10-Day Uganda Fly-in Safari | Big 5, Primates & Boat Cruise

10-Day Uganda Fly-in Safari Highlights

• Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport, transfer to hotel
• Day 2: Flight to Murchison Falls National Park & Afternoon Safari
• Day 3: Game drive and boat cruise to the bottom of Murchison Falls
• Day 4: Top of the falls Visit & Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest
• Day 5: Flight to Queen Elizabeth National Park & Afternoon Safari
• Day 6: Lion Tracking and Private Boat Safari
• Day 7: The Tree-Climbing Lions of Ishasha
• Day 8: Game Drive and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Day 9: The great gorilla trekking
• Day 10: Flight to Entebbe – afternoon at Lake Victoria

A Detailed 10-Day Uganda Fly-in Safari | Big 5, Primates & Boat Cruise

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport

Uganda awaits you! Coming into Entebbe International Airport will mark the beginning of your 10-day fly-in safari. Kabira Safaris Africa will send a helpful guide to meet you, assist with your luggage, and transport you to your accommodation in a pleasant, air-conditioned vehicle. Only 44 kilometres (27 miles) from Kampala, the capital of Uganda, is the peaceful town of Entebbe on the banks of Lake Victoria. It is an ideal starting point for your tour across the “Pearl of Africa” due to its pleasant climate, warm sunshine, and leisurely pace. Since it was formerly the capital of Luganda, the word Entebbe means “seat” in that language. This is still the official residence and office of the president of Uganda.

The National Botanical Gardens, the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, or the Mabamba Swamp, home to the endangered shoebill birds, are just a few of the local sites that you can see if time permits. Before retiring for the night at your accommodation, savour a delectable dinner. Your exciting safari experience starts tomorrow!

Accommodation Options:
Luxury: 2 Friends Beach Hotel (Breakfast)
Luxury: No. 5 Boutique Hotel (Breakfast)

Day 2: Flight to Murchison Falls National Park – Jeep Safari

You will fly back to Entebbe International Airport after breakfast in the garden to reach Uganda’s biggest and oldest national park, Murchison Falls. A representative from the lodge will be there to greet you and show you to your room when you arrive.

Your first park jeep safari will begin in the afternoon. The park’s expansive terrain is picturesque, with its undulating savannas, towering Borassus palms, and the majestic Nile River winding its way through its center. The Nile River, which gives rise to the park’s strong waterfalls and makes Murchison Falls particularly verdant and alive, is also responsible for the park’s name.

On your safari, you could spot antelopes, crocodiles, hippos, lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, antelopes, and a plethora of colourful birds. The wildlife is more active and the golden light makes the landscape even more spectacular in the late afternoon, making it one of the greatest times to watch animals. When the sun goes down, you’ll head back to your lodge for a night of rest by the fire and listening to the wildlife of Africa.

Note: The jeep safaris are organized by your lodge and may be shared with other guests staying there.

Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge (Full Board)
Exclusive: Nile Safari Lodge (Full board with drinks)

Day 3: Lions, elephants and hippos during the safaris

Murchison Falls National Park and its animals are today’s main attractions. You will embark on a jeep safari through the savanna plains first thing in the morning, after breakfast. The air is crisp and the sun is just rising over the grasslands, making this a prime time to see wildlife. Wildlife such as lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and several species of antelope can be spotted along the route. You may see hippos relaxing on the banks of the Nile River. Your lodge will arrange the safari, and you might even meet some new friends along the way.

A private Nile boat safari awaits you this afternoon. As you float leisurely downstream, you might hear hippos grunting, see crocodiles relaxing on the banks, and see a rainbow of birds in the sky. You could even see elephants coming down to drink if you’re lucky. Arriving at the base of the formidable Murchison Falls, where the world’s longest river plunges forty meters below through a tiny opening, is the trip’s high point.

An unforgettable three hours await you on your private boat safari. Private boats are more intimate than bigger tour boats, so you can relax, take it easy, and see the river in all its natural beauty at your own speed. After a day on the water, you’ll head back to your lodge for supper and an overnight retreat.

Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge (Full Board)
Exclusive: Nile Safari Lodge (Full board with drinks)

Day 4: Top of the falls Visit & Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo

More of Uganda’s most animal-rich park awaits you today as you explore. You will embark on a walk to the peak of Murchison Falls after breakfast, bringing a packed lunch. At this point, the Nile River drops 43 meters into the valley below, squeezing through a narrow opening that is barely seven meters wide. Depending on your vantage point, you can experience the spray, hear the thunder, and witness the sheer force of this waterfall, which is among the strongest on Earth. Enjoy your picnic lunch while taking in the stunning scenery at this idyllic spot.

Approximately 800 chimpanzees call Budongo Forest, Uganda’s biggest rainforest, home. You’ll visit this sanctuary in the afternoon. Your chimpanzee trekking journey will begin with the guidance of an experienced ranger. Listen for their raucous shouts and keep an eye out for clues like splintered branches and tracks as you make your way through the woods. The anticipation mounts as you draw nearer. Their antics, such as swinging among the trees, grooming one another, or lounging on the forest floor, can be observed shortly, occasionally within a few meters.

Because Budongo is less popular and busier than other hiking spots, this meeting will be all the more memorable. In addition to chimpanzees, animals such as monkeys, baboons, and more than 360 bird species—among which are numerous uncommon ones—call this forest home. Returning to your lodge after the trip, you can unwind, take in the scenery, and enjoy a quiet night in nature.

Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge (Full Board)
Exclusive: Nile Safari Lodge (Full board with drinks)

Day 5: Flight to Queen Elizabeth National Park & Afternoon Safari

To reach Pakuba Airstrip and board the plane to Queen Elizabeth National Park, your lodge driver will drop you out first thing in the morning. You will be escorted to your park lodge by a second driver as soon as you touch down. Before your first safari, come here to have lunch, unwind, and take in the serene surroundings.

