This 9 day Uganda Safari takes you to the misty Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, which is home to more than half the population Mountain Gorillas.Later to Lake Bunyonyi for some relaxation, which is said to be one of the most beautiful lakes in Uganda. Also you get to visit the Queen Elizabeth National Park for a great game viewing experience in the Ishasha sector and enjoy game drives and a boat cruise on the Kazinga channel. You will also enjoy a game drive and a boat cruise along the Nile River in the Murchison Falls National Park. With a visit to Kibale Forest National Park for the chimpanzee trekking activity, you will conclude your tour with some unforgettable memories.
Short Itinerary
Day 1 (Dec 12, 2024) - Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 2 (Dec 13, 2024) - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorilla Tracking) to Lake Bunyonyi
Day 3 (Dec 14, 2024) - Lake Bunyonyi to Ishasha sector (Game drive)
Day 4 (Dec 15, 2024) - Ishasha sector (Game drive) and Queen Elizabeth National Park (Boat ride in Kazinga channel)
Day 5 (Dec 16, 2024) - Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park and transfer to Kibale National Park
Day 6 (Dec 17, 2024) - Kibale National Park (Chimp Tracking and Bigodi Swamp Walk)
Day 7 (Dec 18, 2024) - Kibale National Park to Murchison Falls National Park
Day 8 (Dec 19, 2024) - Murchison Falls National Park (Game Drives and Boat Ride)
Day 9 (Dec 20, 2024) - Murchison Falls National Park (Visit to top of Falls) to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (Rhino Tracking) to Kampala
Notes
No activities included in Bunyonyi. Clients can choose to do Community Walk, Canoe Ride, Boat Ride, Bicycle Ride, Bird Watching, Cray Fishing or any other activity in Lake Bunyonyi by paying additionally at the accommodation.
Choose Date
Safari tour prices vary depending on the starting date, your group size, and the choice of stay.
Ensuite Accommodation Packages
Below are packages with a few popular ensuite options for your tour, starting on Dec 12, 2024, in a group of two adults
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Ensuite hotels are tented camps/lodges that can be inside/around national parks.
You will have a private room with attached bathroom. Meals are provided by hotels.
Click to know more about safari accommodations (ensuite camps/lodges)
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Option E1: $2,908 per adult for safari with Safari Van
, $3,010 per adult for safari with Mini Land Cruiser
, $3,112 per adult for safari with Standard Land Cruiser
, $3,315 per adult for safari with Extended Land Cruiser
- Stay at Gorilla Closeup Lodge - Budget Crafted Room, Bwindi (Nkuringo)
from Dec 12, 2024 to Dec 13, 2024 [Full Board]
- Stay at Itambira Island, Seeds of Hope - Round house, Lake Bunyonyi
from Dec 13, 2024 to Dec 14, 2024 [Full Board]
- Stay at Enjojo Lodge, Ishasha - Self Contained Safari Tent, Queen Elizabeth (Ishasha)
from Dec 14, 2024 to Dec 15, 2024 [Full Board]
- Stay at The Bush Lodge, North - Self Contained Tents, Queen Elizabeth (North)
from Dec 15, 2024 to Dec 16, 2024 [Full Board]
- Stay at Chimpanzee Forest Lodge - Main House, Kibale
from Dec 16, 2024 to Dec 18, 2024 [Full Board]
- Stay at Wild Palace Safari Lodge - Executive, Murchison Falls
from Dec 18, 2024 to Dec 20, 2024 [Full Board]
Option E2: $3,126 per adult for safari with Safari Van
, $3,228 per adult for safari with Mini Land Cruiser
, $3,330 per adult for safari with Standard Land Cruiser
, $3,533 per adult for safari with Extended Land Cruiser
- Stay at Gorilla Valley Lodge - Ensuite, Bwindi (Rushaga)
from Dec 12, 2024 to Dec 13, 2024 [Full Board]
- Stay at Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort - Floating Cottage, Lake Bunyonyi
from Dec 13, 2024 to Dec 14, 2024 [Full Board]
- Stay at Enjojo Lodge, Ishasha - Self Contained Safari Tent, Queen Elizabeth (Ishasha)
from Dec 14, 2024 to Dec 15, 2024 [Full Board]
- Stay at Twin Lakes Safari Lodge, North, Queen Elizabeth (North)
from Dec 15, 2024 to Dec 16, 2024 [Full Board]
- Stay at Kibale Forest Camp - Safari Tent, Kibale
from Dec 16, 2024 to Dec 18, 2024 [Full Board]
- Stay at Murchison Falls Bamboo Village - Cottage, Murchison Falls
from Dec 18, 2024 to Dec 20, 2024 [Full Board]
Option E3: $3,270 per adult for safari with Safari Van
, $3,372 per adult for safari with Mini Land Cruiser
, $3,474 per adult for safari with Standard Land Cruiser
