Sarania Adventure Safaris For Customized East African Safaris

This 12-day Uganda safari takes you through the beautiful and diverse landscapes as well as rich wildlife species of the Pearl of Africa. Begin the adventure by heading north to Murchison Falls National Park, then to Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, Mgahinga, and Lake Mburo National Parks. Spend your time going on gorilla treks, game drives, chimpanzee tracking, golden monkey tracking, cruising to cascading Murchison Falls and along the Kazinga Channel, guided nature walks, and Batwa pygmy walks.

Highlights

• Track the frisky golden monkeys through the Bamboo forest in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
• Look out for the big game in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Lake Mburo National Parks.
• Track the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
• Look out for the chimpanzees in the wild, in Kibale Forest National Park.
• Visit the Batwa pygmies living around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
• Meet the exceptional tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Pick up from the Hotel and transfer to Murchison Falls via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Day 2: Morning game drive and Afternoon launch cruise to the bottom of the falls.

Day 3: Scenic drive to Kibale National Park.

Day 4: Chimpanzee tracking – Visit Bigodi swamp.

Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP – launch cruise along the Kazinga channel.

Day 6: Lion tracking – Transfer to Ishasha for Afternoon game drive.

Day 7: Game drive in Ishasha sector – Transfer to Bwindi National Park.

Day 8: Mountain gorilla trekking – visit Batwa Pygmies.

Day 9: Golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Day 10: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for canoeing and island tour.

Day 11: Transfer to Lake Mburo – boat ride and night game drive.

Day 12: Nature walks in the Park or game drive – Transfer to Kampala.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Pickup from the Hotel and transfer to Murchison Falls via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

This morning, you will make a journey to one of the six National Parks on your itinerary, as you start the six to seven-hour scenic drive North to Murchison Falls National Park. First gazetted as a Game Reserve in 1926, this 3840-square kilometer Protected Area is the largest and oldest National Park in the country with 76 mammal species and over 500 bird species.

Just 3-4 hours into the journey, you will make a de-tour at Nakasongola to track the southern white Rhinos in the 7000-hectare Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Get off the Safari Vehicle, brace yourself with hiking boots start the one-hour search for this Big Game, and continue for lunch at Amuka Safari Lodge.

Continue to Murchison Falls National Park, arriving late afternoon and time permitting, go for the drive to the top of the falls to watch the thunderous waters cascade into the Nile River, then proceed to the Lodge to rest up for the next day’s early start.

Meals and overnight accommodation at;

• Nile Safari Lodge (high-end).
• Paraa Safari Lodge or Chobe Safari Lodge (midrange).
• Heritage Safari Lodge or Murchison River Lodge (budget).

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner.

Travel time: 6-7 hours.

Activities: Rhino tracking and/or driving to the top of the falls.

Day 2: Morning game drive and Afternoon launch cruise to the bottom of the falls

Grab a cup of coffee/tea and go for an early morning game drive starting at 6:00 am (or 6:30 am latest) exploring different natural habitats- savannah plains, woodlands, and others to see some of the exceptional wildlife species. You have chances to see African bush elephants, Cape buffaloes, leopards, lions, spotted hyenas, Uganda Kobs, Jackson’s hartebeests, Rothschild’s giraffes, and others, while the guide teaches you about their exceptional behavior and natural habitats. Have proper breakfast at the Lodge and rest.

Start your afternoon with a two to three-hour launch cruise to the bottom of the Murchison Falls. You will be introduced to semi-aquatic wildlife species (such as Nile crocodiles and Hippos), visiting species (such as elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes), as well as a wide array of bird species from the boat. Arriving at the bottom of the Murchison Falls, you will admire the stunning natural surroundings and take lots of photos before returning to the Lodge for dinner and overnight.

Meals and overnight accommodation at;

• Nile Safari Lodge (high-end).
• Paraa Safari Lodge or Chobe Safari Lodge (midrange).
• Heritage Safari Lodge or Murchison River Lodge (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Activities: Morning game drive and boat cruise to the bottom of the falls.

Day 3: Scenic drive to Kibale National Park

On the third day, you will trade one safari destination for another as you transfer 7-8 hours southwest to Kibale Forest National Park, nestled in the verdant and forested landscapes of western Uganda. Enjoy breathtaking views of the escarpment, lush Valleys, countryside, and rural homesteads, and stop for lunch at Hoima or Fort Portal Town. Check in at your accommodation, then enjoy a guided crater tour.

