7 Days Murchison, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi & Lake Bunyonyi

Day 1

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.

Accommodation

Lodge / tented camp

Day 2

Our adventure begins at 7am when we will 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 we leave the rhinos behind, we will 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. We will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge.

Day 3

Wake up to an exhilarating start to the day as we 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, we will take a relaxing boat trip on the iconic River Nile where, if we’re lucky, we’ll have a chance to see crocodiles, hippos, and an array of rare birds. We will see for ourselves 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 listen to the deafening roar of the water. At the end of the boat trip, we will hike the famous ‘Top of the Falls’ where we have spectacular views of the Murchison Falls along the Nile River, a perfect photo opportunity for the budding photographers. We will return to our lodge for dinner and a good night’s sleep.

Day 4

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 kilometres ahead. On arrival, you will check into your Lodge. 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 an optional 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 and Overnight.

Day 5

Today the forest opens its doors for an exhilarating chimpanzee tracking experience. Kibale Forest is reputable for having the greatest variety and highest concentration of primates in East Africa. Enjoy a guided nature walk in the tropical rainforest in search of the chimpanzee, red-tailed monkey, black and white colobus monkey and many others. Upon sighting the chimpanzees, you will spend an unforgettable hour with them as they go about their daily life – feeding, playing, grooming, taking care of their young, howling and screeching, in their natural habitat. We’ll get back in our safari vehicle around 3pm and will drive to Queen Elizabeth Nat 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.

Day 6

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.

Day 7

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, afternoon drive to Lake Bunyonyi for a tranquil overnight before departure.