15 Days Best Of Uganda Safari Discovery
Our 15 Days Uganda Safari experience will let you explore the country’s wildlife, culture, primates and bird species. Your journey starts and ends in Entebbe and will take you through Murchison falls for the magnificent mighty falls and the giraffes, to the world of chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth and the Ishasha sector for the rare tree climbing lions, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for the Mountain Gorillas, Lake Bunyonyi which is the deepest Lake in East Africa and onto Lake Mburo. Your final spot will be at the Mabamba Swamp on a local Canoe in search for the Rare Shoebill Stork.
Safari Highlights
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Kigali City tour
- Scenic views
- Golden Monkey Tracking
- Ibwachu Cultural village experience
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Entebbe Airport – Entebbe Hotel (Approx. 10 -30 mins drive)
On your arrival at Entebbe Airport, your will be met and welcomed by our representative. He will be your tour and driver guide for the rest of the days you will be in the country. After the interaction and brief introduction, you will be transferred to your preferred Hotel in Entebbe for Overnight stay. Bed and Breakfast
Accommodation Options:
- Papyrus Guest house (BUDGET)
- Boma Guest House/2 Friends Guest House/Best Western Hotel (MIDRANGE)
- Hotel No. 5/Lake Victoria Serena Resort (UPMARKET)
Day 2: Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park (Approx. 5-6hrs drive)
After breakfast at the hotel, your driver guide will pick you for a transfer to Murchison Falls National Park. This journey will take you through the famous Luweero Triangle and a stopover at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Upon arrival at the sanctuary, enjoy a 1-2hrs walk as you track the Rhinos. This is the only place where one is able to see these in the wild. Have Lunch and later proceed with your journey to Murchison falls National Park via Masindi town. You will have another stop over the Top of the falls for a clear and magnificent views of the water forcing its self through a 7-meter gorge and drops to over 43 meters below with a thunderous roar hence forming a beautiful rainbow. Reach at your lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight stay. Full Board
Accommodation Options:
- Pakuba Safari Lodge (BUDGET)
- Pakuba Safari Lodge/Twiga Safari Lodge (MIDRANGE)
- Nile Safari Lodge/Paraa Safari Lodge/Baker’s Lodge (UPMARKET)
Day 3: Game drive and Launch cruise to the bottom of the falls
Rise very early in the morning and set out for the game drive before sunrise. Murchison falls being Uganda’s largest park, you will enjoy a variety of wildlife it has to offer including Lions, Leopards, Buffalos, Elephants, large numbers of Giraffes, Warthogs, Antelopes, Waterbucks and Bushbucks as well as the so many different bird species. After like 3-4hrs of the game drive, return to the Lodge for a late breakfast and relaxation. After Lunch, set out for the afternoon launch cruise to the bottom of the falls along the Victoria Nile. This 3hrs boat cruise will enable you to have a glance at a number of water loving animals such as Hippos, Crocodiles, Buffalos and so many bird species like the kingfishers, Cormorants, Hornbills, Goliath herons, Egyptian geese, pelicans and bee-eaters. After the cruise, return to your Lodge for dinner and overnight stay. Full Board
Accommodation Options:
- Pakuba Safari Lodge (BUDGET)
- Pakuba Safari Lodge/Twiga Safari Lodge (MIDRANGE)
- Nile Safari Lodge/Paraa Safari Lodge/Baker’s Lodge (UPMARKET)
Day 4: Depart for Kibale Forest National Park (Approx. 7- 8hrs drive)
Early morning have your breakfast at the lodge and depart for Kibale National Park. The Journey will take you through the Western Rift Valley’s Albertine Escarpment as well as the green country side and traditional homesteads of the local people with in the Bunyoro and Toro Kingdoms. Upon arriving in Fort portal, clear days will give you a glimpse of the legendary snowcapped Mountain also famously known as the “Mountains of the Moon” (Mt Rwenzori). Kibale Forest National Park is a home to 13 primate species including the common Mans’ closest Cousins (Chimpanzees). The Forest is also a home to over 325 bird species including the rare Green Breasted Pitta. Arrive at your Lodge in the evening. Full Board.
