9 Days Uganda Wildlife and Primate Safari.
This 9 Days Uganda Wildlife and Primate Safari will give you the opportunity to participate in Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park, Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, and wildlife viewing in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks.
Highlights for 9 Days Uganda Wildlife and Primate Safari.
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Kampala for City Tour
Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Nile Delta Boat Cruise
Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Lion Tracking Experience.
Day 5: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise
Day 6: Transfer to Kibale National Park and Bigodi Swamp Walk.
Day 7: Chimpanzee Trekking and Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest
Day 9: Transfer Back to Kampala.
Uganda Holiday Adventure
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Detailed Itinerary 9 Days Uganda Wildlife and Primate Safari.
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Kampala for City Tour
On day 1 of your 9 days Uganda Wildlife and Primate Safari, pick up by our company representative upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Kampala city. Depending on your time of arrival, you can take a short tour of Kampala city where you can visit the National Museum, Ndere Cultural Centre and shopping malls like Acacia Mall, Garden City, Kampala Kingdom and many more. Dinner and overnight at Forest Cottages/ Marriot Skyz Hotel Naguru/ Serena Hotel.
Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast, travel north to the famed Murchison Falls National Park, with a lunch stop in Masindi and a visit at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola district to monitor endangered rhinos protected in this sanctuary. Later, arrive at Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest well-protected wildlife region, which covers 3,840 square kilometers. To appreciate the natural splendour of Murchison falls, drive to the top of the Falls.
At this point, the Nile River squeezes itself down a 7-meter-wide canyon from a width of more than 1 km and sinks below with a deafening roar, generating a water spray that rainbow that culminates in a spectacular rainbow the Nile River’s wonders! Dinner and overnight at Parkside Safari Lodge/ Pakuba Safari Lodge/ Paraa Safari Lodge.
Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Nile Delta Boat Cruise
Morning Game Drive: After an early breakfast at the lodge, you will head out for a morning game drive in the park. The activity takes about 3-5 hours; with a chance to see a variety of wildlife in the park including elephants, Rothschild giraffes, buffaloes, lions, Hartebeest, Uganda kobs, Oribis and waterbucks. After the drive, you will return to the lodge for lunch.
Afternoon Boat Cruise: In the afternoon go for an afternoon boat cruise on the along the Nile delta which will give you an exciting panoramic view at the bottom of the mighty Murchison falls. Along the cruise, you will encounter crocodiles, hippos, and birds on the river banks like kingfisher, cormorants and bee-eater. Return back to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
After a hearty breakfast, travel southwest from Murchison Falls National Park to Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through Fort portal and the Albertine Escarpment of the Western Rift Valley. On the way, stop for lunch in Fort Portal.
After lunch, continue on to Mweya Peninsula, which is located in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Arrive at the park in the evening, check into your lodge and get refreshed. Dinner and overnight at Park View Safari Lodge/ Elephant Hub/ Elephant Plains.
Day 5: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel.
Morning Game Drive: Set off after having breakfast to Kasenyi area for a fascinating game drive where you will be able to view great numbers of animals including the savannah elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, antelopes including the Oribis, Uganda kobs, waterbucks to mention a few.
Afternoon Boat Cruise: In the afternoon, you will go for a boat trip along the Kazinga channel. During the boat trip you will enjoy watching the densely populated hippos along the lake, crocodiles and other animals like the elephants, buffaloes and bird species on the banks. Dinner and overnight stay at lodge as above.
Day 6: Transfer to Kibale National Park and Bigodi Swamp Walk.
On day 6 of 9 days Uganda Wildlife and Primate Safari, have breakfast early in the morning at your lodge and then transfer to Kibale National Park. Stopover in Fort portal town for lunch and later drive to Bigodi for an afternoon swamp walk which will give you an opportunity to see the Rare Shoebill stork and other interesting bird species. Later drive to your lodge for dinner and overnight at Chimpanzee Guest house/ Isunga Lodge/Chimpundu Lodge.
