Lodge Safari in Uganda

THE ULTIMATE UGANDA SAFARI
11 nights & 12 days exploring uganda

safari cost  ·  best season  ·  activities  ·  map of safari

A twelve day safari from Entebbe, visiting the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, or Rwanda at the Park National des Volcans, plus Chimpanzee trekking at Kibale Forest and Chamburu Gorge, game viewing in the Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the famous Murchison Falls National Park on the Nile. A combination of luxury lodges, quality tented camps and hotels are used, and transport is by customised safari vehicle.

Please note that the accommodation selected in this itinerary is the best available in Uganda.

Itinerary:
DAY 1: LAKE VICTORIA, ENTEBBE
Arrive Entebbe. On arrival you will be met by a Safari Co. representative and driven to Lake Victoria Hotel, Entebbe. Overnight with bed and breakfast included.

Should you be arriving on an early flight today, please advise us so that we may discuss options available for today.

Windsor Lake Victoria Hotel
Old colonial style hotel with a view over Lake Victoria. It has good facilities including a formal dining area with an outside terrace, 2 bars, breakfast room and pool with it’s own bar and restaurant area. The atmosphere is quiet and relaxing.
The rooms are in a quadrant around a ventral garden with some facing the lake and on two levels. All rooms are en suite, have air conditioning and satellite television. Rooms: 72 Executive rooms and 20 Standard rooms and 7 suites.

DAY 2: MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
Drive to the Murchison Falls National Park in the north-west of the country. The drive will take approximately 6 hours.

Choice of lodge available for the next few nights, either PARAA SAFARI LODGE, or NILE SAFARI CAMP. Descriptions are below. Please advise your preference upon booking and we will endeavour to facilitate your booking accordingly.

At 3 840 square kilometres this is Uganda's largest park, and is home to elephant, buffalo, all the big cats and is well known for its bird life - Shoebill being a sought after rarity. It also has a large population of hippo and huge crocodiles. Afternoon game drive. Nile Safari Camp / Paraa Lodge.

Nile Safari Camp
Situated on the banks of the Nile river, half way between Murchison Falls and Lake Albert this is an exclusive tented camp and log cabin combination lodge, each with its own private wooden verandah facing the Nile and en suite bathroom facilities. The décor is designed to blend into the surroundings unobtrusively as well as provide all the home comforts expected.
It has a relaxing pool area and a beautifully appointed dining and bar area overlooking the river.
Access is either by road or by river from Paraa.
Rooms: 6 x en suite double tents, 6 x en suite double log cabins

Paraa Lodge
On the North bank, perched a top a gorge, towering above the mighty Nile River with outstanding views from the terrace and rooms facing towards the river. A large two storey establishment with an upstairs restaurant and adjacent terrace. A large pool area including a bar besides the water provides a welcome respite from the heat of the day. This lodge is superbly located for access to the ‘north bank’ for early morning game viewing.
Rooms: 54 rooms, each with it’s own balcony and en suite bathroom facilities. 2 suites.

DAY 3: MURCHISON FALLS
Murchison Falls - as well as game drives, today we will take the cruise up the Nile to the foot of the Falls, a magical trip through some beautiful scenery. The whole of the Nile River is forced into a gap only 8m wide - the immense force of the water and the views of the Falls are awe inspiring. Overnight Nile Safari Camp / Paraa Lodge.

DAY 4: BUDONGO FOREST
A short drive brings us to Sambiya River Lodge, near the Budongo Forest. We overnight at the lodge, and visit the top of the fall, and visit the Kaniyo Pabidi Ecotourist Site - a partnership with the local community. This is an isolated block of the Budongo Forest which has never been logged, and is characterised by its huge mahogany and ironwood trees. This afternoon you can do a forest walk with guides, looking for primates and the incredible bird life such as some rarer species including Chocolate backed and Blue breasted Kingfishers; Black billed Touracos and White thighed Hornbills. Because of its remote location lion, leopard and buffalo are also present, chimpanzees and six other species of primate.

