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9 Days Wildlife Safari Holiday in Uganda

Overview of the 9 Days Wildlife Safari Holiday in Uganda

9 Days Wildlife Holiday in Uganda is an extensive Uganda safari package exclusive of gorilla trekking. The 9 Days wildlife holiday in Uganda features wild game viewing in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park including the Big five of land animals namely the Rhinos, lions (including tree climbing lions), elephants, leopards and Buffaloes, the other wild game like Rothschild giraffes, Jackson’s Hartebeest among others, the adventure encounters like the hike to the top of Murchison Falls, the cycling in Mpanga tea estates, Sempaya hot springs walk and the Fort Portal Crater lake hike, heritage tours to Kibiro Salt gardens, the Amabere g’ Nnyinamwiru caves and coffee tours in Kanungu, the Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale and recreational encounters on River Nile, Kazinga Channel and Lake Bunyonyi.

Highlights

Safari Highlight of the 9 Days Wildlife Safari Holiday in Uganda

Day 1 of the 9 Days Wildlife Safari Holiday in Uganda: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park. Make a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Day 2 of the 9 Days Wildlife Safari Holiday in Uganda: Do morning game drive, afternoon Nile launch cruise and hike to the top of the falls

Day 3 of the 9 Days Wildlife Safari Holiday in Uganda: Transfer to Hoima. Visit Kibiro Salt Gardens en route

Day 4 of the 9 Days Wildlife Safari Holiday in Uganda: Transfer to Fort Portal. Do either Mpanga tea estate cycling or Amabere g’ Nnyinamwiru caves tour and Fort Portal Crater lake hike & then transfer to Kibale National Park

Day 5 of the 9 Days Wildlife Safari Holiday in Uganda: Do Chimpanzee trekking in the morning and afternoon Bigodi wetland walk

Day 6 of the 9 Days Wildlife Safari Holiday in Uganda: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and do an afternoon Kazinga channel boat cruise

Day 7 of the 9 Days Wildlife Safari Holiday in Uganda: Undertake morning game drive and transfer to Ishasha for an afternoon game drive

Day 8 of the 9 Days Wildlife Safari Holiday in Uganda: Do morning game drive in Ishasha sector, Coffee Plantation tour en route and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi.

Day 9 of the 9 Days Wildlife Safari Holiday in Uganda: Do a sun rise boat cruise and transfer to Kampala. Make a stop at Igongo Cultural Center for lunch and Uganda Equator crossing Kayabwe.

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Day by Day

Detailed Safari Itinerary of the 9 Days Wildlife Safari Holiday in Uganda

Day 1 of the 9 Days Wildlife Safari Holiday in Uganda: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park. Make a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

ziwa-rhinos uganda safari

You depart from your place of stay at 6:30am after breakfast and embark on the drive to the north of Uganda following Gulu road. The drive takes you through impressive landscapes of central Uganda including the flat stretches of Nakasongora and Luwero where the NRA bush war that brought President Museveni to power was fought. Murchison is 311km about 5 hours’ drive from Kampala. You branch off at Nakitooma to drive for 7km to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary headquarters to arrange for the Rhino tracking experience. You track the 15 counts of southern white Rhinos thriving in impressive savannah vegetation that is itself an attraction, Retreat from 1 – 3 hour activity and settle for lunch either at the Sanctuary or Kabalega dinner after which you proceed to Murchison Falls National Park crossing with the ferry to the northern section to check in at the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge, Midrange / Standard: Pakuba Safari Lodge, Budget / Basic: Heritage Safari Lodge, Wild Camping

