11-Day Uganda Safari

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

11-Day Uganda Safari – Big Five, Chimpanzee Tracking, and Gorilla Trekking

Discover Uganda’s Iconic Wildlife and Pristine Landscapes

Embark on an exceptional 11-day safari adventure through Uganda, a country known for its extraordinary diversity of wildlife, awe-inspiring landscapes, and immersive cultural experiences. This expertly crafted itinerary allows you to explore Uganda’s most famous national parks, encounter the Big Five, track wild chimpanzees, and witness the majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Over the course of this 11-Day Uganda Safari journey, you will explore the savannahs, rainforests, rivers, and mountains that make Uganda a premier safari destination. Each day promises unforgettable adventures, from the thrill of rhino tracking in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to the mesmerizing boat cruises on the Nile River and Kazinga Channel, to the awe-inspiring experience of gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

As you venture into the heart of Uganda’s wilderness, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with nature in an intimate and unique way, whether on game drives, nature walks, or guided treks. This 11-Day Uganda Safari showcases Uganda’s rich wildlife diversity, including sightings of lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, rhinos, chimpanzees, and the rare tree-climbing lions of Ishasha. You will also immerse yourself in local culture with the Batwa pygmies and explore the beautiful landscapes of Lake Mburo. Winton Africa Safaris, a trusted tour operator, will ensure your experience is not only adventurous but also responsible and conservation-minded, providing insights into the ecosystems and efforts to protect Uganda’s natural heritage. This detailed 11-Day Uganda Safari itinerary covers every aspect of your 11-Day Uganda Safari journey, with exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing, cultural enrichment, and serene relaxation in some of Uganda’s finest lodges.

11-Day Uganda Safari Highlights

 

Detailed 11-Day Uganda Safari

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport – Transfer to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary


Your 11-Day Uganda Safari begins with your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, where you will be warmly welcomed by your guide from Winton Africa Safaris. After a brief introduction and safari briefing, you’ll embark on a scenic drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a private sanctuary dedicated to the conservation and reintroduction of white rhinoceroses to Uganda. The journey to Ziwa takes approximately 3 hours, with picturesque views of Uganda’s countryside along the way.

Upon arrival, you’ll check into your lodge, a comfortable and serene retreat nestled in the sanctuary’s grounds. After settling in, you’ll have the opportunity to relax and unwind in this peaceful environment. The sanctuary is home to over 30 southern white rhinos, along with a variety of bird species and other wildlife, making it a perfect place to start your 11-Day Uganda Safari with a meaningful conservation experience. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, with an optional bird-watching tour around the sanctuary or simply enjoying the tranquil surroundings.

As the sun sets, prepare for a restful night, knowing that your Ugandan adventure has only just begun.

 

Day 2: Rhino Tracking in Ziwa – Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park


The excitement of your 11-Day Uganda Safari begins in earnest with a morning rhino tracking adventure in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. After breakfast, you’ll set out on foot, accompanied by an experienced guide, to track these magnificent creatures. Rhino tracking in Ziwa is a unique and exhilarating experience, as it allows you to approach these animals on foot, observing them up close in their natural habitat. Your guide will share insights into the rhinos’ behavior, habitat, and conservation efforts, offering an educational component to this thrilling wildlife encounter.

Once your rhino tracking experience is complete, you’ll continue your 11-Day Uganda Safari journey to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest national park. Along the way, you’ll pass through rural villages and lush landscapes, with opportunities for photo stops. Upon arriving at Murchison Falls, you’ll take a short hike to the top of Murchison Falls, where the Nile River squeezes through a narrow gorge, creating one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world. The thunderous roar of the falls and the dramatic views from the top make this a must-see highlight of the park.

Afterward, enjoy an afternoon game drive through the savannah, where you can expect to see elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes, and perhaps even lions or leopards. In the evening, you’ll embark on a night game drive, offering a rare opportunity to spot nocturnal animals such as hyenas, leopards, and bush babies. The day concludes with dinner at your lodge, where you can reflect on the thrilling experiences of the day.

 

Day 3: Full Day in Murchison Falls National Park – Game Drives, Boat Cruise, and Nature Walk


Today is dedicated to fully exploring the wonders of Murchison Falls National Park. After an early breakfast, you’ll set off on a morning game drive through the park’s northern sector, which is renowned for its large herds of elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and antelopes. The park is also home to lions, leopards, and a variety of other predators. Your 11-Day Uganda Safari guide will help you spot the wildlife, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities for photography.

