15 days Uganda safari to the gorillas, wildlife and rhinos

On arrival,  you are welcomed and taken to the hotel to rest.

Overnight stay: Lake Victoria View Guest House (BB) or The Boma (BB)

We have breakfast and drive through the countryside northwards to the Ziwa rhino Sanctuary. This is undoubtedly the only natural habitat where to observe the rhinos in the wild in Uganda. We relax for lunch, then go for the afternoon bush walk through the thickets to see the rhinos. Subsequently, we enjoy a relaxed evening and overnight within the sanctuary. The surrounding bushes are hunting grounds for leopards, Aardvarks and other night creatures.

Overnight stay: Ziwa Guest House (FB) or the Amuka Lodge (FB)

This morning, we drive leisurely northwards past the Masindi colonial town. We then move through the Budongo forest. Here chances of seeing the forest animals are high. Shortly after, we  make a stop at the top of the Murchison Falls. The views and sounds of the thunderous falls as the river Nile passes through a a narrow and rugged space are particularly thrilling. We check in at the lodge and relax to the magnificent sight of the sunset. In addition, the wilderness and animals on the river banks below are awesome. Murchison Falls is the largest park in Uganda with a wide variety of African animals and birds. Again, it is a mixture of savannah and woodland vegetation. Thus a favorable environment for large predators and prey.

Overnight stay: Murchison river Lodge (FB) or the Paraa safari Lodge (FB)

Before sunrise, we start on the early morning game drive in the savannah. It is at this time, that predators such as hyenas and lions return to their hideouts and dens. Meanwhile the grazers and birds begin their day. The Queen track in particular is good for spotting lions. On the other hand, the Pakuba area is famous for leopards and hyenas that have kills. Besides, the elephants and giraffes browse along the Albert Nile and Victoria tracks. After the game drive, we return for lunch and to relax. In the afternoon, we go to the river for an exciting boat trip along the Nile. Crocodiles, hippos, buffaloes and colorful birds line along the shores. Indeed the cruise sails upstream the river up to the bottom of the Murchison falls. We therefore see the river falling gracefully from the rocks above.

Overnight stay: Murchison River Lodge(FB) or the Paraa safari Lodge (FB)

After early breakfast, we drive south through villages and upcountry towns as well as picturesque tea plantations. We stop at the bottom of the Rwenzori mountains in Fort Portal city. Here, we settle for lunch in this colonial administrative center that is the main city of the Tooro Kingdom. In the afternoon, we definitely relax. Alternatively, we can take a short leisurely walk around the city and the local market.

Overnight stay: Fort Motel (FB) / Mountains of the Moon hotel (FB)

After a hearty breakfast this morning, we proceed through the Rwenzori Mountains towards Semuliki national park. We watch the views of the plains that clearly stretch up to Congo. We enter in the jungle on a walk to the twin and steamy hot springs. Without a doubt, the forest, the animals and birds of the park are an extension of the vast Congo basin. Later, we transfer to Kibale forest national park. We relax by the evening campfire and at this time listen to the sounds of the nocturnal animals in the forest.

Overnight stay: Chimpanzee Guest House (FB) / Primate Lodge (FB)

On this day, we go on the trails for chimp trekking. There are other animals in the park including forest elephants, leopards and buffaloes. However,  by far the highlight is an encounter with a family of chimps. The chimps play and feed in the trees or on the ground. Sometimes, they noisily fight for hierarchy and food such as fruits and ants. Or they fight to defend their territorial integrity. Other times, they hunt for monkeys especially the Red Colobus monkey.  Besides the chimpanzees, Kibale National Park is a tropical forest that is home to 12 other primates and 355 bird species. We will certainly enjoy the trek as the guides explain the life of the forest.

In the afternoon, we can make a nature walk in the Bigodi swamp. It is also enjoyable to visit the adjacent local community. The households around here are mostly involved in the farming of tea, coffee and Bananas. Better still, you can explore the picturesque crater lakes that dot the surrounding hills and valleys. It is as well possible to do the chimpanzee habituation experience. Through this habituation excursion, we spend most of the day with the primates in the forest (optional).

