We hope you enjoy your 16-day wildlife safari across Uganda! The goal of this trip is to introduce you to the natural beauty and abundant wildlife of many of Uganda's national parks.
Within the next two weeks, you'll visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and other protected areas and sanctuaries like Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, all of which are among Uganda's most famous and magnificent national parks.
During your trip, you'll go chimp trekking, gorilla tracking, go on wildlife game safaris, boat cruises along the Nile and Kazinga channel.
Gorillas, chimpanzees, lions, elephants, and rhinos are just some of the incredible animals you may view on these excursions.
There are conservation measures in place to protect these endangered species, and you'll find out about them and how they're helping local populations in this lesson.
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe Airport
You will be met by our professional guide at the Entebbe International Airport. Stay at Boma Hotel
The city of Entebbe, on the banks of Uganda's Lake Victoria, has a long and interesting history. Entebbe's significance to East African progress can be traced back to its early days as a colonial administrative centre and continues now in its function as a key air transport hub. Tourists flock to the city now to experience its rich history, stunning landscapes, and one-of-a-kind landmarks.
For those who arrive early, there will be a chance to visit the Entebbe Zoo also known as Uganda wildlife education Conservation center.
Entebbe Zoo is a popular attraction in the city of Entebbe, Uganda, known for its diverse collection of wildlife, including primates, birds, reptiles, and more. The zoo, which was established in the 1950s, is an important center for conservation and education, and provides visitors with a chance to learn about the country's diverse fauna and the efforts to protect it.
Day 2: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
The first day of your holiday begins with a journey to Lake Mburo National Park in western Uganda. The four to five-hour journey will take you through some of Uganda's most beautiful scenery. As you journey to the park, you will be able to see local villages, farmland, and the region's rolling hills.
When you arrive at the park, you will check into your hotel. We'll embark on an afternoon wildlife drive when you arrive and have some refreshments.
A game drive allows you to see a variety of creatures, including zebras, impalas, giraffes, elands, warthogs, and buffaloes. Hyenas and leopards are occasionally seen, especially after dusk.
Lake Mburo National Park is home to over 350 different bird species, making it an ideal spot for bird viewing.
At the end of the day, you will return to your hotel for supper and an overnight stay, preparing for the next day's adventure.
Day 3: Whole day in the park
Today will be spent entirely in Lake Mburo National Park. We go for a game drive in the park. Look out for mammals like Water Buck, Impala, Eland, Buffalo, Topi, Grant's Zebra, Bush Buck, Warthog, and Dwarf Mongoose.
In the afternoon, you will have a boat ride on Lake Mburo, where you will have the opportunity to witness a variety of aquatic animals, including hippos and crocodiles.
Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable national park
After breakfast, we have another game drive as we drive out of the park towards Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Once part of a much larger forest that included the Virunga Volcanoes in neighboring Rwanda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is now an ecological island within a sea of human cultivation and therefore of immense conservation importance. Buhoma lies in the valley of the Munyaga River at 5100 feet and is flanked by steep, forested hills. Excellent forest birding, not least the prospect of numerous rare and localized Albertine Rift endemics, makes this a true birding Mecca. Stay at Buhoma Haven Lodge
In the morning of Day 4, you will leave Lake Mburo National Park on another game drive as you transfer out of the park and begin your road trip to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is bordered on the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Park is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to approximately half of the world population of 600 Mountain Gorillas. This vast reserve offers arguably the most productive montane forest birding in Africa and supports 23 of Uganda’s 24 Albertine Rift endemic bird species.
During the about five-hour journey, you will travel through the breathtaking Ugandan countryside.
As we transfer to Bwindi impenetrable National park, we shall enjoy the undulating hills, farms, and towns along the way.
We'll make a brief stop at Lake Bunyonyi, which is well-known for its birds, otters, and delectable crayfish. Those who are interested can choose to go on a canoe trip on the lake, go swimming, or just unwind and take in the breathtaking view while we spend a few hours here.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, is one of the planet's oldest forests, and it is home to rare insects, reptiles, and birds that are endemic to the Albertine rift.
It is home to more than 350 distinct species of birds in addition to the critically endangered mountain gorilla, chimpanzees, elephants, and other primates.
You'll check into your hotel that evening. If we arrive early enough, we may take a leisurely stroll through the neighbourhood to the Batwa village. Visit a nearby community to learn more about the Batwa culture and the preservation efforts that keep it alive.
The Batwa are an indigenous group that lives in the forest and is well known for having a distinctive culture and way of life.
You will have the chance to see their traditional dances as well as learn about how they will demonstrate how they have always lived in the bush while adhering to old practices. You'll have a greater understanding of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest's inhabitants and environment.
You'll return to your lodge for supper and the night after your day of adventures before leaving on your next excursion.
