UGANDA GORILLA & WILDLIFE SAFARI

UGANDA GORILLA & WILDLIFE SAFARI

From ZAR 150,000 per person
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UGANDA GORILLA & WILDLIFE SAFARI
UGANDA GORILLA & WILDLIFE SAFARI
Duration: 11 Days (Guided Tour)

Experience the extraordinary landscapes and wildlife of Uganda on this unforgettable 11-day Highlights of Uganda Safari. This journey begins and ends in Entebbe, located on the shores of Lake Victoria, and takes you deep into some of the country’s most remarkable national parks.

Explore the breathtaking wilderness of Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park. Along the way, encounter a wide range of wildlife including elephants, lions, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.

A true highlight of this safari is the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to trek through the dense rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to observe the endangered Mountain Gorilla in its natural habitat.

This immersive safari also offers cultural encounters, including the chance to visit the Buhoma community, where local women share their traditional basket-weaving skills.

Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, this journey offers a remarkable introduction to the beauty, culture, and biodiversity of Uganda, often referred to as the Pearl of Africa.

From ZAR 150,000 per person
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ROUTE

Important Information

Highlights of the Journey
Entebbe
  • Located on the shores of Lake Victoria, Entebbe is known for its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful lake views. Visitors can explore the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, home to a variety of indigenous plants, birds, and monkeys. Nearby beaches offer a peaceful setting to relax, while a visit to the Ngamba Island.
  • Chimpanzee Sanctuary provides an opportunity to learn about chimpanzee conservation.

Murchison Falls National Park

  • Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area. Here, the powerful Nile River squeezes through a narrow gorge before plunging dramatically to form the spectacular Murchison Falls.
  • Game drives reveal an abundance of wildlife including elephants, giraffes, lions, and buffalo. Boat safaris along the Nile offer exceptional sightings of hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife.

Kibale National Park

  • Kibale National Park is famous for its remarkable primate diversity and is widely regarded as the best location in East Africa for chimpanzee tracking.
  • The park is home to 13 primate species including Chimpanzee, red-tailed monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and both black-and-white and red colobus monkeys. The forest also supports over 300 bird species and hundreds of butterfly species, making it a paradise for nature lovers.

Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • One of Uganda’s most scenic reserves, Queen Elizabeth National Park features diverse landscapes ranging from savannah plains to wetlands and crater lakes.
  • The Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George, hosts one of the highest concentrations of hippos in Africa.
  • The remote Ishasha Sector is particularly famous for its rare tree-climbing lions, often seen resting in fig trees while watching for prey such as the Uganda kob antelope.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
  • The ancient rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife destinations. It protects nearly half of the world’s remaining Mountain Gorilla population.
  • Guided gorilla trekking expeditions take visitors deep into the forest to observe these magnificent primates in their natural habitat. The park also supports more than 340 bird species and offers scenic forest walks for nature enthusiasts.

Lake Mburo National Park

  • Lake Mburo National Park is one of Uganda’s most accessible and scenic parks, known for its beautiful lakes, rolling hills, and open savannah.
  • The park is home to approximately 70 mammal species including zebra, impala, and buffalo, as well as over 300 bird species. A boat safari on Lake Mburo offers excellent opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife.
Mid-range safari lodge accommodation is used throughout the Highlights of Uganda Safari.


Day 1
Best Western Premier Garden Hotel (or similar)
Entebbe, Uganda


Days 2 – 3
Paraa Safari Lodge (or similar)

Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda


Days 4 – 5
Turaco Treetops Lodge (or similar)

Kibale National Park, Uganda


Days 6 – 7
Park View Safari Lodge (or similar)
Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda


Days 8 – 9
Mahogany Springs Lodge (or similar)
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda


Day 10
Mihingo Lodge (or similar)

Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda
Included
  • Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary or of similar standard.
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
  • Transport in a safari vehicle.
  • Game drives and activities as per itinerary.
  • Experienced local guide.
Excluded
  • International and domestic flights.
  • Pre-and post-tour accommodation.
  • Optional activities.
  • All drinks.
  • Personal expenses (telephone calls, curios, tips, etc.).
  • Visas.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Park Fees & Activities – payable prior to travel together with the main tour cost.

Park Fees: approximately USD 1,050 per person.

TRANSPORT
  • Transportation throughout the tour is provided in specially designed safari vehicles that are adapted for African safari conditions. 
  • These vehicles offer comfortable seating and excellent visibility, allowing guests to enjoy optimal wildlife viewing during game drives and transfers between destinations. All transport mentioned in the itinerary is included.
Visas
  • Guests are responsible for obtaining all required visas for travel to Uganda prior to departure. 
  • Entry requirements may change from time to time; therefore, we strongly recommend checking with the relevant embassy or consulate well in advance of travel to ensure all documentation is in order.
 Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel and cancellation insurance is compulsory for all guests on this journey. Insurance arrangements remain the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Your policy must provide cover for the full duration of your trip, including but not limited to:

  • Personal Injury
  • Loss or damage to personal belongings (including camera and electronic equipment)
  • Medical expenses
  • Repatriation costs
  • Loss of luggage
Additional Information
Anti-Malaria Medication

  • Many safari regions in Africa are located in malaria-risk areas. We strongly recommend consulting your doctor or travel clinic before departure regarding appropriate anti-malaria medication and other recommended precautions.
  • If medication is prescribed, it should be taken exactly as directed and the full course completed. Should you develop flu-like symptoms at any stage after your safari, please consult your doctor immediately and inform them that you have recently travelled in a malaria-risk area.

