Ultimate Uganda Safari (12 Days)
A 12 day private safari from Entebbe, visiting Mountain
Gorillas in Uganda (Bwindi Impenetrable Forest), enjoying
Chimpanzee trekking in the forests of Kibale and/or Chamburu
Gorge, game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and
the famous Murchison Falls National Park on the Nile river.
Tracking gorillas through misty, seemingly impenetrable
forests can be an exhausting process as the paths are often
slippery, entangled and wet. However, this effort is quickly
forgotten the minute you encounter these beautiful
creatures. They instantly capture your full attention with
their acrobatic antics and cacophony of grunts, screeches
and chest beating.
Day 1
On arrival at Entebbe International Airport you will be met by a Wild Frontiers representative and transferred to Hotel No 5, or similar. Entebbe is a small, quiet town located on the shores of Lake Victoria and is easy to explore on foot, boda bodas (local motorbike) or taxis. Soak up the local markets filled with clothes and crafts, shop for souvenirs in curio shops, or explore the Botanical Gardens on Lake Victoria.
Enjoy the wide variety of restaurants serving many different cuisines as well as several bars and clubs where you can sample the local beer, catch a game of football and chat with the local Ugandans, known for their open, friendly nature.
Nestled in the leafy suburbs of Entebbe, Hotel No.5 is a stylish boutique hotel. With all luxurious rooms opening onto the garden and swimming pool, this is a great option for guests looking for an intimate stay in a tranquil setting. Make yourself at home – unwind beside the swimming pool, pamper yourself with a spa treatment, or work up a sweat in the hotel gym. Attention to detail , outstanding dining and an attentive guest experience are synonymous with Hotel No 5.
Day 2
Today you will depart early after breakfast to Murchison Falls National Park with lunch en route. In Murchison National Park, we will spend three nights at Baker's Lodge on a full board basis.
Opened in 2015, Baker’s Lodge boasts eight beautifully appointed safari suites on raised decks, set along the southern bank of the mighty Nile River. Named after the English explorer Samuel Baker – the first European to view and name the Murchison Falls – the lodge rests amongst large shady trees and wetland areas. Guests enjoy an abundance of bird life along the water’s edge and hippos and elephants are regular visitors.
With a thatched central lounge, dining and bar area, and a refreshing swimming pool, the eco-friendly lodge offers an ‘Africa of olde’ feel. Built on raised wooden decks to take full advantage of cool breezes and spectacular river views, each spacious thatched cottage includes a fan, room safe, and beautifully appointed bathrooms with solar-heated showers and some also featuring baths.
Days 3 and 4
Spend two full days enjoying this beautiful area. The game in Murchison is exceptional, and four of the “big five” (Cape buffalo, elephant, lion, and leopard) can be spotted, especially in the North of the park.
A cruise to the bottom of the
falls as well as a Delta Cruise for bird watching/ game
viewing are included.
Overnight Baker’s Lodge including
all meals and local drinks. After breakfast embark on a morning Delta cruise, and an
afternoon game drive. Overnight Baker's Lodge on a full
board basis.
At a glance:
- located on the southern bank of the Nile River, Murchison Falls
- an intimate lodge with only eight luxury cottages on decks
- swimming pool
- free WiFi, central charging area and safes in every room
- eco-friendly, with fans in bedrooms , flush toilets and running water
- elevated central dining and lounge areas
- boat jetty for easy collection of guests by our own boats
- elevated central dining and lounge areas
- outside dining area near the Nile River (weather permitting)
- game drives, bush walks, bird-watching and community projects
- river cruises from
the lodge as well as private river cruises for special
occasions
families and children are welcome - fishing for the Nile Perch
- chimpanzee tracking in the Budongo Forest
- bird-watching with local specialist guides
Day 5
Today a full days’ drive (7-8 hours) with picnic lunch as you head to Kibale Forest. Kibale is an enchanting ancient forest, and supports an incredible range of flora and fauna. Rich in wildlife, it is most noted for its primate population including red-tailed monkey, diademed monkey, olive baboon, chimpanzee, black and white colobus.
Two nights in the area allows time for chimpanzee trekking in the forest. Optional excursions include a guided forest walk, visit to the Bigodi Swamps, or the Vanilla Farm close to Ndali. Overnight Primate Lodge or similar, including all meals (no drinks).
Day 6
Today is sure to be exhilarating! Chimpanzee trekking can be exciting as they are often very active, moving through the forest canopies, so you may find yourself following a family through dense jungles!
Of course sightings cannot be guaranteed as they are wild animals, but the chances of seeing them are very good. Once amongst the Chimpanzees, spend approximately an hour observing and following them. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight Primate Lodge or similar.
Day 7
Depart to Queen Elizabeth National Park, a drive of approximately 3-4 hours. This park set in the Great Rift Valley is home to a wide variety of wildlife including elephants, lions, hippos, buffalo, Uganda kob, baboon, and many species of birds. The northern Mweya area, traverses the equator and is dominated by the scenery of crater lakes, is often occupied by large flocks of flamingos.
