10 Days Uganda Wildlife, Chimpanzees, Wildlife Safari & Gorilla Trekking adventures

Overview
This 10-day Uganda safari adventure offers an immersive experience with diverse wildlife, chimpanzee and gorilla trekking, and stunning landscapes. Explore Mabamba Swamp, track rhinos at Ziwa, witness Murchison Falls, and search for the Big Five in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy primate encounters in Kibale and Bwindi, spot tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, and relax at Lake Bunyonyi before concluding in Entebbe.
Full Itinerary
Day 1:Arrival at Entebbe Airport and Welcome to Uganda and afternoon Mabamba Swamp Cruise
Our representative will meet you at Entebbe Airport, pick you up, and drive to your hotel in Entebbe for hotel check in.
When you arrive at the hotel, you will check in and receive your room assignment. Typical hotel amenities include a restaurant, bar, an outdoor swimming pool, and a fitness centre; rooms are likely to feature air conditioning, satellite TV, wireless Internet, and private bath with hair dryer.
Optional activity in the afternoon if your flight arrived in the morning.
Thereafter you will go through the itinerary for the safari with our representative and after all has been agreed and understood, you’ll be assisted for today’s afternoon activity, depart for Mabamba Swamp Boat cruise.
The tour is by boat across the lake to Mabamba Swamps where we proceed by jumping into smaller canoes with guides to the get a view of the Shoebill, and many other birds such as Angola Swallow, Swamp Flycatcher, Olive bellied Sunbird, Grey-rumped Swallow, Blue breasted Bee-eater, African Jacana, African Fish Eagle, Long tailed Cormorant, Yellow billed Duck, Malachite Kingfisher, Glossy Ibis, White-winged Tern, Hamerkop, White-faced Whistling-Duck, Spur-winged Goose, Knob-billed Duck, Little Stint, Great Cormorant, Grey-headed Gull, Spur-winged Lapwing, Black-winged Stilt, Madagascar Bee-eater, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Sooty Chat, Weyns’s weaver, Grosbeak weaver, Crowned Horn bill, African Pied , Common Squacco Heron, Red-billed fire finch etc.
The boat tour across Lake Victory is magnificent with a great view of Entebbe, the Airport and more. On approaching the swamps you will pass through a fantastic lagoon with variety of attractions.
Meals

Day 2:Kampala-Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Murchison Falls National Park
Your adventure begins at 8 am when you transfer from Entebbe 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 you leave the rhinos behind, 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.
Meals
BreakfastLunch
Dinner

Day 3:Game Drive, Boat Trip, & Top of the Falls Hike at Murchison Falls National Park
Wake up to an exhilarating start to the day as you 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, you will take a relaxing boat trip on the iconic River Nile where, if you’re lucky, you’ll have a chance to see crocodiles, hippos, and an array of rare birds.
You will see for yourselves 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 will listen to the deafening roar of the water. At the end of the boat trip, you will hike the famous ‘Top of the Falls’ where you will have spectacular views of the Murchison Falls along the Nile River, a perfect photo opportunity for the budding photographers.
Meals
BreakfastLunch
Dinner

Day 4:Murchison Falls Nat Park to Kibale Forest
We'll check out of the lodge first thing this morning. Then, around 8:15am, we’ll depart by safari vehicle for 4 hour-long drive to Kibale Forest. Arrive in time in the beautiful town of Fort Portal. Marvel at the stunning palace of Toro Kingdom, the Royal tombs, the numerous shops and the mosque before driving on to Kibale forest, only a couple of kilometers ahead.
On arrival, you will check into Primates Lodge Kibale. Actually, Kibale national park hosts the highest number of primates in the whole of East Africa including chimpanzees, baboons, black & white colobus monkeys and the blue monkey.
Have a primate walk in the afternoon to Kanyanchu river camp; this is the most popular of all walks inside the park. It takes you through a diversity of flora zones and unveils a number of wild animals along the way living inside the forest. Head back to the lodge for dinner.
After dinner, you have the freedom to spend the evening as you wish, whether you’d like to enjoy a beverage at the bar area, or retire to your room to relax before we head to the Queen Elizabeth in the morning.
Meals
BreakfastLunch
Dinner

