This 11 Day Endless Wonders Adventure in Uganda offers a unique glimpse into Uganda’s remarkable biodiversity. From the towering shoebill to vibrant kingfishers and elusive papyrus gonoleks, the swamp is a birdwatcher’s paradise. You will explore Murchison Falls National Park for the most magnificent and strongest falls in the world, Kibale National Park renowned for its high population of chimpanzees, Queen Elizabeth National Park a stunning location known for its scenic beauty, volcanic features, and diverse ecosystems and spotting tree-climbing lions and End your Safari with a visit to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site home to more than half of the world’s remaining population of these endangered mountain gorillas.
Safari Highlights:
- Shoebill tracking at Mabamba Swamp.
- Game Drive Through the Savannah plains.
- Boat Safari on the Nile to the bottom of the falls.
- Boat safari along the wild-rich Kazinga channel.
- Hike to the Top of Murchison Falls.
- Tree climbing Lions.
- Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park.
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
- Batwa Community Visit.
- Equator line crossing.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by our meet-and-greet lounge host who will ensure a seamless transition from the airport, and aid you through fast-track assistance with VISA, and luggage collection. After the immigration and baggage collection process, you will then be handed over to our driver guide to start your safari journey. You will transfer to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Dinner and overnight at Hotel Number 5 (Luxury), Protea Hotel by Marriott (Midrange) Airport Guest House
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 2: Shoebill Tracking at Mabamba Swamp
Begin with an early morning breakfast. At 0700hrs, you set off with your driver guide for a 45-minute drive to Mabamba Swamp’s landing site. The shoebill is most active during the early morning hours, making a sunrise start essential for an optimal tracking experience. Please consider wearing comfortable, waterproof clothing, as the environment can be humid and damp. Don’t forget sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat to protect yourself from the elements.
Once you arrive at the swamp, you will board a traditional wooden boat or a motorized canoe with a local bird guide. The boat ride will navigate through papyrus-lined channels to areas where shoebills are often spotted. As you glide through the winding paths, you’ll encounter countless bird species, and the guides will help identify each one. Shoebills prefer the swamp’s shallow waters, where they hunt fish, especially lungfish, which is abundant in Mabamba. Patience is key, as the shoebill may remain motionless for extended periods before catching prey. Other bird species to be spotted include The African jacana, Goliath heron, Black-headed heron, Grey-crowned crane, and Palm-nut vulture. After a rewarding morning of birdwatching, you will disembark on the swamp shores to meet your driver and be transferred to Entebbe town for lunch before returning to your hotel.
Dinner and overnight at Hotel Number 5 (Luxury), Protea Hotel by Marriott (Midrange) Airport Guest House.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 3: Transfer To Murchison Falls National Park Via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Today’s adventure begins with an early breakfast at 0600hrs. You then travel through Kampala, Uganda’s bustling capital. The scenic 6-7-hour drive to Murchison Falls National Park offers an introduction to Uganda’s diverse countryside, showcasing picturesque villages, lush farmlands, and glimpses of local life. You’ll make a stopover at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary en-route to the park to engage in on-foot rhino tracking. The sanctuary, located halfway between Kampala and Murchison Falls, is home to Uganda’s only wild white rhinos, offering an up-close experience of these majestic creatures. Upon arrival, we enter the park through the Kichumbanyobo gate and visit the top of the falls for magnificent, picturesque moments before checking in at your lodge.
Covering over 3,800 square kilometers, Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest national park, renowned for its sprawling savannah, riverine woodlands, and vibrant wildlife. Murchison Falls National Park has over 76 mammal species and 451 bird species. Reptiles like the Nile crocodile, hippo, and the rare semi-aquatic Sitatunga antelope. You may glimpse the big 5 mammals: Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, Rothschild’s giraffes, warthogs, giant forest hog, Uganda Kob, topi, and waterbuck.
Dinner and overnight at Nile Safari Lodge (Luxury), Pakuba Safari Lodge (Midrange), Red Chilli Camp (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 4: Game Drive – Boat Cruise – Optional Hike to the Top of the Falls.
Begin with a cup of coffee at 0600hrs before stepping out for an early morning game drive, a perfect time to spot some of Murchison Falls’ iconic animals. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll explore the Buligi Game Tracks that stretch between the Victoria and Albert tracks. This area is ideal for seeing large herds of elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and the occasional predators like lions and leopards. You will also spot numerous giraffes, Hartebeest, Bushbucks, Jackal, hyenas, oribis, Uganda kobs, etc. Bird enthusiasts will enjoy sightings of species like the Goliath heron, Abyssinian ground hornbill, and African fish eagle.After an exciting morning on the safari, you’ll return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.
