8 Days Gorilla and Big Game Safari

On this safari you might see least 4 of the Big 5 beginning with Rhinos found at Ziwa on your way to see the largest national park which has large number of wildlife plus the most powerful waterfalls in the region. You will then transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – having the greatest biodiversity of wildlife in the worldwithtree climbing lions, buffaloes, leopards, elephants and hipposplus a profusion of small game as well asuncommon birds; and above all you will be really amazed by the view of the giant mountain gorillas within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

Safari Highlights

Day 1: Kampala – Murchison Falls

Day 2: Game Viewing Safari – Murchison Falls National Park

Day 3: Travel to Fort Portal

Day 4: Proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Game Viewing, Launch Cruise

Day 5: Game Viewing, Launch Cruise

Day 6: Game Viewing along the Kasenyi Track; – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Day 7: Gorilla Tracking, Community Walk

Day 8: Game Viewing in Lake Mburo National Park

Day 9: Travel back to Kampala

 

Detailed Safari Itinerary:

Day 1: Kampala – Murchison Falls National Park

Starting with a scenic drive northwest driving through the renowned Luwero Triangle as well as Masindi Town for lunch, and stop by the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Continue to Murchison Falls National Park through Budongo forest, and head to the top of the beautifulwaterfalls where you will see the perfected beauty of the Nile, and admire as it forces and squeezes its way from more than one kilometer wide through a 7 meter gorge. The over 100 meter drop of these falls creates a roaringnoise and a breathtaking rainbow in a cloud of water spray making it the best thing along the course of the Nile. Eventually, you willwatch the sunset on your drive to your accommodation of choice.

Accommodation: Luxury- Paraa Safari Lodge, Mid-range- Bwana Tembo Safari Camp, Basic- Red Chilli Camp
Travel Time: Approximately 5 Hours
Meal Plan: Full Board.

Day 2: Game Viewing Safari – Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast, transferred to the park’s northern part for a game drive to see Elephants, Lions, Buffaloesand Bushbucks, plus a profusion of bird species.In the afternoon, you will have lunch before going for launch cruise that will take you close to the bottom of the powerful waterfalls where sinister water flows from the slim gorge. You will have a chance to see the giant hippos and crocodiles, plus a profusion of water birds near the banks of the river making this a great birding safari. Head back to the lodge for your dinner and the night rest.

Accommodation: Luxury Paraa Safari Lodge, Mid-range Bwana Tembo Safari Camp, Basic Red Chilli Camp

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 3: Travel to Fort Portal
Following an early breakfast, drive to the South Western part of Uganda following the magicalRwenzori Mountain Range for most of your journey. On this drive you will enjoy the beautiful views of the unique terrain of mountain Rwenzori.

Accommodation: Luxury Kyaninga Lodge, Basic Mountains of the Moon Hotel
Meal Plan: Full Board
Travel time: Approximately 8 hours

Day 4: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Game Viewing, Launch Cruise
In the morning you will drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park After an early breakfast. Enjoy a game drive along the way to your accommodation during which you will see waterbucks, various Antelope species, Hyenas, Elephants, Buffaloes, and Leopards.

Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park, Game Viewing and Launch Cruise
Beginthe day with a game drive in the early morning searching for bush pigs, lions, elephants and leopards, plusvarious types of birds. In the afternoon after your lunch, you will go for a two hour launch cruise down the Kazinga Channel which connects lakes George and Edward. This trip takes you through the highest population of Hippos plus several other animals that will be seen close to the water edge drinking water.  The launch cruise will grant you a chance to take photos of various birds and animals. The large number of birds here is very impressive and astonishing with more than 550 bird species.

Accommodation: -Luxury Mweya Safari Lodge, Mid-range Kyambura Game Lodge, Basic EnganziLodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 6: Game Viewing along the Kasenyi Track
Following an early cup of tea you will have a game drive in the morning along the Kasenyi track plus Queens mile inside the park to see waterbucks, Lions, leopards, Uganda kobs, Elephants, Topi, Cape buffaloes, hyenas, Warthogs as well as mangoose, plus numerous birds and small animals. At the end of the game drive, you will drive to Bwindi going through the Ishasha Area and Maramagambo forest. Within the Ishasha area you will be rewarded with views of various animals like the Uganda Kobs, various antelopes, waterbucks, buffaloes and elephants. You will later rest at your preferred lodge.

Luxury: Gorilla Forest Camp, Mweya Safari Lodge,Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge,Mahogany Springs
Mid-range: Gorilla Mist Camp, Sliver Back Lodge
Basic: Buhoma Community Bandas, Wagtail Eco Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Travel Time: Approximately 6 hours

Day 7: Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Forest
Earlyin the morning you will enter into the gorilla sanctuary. This rainforest is very amazingsince it offers a vivid, densely forested terrain that is crisscrossed by various animal trails, which offer quick access for visiting tourists. Among the Recorded mammals found here are: the endangered mountain gorillas, bushbucks, the uncommonly seen golden monkeys, huge forest hogs, buffaloes, elephants, leopards, black-fronted duikers among others. This park is mainly renowned for its impressive gorillas, although it is really unpredictable for how long you will have to search its terrain before you finally find the gorillas since it all depends on their movements. The excitement of spending some time with thesm as you observe these gentle unique giant gorillas is a thrilling awesome adventure which will reward you with lifetime lasting memories. These gorillas are very shy and very calm animals so u will have a very memorable experience as you watch and even take photos of them.

Accommodation:
Luxury:
Gorilla Forest Camp, Mweya Safari Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge,Mahogany Springs
Mid-range: Gorilla Mist Camp, Sliver Back Lodge
Basic: Buhoma Community Bandas, Wagtail Eco Lodge
Tracking Time: Unpredictable
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 8: Game Viewing in Lake Mburo National Park
Right after your breakfast, you will transfer to Lake Mburo National Park entering the Park through Nshara Gate. In the afternoon you will take a game drive along the track next to the lakeshore, where you will explore its unique network of game trails plus walkways including the “Kigambara Loop” which give amazing walks down the lake shore. Some of the animals you will see in this area include numerous zebras, cape buffaloesas well as elands, oribi plus topi which can easily be approached. Besides the numerous game drives available, guests will also have an opportunity to take a boat drip on the stunning Lake Mburo and self-guided thrilling nature walks. As for Bird watchers there are over 250 bird species living in the park especially around the lake among which are the Papyrus Gonoleks, Bare-Faced Go-away bird, Brown-faced Lapwings, the unique White winged Warbler as well as the Carruther’s Cisticolas. You will later head back for dinner and the night’s rest at your lodge of preference.

Accommodations: Luxury Mihingo Lodge,Mid-range Arcadia Cottages, Basic Lake View Resort Hotel.
Travel Time: Approximately: 6 hours
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 9: Return to Kampala
Return to Kampala, and along the way you will stopover at Mpigi Royal Drum Makers, where you will have a chance to observe the traditional way of crafting the ceremonial drums; this traditional method has been passed down from several generations. You will also stop by the equator to take some photographs and proceed to Kampala.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch.