8 Days Highlights of Uganda Safari
In 1907, from his book “My African Journey”. A young Member of the British Parliament at the time- Winston Churchill named Uganda the Pearl of Africa. He said, “The Kingdom of Uganda is a fairy-tale. You climb up and at the end; there is a wonderful new world. The scenery is different, the vegetation is different, the climate is different, and most of all the people are different from anything elsewhere to be seen in the whole range of Africa. I say; concentrate on Uganda for Magnificence, for Variety of form and colour, for profusion of brilliant life- bird, insect, reptile, beast- for vast scale, Uganda is truly the pearl of Africa!
In this itinerary, you will enjoy interesting African history and culture experiences, track our closest DNA relatives (the Chimpanzees) and also Visit the highly endangered mountain Gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, watch some of the “Big five game” as well as different bird species, primates, Beautiful scenic views and Boat Cruises. We guarantee you on having a safari of your dreams.
Safari Overview
SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS
- Gorilla Tracking
- Chimpanzee Tracking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Safari/Nature walks
- Community and culture experience
- Kazinga Channel Boat Cruises
- Equator Experience
- English speaking Driver guide.
- Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary
- Meals as mentioned (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- 4X4 WD Safari vehicle and all transportation ground
- All entry fees into the National Park
- Gorilla Tracking Permit
- Chimpanzee tracking Permit
- Community Tours Fees
- Boat Cruise
- International flights (both inbound and outbound)
- East African Community Entry/Tourist Visa
- Meals and drinks not mentioned here-in the itinerary
- Optional activities not mentioned here-in the itinerary
- Items of personal nature and tips
- Any alcoholic drinks
Detailed Itinerary
You will arrive at Entebbe International Airport and will be met by our representative who will transfer you to your booked hotel at Entebbe. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
After an early breakfast, you will be picked from the hotel to start your journey to the primate capital of the world; Kibale Forest National Park. Your journey will take you via Fortportal City where you will have Lunch and later on embark for the Bigodi Sanctuary eco-community walk through the wetland. The walk offers you possible views of counts of birds including the great Blue Turaco and Hornbills.
The views of the swamp dwelling animals like Sitatunga may also be sighted. Then proceed to the local communities and get to experience their way of life such as feeding, interaction, socioeconomic activities and maybe learn about their history and heritage. You may visit different families doing different activities such as Banana Juice making, Banana beer brewing, coffee processing, herbal medicine, basket weaving etc. Later on, you will move to your lodge, still in time to spot the beautiful hot orange sunset.
After an early breakfast, you will transfer to Kanyanchu Visitor Information Centre at 8am for briefing by the park rangers and then set off for the chimpanzee trekking experience. Kibale Forest boasts of high counts of habituated chimpanzees with over 95% chances of encountering them. The chimpanzee trekking exposes you to impressive forested landscapes with undulating terrain that presents a rewarding hike.
The hour of direct encounter with chimpanzees, seeing them as they patrol, munch leaves or fruits, socialize, young ones playing and make pant hooting calls creates remarkable memories. During the trekking, you may spot primates like black and white colobus monkeys. Return to the lodge for lunch and later embark on a transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
After an early morning breakfast, depart for your morning game drive in the Kasenyi savannah plains. Look out for grazers and predators such as Lions, Leopards, Buffalos, Elephants, Antelopes, Warthogs, Waterbucks, Bush bucks and so on. You shall go for a mid-morning boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel after your game drive; the channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George. It is home to one of Africa’s largest hippo populations and bird species. This 3hrs boat cruise will enrich you with views of the water loving animals such as Hippos, Elephants, Buffalos, Crocodiles and other antelopes as well as bird species. Return to your lodge for lunch and relax. Later in the evening go for a sundowner experience before returning to the lodge for dinner and Overnight.
After breakfast this morning, embark on your journey to the famous Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park. The park is well known for being a habitat to the endangered species of Mountain Gorillas. The drive shall take you through the Kigezi Highlands popularly referred to as The Switzerland of Africa, marvel at the beauty of the rolling hills dotted with banana and tea plantations before checking in at your Lodge.
Wake up very early to prepare for the supposed most significant highlight of your safari, the remarkable meet with the Gentle Giants! After breakfast, we take a drive to the park offices where you will be briefed about the dos and don’ts of the jungle and then you will be off for a forever-memorable adventure of your life. Trekking through the steep, densely forested hills of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and then finally coming across the gorillas cloaked in the foliage is an amazing experience, and indescribable because of the difficulty to paint a verbal picture of the vegetation, terrain, smells, colors and the animated entertainment from the gorillas and other residents of the jungle. After your tracking, you will return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Do not leave these items behind; sunscreen, insect repellent, your passport, camera, hiking boots, long safari pants and long sleeved shirts or T-shirts plus a light rain jacket. Please avoid very bright and hot colored clothes- These not only attract insects to you but also can be offensive to the residents of the jungle. These items will come in handy as you go through the thick forest and encounter the unpredictable weather of Bwindi: Expect rain or sunshine anytime.
After breakfast today, you shall check out of the lodge and set off for the transfer to Lake Mburo National Park with lunch en-route at Igongo Country Hotel. You will have a simple game drive through the park as you make way to your lodge for check in. After some relaxation, you will go on an evening walking safari through the park amidst zebras, giraffe, lots of antelope, buffalo among others. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
This morning after your breakfast, you shall head out into the park for your game drive that shall be combined with a walking safari in the park. Lake Mburo National Park is the only park in Uganda where you can walk in close proximity with wildlife. Animals like zebras, elands, giraffe, buffalo, and lots of antelope call this small savannah park home. After your game drive, you shall check out of the lodge and get ready for the transfer journey to Entebbe with a stop-over at the Equator for lunch and buying some souvenirs. You shall be dropped off at the airport for your outbound flight. Note: Please book flights that leave not earlier than 21:00hrs
A team of dedicated Safari Experts ready to take you to the wild side of Africa
Other Packages
This Safari Combines Game Safaris with an up-close visit to the Chimpanzee in their natural habitat.
A Traditional African Safari to both Game and Primates whilst staying at Classic Safari Lodges.
Gorilla Tracking adventure combined with Big Game Safari in Uganda’s most visited National Parks.