12 Days Customized Uganda Tour for Wildlife and Gorilla
The 12 Days Customized Uganda Tour for Wildlife and Gorilla Starts from Murchison Falls National Park will take you to the strongest waterfalls which is located in North Western part of Uganda covering areas like Masindi, Buliisa, Kiryandongo, Nwoya, Amuru, and Pakwach. It is known for its diverse wildlife and it’s also known as the powerful waterfalls in the world. With the breathtaking view of the country’s side, you will witness the Big Five mammal species like Elephants, Leopards, Lions, Buffaloes and Rhinos. You will also get an opportunity to view the Nile crocodiles, Hippos, Waterbucks etc while on a game drive and boat cruise.
Safari destinations
Kibale Forest National park
known for being “The Primate Capital of the World” having about 1500 Chimpanzees which gives a great opportunity for Chimpanzee trekking and Habituation, the park is located in Kabarole District. It is also a home to 120 mammal species like warthogs, bushbucks, bush pigs, antelopes, and over 300 bird species like hornbills, black billed turaco, kingfisher, weavers, cuckoos, purple breasted sunbird, and crowned eagle among other bird species.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
The safari takes you to Queen Elizabeth National Park for wild game viewing. Queen Elizabeth National Park dubbed as “The Medley of Wonders”. The park has a variety of offerings ranging from a visit to the Salty lake in Katwe, various mammal species of about 95 like the tree climbing lions at Ishasha sector, the 4 members of the Big 5 like Elephants, Buffaloes, Leopards, Lions among other species like Antelopes, spotted hyenas, Hippos and endangered chimpanzees. The park also offers over 600 bird species to the birders like the grey crowned crane, handsome francolin, martial eagle, grey crowned heron among others and also an insight of the Nile crocodiles, Giant Hippos at Kazinga channel. You will experience the nature smile of Africa!
Bwindi impenetrable forest National park
For the wonderful and more thrilling mountain gorilla trekking. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is located in South Western region of Uganda in Kanungu district. It is best known for Mountain Gorilla Trekking Experience, The Park has almost half of the Word’s population of Mountain Gorillas with a population of about 459 individual mountain gorillas, 21 habituated gorilla families in the different sectors of the park like Nkuringo, Buhoma, Rushaga and Ruhija which gives a great opportunity for Gorilla Trekking g and Gorilla Habituation.
Lake Bunyonyi
For a relaxation a place of little birds. The Trip will end at Lake Bunyonyi is located in the extreme border between Uganda and Rwanda and it is known for offering a great rest and relaxation to travelers due to its beautiful and breathtaking views.
Lake Mburo National Park
“whispers of the wild” and you will be able to sight the largest number of zebras in Uganda, the Park is one of the smallest parks in Uganda. It is a home to a variety of wildlife including Impalas, buffaloes, bush pig, topi, crocodiles, elands, buffalos, oribi, waterbuck, leopard etc. Bird species like African Fin foot, pied kingfisher, bare faced go away, Red faced barbet, Greater painted snipe, Blue breasted kingfisher, striped kingfisher etc. Here you will relax and enjoy the scenery. The Park’s topography and vegetation are made of falling and raising hillsides, rocky outcrops, open and wooden grassland, rich acacia tree valleys, forests, bushes and thickets together with permanent and seasonal swamps along the shores of the Lakes.
Day 1: Arrival and Pickup from Entebbe International Airport
You will arrive at the Entebbe International Airport and be warmly welcomed by our driver guide who will brief you about the 12 Days Customized Uganda Tour for Wildlife and Gorilla and you will be transferred to your hotel in Kampala. If times allows you can do a city tour depending on the time of your arrival, you will explore the vibrant and chaotic city of Kampala. You’ll discover historical and political sites including the ancient tombs of the Kabakas, where the Buganda people laid their kings to rest, or the Bahai Temple.
Eat out: Kampala is a town full of culinary wonders. You can stray out from your hotel to taste some of the eclectic cuisine of the region including Kampala’s delicious Indian food. Dinner and Overnight Stay.
Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa rhino sanctuary
After a delicious breakfast, you’ll embark on a journey to Murchison Falls National Park. The highlights of this park include the roaring rapids of the Murchison, and the rolling plains of Uganda’s largest National Park where you will have the chance of viewing lions, giraffes, hartebeests, buffalos, and elephants. Then, you will be fascinated by the concentration of hippos and Nile crocodiles here. For birders, Murchison Falls boasts 450 bird species including the elusive shoebill stork, dwarf king fisher, the white-thigh hornbill, and the Goliath heron among others.
While en route, you’ll make a detour to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for your first Big Five experience where you will have an hour of rhino tracking. Another stop will be in Masindi to enjoy your lunch. You’ll continue to the park and check in to your accommodation to relax for the evening. Dinner and Overnight Stay.
Day 3: Murchison Falls National Park – Morning Game Drive and Launch Boat Trip to the Base of the falls
Have your breakfast and then depart for an early morning game drive across the rolling plains of Uganda’s largest national park. Here you will have the opportunity of viewing lions, giraffes, hartebeests, buffalo, and elephants. For any birder, this area supports the secretary bird, and black-chested snake eagle to name a few.
Return to your accommodation for lunch. After lunch, you will head out for the boat trip to the base of Murchison Falls where you will also be able to catch sight of more animals including hippos, crocodiles and several water birds. Continue with a hike (if you like) to the top of the falls. The hike may be a strenuous one but the thrill of reaching the top is breathtaking. Miss it only if you must. After the hike, you will have an evening game drive on your way to the lodge. Return to your accommodation and have a relaxed evening. Dinner and Overnight Stay.
Day 4: Murchison Falls National Park – Drive to the top of the falls and transfer to the edge of Kibale Forest National Park
On this day 4 of 12 Days Customized Uganda Tour for Wildlife and Gorilla you will have breakfast and then drive to the top of the falls to truly appreciate the beauty and magnificence of the Murchison Falls. From the top, we shall embark on a transfer that will see us overnight at the edge of Kibale Forest National Park.
The drive is quite long but incredibly scenic passing through villages, lush green countryside, and hills dotted with tea plantations that characterize this part of Uganda. The beautiful scenery will amaze you all the way. Upon arrival at the accommodation, check-in and just relax. #Optional (extra cost 15$): If interested, you can proceed with the crater lakes excursion. You will enjoy the beauty of the numerous small lakes, surrounded by gentle hills, and stunning views all over. Else, just enjoy your rest at the facility. Dinner and Overnight Stay.
Day 5: Kibale Forest National Park – Bigodi wetlands excursion and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Game Drive
Have breakfast and then proceed for the Bigodi wetlands excursion. The Bigodi wetland boasts of an extensive array of biodiversity among which are several primates’ species like the black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and baboons. The Bigodi is also a paradise for bird watchers. Among the major bird species within the area is the Great Blue Turaco. From Bigodi, we shall embark on a transfer (about 2hrs) to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
You will reach Queen early enough to have lunch, rest, and then proceed out for game viewing. During the game drive, look out for wild animals like reedbuck, bushbuck, kob, warthogs, elephants, lions, and buffaloes to mention but a few. Alternatively, you could choose to go for the Queen’s breathtaking explosion crater drive at an additional cost (instead). Return to the accommodation and take your rest. Dinner and Overnight Stay.
Day 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Chimpanzee Trekking in Kalinzu Forest Reserve – Afternoon Boat trip
On this day, be up early, have breakfast, and drive out to the nearby Kalinzu Forest Reserve. The Forest is home to habituated Chimpanzees plus other primates including baboons, monkeys, and also bird species. Today, you will spend the early part of the day tracking chimpanzees here. Thereafter, return to the accommodation for some rest time and lunch.
After lunch, you will go for a 2-hour boat trip on the Kazinga Channel that connects Lakes George and Edward. During the trip, the sight of wildlife including giant hippos, elephants, and crocodiles among others will fascinate you. You will also see many varieties of birds on the water shores. After the boat trip, you can proceed for a brief late afternoon game drive and thereafter, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Sunrise game drive – Kasenyi plains and head to Ishasha sector, then connect to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
On day 7 of 12 Days Customized Uganda Tour for Wildlife and Gorilla, be up early and proceed for an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains. Be on the look for Cape buffalos, herds of elephants, lions, and leopards (though hard to spot) among others. Return to the lodge and check out then head to the Ishasha sector in search of tree-climbing lions.