Day 5:Morning Chimpanzee Trekking and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Fort Portal
After morning breakfast, wake up early to track chimps near Kanyanchu. This can take you half a day. There are primates in the area like the golden monkey, L’Hoest monkey, baboons, white and black colobus monkeys, grey checked mangabey, red colobus, blue monkeys and pottos. Other animals include forest elephants unique from the common type, giant forest hogs and a striking tree species. Enjoy Lunch.
Later In the afternoon you’ll 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, you’ll get a chance to spot the Rwenzori Mountain Escarpment in the distance. After a day full of spectacular views, you’ll check in to the lodge and relax in preparation for the following day’s game drives.
Meals
BreakfastLunch
Dinner

Day 6:Kasenyi Plains Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Trip, Queen Elizabeth National Park
Once again, you’ll start your morning with a game drive where you 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 your day!
After lunch, you’ll take a boat trip along the Kazinga Channel where you will continue your wildlife spotting, this time you will see hippos, buffalo, crocodiles, bathing elephants, and a range of beautiful birds. This will undoubtedly be another highlight of your tour.
Meals
BreakfastLunch
Dinner

Day 7:Tree-Climbing Lions at Ishasha Sector and Transfer to Bwindi National Park
On the way to Bwindi National Park, you 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! You will spend the night at Bwindi National Park.
Meals
BreakfastLunch
Dinner

Day 8:Gorilla Trekking at Bwindi National Park and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
Today is the day that many of you will have been waiting for. You 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.
You will then start the trek into the Impenetrable Forest to encounter the gentle giants of Bwindi National Park. You’ll follow the expert guides, looking for signs of the gorillas and changing direction accordingly until you find them. After this rare and memorable experience is over, you will spend the rest of the day and night in Bwindi National Park. Return to your lodge for a freshen up lunch and later transfer to lake Bunyonyi arriving late in the evening and check in for your dinner and overnight.
Meals
BreakfastLunch
Dinner

Day 9:Lake Bunyonyi - Day for canoeing, bird watching and more
On this day, you depart Bwindi National Park for 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.
Meals
BreakfastLunch
Dinner

Day 10:Departure to Kampala/Entebbe
You will drive from Bwindi National Park to Kampala. There is a scheduled stopover at the equator crossing at Kayabwe for a coffee break and handicraft shopping and proceed to Entebbe arriving in time for check in and flight back home/or at your Entebbe hotel for overnight.
Meals
BreakfastLunch

