Safari Overview
The 16 days across Uganda safari covers the iconic destinations from the Northwest to the far Southwestern circuit. Embarking on this special safari is a deal for you to experience the best of primate trekking and savannah game viewing. The prime destinations to be visited on the 16 Days Uganda safari include Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale, Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth, Mgahinga, Lake Mulehe/Mutanda, and more. The expected experiences to enjoy as per this extensive safari package include gorilla trekking, boat rides, game drives, cultural encounters, and rhino tracking. The entire Uganda safari will begin and end in Kampala/Entebbe city.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & transfer to Kampala
Pick up at the Entebbe International Airport & drive to the pre-booked lodge in Kampala, about 45-60 minutes depending on the traffic. At the comfort of your hotel property, meet our company representative who will take you through the details of your 16-day across Uganda safari. After the orientation, a leisurely dinner will follow, and you will retire for the night.
Day 2: Drive to Jinja –Whitewater rafting
After breakfast, expect to have a transfer to Jinja, about 2 hours’ drive on a normal traffic. Possible en route stopovers include the Ssezibwa waterfalls & Mabira Forest Reserve then you proceed to Jinja. Arrive early in order for you to take part in the whitewater rafting experience on the Source of the Nile River. After the exciting rafting adventure, continue to the lodge for relaxation and dinner.
Day 3: Boat cruise to the Source of the Nile, & drive back to Kampala.
Enjoy a hefty breakfast and then move to the briefing area to get insights into dos and don’ts while on a Victoria Nile boat cruise. Today, you will have the best of the boat cruise, a unique way to explore the Source of the Nile River. After, you will settle for lunch and check out, then return to Kampala for relaxation.
Day 4: Kampala to Murchison Falls NP with en route Rhino trek at Ziwa
Leave Kampala early for Murchison Falls National Park, which straddles the Northwestern circuit. In about 6-7 hours’ drive in a 4WD vehicle, you will be in Murchison, but your en route road trip also comes with a stopover visit at the Ziwa Sanctuary. At the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, you will be participating in the rhino tracking experience. Go on a foot walk with rhinos and encounter them in their natural environment, then continue to Masindi for lunch.
Depart from Masindi for you to reach Murchison via its Southern gate. Proceed within the speed limit as per the park authority and keep an eye on numerous wildlife as they move. Today, you will also be visiting the top of the falls for a photography experience and take time to observe the Murchison waterfalls as it forces itself into the narrow rock of 7-8m.
Day 5: Full-time activities: Game drives & Boat cruise
A great day will be spent mainly on a guided game drive starting early in the morning. Get a chance to unearth the wonders of the Northern game tracks, with amazing sightings expected, including spotted hyenas, elephants, warthogs, Rothschild giraffes, leopards, lions, and buffaloes. Return from the Northern game track savanna plains and enjoy lunch at the lodge.
This afternoon will include a boat cruise on the Victoria Nile from the Paraa Jetty, with a stop at the base of the falls. On a scenic ride, you will be keeping an eye on the basking Nile crocodiles and hippos. As you proceed, marvel at some amazing small & large mammals along the River banks.
Day 6: Pick up & drive to Kibale Forest National Park
Have breakfast and set off for Kibale starting at around 7:30 am. Today’s journey comes with mesmerizing landscape views in Hoima, characterized by the scenic rift valley escarpments. Arrive at Fort Portal city for you to have a delicious lunch and later, continue to your charming primate destination –Kibale.
Day 7: Chimpanzee tracking with Bigodi Wetland/Sanctuary tour
Prepare early and join the park officials at the Kanyanchu tourism centre to get briefed on rules for chimpanzee tracking. Expect to begin your unforgettable Kibale chimp trek at around 8:00 am after the orientation and allocation of park ranger guides.
