Best of Uganda Safari

Go on the best Uganda safari you'll ever experience with a broad taste of everything Uganda has to offer. Go with us on an unforgettable 10-day safari adventure! Marvel at the incredible power of Murchison Falls , where the mighty Nile squeezes through a small seven-metre gap, hikes through lush rainforest in search of chimpanzee in Kibale Forest. Listening to the chatter of some 600 species of birds in Queen Elizabeth National Park , and getting up close and personal with hippo along the Kazinga Channel. Trek to meet the rare mountain gorilla in the misty rainforests of Bwindi ! The atmosphere of the trek through the jungle mist is unreal. With each step, your anticipation builds, and the reward of seeing the last remaining mountain gorillas in the World is spectacular.


Itinerary

  • Day 1: Entebbe Airport / Entebbe

    At Entebbe, you will be welcomed by our friendly safari team and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a 2-hour sunset cruise (own account) on Lake Victoria. Marvel at the beautiful scenery surrounding the lake and enjoy spectacular sunset views.

    Stay: 2 Friends Beach Hotel (Pool view room)

    Meals: Dinner & breakfast

  • Day 2: Entebbe / Murchison Falls National Park

    After early morning breakfast, we set off on a long drive to Murchison Falls National Park. We will take an off-the-beaten-track as we drive north, passing the ancient Nyero Rock Paintings near Soroti. Time permitting, we may stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (own account), the only place where you can see wild rhinos in Uganda and trek them. This incredible experience enables you to get up close with the endangered rhino which is protected and cared for in the sanctuary. Continue to Uganda's largest national park, Murchison Falls, which is split by the gushing waters of the Nile River and home to a rich population of big game and primates. Visit the Top of the Falls restaurant and feel the force of the Nile river under your feet as the half-a-kilometer-wide river narrows to just 7m wide and cascades down through a 45m drop, known as the Devils Couldron. The falls are believed to be the most powerful natural flow of water anywhere on earth.

    Stay: Paraa Safari Lodge (Standard room)

    Meals: Lunch, dinner & breakfast

  • Day 3: Murchison Falls National Park

    Set off early morning on a game drive in the Nyamsika plateau to see the Cape buffaloes, Rothschild’s giraffes, Uganda kob, hartebeest, and waterbucks. Chimpanzees and olive baboons head the list of six species of primates found in the park. Join us for a boat safari on the Victoria Nile River in the afternoon. This 17 km stretch offers sightings of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, waterbucks, and the unique Uganda kob. The boat will stop just close to the sinister, frothing, and bubbling base of the falls where you can take pictures of the majestic Murchison Falls.

    Stay: Paraa Safari Lodge (Standard room)

    Meals: Lunch, dinner & breakfast

  • Day 4: Murchison Falls National Park / Kibale Forest National Park

    After a relaxed breakfast, depart to Kibale Forest National Park, in Western Uganda. This journey takes you past small villages and local markets and offers fantastic views of tea plantation scenery en route to the “Mountains of the moon” region.

    Kibale National Park (also known as the primate capital of East Africa) is an incredibly diverse forest and home to over 335 bird species (some rare or endemic) and 13 species of primates including chimpanzees, red colobus monkeys, the rare L'Hoest monkeys, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, black-faced Vervet monkeys, baboons, pottos and bush babies.

    Stay: Turaco Treetops (Cottage)

    Meals: Lunch, dinner & breakfast

  • Day 5: Kibale Forest National Park - CHIMPANZEE TREKKING

    Today the forest opens its doors for an exhilarating chimpanzee trekking experience. Kibale Forest is known for having the greatest variety and the 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, all in their natural habitat. Return to the lodge for lunch.  Enjoy an afternoon at leisure or visit one of the many wetlands in Uganda, the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary, for a nature walk.

    Stay: Turaco Treetops (Cottage).

    Meals: Lunch, dinner & breakfast

  • Day 6: Kibale Forest National Park / Queen Elizabeth National Park

    Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park (following the mystical Rwenzori Mountain range for most of the journey) and delight in an en-route game drive to the lodge where you will have lunch. Enjoy an afternoon game drive around the Mweya Peninsular and the Kasenyi, the mating ground of the Ugandan kobs. Search for lions, elephants, buffaloes, and other wild animals in their natural habitat, or simply relax around the pool.

    Stay: Mweya Safari Lodge (Standard room).

