14 Days Uganda Wildlife and Primate Safari with Bigfive

Day 1 · Welcome to Uganda – Your Safari Adventure Begins

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   Entebbe

   one hour

   Upon arrival at Entebbe Airport, a guide from Beautiful Safaris Uganda will warmly welcome you, provide a detailed briefing on your safari itinerary, and transfer you to a guest house in Entebbe for a comfortable stay before your adventure begins

via via guest house

Day 2 · Transfer to Murchison Falls and En-route Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

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   Murchison Falls National Park

   10 hours

   Our adventure begins at 8 AM with a scenic transfer from Entebbe Old Town or downtown Kampala to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where wild rhinos roam freely. Once extinct in the country by the early 1980s, Ziwa now serves as a vital breeding ground for both black and white rhinos. During our two-hour visit, we will observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, learning about their conservation and daily interactions.

   After an immersive experience at Ziwa, we continue our journey to Murchison Falls National Park, home to the breathtaking Murchison Falls, where the mighty River Nile crashes through a narrow gorge. Upon arrival, we will unwind with dinner and an overnight stay at a lodge, surrounded by the beauty of the African wilderness.

Fort Murchison

Day 3 · Thrilling Safari Expedition: Sunrise Game Drive & Nile Boat Cruise

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   Murchison Falls National Park

   10 hours

   Begin your day with an exciting game drive through Murchison Falls National Park, spotting elephants, lions, giraffes, and diverse wildlife as the sun rises over the savannah. In the afternoon, set sail on a scenic boat cruise along the River Nile, gliding past hippos, crocodiles, and vibrant birdlife while witnessing the dramatic confluence of the Nile and Lake Albert. Experience the raw power of Murchison Falls as the river crashes through a narrow gorge, creating a spectacular misty cascade. Conclude the adventure with a rewarding hike to the 'Top of the Falls' for breathtaking panoramic views before returning to the lodge for a delicious dinner and a restful night surrounded by nature

Fort Murchison

Day 4 · Scenic Journey to Kibale – The Primate Capital of the World

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   Kibale National Park

   6 hours

   Day 3 is a day of driving, but fear not, you will still be entertained! On our journey, we will pass the time by marvelling at the scenic views of the Ugandan countryside, leaving Murchison Falls National Park behind and driving southwards to Kibale Forest National Park. The drive to Kibale will go through major western towns of Hoima and Fort Portal. We will arrive at Kibale in the early evening.

kibale forest camp

Day 5 · chimpanzee trekking and bigodi swamp walk

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   Kibale National Park

   10 hours

   Day 4 starts with us heading to the Kibale forest immediately after breakfast to track the chimpanzees in their forest home. If we are lucky on the trek, we may encounter other different species of monkeys in the Kibale forest. These include colobus monkeys, olive baboons, and red-tailed monkeys. In the afternoon, you can choose to join our optional activity and visit Bigodi Swamp Sanctuary known as a ‘birder’s paradise’.

kibale forest camp

Day 6 · Transfer to queen elizabeth national park

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   Queen Elizabeth National Park

   4 hours

   In the morning we will drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Fort Portal Crater Lakes, perhaps Uganda’s most iconic sight. These volcanic craters formed some 8,000 to 10,000 years ago and they provide an idyllic backdrop to the extensive hiking trail network in the area. Here, you will be able to enjoy the amazing views of western Uganda’s tea farmlands and plantations. If the weather is good, we’ll get a chance to spot the Rwenzori Mountain Escarpment in the distance. After a day full of spectacular views, we’ll check in to the lodge and relax in preparation for the following day’s game drives.

the bush lodge

Day 7 · morning game and afternoon boatcruise on kazinga channel

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   Queen Elizabeth National Park

   10 hours

   Once again, we will start our morning with a game drive where we can expect to spot wildlife species such as elephants, buffaloes, side-striped jackals, hyena, leopards, lions, warthogs, Uganda kobs, and giant forest hogs. What a way to start the day!