, $3,677 per adult for safari with Extended Land Cruiser
- Stay at Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge - Cottage, Bwindi (Rushaga)
from Dec 12, 2024 to Dec 13, 2024 [Full Board]
- Stay at Arcadia Lodge, Lake Bunyonyi
from Dec 13, 2024 to Dec 14, 2024 [Full Board]
- Stay at Enjojo Lodge, Ishasha - Thatched Cottage, Queen Elizabeth (Ishasha)
from Dec 14, 2024 to Dec 15, 2024 [Full Board]
- Stay at The Bush Lodge, North - Self Contained Tents, Queen Elizabeth (North)
from Dec 15, 2024 to Dec 16, 2024 [Full Board]
- Stay at Isunga Safari Lodge, Kibale
from Dec 16, 2024 to Dec 18, 2024 [Full Board]
- Stay at Pakuba Safari Lodge, Murchison Falls
from Dec 18, 2024 to Dec 20, 2024 [Full Board]
Option E4: $7,278 per adult for safari with Safari Van
, $7,380 per adult for safari with Mini Land Cruiser
, $7,482 per adult for safari with Standard Land Cruiser
, $7,685 per adult for safari with Extended Land Cruiser
- Stay at Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi (Nkuringo)
from Dec 12, 2024 to Dec 13, 2024 [Full Board]
- Stay at Arcadia Lodge, Lake Bunyonyi
from Dec 13, 2024 to Dec 14, 2024 [Full Board]
- Stay at Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Ishasha, Queen Elizabeth (Ishasha)
from Dec 14, 2024 to Dec 15, 2024 [Full Board]
- Stay at Kyambura Gorge Lodge, North - Deluxe Banda, Queen Elizabeth (North)
from Dec 15, 2024 to Dec 16, 2024 [Full Board]
- Stay at Kyaninga Lodge, Kibale
from Dec 16, 2024 to Dec 18, 2024 [Full Board]
- Stay at Murchison River Lodge - Thatched Cottage, Murchison Falls
from Dec 18, 2024 to Dec 20, 2024 [Full Board]
A detailed list of inclusions is shared below. We have many more accommodations and addon tours to offer. Please share with us your requirements by clicking on the "Request Quote" button below, and our reservations team will get in touch with you.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
You will be picked up around 8:00 am from Kampala (or Entebbe) by our guide who will brief you about your tour. You will later be driven in a comfortable and secure touring vehicle to the extreme South-West in which will take around 8 hours of drive. Lunch will be provided en-route at Mbarara, arriving late in the evening for an overnight and relax at the resort with stunning views of the lake with scattered Islands as you wait for the next day’s adventure.
Day 2 - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorilla Trekking) to Lake Bunyonyi
You will have an early morning breakfast at 6:30 am and with packed Lunch you will move to the Park headquarters to join other trackers in a briefing about the gorilla trekking rules at 7:30 am. You will trek through thick creepers and undergrowth with your guides to find the Gorillas, which can take you 1-8 hours. The steeply forested landscape is incredibly dense but crisscrossed by numerous animal trails allowing access by tourists. You will will stay with Gorillas sometime once sited and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi.
The drive will be in the beautiful part of the country often referred to as ‘the Switzerland of Africa’ because of its unique cool weather despite being near the Equator. This lake is said to be one of the most beautiful places in western Uganda. It is the second deepest lake in Africa (900 meters deep) and also one of the few places in the country where it is considered safe to swim as it is bilharzia free.
Note: Depending on your time of arrival at Lake Bunyonyi, you can pay the extra amount for the activity (Community Walk, Canoe Ride, Boat Ride, Bicycle Ride, Bird Watching and Cray Fishing.) directly at the accommodation and do the activity on this day or on the next day before departing to Ishasha.
Day 3 - Lake Bunyonyi to Ishasha sector (Game drive)
After your breakfast you will set off for Ishasha Sector. You will reach in the afternoon check in to your Lodge have lunch and some rest for sun to go down.
Post Lunch you will be taken for an evening game drive in Ishasha sector. After the drive you will return back to the Lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4 - Ishasha to Kazinga Channel (Boat Ride)
After your breakfast you will be taken to Ishasha Sector, famous for the tree climbing lions lounging in the tree branches while keeping a close eye on herds of Uganda kob, their favorite prey. You could have a chance to spot some tree climbing lions after proceeding to your lodge.
