2 People | Leaves: Any Day
Destination: Murchison Falls NP, Kibale Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Ssese Islands
Activities: Boat Rides, Game Drives, Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzee Tracking, Beach Holiday
13-Day Uganda Holiday Safari Adventure: A Journey of Wildlife Encounters and Gorilla Trekking Bliss.
Overview:
Uganda, famously described as the “Pearl of Africa” by former British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill, is a microcosm of the continent’s finest offerings. The 13-day Uganda holiday Safari takes you to some of Africa’s most iconic natural wonders.
Explore the home of the world’s longest river, the Nile, and marvel at the tallest mountain range in Africa, the glacier-capped Rwenzori Mountains. Visit Lake Victoria, the second-largest freshwater lake in the world and the largest in Africa. Uganda boasts the highest concentration of primates globally, including 45% of the remaining mountain gorillas in the Bwindi and Mgahinga natural forests. Encounter tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector’s queen Elizabeth national park and chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park. Bird enthusiasts will delight in the diverse avian life along the Kazinga Channel and other regions.
Uganda holiday Safari also takes to a free-flowing waters and thick dense vegetation of the Mabira Forest, where towering tropical trees create a captivating natural environment. Enjoy the pure tropical climate that makes Uganda a unique and unforgettable destination.
Uganda is the only tourist destination that combines a traditional safari holiday featuring the Big Five with mountain gorilla trekking safari activities, setting it apart from neighboring countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and Sudan.
Tour Highlights of Uganda Holiday Safari
- Big five game safari route to Murchison Falls
- Savannah Game Drives
- River Boat Ride Safaris
- Chimpanzee Tracking Safaris
- Gorilla Trekking Adventure
- Holiday relaxation at Entebbe Resort beach
Itinerary
- Day 1: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
- Day 2: Murchison Falls Game drive and Launch cruise
- Day 3: Transfer to Kibale National park – Fort portal
- Day 4: Queen Elizabeth National park Uganda
- Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National park Game drive and launch cruise
- Day 6: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
- Day 8: Kisoro Town
- Day 9: Gorillas and Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga Forest
- Day 10: Drive to lake Mburo national Park
- Day 11: Wild game safari and boat ride Lake Mburo National
- Day 12: Transfer to Entebbe and Mamamba Swamp for shoe bill
- Day 13: Morning Breakfast and Entebbe Airport for Departure
Detailed Safari Itinerary of Uganda Holiday safari:
DAY 1:Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park to Embark on Uganda Safaris with Wildlife and Primates Tour.
After an early breakfast, your Uganda Safari Holiday begins with a briefing from your guide. You’ll then transfer to Murchison Falls National Park via Masindi town.
Murchison Falls National Park, named after the spectacular Murchison Falls, is where the world’s longest river, the Nile, forcefully passes through a narrow crevice in the Rift Valley escarpment, creating a dramatic 43-meter waterfall that plunges into a foaming pool below.
On your way to Murchison Falls National Park, you will visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. This 70-square-kilometer sanctuary in pristine bush country was established to reintroduce rhinoceroses to Uganda, where they had become extinct in 1982. The goal is to build a sustainable rhino population and eventually relocate them to their original habitats within Uganda’s protected areas.
In the lush borassus grassland north of the Nile, you can expect encounters with various wildlife during game drives. Populations of elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and various antelope species have largely recovered from the poaching of the 1980s.
After exploring the park, you’ll visit the top of the falls. Here, you’ll witness the Nile’s beauty as it cascades down a 45-meter plunge, creating a mesmerizing waterfall and forming a rainbow. This offers a fantastic opportunity for photography and enjoying the natural spectacle. Later, you will retire for dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge
Accommodation:
Budget- Reds Chillis Banda/Budongo eco lodge
Moderate -Sambiya River lodge/Kabalega wildness/Murchison River Lodge
Up Market – Paraa Safari Lodge or Nile Safari Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge.
Day 2: Game drive and Launch cruise in Murchison falls National Park.
Morning Game Drive, Start your day with a cup of coffee and embark on a morning game drive. Encounter a variety of wildlife, including giraffes, lions, elephants, baboons, and various antelope species. Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park provide a unique opportunity to observe animals in their natural habitat. Mid-Morning Breakfast, After the game drive, return to the lodge for a mid-morning breakfast. This break allows you to relax and refresh before the afternoon activities.
Afternoon Boat Cruise on the Victoria Nile, In the afternoon, after lunch, head out for a boat cruise on the Victoria Nile. Cruise upstream towards the base of the Murchison Falls, providing an opportunity to spot hippos, crocodiles, waterbucks, and a diverse array of bird species. The scenic beauty along the Nile and the chance to see wildlife along the riverbanks make this a memorable experience. Devil’s Cauldron and Murchison Falls, Reach the “Devil’s Cauldron,” a vantage point that offers a clear view of the majestic Murchison Falls. Take in the breathtaking sight as the Nile forcefully plunges through the narrow gorge, creating a dramatic and powerful display. Return for dinner and over night.
