Quintessentail Ugadna

Quintessential Uganda – 10 Days

Tailored to those wanting to make the most of the diversity in wildlife and habitats that Uganda has to offer. Starting off in the captivating western region of the country, you will visit ancient crater lakes and trek the incredible Chimpanzees in the world-renowned Kibale Forest.

 

Followed by a more traditional safari experience in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where as well as safari by 4×4, you will also safari on boat and visit Chimpanzees in the truly unique habitat of Kyambura Gorge. In the Southern sector of the park, you will have the chance to spot the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha.

 

Travelling further south, you’ll spend 2 nights in the magnificent Bwindi Forest. Explore this exceptional jungle environment and trek the famed Mountain Gorillas.

 

Before returning to Entebbe, you will stay in Lake Mburo National Park, with the chance to spot leopard, giraffe and eland, amongst many other species of wildlife.

This itinerary is written based on the lodges we suggest in each area – see the links in the descriptions below for individual lodge websites as well as alternative properties that will also work on this route.

Day 1: Entebbe

Our VIP meet and greet service will welcome you off the plane then transfer you to our very own boutique hotel, Karibu Entebbe, just a few minutes’ drive from the airport.

 

Here you’ll have time to relax and decompress after your flight in the tropical surroundings before going through your itinerary with one of our team. Relax with a signature cocktail, or take a dip in the palm and bougainvillea-bordered pool, preparing for your drive to Murchison Falls National Park next day.

 

If you arrive during the day, we can recommend a relaxing sunset cruise along the papyrus shore-line of Lake Victoria.

 

Other Accommodation Ideas in Entebbe: Number 5 Boutique Hotel | The Boma

 

Days 2 & 3: Kibale Forest

Approximately a 6 hour drive with your private guide will bring you to the spectacular Ndali Lodge, in Western Uganda. The lodge sits above a large crater lake where you can explore the tropical surroundings or go for a refreshing swim that afternoon. After dinner, either in the restaurant or on your own patio, you could retire to your cottage or sit out and take in the ambience of the beautiful surroundings.

 

The following morning you will trek the chimpanzees in Kibale Forest. Walk through this beautiful, virgin forest, in search of the chimpanzees before spending an hour with these intelligent and entertaining primates. In the afternoon you can choose to visit Bigodi Wetlands, which boasts a plethora of birdlife, primates and incredibly diverse, indigenous vegetation.

 

Other Accommodation Ideas in Kibale Forest: Kyaninga Lodge | Papaya Lodge

 

Day 4: Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, your guide will drive you to Elephant Plains Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, a journey of around 2 hours. Sitting high on top of an escarpment, the lodge commands amazing views of the park in all its glory.

 

In the afternoon you will travel by boat along the Kazinga Channel, which runs through part of the park and offers the chance to see an abundance of wildlife from the water.

 

Other Accommodation Ideas in Queen Elizabeth (North): Volcanoes Kyambura Lodge | Marafiki Lodge

 

Days 5 & 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Following an early breakfast, your guide will drive you to Kyambura Gorge, a truly unique oasis carved into the surrounding terrain. Here you will undertake your second chimpanzee trek, this time in a very different, yet equally captivating environment. After spending time with the chimpanzees you will travel to Ishasha Wilderness Camp in the southern sector of the park. Nestled amongst woodland and with a river running right in front of the lodge, you could choose to relax in the afternoon and look out for the resident wildlife or take a safari in the park.

 

Tomorrow is completely at your leisure and you could choose to go on safari in the morning, the afternoon, or both. As well as being superbly located, Ishasha Wilderness Camp boasts excellent service, food and drinks and you may decide to spend much of the day relaxing at the camp

 

Days 7 & 8: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Once you have had a leisurely breakfast, your guide will drive you approximately 2 hours to Mahogany Springs Lodge, located at the entrance to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The afternoon is at your leisure, with the local craft shops and forest walks well worth consideration.

 

After breakfast the following morning, a short drive will bring you to the trekking headquarters and the start point of your gorilla trek. Here, experienced rangers and guides will go over the details of the trek with you before you set off in search of the majestic Mountain Gorillas. Finding the gorillas can take anywhere between 1 to 4 hours (sometimes longer), your lodge will provide you with plenty of drinking water and a packed lunch to keep you going during your hike.

 

Upon locating the gorillas, you will spend an hour with these magnificent primates, observing the family in their completely wild and natural habitat. The guides and rangers will provide detailed information on the gorilla family’s history and dynamics, giving a rich and informed wildlife experience. Once you have returned from your trek, your private guide will take you back to the lodge, where you will be able to relax and reminisce on your gorilla encounter.

 

 Other Accommodation Ideas in Bwindi Forest (Northern Side): Buhoma Lodge | Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge | Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

 

Day 9: Lake Mburo National Park

Your guide will drive you to Mihingo Lodge in Lake Mburo National Park, approximately a comfortable 6 hour drive. Perched on top of a rocky outcrop overlooking the park, you could choose to relax at the lodge in the swimming pool built into the rock or go for an afternoon safari with your guide.

 

Day 10 Depart Uganda

Before departing for Entebbe, your guide will escort you on a bush walk through the National Park, accompanied by park rangers. On foot, you should be able to get relatively close to wildlife and explore the park in a different way compared to a vehicle safari.

 

After an early lunch, you will drive you around 5 hours back to Karibu Entebbe where you can relax and freshen up before your flight departing Uganda.