9 DAYS KIDEPO AND MURCHISON FALLS SAFARI
This 9 Day safari takes you on a trip along the length of Uganda, following the western arm of the Great African Rift Valley. From the shores of Lake Victoria, along the River Nile in Murchison Falls, the lowland forest of Kibale Forest, past Plato's Mountains of the Moon to reach the savanna plains of Queen Elizabeth, before finally reaching the dense African rainforest of Bwindi Forest.You will first visit Murchison Falls National Park, where you will have enough time to explore the savannah wilderness of the park in both an open roofed safari vehicle and luxury boat cruises on the Nile.From Murchison Falls you will continue along the African Rift Valley along the shores of Lake Albert to Kibale Forest and the stunning Crater Lake region, tracking chimpanzees and enjoying a swamp walk through Bigodi and the Kibale Forest. Kibale Forest is thought to be the best place in East Africa to see our closest relatives, the chimpanzee.Your journey then continues to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Embark on a leisurely boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel and explore the grass plains on game drives whilst looking for the famous tree-climbing lions.After Queen Elizabeth you drive to Bwindi Forest National Park, from where you will be able to enjoy a thrilling visit with the rare and endangered mountain gorillas. Spend two nights here with time to explore and enjoy the wonderful views and sounds of the forest.Uganda boasts some of the best bird watching in Africa, with over 1000 different species, including the rare shoebill and the remarkable grey crowned crane. Friendly people, lush rainforests, wild savannahs, luxury accommodation, professional guides and custom-made safari vehicles - this safari will be the trip of a lifetime!
DAY ONE
In the morning meet your Agasaro Safaris’ guide at your location in Kampala/Entebbe and depart for Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a close up encounter with the only rhinos in Uganda, approx. 3-4 hours. The sanctuary provides trained rangers who will ably guide you to observe the rhinos at a very close and safe distance.After lunch continue to Murchison Falls National Park, approx. 2-3 hours and visit the Top of Murchison Falls with hike to bottom of Falls.Embark on a short hike to the bottom of Murchison Falls where the force of the mighty Nile River narrows to flow through a seven meter gap, cascading down a forty meter cliff to the vast gorge below. The power of the falls and the scenic views from the top are breath taking. Walk along the top of the falls and feel the spray of the water and bask in the cool mist around you.
Overnight: Paraa Safari Lodge.
DAY TWO
After breakfast meet your boat at the boat jetty and enjoy a morning cruise downriver to the Delta region where the River Nile meets Lake Albert. Home to a wide variety of wetland and papyrus endemic bird species, including the elusive shoebill stork, this two to three hour cruise offers a unique opportunity to spot rarely found birds and animals such as hippo, elephants and large crocodiles. Travelling through the center of Murchison Falls National Park, guests can experience the constantly changing scenery of the Nile River as it winds its way to Lake Albert. Return to the lodge for lunch and in the afternoon drive to the northern sector of Murchison Falls National Park, an area rich in wildlife including lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, oribi, hartebeest, and countless reptiles and birds, including one of the park’s more difficult species to spot, the rare shoebill stork. Crocodiles are also plentiful in this park.
Overnight: Paraa Safari Lodge
DAY THREE
Depart with your guide to the northern sector of Murchison Falls National Park, an area rich in wildlife including lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, oribi, hartebeest, and countless reptiles and birds, including one of the park’s more difficult species to spot, the rare shoebill stork. Crocodiles are also plentiful in this park. Return to the lodge for lunch and in the afternoon enjoy a Waterfall and Sundowner cruise on the Nile.The park’s most popular attraction since the 1950s, here is where the force of the mighty Nile River narrows to flow through a seven meter gap, cascading down a forty meter cliff to the vast gorge below. The power of the falls and the scenic views from their base are breath taking. Large resident populations of hippos float in the water along the way, groups of crocodiles bask on the shore, and herds of elephant, buffalos and other antelope can be seen moving along the riverbanks searching for food. The river offers a spectacular opportunity for bird watchers, with a wide range of water birds and vibrant bee eaters nesting in the cliffs along the river’s banks.Drift along the Nile while the sun sets with a cold beverage and light snacks.
Overnight:Paraa Safari Lodge
DAY FOUR
After breakfast, depart Murchison Falls and drive to Kibale Forest, approx. 6-7 hours along the Albertine Raft Valley. Time permitting, spend the afternoon on a walk around the Ndali Lodge Estate exploring the area and the spice and vanilla plantations located around the Crater Lake.Kibale National Park, known for its superb chimpanzee tracking and bird watching, is home to over 60 different mammal species. With the greatest variety and concentration of primates of any forest in East Africa, the 766 sq. km park extends south from Fort Portal all the way to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Dominated by tropical forest, interspersed with patches of grassland and swamp.
Note:Optional activities available such as the hike to the Ike Village, or another Nature walk.
