17 Day Best of Uganda Safari
Price On Request
Tour Highlights
17 Day Best of Uganda Safari is an amazing exploration adventure with Uganda’s wildlife in its diversity and it will give a memorable experience. Right from your arrival through the different communities the people are hospitable with unqic different cultural back grounds and setting. a visit to Lake Mburo National Park in the whispers of the wild and most famously known for its zebras, antelopes, hippos, birds, walking safaris, horse riding, boat rides and so much more.
We cannot forget to talk about Bwindi Impenetrable National Park home to the giant mountain gorillas and the Batwa community. Following the serenity of Queen Elizabeth National Park is also unqic with its wildlife safaris, famous tree climbing lions of Ishasha, wildlife boat rides on the kazinga channel and fact it being named after Queen Elizabeth of England visited. Kibale Forest National Park also known as the primate capital has a number of primates that you would love to see. Fort portal town is also famous and home to Toro palace. The Big 5 safari if you would refer to it with a visit to Murchison Falls National Park which is the oldest park and with the most powerful water fall in the world and of course not forgetting its diversity in wild life and with Uganda’s Rhinos in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola in serenity of nature and beyond. we also get to enjoy the capital city tour to most of the historical sites like the independence monument, Kasubi Tombs, Kings palace and the Bahai Temple.
Lastly a visit to jinja town home to white water rafting and Bunge jumping on along the world’s longest river (River Nile). Indeed, the visit to Uganda on the 17-day wildlife safari is worth it on your bucket list
Day 1 Transfer from Entebbe International Airport to your Hotel in Entebbe or Kampala
Travel time to accommodation around the airport is a few minutes and to Kampala is 45 – 60 minutes.
Accommodation: Budget: Acacia Beach Hotel, Midrange: 2 Friends beach hotel & Marie’s Royale Hotel, Luxury: Protea or Fairway Hotel
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
You will be welcomed by our tour guide on arrival at Entebbe International Airport with a transfer your hotel in either Entebbe or Kampala for an overnight.
Optional Activity: visit Entebbe zoo also known as Uganda wild life education centre, it has a number of animals that are exhibited in line to the animals that we have in our national parks. It’s amazing to sight animals like lions, buffalos, giraffes, chimpanzees, snakes, crocodiles, bird species like the African fish eagle, shoebills, African grey parrots, harmer cops, ostrich which is the biggest and fastest bird on land and so much more not forgetting monkeys like the velvets, Black & white colobus seen in the trees, patas monkeys, etc.
Behind the scenes at the zoo
You can also encounter the animals at the zoo in their enclosure depending on which animal that will be accepted by the zoo keepers such as feeding the elephant, giraffe, chimps, cats like the leopard, rhinos. All these options are possible on early arrival and the activity takes between 1 – 2 hours
Day 2 Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park and Boat Cruise Safari
Travel time from Kampala to Lake Mburo is 4 hours
Accommodation: Budget: Rwakobo Lodge, Midrange: Rwakobo Rock or Arcadia Lodge, Luxury: Mihingo Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
You will be picked up by your guide from the hotel at 7:00 am after breakfast, driving south west past the Equator via several swamps leading to our arrival to the park within 4 hours, relax and then later have lunch.
After lunch, head for the boat safari on the rich eastern side of Lake Mburo. Expect to see Crocodiles, Buffaloes and Hippos, Topi and a chance of also sighting an eland which is the largest antelope as well as Colorful Kingfisher, Hammer kops with their enormous nests as well as Eagles. Return to the lodge to the lodge and rest of the evening at leisure and dinner.
Day 3 Morning Game Drive & Animal Observation
Accommodation: Budget: Rwakobo Lodge, Midrange: Rwakobo Rock or Arcadia Lodge, Luxury: Mihingo Lodge Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
You will have your snack breakfast as you embark on the early Game Drive through the park. We may also be chanced to see the big cats since morning hours they are still active for hunting. Expect to have a glance at the Zebras, Buffalos, Elands and Impalas with a diversity of birds. Return to the lodge for breakfast and relax at the lodge.
