11-day Uganda highlights small-group safari

Depart from Entebbe and drive north-west through the renowned Luwero Triangle to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place in Uganda where the endangered Southern White Rhino can still be found.

The project in Ziwa aims to reintroduce the endangered giraffe back into Uganda after they became completely extinct in Uganda in the 1970s.

Picnic lunch at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, then continue north towards Murchison Falls National Park. Upon arrival, the rest of the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the surroundings.

Overnight stay at Paraa Safari Lodge in Murchison Falls National Park in a double room.

• Activities include: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary entrance fee, game drive in Murchison Falls National Park en route to the lodge
• Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
• Overnight stay: Paraa Safari Lodge or equivalent accommodation
• Distance: 370 km / approx. 8-9 hours' drive including stops for sightseeing, lunch and a game drive en route to the lodge
• For more information, see: www.paraalodge.com

This morning, breakfast on time and a game drive through the park en route to where the boat is waiting. A boat cruise of approx. 3 hours on the Nile to the waterfall, a spectacular experience.

After visiting the waterfall, drive back to the lodge and have lunch there. In the afternoon, go on a game drive in Murchison N.P. in search of the animals found here, such as hippos, crocodiles, Rothschild's giraffe, lions, baboons, warthogs, buffalo, hartebeest, and elephants.

Also many waterfowl (more than 360 species) such as, among others, the shoebill stork.

Overnight stay again at Paraa Safari Lodge in a double room at Murchison Falls National Park.

• Activities include: Nile boat cruise with snacks and wine, game drive in Murchison Falls National Park
• Overnight stay: Paraa Safari Lodge or equivalent accommodation
• Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Early breakfast and departure from Murchison Falls National Park, driving via Fort Portal to Kibale Forest National Park. Beautiful green scenery with traditional settlements en route.

At a beautiful spot en route, we stop to stretch our legs and have a picnic lunch. Kibale Forest National Park is one of the most diverse tropical forests in Uganda. On the way to the lodge, we catch our first glimpse of Kibale Forest.

Arrive at the lodge in the late afternoon and the rest of the afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy the magnificent surroundings.

Overnight stay in the Turaco Tree Tops Lodge in a double room.

• Activities include: sightseeing en route
• Overnight stay: Turaco Tree Tops Lodge or equivalent accommodation
• Meals inclusive: breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner
• Distance: 342 km / approx. 6-7 hours driving including stops for sightseeing and picnic lunch
• For more information, see: www.turacotreetops.com

After breakfast there will be a briefing, followed by departure for the chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest.

Lunch at the lodge and then in the afternoon a guided walk in Bigodi Swamp in search of the Shining Blue Kingfisher, the Blue Throated Roller and other rare birds found here.

Overnight stay in the Turaco Tree Tops Lodge in a double room.

• Activities include: chimpanzee trekking, guided walk in Bigodi Swamp
• Overnight stay: Turaco Tree Tops Lodge or equivalent accommodation
• Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

After an early breakfast, a morning drive through the dramatic landscape of the crater lakes. Along the way, a picnic lunch at a beautiful spot. After the drive, we'll head to Queen Elizabeth National Park with a stop en route at the equator, the village of Kasese, and Queen's Pavilion.

Queen Elizabeth National Park boasts diverse ecosystems, including vast savannas, shady tropical forests, glistening lakes, and fertile wetlands.

Arrival at the lodge and the rest of the afternoon at your leisure.

Overnight stay at Mweya Safari Lodge in a double room.

• Activities include: sightseeing en route
• Overnight stay: Mweya Safari Lodge or equivalent accommodation
• Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Distance: 220 km / approx. 4-5 hours driving including stops
• For more information, see: www.mweyalodge.com

Today, after breakfast, a morning game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park. After the game drive, lunch at Mweya Safari Lodge.

After lunch, a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel, which boasts one of the world's largest concentrations of crocodiles and hippos.

After the boat trip, back to the lodge for dinner.

• Overnight stay at Mweya Safari Lodge in a double room.Activities include: game drive Queen Elizabeth National Park, boat trip on the Kazinga Channel
• Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Overnight stay: Mweya Safari Lodge or equivalent accommodation

Depart from Queen Elizabeth National Park after breakfast, enjoying a game drive through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

Arrive around lunchtime with the afternoon free to prepare for the gorilla trek the following day.

Overnight stay at Mahogany Lodge near Bwindi National Park in a double room.

• Activities include: game drive Ishasha sector
• Overnight stay: Mahogany Lodge or equivalent accommodation
• Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Distance: 220 km / approx. 4-5 hours driving including game drive and stops for sightseeing
• For more information, see: www.mahoganysprings.com

Today is dedicated to the visit to the mountain gorillas. Early start and a hearty breakfast. After arriving at the park entrance, there will be a short briefing about the “dos and don'ts” during the trek.

Of course, the mountain gorillas are the main attraction, but during the trek, the chances of seeing other primates and monkeys are very high because this area is also home to chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys.

During the trek, besides the guide, porters are also available for hire to help with carrying luggage and, if needed, to lend a hand with climbing the mountains. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is located in the southwest of Uganda, on the border with Virunga National Park in the Congo.

The park is home to approximately 300 mountain gorillas. The mountain gorillas are made up of several families, only a few of which may be visited by tourists. This area is one of the best destinations in the world to see the critically endangered mountain gorillas in the wild.

An encounter with a gorilla family is indescribable, moving, unforgettable, and a ”once in a lifetime” opportunity. After the trek, transfer back to the lodge and the rest of the afternoon to rest and enjoy the splendid views.

For those who wish, there is the opportunity to visit the women of the Buhoma community and see how they weave baskets, which they sell to earn a small income.

Overnight stay at Mahogany Lodge near Bwindi National Park in a double room.

• Activities include: gorilla trekking (good fitness is required)
• Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
• Overnight stay: Mahogany Lodge or equivalent accommodation

After breakfast, depart from the lodge and drive to the smallest savannah park in Uganda, Lake Mburo National Park. The picnic lunch will be enjoyed en route at a scenic spot. Upon arrival at Lake Mburo, a boat cruise will be taken on the lake. Animals found here include the eland antelope, buffalo, leopard, impala, and many more.

Overnight stay at Mihingo Lodge Near Lake Mburo in a double room.

• Activities include: boat cruise on Lake Mburo
• Overnight stay: Mihingo Lodge or equivalent accommodation
• Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
• Distance: 250 km / approx. 4-5 hours' drive including stops for sightseeing, game drive and lunch en route
• For more information, see: www.mihingo-lodge.com

This morning, a final game drive through Lake Mburo National Park. Afterwards, depart from Lake Mburo and drive to Entebbe or Kampala.

If there is enough time, a stop will be made at the equator en route and there will be time for souvenir shopping.

Arrival in Entebbe and end of arrangement. (due to the long travel day, it is advisable to book an overnight stay in Entebbe or Kampala, or a late flight in case of delays en route)

• Activities include: game drive, curio shopping en route, equator visit (time permitting)
• Meals inclusive: breakfast, picnic lunch
• Distance: 260 km / approx. 7-8 hours driving excluding stops for sightseeing, game drive and picnic lunch