A short rest at the lodge allows for a smooth transition to an afternoon boat safari along the Nile at 1400hrs. The boat safari provides stunning views of the Nile River to the bottom of the Murchison Falls, the longest river in the world, and introduces the safari’s first sightings of large schools of hippos, crocodiles, and diverse bird species like rare shoebill stork, Fish Eagle, African Skimmer, Grey-crowned Crane, Black-headed Gonolek, Goliath Heron, Green-winged, Long-toed Plover, Saddle-billed Stork. Avid photographers will love the opportunity to capture these remarkable animals in their natural habitat, backdropped by the park’s lush vegetation.
Optional Adventure: ($15 Per Person).
For those up for the challenge, a guided hike to the top of the falls reveals awe-inspiring views and an up-close look at the mighty Nile plunging through a narrow 7-meter gorge. The roar of the waterfall and the mist in the air create a memorable and immersive experience of nature’s raw power.
Dinner and overnight at Nile Safari Lodge (Luxury), Pakuba Safari Lodge (Midrange), Red Chilli Camp (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 5: Transfer to Kibale National Park.
Kickstart your day with breakfast at 06h00. After a briefing, you’ll begin the scenic drive to Kibale National Park. This 6-7-hour journey takes you through breathtaking scenic landscapes, lush greenery, rolling hills, tea plantations, and the lively town of Fort Portal. Upon reaching Kibale, you will be welcomed by the serene beauty of one of the most bio-diverse regions in East Africa. You will transfer to your lodge fully surrounded by the mystical calls of the monkeys followed by an evening at leisure whilst utilizing complementary activities offered by the lodge. Over a dozen primates inhabit this national park, and various types of monkeys grace the trees around your verandah. Close your eyes, and the soundtrack will provide an incredible appreciation for how remote you are.
Dinner and overnight at Kibale Lodge/Primate Lodge/ Chimpundu Lodge (Luxury), Turaco Tree Tops (Midrange), Bweza Kibale Lodge (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking – Community and Cultural Experience.
After a paradisiac breakfast at 06h30, prepare for an exhilarating chimpanzee-tracking adventure in the lush forests of Kibale. Kibale National Park is home to about 1,500 chimpanzees, along with 12 other primate species such as the black-and-white colobus monkey, red-tailed monkey, and grey-cheeked mangabey. You will transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing by expert guides and rangers about the park’s rules, tracking techniques, and chimpanzee behaviors. Led by an experienced ranger guide, you will venture into the dense forest looking for chimpanzees. The tracking duration can vary from 1-4 hours depending on the movement of the chimpanzee groups. Once you locate the chimpanzees, you’ll have a precious one-hour window to observe these magnificent animals as you watch them swing through trees, groom one another, and communicate through vocalizations.
After lunch at 14h00, you will go for a village walk to immerse yourself in the interesting cultures of the community. This immersive activity features coffee plantation tours, a traditional healer experience, Basket weaving, and a cultural performance, wrapped by local banana beer/Gin production and tasting.
Dinner and overnight at Kibale Lodge/Primate Lodge/ Chimpundu Lodge (Luxury), Turaco Tree Tops (Midrange), Bweza Kibale Lodge (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 7: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Sun Set Game Drive.
Begin your safari with a lazy breakfast at your hotel. From here at 1000hrs, embark on a scenic journey southwest to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The drive to the park is approximately 3-4 hours and takes you through lush countryside, expansive tea plantations in Bushenyi, and picturesque views of the rolling hills. Along the way, you’ll cross the Equator, where a quick stop is a must for a photo at the iconic Equator Spot. You will later proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park and check in at your lodge. Your evening will be on a sunset game drive whilst enjoying your first taste of the Ugandan wilderness with a sunset view over the savannah. You will spot lions, elephants, buffalo, Hartebeest, Bushbucks, hyenas, oribis, and a variety of antelope species.
Dinner and overnight at Elephant Plains Lodge (Luxury), Twin Lakes Lodge (Midrange), Kazinga Wilderness Safari Camp (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 8: Morning Game Drive – Sun Set boat Cruise.
