10 Day – Experience the Wild of Uganda Safari -Gorillas-Chimpanzees-Wildlife
Value+ Midrange 10-Day Gorilla – Chimpanzee Trekking – Wildlife Safari – Experiencing the Wild of Uganda Safari
On this Value+ Midrange 10-day Experience, the Wild of Uganda Safari, your journey will take you to the top Wildlife Parks in Uganda – Murchison Falls Park and Queen Elizabeth Park. Add Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest, Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and Lake Mburo Park Wildlife Park. In 10 days, visit five of Uganda’s best parks.
This Value+ Midrange 10-day Safari has become one of the top choices of our Clients since it gives them the best exposure to half of Uganda’s Wildlife and Primate parks, comes with the most popular activities that clients want to do and see, and we customize to fit your budget and time restraints.
This is a Big-7, not a typical Big-5 Safari, Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Buffaloes, Rhinos Plus Mountain Gorillas, and Chimpanzees. You cannot do this in Kenya or Tanzania; the Big-7 Safari can only be done in Uganda.
The Safari price includes all Permits, Activities, and full board Lodging.
Value+ Midrange 10 Day – Experience the Wild of Uganda Safari Highlights
- Gorilla Trekking – Porter Services – Walking Sticks – Bottled Water are provided.
- Chimpanzee Trekking – Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary Jungle Swamp
- Rhino Trekking on Foot – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Top of the Falls Hike – Murchison Falls
- Rare Rothschild Giraffes in Large Numbers – Murchison Falls Park
- Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari – Murchison Falls Park
- Lion Tracking Research- Queen Elizabeth Park
- Explosion Crater Drive in Queen Elizabeth Park
- Tree Climbing Lions of Ishasha
- Nocturnal Game Drive – Lake Mburo National Park
- Horseback Riding Safari -Lake Mburo National Park – or Walking Safari – Bike Safari
Value Plus Midrange10 Day – Experience the Wild of Uganda Safari in Detail:
Arrival Day in Uganda – Welcome to the Pearl of Africa:
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where the arrival process will take about 45 minutes. You can find out about arrival and departure information for tourists here.
We will meet you in the tourist arrival area and take you to a hotel for your first night’s stay in Uganda. We often use the 2-Friends Beach Hotel on Lake Victoria. Depending on your arrival time, Lunch and Dinner can be included.
Activities that can be done on your arrival Day:
- Relax and Chill out:
- Golfing in Entebbe:
- Visit Entebbe Botanical Gardens:
- Sunset Cruise on Lake Victoria:
Mearl Plan: Depends on your arrival time.
Day 1 – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Murchison Falls Park:
Your 10-day experience of the Wild of Uganda Safari begins as we leave Kampala or Entebbe at 6:30 am and head north on our Safari toward Murchison Falls National Park.
Rhino Tracking
We arrive at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where we track Rhinos on foot with a guide getting close to the Rhinos for some great photo – opportunities. You will get as close as 10 meters to the massive Rhino on your trek. Rangers guide you during the two-hour Rhino Trek.
The Rhinos are in a Sanctuary for eventual release into wildlife reserves in northern Uganda. Some Rhinos will be released in 2023 and 2024.
Early Lunch at Amuka Lodge:
Enjoy a BBQ lunch before continuing your journey to Murchison Falls National Park.
Pakuba Lodge:
Pakuba Lodge is an excellent mid-range lodge. One of the most important features is the location, and it is inside the park, near the Game Drive tracks on the wildlife side.
There is a swimming pool for guests to enjoy. Rooms are spacious with views of the River Nile, plus the wildlife that comes into the lodge area. The location is the key, besides food, service, and rooms. When going on a game drive, there is no crossing over by Ferry or having to wait until 7 am. You can start the game drive at the crack of dawn.
Air Conditioning is available at an extra 30 USD per night. Murchison Falls Park is 5 degrees warmer than Kampala Lodge Lodge and is reasonably priced for what you receive, more than most moderate clubs in the county. Our past clients have more than enjoyed their stay here.
Sunset Game Drive:
Yake a Sunset Game Drive near Pakuba Lodge. You will have your driver-guide and a Uganda Wildlife Ranger to point out the animals you come across as the sunsets.
Meal Plan: Lunch – Dinner
Day 2 – Murchison Falls Park:
Morning Game Drive:
Start your day with an early breakfast, fueling up for an exhilarating morning game drive in Murchison Falls Park. Alongside your driver-guide, an experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority Ranger will accompany you, ensuring a knowledgeable and rewarding safari experience.
