20 Days Best Uganda Classic Safari
From the crocodile-infested banks of Lake Edward to the volcanic mountains of virunger and right down to the Batwa Cultural Experience, this package is the classic tour of Rwanda and Uganda’s epic adventure. Taking on Jinja excursion via Mabira rainforest with a chance to take an en route visit to the spectacular Sezibwa falls. Walk amongst a thriving rhino population and to marvel at Uganda’s spectacular mountain gorillas while listening to the calls of hundreds of bird species, few safari packages will better combine serenity, tranquility and thoughtful wildlife interactions.
BRIEF ITINERARY:
Day 1: Arrival and transfer
Day 2: Kampala – Lake Mburo National Park
Day 3: Explore Lake Mburo National Park.
Day 4: Lake Mburo – Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Day 5: Volcano climbing (Mt. Sabyinyo – 366m)
Day 6: Gorilla tracking (Southern Bwindi)
Day 7: Bwindi (Southern Bwindi) – Bwindi (Northern Bwindi)
Day 8: Gorilla tracking (Northern Bwindi)
Day 9: Batwa Cultural Experience (Northern Bwindi)
Day 10: Bwindi- Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 11: Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 12: Queen Elizabeth national park – Kibale Forest National Park
Day 13: Chimpanzee tracking (Kibale)
Day 14: Kibale Forest National Park – Murchison Falls National Park
Day 15: Murchison Falls National Park
Day 16: Delta Boat Trip
Day 17: Murchison falls – Kampala
Day 18: Jinja excursion
Day 19: Kampala/or Ngamba island half day tour.
Day 20: Airport transfer.
END OF SAFARI
DETAILED ITINERARY:
Day 1: Arrival and transfer
Upon arrival at Entebbe international airport, you will be met and warmly received by your driver guide from Abacus African Vacations who will transfer you to your hotel for an overnight stay
- Luxury: Serena Lake Victoria Hotel
- Mid range: Boma guesthouse/Golden Tulip Canaan Hotel
- Budget: Papyrus Guesthouse Entebbe
Day 2: Kampala – Lake Mburo National Park
Following an early morning breakfast, we leave Kampala for Lake Mburo National Park. We shall have a stop at the Equator where you will perform a simple experiment to experience a tropical balance, have a look at the traditional drums and crafts being made, and thereafter proceed to Lake Mburo National Park, an extension of the Tanzanian plains with big herds of zebra, impala, eland and other ungulates. Bird viewing opportunities are excellent – for birders, this is one of the best places to find African fin foot, papyrus bush shrike.
- Luxury: Mihingo Lodge/Mantana Tented Camp
- Mid range: Rwakobo Rock Lodge/Mburo Safari Lodge
- Budget: Mpogo safari lodge
Day 3: Explore Lake Mburo National Park.
After an early morning breakfast, explore the park with a game drive in search of animals like: zebras, impalas, topis, buffalos, elands. Bird watching opportunities are excellent here, with about 313 bird species recorded here including the rare shoebill stork, White-winged Warbler, Crested Francolin among others. After exploring the park in a car, return to the lodge for lunch before heading out for a boat ride after lunch that gives you the chance to view water animals like; Crocodiles, Hippopotamus and water birds including; Fish Eagles, Pelicans, Black crake, Heron, Cormorant, and the rare shoebill stork. Return to your lodge for a relaxed evening, dinner and overnight.
- Luxury: Mihingo Lodge/Mantana Tented Camp
- Mid range: Rwakobo Rock Lodge/Mburo Safari Lodge
- Budget: Mpogo safari lodge/Eagles Nest lodge
Day 4: Lake Mburo – Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
After your breakfast, we can choose between having a guided nature walk in the park or game drive as we prepare to head south west to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the park famously known for its 3 distinct volcanoes that are usually hiked as well as the rare mountain gorillas. We will decide to have a picnic lunch in the rolling hills of south western Uganda before proceeding to Kisoro town and you can choose to relax for the rest of the day or better still you can explore Kisoro area by yourself, dinner and overnight.
- Luxury: Mount Gahinga lodge
Day 5: Volcano climbing (Mt. Sabyinyo – 366m)
Following a morning breakfast, we shall head to the trail head to start our hike for the day. At Mgahinga, there are 3 challenging volcano peaks to climb. A climb up the mountain takes one up a ridge along the eastern side of the climb to the peak. If you are to continue the climb to the second peak involves walking a ridge with spectacular drops into gorges of Rwanda and Uganda, a dual experience you will achieve here. Finally, the hike up to the third peak is steep with several ladders and mush scrambling. You are guaranteed getting your hands dirty on your way up to the third peak! Once on top, you will be in Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, and who wouldn’t be proud of this triple experience!!! The journey takes about eight hours round trip to cover the 14km stretch depending on your physical strength and speed. You are advised to carry with you plenty of drinking waters as well as warm clothing and rain gear as it can rain any time of the day during the hike.