Tour Details
What You Should Know Before Traveling
1. Visas and Entry Requirements
- Visa Requirements: Ensure you have a valid passport with at least six months of validity. Most East African countries (Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania) require a visa for international travelers. You can apply for a single-entry visa or the East African Tourist Visa, which allows travel between Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya on a single visa.
- Visa on Arrival: Some nationalities can obtain visas on arrival, but it's best to apply in advance for convenience.
- Entry Health Requirements: A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry into Rwanda and most neighboring countries.
2. Vaccinations and Health Precautions
- Required Vaccinations: In addition to Yellow Fever, it’s recommended to be up-to-date with routine vaccines such as Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, and Tetanus.
- Malaria Precaution: Malaria is prevalent in many areas of East Africa. Travelers are advised to take anti-malarial medication and use insect repellent with DEET, especially in rural areas.
- COVID-19 Guidelines: Ensure you check the latest COVID-19 travel restrictions and vaccine requirements, which may vary from country to country. Always carry a mask and sanitizer.
3. Safety and Security
- General Safety: Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania are generally safe for tourists, but it's important to stay vigilant. Avoid displaying valuables, and always travel with your guide or tour group.
- Wildlife Safety: When participating in safaris, always follow your guide’s instructions. Keep a safe distance from animals and never leave the vehicle unless instructed.
- Health Insurance: Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, evacuation, and activities like gorilla trekking or safaris.
4. Packing List
- Clothing: Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime activities, and warm layers for cooler nights, especially in high-altitude areas like Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
- Footwear: Comfortable hiking boots are essential for trekking, while sandals or casual shoes work well for city exploration.
- Rain Gear: A waterproof jacket and pants are recommended, especially during the rainy season (March-May and October-November).
- Sun Protection: Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. The sun can be intense, particularly at higher elevations.
- Insect Repellent: Essential for protecting against mosquito bites, especially in the evenings.
5. Weather and Best Travel Times
- Rwanda and Uganda: The best time for gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons, from December to February and June to September. Expect cool mornings and evenings, with pleasant daytime temperatures.
- Kenya and Tanzania: The best time for safaris is from June to October, during the dry season, when animals gather around water sources, making wildlife viewing easier.
- Packing for the Seasons: Dry season (June–October) is great for wildlife viewing, while the rainy seasons (March-May, October-November) bring lush landscapes but may make some roads impassable.
6. Currency and Money Matters
- Local Currency: Rwanda uses the Rwandan Franc (RWF), Uganda uses the Ugandan Shilling (UGX), Kenya the Kenyan Shilling (KES), and Tanzania the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS).
- Foreign Currency: U.S. Dollars are widely accepted, especially for larger payments like park fees and accommodations. However, smaller transactions should be made in local currency.
- ATMs and Credit Cards: ATMs are available in major cities, but it’s advisable to carry cash, especially when traveling to rural areas. Credit cards may not be widely accepted outside major hotels.
7. Cultural Etiquette and Customs
- Respecting Local Culture: East African countries are rich in diverse cultures and traditions. Be respectful of local customs, dress modestly when visiting rural areas, and always ask before taking photos of people.
- Language: English is widely spoken in Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, though Swahili is a common regional language. Learning a few basic phrases in Swahili or Kinyarwanda can enhance your experience.
- SIM Cards and Internet: Local SIM cards are readily available, and most accommodations offer Wi-Fi. Ensure your phone is unlocked before you travel.
- Voltage and Plugs: East African countries use a mix of plug types, including British type G (three-pin) and European type C (two-pin). The voltage is typically 220-240V.
9. Important Notes for Adventure Activities
- Gorilla Trekking Permits: If you're participating in gorilla trekking, permits must be booked in advance due to limited availability. Bring sturdy boots, gloves, and gaiters for trekking through the dense forest.
- Safari Drives: Early morning and late afternoon game drives offer the best chance of spotting wildlife. Bring binoculars and a camera with a good zoom lens for the best experience.
Includes
Airport Transfer on arrival and Departure 01 Night Accommodation at Boma Hotel Kampala 02 Nights’ Accommodation at Paraa Safari Lodge in Murchison Falls on a FB Basis. 02 Nights’ Accommodation at Mweya Safari Lodge in Queen Elizabeth Nat Park on a FB Basis. 01 Nights’ Accommodation Ichumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge in Bwindi Nat Park on a FB Basis. 01 Nights’ Accommodation Birdnest Resort Bunyonyi on a FB Basis. 01 Nights’ Accommodation Primate Lodge in Kibale Nat Park on a FB Basis. Landcruiser Safari SUV excellent game viewing and photography 1 x Gorilla Trekking Permit PP 1 x Ziwa Rhino Tracking Fees PP 1 x Chimps Tracking fee PP Park fees - Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls Nat Parks Boat cruise fees - Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls Nat Parks Batwa Cultural experience.Excludes
Any items of personal nature. Driver/Guide Tips. Travel Insurance. Visa. International Flights. Meals not mentioned. Drinks.Destinations

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, located in the Nakasongola District of Uganda, is a crucial conservation area dedicated to protecting the endangered white rhino.
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