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Abundant Wildlife of Uganda

Abundant Wildlife of Uganda

Connect with Uganda in this safari with local communities, landscapes, and wildlife like mountain gorillas and tree-climbing lions in Ishasha.

Overview

All of the incredible wildlife and beautiful landscapes you would expect from an African safari, plus a chance to create deep connections with the local community. Experience the hot springs of Semuliki National Park, the unforgettable mountain gorillas, and the unusual tree-climbing lions of Ishasha.

Trip Highlights

Information

Trip Info

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Hike to see the rare mountain gorillas in a misty rainforest.

Kibale National Park

Spot chimpanzees and other primates on guided treks in a biodiverse forest.

Kidepo Valley National Park

Visit one of Africa’s wildest parks for lions, ostriches, and scenic landscapes.

Lake Mburo National Park

Enjoy an easy-to-reach savanna park for wildlife and water activities.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Hike to see mountain gorillas and visit the Batwa people in a volcanic landscape.

Murchison Falls National Park

Marvel at the world’s most powerful waterfall and see lions, elephants, and giraffes on safari.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

See elephants, lions, and hippos on a classic African safari and boat trip.

Dry Seasons in Uganda – December to February, June to August

During these months, the weather is generally warm and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 29°C (77°F to 84°F) during the day. The average rainfall per month ranges from 46mm (1.8”) to 86mm  (3.4”). It is an ideal time to visit for wildlife safaris and gorilla trekking, as the drier conditions make it easier to navigate through the national parks.

Wet Seasons in Uganda – March to May, September to November

This period experiences relatively higher precipitation, with rainfalls ranging from 86mm (3.6”) from September to November to averages of around 147mm (5.8”) from March to May. The rainforest landscapes become lush and vibrant during this time, but it’s important to note that travel conditions can be more challenging due to occasional heavy rains and muddy trails. However, the rainy season also offers unique opportunities for birdwatching and witnessing the spectacular waterfalls at their fullest.

Best Times To Spot Wildlife in Uganda

In Uganda, game viewing in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park is excellent December through February and June through October. In November and March it is good, and it is fair in April and May. 

Itinerary

Trip Itinerary

Arrival in Entebbe

Arrival at Entebbe airport and transfer to your accommodation nearby.

Kibale Forest National Park

An early start for our drive to Kibale Forest National Park. You will have a stopover in Fort Portal for lunch, arriving at the park in time for an afternoon chimpanzee tracking trip. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay. For your second day, you will go on a second chimp tracking expedition, followed by a relaxed afternoon among the communities of the National Park.


Semuliki National Park & Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast you will drive to Semuliki National Park and proceed to the Sempaya hot springs and visiting the crater lakes. En route, see the fertile, volcanic soils of the area as you head to the lodge for the great dinner and overnight stay.

We will start the day with an early morning game drive while many animals are still on the move during the cool part of the day. On a good day you could see lions, buffalo, elephants, antelopes, the elusive bush pig and you might even be lucky to spot a leopard! Hippos, buffalo, crocodiles and many species of birds can be spotted during the afternoon boat trip on the Kazinga Channel

Ishasha

A leisurely drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park brings us to Ishasha, one of the few regions in Africa where lions can be spotted climbing trees and lounging on branches. Therefore, make sure that during the game drive you are not only looking out over the savannah, but also have your eyes focused up in the trees! An evening walk along the banks of River Ntungwe is possible.

Ishasha-Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Ruhija)

Put your boots on, today is a once in a lifetime experience. Gorilla tracking! It is one of the best Ugandan travel experiences you can have. You will be hiking up in the mountains which can take between 2 to 6 hours depending on how far the Gorillas are.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park-Lake Bunyonyi

The wonder visit to Kiyebe village day! Today you will visit Kiyebe, the complete wonder village. This is perhaps one of the most remote, and traditional village in Uganda. It is the only village with no access through by road as its main rough mountainous road only stops at the small trading centre called mukyogo a name originating from the only community elephant pond in Uganda. You can plant your own tree, collect honey from the beehive and then if you want, enjoy local and national beers with the villagers.

You will also have great local food that is fresh and organic and the dancing and singing of this community is nothing you can even imagine. It’s impossible to miss a visit to this village.

On your next day in the area, Golden Monkeys will be the focus! We’ll go into Mgahinga National Park for Golden Monkey tracking and you will be humbled by these primates of the Virunga Ranges. In the afternoon you can relax at the lodge or visit the indigenous Batwa people on a community walk.

Lake Mburo National Park-Entebbe

Our next stop will be Lake Bunyonyi, one of the deepest and most beautiful lakes in Africa. You will have time to relax, take a nature walk or go bird watching. You could try your hand at paddling a dugout canoe or go swimming in the hippo, croc and bilharzia-free waters. You can also visit the local community.

