Embarking on the 11 Days Best of Uganda Safari promises an unparalleled adventure through the breathtaking landscapes and remarkable wildlife of this East African nation. The journey commences with the unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where travelers navigate through dense forests to encounter the majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, fostering profound connections with these incredible creatures.
Continuing the primate exploration, the expedition ventures into Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kibale Forest, where chimpanzee tracking offers intimate glimpses into the lives of these intelligent primates, alongside sightings of a diverse array of wildlife thriving amidst the park’s diverse habitats. As the 11 Days Best of Uganda Safari unfolds, travelers are treated to the awe-inspiring sights and sounds of Murchison Falls National Park, where a hike to the summit of Murchison Falls offers panoramic vistas of the Nile River cascading through the rugged terrain.
Transitioning from wildlife encounters to conservation efforts, a visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary provides the rare opportunity for Rhino Tracking, contributing to the preservation of these magnificent creatures in their protected environment. Finally, the journey culminates in Mabamba Swamp, where a tranquil boat excursion unveils the chance for shoebill tracking, allowing travelers to observe these iconic birds in their natural wetland habitat. From the misty mountains to the sprawling savannahs, the 11 Days Best of Uganda Safari is an odyssey of discovery, leaving adventurers with cherished memories and a deep appreciation for the natural wonders of Rwanda and Uganda.
Bordering the magnificent Lake Victoria, Uganda’s capital city – Kampala – sprawls out over a series of undulating hills and despite the development, this ‘Garden City’ is known for its tree-lined avenues. It serves as the commercial hub of the country boasting a blend of African markets, modern skyscrapers, international hotels, bars, and casinos. It provides an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding area.
Visitors can look forward to learning about the country’s rich and colourful history at the Uganda Museum; enjoying a number of activities on Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake; and visiting the Namugongo Martyrs Shrines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the nearby Mburo National Park to catch a glimpse of local wildlife including: hippo, zebra, gazelles, crocodiles, warthog, and a variety of magnificent birdlife.
- Destination: Kampala City
- Accommodation: Victoria Mews Hotel (Mid-Range), Kampala Serena Hotel (Up Market)
- Meal Plan: Dinner, Breakfast, Drinking Water
Located in south-western Uganda, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is said to be Africa’s oldest rainforest. It is world-renowned for its excellent gorilla-sighting opportunities – the forest is home to half of the remaining mountain gorillas on earth. This gorilla experience takes place among a rugged landscape of dense jungle, cascading waterfalls, sparkling mountain streams, deep valleys, and steep ridges.
The untouched forest has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its breath-taking natural beauty and unique ecological significance, and aside from the amazing gorilla interactions, there are other draw cards such as a network of forest walks, over 340 species of bird to spot, and a variety of brightly-coloured butterflies to identify. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the spectacular Virunga Volcanoes, three of which are still active.
- Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Activity: Scenic Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp (Mid-Range), Kiho Gorilla Lodge (Up Market)
- Meal Plan: Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, & Drinking Water
Wake early for a hearty breakfast to give you the energy needed for gorilla trekking. Before 8:00 am, report to the ranger station for registration and a talk by one of the rangers. The guides will then take you through the bush, pushing your way through the undergrowth, to track the gorillas. (Please note this trek can take from 30 minutes to 5-6 hours). A reasonable degree of fitness is required, as well as a sturdy pair of walking shoes.
Sit in the forest among the gorillas, listening to them ‘talk’ to one another, and marvel at the sheer size of the dominant male, the Silverback. It is an extraordinary feeling sitting in the dense rainforest knowing you are with a few of the last remaining mountain gorillas. It’s amazing to think there are only about 650 of these beautiful creatures left.
Batwa Experience and Batwa Craft Banda
The Batwa Experience was created by the displaced Batwa pygmies to educate their children and to share their amazing heritage and traditions with the world. Since 1992, the Batwa have been unable to live in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, their ancestors’ home. Yet they have not forgotten the old ways.
Step back in time to see how the Batwa lived for millenia in the Bwindi, one of the most beautiful jungles on earth and home of the famous mountain gorillas. Enjoy an incredible day hike in the rain forest with Batwa guides, see how the Batwa lived and hunted, learn about medicinal plants, and watch for animals and birds.
- Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Activity: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Batwa Cultural Tour
- Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp (Mid-Range), Kiho Gorilla Lodge (Up Market)
- Meal Plan: Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, & Drinking Water
One of the most popular parks in Uganda, the Queen Elizabeth National Park lies in the western region of the country. In the northern part of the park, visitors can look forward to boating along the Kasinga Channel, which is home to the largest population of hippos in the world and an abundance of Nile crocodiles.
