12-Day Classic Uganda Safari

Highlights

Discover the best of Uganda through this 12-day journey with TVents Rwenzori Safaris, from the source of the River Nile in Jinja then to the misty mountains of Bwindi where you will encounter thrilling Mountain Gorillas, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Highlights include rafting on the Nile, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale, wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth, and mountain gorilla tracking in Bwindi.

Overview

(Rates Per Person in USD) No. of People 1 Person 2 People 3 People 4 People 5 People 6 People Midrange 6695 5306 4844 4612 4473 4381 Luxury 9261 7873 7410 7179 7040 6947

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe

Your adventure begins with a warm welcome at Entebbe International Airport by our expert guides, followed by a brief introduction to the safari and then transfer to your hotel. If time permits, visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, home to vibrant birdlife like the African grey parrot and black-and-white casqued hornbill. Luxury Stay: Lake Victoria Serena Resort. Midrange Stay: 2 Friends Beach Hotel. Budget Stay: Papyrus Guesthouse. Meals: Dinner.

Day 2: Explore Jinja – Source of the Nile

From Entebbe, drive to Jinja, the source of the Nile and the adventure capital of East Africa. En route, stop at Mabira Forest for a guided nature walk, where you will spot a variety of monkeys, butterflies, and over 300 bird species like Grey-cheeked Hornbill, Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill, White-cheeked Turaco, Blue Turaco, African Pygmy Kingfisher, and Great Blue Turaco. Upon arrival in Jinja, enjoy a boat cruise to the source of the Nile. For the adventurous, opt for white-water rafting or quad biking along the Nile’s scenic banks. Luxury Stay: Wildwaters Lodge. Midrange Stay: Jinja Nile Resort. Budget Stay: Nile River Camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 3: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

After breakfast, take the journey north to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and most spectacular and visited park, where Famous American novelist, Ernest Hemingway crushed while flying in a light Cessna 180 during his African adventure and survived on January 23, 1954. Stopover at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to track rhinos on foot and learn about efforts to conserve this animal which is endangered because of its highly prized horn. Proceed to Murchisons National Park and enjoy stunning views of the Nile as it squeezes through the narrow gorge to form the thunderous Murchison Falls. Luxury Stay: Para Safari Lodge. Midrange Stay: Pakuba Safari Lodge. Budget Stay: Red Chill Rest Camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 4: Game Drive and Boat Cruise

Start your day with a game drive at sunrise on the northern bank. Spot elephants, giraffes, lions, and the elusive leopard amidst the acacia savannah. Bird lovers can keep an eye out for the Abyssinian ground hornbill and saddle-billed stork. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls, where hippos, crocodiles, and waterbucks abound. Luxury Stay: Paraa Safari Lodge. Midrange Stay: Pakuba Safari Lodge. Budget Stay: Red Chilli Rest Camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 5: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Today’s journey takes you southwest to Kibale Forest. Pass through Uganda’s lush countryside, with its rolling hills and tea plantations. Arrive in the evening and relax in the serene rainforest setting, preparing for your chimpanzee trekking adventure. Luxury Stay: Primate Lodge. Midrange Stay: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse. Budget Stay: Kibale Forest Camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Walk

Track Kibale’s famous chimpanzees with expert rangers. Witness these intelligent primates up close as they swing through the trees or forage on the forest floor. Later, explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a haven for birds like the papyrus gonolek and great blue turaco, as well as primates like colobus monkeys and red-tailed monkeys. Luxury Stay: Primate Lodge. Midrange Stay: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse. Budget Stay: Kibale Forest Camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 7: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel

Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its biodiversity. Arrive in time for an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. Marvel at large pods of hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds like the African skimmer and yellow-billed stork. Spot buffalo and elephants along the shores. Luxury Stay: Mweya Safari Lodge. Midrange Stay: Enganzi Lodge. Budget Stay: Simba Safari Camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 8: Game Drive and Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions

Begin your day with a thrilling game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, home to Uganda kob, lions, and hyenas. After lunch, head south to the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions lounging on fig tree branches. Capture stunning photos and enjoy the peaceful wilderness before settling into your lodge. Luxury Stay: Ishasha Wilderness Camp. Midrange Stay: Enjojo Lodge. Budget Stay: Topi Lodge. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 9: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After breakfast, journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the majestic mountain gorillas. Pass through picturesque terraced hills and vibrant villages before arriving at your lodge. Luxury Stay: Buhoma Lodge. Midrange Stay: Gorilla Mist Camp. Budget Stay: Broadbill Forest Camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 10: Gorilla Trekking Adventure

Embark on an unforgettable trek to meet a family of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Guided by experienced trackers, navigate the dense forest and enjoy a magical hour observing these gentle giants. In the afternoon, visit the Batwa pygmy community to learn about their unique traditions and ancient forest knowledge. Luxury Stay: Buhoma Lodge. Midrange Stay: Gorilla Mist Camp. Budget Stay: Broadbill Forest Camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 11: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

Travel to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest savannah park, known for its zebras, impalas, and elands. Enjoy an evening game drive and look out for nocturnal creatures like bush babies and hyenas. Luxury Stay: Mihingo Lodge. Midrange Stay: Rwakobo Rock. Budget Stay: Eagles Nest Lodge. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 12: Morning Safari and return to Entebbe

End your safari with a morning walking safari, a unique experience that brings you closer to nature. Spot giraffes, zebras, and various antelopes before driving back to Entebbe. Stop at the equator for photos and craft shopping. Arrive in time for your departure flight, filled with incredible memories of Uganda. Meals: Breakfast and Lunch.