19 Day Best Of Uganda Safari
19 Day Best Of Uganda Safari
Overview
The 19 Day Best Of Uganda Safari offers an immersive journey through the rich landscapes and diverse wildlife of Uganda, aptly known as ‘The Pearl of Africa.’ This extensive safari covers Uganda’s four savannah parks: Kidepo Valley National Park in the northeast, Murchison Falls National Park in the north, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park in the southwest. It includes exhilarating game drives and serene boat cruises, such as a cruise to the base of the majestic Murchison Falls, on the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park, in Lake Mburo National Park, and a canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi in southwestern Uganda.
The safari offers ample opportunities for wildlife sightings, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, hippos, and various antelope species. The highlight is the unique experience of trekking the Great Apes: chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest, Kyambura Gorge, and Kibale Forest National Park, culminating in a gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
In addition to wildlife, this tour includes cultural interactions with local communities, offering insights into the diverse cultures and traditions of Uganda.
What You Need to Know About Our 19 Day Best Of Uganda Safari
- Flexible Start Dates: The safari can start on any day..
- All-Inclusive Package: Includes all activities, meals, chimpanzee and gorilla permits, park fees, accommodations, car hire, and guide fees. There are no hidden costs.
- Group Size: Minimum of two and a maximum of six participants.
- Age Limit: Suitable for children aged 15 and above.
- Starting and Ending Point: The safari starts and ends in Uganda.
- Primates Trekking: Includes trekking chimpanzees in Budongo Forest, Kibale National Park, and Kyambura Gorge.
- National Parks: Visit top national parks like Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Lake Mburo National Parks for game drives.
- Boat Cruises: Enjoy four boat cruises on this tour: one on the Nile in Murchison Falls National Park, another on Lake Bunyonyi, in Lake Mburo National Park, and on the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Cultural Interactions: Participate in village visits to interact with local communities and learn about Ugandan culture.
Tour Plan
Arrival at Entebbe International Airport
Upon your arrival, our guide will meet you and transfer you to your guest house or hotel for an overnight stay. Depending on your arrival time, you may opt for an additional activity such as a boat excursion to Ngamba Island, a visit to the Entebbe Botanic Gardens, or a tour of the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre. These activities are optional and not included in the main itinerary.
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Accommodation: Secrets Guest House
Drive to Gulu Town
After breakfast, you'll meet your guide for a briefing about the tour. The 19 Days Best Of Uganda Safari begins with a drive to Kidepo Valley National Park in northeastern Uganda. Note: There will be a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking before proceeding to Gulu Town for an overnight stay. All tours to Kidepo National Park include an overnight stop in Gulu to break up the long journey.
- Meal Plan: Bed and breakfast
- Accommodation: African Roots Gulu
Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park
After breakfast, continue your journey to Kidepo Valley National Park. Upon arrival, check into your accommodation and relax before a late afternoon game drive. Kidepo Valley National Park, recently voted one of the best national parks in Africa by CNN, is the only place in Uganda where you can see cheetahs. The park is also home to herds of elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and prides of lions that are easier to spot than in other parks.
- Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge or Apoka Bandas
- Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Morning and Afternoon Game Drives in Kidepo
Spend the day exploring the savannah plains of Kidepo Valley National Park on morning and afternoon game drives. The park boasts a rich diversity of wildlife, with 80 species of animals recorded, including 28 not found in any other Ugandan park. Notable carnivores include lions, side-striped jackals, leopards, cheetahs, and the distinctive species like the bat-eared fox and striped hyena. Ungulates such as the greater and lesser kudu, roan antelope, and Rothschild giraffe are also present. Five primate species, including the endemic Kavirondo bush baby, can be found here.
- Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge or Apoka Bandas
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, and Dinner
Karamajongo Villages and Cultural Visits
After breakfast, visit the Karamajongo homesteads, known as Manyattas. Interact with the elders and learn about their culture and lifestyle. Donations are welcome to support their social welfare. Alternatively, you can opt for more game drives.
- Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge or Apoka Bandas
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast, drive to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda's largest conservation area, known for its diverse riverine, forest, and savannah environments. Depending on your accommodation's location, you may have the opportunity for an afternoon game drive.
- Accommodation: Murchison River Lodge or Pakuba Safari Lodge
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Morning Delta Cruise and Boat Cruise to Murchison Falls
After an early breakfast, head to the jetty for a morning boat cruise. Spot herds of buffaloes, Uganda kobs, giraffes, elephants, and a variety of bird species along the Nile. In the afternoon, take another boat cruise to the base of the powerful Murchison Falls, where the Nile forces its way through a narrow gorge.
- Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge or Murchison River Lodge
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Morning and Evening Game Drives in Murchison
Start the day with a game drive along the Nile Delta, where you may see lions, leopards, elephants, and numerous bird species. Return to the lodge for lunch, then relax or swim before another evening game drive to observe the park's wildlife as they prepare for the night.
- Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge or Murchison River Lodge
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Transfer to Kibale National Park
Drive to Kibale Forest National Park via Fort Portal. Stop in Fort Portal for lunch before checking in at Chimpanzee Forest Guest House. In the afternoon, enjoy a wetland walk in Bigodi Village, a community-managed project benefiting local residents.
- Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Guest House or Isunga Lodge
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, and Dinner
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest
After breakfast, head to Kibale National Park headquarters for a briefing before chimpanzee trekking. You'll be guided through the forest to observe a habituated community of chimpanzees and other primates. The park is also a haven for bird lovers, with numerous species of forest birds.
- Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Guest House or Isunga Lodge
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Pass through small towns and admire the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. Cross the Equator at Kikorongo and enjoy the scenery, including rivers originating from the Rwenzori range. After checking into your lodge, take an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a highlight of the park.
- Accommodation: Elephant Hab or Pumba Safari Lodge
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Morning and Evening Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Begin the day with an early morning cup of coffee before heading to the Kasenyi plains for game viewing. This is an excellent time to spot the big cats, such as lions and leopards, often seen hunting or feasting on their prey. You're also guaranteed to see buffaloes, hippos, various antelope species, and more. After a morning game drive, return to the lodge for lunch and some relaxation. Later in the day, head out again for an evening game drive to observe more wildlife before returning to the lodge for the night.
- Accommodation: Elephant Hab or Pumba Safari Lodge
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Transfer to Southern Queen Elizabeth in Ishasha Sector
After a leisurely morning and game viewing, transfer to the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, known as the Ishasha sector. After lunch, embark on an afternoon game drive to search for the famous tree-climbing lions. While sightings are not guaranteed, this is one of the best places to see them. The Ishasha sector also features other wildlife such as buffaloes, elephants, and antelopes. You may also visit the Ishasha River, marking the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
- Accommodation: Ishasha Jungle Lodge or Enjojo Lodge
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Game Drives and Evening Community Experience in Ishasha Sector
Start the day with a bush breakfast, enjoying the beautiful Ishasha wilderness. After breakfast, head out for another game drive in search of wildlife, including warthogs, bushbucks, waterbucks, Uganda kobs, elephants, and numerous bird species. The tree-climbing lions in the fig trees are another highlight. Later, participate in a community experience, visiting local projects.
- Accommodation: Ishasha Jungle Lodge or Enjojo Lodge
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda. The journey takes you through rolling hills with terraced gardens of Irish potatoes and tea. Arrive in the late afternoon and check into your lodge. Bwindi is home to nearly half of the world's endangered mountain gorillas and is the only park in Uganda where wild chimpanzees coexist with mountain gorillas. Your experienced guide will provide insights into the differences between these great apes.
