This safari takes you to Uganda’s most popular national parks as we explore off the beaten path. Witness the wildlife of Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park on game drives, and trek into the rainforests to meet the endangered chimpanzees and gorillas in their native habitat.
- 12 days | 11 nights
- Uganda
Highlights
- Take in the view from the top of Murchison Falls
- Witness wildlife on game drives across Western Uganda
- Embark on boat safaris on the Nile and Kazinga Channel
- Track gorillas in Bwindi National Park and chimpanzees in Kibale Forest
Destinations
DAY 1: Arrival & Entebbe/Kampala
DAY 2: Entebbe/Kampala
DAY 3-4: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary & Murchison Falls National Park
DAY 5-6: Kibale Forest National Park
DAY 7-8: Queen Elizabeth National Park
DAY 9-11: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
DAY 12: Entebbe
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Karibu! Welcome to Uganda
- ENTEBBE/KAMPALA
Karibu—a very warm welcome to Uganda! Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be picked up by a representative of Hornbill Treks & Safaris and transferred to your accommodations in Entebbe or Kampala. You’ll have a safari briefing and time for last questions regarding your adventure across Uganda. Enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotel No. 5, Boma Hotel Entebbe, Lake Victoria Serena Resort, Latitude 0
Day 2: Culture & Conservation
- ENTEBBE & KAMPALA
Experience the culture and conservation centers of Entebbe and Kampala. Begin the day with birdwatching in the Mabamba Wetlands, followed by lunch and a visit to our partner school for an authentic cultural experience.
End the day relaxing at the hotel or take in the views with a sunset cruise on Lake Victoria.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotel No. 5, Boma Hotel Entebbe, Lake Victoria Serena Resort, Latitude 0
Day 3: Tracking Wild Rhinos
- ENTEBBE & MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
Adventure begins as we depart from Entebbe in the morning, driving towards Murchison Falls National Park. Along the way, we will stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to Uganda’s only wild rhinos and an ongoing conservation project. There, you’ll have the chance to track the wild rhinos at close range.
From Ziwa, we’ll continue our journey to Murchison Falls National Park, arriving in time for scenic viewing at the top of the falls and dinner at the lodge.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Nile Safari Lodge
Day 4: Game Drives & Boat Safari on the Nile
- MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
Witness wildlife at its best with an early morning game drive in the park to find elephant, buffalo, lions, giraffe, and a variety of antelope, among others. Afterwards, enjoy an early leisurely lunch before embarking on the afternoon’s adventures.
In the afternoon, see the Nile closer than ever as we take a boat cruise down this legendary river. The Nile is home to Africa’s most dense hippo and crocodile populations, as well as a dazzling variety of water birds.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Nile Safari Lodge
Day 5: Journey to Kibale Forest
- MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK & KIBALE FOREST NATIONAL PARK
Enjoy an early morning game drive before transferring to the airstrip for your scheduled flight to the Kibale Forest region. Upon arrival, transfer to the lodge for a leisurely afternoon.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Ndali Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge, or Primate Lodge Kibale
Day 6: Meet the Chimpanzees of Kibale
- KIBALE FOREST NATIONAL PARK
In the morning, set out on your chimpanzee trek in the rainforest. The trek, which may last two to four hours, offers the chance of watching chimps in their natural habitat. After the trek, return to your accommodations for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a nature walk through the Bigodi Wetlands. This wildlife corridor is home to over 200 species of birds–including the Blue Turaco, Kingfishers, Hornbills, and more–as well as eight species of primates.
The Bigodi Wetlands conservation project began as a local environmental effort run by the communities of Kibale. Beyond conserving the wetlands and its wildlife, the project has also supported the building of a local school, safe drinking water for locals, and local health care efforts.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Ndali Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge, or Primate Lodge Kibale
Day 7: Exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park
- KIBALE FOREST NATIONAL PARK & QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
The day begins with a relaxed drive as we leave Kibale and head towards Queen Elizabeth National Park. As we journey towards the park, the incredible scenery of the “Mountains of the Moon” unfolds before us. Upon arrival at the park, settle into your accommodations before taking an evening game drive to explore.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Elephant Plains Lodge or Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Day 8: Game Drives & Boat Safari
- QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
After a sunrise breakfast, embark on a morning game drive, followed by an early lunch at the lodge.
In the afternoon, explore the Kazinga Channel by boat for an opportunity to see the stunning variety of wildlife at the water, including hippos, elephant, and crocodiles. Birdlife in the park includes the African finfoot, Broad-billed roller, Red-chested sunbird, and Yellow-throated cuckoo, among others. Before returning to the lodge for dinner, embark on an evening game drive.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Elephant Plains Lodge or Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Day 9: Journey to the Impenetrable Forest
- QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK - ISHASHA PLAINS & BWINDI NATIONAL PARK
Embark on one last game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park before continuing to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to the approximately half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas. This ancient forest unfolds over the steep ridges of the Albertine Rift Valley, providing breathtaking views and extraordinary viewing opportunities.
In the afternoon, relax at the Lodge or take a sunset stroll through the area.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Bwindi Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Buhoma Lodge
Day 10: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
- BWINDI NATIONAL PARK
The hike of a lifetime begins today. After breakfast we will meet the park rangers who will be our guides for the day, and then we will start the trek in search of the exquisite mountain gorillas of Uganda. Trekking can last between thirty minutes and eight hours, but once you discover the gorillas, you will be able to spend one unforgettable hour with them. Gorilla trekking begins where the gorillas were last seen the previous day. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the midst of the Impenetrable Forest before returning to your accommodations for dinner and an overnight stay.
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees and excursions, accommodations.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Bwindi Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Buhoma Lodge
Day 11: Exploring Bwindi
- BWINDI NATIONAL PARK
Spend the day exploring Bwindi with a second gorilla trek in the forest, or nature walk and cultural visit in the area. Or, simply relax and enjoy the day at the lodge, taking in the forested mountain views.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Bwindi Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Buhoma Lodge
Day 12: Departure
- ENTEBBE
Return to Entebbe via a scheduled flight from Bwindi, arriving at Entebbe International Airport in time for your outbound flight.
How It Works
1. Share Your Inspiration
We’ll listen to your aspirations and discuss the experiences that will meet your travel needs.
2. We'll Plan & Fine-Tune
We’ll put our knowledge of the region to work and create a personalized safari for you.
3. Reserve Your Safari
When you’re ready to book, we’ll handle the details of reserving everything for your trip.