   After lunch, we’ll take a boat trip along the Kazinga Channel where we will continue our wildlife spotting, this time we will see hippos, buffalo, crocodiles, bathing elephants, and a range of beautiful birds. This will undoubtedly be another highlight of your tour.

Overnight at Bush Lodge

Day 8 · Game drive through ishasha sector and transfer to bwindi impentrabel national park

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   Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

   6 hours

   On the way to Bwindi National Park, we will drive through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, popularly known for the tree-climbing lions. Unlike their counterparts at the Kasenyi plains, the lions at Ishasha have found a way to climb the fig trees to enjoy the warm temperatures. While the sighting of the tree-climbing lions is not 100% guaranteed, a stopover at Ishasha is worth a visit! We will spend the night at Bwindi National Park.

bakiga lodge

Day 9 · bwindi gorilla trekking

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   Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

   7 hours

   Today is the day that many of you will have been waiting for. We will embark on a full-day adventure to track the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest National Park. The trek will commence with a short briefing on gorillas trekking rules to ensure the safety of both the guests and the gorillas. We will then start the trek into the Impenetrable Forest to encounter the gentle giants of Bwindi National Park.​ We will follow the expert guides, looking for signs of the gorillas and changing direction accordingly until we find them. After this rare and memorable experience is over, we will spend the rest of the day and night in Bwindi National Park.

bakiga lodge

Day 10 · batwa trail in bwindi

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   Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

   4 hours

   oday is a unique opportunity to learn about the tragic history of these local communities through a variety of activities. Choose between the Batwa cultural experience where you visit a local community and learn about their way of life

bakiga lodge

Day 11 · transfer to lake bunyonyi

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   Mabamba Swamp shoebill Watching Entebbe

   2 hours Admission included

   On this day, you depart Bwindi National Park for Lake Bunyonyi. Make the most of your day at Lake Bunyonyi, considered one of the deepest and most beautiful inland water bodies lakes in Africa that offers refreshing experiences ranging from dug-out canoeing, swimming, and bird watching by choosing another optional activity. After the afternoon activities at Lake Bunyonyi, rest at the lodge for dinner and overnight.

lake bunyonyi eco lodge

Day 12 · Transfer to lake mburo national park

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   Lake Mburo National Park

   6 hours

   We will drive from Lake Bunyonyi to Lake Mburo National Park in the early afternoon. There is a scheduled stopover at Igongo Cultural Center in Mbarara for a short coffee break. Join a night game drive at Lake Mburo National Park in the evening to try and spot leopards.

eagles nest

Day 13 · morning game drive and transfer to kampala

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   Entebbe

   10 hours

   After early morning breakfast, we drive through Lake Mburo National Park for a morning game drive to drive spot various wildlife species, including zebras, topis, giraffes, and Impala, Uganda kobs, and many more! After the game sighting, drive to Entebbe with a scheduled stopover at the Equator crossing.

via via guest house

Day 14 · mabamba swamp shoebill tour and transfer for flight

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   Stop 1

   5 hours

   The Mabamba wetland, located west of Entebbe, is one of the best and most convenient places to encounter the elusive shoebill and a prime birding site. After a few minutes in a small canoe, the papyrus reeds open up into a flat grassy wetland where several shoebills are regularly sighted. The shoebills are most relaxed in the morning when they stalk their main prey( fish or frogs) though they can be spotted all day. The shoebills may stand still for long periods awaiting the movements of their prey and then suddenly strike with astonishing speed.

   To get to the Mabamba swamp, we will drive from the guest house in Entebbe to the landing site on Lake Victoria, where you will join a boat to the swamp. The boat allows you to see many birds that you may otherwise miss.

   After the Mabamba trek, you will return to the Entebbe guest house for a rest, and later in the evening, be dropped off at Entebbe airport & depart to your next destination.