9 to 10 Days Uganda Compact Wildlife and Gorilla Trip

This unique Uganda Roundtrip contains all highlights like Gorilla-, Chimpanzee- and Rhino Tracking, Nile and Kazinga boat safaris and game drives in a very compact trip design, suitable for travellers who are short in holiday, but want to have the maximum experience. The tour can start at any date of your choice. There are options to fly in to Entebbe and out via Kigali, which shortens it to 9 days. Or you fly in and out via Entebbe with a long roadtrip back from Lake Bunyonyi. This as well works as 9 day trip, if your flight leaves late evening, otherwise it will be a 10 day trip.

Highlights

• Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary with Rhino Walking Safari
• Murchison Falls NP with Game drives and Nile Boat Safari
• Kibale Forest NP: with Bigodi Wetland Walking Safari and Chimp tracking
• Queen Elizabeth National Park: Kazinga Channel Boat Safari and Game Drives
• Bwindi Gorilla Tracking
• Lake Bunyonyi
• Optional Mabamba Swamp Shoebill Boat Safari

Day by Day Program

Day 1 – Entebbe

The moment you've been waiting for has finally arrived: Your Uganda safari begins. Entebbe and its international airport offer a wonderful introduction to this country full of natural treasures. The airport is practically surrounded by the waters of Africa's largest lake, and the jungle-like surroundings of the city give it a special atmosphere. You can already encounter vervet monkeys and observe fantastic birds here in Entebbe – fish eagles and ibises circle screeching, and turacos chatter in the trees.

• At arrival time: You will be transferred from the airport in Entebbe International Airport. Transfer upon arrival to Secrets GH arranged by Secrets GH through shuttle driver ….. - his WhatsApp number is +256 ….. - he will pick you up at the airport with a sign SECRETS or your name. Secrets WhatsApp number: +256 ….. Transfer time; 20 MIn
• After a short walk you reach the boat which takes you over the lake to the Mabamba Swamps, a Ramsar wetland whose prolific birdlife includes the eagerly sought shoebill. There you change to a smaller boat. Please apply enough sun lotion - very important, come with a rain poncho in your backpack and wear a hat. Clothes can be leisure, like shorts and sandals depending on temperatures. Use the toilet before you start! The boat trip will last 3-4 hours. Following applies to all outdoor activities in Uganda: • apply sun protection even when it's cloudy, • have your rain poncho with you, even when the sun is shining, • go with a hat or cap • do not forget to take enough water water with you • early morning and towards evening apply insect repellent! • walking safaris: long trousers, closed shoes and trousers inside the socks (ANTS!)

Accommodation: Secrets Guest House — Dinner

Day 2 – Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch

Your roundtrip through Uganda begins after breakfast at around 8 a.m. On the way, you will stop at the Victoria Mall in Entebbe. There you can exchange money or withdraw money from the DTB machine (in the mall on the right - the only ATM - the only one in Uganda with no additional fees), buy a SIM card or buy snacks at the Carrefour supermarket. If the DTB machine does not work, ask the driver to drive to Stanbic Bank. The Absa machine in the mall is very expensive. Clinton may buy fruit for you at the markets along the way. You pass Ugandas best pineapple growing area. You might buy some and ask the lodges to prepare them for you. You start in Ziwa with a late lunch.

• Morning: Start of Roundtrip from Entebbe to Ziwa (travel time 4-5 hours) Hotel or Landing Site Pick Up by your guide, briefing and first optional stop at Victoria Mall. Here you can change money at the Forex office or use the ATM. Please use the one of DTB inside the mall on the right side next to DTB Entebbe Branch. This ATM is free of charge. The one from ABSA opposite is very expensive. In case DTB is out of order your guide will drive you to the next Stanbic, Equity or Bank of Africa ATM. In the Mall you can purchase sim cards or buy some snacks at Carrefour Supermarket. In the car we provide you with natural mineral water. If you prefer soft drinks or sparkling water you might get that at here Carrefour or in supermarkets during your trip. Don't buy fruits in the supermarket you will bypass the best fruit market on the way to Ziwa. In Uganda we buy where it grows ;-)
• Transfer by Road, Entebbe to Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch Transfer time; about 4-5 hours
• Lunch in Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch
• Optional Guided nature walk in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. As it can be very hot in Ziwa, sometimes there is not much to be seen. Our Tipp is to decide on ground, if you would like to relax at the pool (if you stay in the de luxe chalets) or to go for a walk. As there are some waterholes in the Chalet and Pool Area, the animals will come later in the afternoon and during the night. Means this walk can be easily skipped.

