9 Days Uganda Classic Safari Adventure | Best Safari Holiday

Your 9 Days Uganda Classic Safari takes you on an extraordinary journey through Uganda’s top wildlife destinations including the incredible Bwindi forest, Ziwa rhino sanctuary, Murchison Falls, and Kibale Forest National Parks. This Uganda tour package starts in Entebbe, then to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Murchison Falls for breathtaking wildlife and river experiences, and ventures into Kibale Forest for chimpanzee tracking and birding. Discover cultural insights and rich biodiversity in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and conclude with the unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This adventure offers unforgettable wildlife sightings, cultural exchanges, and Uganda’s captivating natural charm.

This 9 Days Uganda Classic Safari package is ideal for adventure seekers, wildlife enthusiasts, and nature lovers who want to experience the best of Uganda’s incredible biodiversity and rich culture. It is perfect for those interested in wildlife photography, gorilla trekking, birding, and immersive cultural experiences.

Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a group, the 9 Days Uganda Classic Safari is suitable for anyone seeking a well-rounded adventure in East Africa. It’s also a great option for those with a moderate level of fitness, as some activities, like trekking in the forests, require basic physical readiness.

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9 Days Uganda Classic Safari

Trip Summary of the 9 Days Uganda Classic Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe

Day 2: Entebbe to Murchison Falls via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Day 3: Murchison Falls Game Drive and Nile Boat Safari

Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Swamp Walk

Day 6: Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park with Cultural Encounter

Day 7: Queen Elizabeth Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Cruise

Day 8: Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Tour Highlights of the 9 Days Classic Uganda Safari

Rhino tracking
Chimpanzee tracking
Birding & Bigodi swamp walk
Cultural Encounters
Game Drives
Gorilla Trekking
Boat Cruise
Nature walks

Detailed Itinerary of the 9 Days Uganda Classic Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe, Welcome to the “Pearl of Africa”

Your 9 Days Uganda Classic Safari kicks off with your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, where your driver-guide will warmly welcome you. After providing a brief introduction to Uganda and an overview of what to expect during your safari, you will be transferred to your hotel in either Entebbe or Kampala.

Here you will settle in, and rest as you prepare for the adventures awaiting you. If you have reached early, consider visiting the different attractions that Entebbe has to offer including the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, beautiful white sand beaches, Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC), vibrant local markets, Entebbe Reptile Village, among others offering you a great introduction to your 9 days Guided Uganda safari.
Accommodation Options: Lake Heights Hotel or Boma Guest House
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Entebbe – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Murchison Falls National Park

After an early breakfast, you will transferred to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino-tracking experience. This is the only place in Uganda where you see rhinos in their natural habitat. As of the latest reports, Ziwa is home to about 41 rhinoes inclusive of the white rhinoes.

It is situated in the Northern region of Uganda in the Nakasongola district and can be accessed via the Kampala-Gulu highway. It is about 176 kilometers from Kampala, a distance covered in about 3 hours.

After the Rhino tracking adventure, you will continue with your journey to Murchison Falls National Park, the oldest and largest National park in Uganda. It is approximately a 3 to 4-hour journey from Ziwa rhino sanctuary to the park.

Upon arrival at the park, you will check into your accommodations where you will relax and unwind as you prepare for the adventure awaiting.

Distance to be Covered: 340 km (approximately 7 hours)
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge or Paraa Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Murchison Falls National Park – Game Drive and Nile Boat Safari

Your as starts with an early morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park, specifically in the northern sector, home to elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, and various antelope species.

Game drives at the park start with a brief meeting with a knowledgeable and experienced park guide and the safety rules and guidelines to adhere to while in the park to ensure your safety and the well-being of the wildlife.

Early morning game drives are the best to see a variety of variety as it is often active during this time and it is spotted roaming about its habitats, grazing on open grasslands, among others offering an enjoyable experience.

