Countries: Uganda
Destinations: Entebbe , Murchison Falls National Park , Kibale National Park , Queen Elizabeth National Park , Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Group Size: 2
Duration (days): 12
Number of Adults: 2
Number of Children: 0
A twelve-day safari from Entebbe, visiting the Mountain Gorillas in Uganda (Bwindi Impenetrable Forest), plus Chimpanzee trekking in the forests of Budongo, Kibale and/or Kyambura Gorge, game viewing in the Queen Elizabeth National Park, and visiting the famous Murchison Falls National Park on the Nile River.
Itinerary Outline
Uganda - The "Pearl of Africa." Uganda offers a vastly different experience from the standard safari itinerary, with lush jungles, volcanic mountains, plenty of primates, and the Nile River all creating a fabulous adventure.
Uganda has earned the well-deserved reputation of being the friendliest country in Africa, and you will be delighted by the local hospitality. While having quite a turbulent history, the people of Uganda have remained warm and welcoming.
With wonderful birdlife, a vast array of plains game, and the most extensive species list of primates, a wildlife safari in Uganda offers something special.
As asked on Uganda's Tourism website, "where else but in this uniquely lush destination can one observe lions prowling the open plains in the morning and track chimpanzees through the rainforest undergrowth the same afternoon, then the next day navigate tropical channels teeming with hippos and crocodiles before setting off into the misty mountains to enjoy viewing the unique mountain gorillas?"
Nestled in the leafy suburbs of Entebbe, Hotel No.5 is a stylish boutique hotel.
From the moment you arrive, you are warmly welcomed and cared for. With all luxurious rooms opening onto the garden and swimming pool, this is a great option for guests looking for an intimate stay in a tranquil setting.
For one of the most flavoursome dining experiences in Entebbe, carefully planned menus are paired to an international wine list, and served with pride.
Attention to detail and an attentive guest experience are synonymous with Hotel No 5, making it the perfect choice for a restful stay in this bustling city.
Make yourself at home – unwind beside the swimming pool, pamper yourself with a spa treatment, or work up a sweat in the hotel gym.
Day 2 : Murchison Falls National Park
Drive to the Murchison Falls National Park. Optional Rhino Sanctuary visit en route. Overnight at Paraa Lodge.
Described by Winston Churchill in 1907 as "Kew Gardens and the zoo combined on an unlimited scale" the Murchison Falls National Park lies at the northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley, where the bulky Bunyoro escarpment merges into the vast plains of Acholi land.
The park is bisected by the Victoria Nile which first races down 80km of white-water rapids before plunging 40m over the remnant rift valley wall at Murchison Falls, the centre piece of the park. The Falls drains the last of the river's energy, transforming it into a broad, placid stream that flows quietly across the rift valley floor for 55km to Lake Albert.
Established in 1954, Paraa Safari Lodge is in Murchison Falls National Park. The lodge is located in the north west of Uganda over looking one of natures best kept secrets, the River Nile, on its journey from its source at Lake Victoria to join Lake Albert – here it is suddenly channeled into a gorge only six meters wide, and cascades 43 meters below.
The earth literally trembles at Murchison Falls - one of the worlds most powerful flows of natural water. Paraa Safari Lodge offers a unique blend of comfort, relaxation and adventure. Each of the rooms is a haven of style and serenity, complete with balcony and private bathroom.
Day 3 - 4 : Murchison Falls National Park
For the next two days enjoy game drives & boat cruises in the Murchison Falls National Park. Two cruises are included on this itinerary – one to the foot of the Falls, and the second to the Delta for birding/game viewing. Visit the Top of the Falls on foot, or explore the southern region of park, Budongo Forest. There is also an optional visit to Kaniyo Pabidi Ecotourist site.
Day 5 : Kibale National Park
Today you will travel to Kibale.This is a a 5 hour drive. Spend the next two nights at Kibale Primate Lodge.
With it southern edge joining Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale National Park helps make up a 180 km long corridor for Africa's wildlife, and is home to some wonderful creatures, as well as an astonishing 13 species of primates.
As one of the most beautiful tropical forests in Uganda, Kibale Forest provides a beautiful location for chimpanzee trekking, and is one of Uganda's most delightful parks.
Experience the world renowned Ugandan hospitality amidst unrivaled nature, scenery and serenity in the heart of Kibale rainforest National Park, Uganda’s primates’ paradise and home to over 13 different species of primates and numerous other mammals, butterflies and birds. Primate Lodge Kibale’s principal edge is our location, tucked deep in the forest and right next door to the starting point for Chimpanzee tracking excursion as well as the incredible Chimpanzee Habituation, really, two of the most genuinely breath-taking wildlife experiences on the planet.