Accommodation: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary — Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 & 4 – Walking with Rhinos + Murchison Falls NP

After the Rhino Tracking you continue to Murchison Falls National Park. Murchison Falls National Park is situated at the end of the Albertine Rift Valley and it is Uganda’s oldest and largest safari park. Murchison is located 305 kilometers north of Kampala in Masindi District and can be accessed by road or flights. Murchison Falls National park was first gazetted as a wildlife reserve in 1926 and is home to 76 different mammal species and 451 birds. Murchison Falls Conservation Area is made up of Bugungu, Karuma wildlife reserves and Murchison Falls National Park. Murchison Falls National park is bisected by the Victoria Nile, which plunges 45m over the remnant valley wall, creating the dramatic falls, the park’s unique attraction and the final event in an 80km stretch of rapids. The mighty cascade drains the last of the river's energy, transforming it into a broad, placid stream that flows quietly across the rift valley floor into Lake Albert. This stretch of river provides one of Uganda's most remarkable wildlife spectacles.

• At about 8 am: Rhino walking safari, Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch - please wear long trousers, closed shoes and put your trouser ends inside the socks, that the ants cannot attack you. Come with a hat, enough sun protection and water.
• Transfer by Road, Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch to Murchison Falls National Park Transfer time; about 2-3 hours
• Visit View Point Top of Murchison Falls The Top of the Falls viewpoint is one of the park's highlights. Sturdy shoes are recommended, as it can be muddy and slippery. After descending to the lower viewpoint, don't miss the opportunity to climb to the higher Platform 1 and then on to Platform 2. You'll get very wet on the first higher platform, so you can skip it, but the WOW view is on the next level.
• A picnic lunch is planned at the viewpoint at the top of the Falls. Your guide will organize a Rolex with you along the way in Masindi at the entrance to the Masindi Market. This is a typical, delicious Ugandan street food. It is a flatbread (chapati) in which an omelet with or without vegetables is rolled. The name doesn't come from the famous watch brand; it comes from the words 'to roll' and 'take it out'. If you wish, you can also book a luxurious bush lunch at a hidden spot overlooking the falls.
• Afternoon Game Drive in Murchison Falls NP. Enjoy your first encounter with the wild in best afternoon light. The park offers lots of animals and with luck you can complete the spotting of the big five within 24 hours.
• Early Morning: Early Morning Game Drive, Murchison Falls National Park You set off at dawn and are excited to see the animal world awaken. In the morning, it can be chilly in the car with the roof open. Please remember to bring a scarf and a thin jacket.
• Lunch at Bamboo View Tower is the best choice, as there is always a cool breeze. Please order at breakfast time, that your lunch should be served on the view tower.
• Boat Safari on the Nile to Murchison Falls. A diverse range of wildlife awaits you on the banks and in the water, and at the end, you'll see the Murchison Falls from below. This Boat Safari is booked as a seat on the big boat not in a small private boat. A private boat is indeed the far better option as it goes closer to the shores and offers you more time to take pictures are watch the wildlife.

Accommodation: Murchison Bamboo Village — Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 – Kibale National Park

Today, you enter the prime chimpanzee country of Kibale National Park. This immense forest is renowned for its rich diversity of primates, but it is chimps – humankind's closest genetic relative – that top the wish list of most visitors. On a good day in Kibale, you might also see half-a-dozen different monkey species, including the extremely localized Uganda mangabey. Other attractions include a bird checklist of 370 species, a kaleidoscopic variety of butterflies, and a scattering of beautiful crater lakes.

• Early Morning: Transfer by Road, Murchison Falls National Park to Kibale National Park Transfer time; 6 - 7 hours
• you will walk through the Bigodi Forest and Wetlands to see monkeys, birds and a diverse range of flora. Be careful, it can get muddy and wobbly, the "walkways" often consist of loose boards laid over the muddy areas. If you are lucky, you will see red or black and white colobus monkeys and the stately blue turacos.

Accommodation: Ensiko Primates Lodge Kibale — Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 – Queen Elizabeth National Park

After Chimpanzee Tracking in the morning, you will continue to Queen Elizabeth NP, along some crater lakes, with an optional visit to a vanilla plantation, see rural life and banana markets. Lunch is planned at the next lodge. Approx. 2:00 p.m. Kazinga Channel boat safari: One of the highlights of Uganda awaits you, the boat trip on the Kazinga Channel. You will see many animals on the banks of the channel. We have planned a late afternoon game drive from 5 to around 7. Lions and leopards become active from 6 p.m. and with a lot of luck you might even see a hunt.

• At about 8 am: Chimpanzee Tracking, Kibale National Park The highlight of the day comes at around 2 p.m. You walk into the rainforest with a ranger in search of our closest relatives, the chimpanzees. Good hiking boots, a rain poncho, a face mask and drinking water should be part of the basic equipment here, as well as a camera. Since the chimpanzees are visited in the morning, your ranger knows roughly where the animals are and chimpanzees often give themselves away with their loud roars. As soon as you have found the great apes, they can spend an hour with you. They are used to human visitors and are not disturbed by our presence. After an hour, you return to civilization. As soon as you arrive at a drivable road, your guide will be contacted and will pick you up.
• Transfer by Road, Kibale National Park to Queen Elizabeth National Park Transfer time; about 3 hours
• Boat Safari, Kazinga Channel from Mweya to Lake Edward We have once again organised a wonderful boat trip for you. This time on the Kazinga Channel from Mweya half peninsula to Lake Edward. Many animals on the banks and hundreds of pied kingfishers, nesting in the cliffs along the banks will be spotted. A dreamlike scenery awaits you.

Accommodation: Acacia Wilderness Mweya — Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 – From Queen Elizabeth NP to Bwindi, the home of Gorillas

Supporting almost half the world's mountain gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is arguably the best place anywhere in the world to track these charismatic gentle giants through their misty forest home. But there is far more to this Unesco World Heritage Site than just gorillas. The lush forest interior is also home to a diversity of other mammals, ranging from L’Hoest’s monkey and chimpanzee to elephant and the yellow-backed duiker. A total of 350 bird species, 23 of which are unique to the Albertine Rift Valley, ensure that Bwindi ranks among East Africa's most rewarding bird-watching destinations. The fees for gorilla tracking are largely used to preserve the mountain gorillas' habitat - to finance the staff, the gorilla doctors, research projects, and support for the local population to prevent further forest clearing for their needs. A small portion goes to wildlife conservation in other national parks that receive few visitors and therefore hardly any income.

OPTION: upon request, we can arrange the tracking as well in Mgahinga, in the Virunga Mountains.

• After early breakfast: As Acacia Lodge is deep inside the park we combine the transfer to Bwindi with an intense morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth NP Transfer time; about whole day, net transfer 5 hours
• Optional Visit Twin Lakes View Point - Kichwamba as a short Photo Stop
• Optional visit of the The Elephant Dung Project is a women's cooperative supporting farmers. Since the farmers' fields are repeatedly infested by elephants, this project offers a small compensation by buying up the manure. Handmade paper is then made from this. During the visit the project and the manufacturing process will be explained. You can buy products made from 'elephant' paper there, but also others such as cold-pressed avocado oil for the skin. They expect that you buy something or leave a donation.
• Optional Stop at Kitagata Hotsprings A photo stop at the Kitagata Hotsprings is worth a small detour, if you have enough time…on Uganda's roads, you never know exactly how long it will take. The hot springs serve as an open-air spa for locals.

Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge — Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Today the magical encounter with the gentle giants is on the program. Nature Responsible will make every effort to select the best gorilla group for you. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park protects one of Africa's oldest highland forests. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its rich biodiversity, which includes numerous plants and animals whose range is limited to the Albertine Rift Valley. The most famous of these is of course the mountain gorilla, but the handsome L'Hoest's monkey, the spectacular Ruwenzori three-horned chameleon and the sought-after African green broadbill are other endemic species.

OPTION: This can be arranged as well in Mgahinga NP, the Ugandan Part of the Virunga Mountains (Volcanoes). In Mgahinga you find Gorillas and Golden Monkeys and both species can be tracked there. Talk to us, if this might be the better option for you. As there are only 8 tracking permits available per day in Mgahinga, this option can only be offered upon availibility.

• Morning to possibly afternoon: Important for gorilla tracking: good waterproof hiking boots, gaiters (optional), muted colors, long pants and sleeves, gardening gloves, sunscreen, and rain gear. The briefing begins at 7:30 a.m. with the rangers and a cultural presentation. Afterward, visitors are divided into groups of up to eight people, each visiting a gorilla family. Our clients typically return to the lodge between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. The ranger trackers, in groups of three, head into the forest early in the morning and begin searching for the gorillas from their sleeping areas, where the apes were left the previous evening. A ranger and two security personnel accompany their group on the tracking excursion after the briefing. Breaks are taken frequently along the way, as the terrain is sometimes steep, often following elephant trails, which can be slippery depending on the weather. To ensure a safe and relaxed arrival at the gorillas, we recommend booking a (support)porter. Young women and men from the surrounding, very poor communities accompany the visitors, carry their backpacks, and provide assistance in difficult sections. A helping hand on steep, slippery terrain, balancing across streams, and navigating muddy patches can be invaluable. Once you arrive at "your" gorillas, your magical hour begins. The powerful animals are undisturbed by our presence. It is incredibly fascinating to observe these mighty gorillas so close and in their natural habitat. Their mostly leisurely yet powerful movements, their interactions, their facial expressions—you feel as if you can read their emotions in their faces. What an experience! After an hour, you must reluctantly bid farewell to these magnificent apes. The trackers remain in the forest, accompanying the gorillas until they prepare their night's camp. They receive their tips there, with the ranger and security personnel receiving them at the end when they present the certificates. The happy visitors then leave the beautiful rainforest with their ranger, security rangers, and porters, returning to civilization. Completely exhilarated – we know that feeling ;-)
• Transfer by Road, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to Lake Bunyonyi to shorten your driving time on the last day, we transfer you after the tracking to a nice lodge on a small island at Lake Bunynoyi. From here it is only about 10 hours to Entebbe and 4 to Kigali. Transfer time; about 2-3 hours

Accommodation: NCD Kottages — Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9 – Out via Entebbe or optional via Kigali

Now it is time to return back to Entebbe.

A long driving day will bring you back to Secrets GH.

If your flight leaves late evening we can bring you directly to the Airport. If not, you need the included night at Secrets.

OPTION: another option is to depart via Kigali Airport in Rwanda. From BirdNest Resort to Kigali it is about 4 hours driving time. You can reach any flight on day 9 leaving after 2pm Kigali time.

• 7 am: Transfer by Road, BirdNest Resort to Secrets Guest House Transfer time; about 10 hours
• View Point Lake Bunyonyi A short detour to the best Lake Bunyonyi View Point is recommendable. The access is only possible inside Arcadia Lodge. Enjoy a coffee or a soda on their terrace and get the best impressions and pictures of the most beautiful lake in East Africa.

Accommodation: Secrets Guest House — Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10 – Time to Say Good-Bye

Your time with us in Uganda is coming to an end, but we hope we have given you many fantastic memories that will live on long after you return home. Travel home safely and we hope to see you again. But before that, one last exciting day awaits you:

• 2:30 hours before departure: We will transfer you to the airport. Transfer time; 15-20 Minutes

Fully customisable

This trip is fully customisable to your preferences and can be booked as a private trip as well as a group trip. We offer accommodation packages from budget midrange to superior midrange; luxury and high-end lodges are available on request.