7-Day Explore Uganda’s Wildlife and Safari Holiday

On the first day of our adventure, we will embark on an exciting journey from Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park. Our departure will be early in the morning, allowing us to make the most of the day. Our first stop will be the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a unique and crucial haven for the endangered white rhinos. Here, you will have the opportunity to engage in a guided rhino trekking experience. During this trek, you'll have the chance to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat and capture stunning photographs, ensuring a memorable encounter with wildlife. After visiting the sanctuary, we continue our journey towards Murchison Falls National Park. Upon arriving in the park, we drive to the top of the Murchison Falls. Here, the Victoria Nile is forces its entire volume through a narrow 7-meter rocky gorge, plunging 43 meters into the "Devil's Cauldron". Therefore, standing at the top lets you feel the Earth shaking roar and see the permanent rainbow in the mist. Thereafter, we proceed to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Start your day early with a steaming cup of tea, savoring the tranquil morning sounds of the wilderness. A morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park offers the best opportunity to spot predators returning to cover and herbivores grazing in the cool dawn. Starting at 6:30 AM, this 3-to-5-hour drive primarily explores the northern bank of the Victoria Nile, navigating the famous Buligi Circuit's savannah tracks. You have high chances of spotting lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, Rothschild's giraffes, elephants, Cape buffaloes, Jackson’s hartebeests, and Uganda kobs. After the morning game drive, return to the lodge for lunch and a short rest before an afternoon boat ride along the Nile River. Taking a launch trip upstream brings you right to the base of the spectacular Murchison Falls. The sight and sound of the entire river squeezing through a narrow 7-meter gorge and plunging 43 meters is mesmerizing, as you also see massive pods of hippos, huge Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and giraffes along the riverbanks. After the boat trip, you can proceed with a short game drive before returning to the lodge for dinner.

After enjoying our breakfast at the hotel, we check out and embark on the journey to Kibale Forest National Park, known for its rich biodiversity and the highest chimpanzee population in the world. The journey covers about 350 to 370 km and takes roughly 4 to 5 hours by road. The route takes you through the beautiful Albertine Rift region, passing rural villages, sweeping tea plantations, and the stunning crater lakes near Fort Portal. You can ask your guide to stop by the tea gardens so that you capture beautiful shots of the green landscape and participate in tea harvesting if it is the season. Thereafter, proceed to the lodge for lunch and enjoy some rest. In the evening, head out for Bigodi Wetland walk. Located just outside Kibale, this is an excellent community-run swamp walk where you can spot additional primates and endemic bird species.

After an early breakfast, your guide will drive to Kanyancu Visitors Centre for a briefing which starts at 8:00 AM. Here, you'll receive a safety briefing and be divided into small groups of 6 to 8 people. Depending on where the chimpanzee communities are nesting and feeding, the trek takes anywhere from 2 to 5 hours. The terrain can be slightly uneven or muddy, but your guide will help you navigate and point out other primates (like red colobus and grey-cheeked mangabeys) along the way. Once you track down the chimpanzees, you will have exactly 1 hour to quietly observe them feeding, socializing, and caring for their young. After the trek, you return to the centre and depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park. The journey south follows the base of the Rwenzori Mountains and offers spectacular views of the Rwenzori peaks, tea plantations, and local farmlands. It also crosses the equator line, providing excellent photo opportunities. Arrive in Queen Elizabeth National Park for lunch and take some time to rest. In the evening, head out for the first game drive here!

After an early breakfast, your day begins with an early morning game drive across the vast Kasenyi Plains, when wildlife is most active. As the sun rises over the savannah, you'll have excellent opportunities to spot elephants, buffaloes, lions, Uganda kobs, warthogs, hyenas, and a variety of antelope species. The cool morning temperatures make it an ideal time for predators to hunt and roam, creating exciting wildlife viewing opportunities. After the game drive, the adventure continues with an unforgettable boat cruise along the famous Kazinga Channel. This natural waterway, which connects Lake George and Lake Edward, is renowned for its extraordinary concentration of wildlife. As you cruise along the channel, you'll encounter large pods of hippos, giant Nile crocodiles basking along the shores, and herds of elephants and buffaloes gathering at the water's edge. The boat cruise also offers exceptional birdwatching opportunities, with species such as African fish eagles, pelicans, kingfishers, herons, and countless other water birds commonly seen throughout the journey. Thereafter, return to the lodge, have lunch, then check out, and depart for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for an overnight stay.

Today, you will have the opportunity to take part in a unique experience: mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After receiving a briefing from the park rangers, you will venture into the forest in small groups to search for and observe one of the habituated gorilla families. The duration and difficulty of the trek may vary depending on the location of the gorilla group. When you find them, you will have the chance to spend an unforgettable 1 hour in their presence, observing their behaviors and capturing memories with your camera. It's a truly remarkable and humbling experience to witness these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. After the trek, return to the starting point for your gorilla trekking certificate and head back to the lodge for some rest. In the evening, you will set off for the cultural visit of the Batwa Pygmies. The Batwa Pygmies, traditionally known as the "Keepers of the Forest," are an indigenous hunter-gatherer tribe who lived in complete harmony with the ecosystem of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for thousands of years. They are among the oldest surviving indigenous tribes in Africa, characterized by their distinctively short stature—with adult men averaging under 150 centimeters (4'11") tall.

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, you will start the journey back to Entebbe Airport for your departure. The scenic drive spans approximately 8-9 hours, allowing for stops to relish a leisurely lunch and soak in the breathtaking views along the way. Your guide will ensure your timely arrival at the airport. The end of the safari!