Along the banks, an incredible number of birds and wild animals flock to the river’s edge. At Kyambura Gorge, fondly known as ‘Valley of the Apes’, chimpanzees are at home in a world of lush tropical rainforest spread with canopies, and three salty crater lakes are decorated with swathes of pink flamingos. On the western shore of Lake George, the vast Kasenyi Plains are inhabited by lions and several interesting bird species.
- Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Activity: Scenic Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park & Evening Game Drive
- Accommodation: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge (Mid-Range), Mweya Safari Lodge (Up Market)
- Meal Plan: Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, & Drinking Water
The Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth takes place in the open grasslands of Kasenyi in the Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park is a primary game viewing area due to the variety of wildlife which includes antelopes, elephants, buffalos, and lions. Visitors will be accompanied by an experienced 11 Days Best of Uganda Safari guide able to track down these animals.
Wild Frontiers Kazinga Channel Kingfisher Boat
Wild Frontiers Kazinga Channel Kingfisher Boat is a leisurely boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Passengers may encounter herds of elephant, buffalo and antelope, families of warthog, large groups of hippo, and crocodiles basking on the shore. Kazinga’s shores are a haven for numerous birds, including many migratory species as they make their way south to warmer climates. The cruise also provides a spectacular view of the beautiful Mweya Peninsula and life in local fishing villages set along the banks.
- Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Activity: Scenic Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park & Evening Game Drive
- Accommodation: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge (Mid-Range), Mweya Safari Lodge (Up Market)
- Meal Plan: Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, & Drinking Water
Straddling Uganda’s lush equatorial rainforest, Fort Portal is a striking designated tourism city of Uganda that rests in the Western Region of the country, northwest of the bustling city of Mbarara. Perched at an elevation of around 1500 metres, Fort Portal offers sublime scenery with views over the Ruwenzori Range and the Mufumbiro volcanoes, as well as flourishing landscapes with it being a verdant tea-growing area.
This friendly town’s central location makes it a convenient base from which to explore the scenic surrounding landscapes. The 11 Days Best of Uganda Safari adventure seekers and nature lovers alike can track the chimps in the magical Kibale Forest National Park, explore the enchanting Crater Lakes or enjoy the delightful hot springs and dynamic central African wildlife of Semuliki National Park. Don’t miss the culturally significant Kabarole Main Mosque.
- Destination: Kibale Forest National Park
- Activity: Scenic Transfer to Kibale National Park via Fort Portal
- Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge (Mid-Range), Kyaninga Lodge (Up Market)
- Meal Plan: Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, & Drinking Water
The most favourite of Kibale’s walks embarks on from the Kanyanchu Visitor center at 08.00 & 15.00 and lasts 2 to 3 hours. Chimpanzee are the most sought after primate by visitors, but you should look out for the black & white Colobus, red tailed monkey or the grey cheeked mangabey. You’re 11 Days Best of Uganda Safari guides will be able to show you pittas & different bird species and will give details of the tradit of the plant species within the forest. This walk is for 6 people in a group.
Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is a community development enterprise located on the fringe of Kibale National Park where the guided 11 Days Best of Uganda Safari tours are conducted along a path through the wetland at time along boardwalk trail. Bigodi is a birder’s paradise with 138 bird species having been identified there including the crowd please Great Blue Turaco. The sanctuary is also home to 8 primate species including the black and white Colobus, red Colobus, mangabey, red tail, vervet, and L’Hoest.
- Destination: Kibale Forest National Park
- Activity: Scenic Transfer to Kibale National Park via Fort Portal
- Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge (Mid-Range), Kyaninga Lodge (Up Market)
- Meal Plan: Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, & Drinking Water
Stretching from the shores of Lake Albert, Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest National Park. The Nile River flows through the middle of the park creating the impressive Murchison Falls which is the park’s major attraction. The landscape features dense rainforest, undulating savannah and a diversity of abundant wildlife.
Visitors can enjoy prime game-viewing along the Buligi Circuit. The forests are home to numerous primates, including Chimpanzees, and near the river, buffalo, elephants and Rothschild-Giraffes can be seen. Other commonly spotted wildlife include: lions, antelope, waterbucks, hippos and crocodiles.
- Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
- Activity: Scenic Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
- Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge (Mid-Range), Nile Safari Lodge (Up Market)
- Meal Plan: Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, & Drinking Water
The Murchison Falls National Park Game Drive takes place in the Murchison Falls National Park. The main areas of the drive are the Delta, Buligi Peninsula and the southern section which is known as the heart of Murchison. The Delta allows visitors an opportunity to see Lions, while the triangle of grassland in the Buligi Peninsula provides an opportunity to see elephant, buffalo, antelopes, and giraffes.
This grassland is bound by the Victoria Nile entering Lake Albert with the Albert Nile flowing out of it. Lions, leopard, and waterbirds along with hippos can also be spotted here. Much of the southern part is populated with dense bush and forest, where lions and giraffes can also be seen.
Murchison Falls Boat Trip
Launches run from Paraa to the base of the Falls. The three hour return journey is for many a highlight of a trip to Murchison. Along the river there are thousands of hippos, enormous crocodiles, amazing bird life a possible sighting of the rare shoebill.
A boat trip from Paraa to the Delta where the Victoria Nile enters Lake Albert offers excellent game viewing and birding opportunities and takes about five hours.
Murchison Falls National Park Hiking to the Top of the fall
Murchison Falls National Park Hiking to the Top of the Falls is a leisurely 45-minute hike to the top of the falls, exposing participants to Mother Nature’s wondrous gorge, also known as devil’s cauldron. The rejuvenating activity takes participants along a trail which overlooks spectacular views of the Nile and landscape of Murchison falls national park while offering amazing bird watching opportunities.
- Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
- Activity: Scenic Game Drives, Boat Cruise, Hike to the Top
- Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge (Mid-Range), Nile Safari Lodge (Up Market)
- Meal Plan: Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, & Drinking Water
Located north of Kampala in the Nakasongola district of Uganda, The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place in the country with wild rhinos. Currently home to twenty two southern white rhinos, the sanctuary offers rhino trekking, shoebill trekking, canoeing, bird watching, and night walks. Visitors may also spot a range of other species including Uganda kobs, oribis, bush bucks, and water bucks.
The prehistoric-looking shoebill stork is one of the most sought after birds in Uganda, and the sanctuary is one of the only places where they can almost always be seen. See over 300 bird species along bird trails through the woodlands, swamp and savannah, and take a 11 Days Best of Uganda Safari guided night walk, where you will be introduced to extraordinary night sounds and sensations, including a beautifully clear night sky and several nocturnal animals.
- Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
- Activity: Enjoy Rhino Tracking & Transfer to Kampala
- Accommodation: Victoria Mews Hotel (Mid-Range), Kampala Serena Hotel (Up Market)
- Meal Plan: Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, & Drinking Water
Resting on the edge of Lake Victoria in Uganda, Mabamba Swamp is a prime wetland birding site that spans a massive 16,500 hectares. It forms part of the list of Wetlands of International Importance. Featuring a network of marsh-filled waterways, this magnificent wetland provides the ideal habitat for the most sought-after bird in Uganda – the shoebill, as well as 260 other bird species.
Visitors can enjoy a shoebill boat tour, meet the local fishermen and sample an array of locally grown fresh fruit. Other species to look out for include: blue swallow, papyrus gonolek, pigmy goose, swamp flycatcher, white-winged warbler, and many more. Don’t miss the opportunity to soak up the beautiful sunset over Lake Victoria – Africa’s largest freshwater lake.
- Destination: Mabamba Swamp
- Activity: Enjoy Shoebill Tracking in Mabamba and Transfer to Entebbe Airport
- Accommodation: no Accommodation
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, & Drinking Water
Cost Includes
- Airport transfers.
- Transportation by a 4wd safari vehicle.
- Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary.
- All boat trips.
- Hike to the top of Murchison Falls
- One Gorilla permit per person is to be secured and paid for in advance US$ 700.00.
- Park fees.
- Equator experience.
- Kibale Chimpanzee permit US$ 200.00
- Community visits.
- Ziwa sanctuary Rhino Tour.
- Services of English-speaking 11 Days Best of Uganda Safari driver/guide.
- Enroute lunches.
- Game drives.
- Batwa Cultural Experience.
- Mabamba Visit
- A guided nature walks Bigodi.
- Bottled drinking water throughout the safari
- All government taxes.
- Our assistance
Cost Excludes
- Drinks, Tips, Souvenirs, and any personal purchases.
- All activities are indicated as optional in the itinerary.
- All COVID-19 testing fees.
- Visa fees and international flight costs.
- All kinds of travel insurance.