Day 7: Chimpanzee Trekking and Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Chimpanzee Trekking: Have breakfast and drive to the park where you will be doing chimpanzee trekking. You are expected to report at the park by 7 am for a briefing and actual tracking will start at 8am. Tracking can take between 4 to 6 hours depending on the location of the chimpanzee groups. Have lunch and proceed with your transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Transfer to Bwindi: Depart for Bwindi via Ishasha in Queen Elizabeth national park and watch out for eye-catching big game on the way like elephants, buffalos, antelopes, warthogs and other wildlife. In the afternoon, relax while having lunch in Kihihi town or take a walk to the bustling market of Kihihi. Dinner and overnight at Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge/Buhoma Haven Lodge.
Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest: Enjoy early morning breakfast and transfer to the park headquarters with packed lunch for briefing by the ranger guides and later head into the forest for the trek. Gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable national Park can last anywhere between 2 to 8 hours depending on the movement of the gorillas. On finding them, visitors are allowed 1 hour to view and take photos of these gentle primates and later return to the starting point where a certificate is awarded and meet the driver / guide and transfer back to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 9: Transfer Back to Kampala.
Return to Kampala: Wake up at your leisure and eat breakfast at your lodge. You will then travel back to Kampala or Entebbe International Airport to catch your trip back home. Your 9 Days Uganda Wildlife and Primate Safari comes to an end.
Gallery
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive in Entebbe/Kampala
Our Uganda Holiday Adventure guide will pick you up from Entebbe/Kampala. Check into your lodge for meals, relaxation and overnight.
Accommodation
Premium+/Upmarket/Luxury: Kampala Sheraton Hotel
Premium/Midrange/Standard: Humura Resorts
Basic/Budget: Buziga Country Resort
Access/Inexpensive/Cheap: Camping at Back Packers Hostel
Day 2 – Rhinoceros Tracking in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Travel to Murchison Falls National Park and Visit the top of Murchison Falls
After breakfast, depart your Uganda Holiday Adventure lodge and head for Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to track rhinoceroses. Rhinoceros tracking takes about 2 hours. You will head to the restaurant for lunch. Proceed to Murchison Falls National Park. Visit the top and bottom of Murchison Falls. Check into your lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.
Accommodation
Premium+/Upmarket/Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge
Premium/Midrange/Standard: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Basic/Budget: Heritage Safari Lodge
Access/Inexpensive/Cheap: Wild Camping
Day 3 – Morning Game Drive through Murchison Falls National Park and Afternoon Boat Cruise along the River Nile
At 06:30, you will depart for a morning game drive through Murchison Falls National Park for game viewing. Return to your lodge for breakfast, relaxation and lunch.
After lunch, you will embark on a boat cruise along the River Nile to the bottom of Murchison Falls. Return to your lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.
Accommodation
Premium+/Upmarket/Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge
Premium/Midrange/Standard: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Basic/Budget: Heritage Safari Lodge
Access/Inexpensive/Cheap: Wild Camping
Day 4 – Travel to Fort Portal, Visit the Rwenzori Mountains
After breakfast, jump on the Uganda Holiday Adventure ride to Fort Portal. Lunch will be served en route. Upon arrival, visit the Rwenzori Mountains. Check into your lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.
Accommodation
Premium+/Upmarket/Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge
Premium/Midrange/Standard: Mountains of the Moon Hotel
Basic/Budget: Rwenzori View Guesthouse
Access/Inexpensive/Cheap: Camping
Day 5 – Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Game Park, Morning Game Drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park, Afternoon Boat Cruise along Kazinga Channel and Evening Game Drive along the Channel Track
After breakfast, you will set off for Queen Elizabeth National Park. A morning game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park along the Kasenyi track and Queen’s Mile allows for spectacular game viewing. Check into your lodge for relaxation and lunch. After lunch, you will depart for an afternoon boat cruise to see animals that live in water. Partake in an evening game drive along the Channel track for a game viewing extravaganza. Return to your lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.
Accommodation
Premium+/Upmarket/Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
Premium/Midrange/Standard: Enganzi Game Lodge
Basic/Budget: Pumba Safari Cottages
Access/Inexpensive/Cheap: Wild Camping
Day 6 – Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge and Travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, travel to Kyambura gorge for chimpanzee tracking. Embark on a journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Lunch will be served en route. Check into your Uganda Holiday Adventure lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.