Murchison Falls Park is renowned as one of the best places in East Africa to witness the majestic Rothschild Giraffe. With over 1,200 giraffes calling this park home, you’ll have the opportunity to observe these elegant creatures up close as they gracefully graze in their natural habitat.
As your game drive unfolds, prepare to be captivated by the diverse wildlife that thrives in the park. Please keep your eyes peeled for lion cubs playfully following their mother, herds of giraffes leisurely feeding, and elephants majestically traversing the savanna. The park teems with various animals, including lions, leopards, warthogs, hyenas, buffalo herds, and many antelope species.
Your wildlife encounter will be extraordinary, with each moment offering a unique glimpse into the wonders of the African wilderness. The game drive typically lasts around three hours, allowing ample time to explore different areas and encounter fascinating wildlife. The thrill of spotting various bird species cannot be underestimated, as Murchison Falls Park is also a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts.
Enjoy yourself in the beauty of Murchison Falls Park during a morning game drive, where every moment is filled with the wonders of nature. From the graceful giraffes to the awe-inspiring predators and the abundance of birdlife, this safari adventure promises an unforgettable wildlife experience.
Nile Boat Wildlife Cruise:
Enjoy one of the highlights of your Murchison Falls National Park Safari with a captivating Nile Boat Wildlife Cruise. After a satisfying lunch, prepare for an unforgettable journey along the Nile River, offering unparalleled opportunities to witness many wildlife in their natural habitat.
As you embark on the boat, you’ll be greeted by the gentle breeze and the soothing motion of the water. The ship will slowly navigate upstream, heading towards the majestic Murchison Falls. Throughout the cruise, keep your eyes peeled for sightings of crocodiles, numerous hippos basking in the sun, elephants gracefully drinking from the river, herds of buffalo, and various antelope species. The vibrant birdlife will also captivate you, with the chance to spot magnificent fish, eagles, storks, and many other avian wonders.
The grand finale of the boat cruise awaits as you approach Murchison Falls. Witness the awe-inspiring power of nature as the Nile River, initially 50 meters wide, cascades through a narrow 7-meter gorge before plummeting an impressive 43 meters. The booming sound and the sheer force of the waterfall leave you in awe of the might and beauty of the natural world. Murchison Falls is renowned as the most powerful waterfall on the planet, and experiencing it firsthand is an extraordinary privilege.
As the cruise concludes, you’ll carry unforgettable memories of the wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and the magnificent spectacle of Murchison Falls. Return to your Lodge with a deep appreciation for the remarkable diversity and natural wonders of Murchison Falls National Park.
Meal Plan: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 3 – Kibale Forest:
Early Breakfast, and we leave for Kibale Forest, crossing the RiverLodge with the first Ferry at 7 am.
This is an eight-hour-plus drive, and we break the journey by having lunch at the Kon-Tiki Hotel in the town of Hoima along the road to Kibale Forest.
Isunga Lodge:
A newer, moderately priced lodge that gives its guests value plus for their Lodge. WeLodge successfully used this lodge on Lodgeafaris, and our Clients have responded more than positively.
There are four cottages with ensuite baths in a very private setting. The food is prepared thoughtfully, and the apogee service is excellent.
We have never received a complaint about this lodge regLodgeg the quality of rooms, service, and meals. With our clients, Isunga Lodge has a perfect record.
Much higher and moderately priced lodges in Uganda do not match what you receive at Isunga Lodge.
The Lodge is owner-managed, and the Lodge often makes a difference in the overall quality of a lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 4 – Chimpanzee Tracking:
Morning Chimpanzee Trekking:
Breakfast at Kibale Forest Camp and off to Kibale Forest Headquarters for Chimpanzee Tracking. This is a guided trek, and with 13 primates in the park, one usually finds at least five or six different types of primates.
Then there is the Forest itself, with its beauty and ruggedness. Butterflies and exotic birds abound in this park, and the tracking experience takes in much more than Chimpanzee tracking; a beautiful and inspiring natural setting is a haven for wildlife, birds, plants, and trees.
The chimpanzees you will encounter are habituated, meaning they are used to human beings.
The Chimpanzee Trek is about 3 1/2 hours in length – minimum age is 15 – there is an alternate activity with Rangers for your children.
What to wear for Chimpanzee Trekking:
Hiking boots, woolen socks, long trousers, long-sleeved shirt, hat, daypack, and one liter of water. Read more here.