A jeep safari in the park will be yours to enjoy in the afternoon. Among the most picturesque reserves in Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park spans more than 2,000 km² within the Great Rift Valley. To the north are the Rwenzori Mountains, while to the west are Lake Edward. The world-famous Kazinga Channel, which is teeming with waterbirds, crocodiles, and hippos, is located near its center. Additionally, the park features vast savannas, steep valleys brimming with rainforest, and volcanic craters.

Beautiful Ugandan kobs, topi antelopes, lions, leopards, hyenas, and buffalo herds are all possible sights on a safari. Savannas and crater lakes are already breathtaking in the golden light of sunset, but the animals come alive when the sun goes down. After your safari, you’ll head back to your lodge for supper and a night under the stars, where you can listen to the flora and fauna of Africa.

Note: The jeep safari is organized by your lodge and may be shared with other guests.

Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge – Deluxe room (Full board)
Exclusive: Kyambura Gorge Lodge (Full board with drinks)

Day 6: Lion Tracking & Private Boat Safari

An expert biologist who studies the leopards and lions in the park will accompany you for a safari this morning after breakfast. A biologist can follow a pride of lions—or even a leopard—through the use of radio collars.

Here is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe lions in their natural habitat, gain insight into their habits, and view the savanna from a researcher’s perspective. Being accompanied by a scientist also grants you permission to drive off-road and away from the usual tracks. The experience becomes even more thrilling because of this. Wildlife research in the park is supported by the income from this activity.

Afternoon safari in a private boat across the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lakes Edward and George, is in store for you. You can view hundreds of hippos in a single day along this river, making it one of the top spots in Africa to watch them. Herds of elephants descend to the river for a drink and some playtime, and you might even see some crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks.

Incredibly diverse birdlife can be found along the shoreline. This safari will be unforgettable because you will have your very own private boat. Get up close and personal with nature, go at your own speed, and relish in the tranquillity away from the madding hordes. Back at your lodge in the evening, you can enjoy supper and a restful night’s sleep beneath the African sky.

Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge – Deluxe room (Full board)
Exclusive: Kyambura Gorge Lodge (Full board with drinks)

Day 7: The tree-climbing lions of Ishasha

After a leisurely breakfast, a representative from the lodge will take you to the Ishasha sector in Queen Elizabeth National Park’s southern region. An authentic sense of African wildness permeates this serene, secluded region, which is lined with old fig trees and flows alongside the Ntungwe River.

Embark on a jeep safari this afternoon as you seek out the renowned tree-climbing lions of Ishasha. Seeing these lions resting in the branches of trees is an incredible and once-in-a-lifetime experience. Hippos in the river, buffalo, antelope, and Ugandan kobs herds are all possible sights to behold. As the sun sets in the warm afternoon, wildlife viewing becomes even more enjoyable.

You will have dinner and a refreshing drink at your resort after your safari. In the evening, you can relax by the fire while listening to the gentle rustle of the African bush. Your lodge will run the jeep safari, and you might even ride shotgun with some of your fellow travellers.

Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Ishasha Wilderness Camp (Full Board)

Day 8: Game Drive and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Your last morning safari in Ishasha should begin with a search for topi, leopards, tree-climbing lions, and other animals. If you want to get the best shots of lions in the trees, you should go early in the morning, when you’re also most likely to see predators. The resort will arrange for your jeep safari, which you may or may not share with other customers.

You will start the transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park after the morning safari. As you cross from the grasslands into the verdant, mountainous jungle, the road winds its way through breathtaking scenery. After you’ve arrived at your forest-side lodge, settle in for the afternoon of relaxation and breathtaking scenery.

One of the world’s most important sites for gorilla trekking is Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas call this lush rainforest home. The other half call the Virunga Mountains in neighbouring Rwanda home. The park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, including not only gorillas but also over 120 mammal species and 350 bird species.

Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Buhoma Lodge (Full Board)
Exclusive: Bwindi Lodge (Full board with drinks)

Day 9: The great gorilla trekking

Prepare for the adventure of a lifetime this morning as you go gorilla trekking in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The trailhead is conveniently adjacent to your lodge, so getting to the woods is a breeze. You will be led by seasoned rangers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) as you cautiously and silently make your way through the thick rainforest in pursuit of a family of gorillas.

Anticipation grows as you track the gorillas’ footsteps, nests, broken bamboo stems, and droppings. Travelling through the forest is just as thrilling as reaching the destination because of all the birds, monkeys, and natural sounds that fill the air. Meeting a silverback and his family is the next wonderful occasion. As he and his family go about their daily routine, the stately gorilla may watch you with an air of quiet study. This intimate meeting with these docile behemoths is an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Buhoma Lodge (Full Board)
Exclusive: Bwindi Lodge (Full board with drinks)

Day 10: Flight to Entebbe – afternoon at Lake Victoria

Leaving the jungle behind is the next logical step after an amazing adventure in Bwindi. You will never forget the encounter with the mountain gorillas and the awe-inspiring strength of Central Africa. Approximately one hour distant from your resort is the Kihihi airstrip, and a driver will transport you there.

You will then be flown back to Entebbe, which is situated on the banks of Lake Victoria. There is a day room at your guesthouse where you may unwind, freshen up, and enjoy some downtime; a driver will meet you at the airport and take you there.

You will be taken to Entebbe International Airport in the evening to catch a flight back home. Any meals you eat at the guesthouse or any eateries in the area will cost you. You have completed your incredible 10-day Uganda fly-in safari. We wish you a trip full of unforgettable experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and fascinating animals.

End of the 10-Day Uganda Fly-in Safari | Big 5, Primates & Boat Cruise