Accommodation:
Budget- Reds Chillis Banda/Budongo eco lodge
Moderate -Sambiya River lodge/Kabalega wildness/Murchison River Lodge
Up Market – Paraa Safari Lodge or Nile Safari Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge.
Day 3: Kibale National Park Uganda for chimpanzee Tracking ( 7-8 hours)
After breakfast, check out of your accommodation in Murchison Falls National Park, Bid farewell to the park and its breathtaking landscapes. Begin your journey towards Kibale Forest National Park, and enjoy the picturesque scenery along the way. The route takes you through the verdant countryside of the Albertine Escarpment, offering beautiful views and a chance to appreciate Uganda’s natural beauty. During the drive, you’ll pass through the villages of Kagadi and Hoima, adding a cultural dimension to your journey. Take in the local sights and immerse yourself in the rural atmosphere. Lunch En Route Stop for lunch en route to Kibale Forest National Park. This break provides an opportunity to enjoy local cuisine and rest before continuing your journey.
Bigodi Swamp Walk in the Evening, After reaching Kibale Forest National Park and checking into your lodge, you’ll have some time to relax. In the evening, embark on a Bigodi Swamp walk. The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity, including a variety of bird species, primates, and other wildlife. The guided walk allows you to explore the swamp and its natural wonders. Return to the lodge after the Bigodi Swamp walk. Enjoy dinner and settle in for an overnight stay, surrounded by the sounds of the forest.
Accommodation:
Budget – Rwetera Service park/ Kibale River Lodge/Chimpanzee forest guest house.
Moderate – Isunga safari lodge, Kibale Forest Camp/Kibale Forest Cottages
Luxury – Kyaninga Lodge or Ndali Lodge / primate lodge kibale/ Kibale safari lodge/Craters Lodge.
Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National park for wildlife safari.
Early morning breakfast and then track the Kibale Forest to search for Man’s closet cousins the Chimpanzees.(persons must be of a minimum age of 15 years).
The forest is also home to other primates like grey cheeked mangabeys, baboons and vervet monkeys. In the after noon, you will transfer to Queen Elizabeth National park, You will visit the crater lakes region and then transfer for dinner and over night at
Accommodation:
Budget – Albertine Camp/Mweya Hostels/Kazinga channel Lodge.
Moderate – Hippo Hill Camp/Simba Safari camp/Engiri Lodge
Luxury – Mweya Safari lodge/Jacana safari lodge/Katara Lodge/Elephant Plains lodge.
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth national Park for wildlife Game drive and launch cruise at Kazinga Channel.
Wake up early in the mornings and take cup of tea or coffee. Go for a game drive along Kasenyi track to see the herds of Buffalo, Elephant, Warthog and Lion. Return to the lodge for mid morning break fast. After lunch, a two-hour launch cruise along the Kazinga channel proffers visitors a unique opportunity to encounter at close quarters hippo and a variety of bird species common to the park. The prolific bird life is colorful and astonishing with well over 550 resident species. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Accommodation:
Budget – Albertine Camp/Mweya Hostels/Kazinga channel Lodge.
Moderate – Hippo Hill Camp/Simba Safari camp/Engiri Lodge
Luxury – Mweya Safari lodge/Jacana safari lodge/Katara Lodge/Elephant Plains lodge
DAY 6: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forests for mountain Gorilla Trekking.
After breakfast drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park through picturesque panorama where the over riding topography is of terraced farmland and deep valleys, Ishasha sector for the tree climbing lions, Lunch enroute, dinner and overnight at:
Accommodation:
Budget – Gorilla Valley Lodge/Ruhondeza Lodge/Ride for the woman.
Moderate – Engagi Lodge/Silver Back Lodge/Lake Kitandara tented camp
Luxury –Buhoma Lodge/Mahogany Springs Lodge/Trekkers Lodge
DAY 7: Mountain Gorilla Trekking Bwindi in Impenetrable Forest National Park.
At the Buhoma Headquarters of the Uganda Wildlife Authority a ranger guide will brief you about Gorilla trekking protocol. You should carry a packed lunch and water for this activity. The time taken to track gorillas is erratic for it can take 2- 8 hours. This is the one of the unique tour activities that Uganda has. And encounter of these gorillas, one may be forced to say; it is a worthwhile, you will return to park Headquarters for ward of certificates( Confirmation document for participation in the gorilla safari) and pygmy (Batwa) visit or simply relax at the hotel.
