($4848 pp/2pax)
Overview:
Uganda Rhino Trekking Tour; we had Rhinos in the northern circuit until 1983 when the last one was seen. In 1997 The Rhino Fund Uganda started a big task of reintroducing them into the Country. In 2005 the first 6 rhinos were relocated into Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, with an intention of reintroducing them into Uganda’s conservation areas, where they have been before. So on this safari we will have a chance of visiting this sanctuary and trek the Rhinos.
Day 1. Kampala – Murchison Falls National Park.
The begins with a morning breakfast and after depart Kampala heading for Murchison Falls National Park with a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary the home for Rhinos in Uganda (Uganda Rhino Trekking Tour) and lunch stop at Kabalega Dinners. We later enter the park through Kichombanyobo gate and visit magnificent falls where you will enjoy and marvel at the mighty River Nile being forced in a seven meters crevice to thunder 45 meters below a series of cascades that can be seen from different points up to the summit and we later go and check into the service of Pakuba Safari Lodge, dinner and overnight.
Your adventure begins with breakfast in Kampala before setting out for Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area. Along the way, you pause at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in the country where rhinos are being successfully reintroduced into the wild. A guided walk here allows you to observe these endangered giants up close, while learning about the important conservation efforts that safeguard their future. Uganda Rhino Trekking Tour, is one of the adventurous experiences done at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Continuing north, you stop for lunch at Kabalega Dinners, a convenient and welcoming roadside restaurant, before proceeding toward the park. Entering through the Kichumbanyobo Gate, your first experience of Murchison is truly unforgettable. You visit the legendary Murchison Falls, where the mighty River Nile is forced through a narrow seven-meter gorge and plunges 45 meters into a churning pool below. The thunderous roar, rising spray, and rainbow-filled mist create one of Africa’s most dramatic natural spectacles, viewed from several vantage points, including the summit.
By evening, you arrive at Pakuba Safari Lodge, your base for the next two nights. Nestled along the banks of the Nile, the lodge offers comfort and sweeping views over the savannah. Dinner is served as you settle into the rhythm of the wilderness, surrounded by the sounds of the African night.
Overnight at Pakuba Safari Lodge
Basis: Full Board
Day 2. Murchison Falls National Park.
After an early morning breakfast, we drive down to the ferry and cross the Nile to the Northern sector of the park where we shall do our game drive in search for wildlife that includes elephants, buffaloes, water-bucks, giraffes, oribis, hart beasts, Kobs, warthogs, lions, jackals, leopards according to the luck of the day and a variety of savannah and woodland birds can be seen. The drive normally takes 3-4 hours according to how much you see and the interest you have in them.
We drive back to the lodge, relax for a while, have lunch and then at 2:00pm we go for the boat cruise on close quarters as the animals draw down the river bank to cool off. Here you get a chance of seeing many schools of hippos, crocodile, buffaloes, elephants and a variety of water birds. We come back after 3 hours to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 3. Murchison Falls – Semliki National Park.
After an early breakfast, you leave Murchison Falls National Park and set out on a full day’s journey toward Semuliki National Park. The drive takes you through the heart of western Uganda, passing traditional villages where daily life unfolds along the roadside, and into the lush, rolling hills of the Tooro Kingdom, blanketed with neat rows of tea plantations that glisten in the morning light.
The journey typically takes 7–8 hours, with road conditions varying as construction continues along certain sections. While the drive is long, the changing landscapes and occasional roadside stops provide fascinating glimpses into Uganda’s countryside and culture.
By late afternoon or early evening, you arrive at Semuliki National Park, a remote and biodiverse treasure on the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. After check-in at Bumaga Camp, you have time to relax and refresh before dinner is served. The evening is spent surrounded by the forested foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, where the air is alive with the chorus of night sounds, setting the stage for tomorrow’s explorations.
Overnight at Bumaga Camp
Basis: Full Board
Day 4. Sempaya Hotsprings, Semuliki National Park.
After breakfast, you set out for a guided walk through the Sempaya Hot Springs in the heart of Semuliki National Park. This lush, tropical reserve lies within the Albertine Rift Valley and is celebrated for its steamy geothermal wonders, towering forests, and remarkable biodiversity. As you follow winding trails beneath the canopy, your guide shares stories of the park’s cultural legends and unique ecosystem, where hot mineral waters bubble dramatically from the earth.
A picnic lunch is prepared and enjoyed in a scenic clearing, offering time to relax and take in the atmosphere of one of Uganda’s most untouched landscapes. Semuliki is often referred to as a meeting point of Central and East Africa, where wildlife and birdlife reflect influences from both regions, making it an important conservation area.
