Day 1: Arrival in Uganda & Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will take a short domestic flight to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and most spectacular wildlife reserve. On arrival, you will enjoy a scenic drive through the park, offering your first glimpses of its incredible wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, and buffaloes.
After checking in at your lodge, relax and enjoy the breathtaking surroundings. Later in the evening, you can take a short nature walk or relax by the lodge, preparing for an exciting adventure ahead.
Day 2: Game Drive & Nile Boat Cruise
Rise early for a thrilling morning game drive across the park’s vast savannah plains. With an experienced guide, explore the park in search of wildlife such as lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and the rare Rothschild’s giraffe.
In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise along the Nile River to the base of the mighty Murchison Falls. Enjoy sightings of hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species like the African fish eagle and kingfishers. The boat ride offers a close-up view of the falls, where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking & Visit to the Top of Murchison Falls
After an early breakfast, head to Budongo Forest for an exhilarating chimpanzee trekking experience. The forest is home to over 900 chimpanzees, and with the help of an expert guide, you’ll track and observe them in their natural habitat.
After lunch, take a game drive and visit the top of Murchison Falls for a different perspective of this spectacular waterfall. The view from above offers a stunning sight of the Nile forcefully crashing down the rocks, creating a misty spray and thunderous sound.
Day 4: Travel to Kibale Forest National Park
Depart Murchison Falls and drive south to Kibale Forest National Park, a lush rainforest known for its high concentration of primates. The journey takes you through picturesque countryside, tea plantations, and small villages, providing opportunities to interact with local communities.
Arrive in the late afternoon and check in at your lodge. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the forest as you prepare for the next day’s adventure.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Swamp Walk
Begin the day with another exciting chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale Forest. The forest is home to 13 primate species, including red colobus monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys. Spend time watching the playful chimpanzees as they swing through the trees.
In the afternoon, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided nature walk. This community-run swamp is rich in biodiversity, offering excellent birdwatching opportunities, including sightings of the Great Blue Turaco. You may also spot other primates and forest wildlife along the trail.
Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park & Salt Mining Tour
Depart Kibale Forest and travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most famous wildlife reserves. Along the way, stop at the Katwe Salt Mines, where locals extract salt using traditional methods. Learn about the centuries-old salt mining process and its significance to the local community.
After checking in at your lodge, take an evening game drive to spot elephants, antelopes, and other wildlife in the park’s northern sector.
Day 7: Predator Tracking & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
Start your morning with a special predator tracking experience in the Kasenyi Plains, where lions and leopards are often spotted hunting. Park rangers and researchers will guide you in locating these majestic predators while sharing insights into their behavior.
In the afternoon, take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a waterway that connects Lake George and Lake Edward. The cruise provides excellent opportunities to see large herds of buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.
Day 8: Travel to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Leave Queen Elizabeth National Park and drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. The scenic journey takes you through the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions.
Arrive at your lodge near the forest and relax as you prepare for the next day’s highlight—gorilla trekking.
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking Experience
After an early morning briefing, set off into the dense jungle for your once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking adventure. With the help of expert trackers, hike through the rugged terrain in search of a gorilla family. Once you find them, spend an unforgettable hour observing their interactions, playfulness, and social behaviors.
After the trek, return to your lodge for a well-deserved rest.
Day 10: Second Gorilla Trekking Experience
For those who wish to deepen their experience, embark on a second gorilla trek in a different sector of Bwindi. This allows you to visit another gorilla family and appreciate more of the park’s incredible biodiversity.
Alternatively, you can opt for a cultural visit to the Batwa pygmy community to learn about their traditional way of life.
Day 11: Departure to Entebbe
After breakfast, transfer to Kihihi Airstrip for your domestic flight back to Entebbe. Upon arrival, you can take a short city tour (if time allows) before catching your international flight home, marking the end of your incredible Ugandan safari adventure.