Overview
This safari is tailored to give you a feel of Uganda’s national parks. You are assured of viewing a number of animals which include the the mountain gorillas of Bwindi, chimpanzees in Kibale, giraffes and antelope herds in Murchison Falls National Park, and cultural/community encounters. Something you surely don’t want to miss. We have the best price guaranteed. In all the above parks, birds will definitely spice up your sights!
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Travel to Zziwa for an hour of rhino tracking, proceed to Murchison NP
Pick up and transfer to Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary – a successful conservation effort that was set to save the near-extinct rhino population in Uganda. Today, visitors to Uganda have a chance to encounter rhinos thanks to this effort. Once in Zziwa, we will proceed for an hour of on-foot rhino tracking. From the rhino tracking, we will drive off to Masindi where you will have a lunch stop. After lunch, we will embark on the last leg of our journey for today that will see us overnight at the booked accommodation in Murchison NP. *You can decide to do a game drive first and then finally, proceed to the booked accommodation. Otherwise, we can go straight to the accommodation, check in and stay at leisure.
Accommodation: (Hornbill Bush Lodge-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: 7 hours exclude time in Zziwa.
Day 2: Exploring Murchison NP – Morning and Afternoon game drives/safari
After breakfast, you’ll depart for an early morning game drive across the rolling plains of Uganda’s largest national park, keeping an eye out for wildlife, including lions and leopards (though they can be hard to spot). Birdwatchers will also enjoy the variety of species along the way. Return to your accommodations for rest and lunch before heading out for a boat trip to the base of Murchison Falls, where you’ll spot more animals, including hippos, crocodiles, and various water birds. For an additional $15, you can take an optional hike to the top of the falls. The hike can be strenuous, but the view from the top is unforgettable. Later you will return to your accommodations to relax.
Accommodation: (Hornbill Bush Lodge-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: n/a.
Day 3: Drive to the top of the falls, transfer to the edge of Kibale Forest NP
We 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 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): If interested, you can proceed for the crater lakes excursion. You will enjoy the beauty of the numerous small lakes, surrounded by gentle hills, and the stunning views all over. Else, just enjoy your rest at the facility.
Accommodation: (Kibale Forest Lodge-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer time: Approx. 7 hours.
Day 4:Chimpanzee trekking and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Today you will have the opportunity to track chimpanzee that leaves Kanyanchu at 8:00 am.
The forest walk will expect to take 2 to 3 hrs where you will follow chimpanzees, meet up with them as they go about with their daily activities and watch them for an hour, embark (right away) on a transfer (about 2hrs) to Queen Elizabeth National Park. You will reach Queen with some time available to move out for game viewing. During the game drive/viewing, look out for wild animals like; lions, the elusive leopard, herd of elephants, buffaloes to mention but a few.
Accommodation: (Engiri Game Safari Lodge-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: 2-3 hrs.
Day 5:Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Trip Along the Kazinga Channel
You’ll be up early and have your breakfast. You’ll proceed for a morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains and be on the look for Cape buffalos, herds of elephants plus lions, and leopards (though hard to spot) among others. You’ll 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 decide either to return to the lodge to rest or first proceed for a brief late afternoon game drive. Thereafter, you will return to the lodge.
Accommodation: (Engiri Game Safari Lodge) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: n/a.
Day 6:Breakfast, Drive to Ishasha Sector and then Connect to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
You’ll enjoy a relaxed breakfast and then travel to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park —famously known for tree-climbing lions frequently seen in the area. The chance of spotting these lions stands at about 60-70% but sometimes they are hard to spot (most especially when they are down in the grassland looking for prey). Should you get to spot them up in the tree, the sight is picturesque and memorable. From Ishasha, you will continue to the accommodation at the edge of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. With a strenuous day ahead, you will do less on arrival but just check in your accommodation, and relax as you prepare for the Bwindi gorilla trekking experience tomorrow.
Accommodation: (Buhoma Community Rest Camp) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: 5-6 hours.
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
You’ll have breakfast and move to the Rangers’ post. You will receive some briefing on the dos and don’ts during gorilla trekking. Thereafter, you will enter the forest for your adventure and encounter. The beauty of this rainforest is spectacular! The area offers a dramatic steeply forested landscape and is incredibly dense but crisscrossed by numerous animal trails allowing access to tourists. The time taken (4-8 hours) and the terrain vary with the movements of these great primates. Once you have located a gorilla group, you will be allowed an hour in their presence. You’ll return to the accommodation, and rest after a strenuous trek. *Optional (extra cost): In case the body is willing to go out again, you can request your guide to arrange: a community visit to gain an insight into the local lifestyle or some short nature walk.
Accommodation: (Buhoma Community Rest Camp) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: n/a.
Day 8:Relaxed breakfast, transfer to Kigali OR back to Entebbe– Rwanda to catch flight out
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and then check out. We shall transfer to Gatuna Border Post. From Gatuna, you will be received by our Rwanda-based Tour Driver-guide who will take over from his Uganda-based counterpart. You will be transferred to Kigali where you can be dropped off at the airport or at the hotel of your booking. #Optional: In case you have time and interested, you can consider an excursion of Kigali City before being dropped off (at the airport or hotel). Thank you for choosing and travelling with us (Semu Gorilla Safaris and Tours).
Accommodation: Recommended on request | Meals: Breakfast | Transfer Time: Approx. 5 hours.
Safari tour Includes
1.A Professional assigned Tour driver-guide & A Private Safari Land Cruiser in good condition.
2.All ground transportation.
3.Boat trip to the base of Murchison Falls
4.All taxes
5.All meals
6.Drinking water
7. Accommodation for 7 nights (Budget and Comfortable)
8.Park entrance fees
9.Gorilla Permits (2)
10.Chimpanzee permits (2)
11. Boat trip at the Kazinga Channel and Murchison Falls
12. All activities unless labelled as options
13.Airport transfers
