12-Day Gorillas & Wildlife Vacation Safari in Uganda

12-Day Gorillas & Wildlife Vacation Safari in Uganda

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Itinerary

Welcome to a 12-day Uganda safari! Starting and ending at Entebbe International Airport, this journey shows why Uganda is the Pearl of Africa. Explore Murchison Falls, Kibale’s lush forests, Queen Elizabeth’s wildlife, and Bwindi’s stunning views. Enjoy gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, and relax in serene Lake Mburo National Park. Discover Uganda’s magic and feel at home in its breathtaking beauty.

  • Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe

    When you arrive at Entebbe International Airport, our friendly driver-guide will be there to greet you. They’ll give you an overview of your exciting 12-day Uganda safari. Your first adventure includes a tour of Kampala, where you’ll explore local markets and historic landmarks like the Kasubi Tombs and Buganda Kingdom Palace. Enjoy lunch at a local hotel in the city, and then settle in for dinner and a restful overnight stay in Kampala.

  • Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls NP via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

    You’ll start your day early with breakfast before heading to Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary for an hour of thrilling rhino tracking on foot. Next, you’ll travel to Masindi for a lunch break, then continue your journey to Murchison Falls National Park. Here, you’ll be amazed by the dramatic Murchison Falls and the expansive plains of Uganda’s largest park, where you might spot lions, giraffes, hartebeests, buffaloes, and elephants. The park is also home to impressive numbers of hippos and Nile crocodiles. If time permits and you’re interested, you can enjoy an evening game drive.

  • Day 3: Morning Game Drive, Afternoon Boat Cruise & Visit to top of the falls

    After breakfast, you’ll set off on an early morning game drive through Uganda’s largest national park. Return to the lodge for lunch and a rest. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat trip to the base of Murchison Falls, where you’ll spot hippos, crocodiles, and various water birds. For a memorable experience, you can hike to the top of the falls. Though the hike can be challenging, the view is well worth it. Dinner and your overnight stay will be at the lodge.

  • Day 4: Transfer to Kibale National Park

    After breakfast, you’ll embark on a scenic drive to your lodge near Kibale National Park. Although the journey is lengthy, it’s filled with breathtaking views of quaint villages, lush landscapes, and rolling hills dotted with tea plantations. Upon arrival, check in and relax. For an additional $15, you can take an optional excursion to the crater lakes, where you’ll explore a cluster of tranquil lakes surrounded by rolling hills. If you prefer, you can simply unwind and soak in the peaceful atmosphere at your lodge.

  • Day 5: Bigodi Wetlands Excursions and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP

    After breakfast, you’ll head out for chimpanzee tracking, beginning with a briefing before venturing into the lush Bigodi Wetland. This area is rich in biodiversity, home to primates such as black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and baboons. Bird enthusiasts will enjoy spotting species like the Great Blue Turaco. Following your time at Bigodi, you’ll transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, a journey of about two hours. Upon arrival, you’ll have lunch and some rest before setting out for a game drive. Look for wildlife such as reedbuck, bushbuck, kob, warthogs, elephants, lions, and buffaloes. Alternatively, you might choose a scenic drive through the park’s dramatic explosion craters. Return to your accommodation to relax for the evening.

  • Day 6: Game Drive and Boat Safari along the Kazinga Channel

    You’ll start your day early with breakfast before heading out for a morning game drive. After returning to your lodge for some rest and lunch, you’ll embark on a 2-hour boat trip along the Kazinga Channel, which links Lakes George and Edward. This scenic cruise will offer close-up views of wildlife such as hippos, elephants, and crocodiles, as well as numerous bird species along the shores. Following the boat trip, you can enjoy a short late afternoon game drive before heading back to your lodge to relax for the evening.

  • Day 7: Ishasha Sector Experience and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable NP

    You’ll start your day early with a game drive across the Kasenyi Plains, where you’ll search for Cape buffaloes, elephant herds, lions, and elusive leopards. After returning to the lodge to check out, you’ll head to the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions. While spotting these lions is about a 70% chance, they can be hard to find if they’re hidden in the grass. If you do see them, the experience will be truly memorable. Next, you’ll travel to your lodge on the edge of Bwindi National Park’s Buhoma sector. Once there, you can either unwind or, for an additional $15, join a late afternoon cultural encounter with the local community.

  • Day 8: Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Community walk

    After breakfast, you’ll head to the ranger post for a briefing on trekking guidelines from a guide. Then, you’ll venture into Bwindi Forest for your gorilla trek. The duration and difficulty of the trek depend on the location of the gorilla group. Once found, you’ll have an hour to observe these magnificent, endangered creatures up close—a truly unforgettable experience. After your time with the gorillas. In the evening, you’ll explore the local Batwa communities and immerse yourself in their way of life. Participate in their traditional activities and gain insight into their culture. Afterward, return to your lodge for dinner and a restful overnight stay.

  • Day 9: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

    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. After the long drives, today is yours to relax. All meals will be served at your accommodation. If you’re interested in exploring, you can choose from optional activities at an extra cost, such as a Historical Islands tour, a visit to the Batwa community, a Nyombe swamp excursion, mountain biking, zip lining, or canoeing/kayaking on the lake. Your driver-guide can assist with arranging these activities. Enjoy your day of leisure!

  • Day 10: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park and Evening Boat safari

    After breakfast, you’ll journey to Lake Mburo National Park, with lunch on the way. Once you arrive, enjoy a scenic boat trip on the lake, followed by an evening game drive to explore the park’s wildlife. After your adventure, you’ll be transferred to your lodge for a relaxing overnight stay.

  • Day 11: Morning walking Safari in Lake Mburo NP and Transfer to Kampala

    After an early breakfast, you’ll set out for a guided bush walk in Lake Mburo National Park with an armed Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger. This morning adventure offers close-up views of zebras, giraffes, elands, topis, and Cape buffaloes. You’ll hike to a hilltop where you can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Mburo and nine other lakes in the area. Afterward, you’ll return to your accommodation to check out and then head to Kampala. During your journey, enjoy a memorable stop at the Equator in Kayabwe. This landmark, straddling the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, lets you stand with one foot in each hemisphere. Explore informative displays, witness the unique water swirl demonstrations, and take fun photos. Browse local crafts and souvenirs to remember your visit. This stopover offers a fascinating look at Earth’s geography and adds a picturesque touch to your travel experience. Arrive in Kampala, check into your hotel, enjoy dinner, and settle in for the night.

  • Day 12: Relaxation and Transfer to Entebbe Airport

    After a leisurely breakfast, dive into the best of Entebbe. Begin with a tranquil walk through the Botanical Gardens, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flora. If you’re interested, explore local shops for unique artisanal crafts and artwork, and treat yourself to a delightful cup of exceptional coffee, available at an additional cost.
    As the day winds down, you’ll be transferred to the airport to catch your flight, ending your Entebbe adventure on a high note.

Included
  • Park fees (For non-residents)
  • All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
  • Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
  • Drinking water (On all days)
  • All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
  • Roundtrip airport transfer
  • A professional driver/guide
  • All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
Excluded
  • International flights (From/to home)
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
  • Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees

12 Days

$ 3,950

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