Shoebill Stork Search and Journey to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Mabamba Swamp Bird Watching - Begin your 12-Day Pearl of Africa - Uganda Safari with a pickup from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe, heading to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a 4-hour drive from Entebbe. The first stop is Mabamba Swamp, renowned for sightings of the Shoebill Stork and other water-bird, swamp specialists in Uganda. Located along Lake Victoria, Mabamba Swamp is a RAMSAR site. A fishing boat with an expert birding guide will navigate the narrow channels of the swamp to spot the Shoebill Stork. This sought-after bird can be seen in the early morning, standing still in the swamp hunting for lungfish and other prey. You can often get close enough for excellent photos. The tour usually concludes by 10:30 am – 11 am. Continue to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, arriving at 3:30 pm after a 4-hour drive. Check into Amuka Lodge, featuring a swimming pool and permanent tented cottages.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary & Murchison Falls Park

Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch - Experience the unique opportunity to track Rhinos on foot with knowledgeable guides who provide insights into the Rhinos and their restoration in Uganda. Get close to the Rhinos for fantastic photo opportunities, coming within 10 meters of these magnificent creatures. Rangers guide you during the 1½ hour Rhino Trek. The Rhinos are in a Sanctuary for eventual release into Murchison Falls Park.

Murchison Falls National Park - Continue the journey to Murchison Falls Park, reaching the River Nile and crossing to the northern bank. Before crossing, enjoy the top of the falls excursion, witnessing the impressive power of nature. The river, 50 meters wide above the falls, narrows to a 7-meter gorge and falls 43 meters, creating a loud and awe-inspiring sight. Murchison Falls is the most powerful waterfall in the world. Afterward, have lunch and embark on the first game drive, where you might see lions, elephants, leopards, buffalos, antelopes, giraffes, warthogs, and savanna birds. After the drive, settle into your accommodations.

Murchison Falls Park - Game Safari and Nile River Boat Safari

Murchison Falls National Park - Start the day with an early morning game drive to spot wildlife in one of Uganda’s premier wildlife parks. Murchison Falls Park is home to Africa’s largest giraffe population, with over 1000 thriving in the area. The elephant population is also increasing due to effective conservation and anti-poaching efforts.

Waterfall Cruises - Murchison Falls - After lunch, embark on a renowned boat safari along the River Nile, cruising up to the falls. This leisurely journey offers views of numerous hippos, crocodiles, elephant herds, buffaloes, antelopes, monitor lizards, and other fascinating wildlife. This boat safari is a highlight of your time in Murchison Falls Park, providing more wildlife, birds, and reptiles than any game drive. If the top of the Falls was not visited previously, it will be after this boat cruise. The white foam in the water is due to vegetation churned up by the waterfall’s force.

Drive to Kibale Forest Park - The Primate Capital of East Africa

Kibale Forest National Park - Depart for Kibale Forest at 7 am after breakfast. The forest, where the jungles of West and Central Africa meet Uganda, is a 6½ - 7-hour drive, including breaks and a lunch stop in Fort Portal town. Kibale Forest is known as the Primate Capital of East Africa and is the best place to track chimpanzees in Uganda. Bringing snacks is advisable as it may be a while before stopping for a meal.

Day 4 Chimpanzee Tracking (Trekking) in Kibale Forest and – Bigodi Wetlands – Jungle Swamp Walk

Kibale Forest National Park - Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before heading to Kibale Forest Headquarters for the Chimpanzee Tracking activity. The guided trek offers the chance to see at least five or six different primate species among the 13 in the park. The forest’s natural beauty and rugged terrain are breathtaking, home to a diverse collection of butterflies and exotic birds, making it a haven for nature lovers. While Chimpanzee tracking is popular, the stunning natural environment offers much more to enjoy, providing a sanctuary for wildlife, birds, plants, and trees. The habituated chimpanzees are accustomed to humans. The Chimpanzee Trek lasts about 3½ hours, with a minimum age of 15. An alternate activity with Rangers is available for children. Option: Instead of Chimpanzee trekking, participate in an all-day Chimpanzee Habituation Experience.

Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary - In the mid-afternoon, explore the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary, a mesmerizing jungle swamp with abundant natural wonders. The guided nature walk takes you through boardwalks made of planks to keep you above the water. For birdwatching enthusiasts, this destination is a must-see, with the large blue Turaco commonly spotted here. In the afternoon, chimpanzees often come to forage from Kibale Forest, and other monkey species can also be seen. Additionally, you may catch a glimpse of the elusive Sitatunga Antelope, a semi-aquatic species with webbed toes that enable it to navigate the swampy terrain of the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary. Your guide is a member of the Bigodi community, dedicated to protecting the local swamp and its wildlife. This area is recognized as a UNESCO Sustainable Tourism Eco-Site.

Queen Elizabeth Park – Kasenyi/Mweya Area

Queen Elizabeth National Park - After breakfast, embark on a 2-hour drive to Queen Elizabeth Park. Before checking into your preferred lodge, take the scenic Explosion Crater Drive, featuring craters and lakes with stunning views from the highest point in the lodge. The entire drive takes about 2½ hours, with some craters featured in National Geographic. The breathtaking sights offer numerous photo opportunities, and the accompanying ranger will provide insights into the park’s formation. Check in at Enganzi Game Lodge, a top-notch mid-range lodge known for its quality.

Lunch

Queen Elizabeth National Park - Experience the thrill of an afternoon game drive on the vast Kasenyi plains of Queen Elizabeth Park, where you can witness majestic Lions, Leopards, Elephant Herds, Buffaloes, and antelopes up close. Accompanied by an experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority Ranger and your driver-guide, you will slowly drive down a game track, taking in all the sights and sounds of the wildlife. With two expert guides on board, you won’t miss a thing during the 2½ to 3-hour game drive. Plus, you’ll have the advantage of a pop-up roof for the best wildlife-viewing experience.

Queen Elizabeth Park - Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

Queen Elizabeth National Park - You have the option to have breakfast before or after embarking on your second game drive, which typically starts at 6:30 am. Morning game drives offer the opportunity to witness predators returning from their nightly hunts, and the stunning Savannah Sunrise adds to the experience. One exciting opportunity is the Lion Tracking Research, where you can join researchers in their search for collared lions. This project is in collaboration with the Uganda Carnivore Project and Uganda Wildlife Association. You can also learn about the habits and behaviors of these majestic animals during the experience.

Kazinga Channel - In the afternoon, the Kazinga Channel Boat Safari is the main attraction of any safari trip to Queen Elizabeth Park. This two-hour boat ride offers sightings of a variety of wildlife, birds, and reptiles. You have the option to choose a smaller boat at a higher cost or take the larger Uganda Wildlife Authority boat, both of which provide excellent views of elephants, buffalo herds, antelopes, crocodiles, monitor lizards, hippos, and a multitude of water birds, including large schools of pelicans. The Kazinga Channel boasts a high number of hippos and is also home to various bird species. Additionally, it is a popular gathering spot for large herds of elephants and buffaloes.

Ishasha -Tree-Climbing Lions – Queen Elizabeth Park - Bwindi

Gorilla Trekking Day - Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - Enjoy breakfast, followed by a pre-tracking briefing to review guidelines for your safety. Gorilla trekking begins soon afterward and can range from a short walk to an all-day hike through rough terrain. Typically, it lasts 3 - 5 hours, depending on the gorilla family’s location that day, with one hour spent with them. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most. (Not for those under 15 years of age). To ensure comfort on the trek, it’s recommended to wear light trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy boots, a hat, and a light rain jacket. Some also find it helpful to bring cotton garden gloves to aid in climbing vines or branches. Don’t forget to bring a daypack to carry your essentials. The driver will assist you in hiring a porter. You can also buy a big walking stick that is handy on the trek. They are available at the lodge or the Gorilla Trailhead. There are rules of conduct while tracking, and they need to be followed for the protection of the Mountain Gorillas and your well-being.

Lake Victoria - Consider staying another night or take a 2½-hour drive to Lake Bunyonyi for exploration and relaxation. The activities here (at Lake Bunyonyi) are optional and not included in the offer.

