Ultimate Uganda Private Safari

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 will be spent at Baker’s Lodge including all meals and local drinks. 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.

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. Cruises to the bottom of the falls as well as a Delta Cruise for bird watching/ game viewing are included.

Today a full day’s drive (7-8 hours) will include a 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 the red-tailed monkey, diademed monkey, olive baboon, chimpanzee, and black and white colobus. Two nights in the area allow time for chimpanzee trekking in the forest. Optional additional excursions include a guided forest walk, a visit to the Bigodi Swamps, or the Vanilla Farm close to Ndali. Overnight will be spent at Primate Lodge or similar, including all meals (drinks not included).

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, but the chances of seeing them are very good. Once amongst the Chimpanzees, spend approximately an hour observing and following them. The afternoon will be spent at leisure at your accommodation.

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, which 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 camp of just 10 tents 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 the remote wilderness. The thatched central lounge and dining area offer 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. Your stay at Ishasha Wilderness Camp will include all meals and local drinks.

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 sunset as you enjoy bush sundowners.

A 2-3 hour drive takes you to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a world heritage site. Visit the Ishasha community project en route.

Bwindi National Park, located in southwestern 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 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 rainforest 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 will be spent at Buhoma Lodge, and will include all meals and local drinks.

Few words can describe the thrill of Gorilla Tracking in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park! 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 rainforest 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 will be spent at Buhoma Lodge.

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 will be spent 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.

Depart after breakfast for your light aircraft scheduled flight from Kihihi to Entebbe.