Arrival in Uganda and Transfer to Kampala

Your 9 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari Tour journey begins the moment you arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where you will be warmly welcomed by a representative from Renai Venture Safaris. After an initial briefing, you will be transferred to Kampala, Uganda’s bustling capital city. The drive offers a fantastic introduction to the country’s diverse scenery, from rural landscapes dotted with small villages to more urban settings.

Kampala is known for its vibrant energy and a blend of modernity and tradition. Depending on your time of arrival, you might have the opportunity to visit some of the city’s highlights, such as the Uganda National Museum, the Gaddafi National Mosque, or the bustling Nakasero Market. If you’re interested in Ugandan culture, Kampala offers an array of experiences, including local cuisine and the chance to interact with friendly locals.

This day serves as an important acclimatization period to prepare for the exciting adventures ahead. Relax at your hotel, enjoy a delicious dinner, and rest in anticipation of the next day’s adventure.

• Accommodation: Boma Hotel / Best Western Garden Hotel

Travel to Murchison Falls National Park

After a hearty breakfast, your safari journey begins in earnest as you head northwest to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and one of the most famous wildlife reserves. The drive from Kampala to the park is approximately 5-6 hours, offering a beautiful view of Uganda’s countryside, rolling hills, and expansive savannahs.

Murchison Falls National Park is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Upon arrival, you will check into your lodge or camp before heading out on your first game drive, where you will encounter herds of elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and numerous antelope species. The park is also home to over 450 bird species, making it a paradise for bird watchers.

Your 9 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari Tour guide will ensure that the game drive is not just an opportunity for wildlife sightings but also an educational experience, providing in-depth insights into the park’s flora, fauna, and conservation efforts. Evening relaxation at the lodge will provide a perfect end to your first full day on safari.

• Accommodation: Nkundwa Safari Lodge /Pakuba Safari Lodge

Game Drive and Boat Launch on the Nile River

On Day 3, prepare for an early start to maximize your wildlife viewing. After breakfast, you will embark on a thrilling game drive through Murchison Falls National Park. This is your chance to spot the iconic African big five — lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinoceros — as well as a wide range of other animals like warthogs, hyenas, and antelope.

Following the game drive, you will take a boat cruise along the Nile River, one of the world’s longest rivers. This boat launch offers spectacular views of the Murchison Falls, where the Nile River forces its way through a narrow gorge before tumbling down into the river below. As you cruise along, you will encounter a wealth of wildlife, including crocodiles, hippos, and a variety of bird species like the African fish eagle.

The boat ride is not only about scenic beauty but also about capturing unforgettable moments. Your Uganda Wildlife Safari Tour guide will share the history of the falls, their significance to the local communities, and the ecological importance of the river’s ecosystem.

• Accommodation: Nkundwa Safari Lodge /Pakuba Safari Lodge

Visit the Top of the Falls and Travel to Kibale Forest National Park

Today, you will start with a visit to the top of Murchison Falls, where you will witness the mighty Nile River tumbling over the rocks in a dramatic display of power and beauty. The viewpoint provides a fantastic perspective of the falls and the surrounding landscape, offering great photo opportunities.

After soaking in the beauty of Murchison Falls, you will embark on a scenic drive to Kibale Forest National Park, which takes approximately 6-7 hours. Kibale is famous for its rich biodiversity and is best known for its chimpanzee tracking experiences. The drive offers another opportunity to experience Uganda’s countryside, with lush tropical landscapes, tea plantations, and charming villages lining the way.

Upon arrival in Kibale, you will check into your lodge and enjoy an evening of relaxation, preparing for tomorrow’s thrilling chimpanzee safari.

• Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp/ Chimpanzee Safari Lodge

Chimpanzee Safari and Bigodi Swamp Walk

Kibale Forest National Park is home to one of the highest concentrations of primates in Africa, including over 1,400 chimpanzees. After breakfast, you will head into the forest for your chimpanzee tracking adventure. Accompanied by an expert Uganda Wildlife Safari Tour guide, you will trek through the forest, learning about the behavior, social structure, and conservation efforts surrounding these incredible creatures. Once you encounter the chimps, you will have an opportunity to observe them up close as they go about their daily activities.

In the afternoon, you will embark on a guided walk through the Bigodi Swamp, a renowned wetland area that is home to various bird species, including the rare Great Blue Turaco. The swamp is also an important ecosystem for a variety of primates, reptiles, and butterflies. This walk offers a peaceful contrast to the morning’s exciting chimpanzee trek, allowing you to appreciate the beauty and tranquility of Uganda’s biodiversity.

• Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp/ Chimpanzee Safari Lodge

ransfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Boat Cruise

On Day 6, after breakfast, you will travel south to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most popular parks, known for its rich wildlife diversity and stunning landscapes. The journey takes about 4-5 hours, and upon arrival, you will check into your lodge before embarking on an afternoon boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel.

The Kazinga Channel is a natural waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George and is home to large populations of hippos and crocodiles. During the boat ride, you will also have the chance to spot elephants, buffaloes, and various bird species, such as flamingos and the rare African Skimmer. This afternoon cruise provides another unique perspective of Uganda’s wildlife.

• Accommodation: The Bush Lodge / Buffalo Safari Lodge

Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Transfer to Bwindi

On Day 7 of Uganda Wildlife Safari Tour, you will begin with an early morning game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park is home to an astonishing array of animals, including lions, leopards, elephants, and the elusive tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, which are one of the park’s main highlights. The diverse habitats, ranging from savannah to wetlands, support an abundance of wildlife, ensuring that your game drive is filled with exciting encounters.

After the game drive, you will proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a journey that takes approximately 4-5 hours. Bwindi is one of the few places in the world where you can go gorilla trekking, and you will spend the evening resting in anticipation of the incredible experience that awaits the following day.

• Accommodation: Buhom Community Camp / Rushaga Gorilla Lodge

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest and Batwa Trail

Day 8 is the highlight of your Uganda Wildlife Safari Tour — gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. After a briefing by your expert guide, you will embark on a trek through the forest in search of one of the habituated gorilla families. Trekking can take anywhere from a couple of hours to a full day, depending on where the gorillas are located. Once you find the gorilla group, you will spend an hour observing them in their natural habitat, learning about their behavior and conservation efforts.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Batwa people, an indigenous group that once lived in the forest before it was designated a national park. The Batwa Trail offers an insightful look into the culture and traditions of the Batwa, allowing you to experience their unique way of life and deep connection to the forest.

• Accommodation: Buhom Community Camp / Rushaga Gorilla Lodge

Travel to Kampala – End of Safari

On your final day, after breakfast, you will begin your journey back to Kampala. The drive takes approximately 8 hours, offering one last opportunity to appreciate the beauty of Uganda’s landscapes. Depending on your flight time, you may have a chance for a quick visit to the local markets or a farewell lunch before your transfer to Entebbe International Airport.

As your Uganda Wildlife Safari Tour comes to an end, you will depart Uganda with lasting memories of incredible wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural experiences.

End of Uganda Wildlife Safari Tour