Uganda Safaris
Overview of Uganda
Uganda, often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” is a landlocked country located in East Africa. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and diverse wildlife. Uganda is a top destination for eco-tourism, offering incredible opportunities to see endangered species, including mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and a variety of birds. The country is home to Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and Kibale National Park, all of which offer thrilling safari experiences. Uganda also has a rich cultural heritage with over 50 ethnic groups, each with unique traditions and customs, providing an unforgettable adventure for nature lovers and cultural explorers alike.
| Country |
Wildlife Circuit |
Cultural Circuit |
| Uganda | Murchison falls, Kibale Chimpanzees, Queen Elizabeth Tree Climbing lions, Bwindi Gorillas, Lake Mburo Zebras | Kampala City Tour, Bigodi Cultural Village, Batwa Experience, Igongo Cultural Museum. |
Day 1: Arrival & Kampala City Tour
- Arrival at Entebbe International Airport: You will arrive at Entebbe International Airport, Uganda’s main gateway. After customs clearance, you will be transferred to Kampala, Uganda’s capital city, for your accommodation.
Kampala Overview:
Kampala is Uganda’s bustling commercial and cultural hub, set on a series of seven hills with views of Lake Victoria. It is a dynamic city where history, culture, and modernity come together. Visitors will find historical sites, cultural landmarks, and lively markets.
- Kampala City Tour: Explore the capital with visits to the Uganda Museum, the Kabaka’s Palace, and the Namirembe Cathedral. Learn about the country’s history and culture, as well as the different ethnic groups that call Uganda home.
- Local Market Visit: Explore Nakasero Market to experience the vibrant local culture and shop for crafts, food, and textiles. You will also get a chance to interact with local traders and learn about daily life in Uganda.
Day 2: Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park
- Drive to Murchison Falls: Depart early from Kampala for a 5-6 hour drive to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest national park. Located in the northwest, the park is famous for the dramatic Murchison Falls, where the Nile River forces its way through a narrow gorge, creating a breathtaking waterfall.
Murchison Falls National Park Overview:
Murchison Falls National Park is a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers. The park is home to a diverse range of animals, including elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, and a variety of bird species. The Nile River also provides boat safaris that offer spectacular views of wildlife and the iconic Murchison Falls.
- Afternoon Game Drive: Upon arrival, embark on an afternoon game drive to see the diverse wildlife in the park. Spot elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, and more.
- Boat Safari on the Nile: In the late afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on the Nile River. This offers a unique opportunity to see hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species along the riverbanks, while also capturing the impressive Murchison Falls from a different perspective.
Day 3: Murchison Falls to Kibale National Park
- Drive to Kibale National Park: After breakfast, you will start the journey to Kibale National Park, a 5-6 hour drive. Located in western Uganda, Kibale is home to the greatest diversity of primates in East Africa.
Kibale National Park Overview:
Kibale is known for its incredible population of chimpanzees and is often called the “primate capital of the world.” In addition to chimpanzees, Kibale is home to over 13 other species of primates, including colobus monkeys, baboons, and grey-cheeked mangabeys. The park’s tropical rainforest also harbors rich birdlife and other wildlife.
- Chimpanzee Trekking: On arrival, head out for a chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale Forest. Accompanied by experienced rangers, you will track and observe wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The experience provides incredible insight into the behavior and social structure of our closest relatives.
- Evening Cultural Experience: In the evening, you will visit Bigodi Cultural Village, where you will be treated to a nature walk and local cultural performance by the local people from surrounding communities and as well experience traditional dances, music, and stories.
Day 4: Kibale National Park to Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park: After breakfast, travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park, located in western Uganda, a journey of about 3-4 hours.
Queen Elizabeth National Park Overview:
Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s most popular and diverse wildlife parks, situated between Lake George and Lake Edward. The park is known for its tree-climbing lions as well as its abundance of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and over 600 bird species. Visitors can enjoy game drives, boat safaris, and cultural experiences within the park’s stunning landscapes.
- Afternoon Game Drive: Upon arrival, you will enjoy a game drive through the park’s extensive savannah and woodlands. The park offers the chance to see a wide range of animals, including the famous tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha region of the park.
- Evening Boat Safari on Kazinga Channel: In the afternoon, take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. The channel links Lake George and Lake Edward and is a hotspot for birdwatching and wildlife sightings, including hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: Depart early for the journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a 3-4 hour drive through scenic highlands and villages.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park Overview:
Bwindi is one of the most renowned places in the world for mountain gorilla trekking. The park is located in southwestern Uganda, on the edge of the Rwanda and Democratic Republic of the Congo borders. It is home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population. The forest itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers breathtaking landscapes of lush forest and mist-covered mountains.
- Evening at Leisure: Arrive in Bwindi and relax, soaking in the beauty of the park’s surroundings. In the evening, enjoy a cultural dance performance or visit a local community for insight into traditional life.
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Gorilla Trekking: After breakfast, you will embark on one of the most memorable experiences in Uganda—gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. With the guidance of experienced trackers, you will hike through the dense forest in search of one of the habituated mountain gorilla families. Once you encounter the gorillas, you will have an hour to observe and photograph these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.
- Afternoon Cultural Visit: After trekking, take part in a community visit to one of the nearby villages. Learn about the local Batwa (Pygmy) community and their traditional way of life, including their unique cultural practices and crafts.
Day 7: Bwindi to Lake Mburo National Park
- Drive to Lake Mburo National Park: After breakfast, drive to Lake Mburo National Park, a 4-5 hour journey from Bwindi. Located in western Uganda, Lake Mburo is known for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and peaceful atmosphere.
Lake Mburo National Park Overview:
Lake Mburo is one of Uganda’s smaller parks, but it offers a wide variety of activities, including game drives, boat rides, and nature walks. The park is home to zebras, buffaloes, impalas, and over 300 bird species. The lake itself is a beautiful backdrop for wildlife sightings and boat safaris.
- Boat Safari on Lake Mburo: Upon arrival, take a boat safari on Lake Mburo, where you will have the opportunity to see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds.
- Nature Walk & Game Drive: Later, enjoy a nature walk or a game drive in the park, with the chance to see animals like zebras, impalas, and warthogs.
Day 8: Departure
- Drive Back to Entebbe: In the morning, you will begin your journey back to Entebbe, a 4-5 hour drive, with time for lunch along the way.
- Departure: Depending on your flight time, you will be transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your departure.