Accommodation Options:
- Kibale Guest Cottages (BUDGET)
- Turaco Tree Tops (MIDRANGE)
- Crater Safari Lodge/Chimpundu Safari Lodge/Primates Lodge (UPMARKET)
Day 5: Chimpanzee tracking and Bigodi Swamp walk
Morning breakfast at your lodge and set out for a half day Chimpanzee tracking experience. You will be transferred to the park headquarters ay Kanyanchu for a 30-40mins briefing and get to know more about the chimpanzees and their ways of living with in the forest. After this, you will then embark on your journey to search for these primates through the forest. On spotting the chimps, you are only given one Hour to be with them as you take videos and pictures. Along the way other primate species can be spotted such as the LHoest’s Monkeys, Red tailed Monkeys, Blue Vervet Monkeys, and Black & White colobus Monkeys among others. Other animals that can be seen are Forest Elephants, Buffalos and a lot of bird species. After the tracking, return to your Lodge for Lunch and afternoon set out for a nature and bird walk with in the Bigodi Swamp. The wetland is a project being run by local communities and is very known for its rich diversity of bird species and other primates. It also provides employment and job opportunities to the local youth through tour guiding. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight stay. Full Board
Accommodation Options:
- Kibale Guest Cottages (BUDGET)
- Turaco Tree Tops (MIDRANGE)
- Crater Safari Lodge/Chimpundu Safari Lodge/Primates Lodge (UPMARKET)
Day 6: Craters and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park (Approx. 4hrs drive)
After your morning breakfast, visit the Kasenda craters. Take a short hike to the ‘Top of the World’ view point where you are able to see a lot of the small crater lakes with in this region. Proceed and also visit the spectacular Lake Nyinambuga from which the lake shown on the 20.000 Uganda shilling note was depicted. Continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park which is one of country’s best wildlife National parks with over 600 bird species, mammals like Lions, Leopards, elephants, buffaloes and so many others. Dinner and Overnight at your Lodge. Full Board
Accommodation Options:
- Baboon Safari Resort/Elephant Hub Lodge/Twin Lakes Safari Lodge (BUDGET)
- Park View Safari Lodge/Buffalo Safari Lodge/(MIDRANGE)
- Elephant Plains/ Mweya Lodge/Katara Lodge/Kyambura Gorge (UPMARKET)
Day 7: Game drive and Boat ride along the Kazinga channel
After an early morning breakfast, depart for your morning game drive in Kasenyi areas. Look out for wildlife animals such as Lions, Leopards, Buffalos, Elephants, Antelopes, Warthogs, Waterbucks, Bushbucks and so on. Lunch and in the afternoon set out for the launch cruise along the Kazinga channel. The channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George. The channel is a home to one of Africa’s largest hippo populations and bird species. this 3hrs boat cruise will enrich you with views of the water loving animals such as Hippos, Elephants, Buffalos, Crocodiles and other antelopes as we as bird species. Return to your Lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Options:
- Baboon Safari Resort/Elephant Hub Lodge/Twin Lakes Safari Lodge (BUDGET)
- Park View Safari Lodge/Buffalo Safari Lodge (MIDRANGE)
- Elephant Plains/ Mweya Lodge/Katara Lodge/Kyambura Gorge (UPMARKET)
Day 8: Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth & the tree climbing Lions (Approx. 2hrs drive)
After breakfast leave the northern side of the park and transfer to the southern sector of Ishasha. Spend the whole day on a game drive in search for the rare tree climbing lions. These are famously found in fig trees. Have an evening sundowner with a few drinks to end the evening game drive. Overnight at your Lodge. Full Board
Accommodation Options:
- Enjojo Lodge – Tents (BUDGET)
- Enjojo Lodge – Cottages MIDRANGE)
- Ishasha Wilderness Camp (UPMARKET)
Day 9: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park (Approx. 2hrs drive)
Breakfast in the morning and embark on your journey to the famous Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park. The park is well known for being a habit to the endangered species of Mountain Gorillas. Check in at your Lodge. Lunch and afternoon set out for the cultural interaction with the BATWA community (Pygmies) and get to know more about their lives and how they managed to live with in the forest before it was gazette into a national park. If time permits, you will also visit the Ride 4 A Woman project in Buhoma and get a chance to interact with local women and also learn about their variety of hand work crafts made out of local materials like basket weaving and knitting. Overnight at your Lodge. Full Board.
