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8 Days
Daily Tour
100 people
Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish
Tour Type: Solo / Private / Group Tour
Safari Style: Midrange lodges and tented camps with scenic views, personalized service, and authentic safari experiences Destinations: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park • Queen Elizabeth National Park • Kibale Forest National Park • Murchison Falls National Park
Uganda’s Ultimate Safari Circuit
This 8-day journey takes you through Uganda’s most celebrated wildlife destinations, from the misty mountains of Bwindi, home to endangered mountain gorillas, to the savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth, the primate-rich forests of Kibale, and the thunderous spectacle of Murchison Falls. It’s a well-paced, high-impact itinerary designed for travelers who want to experience the full spectrum of Uganda’s biodiversity, culture, and natural beauty, all while enjoying comfortable midrange accommodations and expert-guided activities.
Key Tour Highlights & Unique Selling Points
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest
Game drives in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls NP
Boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel and the Nile River
Visit to the top of Murchison Falls, Africa’s most powerful waterfall
Scenic drives through crater lakes, tea plantations, and the Albertine Rift
Midrange lodges with wildlife proximity, local cuisine, and warm hospitality
Activities: Scenic Transfer via Masaka and Kabale Depart early and enjoy views of Lake Bunyonyi and terraced hills. Lunch en route. Duration: ~8–9 hours Evening Lodge Check-In & Briefing Settle into your forest lodge and receive a gorilla trekking orientation. Duration: Flexible Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp Amenities: En-suite rooms, hot showers, forest views, Wi-Fi, local cuisine
Activities: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest Trek through dense rainforest to find your assigned gorilla family. Spend one magical hour observing them. Duration: 2–6 hours depending on gorilla location Afternoon Rest or Optional Cultural Visit Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. Optional visit to Batwa community. Duration: 1.5 hours (optional) Accommodation: Same as Day 1
Drive Time: ~4–5 hours Activities: Scenic Transfer via Ishasha Sector Drive through the southern corridor of Queen Elizabeth NP, known for tree-climbing lions. Duration: Morning transfer with wildlife stops Afternoon Game Drive in Kasenyi Plains Spot elephants, lions, buffaloes, and antelopes. Duration: 2.5–3 hours Accommodation: Irungu Forest Safari Lodge Amenities: Panoramic views, en-suite rooms, restaurant, Wi-Fi
Activities: Morning Boat Safari on Kazinga Channel Cruise past hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. Duration: 2 hours Afternoon Crater Lake Exploration Visit the Katwe explosion craters and enjoy scenic viewpoints. Duration: 1.5 hours Accommodation: Same as Day 3
Drive Time: ~3 hours Activities: Scenic Transfer to Kibale via Fort Portal Drive through tea plantations and Rwenzori foothills. Duration: Morning transfer Afternoon Nature Walk or Crater Lake Visit Optional walk near lodge or visit to Lake Nyinambuga. Duration: 1.5 hours Accommodation: Kibale Guest Cottages Amenities: Forest views, eco-friendly design, fireplace lounge, Wi-Fi
Activities: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest Trek through rainforest to observe chimpanzees and other primates. Duration: 2–4 hours Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Walk Guided walk through a community-run wetland rich in birdlife and local culture. Duration: 1.5–2 hours Accommodation: Same as Day 5
Drive Time: ~6–7 hours Activities: Scenic Transfer via Hoima to Murchison Falls Enjoy views of Lake Albert and the Albertine Rift. Lunch en route. Duration: Full-day transfer Visit to the Top of Murchison Falls Hike to the top for breathtaking views of the Nile crashing through a narrow gorge. Duration: 1 hour Accommodation: Sambiya River Lodge Amenities: Riverside views, pool, en-suite rooms, restaurant & bar
Activities: Morning Game Drive in Northern Murchison Spot giraffes, lions, elephants, and antelopes. Duration: 2.5–3 hours Afternoon Boat Cruise to the Base of the Falls Cruise along the Nile spotting hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. Duration: 2 hours Departure: Late afternoon transfer to Kampala or overnight stay can be arranged.
