Explore the crater lakes around Kibale Forest on this 8 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari Adventure. Here, chimp troops hunt in the wild, and enigmatic blue lakes shimmer in hidden forests. The plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, an untamed savannah where lions turn into leopards and lounge among trees, are obscured by the Mountains of the Moon. As elephants arrive to drink in the waning light, boat tours on the Kazinga Channel offer breathtaking birdlife, including Africa’s largest crocodiles, which invite you to go up close. Bright yellow banana plantations contrast with the verdant surroundings, where roads paved with red dust lead to hospitable villages and vibrant marketplaces. Lastly, encounter the mountain gorilla up close while strolling through woods from the Ice Age.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival – Entebbe Airport.
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be received by a Judith Safaris tour guide who will brief you on the 8 day tour and transfer you to a hotel already booked for you in Kampala. Check in, have dinner and stay overnight.
Accommodation: Hotel Number 5, 2 Friends Beach Hotel.
Meals: (Dinner).
Day 2: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale Forest National Park is a top safari location in Uganda. The park is home to 13 primate species, including the red colobus and L’Hoest’s monkeys. Kibale National Park, the most accessible of Uganda’s major rainforests, is most known for its chimps. Tracking these boisterous apes as they squabble and play in fruiting trees is an exciting experience. There are also 335 bird species and other unusual animals, such as the forest elephant and huge forest hog.
Accommodation: Ndali Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest
Reaching the chimpanzees can take anywhere from twenty minutes to more than an hour, and perhaps more, depending on where they nested the previous evening. Chimpanzee silhouettes in the trees while soldiers hunt and explore are captivating, but what really makes your hair raise up are the loud hoots and cries amongst groups of up to 60 people. Chimpanzee trekking can be organised for the entire day if playing Tarzan for the day appeals to you. You can spend the afternoon lounging at the resort or touring the neighbouring crater lakes and communities, depending on when you get back.
Accommodation: Ndali Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Lake Edward and Lake George are part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is situated in the western portion of the Great East African Rift Valley. There is an astounding diversity of animals in this park because of its amazing range of habitats.
Accommodation: Elephant Plains, Mweya Safari Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge – Afternoon Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel.
In addition to chimpanzees, the steeply wooded cliffs of Kyambura are home to several bird species, the giant forest hog, the black and white colobus, and the red-tailed monkey. Not only can you encounter chimpanzees on a half-day trip down to the Gorge, but you can also explore the stunning river valley. Take a boat ride on the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lakes Edward and George, in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Elephant Plains, Mweya Safari Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 6: Morning Game Drive – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Take a morning game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park before heading to Bwindi. Take a typical game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through Ishasha in search of the park’s famous tree climbing lions and other wildlife. Continue on to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where you will cross the equator and pass through picturesque open savannah filled with gigantic Euphorbia trees and traditional settlements.
Mountain gorillas thrive in Bwindi, which is covered in dense tropical rainforest and frequently obscured by mist. It appears to be one of Africa’s most diversified woods, spanning a number of steep slopes and valleys and having withstood the last ice age. There is a strong sense of adventure, the woodland is dark and appealing, and the birding is large and colourful.
Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Set off early for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to track one of three habituated gorilla groups: Habinyanja, Rushegura, or Mubare. During the walk, clients will be divided into two groups of seven. Dr Mike Cranfield of Gorilla Doctors will lead one group, while David Lloyd, a wildlife photographer, will guide the other. You will also be accompanied by a local guide and park rangers, who will provide a detailed briefing before you enter the area.
It’s an exciting experience to stroll through the forests at first light. As the mists clear and ancient plants rise to the surface, you may track the gorillas that are hiding in the shadows. Seeing the gorillas up close is unlike any other wildlife encounter, and the dirt, perspiration, and occasionally tears are all worthwhile. Bring plenty of water, sturdy legs, and memory cards.
Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 8: Return to Entebbe – Departure.
After your early morning breakfast at the lodge in Bwindi, you will check out and get on the road back to Kampala and proceed to Entebbe Airport to catch up with your homebound flight.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch).
End of the 8 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari Adventure.
The 8 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari Adventure cost includes;
- 1 Gorilla Permit per person.
- 1 Chimpanzee Permit per person.
- Airport Transfers.
- Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary.
- Services of an English-speaking tour guide.
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle.
- Park Entrance Fees.
- Wildlife Game Drives.
- Tour Guide Allowances.
- Bottled Water in the Car.
- Relevant Government Taxes.
However, the tour cost excludes; Visa Fees, International Air Fare, personal shopping bills, tips to local guides, and items of personal nature such as laundry, cigarettes, alcohol, souvenirs and items not listed as included in the cost.