12 Day Wildlife Safari in Uganda, Primates & Gorilla Trek
Overview:
Enjoy an incredible African Jungle adventure from Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi impenetrable forest and Lake Mburo national parks, to the rugged beauty of sophisticated Kampala city. Feel the thrill of spotting one (or more!) of Africa’s Big Five for the first time on game drives, hear the trumpet of elephants across the plains and learn about the park’s unique ecosystem on guided walks and hiking, track gorillas and chimpanzees in their sanctuaries as well as guided boat rides. Travel to bustling Uganda the pearl of Africa!
Highlights:
- Scenic drives
- Boat cruises
- Hiking /nature walks
- Chimp tracking
- Gorilla trekking
- Game drives
- Equator
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1. Kampala – Murchison Falls National Park.
Karibu! Welcome to Uganda. Your pearls exploration tour starts early this morning to get you to Murchison Falls with an en-route lunch. You will be picked up at 6 am from your hotel and start the day. We depart Kampala, the ‘green city in the sun’ and head off on an adventure of a lifetime. A truly unique African experience unfolds as we enter the mighty Murchison Falls National Park (300 km, approximately 5-6 hours travel time including stops along the way). On arrival drop your luggage at the lodge in the park and proceed for an evening game drive (optional) or rest.
Meal plan: L, D
Day 2. Game Drive- Boat Cruise and Hiking
The largest game park in Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park is home to over 600 bird species, and 76 mammal species, including the Big Five. An early rise, as we make our way to Murchison. Our wildlife experience begins as soon as we enter the park, heading into prime game viewing areas where we hope to catch a glimpse of some of the amazing animals found inside the park, including the Big Five.
Enjoy lunch at one of the picnic spots before continuing for a boat trip on the placid Victoria Nile, upstream, to the base of the falls. En-route you will see hippos, crocodiles, waterbuck and a wide variety of birds like the unusual shoebill stork.
Disembark from the boat and take a hike to the top of the falls where you can see the Nile’s beauty perfected!! Marvel at the Nile, and return to the lodge for an evening of relaxation.
Day 3. Murchison Falls – Kibale Forest National Park
Rise early and drive out heading to Kibale Forest National Park. Estimated transit time is 7 hours with frequent stops to stretch your legs. The drive takes you through little towns and villages as you observe the African rhythm of life. On arrival, check into your preferred accommodation.
Day 4. Chimpanzee Tracking- Bigodi Swamp Walk
Wake up for an early breakfast before you gather at the Kanyanchu headquarters for a briefing before the chimpanzee tracking. You spend the morning in the forest tracking the famous primates. Later in the afternoon after lunch, proceed for a Bigodi Swamp Walk where you have chances for different bird & butterfly species, primates like black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, etc. There is also a variety of interesting plant species.
Day 5. Queen Elizabeth- Crater Lakes- Game Drive
You will need to check out of the lodge after breakfast today and be ready to transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. En route, you will visit some of the crater lakes that this area is famous for. On arrival have an introductory game drive in the park (optional). Overnight at your lodge
Day 6. Game Drive – Boat Cruise
Rise and head out to follow your adventure instincts on a sunrise game-drive. Queen Elizabeth National Park’s diverse Eco-system of grassy plains, rivers, tropical forest, lakes, swamps and volcanic craters is home to an incredible abundance of wildlife. Game drives in this park; with the massive Rwenzoris as a backdrop provide excellent opportunities to see lion, leopard, giant forest hog, Cape buffalo, elephants, de Fassa waterbuck, Uganda Kob, Topi and bushbuck. Later after lunch, proceed for an exciting boat cruise on the spectacular Kazinga Channel.
This offers an excellent platform for photography and game viewing. The birdlife is colourful and abundant. You will be privileged to see schools of hippos and Nile-crocodiles sunbathing and opening wide their saw-like jaws. Return to your accommodation facility for overnight.
Day 7. Chimp Tracking – Game Drive
Today retrace the path of evolution as you track chimpanzees in the Kyambura Gorge. Later you have another rewarding game drive for more game and bird species.
Day 8. Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Spend a full day travelling to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The drive takes you through the Ishasha section of the park. You have an opportunity to spot the famous tree-climbing lions, often seen languishing in Fig trees. Continue as you exit the park, check-in, refresh, dinner and rest.
Day 9. Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi National Park
After an early breakfast, you will proceed to the National Park headquarters to meet your guides for the day. After completing park formalities, you embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience of tracking mountain gorillas in their sanctuary. Once you spot them you are allowed to spend an hour watching your closest long-lost cousin, the thrill of spending time with these gentle and endangered giants is an awesome, Unforgettable and exciting experience to be long-savoured. Many find it to be a rare and moving opportunity. .Return to your hotel, for overnight.
Day 10. Transfer to Lake Mburo
Sadly, we depart Bwindi and make our way to Lake Mburo National Park, arriving in time for the afternoon boat ride on the lake, after exploring we return to the lodge and relax. (Estimated transit time is 5 hours).
Day 11. Safari Walk- Game Drive
Today, accompanied by an armed Ranger, take a morning safari walk and later after lunch, proceed for an evening game drive to end your day thrillingly.
Day 12. Depart for Kampala
Today is a free day; our adventure comes to an end today. There are no activities planned for the final day apart from a stopover at the Equator for photographs before proceeding to Kampala. Drop off at your accommodation.
End of Service.