The best time to visit Uganda for a safari is generally during the two main dry seasons: June to August and December to February. These months offer the most favorable conditions for wildlife viewing, gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, and game drives across Uganda’s iconic national parks such as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and Kibale Forest National Park. During the dry seasons, the vegetation is less dense, and wildlife tends to congregate around water sources, making animals (elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, and more) easier to spot. The dry weather means park roads and forest trekking trails are more accessible and less muddy, a crucial consideration for gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Mgahinga, where steep slopes and thick undergrowth present a challenge in the wet. August is especially popular as it falls at the peak of the long dry season; skies are clear, temperatures are pleasant, and sightings are frequent. Shoulder (rainy) seasons in Uganda occur from March to May and September to November. While these months bring lush, green landscapes and are favored by birding enthusiasts (with migratory birds peaking between November and April), they’re also associated with heavier rainfall, muddier trails, and sometimes impassable roads in remote regions. However, the “green season” offers lower rates on accommodation and discounted gorilla permits, plus fewer tourists and a more private experience. Altitude and region also influence Uganda’s weather. The highlands (Bwindi, Rwenzori) are cooler, while parks like Murchison Falls and Kidepo Valley are warmer year-round. Nights, especially in forested or mountainous areas, can be chilly; layering is advised. Summary Table: Best Safari Timing in Uganda Season Months Highlights Considerations Long Dry Season June–August Peak wildlife, prime gorilla trekking, easy access Higher demand, book early Short Dry Season December–February Great for game drives, less crowded than June–August Warm; best for photographers Long Rains March–May Lush scenery, birdwatching, low prices Slippery trails, heavier rain Short Rains September–November Birdwatching, newborn animals Fewer crowds, some road/trail challenges Visiting during the dry months is ideal for most classic safari activities and gorilla trekking, but Uganda is a year-round destination, some travelers even prefer the dramatic green landscapes of the wet season, and budget-friendly safaris can be planned year-round with careful consideration
Uganda is renowned for a remarkable diversity of safari destinations that cater to both adventure seekers and wildlife lovers. The country boasts ten national parks, each offering unique experiences, from close encounters with endangered primates to classic big game viewing on scenic savannahs. Top National Parks and Safari Destinations: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – World-famous for gorilla trekking, home to nearly half the world’s mountain gorilla population. Activities: gorilla tracking, birdwatching, forest hikes. Queen Elizabeth National Park – Uganda’s most visited park, celebrated for its diverse landscapes (savannah, wetlands, crater lakes), tree-climbing lions (Ishasha sector), Kazinga Channel boat cruises, and over 600 bird species. Murchison Falls National Park – Uganda’s largest park; famed for its thunderous waterfall where the Nile squeezes through a 7-meter gorge. Excellent for game drives, Nile boat cruises, and sightings of elephants, lions, giraffes, crocodiles, and hippos. Kibale National Park – The “primate capital” of East Africa, renowned for chimpanzee tracking, 13 primate species, and vibrant birdlife. Kidepo Valley National Park – Remote and rugged, offering a true wilderness experience with rare wildlife (cheetahs, ostriches, bat-eared foxes) and interactions with the Karamojong culture. Lake Mburo National Park – Smaller, easily accessible, excellent for walking and horseback safaris, with abundant zebras, impalas, and bird species. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – Gorilla and golden monkey trekking, volcanic landscapes, Batwa pygmy culture. Rwenzori Mountains National Park – Iconic for mountaineering (“Mountains of the Moon”), glaciers, and alpine flora. Jinja – Source of the Nile – East Africa’s adrenaline capital with white-water rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping, and cultural experiences. Other notable sites: Semuliki National Park (hot springs, rare forest wildlife), Lake Bunyonyi (scenic crater lakes, relaxation), Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (for rhino tracking and Big Five completion), Mount Elgon (hiking, caves), and Entebbe/Kampala for urban adventures and nearby wildlife. Uganda’s blend of savannah plains, rainforest jungles, snow-capped peaks, and rich tribal culture creates a uniquely varied safari circuit. Most itineraries combine several parks for the full experience of gorilla treks, classic game drives, birding, and local culture.
Most travelers to Uganda need a visa, with a few exceptions for some African and Caribbean nations. How to Apply: All eligible travelers MUST apply for a tourist visa online before arrival via the official Uganda Immigration portal: https://visas.immigration.go.ug Visa on arrival is no longer available. Submit your application, upload required documents, and pay the fee online. Visa Types & Fees (2025): Type Validity Fee (USD) Details Single-Entry Tourist Visa Up to 90 days $50 For leisure, family visit Multiple-Entry Visa 6/12/24 months $100–200 For repeated entries East Africa Tourist Visa 90 days $100 Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda (multiple entry) Transit Visa 7 days $50 For stopovers/transit Required Documents: Minimum 6 months passport validity Recent passport-size photo (digital upload) Travel itinerary and proof of accommodation Return/onward ticket (often requested) Proof of yellow fever vaccination Visa approval letter (print and present on arrival) Visa approval is usually processed within 2–5 working days, though applying at least 10–14 days in advance is advised. The approval letter must be shown to airline/immigration officers upon entry. East Africa Tourist Visa, ideal for multi-country travel (Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda), must be obtained from the country of first entry. Extensions: Possible via immigration office in Kampala for valid reasons; not automatic.
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