Don’t miss Scenic Lake Bunyonyi with its countless Things to Do and See

Lake Victoria - As the safari nears its end, take time to unwind and relax at Safari Lake Bunyonyi. This hidden gem in the Gorilla Highlands is often overlooked by visitors to Uganda, but it’s definitely worth adding to your must-see list. Please note that the activities available here are not included in the tour cost. You can choose to swim, paddle a dugout canoe, ride in a motorboat, or explore any of the 29 islands. Additionally, hiking, biking, and birdwatching are popular options for those seeking a more active experience. After trekking gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla Park, enjoy nature walks, village visits, and interactive cultural experiences. Lake Bunyonyi stands apart from other lakes in East Africa due to its lack of bilharzia, crocodiles, and hippos, allowing you to swim in its crystal-clear waters without any worries.

Move to Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park - The Pearl of Africa Safari gradually concludes as we head to Lake Mburo Park. Start the day with an early breakfast before setting off. Lake Mburo is the perfect spot to take a break during a long journey and is one of the most charming places in Uganda. It takes around 5 hours to drive there, so it’s recommended to depart at 7 am for optimal arrival time. We take a lunch break at Mbarara town. After lunch, we will resume our journey and reach Lake Mburo. Before checking in, we will embark on a 1½ - 2-hour game drive through the rolling hill Savannah, where you can spot large Eland and other antelopes, Giraffes, Burchell Zebras, and occasional leopards. Check into Rwakobo Rock Lodge high on a ridge overlooking Lake Mburo Park - delightful cottages, and a swimming pool. We skip the Boat Ride here because we believe it’s worth it after the previous, more exciting ones. Additionally, we are uncertain if we can meet the minimum number of participants needed at our chosen time.

Lake Mburo Park - Walking Safari – Equator Stop – End of the Pearl of Africa - Uganda Safari

Lake Mburo National Park - After breakfast, enjoy a Nature Walk with a UWA Ranger to the Saltlick, where abundant Wildlife can be seen. This is a ninety-minute hike, and there is a Hide at the Salt Lick. You will enjoy the variety of Wildlife you see along the Nature Walk. After the game drive, prepare for departure to Kampala – Entebbe. After lunch, stop at the Equator for pictures. Proceed to Kampala – Entebbe, arriving late afternoon for departure as the 12-day Pearl of Africa Uganda Safari Tour concludes.

• On-foot Rhino Tracking at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• Ground transportation & Airport transfers in a 4X4 pop-up roof safari vehicle
• Expert driver-guide
• Lodging and all meals as per the safari itinerary
• Visitor entry fees for all parks
• Bottled drinking water on all drives
• Services of an English speaking driver/guide and an armed park ranger
• Bigodi Wetlands Swamp Trail and Mabamba Wetlands Shoebill Stork Search
• All activities listed in the itinerary, including game drives and walking safari
• Top of Falls Hike or Excursion at Murchison Park
• Nile boat safari at Murchison Park and Kazinga Channel boat safari at Queen Elizabeth Park

• Bwindi Forest Gorilla Trekking Permit @ 700 USD
• Kibale Park - Chimpanzee tracking permit @ 200 USD
• Gratuities
• Vasa fee
• Fizzy and alcoholic drinks
• Laundry
• Personal & Travel insurance

Are you up for an incredible adventure? Join us for our 12-day Pearl of Africa Safari in Uganda! We’ll take you on a wild ride for 12 days, from spotting the magnificent shoebill stork in Mabamba Wetlands to getting up close with rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. You’ll be blown away by the stunning Murchison Falls Park, and have a blast trekking to find chimpanzees in Kibale Park. And let’s not forget about the amazing wildlife you’ll see at Queen Elizabeth Park. Of course, the highlight of the trip will be witnessing the incredible mountain gorillas in Bwindi Park. And after all that excitement, you’ll be able to relax and unwind at the picturesque Lake Bunyonyi. We’ll end our journey at Lake Mburo, and trust us, it’ll be an experience you’ll never forget!
Discover Africa, with Lifetime Experience Safaris.

• Minimum of 14 years of age and above

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.