Uganda Flight Safari Gorilla, Fly-in BIG 5 Wildlife Tour- 12 Days

Detailed Tour Itinerary for the Uganda Flight Safari - Gorilla Trek, Primate Wildlife Safari - 12 Days

Day 1: Start your Uganda Flight Wildlife Safari from Entebbe flying to Murchison Falls National Park 

On this day, your flight to Murchison Falls National Park shall be departing at 12:00 PM. Your check-in is at 11 AM. The flight shall be landing at Pakuba Airstrip at 1 PM. Our safari/ tour guide shall then pick you and first take you to the lodge for checking in and a lunch break.

Later in the afternoon, we shall be on a boat cruise to the foot of Murchison Falls. The Murchison Falls boat trip along the Nile is often cited as being the highlight of a trip to Murchison since it allows you to get up-close and personal with the animals. Along this stretch of the river, there are reported to be around 4,000 hippos in addition to some enormous Nile crocodiles. The birdlife is stunning with brightly colored kingfishers and bee-eaters darting along the riverbanks. If lucky, you may see the rare and prehistoric-looking shoebill, which is a cross between the dodo and a dinosaur.

The boat takes you to the base of the falls which only adds to their impressiveness. The Murchison Falls is, by all means, a world wonder. At this point, you will see how the entire River Nile waters squeeze through a narrow passage of fewer than 7 meters radius while plunging over a 40-meter depth. This one rare creation wonder, so amazing and so wonderful to behold. You will be blown away by the awesome scenery as you appreciate the natural wonder only in Uganda (and this is partly the reason why Uganda is referred to as the Pearl of Africa. When Sir Winston Churchill visited the falls in 1907, he advised that "Ten pounds would throw an iron bridge across the river at this point." Needless to say, a footbridge was built in 1960 (we can't really ascertain how much it cost though). The bridge provided superb views into the chasm for close to two years before being washed off during the famous 1962 floods. A single concrete pillar still remains to show for this ten pounds bridge.

While there, you could actually choose to hike to the top of the falls (which costs USD20 extra) but you need to arrange with your tour guide to meet you on the other side of the river. Otherwise, you can just remain on the boat for the splendid return cruise back. Hiking to the Baker's point takes about 15 minutes to the top and rewards you with marvelous views of the Murchison gorge and a secondary waterfall, Uhuru Falls.

Murchison Falls National Park is the largest in Uganda at 3,840 square kilometers. Here is the awe-inspiring Murchison Falls where the River Nile hurls itself in convulsions through a narrow crevice and then plunges 40 meters in one breathtaking leap.

The park has a variety of vegetation ranging from riparian forests and swamplands to broad savannah and provides visitors the opportunity of seeing large concentrations of wildlife including lion, leopard, civet, hyena, elephant, giraffe, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, a host of smaller game, small primates and many bird species, including the rare shoebill stork. The park is especially famous for crocodiles and hippos.

Apart from game viewing, the launch trip to the bottom of the falls is another memorable adventure giving you the experience of the mighty Biblical Nile. On the launch trip, you may see schools of crocodiles and hippos basking on the river banks as well as a variety of birds.

Accommodation Options (Full Board)

Upper Luxury: Nile Safari Lodge

Up-market: Deluxe tent at Paraa Safari Lodge (or upgrade to Nile Safari Lodge)

Moderate:  Pakuba Lodge

Budget: Fort Murchison Lodge (tents) | Murchison River Lodge (tents) | Red Chilli Rest Camp

Day 2: Safari in Murchison Falls National Park | Game Drive | Boat Trip

Our first safari game drive is right on today! But this will come with some early morning rising. It is very advisable that you plan on leaving your lodge/ camp at 6:30 am the latest because we literary want to catch the big cats in or right after the action (they are less active in the sun). If you are sleeping at the Southern side of the Nile, you should plan with your safari guide to be at the ferry jetty by 6:30 am. The lodge should be able to prepare a simple breakfast, keeping the rest for when you return from the game drive.

