10 Days Uganda Wildlife Adventure Safari
This incredible trip suggestion is an opportunity of a lifetime for anyone seeking unforgettable wildlife adventures in Uganda. With its main concentration on wildlife rewards, this trip is perfect for those who want to witness the Big Five mammals. Throughout the journey, you’ll have the opportunity to embark on thrilling game drives, enchanting nature walks, tranquil boat cruises, captivating chimpanzee tracking, and even a once-in-a-lifetime tree climbing lion tracking experience. But the adventure doesn’t stop there. You’ll also have the chance to visit local communities and experience their unique culture and way of life.
The trip will begin in Entebbe and take you through Kampala before reaching Murchison Falls National Park, where you’ll witness the awe-inspiring falls and witness the incredible wildlife the park has to offer. You’ll also visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you’ll track wild rhinos and complete your Big Five experience. Next, you’ll visit Semuliki National Park, known for hot springs, and Kibale Forest National Park, where you’ll have the chance to track chimpanzees. Finally, you’ll visit Queen Elizabeth National Park before returning to Kampala, where you’ll have the opportunity to witness the park’s unique landscape and incredible wildlife.
Trip Summary
- Day 1: Arrival in Uganda through Entebbe International Airport
- Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park and Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Day 3: Game Drive and Boat Cruise adventures
- Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
- Day 5: Track chimpanzees and visit the Bigodi community
- Day 6: Crater Lake Hiking and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Day 7: Game Drive and Boat Cruise Adventures
- Day 8: Early morning game drive and transfer to the south and back
- Day 9: Track Tree Climbing Lions and Transfer to Mbarara
- Day 10: Transfer back to Kampala
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Uganda through Entebbe International Airport
Upon your arrival at the Entebbe International Airport, you will be greeted by a friendly representative from Early Trails Expedition, who will be your guide throughout your Ugandan adventure. After a warm welcome, you will be briefed on the day’s itinerary, and then you will be transferred to your comfortable hotel to rest and refresh after a long journey.
If time permits, you can explore some fascinating places in Kampala, including the cultural village on Buganda Road. Here, you will have the opportunity to learn about the traditions and customs of the local people, providing a unique insight into the vibrant culture of Uganda. Later, you will embark on a scenic drive to your luxurious lodge, where you will be treated to a sumptuous dinner and a restful night’s sleep. The adventure has just begun, and with Early Trails Expedition as your guide, you can be assured of an unforgettable experience in the Pearl of Africa.
Accommodation (midrange): Protea Hotel by Marriot
Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park and Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
This morning, get ready for an exciting journey as you depart for Murchison Falls National Park, located Northwards of Kampala. The drive is a scenic one, taking you through different landscapes and offering glimpses of the local communities. The journey, which takes a maximum of 8 hours when using the Kichumbanyobo gate from Masindi, will be broken up with a stopover at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Here, you can track the only white rhinos in their natural habitat in Uganda, accompanied by experienced guides who will take you through the sanctuary’s beautiful landscapes as you spot several antelopes, birds, and warthogs, among other wild animals.
After the exciting rhino-tracking adventure, you will return to the starting point for some refreshments before continuing to Kabalega for lunch. Then, we shall proceed to Murchison Falls National Park, where you will take some time to visit the top of the falls. Witness how the mighty rapids force their way through a narrow gorge of only 7 meters, forming a spectacular, fuming, and moist thunderous roar. The sight is awe-inspiring and a must-see for anyone visiting the park.
As the evening approaches, you will return to your lodge for dinner and overnight. Rest assured that the experience will be one to remember, with comfortable accommodation and warm hospitality that will make you feel at home away from home.
Accommodation (midrange): Paara Safari Lodge
Day 3: Game Drive and Boat Cruise adventures
Following your tailored generosity served breakfast, you will take a bright daybreak game drive on the Northern section of Murchison Falls National Park. The Murchison game drive is among the adventure rewards of Uganda, with a lot of expectations being fulfilled. On a good day, you spot a congregation of animals at the Pakuba matting ground tracks, elephants, buffalos, and several others. Expect animals like towers of giraffes, Jackson hartebeest, Uganda Kobs, Hippos, bushbuck, waterbucks, duikers, and many more. A variety of bird species can be encountered at the animal centre, the Delta Point. After about 3 hours of driving through the park, you will return to your lodge and refresh with lunch.