Lake Mburo National Park

After breakfast we will drive 4-5 hours to Lake Mburo National Park. The park has a variety of animals such as leopard, zebra, impala, buffalo and over 300 bird species, many of which you will see on the afternoon game drive. Horseback safaris and boat trips on the lake are also available. Your second day will include a game drive in the morning afternoon game drive or relax at this beautiful lodge or you can opt to do the boat cruise at lake Mburo national park

Lake Mburo National Park-Entebbe

You can choose to do an optional morning walking safari to get closer to the animals, and it is the best way to spot the birds. When leaving the park, you get a final chance to view the animals, before heading back to Entebbe.

After a relaxed breakfast we will visit Mabamba Swamp to see if we can spot the shy Shoebill. In the afternoon we take a short drive into Kampala for a city tour. Or you may choose to take a walk into the botanical gardens.

Details

Trip Details

Inclusions

Exclusions

Prices

Our tailor-made trips are designed to offer you the best possible value to make your East African safari experience a memorable one. As a boutique tour operator, we are happy to personalise your trip budget and package according to your needs.

Please treat all pricing as a guide only, as customisations made to this itinerary, style of travel, and number of guests may raise or lower the overall cost. All rates are subject to availability and may change without notice. Single supplements may apply.

To shorten some of the longer distances (6-7 hours) at the beginning or at the end of your tour activities, which normally ends far away from Entebbe International Airport, we can arrange a flight to connect to the airport quickly for your scheduled return flight. Also, during your tour there may be long journey times, it is possible to fly between the national parks. We are also happy to arrange this.

Warren Anwkasa,
Founder, Kikooko Africa Safaris

Inquire About This Tour

All our itineraries can be adapted to suit your personal interests and preferences. 

Please feel free to discuss these with us so we can personalise your tour for your maximum enjoyment.

For the most current rates for your party, request a quote or speak to one of Kikooko Africa Safari’s travel experts.

What Our Guests Say

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Luxury of A Lifetime

Luxury of A Lifetime

Experience the best of Uganda on a 16-day safari, from mountain gorillas to the Big Five, tree-swinging chimps to thundering Murchison Falls.

Overview

This 16-day Uganda safari will give you plenty of time to enjoy the very best of the Pearl of Africa. From mountain gorilla tracking along the volcanic ranges on the western border to Big Five animal spotting on the savannah; tree-swinging chimps to tree-climbing lions, the gentle source of the Nile River to its thundering descent through Murchison Falls, you will get a sense of the variety that a Uganda safari tour has to offer.

Trip Highlights

Information

Trip Info

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Hike to see the rare mountain gorillas in a misty rainforest.

Kibale National Park

Spot chimpanzees and other primates on guided treks in a biodiverse forest.

Kidepo Valley National Park

Visit one of Africa’s wildest parks for lions, ostriches, and scenic landscapes.

Lake Mburo National Park

Enjoy an easy-to-reach savanna park for wildlife and water activities.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Hike to see mountain gorillas and visit the Batwa people in a volcanic landscape.

Murchison Falls National Park

Marvel at the world’s most powerful waterfall and see lions, elephants, and giraffes on safari.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

See elephants, lions, and hippos on a classic African safari and boat trip.

Dry Seasons in Uganda – December to February, June to August

During these months, the weather is generally warm and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 29°C (77°F to 84°F) during the day. The average rainfall per month ranges from 46mm (1.8”) to 86mm  (3.4”). It is an ideal time to visit for wildlife safaris and gorilla trekking, as the drier conditions make it easier to navigate through the national parks.

Wet Seasons in Uganda – March to May, September to November

This period experiences relatively higher precipitation, with rainfalls ranging from 86mm (3.6”) from September to November to averages of around 147mm (5.8”) from March to May. The rainforest landscapes become lush and vibrant during this time, but it’s important to note that travel conditions can be more challenging due to occasional heavy rains and muddy trails. However, the rainy season also offers unique opportunities for birdwatching and witnessing the spectacular waterfalls at their fullest.

Best Times To Spot Wildlife in Uganda

In Uganda, game viewing in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park is excellent December through February and June through October. In November and March it is good, and it is fair in April and May. 

For Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda’s northernmost park, wildlife viewing is better from September through May – the area’s dry season – as animals head for reliable water sources. From April through August, there is still a decent amount of wildlife and it’s the best period of the year for birding.

Itinerary

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Entebbe

Arrival at Entebbe airport and transfer to your accommodation nearby.

