Uganda Fly-In Safari: Murchison Falls, Kibale Chimps, Queen Elizabeth NP & Bwindi Gorillas – 10 Days

 Uganda – The Pearl of Africa.

Uganda, famously dubbed the “Pearl of Africa”, is a land of stunning landscapes, towering mountains, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife. For travelers who desire an intense wildlife experience without long, dusty drives, a fly-in safari is the perfect choice.

This 10-day Uganda fly-in safari combines primate tracking, big game viewing, and gorilla trekking in an efficient, luxurious, and unforgettable itinerary.

Key highlights include:

  • Tracking white rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

  • Game drives and boat safari at Murchison Falls National Park

  • Chimpanzee trekking and primate viewing in Kibale Forest

  • Exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park, including tree-climbing lions in Ishasha

  • Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned safari enthusiast, this itinerary ensures a memorable, safe, and comfortable adventure, maximizing Uganda’s best wildlife experiences in just 10 days.

Safari Highlights

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe Airport – Optional Behind-the-Scenes Uganda Wildlife Education Centre

Your Uganda fly-in safari begins upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, where your professional safari guide will meet and greet you. After a detailed briefing on your itinerary, you may choose to explore the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) with a special “behind-the-scenes” tour.

  • Observe animal care practices, lion feeding, health checks, and enrichment programs

  • Visit food preparation areas, exhibits, and the wildlife pharmacy

  • Enjoy an intimate perspective of Uganda’s conservation efforts

Accommodation Options (Full Board):

  • Upmarket: Protea Marriott Hotel – Entebbe

  • Moderate: 2 Friends Beach Hotel

  • Budget: Papyrus Guest House

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Murchison Falls National Park & Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

After an early breakfast, you will either drive to Murchison Falls National Park or take a flight from Entebbe to Pakuba Airstrip to save time. En route, you visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Uganda’s only location for wild rhino trekking.

  • Briefing from rangers on safety and rhino behavior

  • Guided trek to observe white rhinos, staying up to an hour in their presence

  • Opportunity to spot waterbucks, bushbucks, kobs, and occasionally leopards

Upon reaching Murchison Falls, marvel at where the Nile plunges 43 meters through a 7-meter-wide gorge, creating one of Uganda’s most dramatic waterfalls. Continue to your lodge along the Nile River, enjoying breathtaking views.

Accommodation Options (Full Board):

  • Upmarket: Chimpundu Lodge | Paraa Safari Lodge

  • Moderate: Fort Murchison Lodge | Pakuba Lodge

  • Budget: Red Chilli Rest Camp | Fort Murchison Tents

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Murchison Falls National Park – Game Drives & Boat Safari

Start the day with a morning game drive, spotting elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, antelopes, and more. Explore the diverse habitats of Murchison Falls NP, from savannah to riverine forests.

In the afternoon, take a boat cruise along the Nile to the base of the falls:

  • See hippos, Nile crocodiles, and over 450 bird species

  • Witness the sheer power of the Murchison Falls, where the river hurls itself violently through the narrow gorge

  • Ideal for photography and wildlife observation

Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation Options (Full Board):

  • Same as Day 2

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Flight to Kibale National Park – Afternoon Primate Walk

Take an early morning flight from Pakuba to Fort Portal or Kasese Airstrip, then transfer to Kibale National Park.

  • Afternoon visit to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, perfect for spotting blue monkeys, baboons, bushbucks, otters, and a variety of birds such as the great blue turaco

  • Explore this community-managed area, supporting conservation and local livelihoods

Accommodation Options (Full Board):

  • Upmarket: Kyaninga Lodge | Crater Safari Lodge Kibale | Ndali Lodge

  • Moderate: Isunga Lodge | Kibale Forest Camp

  • Budget: Tents at Kibale Forest Camp | Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park

Begin early for chimpanzee trekking, one of Uganda’s most iconic primate experiences.

  • Gather at Kanyankyu River Camp at 08:00 for briefing

  • Trek through tropical rainforest to locate chimp communities, following their pant-hooting calls

  • Observe chimpanzees feeding, playing, and socializing

  • Spot other primates: black-and-white colobus, L’Hoest’s monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and bush babies

  • Birdwatching highlights include yellow-spotted nicator, green-breasted pitta, and black bee-eater

Optional: Full-day habituation experience for an extra USD 70

Accommodation Options (Full Board):

  • Same as Day 4

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Northern Game Drive

Depart Kibale early morning and head to Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing the Rwenzori Mountains foothills, famously known as the Mountains of the Moon.

