9 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari: An Unforgettable Journey into the Wild

Uganda, often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and incredible wildlife. This 9-days Uganda Wildlife Safari explores the country’s most iconic national parks. Experience the open savannahs of Murchison Falls. Discover the lush rainforests of Kibale and Bwindi. The 9-days Uganda Wildlife Safari offers an unparalleled wildlife adventure. You will track primates, witness the powerful Murchison Falls, and enjoy game drives teeming with Africa’s Big Five.

Overview

This 9-days Uganda Wildlife Safari starts and ends in Entebbe or Kampala. Explore Uganda’s rich natural heritage. Visit Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks. Each destination offers unique wildlife encounters and a variety of landscapes, from savannahs to dense forests. The Wildlife Safari also includes opportunities for cultural interactions, offering insights into the lives of Uganda’s local communities.

Safari Highlights

• Murchison Falls National Park: Experience the world’s most powerful waterfall, enjoy game drives for Big Five sightings, and take a boat cruise on the Nile River.
• Kibale Forest National Park: Trek through the rainforest in search of chimpanzees and other primates.
• Queen Elizabeth National Park: Explore the diverse ecosystems with game drives, boat cruises, and a visit to the Ishasha sector, famous for tree-climbing lions.
• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Track mountain gorillas in their natural habitat and experience one of the most intimate wildlife encounters on the planet.
• Scenic Landscapes: Enjoy scenic drives through Uganda’s diverse landscapes, including the Albertine Rift Valley and the lush forests of southwestern Uganda.
• Cultural Encounters: Engage with local communities and learn about the traditions and cultures of the regions you visit.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe/Kampala and Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

Your adventure begins with an early morning pickup from Entebbe or Kampala. After a brief orientation, you’ll start your journey to Murchison Falls National Park. The drive takes you through Uganda’s beautiful countryside, with views of rolling hills, farmland, and traditional villages. You’ll stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided walk to see rhinos, which are being reintroduced to the wild in Uganda.

After the rhino experience, you’ll continue to Murchison Falls National Park, arriving in the afternoon. You’ll check into your lodge and later take a drive to the top of Murchison Falls, where the Nile River crashes through a narrow gorge with tremendous force. The views here are breathtaking and offer a perfect introduction to the natural wonders of Uganda.

Day 2: Game Drive and Nile River Boat Cruise

Your day begins with an early morning game drive on the northern bank of the Nile River. Murchison Falls National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, and numerous antelope species. The early morning is the best time to spot predators as they are still active before the heat of the day.

After the game drive, you’ll return to your lodge for breakfast and some relaxation. In the afternoon, you’ll embark on a boat cruise along the Nile River, heading towards the base of Murchison Falls. The boat ride offers a different perspective of the park, with sightings of hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. You’ll also get up close to the falls, where the river creates a thunderous display of power.

Day 3: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast, you’ll depart for Kibale Forest National Park, known as the primate capital of the world. The journey takes you through the scenic Albertine Rift Valley, with stunning views of the landscape, including tea plantations and crater lakes. You’ll have a packed lunch en route and make stops for photos and to stretch your legs.

Kibale Forest is home to 13 different primate species, including chimpanzees, and is one of the best places in Uganda to see these incredible creatures. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your lodge, surrounded by the tranquility of the forest, and spend the evening at leisure.

Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Swamp Walk

This day is dedicated to exploring the rich biodiversity of Kibale Forest. After an early breakfast, you’ll join an experienced ranger guide for chimpanzee trekking. As you trek through the dense forest, you’ll also have the chance to see other primates, such as red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and various bird species. The highlight, of course, is the opportunity to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat, watching them play, feed, and interact.

After spending an hour with the chimpanzees, you’ll return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-based conservation project. The swamp walk offers the chance to see a variety of birds, monkeys, and other wildlife, as well as the beautiful flora of the wetlands. The walk also provides insights into the local community’s efforts to protect the environment.

Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, you’ll transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most popular and biologically diverse parks. The journey takes you through the scenic landscapes of western Uganda, with views of the Rwenzori Mountains and the opportunity to stop at local markets and villages along the way.

Upon arrival in Queen Elizabeth National Park, you’ll check into your lodge and relax before heading out for an evening game drive in the Kasenyi plains. This area is known for its high concentration of wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, and a variety of antelope species. The evening is a great time for photography as the golden light adds a magical touch to the landscape.

Day 6: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Your day begins with an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi area, where you’ll search for lions, leopards, elephants, and other wildlife. The park’s diverse habitats support a wide variety of species, making each game drive a unique experience.

After the game drive, you’ll return to the lodge for breakfast. Later, you’ll take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George. The channel is a haven for wildlife, and you’ll see large herds of elephants, buffaloes, and numerous hippos and crocodiles basking on the shores. The boat cruise also offers excellent birdwatching opportunities, with over 600 species recorded in the park.

Day 7: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via Ishasha

After breakfast, you’ll depart for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The drive takes you through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its tree-climbing lions. If you’re lucky, you might spot these unique lions lounging in the branches of fig trees.

The journey to Bwindi continues through the beautiful landscapes of southwestern Uganda, with its terraced hills, lush forests, and picturesque villages. You’ll arrive in Bwindi in the late afternoon and check into your lodge, located at the edge of the forest.

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The highlight of your safari is today’s gorilla trekking experience. After an early breakfast, you’ll be briefed by the park rangers before setting off into the dense forest. The trek can be challenging, taking anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas. However, the effort is more than worth it when you finally encounter a gorilla family in the wild.

You’ll spend an unforgettable hour with these magnificent creatures, observing their behavior and taking photographs. The experience of being so close to these gentle giants in their natural habitat is truly awe-inspiring and a moment you’ll treasure forever.

After the trek, you’ll return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, you can opt for a community walk to visit the Batwa people, one of Uganda’s indigenous tribes, or simply unwind at your lodge.

Day 9: Return to Entebbe/Kampala and Departure

On your final day, you’ll enjoy a leisurely breakfast before beginning the drive back to Entebbe or Kampala.

The journey lets you savor Uganda’s stunning countryside—terraced hills, banana plantations, and friendly locals. You’ll stop for lunch along the way and head to the airport. Arrive in the evening, in time for your flight.

If your flight is the next day, stay overnight in Entebbe. Enjoy a relaxing evening by Lake Victoria.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Conclusion

From the roaring Murchison Falls to the primate-rich forests of Kibale, this safari highlights Uganda’s diverse beauty. Experience the savannahs of Queen Elizabeth and the dense jungles of Bwindi.

Wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and adventure seekers will find plenty to love. Connect with nature, encounter extraordinary wildlife, and create lasting memories. Uganda offers rich landscapes, vibrant cultures, and unique wildlife experiences. This Wildlife safari is the perfect way to explore it all.

This 9-days Uganda Wildlife Safari offers a comprehensive and immersive experience in some of Uganda’s most renowned national parks.