Exclusive Gorilla Vacations

8 Days Exclusive Best Of Uganda Big Five, Primate And White Water Rafting Safari

8 Days Exclusive Best Of Uganda Big Five, Primate And White Water Rafting Safari

Safari overview

Embark on the 8-day Best of Uganda Wildlife Safari, commencing and concluding at Entebbe International Airport. This thrilling African adventure promises an unforgettable journey through Uganda’s diverse landscapes, offering magical encounters with iconic wildlife, primates, and cultural experiences. Explore Murchison Falls National Park, home to the powerful Murchison Falls, and enjoy game drives and a boat cruise on the Victoria Nile. Venture to Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking, encounter diverse wildlife, and culminate the safari in Bwindi for a mesmerizing encounter with mountain gorillas. Conclude your adventure in Jinja with an exhilarating white water rafting experience

Detailed itinerary

Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, our customer care representative and English-speaking safari guide will warmly welcome you before transferring you to Murchison Falls National Park. Your first stop is at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a beacon of hope for conservation. Here, you’ll have the rare chance to track southern white Rhinos, once abundant in the plains of northern Uganda and Murchison Falls before falling victim to poaching. Thanks to dedicated efforts, their numbers are rebounding, paving the way for their eventual return to the wild.

After an exhilarating rhino tracking experience, indulge in a delicious lunch at Kabalega Dinners, immersing yourself in the flavors of Ugandan cuisine amidst serene surroundings.

Continuing your adventure, visiting the magnificent Murchison Falls. Marvel at the breathtaking views and the thunderous sound of the falls as they squeeze through the narrow gorge, cascading into the pool below.

As the day draws to a close, settle into your lodge nestled in the heart of Murchison Falls National Park or nearby. Surrounded by the sights and sounds of the wilderness, gratitude fills your heart for the opportunity to be immersed in such natural splendor. Anticipation mounts for the adventures that await, as you eagerly prepare for the next chapter of your journey.

Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge(Mid range)

Meal plan: Lunch/ Dinner

Start your day with an early morning wake-up call at 6 am, enjoying a quick cup of coffee and snack to prepare for an exciting wildlife adventure. Grab your packed breakfast, hop into the safari vehicle, and embark on a morning game drive safari in Murchison Falls National Park. The dawn hours offer prime opportunities to spot a variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, hyenas, and an array of antelope species, giraffes, buffaloes, and Nubian giraffes that roam the park. Your knowledgeable safari guide will enhance your experience by sharing insights on the wildlife you encounter, ensuring your camera is ready to capture every moment.

After a fulfilling morning drive, return to the lodge for relaxation and lunch before setting off on a 3-hour afternoon boat cruise on the Nile. Departing from Paraa, cruise upstream to the base of the falls, marveling at Nile crocodiles, hippos, and diverse bird species along the riverbanks. The picturesque journey offers sightings of land mammals quenching their thirst and bathing, while an array of birdlife fills the air.

Following the boat cruise, enjoy a leisurely evening at the lodge before heading out for a thrilling night game drive safari. As darkness falls, encounter nocturnal animals such as lions, leopards, hyenas, and grazing hippos in their natural habitat. Capture the magic of the jungle at night, with the chance to witness these creatures in action, adding a truly unforgettable dimension to your safari experience. Conclude the day with a return to the lodge for a restful overnight stay.

Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge(Mid range)

Meal plan: Breakfast/ Lunch/Dinner

 Begin your day by loading your bags into the safari vehicle and savoring a delicious breakfast before checking out of the lodge. Drive leisurely through Murchison Falls National Park, taking in the stunning scenery  and reflecting on the beautiful memories created.

Embark on the journey towards Kibale Forest National Park for a thrilling chimpanzee tracking experience. Along the way, soak in the picturesque views of tea estates, lush forests teeming with wildlife, and the mystical Rwenzori Mountain looming in the distance. En route, stop in Fort Portal City for a delightful lunch break before continuing your drive to Kibale Forest. Upon arrival, encounter a variety of primate species, including black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and olive baboons, amidst the park’s diverse ecosystem. With its rich biodiversity boasting forest elephants, antelopes, and a myriad of bird species, Kibale Forest promises an enchanting wilderness experience. Check in at your lodge for a relaxing overnight stay amidst the natural beauty of the park.

Accommodation: Kibale Safari Lodge

Meal plan: Breakfast/lunch/Dinner

Embark on an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking adventure in Kibale Forest National Park. Following a hearty breakfast, gather at the park’s information center for a briefing on chimpanzee trekking protocols. Begin your forest walk in search of these remarkable primates, accompanied by a variety of forest inhabitants such as L’Hoest monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and olive baboons. Keep a lookout for diverse wildlife, including forest elephants, bush pigs, and buffaloes, as well as numerous bird species like little greenbuls and turacos.

Kibale National Park is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, offering a unique opportunity to observe them year-round. The trek duration can vary from 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on their movements. Upon encountering the chimpanzees, enjoy an hour of mesmerizing observation and interaction, guided by knowledgeable park staff. Receive a certificate of completion at the information center before returning to the lodge for a well-deserved dinner and overnight stay, relishing the adventurous and enriching chimpanzee safari experience.

After lunch, You will have an opportunity to go for a community walk in Bigodi for experiences like African homesteads, Banana bonga products, chimpanzee robusta coffee experience, traditional healers/doctors, handcraft making (ladies weaving baskets and cultural dances), cultural weddings, iron smith, and milking experiences.  Conclude the day with a satisfying dinner, reflecting on the day’s memorable encounters with Uganda’s vibrant wildlife.

