The 11 Days Uganda Safari Classic Tour is a guided tour that takes you through some of Uganda's most famous national parks and cultural attractions. The tour starts with an airport pick-up and transfer to the hotel in Entebbe. The itinerary includes visits to Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Bwindi National Park, where visitors will have the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife, including chimpanzees and mountain gorillas.
In addition to wildlife viewing, the tour also includes cultural experiences, such as the Batwa Trail Experience, where visitors will learn about the Batwa people, one of Uganda's indigenous groups. The tour also includes scenic drives through rural areas, giving visitors a chance to see the countryside and meet local people.
Overall, the 11 Days Uganda Safari Classic Tour is a great way to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of Uganda, and is suitable for travelers looking for an adventurous and immersive experience.
Trip highlights
This itinerary includes some of the highlights of Uganda's wildlife and culture, as well as the beautiful scenery of the country. Here are some of the highlights you can expect on this trip:
· Murchison Falls National Park: This park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo, and many species of antelope. The highlight of the park is the famous Murchison Falls, where the Nile River is squeezed through a narrow gorge before plunging down to create a thundering waterfall. A boat cruise on the Nile River is a great way to get up close to the falls and see hippos, crocodiles, and many bird species.
· Kibale National Park: This park is known for its population of chimpanzees, as well as other primates such as colobus monkeys and baboons. Chimpanzee trekking is a unique and unforgettable experience, allowing you to observe these intelligent and social animals in their natural habitat. In addition to the primates, Kibale is also home to many bird species, butterflies, and other wildlife.
· Queen Elizabeth National Park: This park is a diverse mix of savannah, forest, and wetland habitats, which makes it home to an incredible array of wildlife. Highlights include lions, leopards, elephants, hyenas, and many species of antelope. A boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel is a great way to see hippos, crocodiles, and many bird species up close.
· Bwindi National Park: This park is home to almost half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas, and gorilla trekking is an experience that is on many travelers' bucket lists. A gorilla trek involves hiking through the dense forest to find a family of gorillas, and then spending an hour observing them as they go about their daily lives. In addition to the gorillas, Bwindi is also home to many other primates, as well as forest elephants and a variety of bird species.
· Batwa Trail Experience: The Batwa people are one of Uganda's indigenous groups, and a cultural tour of their community is a great way to learn about their way of life and traditions. The Batwa Trail Experience involves hiking through the forest with Batwa guides, who will show you how they used to live off the land and teach you about their cultural practices.
· Scenic Drives: This itinerary includes several scenic drives, which will give you the opportunity to see the rural countryside of Uganda and meet some of the locals. You'll pass through villages, farmland, and beautiful landscapes, and your driver will be able to provide you with insights into the culture and way of life of the Ugandan people.
After arriving at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by a driver who will be holding a sign with your name on it. They will assist you with your luggage and then transfer you to your hotel in Kampala, which is about a 45-minute drive from the airport. Once you arrive at your hotel, you can check in and rest for a bit after your long journey. If you're feeling up to it, you can also explore the city and see some of its sights. Some popular things to do in Kampala include visiting the Uganda Museum, taking a stroll through the vibrant Nakasero Market, or seeing the Gaddafi National Mosque. You may also want to try some local cuisine at one of the city's many restaurants or cafes. Ugandan cuisine is known for its stews, grilled meats, and plantain dishes, and there are many delicious options to choose from in Kampala. Overall, Day 1 is all about settling in and getting acclimated to your new surroundings. You can take it easy or be adventurous, depending on how you're feeling after your flight.
You will start the day with breakfast at your hotel in Kampala, and then meet your driver who will be waiting to pick you up. You will then begin your journey to Murchison Falls National Park, which is located about 300 km (186 miles) from Kampala. The drive will take approximately 5-6 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions. You will pass through beautiful scenery and traditional villages along the way. You will also have a chance to stop for a quick break or stretch your legs. Once you arrive at Murchison Falls National Park, you will check into your accommodation, which could be a lodge or a tented camp depending on your preference. You can relax for the rest of the day and enjoy the serene surroundings. In the evening, you can take a nature walk around the lodge to see some of the smaller wildlife in the park such as primates, bushbucks, and duikers. You may also enjoy a refreshing drink or dinner at the lodge, and perhaps chat with other travelers or the friendly staff about your upcoming activities. Overall, Day 2 is primarily a travel day, but the scenery along the way is well worth the journey, and you will have a chance to get a feel for the countryside of Uganda. Once you arrive at Murchison Falls National Park, you will be ready to explore and discover the amazing wildlife that the park has to offer.
