10 Night Best of Uganda Itinerary
Uganda has so much to offer, with this itinerary you will be able to see the best of the country whist having the time to fully explore and appreciate the National Parks. The trip is ideal for the wildlife enthusiast or perhaps someone who would prefer a more relaxed pace.
Day 1
On arrival in Entebbe you will be met by your driver/guide and transferred to your hotel in Entebbe. If you have a full day to spend perhaps take in an optional visit to Ngamba Island. Alternatively spend the afternoon visiting the Botanical Gardens or the craft market.
Accommodation: Overnight The Windsor Hotel, Entebbe
Day 2
This morning you will then be driven to the Mantana Camp at Lake Mburo, with a transfer time of approximately 3 hours. The flat river valleys of Lake Mburo National Park feature dense thickets of vegetation that offer a fascinating environment for wildlife viewing. Depending on when you arrive you should have time for some afternoon safari activities such as game drives, canoeing or walking.
Accommodation: Overnight Mantana Camp, Lake Mburo NP
Day 3
This morning you will be taken on a safari to some of the parks best locations for game viewing. After your safari you will be driven through the Western Highlands of Uganda into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, this drive should take between 7-10 hours based on road conditions. Depending on when you arrive there should be time for an evening walk on one of the many trails in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
Accommodation: Overnight Lake Kitandara Camp, Bwindi NP
Day 4
You depart this morning for a trek into the depths of Bwindi National Park. You will be led by experienced trackers who will bring you amongst a family of mountain gorillas. The incredible primates are extremely rare; with only 700 remaining in the wild very few people in the world are lucky enough to see them in their natural habitat. After your gorilla trek you will return to the camp for a late lunch. All meals included..
Accommodation: Overnight Lake Kitandara Camp, Bwindi NP
Day 5
Today you will have a further day to relax in Bwindi National Park. Perhaps you could explore the parks incredible wildlife yourself by taking a trek along one of the many trails through the forest. Bwindi has at least 90 mammal species, 350 species of birds, 324 species of trees and huge numbers of butterflies. Alternatively you may want to visit the local school and get a feel for the local culture.
Accommodation: Overnight Lake Kitandara Camp, Bwindi NP
Day 6
This morning you will depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, be prepared for some incredible scenery along the way. This park protects 200km² of Rift Valley Savannah, interspersed with patches of forest and crater lakes, an ideal location for a safari. You will arrive in the Park in time for an evening safari boat trip along the beautiful Kazinga channel. The boat cruise is a great opportunity for photography, birdwatching and game viewing with such diversity of life supported by the channel; including hippos, waterbirds, elephants, buffaloes, Nile crocodiles and the occasional leopard.
Accommodation: Overnight Mweya Lodge, Queen Elizabeth NP
Day 7
The Kyambura Gorge will be your first destination today. This 100m deep gorge is drained by the Kyambura river creating a microclimate that supports a dense tropical forest, very different to the savannah landscape that surrounds the gorge. Your guide will take you on a trek into this gorge, home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, including groups of wild chimpanzees which you might be lucky enough to see. In the afternoon your driver/guide will show you around the highlights of Queen Elizabeth National Park, giving you a chance to enjoy some of Uganda's finest game viewing.
Accommodation: Overnight Mweya Lodge, Queen Elizabeth NP
Day 8
You will have a further day to enjoy game viewing activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Perhaps you might get a chance to see the eccentric population of tree climbing lions on the Ishasha Plains of the Southern Sector.
Accommodation: Overnight Mweya Lodge, Queen Elizabeth NP
Day 9
This morning after your breakfast you will be driven to Kibale Forest National Park, along the way with the help of your personal driver/guide there will be some great opportunities for game viewing. Within Kibale Forest National Park the area known as the Bigodi Wetlands has begun a community tourism initiative which was established to protect the Magombe Swamp. The papyrus chocked wetland is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife including 8 primate species and 140 species of bird. In the afternoon you will visit the Bigodi Wetlands bird and primate sanctuary, where you might just come across a rare shoebill stork or perhaps a Central African red colobus.
Accommodation: Overnight Ndali Lodge, Kibale Forest NP
Day 10
This morning you will be taken chimpanzee tracking through Kibale Forest National Park. During this walk you will have a very good chance of seeing many of the 13 primate species native to Kibale. Your guides have years of experience within the forest and are certain to be able to answer any of your questions and provide a wealth of fascinating information. In the afternoon you will be transferred to Kampala.
Accommodation: Overnight Ndali Lodge, Kibale Forest NP
Day 11
Transfer to Entebbe for your departure
Note: This is simply a suggestion of how you can spend your time. Mahlatini will tailor make the itinerary specific to interests and budget. The region offers a wide variety of places to stay ranging from formal hotels to informal holiday flats, game lodges and reserves, guesthouses etc. There is usually something to suit everyone’s budget! Should you wish to have the car hire delivered or if you would prefer transfers this can easily be arranged.