Off we will be going in the wild, on the dusty or muddy tracks of the park. Our vehicles are fully equipped for game drives in African National Parks. The Toyota land-cruisers have a full pop-up roof, wide-opening windows, and several other amenities. So you are assured of a really great wildlife experience today.

As we keep going, your tour guide will try to uncover as much as possible. Expect to view lots of animals in the wilderness. Keep looking out for lions, giraffes, herds of elephants, buffaloes, and many more.

Apart from the extensive wild game list, the landscape of Murchison Falls National Park is definitely another beauty to behold. If you have a good camera, you should prepare for one of those very busy days. If you are like me, it is highly likely that you need a second battery for this game drive. There is also a very diverse birding list, especially in the delta area of the park.

A wildlife game drive in Murchison Falls National Park could even go on for as long as 7 hours if you like. There is just so much to cover in the expansive park.

Right after you are done with the game drive, you will be crossing to the other side of the park to visit the top of the falls which is a fantastic sight. Here the Nile, the longest river in the world, is forced through a narrow gap in the rock (only 7 meters wide), before ferociously plunging down 43 meters. From here we will continue onto our accommodation place along the Nile River.

After our hectic day out, relax in the evening and have overnight at the lodge as we prepare for the next day's drive.

Accommodation Options (Full Board)

Upper Luxury: Nile Safari Lodge

Up-market: Deluxe tent at Paraa Safari Lodge (or upgrade to Nile Safari Lodge)

Moderate:  Pakuba Lodge

Budget: Fort Murchison Lodge (tents) | Murchison River Lodge (tents) | Red Chilli Rest Camp

Day 3: Fly into Semliki from Pakuba (or Bugungu)

After breakfast, you shall proceed to check out of the lodge to be transferred to Pakuba Airstrip in time for your scheduled to Semliki Airstrip. Upon arrival at Semliki Airstrip, our representative will transfer you to Semliki Safari Lodge. 

Spend the night at Semliki Safari Lodge in a cottage with an ensuite bathroom. Your stay includes meals, nonpremium brand drinks, evening game drive with a sundowner. 

The main lodge is a large, comfortable living space where guests can converge to watch the sunset, swap stories of the day’s adventures and gather around massive, hand-hewn tables to share mouth-watering meals. A sparkling swimming pool offers not only the ideal place to cool down but also spectacular vistas of the Blue Mountains. Apart from morning and evening game drives, guests can choose to take part in chimpanzee tracking or take a guided walk through the jungle. The ample birdlife is ideal for keen birdwatchers, while avid fishermen can try their luck during a boat trip on Lake Albert. Visits to the local community can be arranged for a glimpse of traditional life. 

Overnight at Semliki Safari Lodge (Premium and Luxury option) or Nguse River Camp (for midrange option).(Full Board)

Day 4: Drive to Kibale National Park; Sempaya Hot Springs, Guided Primate Walk in Bigodi Swamp

After breakfast, we visit the Sempaya Hot springs. These hot springs are the largest in Uganda, divided into female and male however they both have a geyser that shoots up from 8 meters holes with a high temperature of up to 100 degrees Celsius. The strength and hotness of the springs are amazing as one can boil eggs and, in few minutes, it is ready to eat. The community around the park also visit the springs to perform rituals basin on their beliefs.

We then drive to the Kibale Forest National Park. Traveling on both asphalt and unpaved roads, you pass through traditional Ugandan Villages where you see people at work tending their traditional crops of millet, sorghum, beans and maize. The lush rolling hills of this region provide good "photo opportunities". 

In the afternoon we visit a nearby forest swamp that is excellent for viewing primates and other forest animals. At the Eastern edge of Kibale forest is Bigodi Wetland sanctuary which is maintained by the local community. You will expect birds like the great Blue turaco, blue monkeys, baboons, otters, mongoose, bush bucks, bush pigs and others. 