A game drive in the park typically lasts about 4 hours and is led by an armed park ranger who is well-versed in the park’s trails leading to different animal habitats.

After this thrilling adventure, you will be transferred back to your lodges for lunch before embarking on an afternoon boat cruise on the Nile River.

This cruise takes you to the base of Murchison Falls, where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge, creating a powerful thunderous waterfall. It also takes you to explore some sections of the Nile River where you catch a glimpse of the aquatic life of the park including the nile crocodiles, hippos, and water-loving bird species including the elusive shoebill stork.

Accommodation: Same as Day 2
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Murchison Falls – Kibale Forest National Park

Depart Murchison Falls National Park after breakfast and head south to Kibale Forest National Park, also known as the “primate capital of the world“. This beautiful park is approximately 400 kilometers from Murchison, a distance covered in about 7 to 8 hours.

It is an exciting journey taking you through vibrant villages, lush hills, tea plantations, etc. It is featured with stops to stretch or linger at captivating spots ensuring you an enjoyable transfer.

Upon arrival, you will check into your lodges where you will relax. You may opt for nature walks around the lodge, and enjoy the serene environment.

Distance Covered: 400 km (approximately 7 to 8 hours)
Accommodation: Primate Lodge Kibale or Kibale Forest Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest and Bigodi Swamp Walk

Begin the day with an exhilarating chimpanzee tracking experience in Kibale Forest. Kibale forest is home to over 1500 individual chimps making it a prime destination for chimpanzee tracking in Uganda. It is also home to other 12 primate species including the Red Colobus Monkey, Black-and-White Colobus Monkey, L’Hoest’s Monkey, Blue Monkey, red-tailed monkey, Grey-Cheeked Mangabey, Vervet Monkey, Bush Baby (Galago) and Olive Baboons making it an ideal spot for primate tracking in Uganda.

Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest starts with a simple briefing at the park headquarters about the protocols to adhere to while in the chimp’s natural habitats. After, trackers are divided into manageable units with each led by an armed ranger to ensure safety and a park guide for an immersive adventure.

A chimpanzee trek in the forest lasts anywhere between 2 to 4 hours inclusive of the standard 1 hour of observation.

After the chimp trek, you will have lunch and then proceed to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided swamp walk experience also termed the Bigodi Swamp Walk.

Bigodi Swamp Walk offers sightings of a variety of wildlife species thriving in its habitats. This swamp is home to over 200 bird species inclusive of the Blue great turaco making it a hotspot for birding in Uganda.

Bigodi bird species spotted on the nature walks include Great blue turaco, Papyrus gonole, White-spotted flufftail, Black-and-white shrike-flycatcher, Yellow-billed barbet, and African pitta.

Primates spotted include Black-and-white colobus monkeys, Red colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, Blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, Grey-cheeked mangabes, and Olive baboons.

Mammals include Sitatunga antelope (occasionally spotted), Bushbucks, Mongooses, Giant forest hogs, and different reptiles and amphibians.

The proximity of Bigodi Swamp to Kibale Forest National Park enhances its rich biodiversity, making it a vital conservation area and an exceptional destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

After this adventure, you will return to your lodges to relax and prepare for the adventure awaiting the following day.

Accommodation: Primate Lodge Kibale or Kibale Forest Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Kibale – Queen Elizabeth National Park (Cultural Encounter)

After breakfast, drive south to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most biodiverse protected areas. En route, pass the Rwenzori Mountains and scenic crater lakes. Upon arrival in the park, enjoy a cultural encounter with the local Bakonzo community. Learn about their traditional practices, crafts, and dances while engaging with community members.

Afterward, proceed to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.

Distance Covered: 157 km (approximately 3 hours)
Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge or Park View Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, set out for an early morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. this will specifically take you through the Kasenyi Plains, a stunning sector of the park known for its lion and leopard populations.