Later in the day, embark on a boat cruise on the Nile River, one of the most popular activities in Murchison Falls. This leisurely cruise takes you upstream to the base of the falls, providing excellent views of the river’s wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and numerous water birds. The cruise also offers a chance to see elephants and buffaloes as they come to drink at the river’s edge. The views of Murchison Falls from below are breathtaking, and you’ll be able to capture the iconic waterfall from a different perspective.

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided nature walk, exploring the park’s diverse landscapes on foot. Your 11-Day Uganda Safari guide will introduce you to the smaller creatures and plants that thrive in this ecosystem, offering a more intimate look at the park’s biodiversity. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation.

 

Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park – Bigodi Swamp Walk


After breakfast, you’ll depart Murchison Falls for Kibale Forest National Park, home to the highest density of primates in Africa, including over 1,500 chimpanzees. The drive takes you through stunning landscapes, including the scenic Albertine Rift Valley and rural communities. The road transfer will take approximately 6 hours, with a stop for lunch along the way.

Upon arrival at Kibale, you’ll settle into your lodge before heading out for the Bigodi Swamp Walk. This guided nature walk takes you through the Bigodi Wetlands, a community-run conservation area adjacent to Kibale Forest. The swamp is a haven for birdlife, with over 200 species recorded, including the elusive great blue turaco. You may also spot several species of monkeys, including red colobus monkeys, black-and-white colobus, and the grey-cheeked mangabey. The walk is also a great opportunity to learn about local conservation efforts and the role the community plays in protecting the forest’s wildlife.

Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation, preparing for the next day’s exciting chimpanzee tracking adventure.

 

Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest National Park


The highlight of your stay in Kibale Forest is the opportunity to go chimpanzee tracking, one of Uganda’s most sought-after wildlife experiences. After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the park headquarters for a briefing by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Here, you’ll learn about the chimpanzees’ behavior, social structure, and the efforts to conserve them in their natural habitat.

Your 11-Day Uganda Safari guide will then lead you into the dense forest in search of a habituated group of chimpanzees. As you trek through the forest, you’ll hear the calls of the chimpanzees before catching sight of them swinging through the trees or foraging on the forest floor. Spending time with these fascinating primates offers a rare and intimate glimpse into their world, as they play, groom, and interact with one another. The experience lasts for about an hour once the chimpanzees are located, but the memories will last a lifetime.

After your trek, return to your lodge to relax and unwind for the rest of the day. You may choose to enjoy the lodge’s amenities or take a leisurely walk around the grounds, soaking in the natural beauty of Kibale Forest.

 

Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise


After a hearty breakfast, you’ll depart Kibale Forest and head to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most popular and diverse wildlife reserve. The drive offers scenic views of the Rwenzori Mountains and the vast savannahs of the park. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your lodge and enjoy lunch before setting out on an afternoon game drive.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, warthogs, and more. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 600 species recorded. Your 11-Day Uganda Safari guide will help you track down the wildlife and ensure you have ample opportunities for photography.

In the late afternoon, you’ll embark on a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George. The channel is famous for its high concentration of hippos and crocodiles, and you’ll likely see these animals in large numbers along the riverbanks. The cruise also offers excellent views of elephants, buffaloes, and water birds. The peaceful scenery and abundant wildlife make this one of the most memorable activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

 

Day 7: Full Day in Queen Elizabeth National Park – Game Drives and Lion Tracking

Today is a full day of adventure in Queen Elizabeth National Park, starting with an early morning game drive. The park’s vast savannahs are home to large herds of elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and the iconic Ugandan kob. With luck, you may also spot predators like lions and leopards as they hunt in the cool morning hours. Your 11-Day Uganda Safari guide will take you to the best wildlife viewing spots, ensuring you don’t miss any of the park’s key species.

After lunch, you’ll embark on a special lion tracking experience, an activity unique to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Led by researchers from the Uganda Carnivore Program, this activity allows you to track lions using radio collars and GPS technology. You’ll learn about the behavior and conservation efforts to protect these apex predators, while also having the rare opportunity to see lions up close in their natural habitat.

In the late afternoon, you’ll have the option to take a nature walk through the park’s scenic landscapes or relax at your lodge. Dinner will be served at your lodge as you unwind from an exciting day of exploration.

