An amazing safari that combines the wide savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park with the dense tropical rainforests of Kibale and Bwindi. Excellent wildlife viewing and unforgettable encounters with the primates of Uganda!
Day 1 : Arrival
Arrival at Entebbe Airport where you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your Guest house in Entebbe. Overnight at the Boma Guest House (B&B).
Day 2 : Entebbe - Kibale Forest National Park
After a relaxed breakfast we will depart Entebbe and head west to Fort Portal, with lunch en route. Fort Portal rests in the shadow of the fabled “Mountains of the Moon” and is famous for the many tea plantations. From this lovely town we will continue to Kibale National Park, while passing the region of the Crater Lakes. Here we will explore some small lakes, before heading to our accommodation for tonight. Dinner and overnight at the Cottage of Primate Lodge Kibale.
Day 3 : Kibale Forest & Bigodi Swamp
Today the forest opens its doors for a sensational chimp tracking. Kibale Forest is reputable of having the greatest variety and highest concentration of primates in East Africa. Enjoy a guided nature walk in the tropical rainforest in search of the wild chimpanzee, red-tailed monkey, black-and-white colobus monkey and many others. After a hearty lunch we transfer to the Bigodi Swamp for another, totally different nature walk. The Bigodi Swamp Walk is an initiative of the local community and is known for its rich diversity of birds and primates. Dinner and overnight at the Cottage of Primate Lodge Kibale.
Day 4 : Kibale Forest - Queen Elizabeth National Park
After a delicious breakfast we calmly transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Have lunch and relax at the pool before going on a game drive in search of the first wildlife, including warthogs, buffaloes, waterbucks and elephants. Dinner and overnight at Elephant Plains Lodge.
Day 5 : Queen Elizabeth National Park
The day begins early as we start with a morning game drive and head to the mating ground of the Uganda Kobs. We search for lions, elephants, buffaloes and other wild animals in their natural habitat before returning for lunch. In the afternoon we take on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural channel between Lake Edward and Lake George. Thanks to the abundant birdlife that is sighted, and the elephants, buffaloes and hundreds of hippos that are cooling off at the shores, this cruise will definitely be one of the highlights of your safari. Dinner and overnight at Elephant Plains Lodge.
Day 6 : Queen Elizabeth National Park - Bwindi National Park
After breakfast we head towards the south, passing the southern sector of the national park (if road conditions allow). This part is called Ishasha and is famous for the tree climbing lions. After a short game drive in this area we continue to Bwindi. While driving through a verdant countryside, you will pass traditional homesteads and enjoy panoramic views. In the afternoon arrival in Bwindi National Park, home of the endangered mountain gorillas. Dinner and overnight at Mahogany Springs Lodge.
Day 7 : Gorilla tracking
The highlight of your safari: a meeting with the gentle giants of Bwindi! Especially hikers will love the tracking in the beautiful ecosystem of the park. Expect to walk a long distance in steep and muddy conditions, sometimes with rain overhead, before you encounter any gorillas. But it will definitely be worthwhile as you observe them closely while they eat, play and rest. A unique and unforgettable experience! Dinner and overnight at Mahogany Springs Lodge.
Day 8 : Bwindi National Park - Lake Mburo National Park
After breakfast we depart the impenetrable forest of Bwindi and head to Lake Mburo National Park. As we enter the park it is likely that you will spot some wildlife. After checking in you will go on a boat ride on the lake and enjoy the rich bird life and the many hippos that are cooling off. Dinner and overnight at Mihingo Lodge.
Day 9 : Lake Mburo National Park - Kampala
Early start of the day as we will go for a nature walk guided by a ranger. Lake Mburo is the only national park where you can experience a safari on foot. Return the lodge for breakfast and with a game drive on our way out we depart the protected area and drive back to Kampala with lunch enroute. Arrival in the afternoon and leisure time to visit some shops or relax at the pool. Overnight at Cassia Lodge.
Day 10 : Departure
Enriched with an experience of a lifetime and unforgettable memories you will say goodbye to the Pearl of Africa. Depending on your flight schedule you can join our guide on a city tour and visit some interesting and historical sites. In time you will be transferred to Entebbe Airport for your international flight back home.
Included in the price:
- Airport transfer
- Ground transport per comfortable 4WD safari vehicle (Land Cruiser)
- English speaking driver/guide
- Accommodation in places mentioned in the itinerary, based on a double room
- Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner), apart from the stay in Entebbe and Kampala (B&B)
- Bottled mineral water throughout the safari
- Park entrance fees
- Game drives, boat launches and walks according to the program
Exclusions:
- International flight
- Visa
- Chimp tracking in Kibale Forest NP (USD $250 per person)
- Gorilla permit in Bwindi NP (USD $800 per person)
- Meals and drinks not mentioned above
- Laundry and tips
- Items of personal nature
- Christmas supplement
* Prices are subject to change.
* Availability of accommodation, permits and activities is not guaranteed until confirmation.
* The safari is based on budget accommodation, consisting of basic hotel rooms, bandas or tents with one double or two single beds and mosquito nets where necessary. Bathrooms will be either private or shared, depending on availability.
* The chimp tracking in Kibale Forest may take place either in the morning or afternoon, depending on the availability of the permits for chimp tracking.
Note:
Discount based on 4 pax - US $ 4,255 per person
Discount based on 6 pax- US $ 3,940 per person
Please note that demand is very high and only 8 persons per day are allowed to see the gorillas. Therefore we advise you to book permits at least 4 months in advance.
If you wish to stay in budget accommodation please notify so we can inform you about the upgrade fees. Please complete the enquiry form below for more details and tailor-made safaris in Uganda and Rwanda!