Snowfield Treks

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9 Day Safari: Best of Uganda Wildlife & Gorillas

Overview

This comprehensive 9-day adventure showcases the outstanding natural beauty and diverse landscapes of Uganda. From towering mountains to fertile meadows and broad savannas, from dry uplands to lush swamplands, this journey covers Uganda’s premier wildlife destinations. The safari combines thrilling primate encounters, classic game viewing, and unique wildlife experiences across multiple national parks, offering a complete exploration of Uganda’s natural wonders.

Trip Highlights

This ultimate Uganda safari offers extraordinary experiences across the country’s finest locations:

  • Rhino tracking at Ziwa Sanctuary
  • The world-famous Murchison Falls and delta boat safari
  • Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park
  • Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to tree-climbing lions
  • Boat safari on the Kazinga Channel amid Africa’s largest hippo population
  • Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a World Heritage site
  • Cultural experiences with the Batwa people
  • Nature walks in Lake Mburo National Park
  • Opportunities to spot the “Big Five” and diverse wildlife
  • Views of the Mountains of the Moon (Rwenzori Mountains)

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park

Begin your journey early with pickup from your Entebbe hotel. En route to Murchison Falls, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to track the surviving white rhino population. After lunch, continue to Murchison Falls National Park for a visit to the top of the world’s strongest waterfall.

Journey Time: 5-7 hours
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Included Meals: Lunch and dinner, drinking water throughout

Day 2: Delta Boat Safari and Game Viewing

Start at 7:00 AM with a morning delta boat safari (4-5 hours) along the Victoria Nile delta. This 20km voyage offers opportunities to spot rare wetland birds, including shoebill and papyrus endemic species. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon/evening game drive to spot elephants, buffaloes, Uganda Kobs, bushbucks, waterbucks, elands, giraffes, and warthogs.

Accommodation: Twiga Safari Lodge/Pakuba Safari Lodge
Included Meals: All meals and drinking water

Day 3: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast, journey through the magnificent Albertine Escarpments, enjoying views of the countryside. Stop for lunch in Hoima before arriving at Kibale Forest National Park.

Journey Time: 5-7 hours
Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp/Bweza Kibale Lodge
Included Meals: All meals and drinking water

Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking and Queen Elizabeth National Park

Begin early with a 7:00 AM briefing at Kanyanchu Visitor Center before entering Kibale Forest to track chimpanzees. The trek takes 2-5 hours, offering chances to see multiple primate species. After lunch, explore the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary, home to 8 primate species and over 200 bird species, including the Great Blue Turaco.

Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park in the afternoon, enjoying views of the Rwenzori Mountains en route.

Accommodation: Elephant Hab Lodge/Twin Lakes Safari Lodge
Included Meals: All meals and drinking water

Day 5: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel

Start with a 6:30 AM game drive to catch the early risers, searching for elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, and various antelopes. In the afternoon, take a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel to observe hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and numerous bird species.

Accommodation: Elephant Hab Lodge/Twin Lakes Safari Lodge
Included Meals: All meals and drinking water

Day 6: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, travel to Bwindi through Queen Elizabeth National Park’s savannah grasslands. Visit the Ishasha sector to spot tree-climbing lions, buffaloes, elephants, and Uganda Kobs.

Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge/Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge
Included Meals: All meals and drinking water

Day 7: Gorilla Trekking and Cultural Experience

Begin with a hearty breakfast before your 7:00 AM briefing at the Park Headquarters. Trek through misty forests for 2-6 hours to spend one precious hour with mountain gorillas. In the afternoon, optional cultural walk to Batwa villages to experience their traditional lifestyle and dances.

Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge/Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge
Included Meals: All meals and drinking water

Day 8: Lake Mburo National Park

Travel to Lake Mburo for afternoon game viewing. Expect to see eland antelopes, zebras, topis, impalas, warthogs, Uganda Kob, and Cape buffalos.

Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock
Included Meals: All meals and drinking water

Day 9: Nature Walk and Departure

Experience an early morning guided walk in Lake Mburo National Park, offering unique opportunities to see returning hyenas and hippos, plus zebras, giraffes, and various antelopes. Climb to viewpoints overlooking nine regional lakes before departing for Entebbe Airport.

Included Meals: Breakfast and lunch, drinking water and fruits throughout

Tour Rate Includes

The package includes:

  • Park entry fees (for non-residents)
  • Gorilla permits (one per person, non-resident)
  • Chimpanzee permits (one per person, non-resident)
  • Professional driver/guide
  • All transportation in 4×4 Jeep with open pop-up roof top
  • All taxes/VAT
  • Round-trip airport transfer
  • All specified meals and drinking water
  • All accommodation (unless listed as upgrade)

Tour Rate Excludes

The following are not included:

  • International flights
  • Additional accommodation before/after tour
  • Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
  • Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees

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