 

Day 8: Ishasha Sector – Tree-Climbing Lions and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park


After breakfast, you’ll head to the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park to the Ishasha Sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions. Unlike most lions, the lions in Ishasha are known for their unique behavior of lounging in the branches of fig trees, offering a rare and extraordinary sight. Your 11-Day Uganda Safari guide will take you to the best spots to see these incredible animals and explain the possible reasons behind their unusual behavior.

After your game drive in Ishasha, you’ll continue your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to half of the world’s population of endangered mountain gorillas. The drive takes you through beautiful rural landscapes, and upon arrival, you’ll check into your lodge in preparation for the next day’s gorilla trekking experience. Bwindi’s dense rainforest is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the anticipation of encountering mountain gorillas in the wild adds to the excitement of your journey.

 

Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Batwa Cultural Experience


The pinnacle of your 11-Day Uganda Safari adventure awaits today as you embark on a gorilla trekking expedition in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the park headquarters for a briefing by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Here, you’ll learn about the rules and guidelines for trekking, designed to protect both the gorillas and their habitat.

Accompanied by experienced trackers, you’ll set off into the forest in search of one of Bwindi’s habituated gorilla families. The trek can be challenging, as you navigate through dense vegetation and steep terrain, but the reward of encountering these gentle giants in their natural habitat is unparalleled. Spending an hour in the presence of mountain gorillas is a humbling and awe-inspiring experience, as you observe their behaviors, including feeding, grooming, and nurturing their young.

After your trek, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Batwa community, one of Uganda’s indigenous pygmy groups who once lived as hunter-gatherers in the Bwindi Forest. The Batwa Cultural Experience offers a fascinating insight into their traditional way of life, including their hunting techniques, medicinal knowledge, and cultural practices.

 

Day 10: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park – Game Drive and Horseback Safari


Today, you’ll depart Bwindi and embark on a scenic drive to Lake Mburo National Park, a smaller but wildlife-rich park known for its zebras, impalas, and elands. The 11-Day Uganda Safari journey takes approximately five hours, with a stop for lunch along the way. Upon arrival at Lake Mburo, you’ll enjoy an afternoon game drive, where you can spot a variety of wildlife, including buffaloes, giraffes, and topis.

After your game drive, you’ll have the unique opportunity to go on a horseback safari, one of the few places in Uganda where this activity is offered. Riding through the savannah on horseback provides a different perspective and allows you to get closer to wildlife without the noise of a vehicle. It’s a peaceful and exhilarating way to experience the park’s natural beauty.

Day 11: Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Entebbe via the Equator

On your final day of the 11-Day Uganda Safari, you’ll start with a morning game drive in Lake Mburo, offering one last chance to see the park’s wildlife as the animals are most active during the cooler morning hours. Afterward, you’ll begin your journey back to Entebbe, with a stop at the Uganda Equator in Kayabwe. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to stand on both sides of the equator and take photos to commemorate the moment. You can also visit the local craft shops for souvenirs before continuing to Entebbe International Airport for your departure.

  • Destination: Entebbe Airport
  • Accommodation: End of Safari
  • Meal Plan: Half Board

End of 11-Day Uganda Safari

11-Day Uganda Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Safari Inclusions:

  • Airport transfers
  • Accommodation in selected lodges and camps
  • All meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • All park entrance fees
  • Chimpanzee tracking permits
  • Gorilla trekking permits
  • Game drives and boat cruises as per the itinerary
  • English-speaking safari guide
  • Bottled water in the safari vehicle

Safari Exclusions:

  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Personal expenses such as souvenirs, drinks, and laundry

About Winton Africa Safaris Ltd

Winton Africa Safaris Ltd is a leading tour operator specializing in unforgettable 11-Day Uganda Safari experiences across Uganda and East Africa. With a deep passion for wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism, Winton Africa Safaris offers expertly guided tours that allow travelers to explore Uganda’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. The company is known for its personalized service, offering tailor-made itineraries that cater to the individual preferences and interests of each guest.

Winton Africa Safaris is committed to responsible tourism practices, ensuring that every safari leaves a positive impact on both the environment and local communities. Their knowledgeable guides provide insightful information about Uganda’s wildlife, ecosystems, and conservation efforts, enriching the safari experience. Whether you’re seeking an intimate gorilla trekking adventure, a thrilling game drive in the savannah, or a cultural immersion with Uganda’s indigenous communities, Winton Africa Safaris promises a journey that will inspire and connect you to the heart of Africa.