You will start the day early with a morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park. Your experienced guide will pick you up from your lodge and take you on a safari drive through the park. Murchison Falls is the largest national park in Uganda, covering an area of 3,840 square kilometers, and is home to a wide variety of wildlife. The park is known for its large population of elephants, lions, giraffes, antelopes, and many species of birds, including the rare shoebill stork. During the game drive, you will have a chance to see the park's wildlife up close and personal. You will drive through the savannah grasslands, which are dotted with acacia trees and scrubland, and search for animals in their natural habitat. Your guide will use their knowledge of the park to help you spot animals and point out interesting facts about the wildlife and their behaviors. After the game drive, you will return to your lodge for lunch and some rest. In the afternoon, you will embark on a boat cruise along the Nile River, which is the longest river in the world. During the boat ride, you will have the opportunity to see hippos, crocodiles, and many water birds, such as the African fish eagle, pied kingfisher, and the rare shoebill stork. The highlight of the boat ride is the Murchison Falls, which is located in the northern part of the park. The falls are a magnificent sight, where the Nile River plunges through a narrow gorge, creating a powerful spray and thundering sound. You will have a chance to take photos and enjoy the view of the falls from the boat. After the boat ride, you will return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay, resting for the next day's adventure.
After breakfast, you will check out of your lodge in Murchison Falls National Park and depart for Kibale National Park, located in western Uganda. The journey is a long one, spanning approximately 7-8 hours, but the scenic drive is full of breathtaking views of the Ugandan countryside, and you'll have opportunities to stop and stretch your legs along the way. You may want to pack some snacks and drinks for the journey, as well as some entertainment, like books, music or podcasts. Upon arrival at Kibale National Park, you will check into your accommodation, which may include lodges, campsites, and cottages. You can then take some time to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings of the park, and depending on the time of your arrival, you may be able to participate in optional activities such as guided forest walks, birdwatching, or simply relaxing in the lodge. Kibale National Park is one of the best places in the world to see chimpanzees in their natural habitat, and your visit to Kibale is timed to allow you to go on a chimpanzee trek the following day. You can learn more about the trekking experience and what to expect from your guide or from the staff at your accommodation. In the evening, you can enjoy a delicious dinner at your accommodation, which may include traditional Ugandan cuisine, and perhaps a briefing from the park rangers about the next day's activities. You can then retire to your comfortable room for a good night's sleep, preparing for the exciting chimpanzee trekking experience the next day.
On Day 5, you will go on a chimpanzee trek in Kibale National Park. This will be a guided walk through the forest in search of chimpanzees. The trek will start early in the morning, and you will be accompanied by an experienced guide who will lead you through the forest, helping you to spot primates and other animals along the way. Kibale National Park is known for having one of the highest densities of primates in Africa, so you will have a high chance of seeing chimpanzees. However, seeing them is not guaranteed, as they are wild animals and move around freely. During the trek, you may also see other primates such as red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys. The trek can be quite challenging as you will be walking through dense forest, and the terrain can be uneven. It is recommended that you wear comfortable shoes and clothes that can withstand some dirt and mud. The trek can last between 2-5 hours, depending on how long it takes to locate the chimpanzees. When you do find them, you will be allowed to observe them for up to one hour, while maintaining a safe distance and following the park's guidelines. After the trek, you will return to your lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, you will visit a nearby community to learn about the local culture and way of life. This will give you a chance to interact with the local people, learn about their traditions, and see how they live their daily lives. You may also get to participate in some cultural activities, such as dancing or cooking traditional food. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the local culture and to gain a deeper understanding of the country you are visiting. Overall, Day 5 is a great opportunity to connect with nature and the local community, and to learn more about Uganda's rich cultural heritage.
After breakfast, you will check out of your accommodation in Kibale National Park and set off for Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is located in western Uganda. The drive will take about 3-4 hours, and you will have an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery and make a few stops along the way. When you arrive at Queen Elizabeth National Park, you will check into your accommodation and rest for a while before embarking on an evening game drive. You will set out on a 4x4 safari vehicle with an experienced guide who will help you spot wildlife such as elephants, buffaloes, lions, hyenas, and many species of antelopes. The game drive will last for about 3 hours, and you will have plenty of opportunities to take photos and ask your guide any questions you may have about the wildlife and the park. After the game drive, you will return to your accommodation for dinner and a good night's rest. Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the most popular and diverse national parks in Uganda, and the game drive is a great way to experience the park's wildlife and natural beauty.