- Accommodation: Trekkers Tavern Lodge or Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Gorilla Tracking and Village Walk
After breakfast, head to the park headquarters to join other trekkers and be assigned a gorilla family to track. Following a briefing on the dos and don'ts, you'll set out on your trek through the dense forest. The duration of the trek varies, taking from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the gorillas' location. Once you find the gorillas, you can spend one hour observing and photographing them. Afterward, return to the park headquarters to receive a certificate for contributing to the conservation of these endangered animals. In the evening, take a village walk to learn about the local community's efforts in conserving the forest and the gorillas. You can choose to support them with donations.
- Accommodation: Trekkers Tavern Lodge or Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
Depart from Bwindi and drive to Lake Bunyonyi in the Kabale District. Formed by a lava dam, Lake Bunyonyi is Uganda's deepest lake and the second deepest in East Africa. The lake's name, meaning "place of many little birds," reflects the area's rich avian life. It's a perfect place to relax after the gorilla trek.
- Accommodation: Bird Nest Resort
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Canoeing or Hiking
Enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Bunyonyi and its surrounding hills. You can choose between a canoe ride to explore the lake's islands, such as the historically significant Punishment Island, or hiking one of the nearby hills. Encounter Africa Safaris supports local projects, offering an opportunity for those interested in community work to engage in volunteer activities. Return to the lodge for overnight.
- Accommodation: Bird Nest Resort
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
After breakfast, drive to Lake Mburo National Park. En route, visit the Great Lakes Museum or Igongo Cultural Center to learn about the cultures of western Uganda's ethnic groups. After lunch, enjoy an evening game drive in the park, known for its impalas, giraffes, zebras, and more. Return to the lodge for overnight.
- Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock or Lake Mburo Safari Lodge
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Departure
On the final day of your 19 Days Best Of Uganda Safari, you can choose between a morning walking safari or a direct journey to Entebbe International Airport. Along the way, stop at the Equator crossing in Kayabwe for photos and a stretch.
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Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Includes
- Airport transfers on the first and last day
- Gorilla Permits
- Kibale Chimpanzee Permit
- Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Services of an English-speaking driver/guide
- Fuel for the entire trip
- Accommodation and meal plan as per the itinerary
- All Park entrance fees
- Drinking water while in the vehicle
Excludes
- Pre and post tour accommodation in Entebbe or Kampala
- International airfares
- Uganda Visa (USD50.00 which can be paid on arrival at the Airport
General FAQs
Can I reschedule or cancel this trip?
- Rescheduling: You can reschedule this trip as a private tour to any date within 12 months at no additional cost.
- Booking Deposit: A 30% deposit of the total tour price is required to secure your booking. The remaining balance is due 45 days before the tour departure date. Bookings not secured with the appropriate deposit will be released.
- Cancellation Policy:
- Cancel between 90 and 45 days before departure: 20% penalty of the tour price.
- Cancel within 45 days of departure or no show: 100% penalty of the tour price.
Availability and Accommodations
- Reservations: Accommodation and activity availability is not guaranteed until reservations are confirmed with the final itinerary and deposit payment. If any quoted accommodations are unavailable, we reserve the right to substitute them with suitable alternatives, which may affect the final quoted price.
Insurance
- Requirement: All clients must have medical and travel insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances.
Rates
- Subject to Change: Tour rates are subject to change without notice. We will make every effort to maintain rates, but changes in government taxes or operating conditions may be passed on to clients.
Permit Cancellation Policy
Uganda Gorilla Permit Cancellation Policy
- Guarantee: A Gorilla Permit is guaranteed only upon receipt of the deposit ($800 per person per trek) as it must be paid immediately to the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Cancellation Fees
- More than 90 days before tracking: 25% cancellation fee.
- 89 to 46 days before tracking: 50% cancellation fee.
- 45 to 9 days before tracking: 75% cancellation fee.
- 8 to 0 days before tracking: 100% cancellation fee.
Important Information
- Age Requirement: The minimum age for gorilla tracking is 15 years.
- Health: Visitors with flu or other airborne diseases will not be allowed into the rainforest jungle to see the gorillas.
- Safety Protocols: Masks must be worn at all times, and a distance of 10 meters must be maintained between you and the gorillas.