Main Info
This 8 days Uganda Gorillas and Wildlife Safari is an adventurous long safari to two of the most popular Savannah National Parks in the country- Murchison falls National Park in North-western Uganda as well as Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda in addition to the Tropical rain forests of Kibale Forest National Park for chimp trekking and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a life-changing gorilla trekking experience. In just 8 days you will discover more than half of Uganda’s most interesting wildlife species and tourist activities. All the selected Parks boast of breathtaking landscapes, natural attractions and your visit will make you appreciate Mother Nature and agree that Uganda is indeed a “Pearl of Africa”.
Highlights of the 8 days Uganda Gorillas and Wildlife Safari
- Mountain gorilla trekking.
- Chimpanzee tracking.
- Game drives.
- Boat cruises to the bottom of the Murchison falls as well as on Kazinga Channel.
- Countryside road trip by a private 4WD Safari vehicle.
- Cultural tours.
- Experiential tourism.
Brief itinerary
Day 1: Drive from Kampala to Murchison falls National Park.
Day 2: Morning game drive and Launch cruise to the bottom of the falls.
Day 3: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park.
Day 4: Chimpanzee tracking and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Day 5: Experiential tourism and Launch cruise on Kazinga Channel.
Day 6: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Day 7: Mountain gorilla trekking and cultural tour.
Day 8: Departure.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Drive from Kampala to Murchison falls National Park
Have breakfast and leave Kampala City for Murchison falls National Park, in the north-western corner of Uganda through the Kampala-Luwero-Nakasongola-Gulu Highway. Your 7-8 hours’ countryside road trip will not be a straight drive but rather a journey of excitement with stopovers, moment of photography and scenic viewing. After 3 hours of driving, you will be ushered into Nakasongola District, home to the spectacular Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary-only haven to Uganda’s Rhino population in the wild. Get a chance to track Rhinos thus increasing your chances of encountering big five animals. Continue with the journey and have Lunch at Kabalega Diners before driving straight to the Park where you will head for the hike to the top of the falls on arrival.
Overnight stay:
- Budget: Red Chilli Camp.
- Midrange: Nile Safari Camp or Heritage Safari Lodge.
- Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge or Chobe Safari Lodge.
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner.
Travel time: 7-8 hours.
Day 2: Morning game drive and Launch cruise to the bottom of the falls
Wake up before sunrise for quick breakfast and game drive through some of the Park’s game-rich places where lions and leopards can be seen hunting, in addition to the buffaloes, Rothschild giraffes, Defassa waterbucks, Klipspringer, Jacksons Hartebeests, Oribis, Topis, Uganda Kobs and common elands freely roaming across the vast savannah plains. Return to the Lodge after 3-4 hours of the drive for a snack, rest and have Lunch.
In the afternoon prepare for another moment of wildlife discover through the Launch cruise to the bottom of the Murchison falls. This Park is so far the best place for a boat cruise because besides the animals-Hippos, Nile crocodiles and antelopes along the Banks or plethora of bird species, the spectacular views of the Murchison falls-World’s most powerful waterfalls will make you fall in Love with Uganda. Retire to the Lodge for dinner and overnight.
Overnight stay:
- Budget: Red Chilli Camp.
- Midrange: Nile Safari Camp or Heritage Safari Lodge.
- Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge or Chobe Safari Lodge.
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner.
Day 3: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
On this day you will be transferring to the pristine Kibale Forest. Visitors that have driven through the famous Murchison falls Park-Kibale Forest National Park route will concur that it is always a journey of a lifetime with awe-inspiring views of the countryside and snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains. Lunch is en-route (Hoima Town) and arrival and check-in at a Lodge is in the evening.
Overnight stay:
- Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse.
- Midrange: Kibale Forest Camp
- Luxury: Crater Safari Lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Travel time: 6-7 hours.
Day 4: Chimpanzee tracking and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park involves waking up early and getting into the jungles to catch up with the gentle giants going around with their daily activities. Have breakfast and continue to Kanyanchu Visitor Center for briefing and this is followed by venturing into the forest in search for the Chimpanzees which will also offer chances of encountering other mammals, bird species, reptiles and Amphibians that call the forest home. Spend one hour with the chimpanzee community and return to the Lodge for Lunch and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Overnight stay:
- Budget: Simba Safari Camp.
- Midrange: Enganzi Game Lodge.
- Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 5: Experiential tourism and Launch cruise on Kazinga Channel
Unlike other safari packages that emphasize game drives and bush walks, our 8 days Uganda Safari introduces visitors to wildlife research through “Experiential Tourism”. You will get a chance to participate in lion tracking, Hippo Census or Mongoose tracking and return to the Lodge for Lunch.
In the afternoon you will be rewarded with the views of aquatic animals such as Nile crocodiles and plethora of wetland and water birds-Shoebill storks, grey-crowned cranes, African fish eagles, Cormorants and Pelicans, in addition to the mind-boggling views of Lakes Edward and George through the boat cruise. Return to the Lodge for dinner and overnight.
Overnight stay:
- Budget: Simba Safari Camp.
- Midrange: Enganzi Game Lodge.
- Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge.
Meal Plan: Full board.
Day 6: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Enjoy breakfast and drive towards southern Queen Elizabeth National Park, where Ishasha sector-home to the tree climbing lions is found. You will be encountering some wildlife species previously not seen and on reaching Ishasha sector, you will marvel at the interesting sight of lions resting on fig trees. Have Lunch en-route and arrive Bwindi in the late afternoon.
Overnight stay:
- Luxury: Mahogany Springs Camp or Buhoma Lodge.
- Midrange: Engagi Lodge.
- Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 7: Mountain gorilla trekking and cultural tour
After preparing your documents (gorilla permit) and other trekking necessities, head for breakfast at the Lodge restaurant or dining area, then to the Park Headquarters for briefing. This 30-45 minutes’ briefing will be focused on expectations of the trek as well as dos and don’ts of the trek, then proceed to the trailhead in search for the mountain gorilla. Trek for 1-4 hours while appreciating the beauty of Bwindi National Park and once the gorillas are found, you will have the best one hour of your life with them. Return to the Lodge for Lunch and later relaxation or evening cultural tour.
Overnight stay:
- Luxury: Mahogany Springs Camp or Buhoma Lodge.
- Midrange: Engagi Lodge.
- Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp.
Meal Plan: Full board.
Day 8: Departure
On this day you will be leaving Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for Kampala but first have breakfast. Have Lunch on the way and arrive the City in the evening for either departure flight or transfer to a Hotel.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch.
End of the 8 days Uganda Gorillas and Wildlife Safari
Inclusions;
- Bottled water.
- Gorilla permit.
- Chimpanzee trekking permit.
- Park entrance fees.
- Full-time English speaking guide.
- 7 nights’ accommodation in Bwindi Impenetrable, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison falls and Kibale Forest National Parks.
- Cultural tour.
- Experiential tourism fees.
- Launch cruises.
- Game drives.
- Relevant Government taxes.
- Airport transfers as long as it is within the safari.
- Meals per the itinerary.
Exclusions;
- Ugandan visa.
- Gratuities/or tips.
- Meal drinks unless stipulated in the hotel description.
- Telephone expenses.
- Laundry fees.
- Hotel fees-on the eve of the safari and the last day of the 8 days Uganda Gorillas and Wildlife Safari.