After lunch, your guide together with the park ranger will guide you across the wooden observation platforms of the salt lick area, while at this point you shall observe a number of animals and later return to the lodge for leisure and dinner.
Day 4 Transfer from Lake Mburo to Bwindi Forest National Park
Travel time from Lake Mburo to Bwindi Forest Gorilla National Park is 4 – 5 hours
Accommodation: Budget: Buhoma Community Camp, Midrange: Bwindi Lodge, Luxury: Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs or Chameleon Hill Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, we shall drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, driving through a serenity of scenic rolling landscape and communities. You will stopover for lunch and later proceed to Bwindi arriving in the afternoon. Check into your accommodation and rest of the evening at leisure.
Day 5 Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Accommodation: Budget: Buhoma Community Camp, Midrange: Bwindi Lodge, Luxury: Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Chameleon Hill Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After your morning breakfast, you will transfer to the briefing Centre by 7:30 am for registration, being allocated to a gorilla group and be informed about the guidelines of the gorilla trekking. After being registered to a gorilla group you will meet the ranger guide and start the trek into the Bwindi Impenetrable forest. Rubber boots are essential on the trek. You will trek and hike through the forest before you come face to face with the giant gorillas. After seeing the gorillas and taking pictures on this memorable safari, you return to meet the driver guide and transfer back to the lodge and overnight.
Brief about Bwindi
Bwindi National Park, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a home to the endangered giant mountain gorillas and it covers about 321 square km between 1,160 meters and 2,600 meters above sea level. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has 4 gorilla tracking sectors that is Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in the east; Rushaga in the south and lastly Nkuringo in the south west. And with about 19 habituated gorilla families.
Day 6 Transfer to Ishasha Sector South of Queen Elizabeth for an Afternoon Game Drive & Tree-Climbing Lions
Travel time from Bwindi to Ishasha sector is 2 – 5 hours depending on accommodation from or sector from Bwindi.
Accommodation: Budget & Midrange: Enjojo Safari Lodge, Luxury: Ishasha Wilderness Camp or Ishasha Jungle Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAfter having your morning breakfast, we shall transfer from Bwindi to the southern sector that is famous for tree climbing lions. Ishasha is also inhabited with animals such as elephants and antelopes and hyenas. Drive to the lodge in Ishasha for lunch and later drive through the park on a game drive on the search for the tree climbing lions. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 7 Transfer to the Northern side of Queen Elizabeth National with Chimp Tracking
Travel time from Ishasha sector Kyambura Gorge is 1 – 2 hours depending on accommodation location
Accommodation: Budget: Marafiki Safari Lodge, Midrange: Marafiki Safari Lodge or Kasenyi Safari Camp, Luxury: Katara Lodge or Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Have early morning breakfast by 6:00 am and check out driving north of the park to Queen Elizabeth National park through the Ishasha to kyambura Gorge for chimpanzee tracking experience. The forest is habitant to a number of chimps. We will also spot a number of wildlife such as Black & white colobus monkeys, birds with amazing melodies, we may be chanced to see hippos and some elephants. We shall return to the lodge for lunch after the chimp tracking experience, dinner in the evening.
Day 8 Morning Game Drive Savannah Plains, Boat Safari on Kazinga Channel & Evening Scenic Crater Drive
Accommodation: Budget: Marafiki Safari Lodge, Midrange: Marafiki Safari Lodge or Kasenyi Safari Camp, Luxury: Katara Lodge or Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After your early morning breakfast at about 6:00 am. Get ready to discover Kasenyi Plains sighting animals such as Buffaloes, Elephants, Antelopes, Lions, and Hyenas and a diversity of different bird species. After the wildlife drive you shall proceed to the lodge. After lunch you shall do the boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, expect to see more animals such as Hippos in a profusion of Crocodiles, Elephants, Buffaloes, Antelopes at the river banks and bird species in their natural habitat. Pictures would be memorable on the entire safaris. As you head back to the lodge, you will go through the scenic craters with in the beaten routes of Queen Elizabeth national park and such spots are also memorable for pictures. Drive back to the lodge for dinner and overnight
Day 9 Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Travel time from Kibale National Park to Queen Elizabeth National Park is 2 hours
Accommodation: Budget: Kibale Forest Camp, Mid-range: Chimpanzee Guest House, Luxury: Papaya Lake Lodge or Primate Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive out at 6:00 am for the morning Game Drive through the park for wild game then back to the lodge for breakfast and check out of the lodge driving north east of the park to kibale forest National park.