Day 2-3 - Entebbe to Kidepo National Park

Kidepo National Park one of the top Nationals parks in Africa After breakfast you will take a flight to Kidepo National Park. An afternoon game drive is planned for the day. Two game drives in our plan for the second day. Kidepo Valley National Park is known as the most magnificent national park in Uganda and ranked as one of the best wildernesses in Africa. Home to 86 mammal species, on the safari tour you will have the chance to search for ostriches, cheetahs, lions, elephants, zebra, buffalo, various types of antelope and a lot more!

Day 4-5 Kidepo National Park- Murchison Falls National Park.

After breakfast we fly to Murchison falls National Park. We shall have an evening game drive. On your second day, we will have an early morning game drive and a relaxing afternoon boat ride along the Victoria Nile River where you will encounter animals gathering on the riverbanks, and an abundance of crocodiles and hippos. You’ll get to see the thundering falls from the bottom as the boat turns for the return journey.

Day 6-7 Kibale Forest National Park

Make sure you have a good breakfast, then sit back and enjoy the beautiful Ugandan countryside on our 6-hour drive to Kibale National Park. Chimpanzee tracking time! In the morning you will be hiking off the beaten track, through the jungle in search of chimpanzees. Once you find them, it will be a fascinating experience as you watch them play, feed and swing through the trees, which is highly entertaining. Primate and bird watching will be the highlights of the afternoon walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.

Day 8-9 Kasese to Queen Elizabeth National Park

On our way to Queen Elizabeth National Park we cross the Equator. In the afternoon you will have a game drive during which you will have the chance to see lions, elephants, several breeds of antelope, birds and much more. We will start the second day with an early morning game drive while many animals are still on the move during the cool part of the day. Stay alert and you could see lions, buffalo, elephants, antelopes, the elusive bush pig and you might even be lucky to spot a leopard! Hippos, buffalo, crocodiles and many species of birds can be spotted during the afternoon boat trip on the Kazinga Channel.

Day 10- Queen Elizabeth National Park to Ishasha

On our way to Queen Elizabeth National Park we cross the Equator. In the afternoon you will have a game drive during which you will have the chance to see lions, elephants, several breeds of antelope, birds and much more. We will start the second day with an early morning game drive while many animals are still on the move during the cool part of the day. Stay alert and you could see lions, buffalo, elephants, antelopes, the elusive bush pig and you might even be lucky to spot a leopard! Hippos, buffalo, crocodiles and many species of birds can be spotted during the afternoon boat trip on the Kazinga Channel.

Day 11 - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Buhoma)

Gorilla tracking moment!

Put your boots on and grab a sturdy walking stick, today is a once in a lifetime experience: Gorilla tracking! It is one of the best Ugandan travels experiences you can have. You will be hiking up in the mountains which can take between 2 to 6 hours depending on how far the Gorillas are.

Day 12- 13 Bwindi Impenetrable National Park-Nkuringo

Enjoy the stunning views as we drive to Nkuringo in preparation for tomorrow’s Gorilla Habituation. Mountain Gorilla Habituation Day: Put your boots on, today is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Unique to Uganda, this is one of the best world travel experiences you can have. It’s not uncommon for visitors shed a tear or two in joy and wonder! You’ll track the gorillas through their mountain forest home and spend up to four hours with them, helping them get used to human visitors.

Day 14-15 - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park-Mgahinga National Park

After breakfast, we transfer to Kisoro town and once we reach Kisoro, you can just relax at the lodge or do a nature walk. Golden Monkey Day! To day you will pay a visit to the Golden monkeys in Mgahinga National Park, this is a special Volcanic Mountain that hosts other group of mountain Gorillas and its biodiversity will leave you will much to experience and lifetime story to tell. 

Day 16 - Lake Mburo National Park

After breakfast, we drive to Entebbe for your scheduled flight and hope we have whet your appetite for even more African safari adventures.

Details

Trip Details

Inclusions

Exclusions

Prices

  • 2 pax based on a double room $26,666/person
  • 4 pax based on 2 double rooms $22,788/person
  • 6 pax based on 3 double rooms $21,496/person

Our tailor-made trips are designed to offer you the best possible value to make your East African safari experience a memorable one. As a boutique tour operator, we are happy to personalise your trip budget and package according to your needs.

Please treat all pricing as a guide only, as customisations made to this itinerary, style of travel, and number of guests may raise or lower the overall cost. All rates are subject to availability and may change without notice. Single supplements may apply.

For the best, most current rates available, request a quote or speak to one of Kikooko Africa Safari’s travel experts.

Warren Anwkasa,
Founder, Kikooko Africa Safaris

Inquire About This Tour

All our itineraries can be adapted to suit your personal interests and preferences. 

Please feel free to discuss these with us so we can personalise your tour for your maximum enjoyment.

For the most current rates for your party, request a quote or speak to one of Kikooko Africa Safari’s travel experts.

What Our Guests Say

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