Here you will also spot other wildlife species including elephants, buffalo, and antelope species. Following the game drive, return to the lodge for lunch and prepare for the afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.

Kazinga Channel is a 32-kilometer natural waterway connecting Lake George to Lake Edward. It is renowned for its abundant wildlife including hippos, crocodiles, countless water-loving bird species, elephants, and other different animals making it a highlight for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Accommodation: Same as Day 6
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, you will leave Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to half of the remaining mountain gorillas in the all world.

The drive to Bwindi will take you through the southern sector, the Isasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park where you will have the last sightings of the famous tree-climbing lions resting in fig trees.

It is approximately a 4 to 5-hour drive from Queen to Bwindi, a scenic drive taking you to vibrant villages, and lush landscapes.

You will arrive in Bwindi in the early afternoon and check into your pre-booked accommodations.

After lunch, you may consider embarking on a Batwa cultural experience. This guided cultural visit takes you on a fascinating journey into the lives of the Batwa pygmies, the forest’s original inhabitants.

You will explore their traditional homesteads, learn ancient survival skills, hear captivating folklore, and gain insights into their rich heritage and harmonious relationship with the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Distance Covered: 160 km (approximately 4-5 hours)
Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge or Gorilla Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Departure

Today is the major highlight of your 9 Days Uganda Classic Safari– gorilla trekking in the dense forests of Bwindi. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the park headquarters to attend a briefing from the park rangers.

After, you will be divided into manageable groups of almost 8 individuals and assigned a specific gorilla family to trek according to your personal preferences or needs.

Accompanied by an armed ranger and a park guide, you will venture into the forest insearch of the assigned gorilla family. A simple gorilla trek in Bwindi typically lasts between 3 to 7 hours depending on the location of the assigned gorilla family on that day.

Once you locate them, spend an hour observing these magnificent creatures going about their daily routines in their natural habitat. After, return to the lodge for relaxation and prepare for departures.

Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge or Gorilla Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

End of the 9 Days Uganda Classic Safari

BOOK THIS TOUR

This 9 Days Uganda Classic Safarishowcases Uganda’s diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, offering an immersive experience that you will cherish forever. From tracking rhinos and chimpanzees to trekking gorillas in Bwindi, every day is filled with new encounters and breathtaking scenery. Enjoy luxurious accommodations, delicious meals, and the warmth of Ugandan hospitality throughout your journey.

9 Days Uganda Classic Safari Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

Tour Inclusions:

Accommodation: 8 nights in comfortable lodges and hotels as per itinerary
Meals: Full-board meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) as indicated in the itinerary
Transportation: 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for game viewing
Professional Guide: English-speaking, experienced tour guide throughout the safari
Park Entry Fees: All national park fees and permits
Activities:
- Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Game drives and boat cruises in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks
- Chimpanzee tracking permit in Kibale Forest
- Gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary walk
- Night game drive in Lake Mburo National Park
Cultural Visits: Local community experiences as per itinerary
Water: Drinking water during transfers and game drives

Tour Exclusions:

Flights: International and domestic flights
Visas: Entry visa fees for Uganda
Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel and medical insurance (highly recommended)
Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, laundry, and telephone calls
Optional Activities: Activities not mentioned in the itinerary or marked as optional
Tips and Gratuities: For guides, drivers, and hotel staff

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How well should you be prepared for this Safari holiday?

Travelers should come well-prepared for an exciting and immersive experience on this 9-day Uganda safari. The adventure includes diverse activities such as trekking, game drives, boat safaris, and cultural encounters, so a moderate level of physical fitness is beneficial, especially for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking through dense forest terrain.

It’s advisable to bring comfortable, sturdy walking shoes, lightweight and breathable clothing, a rain jacket, and insect repellent to handle Uganda’s variable climate and tropical environments. Packing sun protection like hats and sunscreen is also essential, along with a good camera or binoculars to capture the incredible wildlife and landscapes.

Finally, travelers should carry any necessary medications and personal items, and double-check that all travel documents and permits are in order. This preparation will help ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and unforgettable safari experience.

Dos and Don’ts While in Uganda

Dos:

Respect Local Customs: Ugandans are friendly and polite. Greet people warmly and learn a few local phrases—it’s appreciated!
Dress Modestly: In towns and villages, dress conservatively to respect local customs, especially in rural areas.
Follow Wildlife Etiquette: Keep a safe distance from animals, avoid sudden movements, and follow your guide’s instructions during wildlife encounters.
Ask Before Photographing: Always ask permission before taking photos of people, especially in rural areas.
Stay Hydrated and Protect Against Malaria: Carry bottled water and take malaria precautions, like using insect repellent and sleeping under mosquito nets.

Don’ts:

Avoid Plastic Bags: Single-use plastic bags are banned in Uganda, so bring reusable bags for your belongings.
Do Not Litter: Help keep Uganda’s natural beauty intact by disposing of trash responsibly.
Refrain from Public Displays of Affection: Ugandan culture tends to be conservative, so avoid public displays of affection.
Do Not Offend Wildlife: Never feed or disturb animals in parks or reserves.
Avoid Criticizing Local Beliefs or Customs: Show respect for Uganda’s cultural practices and traditions, even if they differ from your own.

Following these guidelines will enhance your experience and show respect for Uganda’s people, wildlife, and culture.

Tips for a Successful and Enjoyable 9 Days Uganda Classic Safari Holiday in Uganda

Pack Smart and Light: Bring essential items like lightweight clothing, sturdy hiking boots, a waterproof jacket, and insect repellent. Include a good camera and binoculars for wildlife viewing, as well as any personal medications.
Stay Hydrated: Safari days can be long and hot, so carry bottled water to stay hydrated, especially during treks and game drives.
Follow Health Precautions: Protect yourself from mosquito bites by using insect repellent and sleeping under nets. Also, consider getting travel vaccines like yellow fever as recommended.
Prepare for Physical Activity: Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking require some endurance. Being moderately fit will help you make the most of these unique experiences.
Respect Wildlife and Nature: Observe animals quietly and from a distance. Avoid sudden movements, and never feed or disturb wildlife.
Follow Guide Instructions: Your guides are experienced and knowledgeable, especially about local wildlife and safety protocols. Following their lead ensures both your safety and a fulfilling experience.
Embrace the Local Culture: Engage with local communities and be open to learning about Uganda’s diverse cultures. Greeting people warmly and being respectful will enrich your experience.
Capture Memories, Not Just Photos: While taking pictures is important, remember to put down your camera occasionally to fully immerse yourself in the beauty around you.
Be Flexible and Patient: Safari schedules can change due to weather or wildlife sightings. Flexibility will allow you to enjoy each moment, even if things don’t go exactly as planned.
Enjoy the Moment: Uganda offers breathtaking landscapes, amazing wildlife, and vibrant cultures. Relax, take in the surroundings, and fully savor each day of your safari adventure!

A Brief Note about Uganda

Uganda is known for its warm and welcoming people, who are incredibly friendly, polite, and eager to share their culture and traditions with visitors. You’ll experience the hospitality of Uganda’s diverse ethnic groups, from the bustling towns to the rural villages, where you’ll get a true sense of the country’s vibrant culture.

The weather in Uganda is typically tropical, with a mix of sunny and rainy periods. The country enjoys moderate temperatures throughout the year, with cooler weather in the highland areas and warmer conditions in the lowlands. While rain can occur, especially during the rainy seasons (from March to May and October to November), it rarely disrupts travel for long.

Road conditions vary across Uganda. Major highways are generally in good condition, but some rural roads, especially in remote areas or national parks, may be rough and bumpy. 4×4 vehicles are recommended for these trips, as they offer better comfort and safety, particularly during the rainy season or when traveling off the beaten path.