9 Days Best of Uganda Experience

Overview

The Uganda Safari Adventure offers a rich tapestry of wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural experiences. This 9-day journey through the Pearl of Africa takes you on an adventure to discover Uganda’s pristine national parks, diverse ecosystems, and unique wildlife. From rhino tracking to the magical experience of gorilla trekking, this itinerary ensures an unforgettable safari.

Travel Plan

• • 01

    Day 1: Arrival and Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

    Your Uganda Safari Adventure begins with a pick-up either from your hotel or directly from Entebbe International Airport. After a short briefing and a chance to settle in, you’ll begin the journey north towards Murchison Falls National Park.

    On the way, stop at Nakasongola to visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. This sanctuary is crucial to Uganda’s conservation efforts and is the only place in the country where you can observe rhinos in their natural habitat. Tracking rhinos on foot offers a unique opportunity to get up close with these majestic creatures as they graze and interact.

    After this exciting encounter, continue to Murchison Falls National Park, where you’ll check into your lodge for the next two nights. The park is famous for its iconic waterfalls and diverse wildlife, so rest up for a full day of adventure ahead.

  • 02

    Day 2 : Game Drive and Boat Safari on the Nile

    Start the day early with a morning game drive. As the sun rises, the wildlife in Murchison Falls comes to life. You’ll drive through savannah landscapes in search of lions, elephants, buffalo, and giraffes, as well as a variety of antelope species. Keep your camera ready as you may spot a leopard or a cheetah in the distance.

    In the afternoon, head out on a boat safari along the Nile River to the base of the mighty Murchison Falls. The boat cruise offers fantastic views of the falls and gives you the chance to see aquatic wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, and an array of water birds. The area near the falls is also a great spot to observe elephants and buffalo cooling off by the riverbanks.

  • 03

    Day 3: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

    Today, you’ll leave Murchison Falls and drive to Kibale Forest National Park, known as the primate capital of the world. The journey is scenic, taking you through rolling hills, small villages, and lush tea plantations. Fort Portal, the town near Kibale, is renowned for its natural beauty, with expansive tea fields that stretch out as far as the eye can see.

    Kibale Forest is home to the highest density of primates in Africa, including chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, and colobus monkeys. You’ll arrive at your lodge in the afternoon, with time to relax and prepare for the following day’s chimpanzee trek.

  • 04

    Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking and Queen Elizabeth National Park

    Early in the morning, set out on a chimpanzee tracking experience in Kibale Forest. Led by an expert guide, you’ll walk through the dense forest to observe these intelligent primates as they play, feed, and communicate with one another. Chimpanzees share about 98% of their DNA with humans, making this encounter both thrilling and humbling.

    After your morning trek, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most diverse ecosystem, where you’ll spend the night. The park is famous for its varied wildlife, from big cats to elephants, and its numerous bird species. Relax at your accommodation, enjoying the views of the savannah stretching out in every direction.

  • 05

    Day 5: Game Drive and Boat Trip on the Kazinga Channel

    Begin your day with a game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park. The open plains are teeming with wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, and Uganda kobs. Keep an eye out for lions and, if you’re lucky, a leopard lounging in a tree. The park’s diversity makes every game drive a unique experience.

    In the afternoon, embark on a boat trip along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake George and Lake Edward. The channel is home to one of the largest concentrations of hippos in Africa, along with crocodiles and numerous bird species. You’ll have a front-row seat to observe these animals up close, with spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.

  • 06

    Day 6: Ishasha Sector and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

    Today, you’ll head towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. On the way, pass through the remote Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you’ll search for the famous tree-climbing lions. These lions are a rare sight, lounging in fig trees to escape the heat of the savannah.

    Continue on to the Ruhija sector of Bwindi, where you’ll check into your lodge for the night. Bwindi’s dense forest is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the anticipation for tomorrow’s gorilla trekking experience is sure to build as you settle in.

  • 07

    Day 7: Gorilla Trekking and Lake Bunyonyi

    The highlight of your trip awaits today with a gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi. After an early breakfast, you’ll head into the forest with a trained guide to track a family of mountain gorillas. The trek can be challenging, as the terrain is steep and the vegetation thick, but the reward is unparalleled. Coming face-to-face with a family of gorillas is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you in awe of these gentle giants.

    After your trek, transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, one of the most scenic lakes in Africa. Its name means “Place of Many Little Birds,” and it’s the perfect spot to relax after the excitement of the day. Spend the evening unwinding by the lake, reflecting on the incredible experience you just had.

  • 08

    Day 8: Night Game Drive in Lake Mburo National Park

    In the morning, leave Lake Bunyonyi and head to Lake Mburo National Park. The park is smaller but unique in its offering of activities and wildlife encounters. After settling into your lodge, embark on a night game drive, which offers a different perspective on the park’s wildlife. Nocturnal animals such as leopards, bush babies, and hyenas come out to play, and the night safari allows you to witness the untamed beauty of the wilderness under the stars.

  • 09

    Day 9: Horseback Safari and Departure

    On your final day, you have two options: a morning horseback ride through the park or a guided safari walk. Both offer a unique way to experience the wildlife without the barrier of a vehicle. Getting close to zebras, antelopes, and other wildlife on foot or horseback is a thrilling way to end your trip.

    After the morning activity, you’ll drive back towards Entebbe, stopping at the Equator for lunch and a photo opportunity. This is also the perfect time to pick up souvenirs at one of the local markets. Your adventure concludes as you head to Entebbe International Airport for your departure, taking with you the memories of an unforgettable Ugandan safari.

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