On the seventh day of your itinerary, you will start with an early morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. You will be picked up from your lodge by a driver-guide and head out into the park in a 4x4 vehicle. The game drive typically starts at around 6:30 am and lasts for about 3-4 hours. During the game drive, you will explore the vast savannah plains of the park and look for the park's wildlife. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, hyenas, antelopes, and many species of birds. One of the highlights of the game drive is the rare tree-climbing lions that are found in the park. These lions have adapted to climb trees to escape from the heat and avoid insect bites. Your driver-guide will take you to the areas of the park where the lions are known to climb trees, and you may have the opportunity to see them resting in the branches. After the game drive, you will return to your lodge for lunch and some rest. In the afternoon, you will go on an afternoon launch cruise along the Kazinga Channel. The channel is a natural waterway that connects two lakes in the park, Lake George and Lake Edward. During the cruise, you will have an opportunity to see many water birds, including pelicans, eagles, herons, and kingfishers. You may also see hippos, buffaloes, and elephants that come to the channel to drink and cool off. The cruise typically lasts for about 2 hours. After the launch cruise, you will return to your lodge for dinner and overnight. This day provides a unique opportunity to see wildlife in the park both on land and in water, making it a memorable and exciting experience.
After breakfast at your accommodation in Queen Elizabeth National Park, you will start your journey to Bwindi National Park, which is located in southwestern Uganda. The drive will take around 4-6 hours, depending on the route you take and any stops you make along the way. Bwindi National Park is known for its gorilla trekking experiences, and it's home to almost half of the world's mountain gorillas. The park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique biodiversity and the protection of the endangered gorilla species. During the drive, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty of the region, which is known for its rolling hills, tea plantations, and traditional homesteads. You can stop for lunch in a town along the way or bring a packed lunch from your previous accommodation. When you arrive at Bwindi National Park, you will check into your accommodation and rest for the remainder of the day. This will give you time to prepare for the gorilla trekking experience the next day. You may also want to explore the nearby town or take a guided nature walk in the park. In the evening, you will have dinner at your lodge and have a briefing with your guide about the gorilla trekking experience. They will explain the guidelines and regulations to follow during the trek, and answer any questions you may have. You will also get to know the rest of your group, who will be trekking with you the following day.
On day 9 of your itinerary, you will wake up early in the morning to set off on a gorilla tracking expedition in Bwindi National Park. This is one of the most thrilling and unforgettable experiences you can have in Uganda. You will be led by experienced guides who will take you deep into the forest to search for a family of gorillas. The trek can take anywhere from 1-6 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas. When you find the gorillas, you will be allowed to spend up to one hour observing them as they feed, play, and interact with each other. This is a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The gorilla trekking experience is carefully managed to minimize any impact on the gorillas, and your guide will provide you with detailed instructions to ensure your safety and the safety of the gorillas. After the gorilla trek, you will return to your lodge for lunch and some rest. In the afternoon, you will visit the Batwa community, a group of indigenous people who used to live in the forest before it became a national park. You will have the opportunity to learn about their traditional way of life, including their hunting and gathering techniques, music, dance, and storytelling. The Batwa Trail Experience is an opportunity to connect with the local community and learn about their unique culture and heritage.
On the 10th day of your itinerary, after breakfast, you will leave Bwindi National Park and travel to Lake Mburo National Park, which is located in the western part of Uganda. The drive will take approximately 4-5 hours, and you will have the chance to see the stunning countryside scenery along the way. When you arrive at Lake Mburo National Park, you will check in to your accommodation, and then you will have some free time to relax, have lunch, or explore the area around your lodge. In the late afternoon, you will go on an evening game drive in the park, accompanied by an experienced guide. The game drive will take about 2-3 hours, and you will have the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife, such as zebras, impalas, buffaloes, warthogs, and many bird species. Lake Mburo National Park is the only national park in Uganda where you can see zebras and impalas, making it a unique destination. The park is also home to over 350 bird species, making it a great spot for birdwatching. After the game drive, you will return to your accommodation for dinner and spend the night at the lodge.
After breakfast, you will begin your journey back to Kampala or Entebbe, depending on your departure plans. You can expect a drive of several hours, during which you will pass through the beautiful countryside of Uganda. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to take in more of the stunning scenery that Uganda has to offer. You may also want to take this opportunity to reflect on your time in Uganda and the experiences you've had. You may have made new friends, seen incredible wildlife, or learned about the local culture and way of life. Whatever your experiences have been, take some time to savor them and reflect on how they have impacted you. As you approach Kampala or Entebbe, you may encounter more traffic and urban development. However, this will also give you the chance to see a different side of Uganda, including its bustling cities and thriving communities. Once you arrive in Kampala or Entebbe, you can either head directly to the airport for your departure, or you may choose to spend some time exploring the city. Kampala is known for its vibrant markets, delicious food, and historical landmarks, while Entebbe offers beautiful beaches and lakeside activities. If you have time, consider visiting some of the local attractions or enjoying a final meal in Uganda before you depart. Overall, Day 11 will be a day of travel and reflection, as you make your way back to Kampala or Entebbe and prepare to depart Uganda.