Accommodation : Kibale safari Lodge

Meal plan: Breakfast/lunch/Dinner

Wake up early in the morning (5:30am) to prepare yourself. Today , you will have a relatively long journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park about 8 hours. You will drive from Kibale forest national park to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with en route meal in Ishasha sector at Topi Safari Lodge. You will reach late  in the evening and when time allows, you will go for hike to the Batwa pygmies local village is situated will go up a steep hill where you will get to meet them  and interact with thee community pygmies. Once you reach their village, it welcomes you with an open big smile. During your visit , you learn how they hunt, honey gathering, making medicine from herbs, how they made clothing while they still lived in the first, how they kept their children as they did their house duty. They prepare lunch during the trail  and later a very beautiful dance and drumming. The Batwa trail is very wonderful experience which you can add on your gorilla safari while in Bwindi Impenetrable .you  will  then return to lodge for the overnight.

Accommodation: Bakiga Lodge (Mid range)

Meal plan: Breakfast/lunch/Dinner

Prepare for an extraordinary mountain gorilla trekking experience by waking up early and donning the recommended attire: long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, waterproof hiking shoes, a waterproof jacket, a round hat, and heavy-duty gloves to combat the unpredictable forest weather. After breakfast and packing your lunch, meet your safari guide and head to the park information center for a comprehensive pre-trek briefing. Learn about the dos and don’ts, expectations, and code of conduct during the gorilla trek.

Grouped with eight individuals, you will be assigned a specific gorilla family to track, accompanied by armed rangers and a knowledgeable guide. Venture deep into the forest, following trails in search of the mountain gorillas. The trek duration typically ranges from 45 minutes to 6 hours, depending on the gorilla family’s location and movements. Be mentally and physically prepared for the challenging terrain and consider your fitness level when selecting a gorilla family to track.

As you explore, encounter diverse wildlife such as forest elephants, primates, and endemic bird species, with your guide providing insights into the rich ecosystem. Upon meeting the gorilla family, enjoy a mesmerizing hour observing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Respect their space, avoid direct eye contact with the dominant silverback, and maintain a calm demeanor if confronted. After this intimate encounter, receive your trekking certificate as a token of appreciation for contributing to gorilla conservation.

Conclude your day’s adventure by journeying to the picturesque Lake Bunyonyi, reflecting on the unforgettable experience of connecting with these endangered mountain gorillas in the heart of their lush habitat.

Accommodation : Heritage Lodge Habuharo (Mid range)

Meal plan: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Today, enjoy a leisurely morning by waking up at your preferred time and indulging in a delicious breakfast before embarking on a captivating boat canoeing safari on Lake Bunyonyi. Spend approximately 2 hours exploring the lake’s 29 enchanting islands with a knowledgeable local guide, who will regale you with intriguing stories about each island, including the infamous Punishment Island. This historical site was used by the Bakiga community to discipline girls who became pregnant before marriage, shedding light on cultural practices and societal norms.

Following the serene canoeing experience, return to the lodge to check out and commence your journey to Jinja, an 8-hour drive from Kabale. Enjoy a lunch stopover in Mbarara at Igongo before continuing to Kampala, where you can pause at the Equator for memorable photographs and craft shopping. Finally, head to Jinja for an exhilarating white-water rafting adventure, capping off a day filled with exploration, cultural insights, and thrilling activities

Accommodation : 2Friends Hotel (Mid range)

Meal plan: Breakfast/ lunch/dinner

After enjoying your breakfast, you will embark on a short drive, approximately 15 minutes, to the starting point for your white water rafting adventure on Lake Victoria. This thrilling experience takes place at the point where the Nile River separates from the lake. Adrift Uganda is a reputable company that organizes white water rafting at Lake Victoria and the source of the Nile in Jinja, offering a memorable and well-documented experience.

The source of the Nile provides the perfect setting for white water rafting, with each rafting trip captured on film or video for lasting memories. The rafting route stretches approximately 30 kilometers and features rapids of varying grades. As you progress, you’ll encounter different grades of rapids, ranging from lower grades that build confidence to the exhilarating Grade 5 rapids, known for their turbulence.

White water rafting on Lake Victoria is suitable for both young adults and adults alike. Younger participants can enjoy the first and second grades of rapids, while the more adventurous can tackle higher grades. During the journey, you’ll be accompanied by a fleet of rescue teams comprising kayaks and safety boats, ensuring the safety of all participants.

Rafters may experience fatigue and falls, especially when navigating the challenging Grade 4 and 5 rapids, but the dedicated rescue teams are on hand to assist. The rafting experience covers grades 1 to 12, with Grade 5 being the most challenging. Along the Nile, you may also spot various bird species and other wildlife.

After the exhilarating white water rafting experience, you will return to your lodge and then transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your flight back home, concluding your unforgettable adventure in Uganda.

Meal plan: Breakfast/ lunch

Package price includes:

Return airport transfer (pick up and drop off at Entebbe International airport)

Private English speaking safari guide for 8 days

Private transport for8 days using a Land cruiser safari vehicle which is 4*4WD, air conditioned and pop up roof

Fuel for 8 days

Meals and mineral water provided throughout the tour

All government applicable taxes

Accommodation for7 nights

All park entrances and activities

1 mountain gorilla trekking permit per person($800)

1 chimpanzee trekking permit per person($250)

A visit to the top of Murchison Falls and Hiking safari

Morning and night game drive safari in Murchison falls national park

3 hours boat cruise safari on the Nile

White water rafting

The package price excludes;

Domestic and International flights except where mentioned

Country entry visa

Meals at the lodge

Personal travel insurance

Souvenirs/ gifts and tips

Items of personal nature/ laundry/ telephone charges

Extra meals and activities not mentioned in the itinerary

Alcoholic and other soft drinks (sodas, special juice order at the lodge and whine) 

 

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