Accommodation Options (Full Board)

Upper Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge | Ndali Lodge | Crater Safari Lodge

Upscale: Kyaninga Lodge | Ndali Lodge | Crater Safari Lodge

Midrange: Isunga Lodge| ensuite tents at Kibale Forest Camp

Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park (you can opt for the full day habituation experience for USD50 extra)

Our first primates experience is on today, and that will be chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park. There are two chimp trekking sessions, one starting at 8 am and the other at 11 am and we plan to be on one of these at least 20 minutes before. The starting place for the chimps trek is the park headquarters, at Kanyankyu River camp from where most of the park's tourist activities commence. 

At the Kibale park office, you will be asked for your passport for registration and then briefed about the chimpanzee tracking. The trek is mostly mild trekking through the jungles of  Kibale, guided by the park rangers. You will be able to locate the chimps by listening for their pant-hooting calls, then hustle to the area from which they are calling.  You should be able to observe them as they feed in fruiting trees, lounge, socialize with each other, or even, occasionally hunt. You will be allowed one hour in the presence of the chimpanzees, and then after led back to the Park office where your tour driver is awaiting.

On the way back, we often meet other primates inhabiting this forest. There are at least 12 primates species in Kibale and these include the black and white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, red-tailed monkeys, bushbabies, and pottos.

You should be on the lookout for forest bird species like the yellow-spotted nicator, rumped tinker bird, little greenbul, green-breasted pitta, the crowned eagle, black bee-eater, and mammals like elephants.

Accommodation options available (all on a full board basis)

Upper Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge | Ndali Lodge | Crater Safari Lodge

Upscale: Kyaninga Lodge | Ndali Lodge | Crater Safari Lodge

Midrange: Isunga Lodge| ensuite tents at Kibale Forest Camp

Day 6: Safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park & Rwenzori Mountains, Uganda

Today we shall be shifting southwards to one of the most famous National Parks in East Africa, Queen Elizabeth National Park. On the way, we shall be exploring the Ndali-Kasenda Craters in the south of Fort Portal.

While driving to Queen Elizabeth National Park, on the righthand side are views of the Rwenzori mountains, one of the great mountain ranges of the world.  If you set off from the lodge earlier enough, you could go for an optional walk in the foothills of the mountains, looking out for its forbidding peaks in the distance.

As you enter Queen Elizabeth National park, we shall try exploring the Katwe Explosion Craters in the north of the park. This is also the highest point of the park at 1390m. We shall be visiting Lake Nyamunuka, which is mostly frequented by buffalo and elephants. Then we shall be off to Lake Kitagata which is at the bottom of this deep crater fed by salty hot springs. We also visit the Kyemengo Crater on our way to the Baboon Cliff view at its western end. Finally, the route provides magnificent Rift Valley panoramas along the way, including the Rwenzoris, Lake George, and its satellite Lake Kikorongo, the Kazinga Chanel and Lake Edward, and the rift's enclosing escarpments.

The 1978 square km Queen Elizabeth National Park is deservedly Uganda's most popular Protected Area.  It is easy to reach and enjoys a stunning location on the rift valley floor between Lakes Edward and George.  Varied habitats epitomize the rift valley vegetative mosaic that tempted our hominid ancestors to migrate from forest to grasslands and are home to 95 mammal and 612 bird species. 

Accommodation Options (Full Board)

Upper Luxury: Kyambura Gorge Lodge | Kasenyi Safari Camp | Mazike Game Lodge

Up-market/Luxury:   Elephant Plains Lodge | Katara Lodge | Mweya Safari Lodge

Mid-range: Ihamba Safari Lodge| Enganzi Lodge | Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge 

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 7: Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park - Game Drive & Boat Trip on Kazinga  Channel

We set out early in the morning for a game drive in the northern part of the park on the Kasenyi Track in search of lions, elephants, and solitary buffaloes. This is the best time for opportunities of viewing the cats in action owing to the vast population of Uganda kobs. We have an excellent chance to view just about every animal here at a very close range.

