinner and overnight at Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse (Moderate and Basic) and Turaco Tree Tops (Luxury)

Day 5:  Visit the foot of Mount Rwenzori – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Afternoon Game drive

Wake up early in the Morning and take your breakfast. The driver will drive you up to the foot of the Rwenzori Mountains for a walk along the slopes as you glance at the distant peaks. After hiking at the slopes of one of the most famous mountains in the world, you will continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Queen Elizabeth is the most visited national park in Uganda. It is famous for tree climbing lions, chimpanzees, impalas, forest hogs, the Uganda Kob, elephants and cape buffaloes. It is surrounded by Lake Gorge and Lake Edwards as well as other smaller crater lakes. In my opinion, Queen Elizabeth stands out mainly because of its unique scenery. The result of Volcanic movements had a profound impact on the terrain, creating stunning landscape and features like the Kyambura Gorge and volcanic calderas. Once you arrive at the park, you will be taken for the afternoon/evening game drive to see some of what the park has to offer. Expect to have encounters with Kobs, lions, elephants and buffaloes. You will be taken to the baboon cliff for amazing scenery and stunning views of the great Rwenzori Mountains.

Dinner and overnight at Mweya safari lodge (Up market), Park View Safari Lodge (Moderate) and Bush Lodge (Basic).

Day 6: Morning Game drive at Kasenyi Sector –  Afternoon boat cruise at the Kazinga Channel

You should wake up early once again and take your breakfast. After breakfast, get ready to go for the morning game drive were you will encounter several animals in the park including lions, elands, elephants, hyenas and buffaloes. You should see some nocturnal animals going back to their dens or burrows. The game drive lasts for about 3 hours and after that, you will return back to the lodge for lunch and refreshment as you prepare for the afternoon boat cruise at the famous Kazinga channel.

The boat cruise starts at 2 pm and will take you to one of the best places for viewing wildlife in Africa. If you are lucky to go at the right time of the month or when there are no afternoon rains, you will spot an amazing collection of animals. Many of the park animals gather at the channel to drink, relax and bathe. You will see buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles and countless antelopes. Birders should look out for King fishers and storks.  The Kazinga Channel has the highest concentration of hippos in the world. At one time they were so many that the entire area surrounding the channel was overgrazed. The Uganda Wildlife Authority would reduce their numbers but that was no longer necessary once Idi Amin became president. Poaching by solders became rampant. When Amin was being overthrown, the locals shot many of the hippos and pack animals for meat.

Dinner and overnight at Mweya safari lodge (Up market), Park View Safari Lodge (Moderate) and Bush lodge (Basic).

Day 7: Visit Maramagambo Forest for nature walk – Game drive through Ishasha

Wake up early, take breakfast and wait for the driver to take you to Maramagambo forest for a nature walk. Maramagambo forest is the second largest forest in the country and is home to bats, chimpanzees, birds and various species of butterfly. You will get close to a large volcanic cave which is home to thousands of bats. Huge pythons visit the caves to feast on the bats. There is a secret viewing platform where tourists safely view the bats and pythons. The nature walk will also take you to lake Kimeranjo which according to legend once swallowed an Elephant. You will also visit a large crater lake within the area. The next stop will be to drive by the Kyambura Gorge and marvel at a unique physical feature. The gorge is an underground forest hosting a single chimpanzee community. This chimp community has been left trapped for years after the forest corridor connecting them to Maramagambo and Kalinzu forest were cut off by humans. A new corridor is being created for the chimps to link them up to communities in larger forests elsewhere.

After checking out the Gorge, you will proceed to the Ishasa Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park for an afternoon game drive. This game drive is designed to allow you see the rare tree climbing lions of Ishasha. You will also encounter elephants, the Uganda Kob, buffalos, primates, birds and many other mammals.

Dinner and overnight at Mweya safari lodge (Up market), Park View Safari Lodge (Moderate) and Bush lodge (Basic).

Day 8: Morning Game Drive through Ishasha sector – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Take your breakfast and start the journey to Bwindi Impenetrable forest. Before proceeding to Bwindi, you will have a final game drive at the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Expect to encounter more of the tree climbing lions as they relax on top of large fig trees. Queen Elizabeth National Park has got a spectacular scenery and landscape. You will enjoy driving through the park and seeing natural features you probably never see in your country. After Ishasha, you will continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Arrival is in the evening. If time permits, you may go for an evening walk around the lodge or ask the Diver/Guide to take you around. The best thing would be to just relax at the lodge and enjoy the beautiful scenery as you wait for gorilla trekking the next day.