Day 2 of the 9 Days Wildlife Safari Holiday in Uganda: Do morning game drive, afternoon Nile launch cruise and hike to the top of the falls

top-of-murchison-falls uganda safari

Settle for breakfast at 6am and connect to the park for game drive at 7am. The game drive is carried out in the northern section of the park where a myriad of wild game thrive ranging from the four of the big five land animals namely the elephants, the Buffaloes, the Leopard and the lion and other counts of Rothschild Giraffes, the Jackson’s Hartebeest, the Oribis, the Uganda Kob, the waterbuck and Patas monkey among other species which may be explored on the 3 – 4 hour game drive. You retreat to the lodge for relaxation and lunch after which you gather at Paraa jetty to undertake the Nile launch cruise departing at 2pm. The 2 hour cruise to the bottom of the falls is a recreational and an impressive safari activity that offers you a possibility of viewing the Nile Crocodiles, the Hippos and the shoe bill stork along with other birds that like to dwell close to water. The wild game viewing on the river banks may not be missed. Upon reaching at the bottom of the falls, you embark on the hike to the top of the falls following a challenging narrow path with steep and slippery slopes as you walk past the Nile River mesmerized by its waters splashing out after hitting hard rocks. You connect with the driver guise at the top of the falls and head to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge, Midrange / Standard: Pakuba Safari Lodge, Budget / Basic: Heritage Safari Lodge, Wild Camping

Day 3 of the 9 Days Wildlife Safari Holiday in Uganda: Transfer to Hoima. Visit Kibiro Salt Gardens en route

Catch up with the ferry crossing at 9am after having a relaxed breakfast to embark on the transfer to Hoima. You drive through Bulisa / Bugungu gate and drive along the Albertine escarpment including the shores of Lake Albert and its escarpments with magical scenic views. You make a stop at Kibiro Salt Gardens an ancient salt extraction site that dates back to over 900 years ago having contributed to the powerfulness of Bunyoro Kingdom in the pre-colonial Africa. The salt extraction is primarily done by women and it is this activity that supports the livelihood of this community as the soils do not favor crop growing. The path that leads you the salt site is steep and rugged which presents a challenging hike generating an experience of its own. Retreat from the activity and continue on the drive to Hoima arriving in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Hoima Kontiki Hotel

Day 4 of the 9 Days Wildlife Safari Holiday in Uganda: Transfer to Fort Portal. Do either Mpanga tea estate cycling or Amabere g’ Nnyinamwiru caves tour and Fort Portal Crater lake hike & then transfer to Kibale National Park

Nyinamwiru Cave Uganda Safari

After breakfast, embark on the transfer to Fort Portal Area about 5 hours’ drive passing through the rural landscapes of Kagadi before approaching the Kyenjojo and Fort Portal settling for lunch after which you embark on the cycling in the Mpanga tea estate exploring the tea growing practices and sight-seeing experience. You can participate in the tea plucking itself and join the estate staff to gain an in depth experience. Alternatively, you embark on the Amabere g’ Nnyinamwiru caves tour exploring the heritage of this site that dates back to the prehistoric era in the ancient Chwezi times where the breast like features are believed to be belonging to Nnyinamwiru the daughter of Bukuku who was deprived of his son Ndahura by her father in fear that the boy might take over the throne. The cave features the beautiful Nyakasura falls that fall at the cave front deriving fantastic scenic moment. You retreat from the caves tour and embark on the Fort Portal Crater lake hike where you summit the famous Kyeganywa hill gaining magical sights of the surrounding places including the series of crater lakes that mark the area like Saaka and Kigere. Retreat from the encounter and connect to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Ndali Lodge, Midrange / Standard: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse, Budget / Basic: Rwenzori View Guesthouse, Wild Camping

Day 5 of the 9 Days Wildlife Safari Holiday in Uganda: Do Chimpanzee trekking in the morning and afternoon Bigodi wetland walk

bigodi-wetland-walk Uganda Safari

Gather at Kanyanchu Tourism Center to catch up with briefing at 8am about the conduct of Chimpanzee trekking. The exercise is conducted by the park rangers after which you head to the ancient forest of Kibale in search of the common chimpanzees. The common chimpanzees are noted to be sharing 98% percentage of their DNA with humans and thus undertaking an exploration to their natural habitat to spend the full one hour with them is one way to reunite with these cousins. The chimpanzee trekking to last 2 – 5 hours and goes beyond the chimps alone as the forest shelters 13 primate species, the 351 tree species and the 375 bird species which include the endemic Kibale ground thrush. Retreat from the activity, settle for your packed lunch at the center and then connect to Bigodi wetland for an afternoon walk. Bigodi wetland sanctuary features 138 species of birds including the great blue turaco, the swamp dwelling Sitatunga antelope, the lush swamp flora and the community touch including the traditional healer and the women’s art and craft center. You retreat from the walk and embark on the transfer back to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Ndali Lodge, Midrange / Standard: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse, Budget / Basic: Rwenzori View Guesthouse, Wild Camping

