tranquil safaris

8 Days Uganda Safari, Wildlife, Gorillas

Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks and Lake Bunyonyi, This 7 Days safari will take you to see the big five, other wild animals and Uganda’s primates. During the safari you will experience the spectacular Murchison Falls, beautiful savannah, wildlife and birds in Murchison Falls National Park. From Murchison head to Queen Elizabeth which also hosts various animals. Thereafter head to Bwindi forest, the home to Mountain Gorillas and lastly visit the country’s deepest Lake known as Lake Bunyonyi found in Kabale.  

Tour Plan

Day 1: From Kampala – Murchison Falls National Park

Your tour guide will meet you at the Hotel in Kampala, brief you about this 7 days safari and start of your journey to Murchison Falls via Luwero district, however you will stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary located in Nakasongola district to trek Rhinos. This place hosts about 22 white rhinos and the trekking takes about 1hour and 30minutes. After proceed to Masindi town, have lunch and drive to the Park. When you arrive drive to the accommodation of your choice, check in and have dinner. Accommodation Options;
  • Budget: Red Chilli/Heritage Lodge/Fort Murchison (Tents)
  • Mid-range: Pakuba Lodge/Fort Murchison/Murchison River Lodge
  • Luxury: Chobe Safari Lodge/Paraa Lodge
  • Exclusive: Nile Safari Lodge

Day 2: Game Drive and a Launch cruise along the Nile

Enjoy an early breakfast and set out for a game drive through the park where you will spot many animals such as Kobs, Cape Buffaloes, Giraffes, bushbucks, warthogs, elephants, hartebeests, bush pigs as well as the carnivores like the spotted hyenas, leopards and Lions. After the drive, return to the lodge for relaxation and lunch and that afternoon get on the launch which takes you to the bottom of the magnificent falls. During the cruise you can see the hippos, Nile crocodiles and other wildlife species. You will also see various species of birds including the shoebill, hornbills, kingfishers, pelicans and others. The boat stops a few meters from the Devil’s Cauldron whereby it’s a very spectacular view of the falls and the surrounding lush vegetation, after take a 45 minute hike to the top to have a more clear view of the thunderous falls making their way through a small gorge. After having all the fun and watching these falls you will meet your tour guide who will transfer you back to your lodge. Have diner and an Overnight stay. Accommodation Options;
  • Budget: Red Chilli/Heritage Lodge/Fort Murchison (Tents)
  • Mid-range: Pakuba Lodge/Fort Murchison/Murchison River Lodge
  • Luxury: Chobe Safari Lodge/Paraa Lodge
  • Exclusive: Nile Safari Lodge

Day 3: Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park

This park is one of the country’s most visited parks, home to over 610 species of birds, buffaloes, antelopes, elephants, crocodiles, hippos, chimpanzees and climbing lions. So after you have had breakfast, head out and embark on the journey to Queen Elizabeth. This is a very long drive approximately 10 to 11hours from Murchison to Kasese district where the park is located. Even though it’s a long drive, you will enjoy spectacular landscapes and vegetation along the way through different cities including Fort portal where you shall enjoy lunch from. However, if you don’t want a long drive you could opt for traveling by air to get to Queen, whichever way you get there is worth everything. Accommodation Options;
  • Budget – Engiri Game Lodge/ Tembo Safari lodge/Pumba Safari Cottages
  • Mid-range – Bush Lodge/Twin lakes Safari lodge/Ihamba Safari Lodge
  • Luxury – Mweya Lodge/Mazike Valley Lodge/Elephant Plains
  • Exclusive – Kyambura Gorge Lodge

Day 4: Game Drive & Launch Cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Have breakfast, enjoy a 3hour game drive following the Kasenyi track in the Park where you will encounter various mammals like bush bucks, warthogs, elephants, lions and many more. In the afternoon, have lunch and go for a 3 hour boat cruise along Kazinga channel where you will spot crocodiles, birds, hippos, buffaloes and varying landscapes. Return later to the lodge for dinner. Accommodation Options;
  • Budget – Engiri Game Lodge/ Tembo Safari lodge/Pumba Safari Cottages
  • Mid-range – Bush Lodge/Twin lakes Safari lodge/Ihamba Safari Lodge
  • Luxury – Mweya Lodge/Mazike Valley Lodge/Elephant Plains
  • Exclusive – Kyambura Gorge Lodge

Day 5: Transfer to Bwindi Forest National Park via Ishasha Sector

Travel to Bwindi, but enjoy a game drive in Ishasha sector on your way. You will see different animals with the Climbing lions being the highlight of this drive. Arrive in Bwindi in the afternoon and check in to the lodge of your choice. Relax there and dine. Accommodation Options;
  • Budget: Traveller’s Rest Hotel/Buhoma Community Rest Camp
  • Moderate: Bakiga Lodge/Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
  • Luxury: Buhoma Lodge/Lake Mutanda Lodge/Silverback Lodge
  • Exclusive: Gorilla Forest Camp/Mahogany Springs

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Begin this day with an early breakfast, and transfer to the park offices for briefing where you will be allocated the gorilla families to see and told various guidelines for the trek. After briefing, enter into the forest for trekking, the trek can last for two hours or even 6hours basing on how fast you find the gorillas. You are advised to carry enough water for drinking, sturdy shoes, a camera, snacks and other essentials to help in trekking. After trekking, return to your lodge and unwind there as you get ready for an evening visit to the Batwa community where you will experience their traditions, and cultural beliefs.   Accommodation Options;
  • Budget: Traveller’s Rest Hotel/Buhoma Community Rest Camp
  • Moderate: Bakiga Lodge/Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
  • Luxury: Buhoma Lodge/Lake Mutanda Lodge/Silverback Lodge
  • Exclusive: Gorilla Forest Camp/Mahogany Springs

Day 7: To Lake Bunyonyi

You will leave Bwindi after breakfast for a two hours journey to Lake Bunyonyi, situated in Kabale District. This lake is said to be the deepest in Uganda and 2nd deepest in Africa. It is very scenic with around 29 islands and various species of birds.  A visit to this lake offers you an opportunity to relax along its shores, swimming and also a thrilling boat ride. Accommodation Options; Bird Nest/Arcadia cottages/Bunyonyi Overland Camp

Day 8: Depart to Kampala

After breakfast, checkout of the lodge. Leave Lake Bunyonyi and travel back to Kampala or Entebbe with a stop around the Equator for some photos and lunch.

Included

  • Gorilla Permits
  • Rhino trekking permit
  • Park Entry Fees
  • Transportation (4WD vehicle)
  • Safari Driver/Guide
  • Accommodation and meals
  • Community visit fees
  • Bottled drinking water
  • Boat cruises

Excluded

  • International Flights
  • Personal Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Visa Fares
  • Tips and Porter fees
  • Optional Activities

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