Dinner and overnight at Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (Up market), Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge (Moderate) and Rushaga Gorilla Camp (Moderate and Basic).

Day 9: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi – Visit the Batwa People

This is probably the day you have been waiting for. Wake up early and request your hotel to pack for you snacks or lunch. The Guide/Driver will pick you up and drive you to the park offices. While at the park offices, you will be briefed by the Rangers and Park Warden about what to expect. The gorilla trekking rules are important and will be one of the topics during the briefing. After the briefing, you will be assigned a habituated gorilla group based on your overall fitness. The Rangers will also offer you walking sticks to help you hike through the difficult sections of the forest. Those who wish to hire porters can do so at this point. Porters help with any heavy bags or equipment. As you enter the forest in search of the gorillas, expect to encounter other forest creatures and smaller primates. Bwindi is also home to chimpanzees, elephants, buffaloes and butterflies. Birders and those who love butterflies will be very impressed with the variety on display. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi can be very long and tough but once you encounter the great silverback, all the fatigue will be forgotten. How long is gorilla trekking? Gorilla trekking can take between 30 minutes and 6 hours depending on which gorilla group you are assigned. Once you find the gorillas, you will be allowed only one hour with them. Use the time to observe the primates and take as many photos as you can.

After seeing the gorillas, you will return back to the starting point to receive your certificate of participation. The driver will take you back to your hotel for refreshment and lunch. Later in the evening, you will be taken to visit the Batwa Pygmies.

Dinner and overnight at Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (Up market), Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge (Moderate) and Rushaga Gorilla Camp (Moderate and Basic).

Day 10: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park – Guided Nature Walk/Walking Safari – Night Game Drive.

Wake up early once again and take breakfast as you wait for your Guide to pick you up from the hotel. The Driver will then start the journey to Lake Mburo National Park. The journey will take you through remarkable scenery. South Western Uganda is referred to as “The Switzerland of Africa”. You will find out why during this Journey. The Driver/Guide will make stops at key landmarks to allow you take photos and marvel at the scenery. There will also be a stop at Igongo Cultural Centre.

Lake Mburo is the smallest national park in Uganda and covers an area of about 371 square kilometers. It is home to over 300 species of birds including Papyrus gonoleks, Brown-faced lapwings and Carruther’s cisticolas. The parks also have zebras, buffaloes, warthogs, Oribis and Kobs. Lake Mburo National Park is the best place for spotting Leopards and Zebra in Uganda. Once you arrive at the park, you will be taken for a walking safari to enjoy the beautiful nature and spot some of the park animals.

Later in the evening, you will be taken for a night game drive to see the night dwellers. This is the time to look out for night birds, Leopards and hyenas.

Dinner and Overnight at Mantana Tented Camp (Up market), Rwaboko rock (Moderate) and Rwonyo Camp (Basic).

Day 11: Morning Game drive – Afternoon Boat Cruise

Wake up early once more and take breakfast as you prepare for another eventful day. The Guide will pick you up from the lodge and take you to the park offices for registration. From there you will be taken for a game drive through the park. Lake Mburo National Park has the highest concentration of antelopes in Uganda. The absence of large number of predators has allowed them to thrive. During this game drive, you will see most of the park animals including Kobs, Zebra, warthog, eland, water bucks, oribi, klipspringer, Impala and various types of antelopes. Watch out for the bird species.

Once done with the morning game drive, you will then be taken to the lodge for lunch and other refreshments. The boat ride is arranged at Lake Mburo. Here you will have close encounters with crocodiles, hippos and several water birds. Look out for the park animals drinking along the shores of the lake.

Dinner and Overnight at Mantana Tented Camp (Up market), Rwaboko rock (Moderate) and Rwonyo Camp(Basic)

Day 12: Final Game Drive – Equator Crossing – Transfer back to Kampala.

Wake up and wait for the Driver to take you for a final game drive through the park as you begin your journey to Kampala or Entebbe. After the game drive, you will start the journey to Kampala with a stop at the Equator crossing in Kayabwe along Masaka road. The Equator crossing is visited by hundreds of thousands of both local and international tourists each year. It is the point which separates the earth’s northern from southern Hemisphere. Take enough photos while at the equator. Arrival in Kampala or Entebbe will be in the late afternoon. The Driver will drop you at any spot in Kampala or at the Airport in Entebbe if that is where you are heading to.