Accommodation Options:
- Ride 4 A woman /Bakiga Lodge/Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge – (BUDGET)
- Buhoma Haven Lodge/Gorilla Safari Lodge/Engagi Lodge (MIDRANGE)
- Mahogany Springs Lodge/Bwindi Lodge /Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge (UPMARKET)
Day 10: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
The day is finally here for your unforgettable life time experience of meeting face to face with the giant mountain Gorillas. You will start your day with an early breakfast at your lodge and then transfer to the Park headquarters (Depending on which location you have booked your accommodation) for briefing. There are 4 sectors in which Gorilla trekking takes place with in Bwindi Forest. The northern side of the park is comprised of Buhoma and Ruhija Sector and the southern side comprised of Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors. After Briefing, you will start on your day’s trek. Searching for the gorillas may take like 2-5hrs depending on where they were last spotted the previous day. Once they have been spotted, you will be given one hour to take videos, photos and also get a chance to ask the rangers and the guides any questions about these giant apes. Besides the great Apes, the forest is also a home to other wildlife and bird species such as butterflies, primates, mammals, frogs and so on which all can be seen along the way to the Gorillas. After seeing the Gorillas, you will then head back to your lodge and retire for the rest of the day. The whole day activity can take between 5 to 9hrs. Packed Lunch and hiring porters are highly recommended. Dinner and overnight stay at your Lodge. Full Board
Accommodation Options:
- Ride 4 A woman /Bakiga Lodge/Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge – (BUDGET)
- Buhoma Haven Lodge/Gorilla Safari Lodge/Engagi Lodge (MIDRANGE)
- Mahogany Springs Lodge/Bwindi Lodge /Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge (UPMARKET)
Day 11: Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi (Approx. 3hrs drive)
After a joyful and unforgettable Gorilla trekking experience the previous day, it will be time for you to have a shore relaxing time on Lake Bunyonyi. You will have your morning breakfast and later drive to Lake Bunyonyi which is the 2nd deepest Lake in Africa. The Lake is found in Kabale also famously known as the “Switzerland of Africa” as named by Sir Winston Churchill because of its coldness and eye catching landscapes. Lake Bunyonyi is also a well-known birders paradise as its name Bunyonyi meaning birds. The journey to the lake from Bwindi will give you magnificent views of the locally terraced interlocking hills with are used by local farmers. Spend the rest of the evening relaxing at the Lodge. Full Board
Accommodation Options:
- Bunyonyi Overland Camp – (BUDGET)
- Arcadia Cottages (MIDRANGE)
- Bird Nest Resort (UPMARKET)
Day 12: Full day Exploring Lake Bunyonyi
Morning breakfast and head out for a canoe ride to different islands on the Lake. Lake Bunyonyi Harbors around 29 different islands and each is believed to have its own history. One of these being the Punishment Island – you will be told about its story while canoeing by your local tour guide. Afternoon relaxation at the Lodge. Full Board.
Accommodation Options:
- Bunyonyi Overland Camp – (BUDGET)
- Arcadia Cottages (MIDRANGE)
- Bird Nest Resort (UPMARKET)
Day 13: Lake Bunyonyi to Lake Mburo National Park (Approx. 4hrs drive)
After your morning early breakfast, you will be driven to Lake Mburo National Park which is Uganda’s smallest National Park. The journey will take you through stunning sceneries and views of the Ankole Kingdom with animal farms and different crop plantations. Arrive in time for Lunch at your Lodge in Lake Mburo. Afternoon set out for the boat cruise on Lake Mburo. Look out for Hippos, Buffalos and others. The park is famously known for harboring the largest number of Zebras in Uganda. Other animals that can be seen also include Impalas, Oribis, Giraffes (just been recently relocated from Murchison falls) and a lot of bird species. Overnight at your Lodge. Full Board.
Accommodation Options:
- Rwakobo Rock – (BUDGET)
- Kigambira Safari Lodge (MIDRANGE)
- Mihingo Lodge (UPMARKET)
Day 14: Lake Mburo to Entebbe (Approx. 5hrs drive)
Morning breakfast and have a game drive as you exit the park. Look out for animals which are habitat in the park such as Impalas, Zebras, Oribi, Topi, Elands and so on. Lake Mburo also is one of the few parks where one can do a guided nature walk and still most of the animals as if you are on the game drive. The park also is a habitat to more than 300 bird species and also very famous for birders. Later drive back to Entebbe having Lunch en route. Stop over at the Equator for the water experience as well as Photography. Proceed to your Lodge in Entebbe. Full Board.
Accommodation Options:
- Papyrus Guest house (BUDGET)
- Boma Guest House/2 Friends Guest House/Best Western Hotel (MIDRANGE)
- Hotel No. 5/Lake Victoria Serena Resort (UPMARKET)
Day 15: Mabamba Swamp and Departure
Early morning transfer to the Mabamba Swamp for a local Canoe in search for the rare Shoebill Stork and other bird species which are habitats of the swamp. Return to Entebbe for Lunch and depending on the time of your flight, transfer to the Airport for your departure flight back home. Breakfast and Lunch.
What is Included
- Accommodation and full board basis
- One Gorilla Permit per person
- Park Entrance Fees
- Internal local flights
- Sightseeing with private guide as per the itinerary
- Transfers as detailed
What is excluded
- Drinks
- Gratuities
- International Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Visa