Day 5-6: Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari
To get a briefing before going gorilla tracking, we'll leave early with a packed lunch and travel to the park headquarters. This is the most thrilling experience of a lifetime. Being able to take pictures of the gorillas as they interact is a unique experience since they are kind creatures. Staring into these gentle giants' eyes and admiring them as they play and go about their everyday lives is a lovely experience.
You must never pass up this "once in a lifetime" opportunity. Each encounter is unique and offers its own benefits; you will probably love getting a close-up look of adults eating, grooming, and relaxing while the young playfully romp and swing from vines.
The remainder of our time will be spent searching for further primates, such as the L'Hoest Monkey, Black and White Colobus, Red-tailed, and Blue monkeys. The Rwenzori Duiker, Alexander Squirrel, Caruthers Squirrel, Yellow Back Duiker, Bohm's Squirrel, and many more species of mammals are considered mammals.
Day 7: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 7: Today, you will journey for five hours to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park, which is located in western Uganda and borders the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, is known for its diverse ecosystems, including 95 animal species, the most for Uganda.
The park, which is around 1,978 square kilometres in area, is home to elephants, lions, leopards, hyenas, chimps, and over 600 different species of birds.
This journey will take around five hours and will allow you to see the beautiful Ugandan countryside. You will also drive through the Ishasha region, which is noted for its tree-climbing lions.
The reason why lions in this section of the country prefer climbing trees is yet unknown. These lions are well-known for their antics.
After settling into your hotel, you might choose to visit the Katwe salt lakes, which have been utilised for salt mining for almost 400 years. The lake is a naturally salty body of water that is one of the area's few salt suppliers. It also contributes significantly to the local economy.
The option is to go on a late afternoon game drive to visit the park and see some of the animals.
Day 8: Game Drive in the park and Launch Cruise on the Kazinga Channel.
Today you will get the chance to completely explore Queen Elizabeth National Park and everything it has to offer. There are several types of animals in the park, and we will be followed at all times by a Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger.
We may see leopards, hyenas, lions, elephants, warthogs, waterbucks, Uganda kobs, buffaloes, and a variety of bird species.
A highlight of the day will be a boat cruise on the Kazinga Canal, a natural channel that connects Lake George and Lake Edward. You will get the opportunity to see a variety of aquatic wildlife, including hippos and crocodiles, Nile monitor lizards, elephants, buffalo, and numerous bird species. The boat excursion is an excellent method to photograph the park's breathtaking scenery.
Day 9: Transfer to Kibale National Park
Today we transfer to Kibale National Park a park not far away from Fort portal city. During your about 5-hour trip to Fort portal, you will get the opportunity to witness the spectacular Ugandan countryside; on a clear day, the Rwenzori Mountains, often known as the Mountains of the Moon, may be viewed in the far west.
Kibale forest in western Uganda is renowned as the "primate capital of the world" since it is home to 13 different kinds of primates in addition to chimps. Among the many animals that may be observed in the park are Forest elephants in addition to over 300 bird species of which the Green-breasted pitta is the most iconic this being the only known place where it can be encountered
Visitors to the park may participate in chimp tracking, which allows people to watch these monkeys in their natural surroundings. Other activities include forest hiking, bird watching, and cultural tours. Kibale's rainforest is known for its great biodiversity, which includes a wide range of plants, butterflies, and moths.
Day 10: Chimp tracking at Kibale National Park
One of the main attractions of Kibale National Park is chimp tracking, which provides a unique opportunity to witness these primates in their natural surroundings. A Uganda Wildlife ranger guide will accompany you on a tracking excursion into the park's woodlands in search of chimp families.
Before the trip begins, park rangers deliver a briefing on tracking guidelines about 7 a.m. You will then begin trekking along the trail, following the chimps' tracks and noises. The hike might last anywhere from two to six hours, depending on where the chimp family is on that given day.
When you've located the chimps, you may see them from a safe distance as they feed, play, and socialise.
The park also offers a guided walk along a community conservation route where visitors may learn about the region's various conservation activities. During your journey through the adjacent communities, you will learn about the various initiatives aimed to protect the park's wildlife and habitat, as well as how residents benefit from the park's conservation efforts.
This stroll will also provide an opportunity to learn about the local culture, traditions, and way of life.
Day 11: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast, we drive northwards to Murchison Falls National Park with packed lunch. Murchison Falls Conservation area (MFNP) comprises of Bugungu and Karuma Wildlife Reserves.
The country's largest national park, covering 3893 square kilometres in northwest Uganda. It is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and varied animals the offers spectacular wildlife viewing. The park is home to a broad range of wildlife species, including the world's largest populations of Uganda kobs and Nubian giraffes. It is also home to the majority of the nation's elephants. Buffaloes, Jackson's Hartebeest (Kongoni), Bohor reedbuck, Uganda of Sudan Oribi, warthog, patas monkey, and several bird species are among the other animals.
