Detailed Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Relaxation

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel in Kigali. Spend the rest of the day relaxing after your journey. If you arrive early and are interested in exploring the city, you may enjoy an optional Kigali city tour, visiting some of its notable attractions and cultural sites.

Accommodation: M Hotel Kigali or Heaven Boutique Hotel.

Day 2: Transfer from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, meet your safari guide and begin your scenic journey from Kigali towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda. Enjoy beautiful views of Rwanda’s rolling hills and the picturesque countryside along the way.

You will make a stop at a local market or cultural site to experience some aspects of local life before proceeding to the Uganda border. After completing the immigration formalities, continue through the beautiful landscapes of southwestern Uganda towards Bwindi.

Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and spend the rest of the day relaxing in preparation for the following day’s exciting gorilla trekking adventure.

Accommodation: Bakiga Lodge.

Day 3: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Transfer to Ishasha, Queen Elizabeth National Park

Today is one of the highlights of your Uganda safari. After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing from the Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. You will then set off into the dense forest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family.

Accompanied by experienced guides and trackers, explore the forest while learning about its unique ecosystem and the behaviour of mountain gorillas. Once you locate the gorillas, you will have one unforgettable hour observing and photographing these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch before proceeding to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This southern section of the park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, which are sometimes spotted resting in the branches of fig trees.

Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon and relax.

Accommodation: Embogo Lodge.

Day 4: Game Drive in Ishasha and Transfer to Northern Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, enjoy an extended game drive in the Ishasha sector, exploring its open savannah plains and woodland habitats. Keep an eye out for the famous tree-climbing lions, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob, topis and other wildlife.

Later, continue your journey towards the northern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Depending on your arrival time and the availability of daylight, you may enjoy an additional game drive through the Kasenyi Plains, an excellent area for spotting wildlife.

Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Enshama Game Lodge.

Day 5: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Begin your day with an early morning game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park. Explore the savannah plains in search of elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, Uganda kob, warthogs and other wildlife. With some luck, you may also encounter lions and leopards.

After returning to your lodge for lunch and some relaxation, head out for an afternoon boat cruise along the famous Kazinga Channel. This natural waterway connects Lake Edward and Lake George and is one of the best places in Uganda to observe wildlife at close range.

During the cruise, look out for large concentrations of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and numerous waterbirds along the shoreline. The experience offers excellent opportunities for wildlife photography.

Return to your lodge in the evening.

Accommodation: Enshama Game Lodge.

Day 6: Transfer to Kibale National Park and Chimpanzee Trekking

After breakfast, depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and drive towards Kibale Forest National Park, widely recognised as one of Africa’s best destinations for chimpanzee tracking.

Upon arrival, proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing before joining experienced ranger guides for your chimpanzee trekking experience. Venture into the tropical rainforest in search of a habituated chimpanzee community. Along the way, you may encounter other primates, forest birds and fascinating plant species.

Once the chimpanzees are located, spend an unforgettable hour observing their behaviour, social interactions and daily activities in the forest.

After the trek, return to your lodge and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge.

Day 7: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park and Visit the Top of the Falls

After breakfast, begin your scenic journey to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest national park and one of the country’s most rewarding wildlife destinations.

Upon arrival, visit the spectacular Top of Murchison Falls, where the Victoria Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge approximately seven metres wide before plunging powerfully downstream. Feel the refreshing spray and witness the incredible force of the water as it crashes through the rocks.

After exploring the falls and enjoying the surrounding views, proceed to your lodge for check-in, dinner and relaxation.

Accommodation: Bamboo Murchison Lodge.

Day 8: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise on the Victoria Nile

Rise early for breakfast before heading out for a morning game drive across the northern savannah plains of Murchison Falls National Park. This is an excellent opportunity to encounter some of Uganda’s most iconic wildlife.

Look out for elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, leopards, hyenas, warthogs, waterbucks and various antelope species. Your guide will help you explore different wildlife habitats while sharing information about the park’s ecosystem and animals.

After the game drive, return to your lodge for lunch and some relaxation before heading out for an afternoon boat cruise along the Victoria Nile towards the bottom of Murchison Falls.

The cruise offers an opportunity to observe hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants and a variety of waterbirds along the riverbanks. As you approach the base of the falls, enjoy spectacular views of the powerful waterfall and the surrounding landscape.

Later, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Bamboo Murchison Lodge.

Day 9: Ziwa Rhino Tracking and Transfer to Entebbe

After breakfast, check out of your lodge and begin the journey towards Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch, Uganda’s only destination where visitors can track wild rhinos on foot.

Upon arrival, meet your ranger guide for a briefing before setting off on a guided walking safari in search of the southern white rhinos. Accompanied by an experienced ranger, you will have the opportunity to observe these magnificent animals in their natural habitat while learning about their behaviour and the conservation efforts aimed at restoring Uganda’s rhino population.

Ziwa is also an excellent destination for birdwatching and nature walks, making it a rewarding stop along your journey.

After the rhino tracking experience, continue your drive to Entebbe. Arrive at your hotel in the evening, check in and relax.

Accommodation: 2 Friends Beach Hotel.

Day 10: Mabamba Shoebill Excursion and Departure

After an early breakfast, head to Mabamba Bay Wetland on the shores of Lake Victoria for an exciting birdwatching excursion.

Explore the wetland by traditional motorised canoe in search of the prehistoric-looking shoebill stork, one of Africa’s most sought-after bird species. The wetland is also home to numerous other waterbirds, making it an excellent destination for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers.

After the excursion, return to Entebbe and transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight, scheduled for approximately 3:00 PM.

End of Safari Services.

Safari Quotation

Price Inclusions

The safari package includes the following:

• Mountain gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
• Chimpanzee trekking permit and experience in Kibale National Park.
• Park entrance fees for the national parks included in the itinerary.
• Services of a professional English-speaking safari guide.
• Private 4×4 safari vehicle and fuel throughout the trip.
• Accommodation and meals as specified in the itinerary.
• All activities mentioned in the itinerary, including game drives, boat cruises, rhino tracking and the Mabamba shoebill excursion.

Price Exclusions

The following are not included in the safari quotation:

• International flights and applicable visa fees.
• Tips and gratuities for guides, lodge staff and other service providers.
• Souvenirs and personal shopping.
• Travel insurance.
• Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, cigarettes and other items of a personal nature.
• Any additional activities or services not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.

Important Note: All safari arrangements are subject to availability at the time of booking. Gorilla and chimpanzee permits should be secured in advance to guarantee participation in the trekking experiences.