In the afternoon we will go for a launch trip along the Kazinga Channel. This gives you the opportunity to view wildlife up close: hippos huff and spray at mere foot away from the boat, buffalo linger in the shallows. The shores of the channel are also home to an array of birds including pink-backed pelicans, pied and malachite kingfishers, saddle-billed stork, and many others.

This 767-square-mile conservation area is bordered on the northeast by Lake George and on the southwest by Lake Edward; its western border adjoins the Congo Parc du Virunga. You will expect to see teeming herds of impala-like Uganda Kob, as well as topi, elephant and lion, giant forest hog, and Cape buffalo. There are also several soda lakes filling ancient volcanic calderas where flamingos reside seasonally.

Accommodation Options (Full Board)

Upper Luxury: Kyambura Gorge Lodge | Kasenyi Safari Camp | Mazike Game Lodge

Up-market/Luxury:   Elephant Plains Lodge | Katara Lodge |Mweya Safari Lodge

Mid-range: Ihamba Safari Lodge| Enganzi Lodge | Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge 

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 7: Tree climbing lions in Ishasha & Maramagambo Forest Bush Walk

Another early start for a bushwalk through the Maramagambo Forest.

This is one of the largest forests in Uganda and forms a habitat for a number of primates and forest dwellers. Due to its location, Maramagambo also has a great diversity of butterflies and birds. The walk culminates in a visit to volcanic caves that are home to thousands of bats. Pythons are often observed in the crevices of the bats' cave as they prey on bats. On this walk, you will see the picturesque blue lake Kimeranjojo which got its name after swallowing an elephant. Other trails will lead you to the Crater Lake and habitats of the wild chimps and forest birds.

In the afternoon you will proceed to the Ishasha Sector. Drive along the deep and wide dry craters that are occupied by savanna grasses and acacia. The drive takes you through the unique western rift valley escarpment and the (southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park) Ishasha sector where you will take on yet another game drive in search of tree climbing lions in the afternoon and evening. 

Accommodation Options (Full Board)

Up-market/Luxury: Ishasha Wilderness Campsite

Mid-range: Enjojo Lodge 

Budget: Bull Bush River Camp

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 9: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda.

Early morning guided bush walk for a closer interaction with nature in Ishasha. The mid-morning will be spent on a game drive for the tree-climbing lions, elephants, and other Big Mammals, thereafter proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The journey takes about 4 hours but drives through interesting features. We shall be arriving in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the evening. This park is home to the rare mountain gorillas plus 11 other primates species including the blue and red-tailed monkeys. The forest itself is lush and green and there are streams running through it.

Accommodation Options (Full Board)

Upper Luxury: Gorilla Forest Camp/ Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge/ Bwindi Lodge

Up-market: Mahogany Lodge | Buhoma Lodge | Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge | Chameleon Hill Lodge

Moderate:  Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge | Lake Mulehe Lodge

Low Budget: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge 

Day 10: Gorilla Trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda.

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is an exceptionally memorable experience. No wonder it is is a definite highlight for most visitors to Africa. Physically demanding is tracking the gorillas in Bwindi often is, the excitement one gets in the presence of these gentle giants shall surely wipe away all memory of tiredness.

Your driver shall be meeting you at your lodge/camp to transfer you to the nearest Bwindi park offices for accrediting and gorilla trek briefing. The park officers will be giving you more information on what to expect when you trek the gorillas, how to behave while in their presence, the ecology of mountain gorillas and other primates in Bwindi, relationships between the gorillas and humans, Bwindi park management and the neighboring communities - there's just so much information you shall be receiving during the briefing. Usually, a local community women's group does traditional music and dance performances for those going to trek the gorillas in Bwindi.

