Great Explorers Safaris

5.0/5 – 6 Reviews

$4,620 pp (USD)

2 travelers   on   Start date
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Age at the end of the tour
*This tour does not accept children under 15.
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Arrival (See Getting There for more details)

Arrival (See Getting There for more details)

  • You'll be collected from the airport.
  • Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Day 1

Arrival and Transfer to Hotel

Arrival and Transfer to Hotel

A representative from our company will meet you on arrival at the airport and drive you to the hotel booked for you in advance. On your way to the lodge, you will have a glimpse of the second largest lake in the world, Lake Victoria, matatus, and Uganda's most unique mode of transport the boda bodas.

Dinner and your overnight stay are at Cassia Lodge.

Main Destination:
Kampala (City)
Accommodation:
Cassia Lodge
  • Mid-range lodge located in Kampala (City)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 2

Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

Enjoy an early breakfast before being picked up by our tour guide/ driver from your hotel to begin your journey northwards to Murchison Falls National Park. En route, visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place you’ll see black and white rhinos in Uganda. Proceed to Masindi town and stop for lunch. Continue your journey to the park arriving in the evening. You’ll proceed to the top of Murchison Falls for a chance to feel the power of the strongest waterfalls on the Nile.

Murchison Falls National Park is the largest protected area in Uganda. The waterfall for which the park is named is the most electrifying sight of its type in East Africa. The southern part is mostly covered by dense woodlands and harbours one of the most varied forest faunas in East Africa. It is a premier site for bird watchers, as well as one of the best- and most affordable - places to track chimpanzees.

Dinner and your overnight stay are at Tilenga Safaris Lodge.

Main Destination:
Murchison Falls National Park
Best Time To Visit December to February (Easier to spot animals)
High Season June to September (Peak time for Uganda)
Best Weather June and July (Less rain and lower temperatures)

Wildlife in Murchison Falls NP

ChimpanzeeOccasional
ElephantCommon
GiraffeCommon
BuffaloCommon
HippoAbundant
LionOccasional
Show more
ZebraNone
Accommodation:
Tilenga Safari Lodge
  • Mid-range lodge located inside Murchison Falls NP
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 3

Game Drive & Boat Cruise on Albert Nile

Game Drive & Boat Cruise on Albert Nile

After an early breakfast, embark on an exciting guided game drive in the unspoiled grasslands of the Nile delta which has the highest concentration of wildlife species. Alternatively, drive along the Buligi game track which offers superb views of animals down in the Nile valley. At 20 km long, the Delta circuit track offers the longest game drives in Uganda though other tracks like Queen’s track, Victoria & Albert Nile tracks. You'll pass through woodlands and forests opening you to a variety of species in their differing habitats. Animals you may spot include giant giraffes, large herds of elephants and buffalos, Uganda kobs, duikers, bushbucks, warthogs, lions and if you're lucky, you may spot the leopard. Dinner and your overnight stay are at Tilenga Safaris Lodge.

Main Destination:
Murchison Falls National Park
Accommodation:
Tilenga Safari Lodge
  • Mid-range lodge located inside Murchison Falls NP
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 4

Transfer from Murchison Falls National Park to Kibale National Park

Transfer from Murchison Falls National Park to Kibale National Park

Depart for Kibale Forest National Park in Fort Portal via the top of the falls. Then proceed to Hoima Cultural Center for your lunch and some cultural experience before heading to Kibale National Park.

Kibale Forest National Park harbours the greatest variety and concentration of primates found anywhere in East Africa. Not less than 13 different species are living in this small area of 560 sq km. They include black-and-white Colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys. More importantly, the dense forest hosts a population of more than 1,000 chimpanzees, allowing visitors the unique opportunity to view these great apes in their natural environment. Just outside the national park, you will find Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, offering several walking trails in the Magombe Swamp.
Dinner and your overnight stay are at Turacle Tree Tops.

Main Destination:
Kibale National Park (Chimps)
Best Time To Visit December to February and June to July
High Season June to September (Peak time for Uganda)
Best Weather June to July and December to February (Least rain)

Wildlife in Kibale NP

ElephantOccasional
BuffaloOccasional
LeopardVery Rare
HippoRare
LionRare to None
Show more
ZebraNone
Accommodation:
Turaco Treetops Lodge
  • Mid-range lodge bordering Kibale NP (Chimps) without fences
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 5

Chimpanzee Tracking & Birding

Chimpanzee Tracking & Birding

Today morning the forest opens its doors for a sensational chimpanzee tracking experience.

