12-day Classic Uganda Adventure Safari
About this tour
This is the Classic Uganda wildlife safari tour! Not only will we embark on gorilla and chimpanzee trekking tours in the mountainous regions, but we’ll also enjoy boat trips on the River Nile and the Kazinga Channel and spot wildlife on game drives through the Queen Elizabeth National Park and Lake Mburo National Park. We will have the opportunity to marvel at some of Uganda’s most impressive natural wonders, such as the Fort Portal Crater Lakes, Murchison Falls, and Lake Bunyony for canoeing
Cruise down the River Nile on a boat tour and marvel at Murchison Falls
Chimpanzee and gorilla trekking in Kibale Forest National Park and Bwindi National Park
Gaze upon the only wild rhinos in Uganda at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Take in the beauty of the volcanic crater lakes at Fort Portal
Enjoy game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kasenyi Plains, and Murchison Falls National Park
Visit Lake Bunyonyi for canoeing and Lake Mburo National Park for game drives
See the elusive shoebill stork
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Entebbe, Uganda to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
Our adventure begins at 8 am when we will transfer from Entebbe Old Town or downtown Kampala to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to the only wild rhinos in Uganda. Rhinos became extinct in Uganda in the early 1980s and the Ziwa site is being used as a breeding site for black and white rhinos. During our 2 hours at the sanctuary, we will see these creatures roaming around the 7,000 hectares of land and see their daily interactions. As we leave the rhinos behind, we will proceed to Murchison Falls National Park, on the shore of Lake Albert where the River Nile roars through a narrow gap creating the Murchison Falls. We will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 2: Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
Wake up to an exhilarating start to the day as we embark on a game drive in the park to spot elephants, lions, giraffe, and other wildlife. This Murchison Falls safari does not stop on the land because, in the afternoon, we will take a relaxing boat trip on the iconic River Nile where, if we’re lucky, we’ll have a chance to see crocodiles, hippos, and an array of rare birds. We will see for ourselves the point where the River Nile joins Lake Albert, which is one of the major highlights of this trip. Feel the immense power and force of the falls as the spray hits your face and you listen to the deafening roar of the water. At the end of the boat trip, we will hike the famous ‘Top of the Falls’ where we have spectacular views of the Murchison Falls along the Nile River, a perfect photo opportunity for the budding photographers. We will return to our lodge for dinner and a good night’s sleep.
Day 3: Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda to Kibale National Park, Uganda
Day 3 is a day of driving, but fear not, you will still be entertained! On our journey, we will pass the time by marveling at the scenic views of the Ugandan countryside, leaving Murchison Falls National Park behind and driving southwards to Kibale Forest National Park. The drive to Kibale will go through major western towns of Hoima and Fort Portal. We will arrive at Kibale in the early evening
Day 4: Kibale National Park, Uganda
Day 4 starts with us heading to the Kibale forest immediately after breakfast to track the chimpanzees in their forest home. If we are lucky on the trek, we may encounter other different species of monkeys in the Kibale forest. These include colobus monkeys, olive baboons, and red-tailed monkeys. In the afternoon, you can choose to join our optional activity and visit Bigodi Swamp Sanctuary known as a ‘birder’s paradise’
Day 5: Kibale National Park, Uganda to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
In the morning we will drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Fort Portal Crater Lakes, perhaps Uganda’s most iconic sight. These volcanic craters formed some 8,000 to 10,000 years ago and they provide an idyllic backdrop to the extensive hiking trail network in the area. Here, you will be able to enjoy the amazing views of western Uganda’s tea farmlands and plantations. If the weather is good, we’ll get a chance to spot the Rwenzori Mountain Escarpment in the distance. After a day full of spectacular views, we’ll check in to the lodge and relax in preparation for the following day’s game drives.
Day 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Once again, we will start our morning with a game drive where we can expect to spot wildlife species such as elephants, buffaloes, side-striped jackals, hyena, leopards, lions, warthogs, Uganda kobs, and giant forest hogs. What a way to start the day! After lunch, we’ll take a boat trip along the Kazinga Channel where we will continue our wildlife spotting, this time we will see hippos, buffalo, crocodiles, bathing elephants, and a range of beautiful birds. This will undoubtedly be another highlight of your tour
Day 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Buhoma, Uganda
On the way to Bwindi National Park, we will drive through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, popularly known for the tree-climbing lions. Unlike their counterparts at the Kasenyi plains, the lions at Ishasha have found a way to climb the fig trees to enjoy the warm temperatures. While the sighting of the tree-climbing lions is not 100% guaranteed, a stopover at Ishasha is worth a visit! We will spend the night at Bwindi National Park
Day 8: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Buhoma, Uganda
Today is the day that many of you will have been waiting for. We will embark on a full-day adventure to track the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest National Park. The trek will commence with a short briefing on gorillas trekking rules to ensure the safety of both the guests and the gorillas. We will then start the trek into the Impenetrable Forest to encounter the gentle giants of Bwindi National Park. We will follow the expert guides, looking for signs of the gorillas and changing direction accordingly until we find them. After this rare and memorable experience is over, we will spend the rest of the day and night in Bwindi National Park.
Day 9: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda to Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
On day 9, you depart the lodge in the morning and travel to Mgahinga Gorilla National to experience the golden monkey trek. The golden monkey trekking adventure will take about 4-5hrs. After the trek, drive to Lake Bunyonyi for canoeing, bird watching, and more! Lake Bunyonyi: Make the most of your day at Lake Bunyonyi, considered one of the deepest and most beautiful inland water bodies lakes in Africa that offers refreshing experiences ranging from dug-out canoeing, swimming, and bird watching by choosing another optional activity. After the afternoon activities at Lake Bunyonyi, rest at the lodge for dinner and overnight
Day 10: Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda
We will drive from Lake Bunyonyi to Lake Mburo National Park. There is a scheduled stopover at Igongo Cultural Center in Mbarara for lunch. After lunch at Igongo, proceed to Lake Mburo National Park for an afternoon game drive to spot various wildlife species, including zebras, topis, giraffes, and Impala, Uganda kobs, and many more!
Day 11: Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda to Entebbe, Uganda
After early morning breakfast, we drive through Lake Mburo National Park for a short game drive to drive spot various wildlife species, including zebras, topis, giraffes, and Impala, Uganda kobs, and many more! There is a scheduled stopover at the equator crossing at Kayabwe for a coffee break and handicraft shopping.
Day 12
Mabamba wetland is the most popular birding site in Uganda to observe the rare Shoebill stork, which is the most sought-after bird in Uganda. The 25 square kilometre large and extensive wetland is located along the northern shores of Lake Victoria, near Entebbe town. The marsh stretches through a narrow and long bay that is fringed with papyrus towards the main body of Lake Victoria. Spotting and observing the rare Shoebill stork is definitely one of the highlights for every bird watcher coming to Uganda. Other bird species include: African Pigmy Goose, Black Crake, Black Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Black-crowned Waxbill, Black-headed Heron, Black-winged Stilt, Pied Wagtail, African Firefinch, African Fish Eagle, African Green Pigeon, Pink-backed Pelican among others. Return to the hotel and get prepared for your departure late evening
What's included
Meals, as per itinerary One gorilla trekking permit per person (value of $700) One chimpanzee trekking permit per person (value of $200) Transport in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle Accommodation as described in the itinerary Park entrance fees Drinking water when in the safari vehicle
Domestic flights in Uganda International flights from home Accommodation for days not listed in the itinerary Pick up at the airport Soft and alcoholic drinks Visas, travel and medical insurance Gifts, gratuities, and tips Other costs of personal nature
Languages spoken
What to know
Participation Requirements Age restriction: 15-80 years old A valid passport is required on the day of travel This tour is not wheelchair accessible We advise against people with heart problems or other serious medical conditions participating on this tour Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level What to Bring Hiking boots Garden gloves Rain jacket or poncho Long-sleeved shirt/blouse Cameras and extra batteries Hat/cap and sunglasses Pair of binoculars Flashlight (torch) Mosquito repellent Other items to include: zoom lens for wildlife shots and energy bars/bites
Route & locations
Entebbe, Uganda to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda