The Best of Uganda Tour is a 8 day scheduled tour departing from Entebbe. Searching for endangered Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge. And multiple game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park with its amazing selection of wildlife. Including tree climbing lions. Are just some of the very best reasons to visit Uganda. With professional guides and custom made safari vehicles, this fully hosted eight day safari is really something special.
There is also an option to add 2 nights onto this safari and include the chimps at Kibale.
Skip to 8 Day Best of Uganda Tour Rates or Scheduled Departure Dates
Best of Uganda Tour Full Itinerary
Day 1: Entebbe
On arrival at Entebbe International Airport you will be met by a Wild Frontiers representative and transferred to your hotel.
Rest of day at leisure to explore the town of Entebbe. Additional activities and transfers arranged upon request.
Overnight Best Western Premier Garden Hotel Entebbe, or similar on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Best Western Premier Garden Hotel Entebbe | Entebbe
Best Western Premier Garden Hotel Entebbe is adjacent to the Victoria Shopping Mall. Therefore, guests have direct access to the mall and its facilities. The hotel is also within walking distance of the UN Base, Entebbe Golf Course and Botanical Gardens.
The hotel offers 51 modern rooms, all of which are equipped with Wi-Fi, a refrigerator and work area. Guests can enjoy a free American buffet breakfast at the hotel’s Garden Restaurant. Which also served an international menu for both lunch and dinner. Guests can relax after a day of exploring at the hotel’s Terrace Bar. Other hotel facilities include a business room and banquet area.
Day 2: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
This morning’s flight on a light aircraft to Kihihi airstrip takes just over an hour. Transfer through local villages and along mountain roads to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a World Heritage site. The drive takes approximately 90 mins.
Considered the most diverse forest in Uganda, Bwindi is one of the richest ecosystems in East Africa. It is home to over 120 mammals, 345 species of birds, 200 species of butterflies and 160 species of trees. The park contains an estimated one half of the world’s population of the endangered Mountain Gorilla. Making it an extremely valuable conservation site.
Overnight Buhoma Lodge on a full board plus drinks basis.
Buhoma Lodge | Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Nestled at the gateway to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Buhoma Lodge is Buhoma Lodge. Set within the national park. It is the perfect lodge of choice when embarking on your bucket-list Gorilla trekking adventure.
Guests love the homely ambience of this Africa inspired lodge with its warm welcome and attentive service. It is constructed using sustainable materials. The elevated central lounge, bar and dining area offers a cozy spot for guests to unwind. And offers amazing uninterrupted views over the forest. The crackling fireplace adds a mystical atmosphere to cooler evenings.
Tranquil and cozy, the 10 x spacious eco friendly wooden chalets offer a private escape. Fall asleep to the sounds of the forest and awaken to chattering birds and monkeys as day breaks. Enjoy morning tea/coffee on your private verandah with sweeping views over the primal forest. What better way to start the day?
With Buhoma just steps away from the trek start point, gorillas have been spotted popping in for an occasional visit. While resident L’Hoest’s monkey troupe visit the gardens in front of the lodge almost daily. Much to the delight of guests.
Day 3: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Coming face to face with mountain gorillas is a rare and exhilarating wildlife encounter. That is hard to capture in words. Experienced guides and trackers will accompany your party on an early morning trek. Into the dense rain forest on the steep mountain slopes.
Please note that gorilla trekking can be strenuous, with treks ranging from 45 mins up to eight hours. At high altitudes in often hot conditions. We do recommend hiring a local porter to assist you on your trek. Although mountain gorillas are wild animals and sightings cannot be guaranteed, viewing success rates are over 95%.
Once you have located your gorilla family, spend an hour quietly observing them. The time passes so quickly. Be sure to enjoy this experience fully and not just through your camera lens.
On our scheduled departures, we typically buy permits for Buhoma & Ruhija. Both are accessible from Buhoma area. One of the Buhoma families, and the Ruhija families, require a road transfer to the start point. This does not deviate from the enjoyment of the trek. And could be considered as enhancing your trip as you are seeing a different part of the region. Your permit may be organized for day 3 or 4. Depending on availability at the time of purchase.
Head back to Buhoma Lodge for a complimentary massage after your trek. Or explore the surrounding Bwindi community.
Overnight Buhoma Lodge on a full board plus drinks basis.
Day 4: Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park
This morning you have the opportunity for a 2nd Gorilla trek.
This afternoon travel to Ishasha in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park (a 2-3 hour drive). With a brief stop en route at a community project near Ishasha Village.
Time permitting, enjoy an late afternoon game drive in the Ishasha area. Looking for the huge herds of buffalo, elephant, Uganda kob. And of course the famous tree-climbing lion typically found in the area.
Overnight Ishasha Wilderness Camp on a full board plus drinks basis.
Ishasha Wilderness Camp | Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park
Ishasha Wilderness Camp is an idyllic retreat for people who truly enjoy the wilderness. Coupled with superb accommodation and exceptional service.
The thatched central lounge and dining area provides a cozy and relaxed space for guests. Although meals are often ‘al fresco’ beside the river. In the evening, the outdoor fireplace by the river is the perfect place for guests to relax over sundowners. And share their day’s experiences.
There are ten spacious framed canvas rooms, privately nestled along the riverbank. All have en-suite bathrooms. Wake to the delicious aroma of morning coffee served on your private verandah.
Resident troops of Black-and-White Colobus and Vervet monkeys abound. And if you are lucky you’ll spot Henry, the lone hippo, wallowing lazily below the viewing deck. Game roams freely through camp, with elephant making frequent guest appearances.
This low impact, Eco-sensitive camp is really something special. And after a few days unwinding here, you may well not want to leave.
Day 5: Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park
Early this morning, venture out in your customized safari vehicle for a game drive. To look for big cats, elephant, buffalo and many antelope species. Spend the rest of the morning in search of the rich with wildlife. Including warthog, water buck, bush buck, leopard, Ugandan kob, elephants, countless bird species and even the rare giant forest hog.
The Ishasha sector of the park is known for its famous tree climbing lions. Sometimes found lying about in the branches of the native fig trees. You will also have an afternoon game drive. At the end of this, you will be taken to a prearranged location inside the national park. Where you will find a small buffet with freshly-made snacks and ice-cold drinks. This is set up with comfortable chairs, overlooking the beautiful African savannah plains. The Sundowners last as long as you choose. So there is no pressure to return to Camp before watching the sun set fully. The selection of drinks on offer include: water, sodas, beers, house wines, as well as local gin.
Highly recommended to book in advance is a unique bush breakfast (optional extra).
Overnight Ishasha Wilderness Camp on a full board plus drinks basis.
Day 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Head north toward the ‘Mweya’ sector of the park which is rich with wildlife. Visitors will find vast numbers of Uganda’s unique and strange Euphorbia, or “candelabra” tree. The many nearby crater lakes and mountain ranges provide a beautiful backdrop for your journey.
In the afternoon enjoy a leisurely boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. A 32-kilometre long natural channel linking Lake Edward and Lake George. Kazinga’s shores are dotted with herds of lazy buffalo, pods of hippos wallowing without a care, and countless bird species. Drift past local fishing villages and soak up the peaceful tranquillity of this beautiful African day. The cruise normally departs at 2 pm. Although this depends on availability when booking and is subject to change. No drinks/ snacks included on boat.
You may encounter herds of elephant, buffalos, antelopes, families of warthogs, and large groups of hippos. Plus, crocodiles basking on the shore. Kazinga’s shores are a haven for numerous birds. Including many migratory species as they make their way south to warmer climates. The cruise also provides a spectacular view of the beautiful Mweya Peninsula. And life in local fishing villages set along the banks.
Overnight at Elephant Plains Lodge, or similar on a full board plus drinks basis.
Elephant Plains Lodge | Queen Elizabeth National Park
Guest accommodation is in 6 x spacious double/twin en-suite cottages. With large private verandas and huge glass windows to take advantage of the incredible views. An additional 2 x family cottages offer accommodation in 2 separate en-suite bedrooms. With plenty of space for up to 5 people. All the cottages have large bath tubs as well as showers. They are spaced out along the hill top offering privacy and tranquility. All the rooms overlook lake Kikorongo where from your veranda you can see elephants and buffaloes come to drink.
Day 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Enjoy chimp trekking in Kyambura Gorge and game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Overnight Elephant Plains Lodge, or similar on a full board plus drinks basis.
Day 8: End of 8 Day Itinerary. Move to Kibale for 10 Day Itinerary
Morning Game drive. The 8 day guests will drive to Mweya airstrip (or Kasese airstrip) for your scheduled flight back to Entebbe. The 10 day guests will transfer to Kibale.
Overnight Primate Lodge on a full board plus drinks basis.
Day 9: Kibale Forest
Today you can do the chimp trekking. The forest is alive with noise! Chimpanzees can be quite active and may move quickly through the forest canopy. It’s an exhilarating walk, in beautiful scenery. As with gorilla trekking, sightings cannot be guaranteed. It is less mountainous so fairly easy going (except if they are very active). There is also an option to do the full day Chimpanzee Habituation Experience. This allows more time spent in the forest, observing chimpanzees.
On the fringes of the Kibale Forest, the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is an excellent birding and primate habitat. Make your way through the swamp on raised wooden walkways. And observe some rare and colorful birds, colobus monkeys, and other small mammals. Like otters that live in the swamp.
Day 10: End of 10 Day Itinerary
Return to Entebbe by road, or fly (additional cost).
Rates Include:
Meet & greet VIP services inside the airport,
Airport transfers to Entebbe/return,
Scheduled flight from EBB-KIHIHI and KASESE/MWEYA back to EBB,
Accommodation in top quality lodges and camps,
Meals as above,
Services of driver/guide,
Park entry fees,
Game drives in QENP,
Boat cruise on Kazinga Channel,
Sundowner drinks in Ishasha,
Ishasha Community visit,
Community fee donation via Ishasha/Buhoma USD10 pp/night.
*Buhoma Lodge & Ishasha Wilderness Camp include selected drinks. Should a different lodge be used instead, the rate would NOT include drinks.
*Please note: The flight EBB-KIHIHI// MWEYA (KASESE)-EBB has been included in above price. This value is approx. USD 660. Should this increase, it would be passed onto clients.
TOTAL WEIGHT LIMIT is 15kg in soft bags. XL seats can be booked for additional baggage or larger people.
Excludes:
Visas, drinks not mentioned above, travel insurance, items of a personal nature, gorilla & chimp trekking permits, and optional excursions shown separately.
Note:
Should gorilla permits be booked at Ruhija, there is an additional shared vehicle transfer fee of USD 205 /vehicle return.
Gorilla permit: USD 700
Kyambura Chimp permit: USD 50
Kibale Chimp permit: USD 200
Kibale Habituation permit: USD 250
Optional Extras
Guided Forest walk & Park Fee Bwindi: USD 70
Additional gorilla permits including booking fee/ transfers: USD 770
Batwa (Pygmies) Community Visit: USD 85
2024 Best of Uganda Tour Scheduled Departures
This 8 and 10 day tour departs on the following dates in 2024. It can also be on a private basis. Departing on any day so let us know if you would prefer to do it privately.
11th – 18th January 2024
5th – 12th February 2024
18th – 25th March 2024
12th – 19th April 2024
10th – 17th May 2024
9th – 16th June 2024
3rd – 10th July 2024
22nd – 29th July 2024
21st – 28th August 2024
15th – 22nd September 2024
16th – 23rd October 2024
16th – 23rd November 2024
21st – 28th December 2024
We are still working on this and have many more Ugandan safaris available if you get in touch with us.
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