8- Days Epic Gorilla & Wildlife Safari (Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison & Lake Bunyonyi).
This is an epic safari, giving you a great opportunity to experience the full wildlife diversity of Uganda like no other including a visit to the largest conservation area- Murchison Falls and a visit to one of the most beautiful places on earth- Lake Bunyonyi, chimp tracking climaxed with the Mountain Gorilla.
Day 1: White Rhino and boat cruise
Depart Kampala and drive northwards along the Kampala- Gulu Road through the undulating and sometimes flat landscape of Luwero and Nakasongola Districts. After about two and half hours, you will turn off to the Zziwa Rhino and Wildlife Sanctuary for a special sight of the endangered white wild rhinos and bird watching of close to 200 species.
Proceed to Kabalega Diners on the highway for lunch. After lunch, continue to Murchison Falls National Park. After a mid-afternoon relaxation you can opt for an evening game drive or boat cruise.
Dinner and overnight at Paraa Safari Lodge/ Murchison River Lodge/Sambiya River Lodge (Midrange, Red Chili Rest Camp- budget).
Day 2: Game Drive Day
Commence the day with an early morning breakfast against the backdrop of the glorious African sun. Then embark on a memorable game drive where you will see, Rothschild’s giraffe, buffaloes, hartebeest, Uganda Kob and warthogs among others in the open savannah plains.
1PM: Return to the lodge for lunch and some relaxation. After lunch, you will embark on a boat cruise that will take you down to the base of the Murchison falls where you will then trek to the top of the falls for the spectacular view of this incredible falls. It is at this point that you will have great opportunity to take memorable photos of the most powerful falls on earth. Along the cruise on the Nile, you will encounter Hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, and several bird species. Return to the Lodge for Dinner and overnight: Accommodation options- Paraa Safari Lodge Luxury, Murchison River Lodge/Sambiya River Lodge Midrange, Red chili Rest Camp- budget
Day 3: Transfer to Kibale National park.
Have breakfast at the lodge as you prepare for a full day transfer to Kibale national park, you will have your lunch at fort portal town and visit Amabeere caves where you will enjoy unique crater lakes and falls, later proceed to Kibale national park for overnight stay.
Day 4: Chimp tracking and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National park.
Early morning at 07:15 am, you will have breakfast then leave to Kibale forest National Park headquarters for briefing. Enter into this beautiful lush forest for chimpanzee trekking. There you will have a good view of chimpanzees including other primates like the L’hoests, Colobus, Blue and Red-tailed monkeys. In addition, you will find the grey cheeked Mangabeys swinging through the dense forest and several bird species, butterflies and various small insects, you will spend a rewarding time with these unique primates (chimps) as you try to interact and learn about their unique lives. you will finally retreat to your lodge to pick your luggage for a transfer to Queen Elizabeth National park via the foothills of Rwenzori mountain and Kasese town.
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Wake up early in the morning and enjoy your breakfast. Prepare for an early morning game drive within the park to sight numerous early risers including the kobs, antelopes, lions, elephants, buffaloes, birds and many more. Have your packed lunch and travel to Katwe salt lake. Proceed for an afternoon boat cruise where you will view crocodiles, hippos, birds, and many more. Later enjoy an evening game drive with in the park as you proceed to the lodge.
Day 6: Tree climbing lions.
Drive to the south of the park to explore the Edward Flats and the Ishasha Plains to find the region’s famous tree climbing lions as well as abundant kob, topi, buffalo and elephant before heading out of the park and onto Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for Gorilla tracking.
Dinner and overnight at Ruhija resort in Bwindi
Day 7: Encounter with the Gentle Giants- Mountain Gorillas.
It is D-day!
Preparations begin quite early with a quick breakfast to enable you catch up with the group. The hiking and tracking is both beautiful, tiresome and adventurous.
The terrain can be treacherous and muddy while the tracking can take anywhere from two hours to eight hours. But it is all worth it as you come face to face with these dinosaurs of the wild described as the amazing gentle giants.
The gentle habits of these incredible creatures defy their size. You will be guided on how to behave in their presence as well as how to capture your lifetime memorable photos while in their presence. You are restricted to only one hour with the gorillas because of safety and habituation reasons. But again, it is all worth it.
You may also see other primates as well as monkeys, butterflies birds and the incredible mist covered terrain. After tracking, depart for Kampala Overnight at Mbarara/ Kabale
Day 8- Ngamba Island/ Zoo/ Night life.
Depart to Kampala and transfer to Entebbe to catch your flight.
(Optional) Reaching Entebbe early allows you time to either go to Ngamba island for more chimpanzee tracking or visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (Entebbe Zoo) for a closer interaction with wildlife.
Safari Highlights
- Chimpanzee trekking.
- Punishment Island at Lake Bunyonyi.
- Tree climbing lions.
- Gorilla tracking.
- Endangered White Rhino.