After breakfast, you will report to the Kanyanchu Tourist Center at 8.00 am for a briefing before tracking the chimpanzees. Kibale forest is home to up to 13 species of primate including the infamous chimpanzee and over 370 bird species recorded, making this Uganda tour destination worth exploring for nature lovers and avid birders. During the trekking, you will spot lots of chimpanzees, black, white and red Colobus monkeys, white-cheeked mangabey, olive baboons, blue monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys to mention but a few. Notable birds to watch out for include the African pitta, blue-breasted kingfisher, African grey parrot, purple-breasted sunbird, black-capped apalis, black bee-eater, crowned eagle and so many more beautifully coloured birds. Dinner will be at Turacle Treetops.

Main Destination:
Kibale National Park (Chimps)
Accommodation:
Turaco Treetops Lodge
  • Mid-range lodge bordering Kibale NP (Chimps) without fences
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 6

Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Embark on an early morning breakfast in Kibale National Park before being transferred to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The natural beauty in Queen Elizabeth National Park is overwhelming and diverse: green savannah plains with small acacia and euphorbia trees gave way to sunken crater lakes and swamps, bounded by the snow-covered peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains. The park is home to 95 types of mammals, including Uganda kobs, lions, elephants, and the giant forest hog. Moreover, with a bird list of over 600 species, it has the highest number of bird species found in any national park in Africa! On the shores of the Kazinga Channel, a natural link between Lake Edward and Lake George, you will encounter large herds of hippopotami and many crocodiles. Chimpanzees can be tracked in Kyambura Gorge, while the famous tree-climbing lions are found in the southern part of the park, called Ishasha. Dinner and your overnight stay are at Buffalo Safaris Lodge.

Main Destination:
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Best Time To Visit January to February and June to July (Dry seasons)
High Season June to September (Peak time for Uganda)
Best Weather June to July and January to February (Less rainfall)

Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth NP

ChimpanzeeOccasional
ElephantCommon
LionCommon
BuffaloCommon
HippoAbundant
LeopardOccasional
Show more
ZebraNone
Accommodation:
Buffalo Safari Lodge
  • Mid-range lodge located just outside Queen Elizabeth NP
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 7

Game Drive & Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel

Game Drive & Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel

After an early breakfast, embark on an early morning game drive along the Kasenyi track and the north Kazinga plains tracking game. For a vintage Uganda tour experience, Queen Elizabeth game drives offer guaranteed sightings of large elephant and buffalo herds, antelopes, lions, small cats, impalas, and baboons as well as a variety of bird species.
Return to the lodge for lunch after the game drive. Later in the afternoon, enjoy a 2-hour launch cruise along the Kazinga Channel for a chance to spot hippos, buffaloes, and elephants as they rest on the shoreline in the basking sun. You may spot 30 bird species on an average day. Dinner and your overnight stay are at Buffalo Safaris Lodge.

Main Destination:
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation:
Buffalo Safari Lodge
  • Mid-range lodge located just outside Queen Elizabeth NP
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 8

Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Transfer to Bwindi, passing through the Ishasha sector for a chance to see the rare tree-climbing lions.

Of the over 800 mountain gorillas worldwide, Bwindi National Park is home to almost half of the gorilla population. There is no better place to observe these gentle giants from a close distance! Thanks to the wildlife conservation program, the number of gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest only has increased from 300 to 400 in recent years, which includes nine different families that are habituated for tourism purposes. Apart from the famous residents, the dense forest hosts 9 other primates. There are different trails in the park, including the Munyanga River Trail and Waterfall Trail, leading through the pristine rainforest to three sparkling waterfalls.

Main Destination:
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)
Best Time To Visit June to August and December to February
High Season June to September (Gorilla permits are scarce)
Best Weather June to July and December to February (Less rainfall)

Wildlife in Bwindi NP

Accommodation:
Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
  • Mid-range lodge located just outside Rushaga (Bwindi NP)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 9

Gorilla Tracking

Gorilla Tracking

Arise early today and prepare for the highlight of your safari, an unforgettable encounter with the gentle giants!
Following breakfast, transfer to the national park offices where you will be allocated a gorilla family in groups of 8 as well as a gorilla tracking guide. After a pre-tracking briefing by your guide touching on the gorillas generally, your assigned gorilla family, and appropriate safety precautions, drive to the trailhead for the start of a thrilling adventure. Expect to walk between 2 and 8 hours in steep and sometimes muddy conditions with rain overhead, which can be challenging and require a degree of (average) fitness. However, the thrill of coming face to face with a giant mountain gorilla silverback ultimately makes up for the effort!

Please remember to bring appropriate waterproof hiking boots and a light raincoat. To protect from stinging nettles, we recommend long pants and long-sleeved tops. Dinner and your overnight stay at the Rushaga Gorilla Camp.