The chance of spotting these lions is about 70% though sometimes they are hard to spot (most especially when they are down in the grassland looking for prey). Should you get to spot them, the sight is picturesque and memorable. From Ishasha, we shall continue to the accommodation at the edge of Bwindi National Park (Buhoma sector). Once at the lodge, we can choose to just relax OR (at an extra cost 15$) move out for the late afternoon-to-evening local community and cultural encounter. Dinner and Overnight Stay.
Day 8: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park – walk/hike – waterfalls trail and Transfer to the Ruhija sector of Bwindi
We will have breakfast and then move out for the Forest walk along the waterfall trail on this day 8 of 12 Days Customized Uganda Tour for Wildlife and Gorilla. This is the perfect way to experience the depth of this “impenetrable” forest. Starting from Buhoma – at the north gate, the Munyaga river trail gets you to some beautiful pristine waterfalls – a truly rewarding experience. Along the way you will encounter some flora and fauna, black and white colobus monkeys, and sometimes blue monkeys among others. Return to the accommodation, check out and transfer to the Ruhija sector of Bwindi where we will have the gorilla trekking tomorrow. With a strenuous day ahead, we recommend that we take this afternoon to relax. Dinner and Overnight Stay.
Day 9: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park – Gorilla trekking Bwindi Forest and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation
On this day, have breakfast and move to the rangers’ post. You will receive some briefing (from a ranger guide) on the dos and don’ts during trekking. Thereafter, you will enter the Bwindi Forest for your adventure. The time taken and the terrain varies with the movements of these great primates. Once you have located a gorilla group, you will be allowed an hour in their presence. The thrill of spending time observing these gentle but endangered giants is unforgettable. Return to the accommodation, check out, and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi. Lake Bunyonyi is framed by lush, green-terraced hills that reach a height of (2,200 – 2,478m) but it’s the 29 islands of various shapes and sizes scattered across the water that make it most magical — you could admire them all day. Dinner and Overnight Stay.
Day 10: Relaxation while enjoying the stunning beauty of Lake Bunyonyi
After days of long drives and of course the strenuous gorilla trekking (the previous day) in Bwindi, this day is at your disposal for relaxation. All meals will be served at the accommodation. Optional (at extra cost): Should you wish to go out for an activity, you may consider the following; Historical Islands tour, visit to the Batwa/pygmies’ community, Nyombe swamp excursion, Mountain Bike cycling, Zip lining, canoeing or kayaking on the lake. The activity can be arranged onsite with the help of your driver-guide. Enjoy your stay. Dinner and Overnight Stay as you enjoy the day 10 of your 12 Days Customized Uganda Tour for Wildlife and Gorilla.
Day 11: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park and enjoy afternoon (evening) game drive
Have breakfast and set off to Lake Mburo NP via Mbarara City. You will arrive at the accommodation in Lake Mburo in time and rest before moving for an afternoon-to-evening game drive. On the game drive, expect to see the gigantic eland antelopes, zebras, topi, impalas, Uganda kob and Cape buffalos among others. Later, relax at the accommodation where you will spend the night. #Optional (extra cost 30$): If interested, you may consider the night game drive to encounter nocturnal creatures which will be a rare sighting compared to the regular daytime sightings. Dinner and Overnight Stay.
Day 12: Lake Mburo National Park – Morning walking safari in the park and return to Entebbe to catch flight
Enjoy your early breakfast and proceed for the Mburo morning park (bush) walk in the presence of an armed Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger guide. On this early morning guided walk, you will have the opportunity to encounter (at close range) for instance Zebras, Giraffes and Eland, Topi and other antelope, and Cape buffaloes among others.
Take the Trail to the top of the hills and see Lake Mburo and beyond as you enjoy your last day of 12 Days Customized Uganda Tour for Wildlife and Gorilla. From this vantage point, you will have a great view of 9 of the twelve lakes surrounding Lake Mburo NP. Thereafter, return to the accommodation for checkout and then hit the road to Entebbe airport. Thus the end of the trip.
Inclusions
Park fees
Gorilla permits
Chimp permits
All activities
All accommodation
A professional driver/guide
All transportation
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals
Drinks
Exclusions
International flights
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips
Personal items
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Some meals