In the afternoon you will take a Boat Cruise along the amazing Kazinga channel to see, at close range, the water animals to include Hippos, Buffalos, Crocodiles and elephants bathing on the channel banks. There is also a variety of bird species on the water banks especially the famous Shoebill, pelican and Jacana.
Day 5 - Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park and transfer to Kibale National Park
After breakfast you will take a packed lunch and head for game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park to see Africa’s highly famed “Big 5”, Bush Bucks, Giant Hogs, Antelopes, Waterbucks and plenty of birds. . Later in the evening you will be transferred to Kibale Forest National Park.
Day 6 - Kibale National Park (Chimp Tracking and Bigodi Swamp Walk)
The activity begins at 8.00 am with a briefing of the rule for trekking the chimpanzees after which you set off to search for them in the forest. Kibale Forest National Park boasts the highest number of primate species in the world, including the chimpanzees. Approximately 5,000 chimpanzees live in the wild in Uganda, which makes it a perfect place to spot them! An experienced ranger will take you chimp tracking in the morning. Once you locate the chimpanzees, you will spend an hour with them and then head back to the accommodation for Lunch.
Post Lunch you will be taken for Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary walk This is a guided swamp walk that takes you closer seeing primates mostly monkeys, birds and butterflies. The wetland is a birder’s paradise with about 138 species and is best known for being home to the Great Blue Turaco.
This is a 2.5 - 3 hour walk and is a must for bird lovers. The walk is almost as popular as the Kibale Forest Walk. You will need good walking shoes since part of the walk is sometimes muddy. Hopefully you will spot the elusive Sitatunga antelope and the Shoebill Stork. This is nothing to be missed. You will meet some of the primates here, even a chimpanzee at times. Other primate species include the black-and-white colobus, grey-cheeked mangabey, red-tailed, l’Hoest’s and blue monkeys, and olive baboons. Also, Bushbucks and mongooses and many more can also be found here. There is also an abundance of butterflies. Bigodi Sanctuary is located outside the park in Magombe Swamp.
Day 7 - Kibale National Park to Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast you will be transferred to Murchison Falls National Park which will take around 7/8 hours of drive, Head straight to tour the Top and bottom of majestic falls, where the Nile crashes through a 7 metres gorge to the falls 45 metres. Numerous scenic viewpoints are a photographers’ delight, The most impressive view of the foaming waters rushing into the gorge with a deafening roar.
Day 8 - Murchison Falls National Park (Game Drives and Boat Ride)
You will set off at 6:30 am cross to the northern bank of river Nile head for a sunrise game drive in the Nyamsika plateau to see the Cape buffaloes, Rothschild’s giraffes, Uganda kob, hartebeest and waterbucks. You may also spot oribi, bushbuck, Bohor reedbuck, shy sitatunga, bush duiker, warthog and bush pig plus large carnivores including lions, leopards and spotted hyenas. Chimpanzees and olive baboons head the list of six species of primates found in the park. Crocodiles and hippos will be seen along the banks of the Nile. Some of the more common birds that can be seen include goliath heron, Egyptian geese, pelican, bee- eaters, kingfishers, hornbill, cormorant, saddle-bill stork and the rare shoebill stork.
You will return to your lodge for a late breakfast and some relaxation before setting off in the afternoon for a Boat cruise on the placid Victoria Nile, upstream, to the base of the falls. En route you will see hippos, crocodiles, water buck and a wide variety of birds including the unusual shoebill stork. The boat stops just tens of meters from the “Devil’s Cauldron” for pictures to be taken of the photogenic and majestic Murchison Falls.
Day 9 - Murchison Falls National Park (Visit to top of Falls) to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (Rhino Tracking) to Kampala
After an early morning breakfast, drive to top of Falls and then depart with great memories of the moments spent at Murchison falls, You will be driven to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, after a briefing from the ranger you trek the sanctuary for close to two hours. With Lunch en-route you will be transferred back to Kampala (or Entebbe).