End of Safari

The Tour Includes;

1. Gorilla Permits
2. Chimpanzee Permits
3. Rhino tracking
4. Boat cruises
5. Game drives
6. Full board accommodation for 11 nights
7. Transport in a standard Safari van with a pop-up roof
8. Bottled drinking water and lunch while traveling out of the hotel
9. An experienced and knowledgeable English speaking Guide/Driver
10. Park entrance fees
11. Batwa cultural experience

The tour excludes;

1. Visas and Flight
2. Tips
3. Accommodation a day before the start of the tour and on the last day of the tour
4. Alcoholic drinks and laundry services
5. Activities that have not been mentioned in the itinerary.

You will need the following for a comfortable time during your safari in Uganda.

Hiking Boots: It is important to acquire good hiking boots which are waterproof and comfortable. It may rain during your safari and these can help you navigate through slippery terrain.

Long shirts and Trousers: Some of the national parks are covered with thick forest which have thorns, sharp tree branches and biting insects. A long trouser and shirt will be your protection. Tuck in your trousers in to your shoes while out in the forest.

Hand Gloves: Hand gloves may be just as important as long trousers and shorts for gorilla and chimpanzee tracking. They will help you grab tree branches, thorny vegetation and sharp rocks.

A Rain Jacket: Do not forget to pack a rain jacket especially if you are traveling during the rainy season. The rains still drop even during the dry season while visiting parks like Bwindi.

Drinking Water: Chimpanzee and Gorilla trekking may take long depending on the group you are assigned. It is therefore important to start the trek with enough water in case you get dehydrated. Water filtration tablets should be packed beforehand.

Packed Snack: If you are going out for a long activity like gorilla or chimpanzee trekking, it is important to ask your hotel to prepare for you packed snack. Snacks will give you extra energy if you get tired while looking for the gorillas.

A Camera and binocular: Any safari would be incomplete without evidence of your adventures. A good camera is important to capture all the great memories you will have so that you can show your friends when you get back home. It is important to also have a binocular in hand because not all the wildlife will be close to you. You need the binocular to spot birds, small primates and distant physical features. A lion could be making a kill but is too far away to be seen with the naked eye. With a binocular, you can see what animals are doing without having to get too close to them.

Chargers: Do not forget to move with chargers and adapters for all your gadgets.

Sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen: All three items serve one purpose – to protect you from the sun’s strong rays especially during the dry season.

Paraa Safari Lodge: Paraa Safari Lodge was built in 1954 and is operated by Marasa Africa (Part of the Madhivani group of companies). It is arguably the best Luxury lodge within the Murchison Falls National Park. The lodge has 54 rooms which overlook the River Nile. Each room is self-contained and built in a different style. Every room has a balcony, a private bathroom, warm showers and a working desk among other facilities. The hotel has a large swimming pool, a restaurant, a business center, a gift shop, a bar and conference facilities which are often used by organizations for meetings and staff retreats.

Mweya Safari Lodge: Mweya Safari Lodge is Located at the heart of the Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is also run by Marasa Africa. The lodge is surrounded by breathtaking views of the Rwenzori Mountains, the African savanna, Rift Valleys and the Kazinga Channel. Mweya Safari Lodge is arguably the most popular Luxury Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Among the facilities at the hotel include a large swimming pool which faces the great Kazinga Channel and a large dining room that serves continental dishes. The Lodge also has a bar, a business center, a gift shop, conference facilities, a business center and an information center. Special barbecues are prepared in the evenings as traditional dance performers entertain guests.

Kampala Serena hotel: Kampala Serena hotel is located at the city center and is one of the best luxury hotels in Kampala. The hotel sits on a 17-acre piece of land. Upon arriving at the hotel premises, one is immediately impressed with the well-manicured gardens, green lawns and impressive architecture.

The hotel has 188 rooms that are all built to high standards, with a mark of comfort and. 14 of the rooms offer extra luxury and space for residents who desire the ultimate comfort. Most of the glamorous weddings, conferences and workshops in the are held at the Serena hotel. It is one of the best places to meet the politicians, expatriates and businessmen. Other amenities and facilities in the hotel include a gift shop, large swimming pools, waterfalls, restaurants, bars, spa, health clubs, saunas, steam rooms and a fitness center.