Next. you will be allocated to a group of not more than 8 other tourists with whom you will be trekking the gorillas. Each group is allocated a family of habituated gorillas (also known as a gorilla group) that they track. There are 19 gorilla groups or gorilla families in Uganda, 17 in Bwindi, and the other two in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

You should expect some moderately rugged terrain for your gorilla trek in Bwindi. Most of the paths you shall be walking along to the gorillas shall most likely be made that day. Either way, the trek rangers will allow for numerous rests along the way as they take time to explain the unique details about the Bwindi forest and the other mammals and birds you encounter as you trek to the gorillas. From our experience, you should be walking for between 1 hour to 3 hours on average before encountering the mountain gorillas.

When sighted, visitors will be guided to within 6 meters of the gorillas, and sit around them for a whole hour while gazing into their big round eyes. We strongly advise that you consider having a face mask with you when in the presence of the mountain gorillas to limit any chances of disease transmission with them.

You will be allowed to take all the photos, videos, and even selfies while with the gorillas. Rangers even guide you on the best angles to do this. They shall be assisting to remove any blocking shrubs and also guide the gorillas to the best spots you can view them. Your gorilla trekking experience shall greatly be enhanced if you hire a porter (for $15) who helps you carry your backpack while you go along with the gorilla viewing business. Being in the presence of a habituated group of mountain gorillas is just indescribable. These gentle giants will just continue carrying on with their daily routine, so unbothered by the presence of humans. There's all the fierceness you should expect from such an animal in its remote wild home but instead, you receive "gentleness".

Unless you opt for the exclusive gorilla habituation experience (that allows you 4 hours with the gorillas for an extra $800), you will be allowed only 1 hour with the gorillas counted from the time you first see them. After your time is done, the head ranger will motion for you to start preparing to leave the gorillas and start on your way back to camp.

As you return back to camp, be on a keen lookout for the other wildlife in the park that includes the 11 other primate species like the red-tailed, L'Hoest's, blue monkeys, black and white colobus, olive baboons, chimpanzee, which are part of the 120 mammals you can find in Bwindi. There are also at least 350 bird species that have been recorded to be resident in the jungles of Bwindi - seven of which are IUCN red data listed and 90% of all Albertine rift endemics, species which are difficult or impossible to see in any other part of East Africa.

Most likely though, there are very high chances of encountering another gorilla group on your way back, so be extra vigilant. 

Back to the camp, the staff shall make sure you have a very relaxed evening. If you happen to return earlier than usual, you might consider taking on some of the optional guided community walks some of which involve encounters with the local pygmies' tribe -  the Batwa. The Batwa were originally spending all their lives in the deep jungles of Bwindi sharing space with all the wildlife there. In the Batwa experience, you can walk with them back into the forest and share in their jungle ways of life. 

There might be other tourists who are open to sharing their gorilla trekking experiences with the other gorilla groups, enjoy.

Have a great night's sleep in the jungle as you recount your day's experiences.

Bwindi Accommodation Options (Full Board)

Up-market: Mahogany Lodge | Buhoma Lodge | Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge | Chameleon Hill Lodge(or upgrade to Gorilla Forest Camp/ Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge/ Bwindi Lodge)

Moderate:  Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge | Lake Mulehe Lodge

Low Budget: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge 

Day 11: Either Golden Monkey Tracking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, or Batwa Pygmies Tribe Experience or Coffee tour with Canoe trekking on Lake Mutanda. 

Today you can choose to do one of the following activities in Bwindi or Mganinga National Parks

Golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

After breakfast, we will trek the scenic Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and our target this morning will be to track a troop of golden monkeys.

Mgahinga is more famous for mountain gorillas but is also the only place in Uganda where the rare golden monkeys can be found. Apart from primates, the park has rare bird species, some endemic to the Albertine Rift area such as scarlet-tufted malachite sunbird, mountain yellow warblers, Rwenzori batis, Rwenzori turaco, Archer’s robin-chat and many more.

Batwa community visit, relaxing in the afternoon 

Today wake up to a leisurely breakfast and prepare for yet another adventure around the park as you visit these indigenous natives the Batwa. The Batwa are Uganda’s marginalized people and are viewed with derision by many. The Batwa have lived their lives to current generations by hunting and gathering in the forest. The visit to the Batwa invariably involves songs and a dance demonstration, and once the music begins you can’t help but notice that they project a genuine pride in themselves. You shall then return to the lodge for lunch and also relax. Enjoy your evening at leisure as you prepare yourselves for the next day’s journey back to Entebbe.

