• A group trekking through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda, in search of mountain gorillas

Highlights of Uganda

Discover the beauty of the Pearl of Africa on this 11-day Highlights of Uganda guided group tour, starting and ending in Entebbe.

Discover the beauty of the Pearl of Africa on this 11-day Highlights of Uganda guided group tour. Starting and ending in Entebbe, the tour sweeps through the natural wonder worlds of Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, Kibale and Lake Mburo National Parks. A highlight is undoubtedly coming face to face with the endangered mountain gorilla in the Bwindi National Park. There is also the opportunity to craft beautiful handwoven baskets with the women of the Buhoma community. Those who are interested in wildlife and want to experience the beauty of Uganda’s wilderness and encounter its iconic wildlife, particularly the endangered white rhinos, will find the Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch to be a convenient destination because it is easily accessible for tourists and visitors who are traveling from Kampala or other nearby cities.

Highlights of the Tour

Entebbe

The former Ugandan capital of Entebbe is perfectly situated on the shores of Lake Victoria. Renowned for its lush botanical gardens, visitors can wander about and take in the spectacular beauty of indigenous flora and fauna. Tourists can also get some rest and relaxation on the beaches along the banks of Lake Victoria or pay a visit to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, a haven for the country’s remaining chimps.

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area, where the mighty Nile River forces its way through a narrow gorge, creating the beautiful Murchison Falls. Marvel at the park’s diverse wildlife on a thrilling safari against the backdrop of lush savannah landscapes. For the adventurous at heart, boat excursions along the Nile offer a unique opportunity to witness hippos, crocodiles and a plethora of vibrant bird species.

Kibale National Park

Located in southern Uganda, Kibale Forest National Park is said to be home to the highest density of primates in Africa. Although the highlight of the park is the habituated chimpanzees, the treetops are alive with all kinds of monkeys, including red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey as well as red and black and white colobus monkeys. When you’re not searching for monkeys there are over 300 bird species and an incredible 250 species of butterfly to keep you busy.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Surrounded by other wonderful parks in the western region of Uganda, the Queen Elizabeth National Park is renowned for incredible landscapes, including the scenic Kazinga Channel, which hosts one of the highest concentrations of hippos in Africa. The remote Ishaha section of the park is home to the famous tree-climbing lions which are always on the lookout for the Uganda Kob, a rare type of antelope. Tree-climbing lions can be found in the Ishasha region of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Bwindi Forest National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to approximately half of the world’s endangered mountain gorilla population. Safari goers have the unique opportunity to take unforgettable gorilla trekking adventures. Once you have your permit you are led across the rugged terrain to track them for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter. There are also numerous forest walks where around 346 species of birds can be spotted.

Lake Mburo National Park

Discover the unparalleled beauty of Lake Mburo National Park, one of Uganda’s natural gems. The park is a haven for almost 70 mammal species and more than 300 different types of birds in its forests, swamps and rolling grasslands. Take to the waters for a tranquil boat safari, witnessing hippos and crocodiles in and around the five lakes, of which Lake Mburo is the largest.

Gallery

Itinerary

Day 1

Entebbe

Meet and Greet at the Airport, and transfer to your hotel. Entebbe is a charming town along the shores of Lake Victoria, offering a relaxed atmosphere and several natural attractions.

Day 2

Entebbe to Murchison

You will be met and collected from your hotel and driven to Murchison Falls. Visit the Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch en route, which has the honour of hosting the only wild rhinos in Uganda. Presently the sanctuary is home to nineteen southern white rhinos. The ranch has become increasingly popular with tourists for rhino trekking, bird watching, nature walks and relaxation.

We will enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing the drive to the spectacular Murchison Falls, located within one of Uganda’s oldest conservation areas. Excluding the stop, the journey will take approximately 7-8 hours. Murchison National Park is suited in the northern part of Albertine Rift Valley, where the massive Bunyoro escarpment amalgamates into the enormous plains of land traditionally inhabited by the Acholi people.

Day 3

Murchison Falls National Park tour

After an early breakfast, you will be taken on a morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park in search of wildlife such as elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hartebeest and oribi. Continue to the launch site for a boat ride combined with a cheese and wine cruise.

A highlight of any visit to Murchison Falls Conservation Area is the launch trip to view the magnificent Murchison Falls. The scheduled boat trip normally departs in the morning and afternoon. Hippos and crocodiles are abundant and you will see plenty of game and bird life. The voyage takes about three hours.

Return to the lodge for lunch, followed by an evening game drive.

Day 4

Murchison Falls - Kibale

After an early breakfast, you will depart for Kibale National Park via Fort Portal, passing through verdant countryside and traditional homesteads and farms. A picnic lunch will be provided. Kibale National Park contains one of the loveliest and most varied tracts of tropical forest in Uganda. Forest cover, interspersed with patches of grassland and swamp, dominates the northern and central parts of the park on an elevated plateau.

Day 5

Kibale

Trek man’s closest genetic relative, the cheeky chimpanzee on a trekking excursion in the Kibale Forest.

In the afternoon you will go for a guided walk in Bigodi Swamp to look for different bird species like the Shining Blue Kingfisher, Blue Throated Roller and other rare species. The many fruit trees in the forest attract Narina Trogon, Pied Hornbill, Yellow Spotted, HairBreasted and Yellow-Billed Barbets.

Day 6

Queen Elizabeth National Park

After an early breakfast, we head out on a beautiful morning drive through the dramatic landscape of the Crater Lakes. In the afternoon transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. This National Park is understandably Uganda’s most popular tourist destination. It has diverse ecosystems, which include sprawling savanna, shady, humid forests, sparkling lakes and fertile wetlands.

Day 7

Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, we continue our journey to observe chimpanzees on a morning chimp trek in Kalinzu forest. In the afternoon, take a boat excursion on the Kazinga Channel which has the world’s largest concentration of hippos and Nile crocodiles.

Day 8

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After breakfast, we try to spot the tree-climbing lions during our drive through the Ishasha sector, en-route to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. We arrive at our Bwindi accommodation in the afternoon. The rest of the day can be spent at your leisure.

Day 9

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

The day has arrived for the unforgettable gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This once-in-a-lifetime adventure offers many extraordinary surprises.

In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to learn basket weaving with the women of the Buhoma community.

Day 10

Bwindi - Lake Mburo National Park

We leave the gorillas of Bwindi behind and drive to Lake Mburo National Park where we enjoy a late afternoon boat cruise on Lake Mburo. This impressive park consists of a series of swamp-fringed lakes and is home to 350 bird species as well as zebras, impalas, elands, buffalos, oribi, Defassa waterbuck, leopard, hippo, hyena, topi and reedbuck.

Day 11

Lake Mburo National Park to Entebbe/ Kampala

End your great Uganda safari today with a photo at the famous Equator sign!

Rates

2027: From US$6,285 per person sharing, plus park fees of US$1,095 per person, not including flights. The park fees cover the gorilla and chimpanzee trekking fees and are payable with the tour price.

Single supplement: US$1,025.

Included

  • Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary or of similar standard.
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
  • All transport in a safari vehicle
  • Game drives and activities
  • Experienced local guide

Excluded

  • Flights
  • Pre and post tour accommodation
  • Optional activities
  • All drinks
  • Personal expenses such as telephone calls, curios and tips
  • Travel insurance and visas