Stay Locations
Day 1 (Dec 12, 2024) - Bwindi (Ruhija) or Bwindi (Rushaga) or Bwindi (Buhoma) or Bwindi (Nkuringo)
Day 2 (Dec 13, 2024) - Lake Bunyonyi
Day 3 (Dec 14, 2024) - Queen Elizabeth (Ishasha)
Day 4 (Dec 15, 2024) - Queen Elizabeth (North)
Day 5 (Dec 16, 2024) - Kibale
Day 6 (Dec 17, 2024) - Kibale
Day 7 (Dec 18, 2024) - Murchison Falls
Day 8 (Dec 19, 2024) - Murchison Falls
Maps
Meals
Day 1 (Dec 12, 2024) - Lunch & Dinner
Day 2 (Dec 13, 2024) - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 (Dec 14, 2024) - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 (Dec 15, 2024) - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 (Dec 16, 2024) - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6 (Dec 17, 2024) - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7 (Dec 18, 2024) - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8 (Dec 19, 2024) - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9 (Dec 20, 2024) - Breakfast & Lunch
Transfer Times
Day 1 (Dec 12, 2024) - Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park takes about 8.5 to 10 hours (473 to 510 km)
Day 2 (Dec 13, 2024) - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to Lake Bunyonyi takes about 2 to 3 hours (65 to 100 km)
Day 3 (Dec 14, 2024) - Lake Bunyonyi to Ishasha sector takes about 3 to 4.5 hours (160 km)
Day 4 (Dec 15, 2024) - No transfers
Day 5 (Dec 16, 2024) - Queen Elizabeth National Park (Game drive) to Kibale National Park takes about 2 to 2.5 hours (110 km)
Day 6 (Dec 17, 2024) - No transfers
Day 7 (Dec 18, 2024) - Kibale National Park to Murchison Falls National Park takes about 8 to 8.5 hours (389 km)
Day 8 (Dec 19, 2024) - No transfers
Day 9 (Dec 20, 2024) - Murchison Falls National Park to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary takes about 2.5 to 3 hours (136 km) to Kampala takes about 3.5 to 4 hours (169 km)
Note: These are estimated drive times. Because of the traffic, location of the accommodations, and several other factors, actual drive times may vary. Driving distances are approximate and do not account for exact places.
Inclusions
Activities mentioned in the itinerary.
Park Fees (for Non-Residents).
A professional English speaking driver/ guide.
Chimp tracking permit in Kibale.
Game drive as mentioned in the itinerary.
All Taxes and VAT.
Meals as per itinerary.
Drinking water while on safari (2 liters per person per day).
4x4 Land Cruiser or Safari Van.
Gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi.
Exclusions
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour (Unless mentioned otherwise).
Tips (Tipping guidelines).
Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
Personal Items (Souvenirs, Travel Insurance, Visa Fees, etc.).
International flights.
Airport Transfers (Unless mentioned otherwise).
Government imposed an increase of Taxes, Gorilla trekking permits, Chimp tracking permits and or Park Fees.
This 9 day Uganda Safari takes you to the misty Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, which is home to more than half the population Mountain Gorillas.Later to Lake Bunyonyi for some relaxation, which is said to be one of the most beautiful lakes in Uganda. Also you get to visit the Queen Elizabeth National Park for a great game viewing experience in the Ishasha sector and enjoy game drives and a boat cruise on the Kazinga channel. You will also enjoy a game drive and a boat cruise along the Nile River in the Murchison Falls National Park. With a visit to Kibale Forest National Park for the chimpanzee trekking activity, you will conclude your tour with some unforgettable memories.
We use equipment of international standards & our guides are trained in First aid & personal protection equipment
We reward our staff based on your feedback & that results in all of us working towards making your trip memorable
Our guides are trained to pay attention to each clients requirements & situation & customize the program accordingly
Once a tour is booked, its guaranteed to go, even if there is only single client for the entire trip
Book by paying advance by card on our website. Balance can be paid upon arrival, before the tour
Our minimum requirement for operation is only one client. So we can offer the tour any day of the year for you
Our Reviews
Amazing and beautiful!
"We were taken on this beautiful trip in Murchison Falls and some more. Our guides were friendly and highly professional, making an effort to ensure we were having the best experience possible. A......"
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"The booking and payment process was seamless. The company made sure everything was in order. Our guide Robert was fantastic ... I highly recommend him. We saw the big 5 and got some great pictures......"
akbars
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"We have taken 3 days trip from Kigali to Bwindi to finding mountain gorillas by Monkey Adventures. Our guide Reagan with driver were excellent and made everything to our comfort. I absolutely......"
Marek K
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Nils
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"We had a fantastic time with Monkey Adventures who provided us with a truly once in a lifetime experience. All aspects of the trip were brilliant with the gorilla trekking being an absolute......"
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"We had an incredible time and our driver/guide Charles was amazing! All of the places we stayed were great with amazing staff and glorious food and the tours we had will provide memories to last a......"