    Meals:  Lunch, dinner & breakfast

  • Day 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park

    The day begins early as we start with a morning game drive. The park's diverse ecosystem of grassy plains, tropical forests, rivers, swamps, lakes, and volcanic craters is home to an incredible abundance of wildlife. Look out for buffaloes, lions, elephants, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Join us for an afternoon boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway between Lake Edward and Lake George. This promises to be one of the highlights of your safari as you will be spoiled with spectacular views of abundant birdlife, elephants, buffaloes, and hundreds of hippos cooling off at the shores. The boat cruise is followed by game drives in the Kasenyi Plains area where you will see Ugandan kobs, lions, elephants, buffaloes, and more.

    Stay: Mweya Safari Lodge (Standard room)

    Meals:  Lunch, dinner & breakfast

  • Day 8: Queen Elizabeth National Park / Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

    After an early game drive, we head towards Bwindi, driving through the Ishasha Sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions. While experiencing the verdant countryside, you will pass traditional homesteads and enjoy panoramic views of the Rwenzori Mountains. We will reach Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home of the endangered mountain gorillas, in the afternoon. 

    Stay: Haven Lodge (Standard room)

    Meals:  Lunch, dinner & breakfast

  • Day 9: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - GORILLA TREKKING

    Early morning departure from the lodge to the trailhead at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for your mountain gorilla trekking experience. Trekking can take from 30 minutes to three-quarters of the day, so you need to prepare for both. Coming face-to-face with a mountain gorilla is one of the most memorable wildlife encounters in Africa, if not the world. Mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) are a critically endangered species. Daily visits have an impact on gorilla activity patterns and are a source of animal stress, explaining the "only spend one-hour” rule with these gorgeous animals. This is adequate time for photography and observing these great primates in their natural habitat. Afterward, you will return to base where your driver will be waiting to transfer you to the lodge to enjoy leisure time or partake in the Batwa Experience (the cost will be for your account and is not included in your package). Known as the “Keepers of the forest” the enchanting Batwa pygmies of Bwindi are a hunter-gatherer tribe that has lived side-by-side with the wildlife of these parks for hundreds of years. 

    Stay: Haven Lodge (Standard room)

    Meals: Lunch, dinner & breakfast

  • Day 10: Bwindi National Park / Entebbe Airport

    Enjoy the morning at leisure, before your transfer to the Kihihi airstrip (about 1 hour from the lodge) for your flight to Entebbe Airport for your onward flight home.

    End of service

We also offer this as a private safari or can send you a tailor-made quotation similar to the above itinerary - one designed specifically for you, around your taste, budget, interests and more.

  • ALL transfers from Entebbe Airport with English speaking driver guide. 
  • 1-nights at 2 Friends Beach Hotel (Entebbe)
  • Pool view room
  • Dinner & Breakfast  
  • 2-nights at Paraa Safari Lodge (Murchison Falls NP)
  • Standard room
  • Dinner, lunch & breakfast
  • Murchison Falls National park activities included:
  • Morning game drive in the Nyamsika Plateau
  • 2-nights at Turaco Treetops (Kibale Forest) 
  • Cottage
  • Lunch, dinner & breakfast  
  • Kibale Forest activities included:
  • Chimpanzee trekking
  • Visit the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary
  • 2-nights at Mweya Safari Lodge (Queen Elizabeth NP) 
  • Standard Room
  • Lunch, dinner & breakfast  
  • Queen Elizabeth activities included:
  • Afternoon game drive in the park
  • Boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel
  • On-route game drive through the Ishasha Sector
  • 2-nights at Haven Lodge (Bwindi) 
  • Standard Room
  • Lunch, dinner & breakfast  
  • Bwindi activities included:
  • X1 Gorilla trekking permit per person in the Bwindi National Park 
  • 4x4 stretched Land Cruiser safari vehicle (maximum 6 clients per vehicle)
  • Mini fridge you can use to stock with drinks (for your account)
  • Reference Books & Maps
  • Bottled water in vehicles
  • Flight by light aircraft from Kihihi airstrip (Bwindi) to Entebbe Airport (on last day).
  • All National Park entrance fees & ranger fees.
  • Comprehensive support from our operational office in Uganda for the duration of the safari. 
  • Travel information pack.
  • Free postage of travel documents.

  • International Flights
  • Entry visa to Uganda (SA passport requires a visa for Uganda – cost is US$50 – must obtain online before you travel)
  • Yellow Fever inoculation certificate or an exemption letter from your doctor – COMPULSORY!
  • Malaria – Uganda is a malaria area
  • Travel Insurance (Highly recommended)
  • Meals and drinks not specified  
  • Laundry services
  • Gratuities to the driver/guide, swamps guide, hotel staff & porters 
  • All expenses of personal nature.
  • Optional activities.