Meals and overnight accommodation at;

• Ndali Lodge or Kyaninga Lodge (high-end).
• Turaco Treetops or Crater Safari Lodge (midrange).
• Kibale Safari Camp or Chimps Nest Lodge (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Activities: Crater tour.

Day 4: Chimpanzee tracking – Visit Bigodi Swamp

Be up early for breakfast and transfer to Kanyanchu Visitor Center, which is where all visitors with Kibale National Park activities meet for registration and briefing before starting their activities in the forest. Meet your Ranger guide at the Visitor Center at 7:30 am, then follow them through the dense jungle and rugged forest trails to search for the endangered Great Apes. You are advised to remain silent while tracking and instead listen for hoots and calls of these primates and other species in the Park. When sighted, take one-hour watching chimpanzees groom each other, play, rest, feed, or nurse their infants.

You have an option of enjoying a traditional lunch at Tinker’s homestead or returning to the Lodge/or nearby Lodge (if staying at Kyaninga or Ndali) for a Continental option.

In the afternoon, head for the guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary where you will explore the well-maintained trails leading to some of the 8 primate species and 200 bird species. You will also learn about the outstanding tree and plant species in the Wetland.

Meals and overnight accommodation at;

• Ndali Lodge or Kyaninga Lodge (high-end).
• Turaco Treetops or Crater Safari Lodge (midrange).
• Kibale Safari Camp or Chimps Nest Lodge (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Activities: Chimpanzee tracking and guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.

Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP – launch cruise along the Kazinga channel

Enjoy breakfast, pack your bags, and load on the jeep before hitting the road to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Start the three-hour drive southwest with views of the Crater Lakes, tea plantations, and rural homesteads, and arrive on time for lunch.

In the afternoon, go for a two to three-hour launch cruise along the Kazinga Channel. This 32-kilometer-long channel teems with life and while on this ride, keep a keen eye on the elephants and buffaloes drinking and cooking off along the banks, Nile crocodiles basking, Hippos wallowing in the muddy shallows, and listen/watch several bird species. After this rewarding boat ride, return to the Lodge to have dinner and rest for the night.

Meals and overnight accommodation at;

• Elephants Plains or Buffalo Safari Lodge (high-end).
• Mweya Safari Lodge or Enganzi Game Lodge (midrange).
• Bush Lodge (Tents) or Simba Safari Camp (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Activities: Chimpanzee tracking and guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.

Day 6: Lion tracking – Transfer to Ishasha for Afternoon game drive

Have a Queen Elizabeth experiential tour which involves going off-track to meet Lion prides. You will follow lions with radio collars and radiation locators, study their behavior, and watch them go about their daily routines. This is more rewarding than ordinary game drives as you not only follow lions but also watch other numerous wildlife species- Uganda Kobs, Defassa waterbucks, Topis, Cape buffaloes, and others. Stop for lunch at the Lodge.

Leave the Northern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park behind and proceed to the southern sector (Ishasha) to discover its remarkable features including the tree-climbing lions. The 3-hour drive will introduce you to more wildlife and bird species.

When you arrive, check into your accommodation, then head for another game drive through the remote Ishasha sector. This sector is still raw with lots of Cape buffaloes, elephants, Topis, Defassa waterbucks, Uganda Kobs, and many other species that you can’t afford to miss.

Meals and overnight accommodation at;

• Ishasha Wilderness Camp (high-end).
• Ishasha Jungle Lodge (midrange).
• Topi Lodge (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Activities: Lion tracking and Ishasha game drive.

Day 7: Game drive in Ishasha sector – Transfer to Bwindi National Park

This morning game drive takes you through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park in search of any wildlife species that may have eluded you in the Northern sector. You will see more of Topis, Uganda Kobs, Defassa waterbucks, African bush elephants, Hippos, Cape buffaloes, and others. Have lunch and pack your bags before transferring to your gorilla trekking destination.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a 321-square-kilometer UNESCO World Heritage Site with almost half of the World’s remaining mountain gorillas. While exploring this Park is mainly focused on these Giant Apes, you can also undertake some of the community tours.