Coffee Tour and Lake Mutanda Canoeing

Through the coffee tour, you will learn how to dig, weed, and harvest organic coffee in a real farming environment. You will get involved and learn about the process from seedlings to the drink/cup. You will be able to take part in picking, pounding, roasting, grinding, and drinking coffee. The skills and knowledge needed by farmers will bring a new appreciation to your coffee drinking habits. Here you take nothing but the coffee-making experience.

You'll then take on your 2-hour guided canoe challenge on the beautiful calm waters of Lake Mutanda. At the end of the canoe experience, take a walk through the communities and villages of Bwindi outskirts till you meet your driver to transfer you to the hotel.

Day 12: Transfer to Kihihi Airstrip for flight transfer to Entebbe

This morning we shall depart from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and travel to Kihihi for your flight to Entebbe International Airport.  

If you plan to spend additional time in Uganda, this safari can be tailored to your wishes to include some of the many activities available in Entebbe and throughout Uganda. You could explore Kampala; visit Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary or the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre; have a luxury sunset boat cruise on Lake Victoria or take a short trip to Jinja, the Adventure center of East Africa, offering grade 5 white water rafting, and quad biking.

Upscale accommodation:

Night 1&2: Murchison River Lodge  or Paraa Safari Lodge

Night 3 & 4:  Kyaninga Lodge or Crater Safari Lodge or Ndali Lodge

Night 5& 6: Elephant Plains Lodge or Buffalo Safari Lodge or Katara Lodge

Night 7: Ishasha Wilderness Campsite 

Nights 8& 9: Mahogany Springs Lodge or  Buhoma Lodge or Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge or Chameleon Hill Lodge 

(Upgrade to Gorilla Forest Camp or Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge)

Night 10: Birdnest Lodge or Archadia Lake Bunyonyi

Night 11: Mihingo Lodge

Midrange (Moderate) accommodation:

Night 1&2: Pakuba Safari Lodge 

Night 3 & 4:  Isunga Lodge or Turaco Treetops Lodge

Night 5& 6: Ihamba Lakeside Safari Resort or Bush Lodge or Enganzi Lodge

Night 7: Enjojo Lodge

Nights 8 and 9: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge or Engagi Lodge or Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge 

Night 10: Birdnest Lodge or Archadia Lake Bunyonyi

Night 11: Rwakobo Rock Lodge or Archadia Cottages Lake Mburo

Lower Budget accommodation:

Night 1&2: Tents Murchison River Lodge or Fort Murchison Lodge or Red Chilli Rest Camp

Night 3 & 4:  Tents at Kibale Forest Camp or Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse

Night 5& 6: Tents at Bush Lodge or Simba Safari camp or Pumba Cottages 

Night 7: Enjojo Lodge 

Nights 8 &9: Gorilla Conservation Camp or Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge

Night 10: Bunyonyi Overland Resort Campsite

Night 11: Eagles Nest Lake Mburo

Services Included in the price for the All-inclusive Uganda Gorillas Primates Safari

• Three Domestic flights: Entebbe to Murchison Falls NP; Murchison Falls NP to Kibale; Bwindi to Entebbe.
• Uganda Gorilla trekking permits in Bwindi (each at US$700)
• Chimpanzee tracking and other primates' viewing permits
• Game drives
• Accommodation with all meals during the tour
• Services of  a good and experienced safari guide
• Bottled drinking water on the vehicle
• Park fees for the various parks
• Transport on tour using a 4x4 safari land cruisers
• Entrance fees for tours mentioned in the program
• Boat rides as on the program and Lake Bunyonyi canoe trek

Services Not Included

• International flights
• Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
• Visa fees
• Tips
• Personal expenses for souvenirs etc.
• Travel insurances