All of our nine spacious and en-suite Luxury Cottages, each secluded deep in the forest for maximum privacy and a natural ‘living in nature’ feel, come complete with 2x Double size Bed or 1x King Size Bed, a sitting area with two comfortable arm chairs, a reading table and an adjoining large veranda with excellent views to the forest. The seven mid-level Forest Cottages are private and en-suite with spacious bathrooms, 2x Twin size Beds or 1x King Size Bed as well as a spacious veranda over-looking the rain-forest with lounge chairs. The popular double storied ‘Elephant Banda’ has an upstairs bedroom fitted with a giant King size Bed and a downstairs living room where we can also place a smaller extra bed. As a double occupancy, it is very popular with honeymooners, anniversaries and the ‘hopeless romantics’ who can also enjoy private lounging and dining at the extensive upstairs veranda that seems to go right into the forest.
Other lodge amenities include a spacious dining terrace, a well-stocked bar, complimentary room service, a secluded lounge area with a small library, an evening camp fire, laundry service (at a small fee) as well as free WiFi in the public areas.
Day 6 : Kibale National Park
This morning you'll go looking for Chimpanzees in the Kibale Forest Lodge. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 7 : Queen Elizabeth National Park
Today you will take the 4 hour drive to Queen Elizabeth National park. Enjoy a game drive in the northern Mweya/Crater lakes area before continuing south, to overnight at Ishasha Wilderness Camp.
Stretching from the crater-dotted foothills of the Rwenzori ranges in the north, along the shores of Lake Edward to the remote Ishasha River in the South, Queen Elizabeth National Park incorporates a wide of variety of habitats that range from savanna and wetlands to lowland forest.
Besides fantastic wildlife sightings, the park is also famous for its volcanic features, comprising volcanic cones and deep craters.
Combining with Kibale National Park in the north, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in the south to form one of the most remarkable safari regions in Africa.
Ishasha Wilderness Camp is situated within the Southern Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park on the Ntungwe river, an idyllic retreat for people who truly enjoy the wild. This exclusive camp blends the magic of a wilderness tented camp with superb service in this unspoilt and remote region of the National Park. The Ishasha savannahs are famous for its population of tree climbing lions that can sometimes be spotted resting in the branches of the large fig trees. Being within the park the wildlife is free to also pass through the camp and elephants can be seen bathing in the river, buffalo enjoy grazing and resident troops of Black-and-White Colobus and vervet monkeys are frequently viewed.
Day 8 : Queen Elizabeth National Park
Today you'll enjoy a morning and afternoon game drive in the national park.
Day 9 : Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
After a morning game drive you'll take the 2,5 hour drive to Bwindi.
Located in the south-western corner of Uganda, in the Virunga Mountains along the border with the DRC, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a thick, lush, green jungle, housing heaps of wildlife and half of the world's remaining mountain gorilla population.
This pocket of huge primeval forest is one of the most biologically diverse areas on earth. It has
an eco-system that defines the very essence of the continent and has therefore been designated as a World Heritage Site.
Buhoma Lodge, an intimate and charming property that commands spectacular and uninterrupted views of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, home to the rare and elusive Mountain Gorilla. One of only two lodges situated within the National Park, within a short walking distance from the meeting point for gorilla tracking and other activities in the Buhoma area. An elevated central area, complete with lounge, bar and dining area, offers a cosy, comfortable environment to discuss the day’s activities around the fireplaces which add atmosphere and warmth in the cool evenings.
Day 10 : Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Gorilla Trekking - Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Coming face to face with mountain gorillas is a rare and exhilarating wildlife encounter that is hard to capture in words. Experienced guides and trackers will accompany your party on an early morning trek into the dense rain forest on the steep mountain slopes.
Please note that gorilla trekking can be strenuous, with treks ranging from 45 mins up to eight hours, at high altitudes in often hot conditions. We do recommend hiring a local porter to assist you on your trek. Although mountain gorillas are wild animals and sightings cannot be guaranteed, viewing success rates are over 95%.
Once you have located your gorilla family, spend an hour quietly observing them. The time passes so quickly; be sure to enjoy this experience fully and not just through your camera lens.
On our scheduled departures, we typically buy permits for Buhoma & Ruhija, which are accessible from Buhoma area. One of the Buhoma families, and the Ruhija families, require a road transfer to the start point. This does not deviate from the enjoyment of the trek (and could be considered as enhancing your trip as you are seeing a different part of the region). Your permit may be organised for day 3 or 4 - depending on availability at the time of purchase.
Head back to Buhoma Lodge for a complimentary massage after your trek, or explore the surrounding Bwindi community.