The Murchison Falls itself, where the Nile river, the longest river in the world, squeezes down a tiny valley to create a strong and breathtaking waterfall, are one of the park's other key draws. In order to watch the Nile River rushing down the narrow valley and obtain a close-up view of the falls, park visitors can take a boat tour to the foot of the falls.
Due to the opportunity to view the stunning Ugandan countryside, the trip to the park is also a draw in and of itself. The park provides a spotless drive through the park to your lodging, where you may take in the area's breathtaking natural splendour. You will settle into your lodging and have supper after you get to the park.
Day 12: Wildlife Safari Game Drive in Murchison Falls National Park
Game Drive to the Delta
A wildlife safari game drive to the delta in Murchison Falls National Park is an exhilarating opportunity to observe a variety of creatures in their natural habitat. Some of the animals that commonly visit the delta region of the park to drink from the marshes and the river Nile are elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and Uganda kob. As a result, the delta also attracts predators that hunt on these harbivores, such as lions, leopards, and hyenas. A knowledgeable guide will accompany you on a game drive across the park's savannah grasslands and riverine woodlands in search of animals.
Game drives often begin at 6 a.m. or 3 p.m. since these are the times of day when the animals are most active. As well as lesser animals such the Uganda kob, bushbuck, waterbuck, warthogs, bohor reebuck, Patas monkey, Jackson's hartebeest, and oribi, the "big five" of Murchison Falls National Park (lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and Nubian giraffes) can also be spotted during the drive. You will receive information from the guide about the critters you come across, including specifics on their habits and behaviour.
Along with the possibility to observe animals, the game drive offers visitors the chance to take in the park's breathtaking scenery, from the savannah grasslands to the riverine forests. During the wildlife drive, visitors may learn more about the ecology and conservation efforts of the park. The acacia and savannah grasses, two of the numerous plant species that inhabit the park, may be explored by visitors to learn more about their role in the ecosystem.
Day 13: Game Drive in The Heart of Murchison
The morning will be spent exploring the area of the park famously called the heart of Murchison. This a rarely visited part of the park south of the Bank, however, it has spectacular wildlife life numbers including lion Hyena and the recently introduced Nubian Giraffe.
Later in the afternoon you will go on a boat cruise of the Nile River. This is one of the most popular activities in Murchison Falls National Park. The Nile River is home to a variety of aquatic animals, including hippos and crocodiles.
Visitors will get the chance to witness this wildlife in their natural settings while on the boat ride, as well as other species like buffalo and elephants that frequent the river for drinking and bathing.
The jetty close to the recently built bridge is usually where the boat tour begins.
You may either utilise the top deck or, if it's hot and extremely sunny, the lower deck, and the boat is pretty comfortable with all the necessary conveniences, including cold beverages.
You may witness various species along the route as the boat travels up the Nile and near the base of the falls, passing through the park's stunning scenery. Typically, the voyage lasts two to three hours.
You will get the chance to observe a variety of aquatic wildlife, such as hippos and crocodiles, as you go upstream on the Nile. In the river, hippos are very prevalent and are frequently spotted relaxing in the water or grazing on the banks. Various creatures that come to the river to drink will also be seen.
The boat's guides provide you information on the wildlife you observe, including their habits and behaviour. A variety of bird species, such as the Goliath Heron, the African Fish Eagle, African skimmers, bee-eaters breeding on the baboon cliffs, and, perhaps, the shoebill or the extremely uncommon Pel's fishing owl, can also be expected to be seen along the river.
Day 14: Transfer to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
After breakfast, we shall drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, an exciting day of rhino. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see such gorgeous animals in their natural habitat. You will also learn about the several conservation programmes that are now in place to safeguard their survival.
The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, located in Nakasongola, Uganda, was created expressly to conserve the country's endangered rhinoceros species. Since its inception in 2005, the sanctuary has given a safe refuge for Southern White Rhinoceros, and it presently houses over 35 rhinos. Plans are being developed to relocate them to one of the larger conservation zones.
It's also the only place in Uganda where people can go rhino tracking on foot, so it's a rare and exhilarating opportunity to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Guests on the safari may also witness bushbuck, warthogs, and bush pigs, all of which live at the sanctuary. Interested visitors will also learn about the park's environment and conservation efforts. Visitors will get an awareness of the significance of the sanctuary's diverse plant species, such as acacia and savannah grasses.
Day 15: End of 16 Day Uganda Safari, Transfer to Entebbe for departure
As your tour comes to a close, you will be taken to your last hotel in Entebbe before flying home, having learned a great deal about Uganda's wildlife and conservation efforts and having had a fantastic time doing so.
For those whose flights are the next day. An additional day might be spent visiting Entebbe or simply resting in your hotel's facilities.