- Chameleon Hill Lodge / Gorilla safari lodge
- Gorilla mist lodge
Day 6: Gorilla tracking (Southern Bwindi)
After your breakfast, you will be transferred to the gorilla tracking information office for a pre-gorilla tracking briefing by the park warden and rangers at 7am. After briefing, the rangers will then lead you into the forest to track these gentle giants (Mountain gorillas). The thrill of spending time observing the gorillas as they interact with each other is a pleasing and unforgettable one, you are allowed an hour witnessing the interaction of these close relatives of ours. You are advised to carry with you a packed lunch for, the time spent tracking the gorillas would not be known to you but varies from 3 to 8 hours. Time permitting; you may go for a late afternoon community walk to see the local people’s way of life and culture.
- Chameleon Hill Lodge / Gorilla safari lodge
- Gorilla mist lodge
Day 7: Transfer to Bwindi
After breakfast, you will cross through the forest from the southern sector to the area more developed for tourism purposes in the northern sector of Bwindi famously known as the buhoma sector. Bird life and primate life in this forest is quite superb, and there is an incredible variety of flora. Bwindi is the Bird watchers haven! It holds 348 species of birds and supports 24 of 26 Albertine Rift Endemics that occur in Uganda, of which you might have a chance to encounter some as well as other primate species. You will get to the lodge in time for lunch and can choose between a local community visit and relaxing at the lodge.
- Luxury: Buhoma Lodge/Mahogany Springs
- Mid range: Silverback Lodge/Engagi Lodge
- Budget: Buhoma Community Bandas/Bwindi View Bandas
Day 8: Gorilla tracking (Northern Bwindi)
After your breakfast, you will be transferred to the gorilla tracking information office for a pre-gorilla tracking briefing by the park warden and rangers at 8am. After briefing, the rangers will then lead you into the forest to track these gentle giants (Mountain gorillas). The thrill of spending time observing the gorillas as they interact with each other is a pleasing and unforgettable one, you are allowed an hour witnessing the interaction of these close relatives of ours. You are advised to carry with you a packed lunch for, the time spent tracking the gorillas would not be known to you but varies from 3 to 8 hours. Time permitting; you may go for a late afternoon community walk to see the local people’s way of life and cultures.
- Luxury: Buhoma Lodge/Mahogany Springs
- Mid range: Silverback Lodge/Engagi Lodge
- Budget: Buhoma Community Bandas/Bwindi View Bandas
Day 9: Batwa Cultural Experience (Northern Bwindi)
This is one of the most exciting activities in this park as it involves visiting the Batwa pygmies, an indigenous people who were lived in Bwindi impenetrable forest. They were known as “The Keepers of the Forest” and survived by hunting, gathering plants and fruits in the forest. These people lived in harmony with the forest and its creatures, including the mountain gorillas. They constructed huts out of leaves and branches for shelter, and like gorillas, they moved frequently in search for fresh supplies of food. You will be taken through the lifestyle of these people as well as opportunities for storytelling.
- Luxury: Buhoma Lodge/Mahogany Springs
- Mid range: Silverback Lodge/Engagi Lodge
- Budget: Buhoma Community Bandas/Bwindi View Bandas
Day 10: Bwindi- Queen Elizabeth National Park
After an early breakfast, we shall drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, a park known to boast the highest bio-diversity ratings of any game park in the worlds with habitats to include; lakes, forest, savannah grassland as well as wetlands. We shall go through the Ishasha sector famed for its tree climbing lions, and exercise our game searching and if we get lucky and spot these tree climbing lions, we proceed to the northern part of the park in time for dinner and an overnight stay.
- Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
- Mid range: Park view lodge/Kasenyi safari lodge
- Budget: Enganzi lodge
Day 11: Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park
After an early morning warm up tea or coffee, you will head for a game drive along Kasenyi tracks in search of animals like: lions, cape buffalos, elephants, warthogs, waterbucks, spotted hyenas, mangoose, kobs and, if you are lucky, the leopard is often spotted. Over 606 bird species have been recorded in this park and most notably along the Kazinga channel. Return for a full breakfast, relax and prepare for yet another exciting activity in the afternoon. After lunch you will transfer to enjoy a unique two hours boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. This launch cruise gives you a great opportunity for photography, animal and bird watching at close range.
- Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
- Mid range: Park view lodge/Kasenyi safari lodge
- Budget: Enganzi lodge
Day 12: Queen Elizabeth national park – Kibale Forest National Park
After your breakfast, you will transfer to Kibale forest national park that allows you a visit to the palace of the youngest king in the world (Tooro kingdom palace) for a cultural and historical brief, lunch shall be served in Fort portal town before proceeding to visit the crater lakes and then head to your hotel for a night before yet an exciting activity of Chimpanzee tracking.
- Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge/Ndali Lodge/Crater safari lodge
- Mid range: Mountains of the moon Hotel
- Budget: Kibale Forest Camp
Day 13: Chimpanzee tracking (Kibale)
After an early morning breakfast, you will be transferred to the Chimpanzee tracking information office at 8am for a briefing by the park warden and ranger guides, and after, you will be led into the rain forest in search of chimpanzees. These primates are very mobile and viewing them is unpredictable but a forest walk is an enriching activity and takes about 4 to 6 hours. This forest is home to a large number of chimpanzees and other primates including Lhoestes, grey cheeked mangabeys, Red-colobus, Red-tailed, birds, and butterflies. You will get back at the lodge in time for lunch and if you have energy in the afternoon, go for a Bigodi swamp walk for yet more primates and bird watching with an optional opportunity to meet and interact with the local communities living here.
- Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge/Ndali Lodge/Crater safari lodge
- Mid range: Mountains of the moon Hotel
- Budget: Kibale Forest Camp
Day 14: Kibale Forest National Park – Murchison Falls National Park
After an early morning breakfast, we will head to Murchison falls national park for a full day drive via the Albertine Escarpment of the Western Rift Valley passing through verdant countryside traditional homesteads. Depending on your preferred lodge as well as the time you get into the park, may be taken to visit the top of the falls before heading to check in your lodge.
- Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge
- Mid range: Pakuba Safari Lodge / Murchison River lodge
Day 15: Murchison Falls National Park
After an early morning warm up tea/coffee, you will transfer for a game drive to the northern bank in search of animals like: lions, leopards, giraffes, oribis, elephants, Jackson’s hartebeests, Uganda kobs, buffaloes among other animal and bird species. You will then return to the lodge in time for lunch and relax preparing for yet an exciting activity in the afternoon. After lunch, transfer for a three hours boat ride on the Nile River to the bottom of falls where you will have the opportunity to view animals like; crocodiles, hippos, in the water and some on the river banks, while; buffaloes, waterbucks, and elephants are often seen on the river bank grazing and drinking water. You can have an option to hike to the top of the falls. Return to your lodge for a relaxed evening, dinner and overnight.
- Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge
- Mid range: Pakuba Safari Lodge / Murchison River lodge
Day 16: Delta Boat Trip
Following a morning breakfast, you will head for a 4 to 5 hours boat trip to the Delta area famed for its high populations of game. You may view Elephants, Buffaloes, Bushbucks, Lions, and a variety of bird species. You may decide to relax at the poolside at your lodge or just rest in your room for the afternoon.
- Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge
- Mid range: Pakuba Safari Lodge / Murchison River lodge
Day 17: Murchison falls – Kampala
After breakfast, we can choose between a game drive or driving back to Kampala to enjoy the city before it gets too dark. In case we missed the chance to visit the top of the falls, today is ideal for that and then head back to the capital city.
- Kampala Serena Hotel/Sheraton Kampala Hotel
- Golden Tulip Canaan Hotel / Urban City Blue
- Imperial Royale Hotel
Day 18: Jinja excursion
After your breakfast, you will transfer for a Jinja town city tour to include a visit to the Source of the Nile; we shall go via Mabira rainforest with a chance to take an en route visit to the spectacular Sezibwa falls, a spiritual and cultural centre where many natives are believed to flock for blessings, wealth, and fortunes. A traditional healer performs ceremonies for those seeking love, children, a successful business deal or a good harvest. The falls are endowed with sharp edged rocks, magnificent sound of soothing waters flowing down the steep ridged stones, medicinal trees and a sizable number of bird species recorded. After a visit to Jinja town, we shall head back to Kampala.
Alternatively, we shall transfer for a full or half day white water rafting. Other adventurous activities include; Wild Nile jet boating, the Nile high bungy jumping, Quad biking, Kayaking, Horse riding among others. However, you MUST confirm which activity you so wish to engage in and we confirm beforehand. We can as well go for a half day white water rafting, then visit Jinja town as well as the source of the Nile, and there after drive back to Kampala.
- Kampala Serena Hotel/Sheraton Kampala Hotel
- Golden Tulip Canaan Hotel / Urban City Blue
- Imperial Royale Hotel
Day 19: Kampala/or Ngamba island half day tour.
After your breakfast, you will have a chance to explore Kampala’s stand out attractions to include; Cathedrals, locals markets as well as the museum. This day would also be better suiting for some souvenir shopping.
Alternatively, you will be transferred to the pier for a half day visit of Ngamba island chimpanzee sanctuary where you will have the opportunity to view and optionally participate in the feeding of these orphaned and rescued chimpanzees, after witnessing these chimps feed, you will return to the main land and transfer to your hotel in Kampala.
- Luxury: Serena Lake Victoria Hotel
- Mid range: Boma guesthouse
- Budget: Papyrus guesthouse Entebbe
Day 20: Airport transfer.
Depending on your flight time, you will be transferred to Entebbe airport for your flight back home.
END OF SAFARI.
GALLERY / PHOTOS