A boat trip from Mweya along the Kazinga Channel, which joins Lakes Edward and George, provides one of the most memorable experiences offered by the park. Continue onto the southern sector of the park, a 2-3 hour drive.
The next two nights will be enjoyed at Ishasha Wilderness Camp. This exclusive 10 tented camp offers the only luxury accommodation in the remote southern sector of Queen Elizabeth. Set on the banks of the Ntungwe River, the eco-friendly Ishasha Wilderness Camp is an idyllic retreat for people who truly enjoy remote wilderness.
The thatched central lounge and dining area offers a comfortable area for guests to enjoy wholesome dining, although meals are often served ‘al fresco’ next to the river. The outdoor fireplace is the perfect place for guests to relax with sundowners and wind down after an exciting day’s game viewing. Overnight at Ishasha Wilderness Camp including all meals and local drinks.
Day 8
Day at leisure to enjoy game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The Ishasha area is famed for its unusual tree climbing lions.
Watch the African sun set as you enjoy bush sundowers.
Overnight at Ishasha Wilderness Camp including all meals and local drinks.
Day 9
A 2-3 hour drive takes you to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a world heritage site. Stop en-route at the Ishasha community project.
Bwindi National Park, located in south western Uganda on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, is considered the most diverse forest in Uganda. Home to over 120 mammals, 345 species of birds, 200 species of butterflies, and 160 species of trees, Bwindi is one of the richest ecosystems in East Africa. The park contains almost one half of the world’s population of the endangered Mountain Gorilla, making it an extremely valuable conservation site.
Set within the National Park and just steps away from the Gorilla Trekking headquarters, Buhoma Lodge offers cosy accommodation in wooden chalets with uninterrupted views of the pristine rain forest canopy. Renowned for its warm welcome and attentive service, Buhoma is an eco friendly lodge operating on solar power, and has been constructed using sustainable local materials.
Each of the ten wooden chalets has a private verandah and enormous windows, giving spectacular views. Awaken to chattering forest birds, and watch out for the occasional mountain gorilla that has ventured right in to visit the lodge. Overnight Buhoma Lodge, including all meals and local drinks.
Day 10
Gorilla Tracking – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Few words can describe the thrill of today’s lifetime experience! Coming face to face with mountain gorillas is a rare wildlife encounter that is exhilarating, humbling and enthralling. Experienced guides and trackers will accompany your party on an early morning trek into the dense rain forest on the steep mountain slopes.
Please note that gorilla tracking is strenuous with treks ranging from 45 mins up to eight hours, at high altitudes in hot African conditions. The thrill of the hour you spend quietly observing these gentle giants once you find them is so worth the trek to get there! Although mountain gorillas are wild animals and sightings cannot be guaranteed, viewing success rates are over 95%.
Head back to Buhoma Lodge for a complimentary massage after your trek, or explore the surrounding Bwindi community. Overnight at Buhoma Lodge with all meals and local drinks included.
Day 11
Those with additional pre-purchased permits will depart for a second gorilla tracking experience. Guests not tracking have the day free to explore the Bwindi area – optional activities include forest walks, a visit to a local school/orphanage/hospital or Batwa pygmy village, and some local curio shopping. Overnight at Buhoma Lodge with all meals and local drinks included.
* Please note that days 10 and 11 are interchangeable depending on when we can secure gorilla permits
Day 12
Depart after breakfast for your light aircraft scheduled flight from Kihihi to Entebbe.
$7,750 per person sharing
(Based on 2 persons sharing)
6,395 per person sharing (Based on 4 persons sharing)
$5,845 per person sharing
(Based on 6 persons sharing)
PLUS:
2020 Kibale Chimp Permit:- $200 per permit
2020 Gorilla Tracking Permits:- $700 per one permit, $770
for the second gorilla tracking permit.
Package Includes:
- Meet & greet service
- Airport transfers in Entebbe
- 1 night accommodation at Hotel No.5 including breakfast
- 3 nights accommodation at Baker’s Lodge including all meals and local drinks
- 2 nights accommodation at Primates Lodge including all meals (no drinks)
- 2 nights accommodation at Ishasha Wilderness Camp including all meals and local drinks
- 3 nights accommodation at Buhoma Lodge including all meals and local drinksServices of driver/guide
- Park entry fees
- Game drives in Murchison Falls
- Bottom of the Falls Cruise & Nile Delta Cruise
- Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise
- Ishasha Community Visit
- Flight Kihihi- Entebbe has been included in above price, currently estimated at USD300. Should prices increase due to circumstances beyond our control, we will need to recost accordingly. Total weight limit is 15kgs in SOFT bags.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS:
|
Rhino
Sanctuary |
USD 40 per
person |
en route to
Murchison |
|
Bigodi Swamp
walk |
USD 20 per
person |
Kibale |
|
Guided forest
walk Bwindi including park fees |
USD 70 per
person |
Bwindi |
|
Community
visit Bwindi |
USD 30 per
person |
Bwindi |
|
Batwa Pygmies
visit |
USD 85 per
person |
Bwindi |
|
2nd Gorilla
trek including purchase fee |
USD 670 per
person (USD 770 per person from July 2020) |
Bwindi |