DAY 5 & 6: KIBALI FOREST, CHIMPANZEE TREKKING
Early start for our drive to Kibale Forest, we overnight at Ndali Lodge or at an exclusive tented camp set in the forest area. Once again, please make your preference clear when booking. We visit Kibale Forest, and can trek chimps if desired. Further they have a night primate walk in the forest (additional amount detailed below).

Ndali lodge
This lodge consists of individual cottages with their own private veranda with views towards the Ruwenzoris, en suite bathrooms and a spacious airy bedroom area. Four poster beds, draped in mosquito nets and decorated with locally made crafts give each cottage an individual feel. The lodge’s water supply comes directly from the crater lake 100m below in the crater with an ingenious pressure system and so no external power is needed and ensures hot water is available all the time! The camp is lit with lanterns and candles including spectacular chandeliers above the central dining area which provides for a very romantic atmosphere.
Rooms: 8 individual cottages, catering for between 2-4 persons each.

Mantana Kibale Tented Camp
Situated close to the Kibale National Park this tented camp is very convenient for clients trekking in the park. Each tent caters for two persons and has it’s own bathroom area with a hot showers provided , eco friendly toilet systems and a private dressing area. A central area provides dining and bar facilities. Meals are generally of a high standard with several courses for most.
Rooms: 7 Double tents – twin beds.

DAY 7 & 8: QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, overnight at Mweya Lodge.
Mweya Lodge has been recently upgraded and refurbished. Its location, overlooking the Kazinga Channel, offers fantastic views plus there is a swimming pool, restaurant and al fresco breakfast terrace.

Within these two days we will go on a boat cruise on the Kasinga Channel, famous for hippos and bird life, and trek chimps in the Chamburu gorge (subject to permits being available and group size). Early morning and late afternoon game viewing / drives will also be conducted in search of Uganda's unique wildlife such as the Giant Forest Hog, Red Forest Buffalo and Ugandan Kob, and lion , elephant and leopard are often seen.

The sequence of activities will depend on availability of permits at various times of the day. Your guide will discuss with you during the safari.

Mweya Lodge
Located on a peninsula overlooking the Kazinga Channel on one side and with spectacular views towards the Ruwenzori Mountians on the other, this recently upgraded and renovated lodge now provides some of the best accommodation and service facilities in Uganda. Amenities include a swimming pool, the Tembo bar and an elegant air-conditioned restaurant with a gobal cuisine. Breakfast is taken on the alfresco terrace adjacent to the Kazinga Channel.
Rooms:22 x en suite double / twin, 6 single en suite, 12 delux e suite rooms, 2 suites, 1 Royal cottage, 1 Presidential Suite, 2 disabled rooms.

DAY 9: BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST
Morning game drive out of the park. Drive from QENP to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, or to Kisoro on the border of Rwanda (depending on whether permits are held at Bwindi or Rwanda).

There is a variety of accommodation styles / ranges available, these are our preferred camps.

Gorilla Forest Camp, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda (4+ star)
The newest and most upmarket of the camps at Bwindi - it is situated on a hillside with views towards the forest where the mountain gorillas reside. It is within walking distance of the point where visitors meet to start gorilla trekking. A luxury tented camp with 8 double rooms, each with two queen sized beds, a private wooden deck and bathroom facilities that include a bathtub with view of the forest to relax in after gorilla trekking. There is a central dining and bar area and the camp has 240V power for lighting and recharging of video equipment. Rooms: 8 x en suite double tents.

Buhomo Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda (2-3 star)
One of the original camps at Bwindi which has been upgraded over the years. Very conveniently situated opposite the park entrance with views over the forest canopy. Currently they have individual cottages with their own private verandah, a bedroom and bathroom area and some rooms with shared bathroom facilities. Lighting is by solar in all he rooms. Meals are taken in a central dining area where a fireplace provides warmth in the cool evenings. Peter the current manager provides excellent service levels to all clients.
Rooms: 6 x en suite double cottages, 2 x twin, 1 x single shared bathroom rooms.