Option: Instead of Chimpanzee trekking, where you are with a group of Chimpanzees for one hour, you can be on an all-day Chimpanzee Habituation Experience.
Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary:
Afternoon Hike in Bigodi Swamp Wetlands, next to Kibale Forest, you might see chimpanzees again. Of course, many birds are found there – the “Large Blue Turaco ” is the most notable.
Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary is a community project that has been put together quite well, and entrance and guide fees benefit the local community.
Bigodi Swamp – the vegetation alone is worth here – merely a fantastic place filled with life. There are no hippos or crocodiles, though it is a jungle.
Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary extends the vast Central African Jungle as it spills into East Africa.
There is no place in East Africa comparable to the Bigodi Swamp, and it is also a UNESCO Sustainable Tourism Site.
Nocturnal Forest Walk:
Meet and see the creatures of the night. Ibale Rainforest looks different at night than it does while you are chimpanzee trekking.
You are in the company of Uganda Wildlife Authority Rangers, who will lead you on this ninety-minute nocturnal Walk in the Forest. You will find bushbabies, Sloths, tree pangolins, and other night creatures.
The sounds of the Forest at night are also different from daytime treks; owls and Nightjars appear out of nowhere and are gone again. For most, this is an exciting and informative nature walk.
We have to arrange for your dinner at Crater Lake Lodge. The Walk begins around &:30 pm after dark, and the SSunsets just before 7:00 pm. Read more about the Nocturnal Forest Walk here.
Meal Plan: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 5 Queen Elizabeth Park:
Breakfast and we are taking a two-hour drive to Queen Elizabeth Park.
Explosion Crater Drive:
Before we check in at the Lodge, we take the most scenic Katwe ExplosioLodgeter drive—twenty-seven kilometers of scenic wonders.
It is the highest point of Queen Elizabeth Park, with splendid views of the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon, the Western Rift Escarpment with the vast Savannah below, Lake George, and Lake Edwards connected by the natural Kazinga Channel. There are about 12 explosion craters, made famous recently by a picture in National Geographic.
After the Explosion Crater Drive, check into Enganzi Game Lodge.
Enganzi Game Lodge:
Enganzi Game Lodge – with that affordable, extra added touch, Enganzi Game Lodge Lodges quality yet reasonable prices.
Enganzi Game Lodge is the perfect base for exploring the scenic northern area of Queen Elizabeth Park with its wildlife, explosion craters, the vast Kyambura Gorge, the endless Maramagambo Forest, and more.
The tented cottages have a full bath and extensive views down the Albertine Escarpment to Queen Elizabeth Park.
The rooms are enormous. Another bed can easily be added here, including beds for families with children.
Enganzi Game Lodge is also a family-friendly lodge open to children of all ages. There is a swimming pool for you to enjoy.
The view here is what makes the lodge even more special. We have used thisLodgee for over three years, and our clients Lodgebeen quite satisfied.
Late Afternoon Game Drive
Afternoon game drive across the candelabra euphoria tree-studded Savannah; the vehicle has a pop-up roof so you can stand and take better pictures where you will see lions, leopards, bush pigs, giant forest hogs, elephant herds, buffaloes, various species of antelopes, savannah birds, hyenas, monitor lizards, an occasional rock python, and lots more.
Meal Plan: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 6 – Queen Elizabeth Park:
Morning Game Drive:
Breakfast before or after the game drive. You can begin your first game drive at dawn at about 6:30 am.
As we head out for the game drive, we pick up a Uganda Wildlife Authority Ranger to go with us. Mornings are also when more predators return from their night of stalking, and there is nothing like a Savannah Sunrise.
Queen Elizabeth Park has a thriving wildlife population, including an elephant population like the 1960s.
Optional Activities that you can participate in:
Lion Tracking Research – this is an option where you go with researchers searching for collared lions, and this is in cooperation with the Uganda Carnivore Project and Uganda Wildlife Association. This is also a time of learning about the habits and ways of the lions.
There is also the Banded Mongoose Research Project – this project takes place on the Mweya Peninsula and is on foot with Rangers and Researchers observing the habits and ways of the banded mongoose.
Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise:
Take an afternoon Boat Safari ride on the Kazinga Channel with one of Africa’s highest concentrations of hippos. The Boat Safari is a highlight of any Queen Elizabeth Park Visit.
This is a pleasant boat ride where you can get some great pictures of elephants, antelopes, crocodiles, monitor lizards, predators in the late afternoon, and buffaloes on the shore. Hopefully, you will get an open-mouthed hippo shot with your camera.