Arrive at the park in the afternoon, have lunch and relax, in the evening enjoy leisure time at the lodge.
Day 10 Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest National Park in the Morning & Afternoon Nature Walk in Bigodi Wetlands
Accommodation: Budget: Kibale Forest Camp, Mid-range: Chimpanzee Guest House, Luxury: Papaya Lake Lodge or Primate Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After early breakfast, you will transfer to the park’s visitor information Centre at 7:00 am to meet the park ranger guides for registration and briefing about the trek, dos and don’ts during chimpanzee trekking experience. After briefing you will be divided into groups and each group depending on the number of people available shall be given a ranger. You will then trek into Kibale forest to track the Chimpanzees in their community. This trek can take about 3-4 hours and this also depending on chimps’ movements. The park has other primate species such as Vervet Monkeys, Colobus Monkey, Grey-cheeked Mangabey and birds as well, Kibale forest national park has about 300 bird species hence being a good haven for birding. Our highlight are the chimps as once you find them, you will spend one-hour sighting and following the chimpanzee through the Kibale forest. It is a thrilling memorable experience. After the trek you will head back to the information centre where your certificates will be given to you. Return to the lodge for lunch in the afternoon with a transfer to the Bigodi Wetlands on the eastern edge of Kibale forest in Bigodi swamp which is a good haven for birders. Since Kibale forest is the capital of primates in Africa, other primates include olive baboons, red-tailed, black-and-white colobus, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey and l’Hoest. You will do a swamp walk and the community walk, you will walk into the wetlands to sight wildlife such baboons, other creatures, birds such as the great blue turaco. You will also have chance of viewing forest elephants and buffalos. After the swamp walk, you will have the community walk which is usually done by the local people or guides in the community. We shall encounter local coffee processing, craft making and we shall also be taught how to make local beers through brewing. You will return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight.
Day 11 Transfer to Fort Portal Town, Cultural Tour and City Walk
Travel time from Kibale Forest to Fort Portal Town is 40 minutes’ drive
Accommodation: Budget: Rwenzori View Guest House, Midrange: Fort Motel, Luxury:
Mountains of the Moon
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast you will check out of your accommodation driving north of the park to Fort portal town in Kabarole District. Arrive in the afternoon, proceed to Tooro kingdom which is situated on a hill overlooking Fort portal on the Fort portal – Kasese road. We shall visit the palace to know about the kingdom with its ancient history, the way of life of the Batoro as well as having a magnificent view of Fort portal town then drive to the city centre for lunch. We shall have a city walk experience through Fort portal town with a stopover at the statue of Sir Gerald portal that is situated in the city centre. Later return to the hotel, relax and have dinner.
Day 12 Transfer to Murchsion Falls National Park
Travel time from Fort Portal Town to Murchison falls National Park is 6 – 7 hours
Accommodation: Budget: Murchison River Lodge or Fort Murchison, Midrange: Fort Murchison or Pakuba Lodge, Luxury: Parra Safari Lodge or Bakers Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After your morning breakfast you will check out and embark the road trip to Murchison Falls National Park. The road trip trails along the Albertine Rift Valley with a scenic view of the rift valley escarpment and the surrounding environment. Through Hoima, you make a stopover for lunch in Masindi town. After which you will proceed to Murchison falls national park, after checking into the lodge you will have dinner and overnight.