Mountain Gorilla’s Nest – Parc National des Volcans, Rwanda (3 star)
This relatively newly opened lodge is located close to the Parc National des Volcans. It is nestled under a grove of trees, with all the rooms surrounding a large courtyard. There are comfortable nicely appointed rooms with en-suite chalets with modern bathrooms and hot water. It has a spacious restaurant with large bar and reception area and friendly service. On a clear day the views across to the volcanoes and surrounding hills are spectacular.

DAY 10: GORILLA TREKKING
Today we will head off early, with pre-purchased permits for gorilla trekking.
An early morning trek into the forest on the slopes of the volcanoes, led by experienced trackers will bring you amongst a family of Mountain Gorillas. These massive primates are extremely rare, only 600 remaining. You will get within metres of the family, and be privileged to spend time amongst them.

Overnight at the White Horse Inn, or similar, Kibale.

An option would be to charter a flight back from Bwindi or Kisoro back to Entebbe, rather than the long drive that this day would entail. Charter prices are available on request – depending on group size etc.

Note, should you trek in Rwanda, we can also take you to Kigali International airport and you may opt to complete your safari there, or fly back to Entebbe.

DAY 11: ENTEBBE OR NGAMA ISLAND CHIMPANZEE SANCTUARY
Return to Entebbe, lunch en route, as well as stopping to take photos at the ‘Equator sign” and shop for curios. Arrive Entebbe late afternoon to overnight at Lake Victoria Hotel with dinner, bed & breakfast included.

Alternatively, you may prefer to book a night at Ngamba Island Exclusive tented camp, to see the orphaned chimpanzees, and possibly partake in a forest walk.

We offer visits to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary about a 45-minute speedboat ride from Entebbe, or alternatively about 1-2 hours by Ssese canoe. This 100 acre beautiful forested island provides a safe haven for over 30 orphaned chimps that are now free to roam their island thanks to project leaders Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) and other concerned organisations who raised funds for the project. It offers a unique opportunity for close viewing of chimpanzees in their natural environment. Pre-arranged supplementary feeding times (morning and afternoon) bring the chimpanzees to within metres of the raised walkway specially designed for easy viewing.

We offer half day, full day and overnight visits to Ngamba Island. The overnight trips include the opportunity to assist with the bedtime and early morning feeding routine of the chimpanzees. Guests are accommodated in our exclusive tented camp (only four tents in total) with ensuite facilities and set on wooden platforms jutting out over the lake. Meals are provided, and there is plenty to do on the island.

For those overnighting on the island, there is a further opportunity to go on a forest walk WITH the chimpanzees into the forest. Accompanied by trained CSWCT staff, for both your safety and enjoyment, you will be privileged to spend up to an hour with the young chimps in the forest, as they play, tumble, hitch a ride or a cuddle with you! There are specific health requirements needed for this, and pre-booking is essential. Contact our office for a full list of requirements.

DAY 12: NGAMBA ISLAND CHIMPANZEE SANCTUARY
Alternatively, a morning excursion to Ngamba Island by boat, returning to the mainland for your afternoon, or evening flight out.

Transfer to airport for your onward/return flight.

END OF SERVICES

Costs:
Please contact us for a detailed quote.

Price includes – accommodation as stated, all meals per itinerary, transfers, services of driver/guide, all park entry fees, boat cruise on Kasinga Channel and Nile at Murchison Falls. Forest walk at Bwindi or Rwanda, as well as Budongo Forest looking for birds and monkeys.

Price excludes – visas, comprehensive travel insurance, drinks, tips, all items of a personal nature, Gorilla and chimpanzee viewing fees (budget approximately USD 360-375 (Bwindi vs Rwanda) per gorilla permit +USD30 or USD 50 per chimp permit per visit at Chamburu / Kibaale per person). Night primate walk at Kibale optional.

A further option is the Ngamba Island extension to overnight at the end of the safari, instead of Lake Victoria.

All prices are subject to change without notice due to increases beyond our control.

Activities:
Gorilla tracking
Forest trekking
Game drives
Nature walks
Visit to Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Bird watching

Best season:

Term and conditions: Please read our terms and conditions for more information on how to book, travel insurance, cancellation fees, baggage and other important subjects.


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