The Kazinga Channel is also home to thousands of birds. You will be amazed by the many birds you will see along the shore, in the air, and the water.
The Kazinga Channel Boat cruise is about two hours long, and various boats can be used for the boat cruise, including Uganda Wildlife Authority Boats and ships from Mweya Safari Lodge. Private boat cruises can be arranged.
Meal Plan: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 7 – Ishasha Tree Climbing Lions – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest:
Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions Game Drive:
Breakfast, and we are off for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the Buhoma area. On the way, we stopped for a game drive, where we searched out the famous Tree-Climbing Lions of Ishasha.
Ishasha is the best place to see the rare Tree-Climbing Lions in East Africa. The Lions of Ishasha spend up to 15 hours sleeping the day away in fig and or acacia trees found there. It is a sight that draws many to the Ishasha region of Queen Elizabeth Park.
Ishasha is the place for tree-climbing lions and other wildlife you can see, such as large herds of elephants, topi antelopes, buffalo herds, leopards – usually singular, and much more in this region of Queen Elizabeth Park.
After visiting the Tree-Climbing Lions, we have lunch at Savannah Resort. After lunch, we continued to the Buhoma Area of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where you check into the Haven Lodge, a better mid-range lodge with all the comforts you need before and after the Gorilla Trek.
Haven Lodge – Buhoma area – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest:
The Haven Lodge is a small upmarket accommodation overlooking Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. You will enjoy your room with an ensuite bath. After trekking the gorillas, you will also enjoy sitting on your deck to have a morning cup of coffee or a sundowner after gorilla trekking in the late afternoon.
This upmarket, mid-range lodge in Buhoma was built with the assistance of the US government, which often helps tourism in Uganda in various ways.
All cottages come with a bath, the trained staff knows about customer service, and the food is a harmonious blend of Western – Asian and African dishes that will delight you.
All cottages and the main lodge have an excellent view of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
The lodgeLodgeesents one of the Best Values in the Buhoma Area of Bwindi Lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 8 – Gorilla Tracking:
Gorilla Trekking takes place at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Read our Practical Gorilla Trekking Advice Page for in-depth information.
Gorilla Wear and Gear you will need:
Here is practical advice about what to wear while Gorilla Trekking in Uganda. Often, Trekkers are not dressed right for the occasion, which can spoil your day, and your focus might not be on the Gorillas but personal discomfort and misery. Wearing suitable clothing and footwear is about protection.
- Daypack: A waterproof daypack is preferred; you can use it as a carry-on when flying to Uganda. Pack all essentials inside the Daypack.
- Hiking Boots: Make sure that they have good treads on them. You will need ankle support, something boots give you and give you reactions on muddy trails. Have a good pair of merino wool socks.
- Long Trouser: They will protect you from nettles and thorns. Tuck the trousers into your socks for added protection from ants.
- Long-Sleeved Shirt: Neutral in color. Again, this is for your comfort and protection.
- Rain Jacket or Poncho: Pack into your Daypack. You never know when it will train. You are in an Afro-montane Rainforest.
- Tough Gardening Gloves protect your hands from thorns, nettles, and sharp branches.
- Wide Brimmed Hat: It gives you protection from the Sun.
- Cam
era Equipment – Binoculars: Ensure extra batteries and storage devices. Put them into Ziploc bags. Binoculars are not needed if you are not a birder.
- Packed Lunch and Bottled Water: You will need your lunch from the Lodge and two liters of bottled water.
- Insect Repellent – Sun Lotion – SLodgesses: We recommend the effective Australian RID Insect Repellent. Good Sun
- You will need a Porter and Walking Stick: The services of a porter free you on the often-difficult trail, and a local walking stick helps you and steadies you on the often-challenging path. We supply our clients with the bottled water and facial protective masks required for the actual encounter with the Gentle Giants.
Suggestion: Be sure to pack a sweater or sweatshirt. The temperature here at night is 10 degrees Celsius or 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Read more about Gorilla Gear and Wear here.
Gorilla Trekking Orientation
The Gorilla Family you are assigned is based on your fitness level, age, and medical condition and is determined by the ranger.
You will be instructed on how to conduct yourself on the trail and in the presence of the Gentle Giants. You can read more about the rules and guidelines here.
Your Encounter with the Gentle Giants:
With the trek in and trek out – the 4-hour Gorilla Habituation Experience is an all-day trek. Not only do you see the Gorillas with only four participants, but you also learn about the Gorillas’ habits and ways from the Gorillas and the Researchers.