Kick off the day with breakfast at 0600hrs followed by an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains. This area of the park is famous for its abundance of wildlife, and the morning hours are ideal for spotting lions, elephants, buffalo, Hartebeest, Bushbucks, Jackal, hyenas, oribis, and a variety of antelope species. The Kasenyi Plains also host predators like leopards, which can often be found lounging on trees or prowling through the grasses. Our expert guides are knowledgeable about the animals’ movements and behaviors, ensuring you get up-close views and fantastic photo opportunities.
After a delightful lunch at the lodge, head to the Kazinga Channel for an afternoon boat safari. The channel, which links Lake George and Lake Edward, is a sanctuary for numerous animal species. This unique boat safari provides an up-close look at hippos wallowing in the water, Nile crocodiles basking along the shore, and elephants drinking by the water’s edge. The channel is also a haven for birdwatchers, as you can spot kingfishers, African fish eagles, pelicans, and more than 600 other bird species.
Dinner and overnight at Elephant Plains Lodge (Luxury), Twin Lakes Lodge (Midrange), Kazinga Wilderness Safari Camp (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 9: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
After breakfast, check out at 0700hrs and drive heading to the southwestern part of the country. Your destination is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (6 hours’ drive). You will drive via the isolated Ishasha sector in search of the treasured tree-climbing lions. The tail will move, and you will gaze into the eyes of a lion with its flowing black mane. Tree-climbing lions are just ten meters away, and you just spotted them. You will then proceed with your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You will travel through the rolling hills, terraced farms, and rural villages, gaining a glimpse of local Ugandan life. Once you arrive in Bwindi, you’ll check into a carefully selected lodge that offers both comfort and proximity to the park, allowing you to recharge for the next day’s adventures.
Dinner and overnight at Bwindi Lodge (Luxury), Mahogany Springs Lodge (Midrange), Gorilla Bluff Lodge (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 10: Gorilla Trekking Adventure – Batwa Cultural Experience.
After a hearty breakfast at 0600hrs, your once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience begins. You’ll transfer to the park reception for a briefing at 0730hrs about gorilla behaviors, family structures, and conservation efforts, making this an educational encounter as well as a thrilling one. Accompanied by knowledgeable guides and following the advance trackers team, you’ll enter Bwindi’s ancient forest in search of a gorilla family. Treks can range from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location and movement of the gorillas, but each moment is priceless, filled with anticipation and excitement as you follow signs of these gentle giants. Once you reach the gorilla family, you’ll have the rare privilege of spending an hour observing as you capture stunning photos of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. You’ll watch as gorillas groom each other, play, and interact under the watchful gaze of the silverback. After this mind-blowing activity, you will return to the lodge for lunch.
At 1400hrs, you will visit the Batwa also known as the “Keepers of the Forest,” for a cultural experience. Through a guided cultural experience, you’ll learn about their history, traditions, and lifestyle, which are deeply intertwined with the forest. You’ll enjoy traditional dances, songs, and demonstrations of Batwa hunting, honey, and medicine-gathering techniques, enriching your understanding of the local heritage.
Dinner and overnight at Bwindi Lodge (Luxury), Mahogany Springs Lodge (Midrange), Gorilla Bluff Lodge (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 11: Return Journey to Entebbe – Departure.
On the final day, we’ll embark on a scenic drive back to Entebbe (10hrs drive) where you can reflect on the unforgettable memories created during your Uganda gorilla safari. Our team will ensure a comfortable return, including stopovers at picturesque locations, allowing you to savor Uganda’s beauty one last time before departure. Depending on the time of departure you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.
Inclusions.
1. All Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking permits.
2. All entrance fees.
3. All ground transportation in a 4WD Vehicle with a pop-up roof for easy game viewing and photography.
4. All Accommodation as indicated in the itinerary.
5. English-speaking Experienced Safari guide.
6. Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
7. Shoebill tracking at Mabamba Swamp.
8. Game Drive Through the Savannah plains.
9. Boat Safari on the Nile to the bottom of the falls.
10. Boat safari along the wild-rich Kazinga channel.
11. Golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
12. Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park.
13. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
14. Batwa Community Visit.
15. Equator line crossing tour.
16. Refreshments and snacks in the vehicle.
Exclusions.
1. All Tips to Hotels/Lodges/Camps staff and Safari Guide.
2. Hike to the Top of Murchison Falls.
3. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks that are not accompanying meals.
4. International flight/s and departure taxes and other taxes.
5. Visa fees. Visas are available online or upon arrival at all Entry points.