Dates & Prices

01 January - 31 December 2024

Rates:

SA RESIDENTS: INTERNATIONAL:
Per person sharing: R78,675 pp $5,083 pp
Gorilla permit x 1: R13,230 pp $700 pp
Chimpanzee permit x 1: R3,780 pp $200 pp
TOTAL pp sharing: R95,685 pp $5,983 pp
Return flights on Air Uganda from JNB: R6,943 pp

 

  • Exchange rate used (bank selling rate): R18.90 to US$1.00
  • Request a quote from our Safari Specialists for the best, most current rates according to your preferred time of travel.
  • Prices are based on 2 guests travelling – if more guest travel discounted rates are available.
  • All rates are subject to increases beyond our control, including fuel price, government taxes and exchange rate fluctuations.

 

National Parks

Murchison Falls National Park 

Uganda’s largest national park, Murchison Falls National Park is located in northwestern Uganda. The park combined with the Bugungu Wildlife Reserve and the Karuma Wildlife Reserve forms the Murchison Falls Conservation Area. Murchison Falls National Park derives its name from the Murchison Falls where the mighty River Nile explodes through a narrow gorge and flows down to become a placid river whose banks are thronged with hippos, crocodiles, waterbuck and buffaloes. The vegetation is characterised by savannah, riverine forest and woodland. Wildlife includes lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, buffalos, hartebeests, oribis, Uganda kobs, chimpanzees and many bird species including the rare shoebill. The best time for bird watching is January-March which tends to have plenty of bird activity with fewer tourists. 

Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale National park lies in western Uganda, southeast of the Fort Portal town. With lush tropical rainforest and fascinating diversity of animals, Kibale National Park is one of the most beautiful forests in Uganda. Due to its location between the wet rainforests of the Congo basin and the drier East African forest, Kibale supports an unusually rich array of tropical plants and animals from both areas. One of the highest concentrations of monkeys and apes in the world and the highest in Uganda is found here, including the endangered chimpanzee and the red colobus monkeys. Kibale's varied altitude supports different types of habitat, ranging from a wet tropical forest on the Fort Portal plateau to woodland and savanna on the rift valley floor. With 351 tree species being recorded in the park, some rise to over 55m and are over 200 years old. The Kibale Forest is the best place to spot chimpanzees in Uganda and Rwanda with a 90% chance of seeing them. The park contains the largest population of forest elephants found in Uganda, but they are rarely sighted. Kibale has the highest primate density of any area on earth, including the red-tailed monkey, blue monkey, olive baboon, chimpanzee, colobus (black, white and red) and white-cheeked mangabey. Other mammals found are bushbuck, red and blue duiker, Uganda kob, Scaly-tailed flying squirrel, tree pangolin, buffalo, waterbuck and hippo as well as a large number of birds.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is undoubtedly Uganda’s most visited park . Located in western Uganda, the park boasts one of the highest biodiversity location ratings in the world featuring tropical forests, volcanic craters, and grassy plains . Set against the backdrop of the jagged Rwenzori Mountains, the park’s magnificent vistas include dozens of enormous craters carved dramatically into rolling green hills, panoramic views of the Kazinga Channel with its banks lined with hippos, buffalo and elephants, and the endless Ishasha plains. The park’s diverse ecosystems make it the ideal habitat for the big game, ten primate species (including chimpanzees) and over 600 species of birds . Ishasha in the southern part of the park is home to the famous tree-climbing lions. One can be sure to spot many buffalo, giant forest hogs, warthogs, rare aquatic sitatunga antelope, horned Uganda kob, waterbuck, leopard, topi and elephant. A relaxing boat ride on the channel is a popular attraction and a great way to see the hippos! Also, the sunset over the water is spectacular.


Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The Virunga mountain range dominates the National Park, and the landscape is dotted with waterfalls and lakes . With high annual rainfall, the rainforest is deserving of its name – impenetrable. Bwindi Forest is most famous for being the home to half of the world’s population of endangered Mountain Gorillas . The experience of encountering such animals is said to be one of the most emotional Uganda wildlife adventure safaris you will ever have. The biodiversity in the forest is impeccable as it provides a home for over 310 species of butterfly, 200 trees, 88 months, 120 species of mammals including 10 species of primates and 51 reptiles . The various primates that can be found in the forest in addition to the mountain gorillas include the red-tailed and blue monkey, L’Hoest’s, chimpanzee, black and white colobus, and baboons . The Bwindi Forest also has over 350 species of birds . The area is also home to the Batwa Pygmies , who are the oldest inhabitants of the Great Lakes region of Central Africa. These hunter-gatherers have a rich, broad culture and history that they are happy to share.