14 Day Inspiring Safari: Rhinos, Chimps and Gorillas

After breakfast you will travel to the north eastern based Kidepo national park with a stop over at Ziwa Rhino sanctuary – a project intended to reintroduce rhinos in Uganda after their extinction through poaching in 70’s and 80’s . Guided by a ranger on foot you will observe wonderful giant rhinos at a short distance in natural habitat – a wonderful experience ! Then you will proceed to Gulu for overnight .

After breakfast you will proceed to Kidepo National Park and check in in your hotel . Have lunch and go for afternoon safari in search of predators like lions , leopards , cheetahs and hyenas , you will also enjoy the view of elephants , buffaloes , topis , giraffes , zebras , elands and other species of animals and birds especially secretary bird and ostrich – the biggest bird in the world .

Today you are going to do another safari in the morning , then after lunch you will go for a community walk in the afternoon to visit the native people – “ the Karimojong pastoralists “ – famous for preserving their traditional culture .

After breakfast today you will transfer to the Great Murchison Falls National Park , – the biggest in Uganda , with a stop over in Gulu for lunch . On arrival begin an evening safari and check in in your hotel for overnight .

After breakfast begin a safari in search of giraffes , elephants , lions , leopards , hyenas , buffalos , jackals , different types of antelopes , warthogs and many bird species . Then return to the hotel for lunch . In the afternoon you will have another safari on boat on river Nile for close observation of hippos , crocodiles and other land animals which come to drink water or cool themselves on the Nile. There is also possibility of seeing the African fish eagle and many more bird species as you proceed to the bottom of the Murchison falls . Then return to hotel and relax .

Today you are going to drive about 9 hours to Kibale national park via the most powerful waterfall in the world – Murchison falls , there is a lot more to see during the journey : the landscape of the Western rift valley with lake Albert and escarpments in the Democratic Republic of Congo , sugar , coffee and tea plantations , fields with lots of food crops and a lot more.

This day you are going to track chimpanzees in Kibale forest park , an exciting exercise . The chimpanzees are the animals most related to human beings. They are habituated for tourism and can be observed at a close distance . The activity is guided by rangers who explain the life of chimpanzees and other animals that you may see , as well as different plants. You are expected to carry drinking water , a rain coat , a mask and to wear long sleeved clothes , trousers and hiking shoes . Insect repellants are also necessary . In the afternoon you will do a community walk in Bigodi to interact with the local people and experience their way of living .

After breakfast proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park , one of Uganda’s most beautiful game parks due to its rich eco system . On the way you will enjoy the view of beautiful sceneries of the Rwenzori mountains on the border with D.R Congo , crater lakes and Africa’s landscapes with plantations of bananas , coffee , tea , cotton and a variety of Uganda’s subsistence crops in fields . After lunch you will do an afternoon safari in the park .

Take early breakfast , then begin your safari early for better chances of viewing predators like lions , hyenas and leopards . The park is considered to be the most beautiful due to its rich ecosystem . It also shelters other animal species like elephants , buffaloes , kobs , crocodiles , hippos ,antelopes , warthogs e.t.c and more than 600 species of birds. In the afternoon you will continue with the safari on boat on Kazinga canal which links lake George in the East and lake Edward in the West shared by Uganda and D.R Congo . During the boat safari you will see many hippos at a short distance , crocodiles , monitor lizards ,many animals that come to the canal to drink water and a variety of birds.

After breakfast transfer to Bwindi National Park via the southern part of the Queen Elizabeth park ( Ishasha ) , famous for the tree lions .The journey is long and goes through savannah grasslands and forest . Enjoy the view of elephants , buffaloes , antelopes , monkeys and many bird species on the way. Try your luck to search for tree lions then proceed to Bwindi national park – the home of the famous endangered mountain gorillas. Enjoy the panoramic view of the Kigezi highlands with beautiful terraces and plantations .

Today’s experience is the climax in your journey ; you are going to meet the famous “ mountain gorillas” .The tracking is done in a thick forest with slopes and valleys – another adventure for your physical fitness . After briefing by Park rangers you will begin the tracking in groups of 8 people each , accompanied by professional rangers . You need to be physically fit for the walk which may last from two to six hours. Don’t forget to carry enough drinking water, packed lunch, a rain coat and a mask . You are also supposed to wear long sleeved clothes , trousers and hiking shoes. Insect repellants are also necessary.

Today you will drive to Lake Mburo national park . After checking in the hotel you will go for an afternoon game drive . The park is famous for its large number of zebras and impalas. It has also giraffes , buffalos , topis , bush bucks , hyenas , leopards and the biggest type of antelope called “ Eland “ as well as birds .

This day you will do a morning safari on foot –( nature walk ) guided by a professional ranger . The walk will provide the opportunity to observe giraffes . zebras and impalas at short distance – very impressive ! , then drive to Entebbe . Have a stop over at the Equator for photos , souvenirs and lunch. Then proceed to the Airport for your flight back home .