12 Days Budget Uganda Gorillas and Wildlife Safari

This 12 Days Budget Uganda Gorillas and Wildlife Safari is the ultimate adventure for travelers seeking to experience Uganda’s incredible wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and unique primates. The safari combines rhino tracking, chimpanzee tracking, gorilla trekking, game drives, boat cruises, cultural encounters, and scenic lakes while exploring some of Uganda’s most famous national parks.

Safari Overview

This comprehensive safari takes you through Uganda’s premier wildlife destinations including Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, and Lake Mburo National Park. Along the journey, you will encounter the Big Five's close relatives, trek endangered mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, cruise along wildlife-rich waterways, and immerse yourself in Uganda’s spectacular natural beauty.

Safari Highlights

Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park
Nile River boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls
Visit to the Top of Murchison Falls
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park
Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary guided walk
Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha Sector
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Lake Bunyonyi relaxation and sightseeing
Walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park
Equator crossing experience

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by your driver-guide who will brief you about the safari ahead. Depending on your arrival time, you may relax at your hotel or explore the surrounding area. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Entebbe as you prepare for your adventure.

Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

After breakfast, depart for Murchison Falls National Park. Along the way, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino tracking experience on foot. This sanctuary is the only place in Uganda where rhinos can be seen in the wild. After lunch, continue north to Murchison Falls National Park, arriving in the evening for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Nile Boat Cruise

Rise early for a game drive across the northern sector of the park. Look out for elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, hartebeests, Uganda kobs, and numerous bird species. In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise along the Nile River to the base of Murchison Falls. The cruise offers excellent opportunities to view hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and birds along the riverbanks.

Day 4: Visit the Top of the Falls and Transfer to Kibale Forest

Visit the spectacular Top of Murchison Falls where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge before plunging dramatically below. After taking in the breathtaking views, begin the scenic drive south to Kibale Forest National Park. Pass through beautiful countryside, tea plantations, and rural communities before arriving at your lodge.

Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Wetland Walk

After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before entering Kibale Forest in search of chimpanzees. Along the trek, you may encounter several monkey species and colorful forest birds. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community conservation project renowned for birdlife and primates.

Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Depart Kibale Forest and travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Along the way, enjoy spectacular views of crater lakes and the Rwenzori Mountains. Arrive at your lodge and spend the remainder of the day relaxing while enjoying views of the surrounding wilderness.

Day 7: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Begin the day with an early morning game drive through the Kasenyi Plains. Search for lions, elephants, buffaloes, hyenas, antelopes, and other wildlife. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, famous for its dense populations of hippos and crocodiles as well as numerous water birds.

Day 8: Ishasha Sector and Transfer to Bwindi

Travel through the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park in search of the famous tree-climbing lions. Continue through scenic landscapes to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Arrive in the evening and prepare for the highlight of your safari.

Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Following a briefing from park rangers, enter the dense rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family. The trek may take several hours depending on the gorillas' location, but the reward is extraordinary. Once found, spend one unforgettable hour observing the gorillas as they feed, groom, and interact in their natural habitat.

Day 10: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

After breakfast, transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, often described as one of Africa’s most beautiful lakes. Spend the day relaxing, enjoying the scenery, taking photographs, or exploring some of the lake’s famous islands.

Day 11: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

Leave Lake Bunyonyi and continue to Lake Mburo National Park. Arrive in time for an afternoon or evening game drive where you may encounter zebras, impalas, elands, buffaloes, warthogs, and numerous bird species.

Day 12: Walking Safari and Return to Entebbe

Enjoy a guided walking safari with an armed ranger, providing a unique opportunity to experience wildlife on foot. After breakfast, begin the journey back to Entebbe. Stop at the Equator for photographs and souvenir shopping before continuing to Entebbe for your departure flight or hotel drop-off.

Safari Includes

Gorilla trekking permit
Chimpanzee tracking permit
All park entrance fees
Rhino tracking experience
Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Nile River boat cruise
Walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park
Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
Professional English-speaking driver-guide
4x4 safari vehicle and fuel
Bottled drinking water during the safari

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