In the afternoon, your journey continues by road toward Kibale National Park, a drive that gradually reveals changing landscapes, from lowland forests to fertile countryside dotted with small villages and tea plantations. You arrive by early evening and settle into the comfort of Kibale Forest Lodge, surrounded by greenery and the calls of forest birds. Dinner is served in the lodge’s dining area, and the evening is yours to unwind in preparation for tomorrow’s adventures.
Overnight at Kibale Forest Lodge
Basis: Full Board
Day 5. Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest.
After breakfast, you set out into the heart of Kibale National Park, home to the highest diversity and concentration of primates in East Africa. Accompanied by experienced trackers, you venture along forest trails in search of habituated Chimpanzees, whose loud calls echo through the canopy. Encounters here are unforgettable as you watch these intelligent primates swing through the trees, forage for fruit, or interact in their complex social groups. Along the way, you may also glimpse red colobus monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, baboons, and the striking red-tailed monkey. The forest is equally rich in birdlife, with the possibility of spotting colorful turacos and forest hornbills.
By early afternoon, you return to the lodge to relax and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the forest. The afternoon brings another highlight: a guided excursion to the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-managed conservation area known for its biodiversity and cultural importance. Walking along boardwalks and narrow paths, you may spot more primates, sitatunga antelope, and an impressive array of birds, including the rare great blue turaco.
As the sun begins to dip, you return to Kibale Forest Lodge. The evening is spent at leisure, perhaps with a drink around the fire before dinner is served. The tranquil forest setting creates the perfect close to a day filled with discovery and wildlife encounters.
Overnight at Kibale Forest Lodge
Basis: Full Board
Day 6. Kibale Forest – Queen Elizabeth National Park.
After a relaxed breakfast, you depart Kibale forest and begin your journey toward Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most celebrated wildlife reserves. The drive is as rewarding as the destination, taking you through the scenic crater lakes region, a landscape dotted with sparkling volcanic lakes and verdant hillsides. As the road continues, the dramatic backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains, often shrouded in mist, rises on the horizon. These mountains, also known as the “Mountains of the Moon,” are renowned for their snowcapped peaks and unique alpine vegetation.
A stop is made en route for lunch before continuing into the park. By late afternoon, you arrive at the gates of Queen Elizabeth and enjoy a leisurely mini game drive as you make your way to your lodge. This first introduction to the park may reveal elephants, buffalo herds, or antelope grazing across the savanna. The park is known for its incredible variety of habitats, from open grasslands to papyrus swamps, making it one of the most biodiverse in Africa.
As evening approaches, you settle into the comfort of Bush Lodge, located within close reach of the park’s wildlife-rich plains. Dinner is served under the stars, with the sounds of the African night—distant calls of hyenas or the grunts of hippos—adding to the atmosphere. It is a perfect beginning to your Queen Elizabeth experience.
Overnight at Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge
Basis: Full Board
Day 7. Game Drive & Boat Cruise – Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The day begins early as we drive to the Kasenyi plains for the game drive in search for wildlife which includes, elephants, buffaloes, Kobs (the national animal for Uganda) hyenas, lions, water-bucks, bush bucks, and leopards according to the luck of the day. This normally takes about 2 – 3 hours and we come back to the hostel for breakfast, relax around, have lunch and later at 3:00pm.
We go for the boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel for yet another but different view of wildlife at close quarters as they come to cool off at the bank of the channel between lakes George and Edward. On this boat trip we are likely to encounter schools of hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants, water-bucks, and hundreds of bird species, come back to the lodge for dinner and over night.
Day 8. Queen Elizabeth National Park.
After breakfast, we visit Kyambura Wildlife reserve. You drive through the grassland area and come across an impressive river line gorge with a rain forest which is about 100 meters deep. You look into the river gorge for an unforgettable chimp trekking experience. Its a rewarding experience trekking chimpanzees in the beautiful river valley that houses numerous birds and butterfly species. We come back to the hostel for lunch, relax around and later in the evening go for another game drive along Kazinga channel and the crater area. Come back to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 9. Queen Elizabeth – Bwindi Impenetrable Park.
After breakfast, you check out and begin the journey south toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, traveling through the remote and wildlife-rich Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This southern section is famed for its unusual population of tree-climbing lions, often seen draped across the branches of fig trees as they rest in the heat of the day. With patience and a bit of luck, you may spot these elusive cats, along with herds of elephants and topi grazing across the open plains.
