This 9 Day Walking on the Wild Side Adventure Safari in Uganda offers a unique glimpse into Uganda’s remarkable biodiversity. 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.
9 Day Walking on the Wild Side Adventure Safari in Uganda 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: Transfer to Kibale National Park – Community and Cultural Experience
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. 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. 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 3: Chimpanzee Tracking – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
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 12h00, 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 4: 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, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 5: 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 6: 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 7: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park – Sunset Game Drive.
After breakfast, you’ll meet your safari guide who will brief you on the safari itinerary. Prepare to experience the mesmerizing landscapes of Uganda as you embark on a 4-5-hour drive through picturesque villages and plantations, making your way to Lake Mburo National Park. Upon arrival at Lake Mburo National Park, you’ll check into your chosen lodge or camp. After a short rest, begin your safari adventure with an exciting sunset game drive. The park comes alive in the evening with a range of wildlife, including zebras, buffaloes, impalas, waterbucks, and the famous Elands that are only found here. This is a perfect opportunity to spot these animals against the beautiful African sunset, creating a remarkable start to your journey.
Dinner and overnight at Mihingo Safari Lodge / Kigambira Safari Lodge (Luxury), Rwakobo Rock (Midrange), Eagle’s Nest (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 8: Morning Game Drive and Boat Safari on Lake Mburo
Start your day early with a thrilling morning game drive after grabbing a cup of coffee at 0600hrs to explore the park’s extensive grasslands and acacia woodlands. Mornings are ideal for spotting predators such as leopards as well as herbivores like Giraffes, elands, topis, and oribis. Your guide will take you through areas rich with wildlife activity, offering ample opportunities to witness the biodiversity of Lake Mburo before returning to the lodge for a proper breakfast and lunch. After a hearty lunch prepare for a boat safari on Lake Mburo, the park’s central water body. The lake is home to a vibrant mix of waterbirds, including African fish eagles, kingfishers, and cormorants. You may also spot hippos and crocodiles basking on the shores. The boat safari provides a unique perspective of the park and is ideal for photography enthusiasts eager to capture stunning landscapes and wildlife.
Dinner and overnight at Mihingo Safari Lodge/Kigambira Safari Lodge (Luxury), Rwakobo Rock (Midrange), Eagle’s Nest (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 9: Nature Walking Safari and Return to Entebbe – Departure.
At 0700hrs, you’ll join a guided nature walk led by park rangers. This allows for a closer encounter with the park’s flora and fauna. Experience the tranquility of the African bush, walking through the open savannah and alongside animals like Giraffes, Zebras, Elands, warthogs, and bushbucks. The nature walk is a refreshing experience that deepens your connection with the natural surroundings. After an active morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out of the lodge. Bid farewell to the beautiful landscapes and wildlife of Lake Mburo as you make your way back to Kampala or Entebbe. Depending on the time of departure you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.
End of the 9 Day Walking on the Wild Side Adventure Safari in Uganda.
The 9 Day Walking on the Wild Side Adventure Safari in Uganda includes;
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.