You have entered the living room of a Gorilla family. You have more time to see how they interact as a group, and you can see what they eat, how they treat one another, and how the younger ones are taught.
The words of David Attenborough fit as he wrote about his Gorilla Encounter, “Spending time with these gentle creatures in their natural habitat was a profoundly moving experience.”
When you return to the trailhead, your driver-guide will take you back to your Lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 9 – Lake Mburo NationaLodgek:
Take the five-hour drive to Lake Mburo at 6:30 am. Arrive at Lake Mburo and check into Rwakobo Rock Lodge around lunchtime.
Rwakobo Rock Lodge:
Rwakobo Rock Lodge is Lake Mburo National Park’s best mid-range lodge option.
Delightful cottage on a natural rock outcropping. The Lodge has a swimming pool to refresh yourself with a splendid park view.Lodgelodge offers excellent food, service, rooms, and great activities, such Lodgeuntain Biking through and outside the park, hiking, and nature walks.
The park has other moderately priced lodges, but Rwaboko Rock Lodge represents the best.
Rwakobo Rock is an excellent lodge for your first or last night on Safari in Uganda. Located close to Entebbe International Airport and halfway to Bwindi Impenetrable Forst, our clients find it the perfect place to rest and relax after or before Gorilla Trekking. Besides, the lodge is highly rated.
The perfect place to break a long journey is one Lodgee most delightful places in Uganda. It is about a 5-hour drive to reach.
Afternoon Activities at Lake Mburo National Park:
Boat Cruise on Lake Mburo:
Here, you take a boat cruise with a Uganda Wildlife Authority boat. On the 90-minute cruise, hippos, crocodiles, otters, water birds, and mammals come to the water to drink and bathe.
Game Drive:
Lake Mburo is the best park in Uganda to see zebras. You will enjoy the large zebra herds that are found here. You will also see Giraffes and Eland antelopes, the largest in Africa.
Nocturnal Game Drive:
Nocturnal Game Drive, where you see the creatures of the night, including leopards. Lake Mburo is one of the best parks where you can see leopards.
Meal Plan: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 10 – End of the Safari:
Nature Walk to Saltlick:
Take an early morning walk to the salt lick with Ranger. Here you will see a lot of wildlife.
Equator Visit:
We stop at the Equator for picture-taking. Here, you can have your picture taken at the equator and also have lunch.
In Mpambire, we stop at the Royal Drum Makers, who have kept the tradition of drum-making alive for hundreds of years.
Reach Kampala or Entebbe during the late afternoon for departure as our ten-day encounter in the Wild of Uganda Safari Tour ends. We can arrange a dayroom and dinner for you before your departure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast – Lunch
What is included in this Value+ Midrange10 Day – Experience the Wild of Uganda Safari?
- Experienced Ugandan Driver-Guide: A Safari becomes more enjoyable with a knowledgeable and professional Local Driver-Guide.
- Greet and Meet at Airport upon arrival: We provide meet and greet services, including a welcome gift and Safari Informational Packet.
- Full-Board Lodging: All meals are included except alcoholic drinks, sodas, and snacks that you might order apart from meals. Some luxury Lodges have non-premium alcoholic beverages and sodas.
- Private 4×4 Land Cruiser Safari Vehicle with Pop-Up Roof: The Vehicle has a car fridge, WiFi, and bottled Water.
- Gorilla -Chimpanzee Trekking: Gorilla – Chimpanzee Trekking Permits are included in your Safari. We also provide porter services, a walking stick for support, and bottled water. Read our Practical Gorilla Trekking Advice:
- WiFi Internet Access: Most Lodges only provide a WiFi Internet Connection in the main lodge. We offer you a MiFi Router that gives you and your party access tLodge internet in your cottage or room, depending on nearby transmission towers. Read Staying in touch with home.
- Spanish, French, Italian, German, Russian, Mandarin, Arabic Speaking Driver-Guides: At an extra cost.
- Your Dietary Needs can be met: Notify us if you are a vegan, vegetarian, or need a gluten-free diet. Halala dietary requirements can be completed in most instances. Strictly kosher nutritional requirements cannot be satisfied on safari. a.
- ; Automatic AMREF-Flying Doctors Air-Medivac Insurance coverage: Our clients have covered a rare need for medical evacuation to a hospital that meets international standards.
I have not included Visas, Travel Insurance, laundry, Tips, drinks at lodges such as Alcoholic drinks and sodas, and optional listed activities.
Contact us about this Value+ Midrange10 Day – Experience the Wild of Uganda Safari.