A picnic-style lunch is enjoyed along the way before the road gradually climbs into the cooler highlands of southwestern Uganda. The scenery shifts dramatically, with rolling hills blanketed by tea plantations and dense forests that give way to the mist-covered slopes of Bwindi. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Africa’s most biologically diverse rainforests and the sanctuary of more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
By late afternoon, you arrive at Trekkers’ Tervan Cottages, a charming lodge nestled near the park boundary. After settling into your cottage, there is time to relax and take in the tranquil mountain setting before dinner is served. The evening is spent preparing for tomorrow’s once-in-a-lifetime gorilla tracking adventure.
Overnight at Trekkers’ Tervan Cottages
Basis: Full Board
Day 10. Bwindi impenetrable forest (Gorilla Trekking).
After an early breakfast, you make your way to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park visitor center, where the anticipation builds for your long-awaited gorilla trekking adventure. Here, park rangers provide a detailed briefing on the day ahead—covering the rules of gorilla viewing, the forest’s ecology, and tips to ensure a safe and respectful experience. With excitement in the air, you set out in small groups, led by experienced trackers who guide you through dense rainforest terrain in search of a gorilla family.
The trek itself is part of the adventure, often weaving through steep slopes, tangled vines, and occasionally muddy paths. The time it takes to locate the gorillas varies widely—sometimes just a couple of hours, other times much longer—but the reward at the end is extraordinary. Once your group encounters a gorilla family, you are allowed a precious hour in their company. Observing these gentle giants—watching young ones play, mothers nurture their infants, and the dominant silverback keep watch—is a profoundly moving wildlife experience and a highlight of any journey through Africa.
Because the trek can be demanding, you are advised to carry essentials such as sturdy walking shoes, a rain jacket, insect repellent, drinking water, and the packed lunch provided by your lodge. The park strictly enforces the one-hour viewing limit to ensure the gorillas are protected and remain wild, but the memories of this encounter will last a lifetime.
By late afternoon, you return to Trekkers’ Tervan Cottages to rest and reflect on the day’s remarkable experience. Dinner is served in the lodge’s cozy dining area, surrounded by the forested slopes that shelter these rare and endangered primates.
Overnight at Trekkers’ Tervan Cottages
Basis: Full Board
Day 11. Bwindi National Park – Lake Bunyonyi.
After a relaxed breakfast, you bid farewell to the misty slopes of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and set out toward Kabale, traveling through the scenic Ruhija sector. The drive is a rewarding one, weaving through terraced hillsides, dense forest patches, and rural villages that offer glimpses into the rhythms of daily life in southwestern Uganda. Along the way, the cool mountain air and sweeping views remind you why this part of the country is often referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa.”
By early afternoon, you arrive at the shores of Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda’s most picturesque natural treasures. The lake, whose name means “place of little birds,” is dotted with 29 small islands and surrounded by lush, green hills. Known for its depth and serene beauty, Bunyonyi is also bilharzia-free and safe for swimming, making it a beloved retreat for both locals and travelers.
You check in at Bunyonyi Overland Camp, where charming cottages overlook the sparkling waters. After lunch, the afternoon is yours to relax and take in the peaceful surroundings. You might choose to unwind on the lakeshore, enjoy a short canoe ride, or simply sit back and admire the changing light over the water. Dinner is served in the camp’s restaurant, with the calm of the lake creating a soothing backdrop for the evening.
Overnight at Bunyonyi Overland Camp (Cottages)
Basis: Full Board
Day 12. Lake Bunyonyi
Today is dedicated to the tranquility of Lake Bunyonyi, offering a welcome pause after the exhilarating adventures in Bwindi. The lake’s calm waters and terraced hillsides create an atmosphere of serenity, making it an ideal place to slow down and absorb the beauty of Uganda’s highlands. From your lodge, you can simply relax along the lakeshore, enjoying the cooler climate and the gentle chorus of birds that give Bunyonyi its name, “place of little birds.”
For those who wish to be more active, a variety of optional experiences are available. You may set out on a traditional dugout canoe ride to explore the lake’s many islands, each with its own story and charm, or take a guided walk to meet members of the local Batwa community, sometimes referred to as pygmies, whose culture and traditions are deeply tied to the forest. The area is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with more than 200 species recorded here, including kingfishers, herons, and the iconic grey crowned crane.
As the day winds down, you return to the comfort of Bunyonyi Overland Camp. Dinner is enjoyed in a relaxed setting, with the quiet waters of the lake reflecting the stars above. It is a perfect ending to a restorative day in one of Uganda’s most scenic and peaceful landscapes.
Overnight at Bunyonyi Overland Camp (Cottages)
Basis: Full Board
Day 13. Lake Bunyonyi – Lake Mburo National Park.