Accommodation:
Budget – Gorilla Valley Lodge/Ruhondeza Lodge/Ride for the woman.
Moderate – Engagi Lodge/Silver Back Lodge/Lake Kitandara tented camp
Luxury –Buhoma Lodge/Mahogany Springs Lodge/Trekkers Lodge
Day 8: Golden Monkeys Tracking in Mgahinga National Park.
After early morning breakfast, drive to Mgahinga National Park for briefing with the tour guides and then go for golden monkey tracking have your parked lunch en-route the trek. This golden monkeys walk will expose you to other attractions in the park before returning back to your hotel for overnight
Accommodation:
Budget – Nkuringo safari Centre
Moderate – Travelers Rest Kisoro / Nkuringo Safari Lodge/lake Mutanda
Up Market – Clouds Lodge/Chameleons lodge
Day 9: Kisoro Town/Mount Sabinyo Climb
After breakfast depart for caldera climb or kisoro, stopping at the Kanaba gap to view the Virunga volcanoes and terraced hills, visit Lake Mutanda and take a wake at its shores. Stay in Kisoro for a night and relax your tiered legs.
Day 10: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park for Wildlife and boat cruise.
Start your journey early in the morning with a quick breakfast before a 4-hour drive to Lake Mburo National Park in Mbarara, once the capital of the Ankole kingdom for over 400 years until 1962. This region was historically known for its fiercely independent tribal states. The Bahima people, part of the Bantu-speaking Ankole, are famous for their bond with the unique long-horned Ankole cattle, which respond to individual names called by their herders. Continue to Lake Mburo National Park, known for its antelope herds and as one of only two parks in Uganda where you can find Burchell’s zebra. It is also ideal for spotting acacia-associated birds.
Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)
Budget- Rwonyo Bandas/lake mburo lodge
Moderate- Arcadia Lake Mburo Camp/Rwakob safari lodge
Up-market: Mihingo Lodge / Mantana Tented Camp/ Archadia Cottages
Day 11: Safari in Lake Mburo National Park for zebras, Eland, Hippos, Buffalo, Topi, birds,
Start your day early with breakfast before a short drive to Rwonyo Park Headquarters, where you might spot hyenas returning to their dens, hippos heading back to the water, and see buffalo, zebra, impala, and topi. With some luck, you might even glimpse the elusive sitatunga antelope in the papyrus swamps. Return to the lodge for a late breakfast overlooking the waterhole. Relax by the pool, at the bar, or in your room before lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive to Kazuma Lookout Point for breathtaking views of nine lakes and wildlife sightings. The short, steep walk to the lookout is rewarding and a must-do.
Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)
Budget- Rwonyo Bandas/lake mburo lodge
Moderate- Arcadia Lake Mburo Camp/Rwakob safari lodge
Up-market: Mihingo Lodge / Mantana Tented Camp/ Archadia Cottages
Day 12: Depart from Lake Mburo National Park Safari, Drive to Entebbe for Shoebill.
Heading east from Lake Mburo and departing for Kampala offers a scenic drive through magnificent hilly country and lush cultivation. The approximately four-hour journey promises picturesque views and diverse landscapes.
Stopping at the Equator for photographs and the ‘polar-water experiment’ is a classic and fun activity, allowing you to straddle the northern and southern hemispheres. It’s a great opportunity for memorable photos and a unique experience.
Visiting Mpabire Village, known for making local drums, adds a cultural touch to your itinerary. Exploring gardens, crafts shops, and fruit markets in the local community provides insight into the daily life and traditions of the area.
The evening plan to visit Mabamba Swamp for shoebill storks is exciting, offering a chance to see these fascinating birds in their natural habitat. Birdwatching in a swamp setting can be a unique and serene experience.
Accommodation options:
Up-market: Imperial Heights/ Imperial resort Beach hotel/
Moderate: 2friends beach Hotel/Botanical Beach Hotel
Low Budget: Entebbe inn/etc
Day 13: Relax at the Entebbe Beach and Transfer to Entebbe
In the morning and after we start arranging for our checkout, if the flight is at late night we relax at the beach, Have lunch and then later you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home to
End our 13 days Uganda safari holiday.
Please note that we also provide tailor made safaris and tours or expeditions to Africa involving cruises, visiting primates, sightseeing tours, adventure trails , mount trekking and trips to various safari journeys in Africa.
Included
- Airport/Hotel Transfers
- Park Entrance Fees
- Gorilla Permit per person @$800USD
- Chimp Permit per person @$250 Usd
- Meals as per Itinerary
- 4×4 Safari Transportation to/from airport
- English Speaking Tour Guide/Driver
Not Included
- Tourist Entry Visa
- International Flight Tickets
- Travel Insurance
- Items of Personal Nature
- Tips and Gratuities
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