Main Destination:
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)
Accommodation:
Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
  • Mid-range lodge located just outside Rushaga (Bwindi NP)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 10

Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi Islands

Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi Islands

Transfer to Kabale district to visit Lake Bunyonyi—Africa’s second deepest lake and a popular spot for relaxation, swimming, and dugout canoe ride around the islands. Check-in and head out to the Batwa community for a chance to interact with the pygmies. Return to the lodge for lunch, relax and enjoy the superb scenery of the sunset behind the islands of Bunyonyi Lake. Dinner and your overnight stay are at the Heritage lodge Habuharo.

Main Destination:
Lake Bunyonyi
Accommodation:
Heritage Lodge Habuharo
  • Mid-range lodge located at Lake Bunyonyi
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 11

Boating& Community walk

Boating& Community walk

Enjoy an early morning dugout boat ride to explore some of the 29 islands found on Lake Bunyonyi. Enjoy nature walks through communities on these small islands as you do some bird-watching along the way. Bunyonyi locally translates as little birds so you’ll be blown away by the variety of bird species you will spot along the way. Enjoy the rest of the day chilling or swimming in the shallow ends. Dinner and your overnight stay are at Heritage Lodge Habuharo.

Main Destination:
Lake Bunyonyi
Accommodation:
Heritage Lodge Habuharo
  • Mid-range lodge located at Lake Bunyonyi
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 12

Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

After breakfast, we'll depart Bunyonyi and head to Lake Mburo National Park. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant before we enter the park. With a game drive en route, we'll calmly proceed to our accommodation, with beautiful views of the park. In the evening, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a night game drive.

Lake Mburo is the smallest national park in Uganda and is conveniently located in the west of the country. Despite its size, the area offers amazing scenery. The five lakes are surrounded by forested hills, open savannah, acacia woodland, and papyrus swamps. Wildlife includes some special species such as impalas, zebras, and the gigantic elands, which are almost nowhere else found in the country. Lake Mburo is an excellent place for bird-watching as well. About 315 species are recorded in this area. Besides exploring the network of game tracks by car, guided safari walks, and boat rides on Lake Mburo can also be arranged. Dinner and your overnight stay are t at Rwakobo Rock Lodge.

Main Destination:
Lake Mburo National Park
Best Time To Visit June to August and December to February
High Season June to September (Peak time for Uganda)
Best Weather June, July and January to February (Little rainfall)

Wildlife in Lake Mburo NP

BuffaloCommon
ZebraCommon
HippoCommon
GiraffeOccasional
LeopardOccasional
HyenaOccasional
Show more
LionRare
Accommodation:
Rwakobo Rock Lodge
  • Mid-range lodge located just outside Lake Mburo NP
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 13

Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park

Early in the day, we will go for a bush walk guided by a ranger. Experience a safari on foot that will allow you to notice the smaller, often overlooked, details and usually bring you much closer to the wildlife than when in a car. Return to the lodge for breakfast and later enjoy a morning game drive. After your lunch, embark on an afternoon boat cruise where you will get an opportunity to spot crocodiles and hippos.

Return to the lodge for relaxation. Lake Mburo National Park is one of the few parks in Uganda where you can watch wildlife after the sun has set. An afternoon game drive is an exciting experience and an unusual twist on your regular game drives, allowing you to search for a variety of animals that you would not easily see during the day, such as bush pigs, genet cats, and white-tailed mongoose. Dinner and your overnight stay are at Rwakobo Rock Lodge.

Main Destination:
Lake Mburo National Park
Accommodation:
Rwakobo Rock Lodge
  • Mid-range lodge located just outside Lake Mburo NP
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 14

Lake Mburo National Park to Entebbe

Lake Mburo National Park to Entebbe

After your breakfast and with a game drive on our way out, we'll depart the protected area and go back towards the capital city. En route, we will pass the Equator where we will stop for lunch, photos, and souvenir shopping. In time, you will be dropped at Entebbe Airport for your international flight. (B-L).

Main Destination:
Entebbe International Airport (Entebbe)
Accommodation:
No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

End of tour (See Getting There for more details)

End of tour (See Getting There for more details)

  • Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
  • You'll be dropped off at the airport.

Interested in This Tour?

Request a Quote

  • We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators (Learn why)
  • Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
  • If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
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Your request will be sent directly to the operator

If preferred, you can contact the operator directly

Next: Request a Quote

Disclaimer

  • This tour is offered by Great Explorers Safaris, not SafariBookings.
  • This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
  • If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
  • The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
  • If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
  • Gorilla tracking permits are subject to availability.
  • This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Great Explorers Safaris.