Highlights of Uganda Safari

If you like to visit the best wildlife parks in Uganda and see lots of wildlife, especially primates, this ‘Highlights of Uganda Safari’ is perfect for you. From the famous Bwindi National Park, which is home to half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, to the chimpanzee trekking hotspots Kibale and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Not to mention the spectacular Murchison Falls which you can admire during a boat cruise on the mighty Nile River. This Uganda Safari is a beautiful mix of wildlife, nature and cultural activities.

Day 1: Arrival

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport (close to Kampala) you will be welcomed by one of our experienced driver-guides who will take you to your accommodation. Overnight at Carpe Diem in Entebbe, just a 10 minutes’ drive from the airport, where you can enjoy beautiful views of Lake Victoria.

Day 2: Murchison Falls National Park

Today your safari adventure starts. After breakfast we drive in about 7 hours to Murchison Falls National Park .There will be a lunch stop en-route. In the afternoon you can see a wonderful spectacle of nature on top of the Murchison Falls. This is where the Nile River channels through a gap, millions cube of water dropping down 43 meters, foaming white water and a thunderous noise. The view from the top of the falls is truly wonderful. Dinner and overnight will be at Kabalega Wilderness Lodge, located at the banks of the River Nile where you can hear the hippos grunt at night.

Day 3: Murchison Falls National Park

Depart after an early breakfast for a game drive at Murchison Falls National Park. Lions, leopards, elephants and buffaloes are present in this park, as well as giraffes, Patas monkeys, chimps and many birds. After lunch you will go on a boat Nile cruise to the bottom of the falls. Here you can see elephants and buffaloes drinking at the banks, hippos grunting in the shallows and lurking crocodiles. Overnight is at Kabalega Wilderness Lodge which offers a nice mix of African and modern design. Read more about Murchison Falls National Park.

Day 4: Kibale National Park

Early in the morning we drive in 9 hours to Kibale in the Toro Kingdom, one of the five traditional kingdoms located in Uganda. If you like, we can stop in Hoima town to visit Hoima Cultural Village and the local market. Dinner and overnight will be at Chimpanzee Guest House, located within tea fields in the tropical forest of Kibale National Park. This lovely accommodation has a beautiful garden for birding and serves delicious meals. Read more about Kibale National Park.

Day 5: Kibale National Park

Today we rise up early and you have the chance to meet chimpanzees up close and personal on a chimp trekking in Kibale National Park. Aboven all, this park has the highest concentration of primates in Africa. Be aware that chimps are quick and can climb high up in the trees, so it takes time and patience to spot them. After lunch and some rest we go for a walk in Bigodi Wetland. Here you can spot other primates such as the Red-tailed monkey, the acrobatic Black and White Colobus, Red Colobus and Grey-cheeked Mangabey. In the afternoon we drive in 1 hour to Fort Portal.  Dinner and overnight will be at The Dutchess which offers great views of the Rwenzori Mountains and delicious food.

Day 6: Rwenzori Mountains

This day will be full of culture and a scenic hike. After breakfast we drive along the lower ranges of the remote Rwenzori Mountains, Africa’s third-highest mountain (5109 m). Enjoy a scenic hike and cultural activities such as a village walk on a bike and learn more about the culture and Toro Kingdom. Head back to you accommodation in the afternoon for a hot shower, tasteful dinner and good night sleep at The Dutchess.

Day 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park

After a very scenic 3 hours’ drive in the morning you can discover today the beauty of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The diversity and abundance of wildlife in this park is one of the best in Uganda. The main attractions are the chimpanzees, tree-climbing lions and beautiful volcanic landscape. Dinner and overnight will be at Enganzi Lodge, located on the edge of the park.

Day 8: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Set off on a game drive in the early morning. In the north of the park are lions, leopards, elephants, hyenas and hippos among the highlights. While the east is the place to go for chimpanzee trekking and the tree-climbing lions can be found in the remote south of the park. After lunch at the lodge we go on a spectacular 2-hour boat trip on the Kazinga Channel to see  hundreds of hippos, crocodiles and elephants. Dinner and overnight will be at Enganzi Lodge where you can enjoy great views over the savannah.

Day 9: Bwindi National Park

Today we drive after breakfast to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. A beautiful green forest that lies on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, close to the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo. During this 6 hours’ drive you will have spectacular views of the hills in the southwestern region of Uganda. En route we will stop at a cultural village, where you can stretch your legs and buy some souvenirs if you so wish. Overnight will be at Rushaga Gorilla camp, which is only a 3 minute drive to the gorilla tracking entrance gate the next morning.

Day 10: Bwindi National Park

Experience today one of the most thrilling wildlife experiences Africa offers: gorilla trekking. Bwindi is home to 39 gorilla families who roam in the wild jungle, which is half of the world’s population. The humidity and steep slopes in the rainforest can be a challenge, so it’s important you are fit and wear comfortable walking shoes. It’s certainly worthwhile since nothing beats the sight of an impressive mountain gorilla. Bwindi is also a hotspot for butterflies, birds and other primates like the golden monkey, black-and-white colobus monkeys, chimpanzees and L’Hoest’s monkeys. In the afternoon we return to Rushaga Gorilla Camp where you can have dinner and enjoy the great mountain views.

Day 11: Bwindi National Park

In the morning we set out on a nature walk in the rainforest of Bwindi. This is among the most diverse forests in East Africa due to the range of altitude and habitats. The deep river gorges, swamps, low hills and high-forested ridges are home to a fabulous variety of flora and fauna. After lunch we will go on a village walk where you learn about the daily way of life of the local people. Relax at Rushaga Gorilla Camp in the late afternoon and evening.

Day 12: Mburo National Park

After breakfast we drive to the smallest park of Uganda, Lake Mburo National Park, where we arrive late afternoon. Overnight at the eco-friendly lodge Rwakobo Rock on the edge on the park, only 1 km from the gate. Therefore you can enjoy the sights of zebras, warthogs and impala’s at the waterhole beneath the dining area.

Day 13: Mburo National Park

On this last day of your Uganda Safari we visit Lake Mburo National Park for a game drive. Spot hippos, buffaloes, zebras, eland, hyena, jackal, 320 bird species and so much more. Although small, Mburo is an attractive park with rolling hills and a lake dotted with papyrus. The day ends with a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Mburo, where you have the chance to see hippos, buffaloes, otters, crocodiles and eagles. Return to Rwakobo Rock in the afternoon to enjoy the awesome view of the savannah from the swimming pool before dinner and a good night sleep.

Day 14: Entebbe (close to Kampala)

After breakfast, we drive in about 4 hours to Entebbe, located on the shores of Lake Victoria. We will stop for a lunch break on the way, arriving at Carpe Diem Guesthouse in the afternoon. So, relax and enjoy dinner in the garden while you watch the beautiful sunset over the lake.

Day 15: Departure

Relax and spend the day at leisure before you will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight (15 minutes’ drive).