The Ultimate Uganda Private Safari

Tour Highlights:

• Gorilla trekking
• Chimp trekking & bird watching
• Murchison Falls boat cruise
• Cruise on Kazinga Channel
• Queen Elizabeth National Park

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.

Overnight at Hotel No.5 (www.hotelnumber5.com) or similar, with breakfast included.

Day 2

You will be collected from your hotel in Entebbe after breakfast and transferred by private vehicle to Murchison Falls National Park, a journey of around 5-6 hours. Enjoy a picnic lunch en-route.

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest National Park where four of the “big five” (Cape buffalo, elephant, lion, and leopard) can be seen, especially in the North of the park. At the top of Murchison Falls, the Nile forces its way through a gap in the rocks, only 7 metres (23 ft) wide, and tumbles 43 metres (141 ft), before flowing  into Lake Albert.

Overnight Baker’s Lodge including all meals and local drinks. (www.ugandaexclusivecamps.com)

Set on the banks of the mighty Nile River which transects Murchison Falls National Park, this intimate, upmarket lodge offers ten spacious thatched cottages raised on wooden decks and dotted beneath large shady trees. Baker’s is an eco-friendly lodge, complete with solar heated water and lighting. Relax on your private deck as you soak up the beautiful river views, while hippos wallow just steps away.

Day 3&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.

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).

(https://ugandalodges.com/primate/.com)

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. www.ugandaexclusivecamps.com                                                      

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. (www.ugandaexclusivecamps.com )

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.

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 drinks
• Services 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

Permit costs – quoted separately  

Gorilla Trekking permit                            USD 600 per person (USD 700 from July 2020)

Chimpanzee trekking permit Kibale         USD 150 per person (USD 200 from July 2020)

Package Excludes:

• Visas and travel insurance
• All international flights and airport taxes
• Personal expenses such as porters and gratuities
• Services/activities/meals/ drinks not included above

The 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. 

Please note – two gorilla trekking options are available on this itinerary. Please specify your permit requirements at time of booking.

GORILLA TREKKING AREAS & PERMIT ALLOCATIONS

On our scheduled departures, we typically buy permits for Buhoma & Ruhija, which are accessible from Buhoma area.  One of the Buhoma families, and the Ruhija families, require a road transfer to the start point.  This does not deviate from the enjoyment of the trek (and could be considered as enhancing your trip as you are seeing a different part of the region).  Furthermore, your permit may be organised for day 3, or 4, of your safari.  It will depend on availability at the time of purchase.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS:

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: 

Yellow fever inoculation is compulsory & malaria prophylactics are recommended. For gorilla trekking it is imperative that you are healthy and free of any disease or virus – officials do have the right to refuse entry if you are found to have or show any signs of communicable illnesses.  Should you opt to spend time participating in any UWEC Wildlife Integration programme, you may require additional inoculations and health clearances.

VISA REQUIREMENTS: 

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Uganda. All visitors who require a visa should apply through the online application system prior to arrival at https://visas.immigration.go.ug.  Cost is USD 50 single entry.  Passports must be valid for a minimum of 6 months after return date of travel, or 12 months in the case of UK nationals, and have at least 3 blank pages in it.  The newly established EAC Visa allows entry into Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya for one fee of USD100 – handy if you are visiting all three regions.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Is compulsory for all guests travelling with Wild Frontiers.