The chimp trek involves penetrating deeper into Kibale Forest to find the habituated chimpanzee community. Other interesting primates will also be spotted that live in the same habitat with over 1500 chimpanzees in Kibale Forest. An hour will be dedicated to you to have a glimpse into the chimpanzees, learn about their unique behaviors, and take pictures.
Have lunch, and after, your exploration continues at the Bigodi swamp as you take on a guided nature walk. Enjoy the different melodies from birds, watch primates as they play, and appreciate the natural beauty that lies in the Bigodi Wetland ecosystem.
Day 8: Kibale Forest to Queen Elizabeth –Afternoon Kazinga boat cruise
Embark on a scenic drive of 2-3 hours to Queen Elizabeth National Park and don’t miss a photography moment at the Kikorongo Equator crossing. Expect to have a delicious lunch before you catch up with the boat cruise starting at the Mweya Jetty. Today’s afternoon boat cruise takes you on the extensive Kazinga channel, surrounded by beautiful vegetation. Watch hippos as they yawn, Nile crocodiles as they sunbathe, and countless aquatic birds. Along the banks, you can observe buffalo and elephants, plus several other animals, as they interact.
Day 9: Full day game drives –Morning & afternoon
It’s time to experience the savannah wonders in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Today’s journey introduces you to the Kasenyi game track for an amazing sunrise game drive session. Get to witness the elusive leopards, majestic lions, African elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, and antelopes, including the amazing Uganda Kobs. After the morning game drive session, you will have a short break to enjoy lunch, and again return in the afternoon to explore more.
Day 10: Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi through Ishasha
Embark on a thrilling road trip as you connect to Bwindi in the Southern end. As you exit via Ishasha, a brief moment will be had to let you search for the tree-climbing lions. Exit officially from Ishasha and expect to check in you accommodation in the Northern part of Bwindi.
Day 11: Gorilla trekking & Batwa
Enjoy a hearty breakfast and later, join the briefing session at the Buhoma sector. The adventure through the Bwindi Forest begins at around 8:00 am after you have been allocated a gorilla family. Wind through the lush Bwindi Forest as you look out for your favorite gorilla group, with your trail expected to run for 2-6 hours. But don’t worry, there will be one hour for you to closely observe how mountain gorillas behave. Return and reunite with your driver, who then transfers you to the lodge once you have received the gorilla trekking certificate.
Wrap today’s program with a visit to the Batwa community. Get to know the unique cultures and traditions, plus practices from the Batwa pygmies. After, you will have a safe return to the lodge.
Day 12: Bwindi to Lake Mutanda, sunset boat ride
Have a delicious breakfast and continue to Lake Mutanda. Expect the best sunset boat ride on the scenic Lake Mutanda and later relax at the lodge.
Day 13: Golden monkey tracking & relaxation at the lodge
Depart early for you to catch up with the briefing at the Ntebeko region. Today, your focus will be to find the golden monkeys in the lush Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Expect to enjoy 2-4 hours or more, depending on the location of the golden monkeys, your walking speed, and the nature of the habitat. Retreat and meet the driver to take you back to the lodge to relax.
Day 14: Transfer to Lake Mburo, Relax at the lodge
Start the day with a hearty breakfast and check out of the lodge. Safely connect to Lake Mburo National Park. Arrive early and appreciate the unique landscapes in Lake Mburo as you connect to the lodge for relaxation.
Day 15: Game drive & Boat tour
Wake up with high energy for yet another remarkable day to unearth Uganda’s wonders. Today, your wildlife adventure focuses on Lake Mburo National Park, and you expect to enjoy a guided game drive. Along the breathtaking trails, expect to find the majestic elands, graceful topis, waterbucks, impalas, warthogs, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, and bushbucks. In the afternoon, you will have a boat cruise for you to enjoy views of hippos & crocodiles.
Day 16: Return to Entebbe
A hearty breakfast at the comfort of your lodge will be followed by check out. After, your journey will connect back to Kampala/Entebbe, and this brings to an end the 16 Days Across Uganda Safari.
End of safari