  • Afternoon game drive in the northern Kasenyi plains

  • Observe elephants, lions, buffalo, Uganda kobs, and topi

  • Stop at Baboon Cliff for panoramic views and photography

Accommodation Options (Full Board):

  • Upmarket/Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge | Katara Lodge

  • Moderate: Ihamba Safari Lodge | Enganzi Lodge | Buffalo Safari Resort

  • Budget: Bush Lodge | Simba Safari Camp | Pumba Cottages

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Queen Elizabeth NP – Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

Morning game drive across Kasenyi Track, targeting lions, elephants, and buffalo. The area is teeming with wildlife, making early morning drives ideal.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel:

  • See hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife including pelicans, kingfishers, and saddle-billed storks

  • Close-up encounters with animals along the riverbanks

Accommodation Options (Full Board):

  • Same as Day 6

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Ishasha Sector – Tree-Climbing Lions & Transfer to Bwindi

After breakfast, drive to Ishasha sector in Queen Elizabeth NP for a game drive in search of tree-climbing lions, a rare and iconic sight in Uganda.

Accommodation Options (Full Board):

  • Upmarket: Buhoma Lodge | Mahogany Lodge

  • Moderate: Engagi Lodge

  • Budget: Buhoma Community Campground

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Enjoy the highlight of your safari: mountain gorilla trekking.

  • Morning briefing at the park headquarters

  • Trek through dense rainforest and bamboo, guided by rangers and trackers

  • Trek duration: 2–8 hours, depending on gorilla location

  • Observe gentle silverbacks, females, and infants for one hour

  • Spot other primates and endemic birds along the way

Bwindi forest is over 25,000 years old, home to mountain gorillas, 11 primate species, 350 bird species, butterflies, and 200 tree species.

Accommodation Options (Full Board):

  • Same as Day 8

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Fly from Bwindi (Kihihi) to Entebbe – End of Safari

After breakfast, transfer to Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip for your flight back to Entebbe International Airport, marking the conclusion of your 10-day Uganda fly-in adventure.

  • Optional shopping en route for souvenirs

  • End of safari with memories of Uganda’s iconic wildlife and landscapes

Meals: Breakfast

Safari Inclusions

✔ Meet and greet at Entebbe Airport with professional English-speaking guide
✔ Domestic flights: Entebbe – Pakuba – Fort Portal/Kasese – Kihihi – Entebbe
✔ All accommodation options as specified (full board)
✔ Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary trekking
✔ Murchison Falls National Park game drives and boat safari
✔ Kibale chimpanzee trekking and primate walks
✔ Queen Elizabeth National Park game drives and Kazinga Channel boat safari
✔ Ishasha tree-climbing lion safari
✔ Bwindi gorilla trekking permit
✔ All park entrance fees and conservation fees
✔ Bottled water during safaris and activities
✔ Emergency evacuation insurance (flying doctors service)
✔ All applicable taxes and service charges

Safari Exclusions

✖ International flights to Uganda
✖ Uganda entry visa
✖ Personal travel insurance
✖ Tips for guides, porters, lodge staff, and trackers
✖ Optional activities not mentioned in itinerary
✖ Personal expenses: laundry, souvenirs, phone calls
✖ Early check-in or late check-out at lodges

Best Time to Visit

  • Dry seasons: June–September, December–February (ideal for wildlife viewing, gorilla trekking, and primate tracking)

  • Wet seasons: March–May, October–November (challenging road conditions, muddy trails, but lush landscapes)

Fitness Level Required

  • Moderate to high: gorilla trekking and rhino trekking involve long walks in steep and muddy terrain

  • Chimpanzee trekking may include forest trails and elevation changes

  • Bring sturdy hiking shoes, rain gear, and trekking poles

FAQs

Q1: Is gorilla trekking physically demanding?
A: Trekking can last 2–8 hours in steep, muddy terrain. Good fitness is recommended.

Q2: What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking?
A: Participants must be 15 years and above.

Q3: Can I customize the safari?
A: Yes, All Budget Gorilla Safaris Ltd can adjust flights, lodges, or activities.

Q4: Are meals included?
A: Yes, full board is included at all lodges unless otherwise stated.

Q5: Can I book all domestic flights in advance?
A: Yes, domestic flights are arranged by your tour operator to ensure availability.

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