After breakfast, you depart the peaceful shores of Lake Bunyonyi and begin the journey north toward Lake Mburo National Park. The drive takes about four to five hours, passing through the terraced hillsides of Kabale and the busy town of Mbarara, one of Uganda’s largest urban centers. Along the way, you stop for lunch before continuing toward the park, where the landscape gradually shifts from highland greenery to the rolling savannas and acacia woodlands characteristic of Lake Mburo.
Entering the park in the afternoon, you enjoy a mini game drive as you make your way to your accommodation. Though the smallest of Uganda’s savanna parks, Lake Mburo is rich in wildlife and offers excellent chances to spot impala, zebra, buffalo, and eland. The park is also home to leopard and hyena, often glimpsed in the quieter hours.
At around 4:00 p.m., you set out for a boat cruise on Lake Mburo, an ideal way to explore the park’s waterways. Along the banks and in the shallows, you may see pods of hippos, basking crocodiles, and large monitor lizards, while the skies and papyrus fringes are alive with birdlife. The lake is especially rewarding for bird enthusiasts, with sightings that may include the papyrus gonolek and the rare African finfoot.
As evening settles in, you check-in to Eagle’s Nest Camp, a lodge set on a high ridge with sweeping views across the park. Dinner is enjoyed here, accompanied by the sounds of the bush that carry through the night.
Overnight at Eagle’s Nest
Basis: Full Board
Day 14. Lake Mburo National Park – Kampala.
The day begins with an early breakfast before you set out on a final game drive in Lake Mburo National Park. This compact yet diverse reserve offers excellent wildlife viewing, and the morning hours are particularly rewarding as animals are most active. You may encounter herds of zebra, graceful impala, buffalo, and if fortunate, the park’s shy eland—the largest of the antelope species. Lake Mburo is also notable for its rich birdlife, with species such as the lilac-breasted roller and the rare shoebill stork often sighted along the wetlands.
After the drive, you continue your journey toward Kampala, traveling through Uganda’s central region. The route offers glimpses of the countryside—rolling hills, roadside markets, and villages that showcase the country’s vibrant rural life. A stop is made en route for lunch before arriving in the capital by late afternoon.
In Kampala, you check in at Forest Cottages, a welcoming property set amidst tranquil gardens that provide a sense of seclusion within the bustling city. Dinner is served at the lodge, and the evening is yours to relax, reflecting on the many landscapes and wildlife encounters that have shaped your Ugandan journey.
Overnight at Forest Cottages
Basis: Full Board
Day 15. Kampala City Tour.
After breakfast, your driver/ guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you for the city tour that includes visiting traditional/ cultural places like the Kasubi tombs, the Buganda Royal Senate (Bulange) the Kings Palace, Uganda museum, Uganda Martyrs shrine Namugongo, the religious cathedrals, craft markets and many more. You have lunch and then go to the airport for your flight home.
After breakfast, your driver–guide meets you for a Kampala city tour, offering insight into the history, culture, and spiritual traditions of Uganda’s capital. The morning begins with visits to some of the country’s most important cultural landmarks, such as the Kasubi Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and burial ground of Buganda kings, and the Bulange Royal Senate. Nearby, the King’s Palace provides a glimpse into both Uganda’s regal heritage and its modern history.
You then continue to the Uganda Museum, the oldest in East Africa, where exhibits trace the nation’s archaeological, cultural, and natural history. A stop at the Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo offers a moving experience, honoring the Christian converts who were executed for their faith in the late 19th century. Depending on time and interest, the tour may also include visits to Kampala’s cathedrals or bustling craft markets, where artisans display handmade jewelry, textiles, and carvings.
Following lunch, your guide transfers you to Entebbe International Airport in time for your onward flight. As your journey comes to an end, you leave with vivid memories of Uganda’s diverse landscapes, its wildlife wonders, and the warmth of its people.
Safari Summary:
Tour Duration: 15 Days & 14 Nights
Departure / Return Location: Entebbe, Uganda
Destinations on Tour:
- Entebbe
- Murchison Falls NP
- Semliki National Park
- Kibale Forest NP
- Queen Elizabeth NP
- Bwindi Impenetrable NP
- Lake Bunyonyi
- Lake Mburo NP
- Kampala
Quotation 2 Pax / Per Person: $ 4848 High Season & $4440 Low Season.
Terrain Safaris Itinerary
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Here are some of our tours; Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Safari – Bwindi Gorilla Tour – Kibale Chimpanzee Trekking Tour – Uganda Cultural Tour – Murchison Falls Wildlife Safari & Uganda Primates Tour
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