Gorilla Trekking Rules

For conservation and safety reasons, visits to the mountain gorillas are strictly regulated. The following rules must be observed at all times during gorilla trekking:

  • No person with a communicable illness (such as flu or diarrhoea) is permitted to enter the park.
  • Stay together as a group while observing the gorillas and do not surround them.
  • Maintain a minimum distance of 7 metres (21 feet) from the gorillas at all times.
  • Eating or smoking is not permitted when with the gorillas or within 200 metres of them.
  • If you need to cough or sneeze, turn away from the gorillas and cover your mouth and nose.
  • All human waste must be buried at least 30 cm (one foot) deep and properly covered.
  • If a gorilla approaches you, slowly and calmly move out of its way.
  • Avoid making sudden movements or loud noises while near the animals.
  • Do not leave any litter behind. All rubbish must be carried out of the park.
  • Children under the age of 15 years are not permitted to participate in gorilla trekking.
  • Do not spit on vegetation or the ground; please use a handkerchief if necessary.
  • Trekking groups are limited to a maximum of 8 guests, all of whom must be over 15 years of age.

ITINERARY

Day 1 — Arrival in Entebbe
  • Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel.

  • Located on the shores of Lake Victoria, Entebbe offers a relaxed atmosphere with beautiful lake views, botanical gardens and charming local restaurants. 

  • The remainder of the day is at leisure as you prepare for your Ugandan safari adventure.

  • Overnight stay in Entebbe.
Day 2 — Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park
  • After breakfast you will begin the scenic journey north towards Murchison Falls National Park.

  • En route, you will stop at the renowned Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where wild rhinos can be seen. Here you will enjoy a guided rhino tracking experience and learn about the important conservation work being done to reintroduce these magnificent animals to Uganda’s national parks.

  • After a picnic lunch the journey continues to the spectacular Murchison Falls, where the powerful Nile River squeezes through a narrow gorge before plunging dramatically into the river below.
    The drive takes approximately 7–8 hours excluding stops.

  • Dinner and overnight near Murchison Falls National Park.
Day 3 — Murchison Falls National Park Safari
  • After an early breakfast you will head out on a morning game drive through Murchison Falls National Park in search of wildlife including elephants, buffalo, giraffe, hartebeest and oribi.

  • Later you will enjoy one of the park’s highlights — a scenic boat cruise along the Nile River towards the base of Murchison Falls. During the cruise you may encounter large pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles and a wide variety of birdlife.

  • After lunch at the lodge, an afternoon game drive offers further opportunities to explore this wildlife-rich park.

  • Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 4 — Murchison Falls to Kibale Region
  • Following breakfast, you will travel southwest towards the Kibale region, passing through beautiful countryside, tea plantations and rural Ugandan villages.

  • Your journey continues via Fort Portal, a picturesque town surrounded by crater lakes and rolling hills. A picnic lunch will be enjoyed along the way.

  • You will then continue towards Kibale National Park, known for its rich tropical forests and extraordinary primate population.

  • Dinner and overnight in the Kibale region.
Day 5 — Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetland Walk
  • Today you will track one of humanity’s closest relatives — the chimpanzee.
    In the morning you will venture into the forests near Budongo Forest for an exciting chimpanzee trekking experience led by expert guides.

  • In the afternoon you will enjoy a guided nature walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. This community-run reserve is renowned for its rich birdlife and is home to many species including kingfishers, hornbills and barbets.

  • Dinner and overnight in the Kibale region.
Day 6 — Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • After breakfast you will travel south towards Queen Elizabeth National Park.
    The journey passes through beautiful volcanic landscapes and the scenic crater lakes region before arriving in Uganda’s most popular national park.

  • Queen Elizabeth National Park is famous for its diverse ecosystems including savannah grasslands, forests, wetlands and lakes, supporting an incredible variety of wildlife.

  • Dinner and overnight in the park area.
Day 7 — Chimpanzees & Kazinga Channel Cruise
  • Today begins with a morning chimpanzee tracking excursion in Kalinzu Forest Reserve.

  • In the afternoon you will enjoy a relaxing boat cruise along the famous Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway linking Lake Edward and Lake George. The channel hosts one of the highest concentrations of hippos in Africa, along with crocodiles, elephants and an abundance of birdlife.

  • Dinner and overnight near Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Day 8 — Ishasha Sector to Bwindi
  • After breakfast you will travel through the southern Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, an area famous for its rare tree-climbing lions.

  • Your journey then continues to the renowned Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

  • Arrival is in the afternoon, and the rest of the day is at leisure.

  • Dinner and overnight near Bwindi.
Day 9 — Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
  • Today is the highlight of your Ugandan safari.

  • After an early briefing you will begin your gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Led by experienced rangers, you will trek through dense rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family.

  • Once located, you will spend an unforgettable hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

  • In the afternoon you may visit the local Buhoma community to learn traditional basket weaving and gain insight into local culture.

  • Dinner and overnight near Bwindi.
Day 10 — Bwindi to Lake Mburo National Park
  • After breakfast, you will be transferred to Cape Town International Airport in time for your departure flight.

We look forward to welcoming you again on a future IC Africa experience.

Day 11 — Departure
  • After breakfast you will begin the journey back to Kampala and Entebbe.

  • Along the way you will stop at the famous Uganda Equator landmark for photos and refreshments.

  • Upon arrival in Entebbe you will be transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight.

We look forward to welcoming you again on a future IC Africa experience.


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