Day 13 Morning Game Drive in the Park, Afternoon Boat Cruise to the Bottom of the Falls & Hike to the Top of the Falls
Accommodation: Budget & Midrange: Murchison River Lodge or Fort Murchison, luxury: Parra safari lodge or Bakers Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
You will wake up by 6:00am for an early cup of hot coffee or tea and head for the early morning game drive. With chance to sight nocturnal animals such as Lions, Hyenas, Leopard in the morning.
Murchison Falls National Park has south and northern sectors divided by the Nile River. The northern part is largely dominated by savannah with a large number of animals compared to the southern region which is mainly covered by forest. Therefore, the game drives are done in the northern area of Murchison Falls. Expect to sight animals such as the Antelopes, Elephants, Buffaloes and Roth’s Child Giraffes. After your game drive return to the lodge for lunch and drive to the dock at Parra for a boat cruise safari on River Nile, cruise to the bottom of the Murchison Falls. Expect a diversity of wildlife sighting that is crocodile a profusion of schools of hippos, mega crocodiles. Land mammals such buffaloes, elephants and antelopes, diversity of bird species with sounds and sights can also be sighted below the ridges besides the Nile River. As you reach the bottom of Murchison falls you will witness how the Nile waters surge in a 7-meter gorge with a depth of approximately 40 meters to form the “most powerful water falls in the world” After your spectacular wildlife boat cruise, you will dock off for water fall hike for 45 minutes in great view of the Murchison falls as you hike to the top. You will find your tour guide ready to drive you back to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Note: If your accommodation is on the southern side of the park you will board a ferry to the northern side for the game drive and back on the side where your accommodation was booked.
Day 14 Transfer to Kampala, Top of the Falls with a Stopover at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Travel time from Murchison falls National Park to Kampala is 7 hours
Accommodation: Budget: Marie’s Royale Hotel, Midrange: Marie’s Royale Hotel or City Blue Hotel, Luxury: City Blue Hotel or Sheraton Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
You will have breakfast at 8:00 am checking out and drive to the top the falls on the southern bank which lets you have scenic magnificent view of the water falls surging into a 7-meter gorge to form the most powerful waterfalls. It’s a good spot for pictures with the falls, we shall then drive to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola. Home of the wild Rhinos and the only place where you can see Rhinos in the wild.
At the sanctuary, we shall have a guided Rhino trekking on foot and facing the rhinos from a distance is a great experience. The sanctuary consists wild life such as bird 250 bird species such as the Blue spotted dove, booted eagle, African black crake Bronze maikini, Brown parrot etc. After your adventure, we shall then have lunch at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Restaurant there after set off for Kampala. We shall arrive Kampala in the evening with a drop to the hotel
Top of the falls is more favourable when you slept on the southern side of the park
Day 15 Transfer to Jinja for White Water Rafting
Travel time from Kampala to Jinja is 1–2 hours on a normal day without traffic
300 Kilometers from Kampala to Jinja
Accommodation: Budget: Smiles guest house, Base Camp or Impala Suites Hotel, Midrange: King Fisher Safaris Lodge or Haven, Luxury: Jinja Nile Resort or Wild waters lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
You will have early morning breakfast 6:00 am with an early morning pick, transfer to jinja for your rafting adventure then embark on a full day white water rafting adventure on the Nile waters. You will then have lunch at wild waters island and later transfer back to your hotel, you will relax the entire evening then dinner and overnight.
Day 16 Source of the Nile, Bungee Jumping & Transfer to Kampala
Travel time from Jinja to Kampala is 1–2 hours on a normal day without traffic
Accommodation: Budget: Marie’s Royale Hotel, Midrange: Marie’s Royale Hotel or City Blue Hotel, Luxury: City Blue Hotel or Sheraton Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast in the morning set off for the boat experience on the Nile to the source of the Nile where Lake Victoria waters joins the Nile River and the longest river as you also view the numerous birdlife in the area. Have lunch and this will be followed by an exciting, thrilling though breath taking bungee jumping. You will transfer back to Kampala city and overnight.