Meals and overnight accommodation at;

• Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge or Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (high-end).
• Gorilla Safari Lodge (midrange).
• Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Activities: Ishasha game drive.

Day 8: Mountain gorilla trekking – visit Batwa Pygmies

Be up early for breakfast and proceed to the Park Headquarters for a briefing on how to track and spend time with the Giant Apes. At 8:00 am, start navigating the dense rainforest on foot while searching for the allocated gorilla family, and when found, spend one-hour learning and taking photos of them.

In the afternoon, you will spend time with the Batwa, original occupants of the Central African forest. Known as the “keepers of the forest”, these people called the forest home for centuries before being evicted in 1991 when it was being gazetted for tourism. Learn about their ancient rituals, unique building designs, and others.

Meals and overnight accommodation at;

• Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge or Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (high-end).
• Gorilla Safari Lodge (midrange).
• Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Activities: Gorilla trekking and Batwa cultural tour.

Day 9: Golden Monkey tracking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

You will be tracking golden monkeys today and considering the distance from southern Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which is the only place to see them, you will start the journey by 5:30 am. Upon getting to the Ntebeko Visitor Center, you will be briefed on the guidelines to be followed.

Navigate through the lower slopes, bamboo forest and when you reach these frisky primates, approach them with caution and be ready to take photos of them. You have one hour to be in their presence before returning to the Lodge, and resting for the remainder of the afternoon.

Meals and overnight accommodation at;

• Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge or Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (high-end).
• Gorilla Safari Lodge (midrange).
• Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Activities: Golden monkey tracking.

Day 10: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for canoeing and island tour

Today your safari driver will take you to Lake Bunyonyi, for a relaxing adventure. Check into your Lodge before exploring the Lake through a canoeing tour. You will enjoy views of the surrounding hills, numerous Islands, lots of wildlife, and bird species.

Meals and overnight accommodation at;

• Birdnest @Bunyonyi Resort or Arcadia Cottages Lake Bunyonyi (high end).
• Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort (midrange).
• Hawk’s Eye Lodge Bunyonyi (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Activities: Canoeing and Island tour.

Day 11: Transfer to Lake Mburo – boat ride and night game drive

It’s time to set off towards your last safari destination, Lake Mburo which is the smallest savannah National Park in the country. Leave Lake Bunyonyi behind as you start the 5-6 hour drive through rolling hills, winding roads, the countryside, and dense forests. When you arrive the Lodge, check into the Lodge, have lunch and unwind before the afternoon adventure- boat ride.

In the afternoon, head out to explore the Lake through a boat ride, keeping an eye out for different wildlife and bird species. Combine this with the night game drive to see the nocturnal species such as leopards, spotted hyenas, and Hippos.

Meals and overnight accommodation at;

• Mihingo Safari Lodge (high-end).
• Kigambira Safari Lodge (midrange).
• Rwakobo Rock Lodge (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Activities: Boat ride and night game drive.

Day 12: Nature walks in the Park or game drive – Transfer to Kampala

Set an early alarm or request a wake-up call so you don’t miss your morning nature walk across the wildlife-rich ecosystems. Watch as Lake Mburo National Park comes alive and reach areas that can’t be explored by game drive. Afterward, it is time to grab your bags and jump in the safari vehicle for a 3-4-hour transfer to Kampala or Entebbe. Safe travels!

This 12-day Uganda safari package includes;

• Rhino tracking permit/s.
• Park entry fees for visitors and the safari vehicle/s.
• Ground transportation in a 4WD Safari vehicle.
• Gorilla trekking permit/s.
• 11 nights’ accommodation in some of the best Safari Lodges/Camps.
• Chimpanzee tracking permit/s.
• Golden monkey tracking permit/s.
• Ranger fees.
• Bottled water.
• Relevant Government taxes.
• Meals as indicated on the itinerary.
• Nature walk/Hiking fees.
• Services of a professional English-speaking safari guide.
• Cultural tours.

The 12-day Uganda safari package excludes;

• Airfares.
• Visa fees.
• Gratuities to Ranger guides, safari guide/s, Airport staff, porters, and Lodge staff.
• Porter fees.
• Extra charges resulting from canceled flights, and others.
• Laundry fees.
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at Lodges/Camps.
• Medical and Travel insurance.
• Telephone calls and internet fees.
• Extra/optional activities.