In the afternoon hours, you will take a boat cruise on the Victoria Nile to the bottom of Murchison Falls. The Murchison Falls are arguably the world’s most powerful waterfalls. Imagine watching rapids forcing their way into a gorge of 7m wider and pouring 45m down to form a thunderous roar. The drive is fantastic with a lot of sights, among which include; a cliff with various vegetation and several animals seen at the bank of the river, among others. The boat cruise lasts about three hours, and then you return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation (midrange): Paara Safari Lodge
Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
This morning, you will transfer to Kibale Forest National Park. When you reach Fort Portal, take a city tour. You may also consider going to the Akira Alira adventure park and taking adventures like board climbing, zip lining and so on. Afterwards, drive to Kibale Forest National Park and check in at your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation (midrange): Primate Lodge/Isunga Lodge
Day 5: Track chimpanzees and visit the Bigodi community
This morning, following a delicious breakfast, you will drive to Kanyachu for a briefing about tracking etiquette. Get into a group of eight people to track a single habituated chimpanzee community. Then with an armed ranger guide, roll into the forest to start a search for the apes. The track can last 30 minutes to 3 hours to find the tracked community. Seeing the apes, you are limited to an hour in their presence. This moment is like nowhere in the jungle, to find yourself amidst these humans’ closest relatives. After an hour in their company, you will walk back to the starting point and then your driver guide will take you back to your lodge to relax and refresh.
In the late afternoon hours, you will head out to visit the Bigodi community and see how people around the chimpanzees benefit from the tracking initiatives. They have a variety of souvenirs that you can also buy. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation (midrange): Primate Lodge
Day 6: Crater Lake Hiking and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
A crater walk is an exhilarating experience that offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate the breathtaking beauty of Uganda’s natural wonders. The Kibale crater lakes are one of Uganda’s best-kept secrets, with their stunning, tranquil waters reflecting the surrounding lush green hills. The crater lakes offer a lovely contrast of colours that create an idyllic landscape, a perfect place to relax and unwind.
Walking around the Kibale Crater lakes is a must-do activity for anyone visiting Uganda. The walk provides an opportunity to explore the flora and fauna of the region, including the numerous bird species that call the area home. Visitors can expect to see various species, including kingfishers, herons, and even the majestic African fish eagle. The walking trail is easy to navigate, making it an excellent activity for people of all ages.
After enjoying a relaxing morning exploring the Kibale Crater lakes, it’s time to head off to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The journey to the park is filled with stunning scenery, including rolling hills and valleys that offer a glimpse into the rural way of life of Ugandans. As you approach Queen Elizabeth National Park, the landscape transforms into vast plains, home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and buffaloes.
Once you arrive at Queen Elizabeth National Park, it’s time to embark on an unforgettable game drive. The evening or night game drive allows you to witness the park’s wildlife as they emerge from their hiding places in the cool of the evening. As the sun sets, you can see the animals most active, making for an exhilarating and unforgettable experience.
Accommodation (midrange): Elephant Plains Lodge
Day 7: Game Drive and Boat Cruise Adventures
Today, early in the morning after getting ready for the day, you will drive to the Kasenyi section of Queen Elizabeth National Park for an incredible game drive. Expect to encounter various wildlife species, including; elephants, Uganda Kobs, bushbucks, buffalos, lions, and warthogs, as well as several bird species.
In the afternoon hours with lunch en route, we will drive to the Mweya peninsular for a boat cruise on the Kazinga channel. The wild boat cruise is an opening to watch more animals such as elephants and hippos. Several animals are seen coming to the channel banks to draw water, and the aquatic life is seen either soaked in water or lousily relaxed at the water banks. Lastly, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation (Midrange): Elephant Plains Lodge
Day 8: Early morning game drive and transfer to the south and back:
You have a whole day game drive in both sectors of the park. You will start with Kasenyi Plains and later transfer to the Southern sector for tree climbing lion in the Ishasha sector. After your lunch, you will move to the Northern sector. The drive will take about three hours through the park
Accommodation (Midrange): Elephant Plains Lodge
Day 9: Crater drive and Transfer to Mbarara
You will start off your exciting safari day with a crater drive, and afterwards you will drive to Mbarara for a Biharwe hike stopping at Igongo cultural centre for dinner and overnight stay. Enjoy the campfire, visit the Museum, and learn more about Western Uganda culture.
Accommodation (Midrange): Igongo Hotel.
Day 10: Transfer back to International Airport
This morning will take a direct drive with a stopover for relaxing and refreshing and photographs at the Equator. Afterwards, our driver will take you to Entebbe International Airport for your next flight home.
Trip inclusive;
- 4×4 safari vehicle
- All fuel with unlimited in the national park.
- All meals and water
- All Park entrance fees
- All trip activities
- One chimpanzee permits
- Accommodation is listed in the itinerary.
- Professional driver guide
- Community visits
Exclusive;
- Visa and air ticket
- Laundry
- All hard drinks
- Souvenirs
- Tips
- All international flights
- Any other activity not mentioned in this itinerary.