Day 6 of the 9 Days Wildlife Safari Holiday in Uganda: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and do an afternoon Kazinga channel boat cruise

kazinga-channel-boat-cruise uganda safari

After breakfast, embark on the transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park 157km about 3 hours’ drive. You enjoy the magical sceneries of Rwenzori Mountains that tower to 5,109m above sea level with snowcapped peaks standing as the third highest on the African continent. Upon arrival in the Queen Elizabeth National Park, you drive along the Crater Lake area exploring the magical sceneries presented by myriad of explosion crater lakes and rocky landscapes where baboons and elephants tend to dwell. You proceed to drive in the Mweya peninsular and eventually gather at the jetty to embark on the boat cruise at 2pm. The boat cruise starts at 2pm and takes 2 hours giving you an opportunity to explore the calm waters of the 45km long Kazinga Channel filled with counts of Hippos, the Nile crocodiles, the water birds on the shores and a range of wild game drinking water from the channel. Upon retreating from the cruise, you embark on a mini game drive along the channel track in the Mweya peninsular as you connect to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge, Midrange / Standard: Enganzi Game Lodge, Budget / Basic: Pumba Safari Cottages, Wild Camping

Day 7 of the 9 Days Wildlife Safari Holiday in Uganda: Undertake morning game drive and transfer to Ishasha for an afternoon game drive

tree climbing lions in ishasha wildlife uganda safari

Settle for breakfast at 6am and connect to the park to embark on the game drive activity at 7am exploring the magical wildlife of Queen Elizabeth National Park. You drive through Kasenyi plains exploring the Kob’s mating ground and the extensive grassland and woodland that supports a myriad of wild game including the Cape Buffaloes, the African elephants, Defassa Waterbucks, Bushbucks, the Uganda Kobs, the side stripped jackal, the leopard, spotted hyenas, the lions among other species. Retreat from the 3 – 4 hour activity and connect to Ishasha sector in the south of Queen Elizabeth National Park for an afternoon game drive in the extensive savannah plains of Ishasha in search of tree climbing lions that tend to lie on fig tree branches in the day time. The sector also features other wild game including water bucks and Kobs not forgetting Buffaloes and elephants. Retire for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Midrange / Standard: Ishasha Jungle Lodge, Budget / Basic: @the river Ishasha, Wild Camping

Day 8 of the 9 Days Wildlife Safari Holiday in Uganda: Do morning game drive in Ishasha sector, Coffee Plantation tour en route and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

lake-bunyonyi-uganda safari

After breakfast, embark on another game drive in the Ishasha sector to explore more wild game including increased possibilities of encountering the tree climbing lions. You retreat from the activity and embark on the drive to Lake Bunyonyi 177km about 4 – 5 hours’ drive. You make a stop en route to explore the coffee plantations offering you the opportunity to learn about the traditional coffee growing practices ranging from planting to maintenance and harvesting. The cultural attachment that people have with the coffee including the traditional means of using coffee seeds to administer friendship. Continue on the drive arriving at Lake Bunyonyi in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Birdnest@Lake Bunyonyi, Midrange / Standard: Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort, Budget / Basic: Byoona Amagara Island Retreat, Resort Camping

Day 9 of the 9 Days Wildlife Safari Holiday in Uganda: Do a sun rise boat cruise and transfer to Kampala. Make a stop at Igongo Cultural Center for lunch and Uganda Equator crossing Kayabwe