Overnight stay: Chimpanzee Guest House (FB) / Primate Lodge (FB)

This morning, we transfer slowly southwards to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Along the road, we see the Rwenzori Mountains clearly in the near backgrounds. We also cross the several rivers that run from high up the mountains of the moon. The rivers run down the hills and flow into Lake George  below. When we reach the Equator, we make a stop and stand in two hemispheres at the same time. Later in the afternoon, we do a game drive as the sun sets. It is a good time to see the predators before dusk and the light is perfect for photography.

Overnight stay: The Kasenyi Safari Camp (FB) or the Mweya Safari Lodge (FB)

The day starts with a morning game drive in the park. We explore the tracks around the Kasenyi plains west of the national park. This area is popular for predators such as lions, hyenas and leopards. Undoubtedly, the large numbers of antelopes and warthogs are the prey. We then return to the lodge for lunch after the game drive. In the afternoon as the animals look for water, we slope down to the Kazinga channel for the boat cruise along the beautiful water way. Naturally, this water body connects lake George to lake Edward. Lake Edward lies within the park and it is shared between Uganda and Congo.

The boat cruise sails downstream and close to numerous animals. Different animals come to the channel to drink and to cool off. Indeed, buffaloes, elephants, giant forest hogs and many bird species can be seen in the water or on the banks. The other animals such as crocodiles, otters and hippos are permanent residents of the channel. The boat cruise ends down by lake Edward with views of the endless mountains beyond.

Overnight stay: The Kasenyi Safari Camp (FB) or the Mweya Safari Lodge (FB)

We have a morning game drive as we transfer southwards towards the Ishasha sector. Next, we check in at the lodge for lunch and relaxation. Later, we enjoy a relaxed afternoon game drive in search of the tree climbing lions. The animal search goes up to the river camp in the forest. In fact, there are hippos in the river and primates in the surrounding trees.

Overnight stay: Ishasha Jungle Lodge (FB) or Ishasha Wilderness Camp (FB)

After a sumptuous breakfast tis morning, we cross to Bwindi Impenetrable forest. On the way, we pass through hilly and hanging villages. Nonetheless the wooded landscapes and mountains have breath-taking views. Firstly, Bwindi Impenetrable is a unique montane forest with many wildlife species and birds. Secondly, Bwindi is one of the 2 places in the world where you find the endangered Mountain Gorillas!!

Overnight stay: Gorilla Mist Camp (FB) or the Mahogany Springs Lodge (FB)

Just as the morning breaks, we set off to the forest. The highlight is obviously an encounter with a family of the Gorillas!! In a word, the experience is awesome! We will have an hour with them for an experience that absolutely lasts a life-time. The guides informatively explain the life of the gorillas as well as the plants and animals of the forest. After the trekking, we finally return to the lodge to relax. It is even possible to do a community walk in the afternoon (optional).

Overnight stay: Gorilla Mist Camp (FB) or the Mahogany Springs Lodge (FB)

This morning, we have breakfast as we relax to scenes of the nearby Bwindi forest. Afterwards, we drive leisurely south through the mountains to lake Bunyonyi.  The hillsides are thus filled with terraced farms and homesteads. This is truly the deepest and most picturesque lake in Uganda. In the afternoon, we relax at the lodge or take a swim in the lake (Bilharzia free). In addition, we can go canoeing or take a boat trip on the lake to the surrounding communities. Moreover, we may choose to head to the punishment Island. We then return to the lodge to relax and enjoy the cool breeze and sights of the lake.

Overnight stay: Bunyonyi Overland Camp (FB) or the Bird Nest (FB)

After breakfast and relaxation, we drive further in the mountains and cattle countryside towards Lake Mburo national park. There are five lakes in the park with surrounding rolling hills. It is mostly woodland and comfortably harbors beautiful bird species, leopards and hyenas. In the same way, the zebras, the rare topi and Eland antelopes have their space in the park. The hippos and crocodiles too are common on the lake. In the afternoon, we go for a game drive along the tracks. Similarly, we can enjoy a boat trip on the lake while we see the wildlife and the sunset. We return to the lodge with views of the park below.

Overnight stay: Rwakobo Rock (FB) or the Mihingo Lodge (FB)

After a sumptuous breakfast, we undertake a game safari walk in the park. Our aim is to see the African animals at close proximity. It is a thrilling moment if you have never before encountered wildlife on foot. Finally, we transfer to the airport for your departure flight. On the way however, we take a lunch break at the Equator crossing. END of the 15 days safari in Uganda