11 Days Uganda Highlights Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe and Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport for your 11 days Uganda tour, you will be warmly welcomed by your safari guide who will provide a brief introduction to the safari ahead. From the airport, embark on a scenic drive to Murchison Falls National Park, a journey that will take approximately 5-6 hours. Along the way, you will stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a rhino trekking experience, where you’ll see white rhinos, an important part of Uganda’s conservation efforts. Continue your journey to the park, check in at your lodge, and enjoy a relaxing dinner while soaking in the view of the Nile River.

Accommodation Options:

• Budget: Red Chilli Safari Lodge

• Mid-range: Murchison River Lodge

• Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge

Day 2: Game Drive and Launch Cruise in Murchison Falls National Park

After an early breakfast, start your day with an early morning game drive through Murchison Falls National Park. This park is home to an impressive variety of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, leopards, and various species of antelope. The open savannah offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, and you may even spot predators on the prowl at dawn. After your game drive, return to your lodge for lunch, followed by a launch cruise along the Nile River. This boat ride will take you to the base of the mighty Murchison Falls, where you can see the dramatic falls up close. Along the way, you will also spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species, including pelicans, kingfishers, and the rare shoebill stork.

Day 3: Transfer to Kibale National Park

After breakfast, you’ll begin your journey to Kibale National Park, famous for its rich population of primates, including chimpanzees. The drive will take you through Uganda’s picturesque countryside, passing traditional villages, tea plantations, and rolling hills. After a stop for lunch, you will continue to your accommodation near Kibale National Park, where you’ll check in and spend the evening relaxing, reflecting on the adventures so far.

Accommodation Options:

• Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Guest House

• Mid-range: Kibale Forest Camp

• Luxury: Primate Lodge

Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Walk

On this day, after an early breakfast, you will head to the Kibale Forest Headquarters for a briefing before embarking on your chimpanzee trekking experience. Kibale Forest is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, and trekking through the forest to see these fascinating primates is one of the highlights of any visit to Uganda. You will have the chance to observe their social behaviors as they swing from tree to tree, and learn about the park’s conservation efforts to protect them. After spending time with the chimpanzees, enjoy a relaxing lunch at your lodge, followed by an afternoon nature walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. This walk will provide an opportunity to spot various bird species, monkeys, and the beautiful flora of the region.

Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, leave Kibale and embark on a scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most popular park. The drive takes you through beautiful landscapes, including tea plantations, hills, and savannahs, offering plenty of photo opportunities along the way. Upon arrival at Queen Elizabeth, check into your lodge and spend the afternoon relaxing. This park is known for its diverse ecosystems, from savannahs to wetlands, which provide a wide variety of habitats for wildlife.

Accommodation Options:

• Budget: Bush Lodge

• Mid-range: Marafiki Safari Lodge

• Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge

Day 6: Game Drive and Boat Cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Begin the day early with a game drive through the park, where you will have the chance to see a variety of wildlife, including lions, buffaloes, elephants, and Uganda kobs. Queen Elizabeth is also home to several predators, such as leopards and spotted hyenas, which may be active during the early hours. After the game drive, return to your lodge for lunch and then head out for a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George. The boat ride offers a unique opportunity to see large herds of hippos, crocodiles, and a wide array of birds, including flamingos and pelicans. The scenery here is simply breathtaking, and the calm waters provide excellent photographic opportunities.

Day 7: Tree-Climbing Lions in Ishasha and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

This morning, you will make your way to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions. These lions are a rare phenomenon, often found lounging in the branches of fig trees, taking refuge from the heat. You will have plenty of time to explore the area and search for these incredible creatures. Afterward, continue your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to Uganda’s famous mountain gorillas. The drive takes you through rugged terrain, offering stunning views of the forested hills and valleys of the region. Check into your lodge upon arrival, relax, and prepare for tomorrow’s gorilla trekking adventure.

Accommodation Options:

• Budget: Broadbill Camp

• Mid-range: Gorilla Mist Camp

• Luxury: Chameleon Hill Lodge

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Today, you will experience the highlight of your safari—gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After an early breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a briefing from the rangers. Once you are assigned a gorilla family to track, your trek will take you deep into the dense forest, with rangers guiding you through the challenging terrain. When you finally come face-to-face with a group of mountain gorillas, you will have an unforgettable one-hour interaction. The sight of these majestic creatures in the wild is a truly life-changing experience. After trekking, return to your lodge to relax and reflect on the magical encounter.

Day 9: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

After breakfast, depart Bwindi and head to Lake Mburo National Park, a unique park known for its rich birdlife and abundant wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, and a variety of antelope species. The journey takes approximately 4-5 hours, and along the way, you’ll enjoy scenic views of the beautiful Ugandan countryside. Upon arrival at Lake Mburo, check into your lodge, and in the evening, you can enjoy a sunset boat ride on the lake, offering the chance to see hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species along the shoreline.

Accommodation Options:

• Budget: Mihingo Lodge

• Mid-range: Lake Mburo Safari Lodge

• Luxury: Eagles Nest Camp

Day 10: Game Drive and Boat Cruise in Lake Mburo National Park

This morning, embark on a game drive through Lake Mburo National Park, one of Uganda’s smallest parks but rich in wildlife. The park is home to zebra, giraffe, impala, and other savannah species, and offers a more intimate safari experience with fewer tourists. For those seeking something different, you can also opt for a nature walk or a horseback safari, which allows you to get up close to wildlife in a more natural setting. After lunch, take a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Mburo, where you can observe hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of birdlife.

Day 11: End Of Your 11 days Uganda tour.

After your final breakfast on 11 days Uganda tour in the wild, you’ll begin your drive back to Entebbe. On the way, you can stop at the Equator for some last-minute photos and a chance to buy souvenirs from the local craft shops. Arrive in Entebbe in the afternoon, where you may have time to visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre or the Botanical Gardens before being dropped off at the airport for your departure flight.