DAY FIVE
Travel to National Park Headquarters to meet your guides for the day and begin your chimpanzee tracking experience. Experienced guides and trackers will accompany your party on an early morning trek into the forest to view wild chimpanzees as well as several other species of primates in their natural habitat. You will have an opportunity to be within metres of these amusing and very social apes, sharing in their daily lives and experiencing their day-to-day activities. Chimpanzees, our closest cousins, are extremely endangered with only an estimated 5000 remaining in Uganda. After a local lunch at Tinka's Homestead depart for Bigodi Swamp, considered one of Uganda’s best bird watching locations. Bigodi’s rich ecosystem makes it a spectacular venue for viewing numerous primate and bird species in their natural habitats. This two to three hour walk can be tailored to your individual schedule and interests.
Overnight: Ndali Lodge
DAY SIX
After breakfast, depart Kibale Forest and travel to the Mweya sector of northern Queen Elizabeth National Park, approx. 3-4 hours for a private boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel.Enjoy a leisurely boat cruise along the spectacular Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park. You may encounter herds of elephant, buffalos and antelopes, families of warthogs, large groups of hippos, and crocodiles basking on the shore. Kazinga’s shores are a haven for numerous birds, including many migratory species as they make their way south to warmer climates. The cruise also provides a remarkable view of the beautiful Mweya Peninsula and life in local fishing villages set along the banks. After lunch continue south to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth for afternoon game drives and Sundowner drinks & snacks.Queen Elizabeth National Park spreads over 1,978 sq. km in the western arm of the Great Rift Valley and is home to a wide variety of wildlife including elephants, lions, hippos, buffalo, Uganda kob, baboon, and many species of birds. With both riverine and savannah habitats, the park includes the southern Ishasha area with its tree climbing lions and Maramagambo, one of the largest surviving natural forests in Uganda. The northern Mweya area, traversed by the equator and dominated by the scenery of crater lakes, is often occupied by large flocks of flamingos. A boat trip from Mweya along the Kazinga Channel, which joins Lakes Edward and George, provides one of the most memorable experiences offered by the park.
Overnight:Ishasha Wilderness Camp
DAY SEVEN
Early in the morning, set out for the Ishasha area of Queen Elizabeth National Park, rich with wildlife including warthog, water buck, bush buck, leopard, Ugandan kob, elephants, countless bird species and even the rare giant forest hog. The Ishasha sector of the park is known for its famous tree climbing lions sometimes found lying about in the branches of the native fig trees. Enjoy your freshly prepared breakfast in the tranquil setting surrounded by Nature and enjoy the bush atmosphere.After lunch depart Queen Elizabeth and drive approx. 3 hours to Bwindi Forest with a visit to the Ishasha Community along the way.Bwindi National Park, located in south western Uganda on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, is considered the most diverse forest in Uganda. The area, one of the few large expanses of forest in East Africa, where lowland and montane habitats meet, contains a dense ground cover of herbs, vines, and shrubs. Home to over 120 mammals, 345 species of birds, 200 species of butterflies, and 160 species of trees, Bwindi is one of the richest ecosystems in East Africa. The park contains almost one half of the world’s population of the endangered Mountain Gorilla, making it an extremely valuable conservation site. Bwindi is also home to several endangered bird species with very limited ranges, and acts as an important catchment area for many rivers, supplying water for agriculture in the surrounding region.
Overnight: Buhoma Lodge
DAY EIGHT
After breakfast at the lodge, travel to National Park Headquarters to meet your guides for the day and begin your gorilla tracking experience. Experienced guides and trackers will accompany your party on an early morning trek into the dense rain forest on the mountain slopes. The journey, through dense foliage and up steep climbs, is abundantly rewarded with the lifetime experience of viewing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. You will have an opportunity to be within meters of these magnificent apes, sharing in their daily lives and experiencing their day-to-day activities. Mountain gorillas are extremely rare with only an estimated 880 remaining in the wild. This is an experience you won’t soon forget!Following the trek, return to your accommodation and, if time allows, take a guided afternoon forest or community walk. Please note: tracking may be fairly strenuous with treks up to six hours or longer, at high altitudes, not uncommon. Also, mountain gorillas are wild animals and, as such, sightings cannot be guaranteed. However viewing success rates are over 90%. Please refer to our information sheet (provided) for more detailed information on Gorilla Tracking requirements, conditions, and considerations.
EXPERT TIPS
- Wear long trousers and a long sleeved shirt with a t-shirt underneath.
- Sturdy, well-worn-in walking boots with long socks.
- Day bag to carry your waterproofs, water and packed lunch.
- Gardening gloves can prove useful to protect your hands from thorns and stinging nettles.
DAY NINE
Depart Bwindi Forest after your breakfast and travel to Kihihi Airstrip, approx. 1.5-2 hours for your scheduled flight to Entebbe.
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