After breakfast, embark on a boat cruise to explore the second deepest waters in Africa intercepted by a count of 29 Islands that have earned Bunyonyi a naming as the land of a thousand hills. You explore the magical sights of Lake Bunyonyi reaching to major Islands, interact with the fishermen and the Islanders connecting to and from the mainland and the impressive sights of the surrounding Kigezi highlands after which you retreat from the 2 hour activity and embark on the drive back to Kampala 437km about 7 hours’ drive. You make a stop at Igongo Cultural Center for lunch and at the Uganda Equator crossing Kayabwe for magical photo shoots and water experiments that evidences the geographical divide between the north and south hemispheres. You can also secure a souvenir to carry back home.

End of the 9 Days Wildlife Safari Holiday in Uganda

Getting There

Transport Means to Your Safari Destinations

4X4 Safari Landcruisers For Hire In Ugand & Rwanda

One of the best known 4×4 WD that you can use for your safari in Uganda’s Parks and Rural countryside.Our car hire is based on limited mileage and applies to travel within Uganda.( Terms and conditions apply. Read More

4X4 Safari Vans For Hire In Uganda Rwanda

Looking for 4X4 Safari Vans for hire in Uganda, Prime Uganda Safaris is available to your service. We have customized safari vans that have 4 wheel drive and have demonstrated the capacity to access distant Uganda Safari destinations and across borders such as Rwanda. Read More

4X4 Minivan|Coaster|Mini Buses For Hire in Uganda Rwanda

We have minivans for hire to groups of eight up to twelve. Make sure to find the class to suit your large group.In this Category, we have 4X 4 Safari Mini bus with capacity ranging from 6 seater to 14 seater and they’ve got a pop up roof for game viewing purposes. These have got diesel powered engines and come with a driver guide but excluding fuel.( Terms and conditions apply). Read More

Accommodations/ Safari Lodges/ Safari Hotels to Your Safari Destinations

More lodging options in Bwindi National Park

Gorilla Mist Camp-bwindi

Gorilla Mist Camp is located in Ruhija sector in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park just outside the park boundary. The Gorilla Mist Camp presents perfect midrange / standard accommodation in Ruhija Bwindi

Luxury safari lodges in Bwindi

Midrange safari lodges in Bwindi

Budget safari lodges in Bwindi

More lodging options in Queen Elizabeth National Park

enganzi game lodge- queen elizabeth np

Enganzi Game Lodge is positioned on the Kichwamba escarpment presenting midrange / Standard accommodation to the Uganda safari undertakers visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Luxury Lodges in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Midrange Hotels in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Budget Safari Lodges in Queen Elizabeth National Park

More lodging options in Bunyonyi National Park

bunyoni eco resort - uganda

Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort is a midrange / standard accommodation establishment that is located on Kyahugye Island in the middle of Lake Bunyonyi surrounded by a count of wildlife including the Debrazza monkeys, the water bucks, Impala antelope and Burchell’s Zebra.

Safari Lodges in Bunyonyi

Inclusions

General Safari Inclusions

Gorilla Permit (for gorilla trekking safaris)
Chimpanzee Permit (for chimpanzee trekking safaris)
Full Board Accommodation on Safari
Transportation in either 4X4 Safari Van or 4X4 Safari Land Cruiser all with Pop up roof & AC
Fuel
Professional English Speaking driver guide. Any other foreign language speaking guide can be arranged on request.
Entrance fees to the tourist sites including Protected areas mentioned
Activity fees of the tourist activities mentioned
Bottled water while on safari
Border crossing fees (for cross border safaris)

General Safari Exclusions

General tips for the driver guide, site guides and service staff at the lodges
Laundry Services
Other Beverages / drinks of personal nature like Alcohol
International Flights (Arranged on request)
Domestic Flights (Arranged on request)
Visas
Optional Activity fees
Other extras not mentioned in the Itinerary
Airport Transfer (Arranged on request)
Accommodation in Kampala or Kigali unless it is part of the Itinerary (Arranged on request)