Description
Tour Summary
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Starts/Ends: Entebbe or Kampala, Uganda
Best Time to Visit: Dec–Feb & Jun–Sep (dry seasons for easier wildlife viewing & gorilla trekking)
Tour Style: Guided Safari Adventure & Gorilla Trekking
Highlights:
✔ Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
✔ Wildlife game drives (Murchison & Queen Elizabeth NP)
✔ Boat safaris on Nile & Kazinga Channel
✔ Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
✔ Chimpanzee tracking (optional)
✔ Cultural village experiences
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
🗓 Day 1 — Arrival in Entebbe / Kampala & Transfer to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Morning
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport (EBB).
Meet & greet by TAAAF Tours representative.
Transfer to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary — Uganda’s only place to see rhinos on foot.
Afternoon
Rhino trek with expert guides to observe endangered white rhinos.
Lunch at a local lodge en route.
Evening
Continue to Murchison Falls National Park.
Check-in, dinner & overnight.
📍 Key notes: Stretch legs after the flight; game drives start early tomorrow.
Accommodation: Safari lodge or camp near Murchison Falls.
🗓 Day 2 — Murchison Falls National Park Safari + Boat Cruise
Early Morning
Breakfast & game drive into Murchison Falls NP to spot elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, Uganda kobs and more.
Late Morning
Return to lodge for lunch.
Afternoon
Boat cruise on the Victoria Nile to the base of the Falls — excellent for hippo, crocodile & bird photography.
Hike to the top of the falls for spectacular views.
Evening
Dinner & overnight near the park.
📸 Tip: Carry waterproof gear for the boat cruise.
🗓 Day 3 — Drive to Kibale / Chimpanzee Forest (Optional)
(This day can be adjusted — some itineraries trek chimps here or you may push chimp trekking to Day 4.)
Morning
After breakfast, scenic drive west towards Kibale Forest National Park (chimpanzee hotspot).
Afternoon
Optional Bigodi Wetland Walk — great for birdwatchers and primate sightings.
Evening
Dinner & overnight near Kibale.
Accommodation: Forest lodge near Kibale.
🗓 Day 4 — Chimpanzee Trekking & Drive to Queen Elizabeth NP
Morning
Optional chimpanzee trekking through Kibale’s lush rainforest with expert trackers.
Watch chimps in the wild swinging and feeding.
Receive a chimp trekking certificate after the walk.
Lunch & Transfer
Lunch in Fort Portal town.
Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Evening
Check in and relax with views of crater lakes.
Accommodation: Safari lodge in Queen Elizabeth NP.
🗓 Day 5 — Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
Early Morning
Morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth NP — search for lions, elephants, buffalo, antelopes and more.
Afternoon
Boat cruise on Kazinga Channel — abundant hippos, crocodiles, water birds and elephants along the banks.
Evening
Optional visit to local handicraft center for souvenirs.
Accommodation: Same lodge.
🗓 Day 6 — Ishasha Sector & Transfer to Bwindi National Park
Morning
Drive south through the Ishasha sector — famous for tree-climbing lions.
Lunch
Packed lunch on the way.
Afternoon
Arrive in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park — home to endangered mountain gorillas.
Evening
Dinner & overnight near Bwindi.
Accommodation: Lodge close to gorilla trek start point.
🗓 Day 7 — Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Early Morning
Breakfast and briefing at park headquarters.
Set off with ranger guides for gorilla trekking — typically 2–8 hours into the forest.
Once Found
Spend up to 1 hour with gorillas, quietly observing their behavior.
Afternoon
Return, relax, and enjoy wildlife views.
Optional
Visit a local village and interact with communities.
Evening
Dinner & overnight.
🗓 Day 8 — Return to Kampala / Entebbe & Departure
Morning
Breakfast and drive back to Kampala or Entebbe.
Stop at the Equator line for photos and fun gravity experiments.
Lunch
Traditional lunch en route.
Afternoon
Arrive at the airport for your flight home.
What’s Included
✔ All airport transfers in Uganda
✔ 4×4 safari vehicle with English-speaking guide
✔ Accommodation (7 nights)
✔ All park entry fees & gorilla permits
✔ Boat safaris in Murchison & Kazinga Channel
✔ Game drives in Murchison & Queen Elizabeth
✔ Gorilla trekking permit & guide
✔ Meals as specified
What’s Not Included
✘ International flights to/from Uganda
✘ Travel/medical insurance (required)
✘ Uganda visa & yellow fever vaccination
✘ Optional activities (chimp trekking permit if extra)
✘ Tips/gratuities
✘ Personal expenses
Practical Travel Information
Visa & Entry
Most travelers from the U.S. and Canada must apply for an e-Visa online before arrival. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required at entry.
Health & Safety
Malaria is prevalent — anti-malaria tablets recommended; pack insect repellent and basic meds.
Packing Essentials
Lightweight safari clothing (neutral colors)
Comfortable hiking boots & rain gear
Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
Binoculars & camera
Extra batteries & memory cards
Medications & first-aid kit CDC
Money & Currency
Local currency: Ugandan Shilling (UGX)
USD widely accepted at lodges; carry crisp notes for cash transactions.
Tipping Guide
Suggested tipping for guides, trackers and lodge staff is customary and appreciated.
FAQs (What Travelers Ask)
Q: Is gorilla trekking hard?
A: It can be physically demanding due to uneven terrain; good fitness helps.
Q: Can I see chimpanzees too?
A: Yes — optional chimp trekking in Kibale Forest.
Q: When should I book?
A: Book gorilla permits 6–12 months in advance — high demand.
Q: What wildlife will I likely see?
A: Elephants, lions, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, primates, exotic birds and gorillas.
Travel Tips for U.S./Canada Visitors
🛫 Uganda is ~15–20 hours flight (often via Addis Ababa, Dubai, Nairobi).
📅 Dry season ensures easier animal spotting & trek conditions.
📍 English is widely spoken; local cultures are friendly and welcoming.