Day 17 Kampala City Tour
Accommodation: Budget: Marie’s Royale Hotel, Midrange: Marie’s Royale Hotel or City Blue Hotel, Luxury: City Blue Hotel or Sheraton Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast at 8:00 am, you will visit Kampala for your city tour. Start with the chaotic but amazing Nakasero market that is located in the city center. The market is best known for fresh food, fresh fruits and vegetables.
Visiting historical sites starting with the independence monument in Nakasero near Grand Imperial Hotel. The Independence monument shows the transition from colonialism when Uganda got her independence
You will then proceed to Old Kampala Mosque also known as Gadhafi mosque. It is one of the biggest in east Africa and it overlooks the city, an impression and view of Kampala city not forgetting the unique architectural style with a tower at the top.
We shall drive out of the city center to visit the Kasubi tombs where the kings of Buganda were laid to rest. The tombs are also a UNESCO site known for Buganda’s culture
After lunch you shall visit the Lubiri Palace (Also known as mengo and the king’s main palace). We shall also witness where the dictator Idi Amin once imprisoned, tortured and murdered thousands of people.
We will drive to Bahai temple and it’s the only temple of the Bahai faith in Africa 125 feet high, it was constructed about 50 years ago and opened a year before Uganda’s Independence. After which we shall proceed to Ndere cultural center after your long city tour, while here you will enjoy traditional & cultural dances exhibited by different dance groups. You will have dinner and return the hotel late evening and overnight
Tour Costs
Tour Includes
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure or
- Meet & greet at Hotel or place of stay in Kampala or Entebbe
- Ground transport in a private well-maintained safari van or land cruiser
(Selection at time of inquiry) with a popup roof for game viewing with internet
- English speaking driver / guide
- Fuel costs as per your itinerary
- 16 nights’ Accommodation at your selected lodge or hotel
- Meals mentioned on the itinerary
- Activities & Park entrance fees: 16 nights 17 days
- Lake Mburo National Park
- Game Drive
- Boat Cruise
- Bwindi National Park
- 1 Gorilla Permit
- Ishasha Sector
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Game Drive
- Boat Cruise on the kazinga
- Kibale Forest National Park
- 1 Chimp Permit
- Bigodi wetland walk
- Fort Portal (Toro Kingdom)
- Game Drive in Murchison
- Boat trip to Murchison falls
- Top to the falls hike
- Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- White water rafting
- Boat cruise on the source of the Nile
- Bungee Jumping
- City Tour ( Visit Sites Mentioned )
- Ndere Cultural Centre
- Box of material water in your Safari Vehicle
- Drop off at your hotel or place of stay
Tour Excludes
- X International flights
- X Domestic flights not booked
- X Visa Fees and Requirements
- X Meals not listed in the itinerary
- X Optional activities during the trip
- X Medical & travel insurance
- X Tips to different service providers e.g. guides, helpers and hotel staff
- X All personal expenses (Beverages/ Soft Drinks on meals, alcohol, laundry services,
- X souvenirs
General Tips on your safari:
- Health is key all trekkers as its key to have your safari and trek the gorillas in a heath condition. Usually clients with infectious diseases like flu are not allowed to track reason being it can easily affect the endangered giant chimps or gorillas. Their DNA is 98.7% close to that of human beings
- The age limit for gorilla tracking and chimpanzee tracking is 15 years and above.
- Booking of your gorilla and chimpanzee permits is done in advance in order for you not to miss out on the experience when permits are fully booked.
- A porter can be hired in case you want to be carried for trekking, bags. For the trekking porter or helper, a fee of US$ 15 is charged
- Hot air Balloon safari can also be experienced in Murchison falls National Park and this includes bush breakfast
- Lion Experiential is an amazing experience you get to track the lions off the main tracks. On this track you are accompanied by a doctor from Uwa
- Cultural tours and city tours may be arranged in both Kampala and Entebbe.
What to bring on your safari:
- Rubber Boots, trousers and rain gears or rain coats and cloth gloves
- Mosquito repellant.
- Sun screen
- Drinking during the trekking experience
- Binoculars are also essential for birders or when one books a hot air balloon safari
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