Accommodation
Premium+/Upmarket/Luxury: Chameleon Hill Lodge
Premium/Midrange/Standard: Gorilla Mist Camp
Basic/Budget: Broadbill Forest Camp
Access/Inexpensive/Cheap: Wild Camping
Day 7 – Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Travel to Lake Bunyonyi
After breakfast, you will set off with packed lunch for the Park Headquarters to be briefed about the gorilla tracking rules. Under the leadership of a guide, trek through the forest in search for gorillas. You will spend one hour with the animals upon finding them. Depart for Lake Bunyonyi. Check into your lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.
Accommodation
Premium+/Upmarket/Luxury: Birdnest @Lake Bunyonyi Resort
Premium/Midrange/Standard: Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort
Basic/Budget: Byoona Amagara Island Retreat
Access/Inexpensive/Cheap: Resort Camping
Day 8 – Morning Boat Cruise on Lake Bunyonyi and Travel to Entebbe/Kampala
After breakfast, you will head for a morning boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi. The boat cruise is for approximately 2 hours. You will journey to Entebbe/Kampala. Lunch will be served en route. Check into your lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.
Accommodation
Premium+/Upmarket/Luxury: Lake Victoria Serena Resort
Premium/Midrange/Standard: Cassia Lodge
Basic/Budget: Buziga Country Resort
Access/Inexpensive/Cheap: Camping
Day 9 – Depart for your destination
After breakfast, you will embark on a Uganda Holiday Adventure journey to your destination in Entebbe/Kampala.
END OF TOUR
Inclusions
WHAT IS INCLUDED
- Airport transfers on first and last day,
- Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Services of an English speaking driver guide
- Fuel for the whole trip
- Accommodation and meal plan as per the itinerary
- All park entrance fees
- Drinking water while in the vehicle
WHAT IS EXCLUDED
- Pre and post tour accommodation
- International airfares
- Uganda Visa (USD50.00 which can be paid on arrival at the Airport
- Personal items for example drinks and laundry
- Tips and Gratuity
Important Information
Passport, Visa and Other Entry Requirements
Entry requirements can change, so please contact your local Uganda Embassy to verify the information below is current.
- A passport is required for all foreign visitors and has to be valid for at least six months.
- Passports must have a clean and full visa page for endorsement.
- All visitors traveling to Uganda must have a valid yellow fever certificate, which will be required as part of a visa application, and may also be required at the port of entry.
- Citizens of most countries require a visa. A list of countries that don’t need a visa is available.
- Visas are best obtained in advance through an official online visa-application portal., but they can also be obtained through your local Uganda Embassy or high commission. At present visas on arrival are still being issued alongside the online application process, but this is meant to be phased out so enquire about this before opting to go this route.
- Tourist visas are available for Uganda only, or East Africa (which covers entry to Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda) for the same cost.
Flights & Airlines to Uganda
The main entry point for flights into Uganda is Entebbe International Airport (EBB) located near the town Entebbe, about 46km/29mi from the capital, Kampala. Uganda is a relatively compact country and further transportation within the country is usually done by vehicle. In most cases, your local tour operator will collect you from the airport or hotel and will arrange further transportation as part of your safari-package.
Please check Skyscanner, or for multiple-destination flights check Expedia, to see which airlines can take you to Uganda and what tickets would cost.
www.skyscanner.com
www.expedia.com
Domestic Airlines & Flights in Uganda
Fly Uganda and Aerolink run scheduled domestic flights to most parks. Alternatively, your tour operator can organize charter flights at a very high price. The only destination in Uganda, which is often reached by air, is the very remote Kidepo Valley National Park.
Best Time to Go
The best wildlife viewing months in Uganda are during the Dry seasons from June to August and December to February. Primate walks in the forest are a big part of any safari in Uganda. The habitat of rainforests is, by default, very wet, and one can’t avoid rain completely. However, after heavy rain, the skies often open up to bright sunshine.
- Best Time: June to August and December to February (All parks)
- High Season: June to September (It’s rarely crowded, but you’ll need to book your gorilla permits long in advance)
- Low Season: March, April, May, October, November (Some lodges and camps in high rainfall areas close down; roads and forest trails can be in poor condition)
- Best Weather: June-July and January-February (Little rainfall)
- Worst Weather: March, April and May (Peak of Wet season)