Urban Jay Exclusive: Mid-Range
This ten day Uganda Explorer is a comprehensive safari through several of Uganda’s most important landscapes, from the powerful waterfalls and savannah plains of Murchison Falls National Park to the primate rich forests around Budongo and Kibale, the wildlife and waterways of Queen Elizabeth National Park, the gorilla forests of Bwindi, and the open plains of Lake Mburo National Park. The itinerary is designed for travellers who want a strong wildlife route with both chimpanzee and gorilla trekking, game drives, boat safaris, community encounters, and a relaxed final wildlife stop before returning to Entebbe. Comfortable midrange lodges are used throughout, with optional upgrades available where required.
Day 1
Arrival in Entebbe and Welcome to Uganda
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a professional Urban Jay Safaris representative. After immigration and customs formalities, you will be privately transferred to your hotel in Entebbe for check in and relaxation after your journey. For guests arriving earlier in the day, optional curated experiences may include a Mabamba Swamp excursion by canoe in search of the iconic shoebill stork, or an Entebbe Botanical Gardens nature walk along Lake Victoria for birdwatching and indigenous tree appreciation.
Best Western Hotel
Dinner
Day 2
Entebbe to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Murchison Falls National Park
After an early breakfast, depart northwards toward Murchison Falls National Park. En route, enjoy a guided rhinoceros tracking experience at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to Uganda’s only wild population of white rhinoceros. Continue to Murchison Falls National Park, arriving later in the afternoon. Depending on arrival time, enjoy views of the top of the falls, where the Nile explodes through a narrow seven metre gorge before plunging into the Albertine Rift Valley. Settle into your lodge for dinner and a relaxed evening.
Twiga Safari Lodge
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 3
Murchison Falls National Park Game Drive and Nile Boat Safari
Begin the day with a morning game drive across the park’s northern savannah plains. Expect sightings of elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes, and, with luck, lions and leopards. After lunch, embark on a three hour boat safari along the Victoria Nile to the base of the falls. This cruise offers exceptional wildlife viewing, including hippopotamus, Nile crocodiles, elephants, and prolific birdlife such as fish eagles, kingfishers, and herons, all set against dramatic river scenery. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Twiga Safari Lodge
Day 4
Budongo Forest Chimpanzee Tracking and Fort Portal
After an early breakfast, drive to Budongo Forest Reserve for a morning chimpanzee tracking experience. Budongo is one of Uganda’s significant chimpanzee habitats and a leading centre for primate research and conservation. Following the trek, continue south through Hoima with a brief market stop and lunch en route. The journey continues through rolling countryside and tea plantations to Fort Portal, nestled in the shadow of the Rwenzori Mountains. Dinner and overnight are at Turaco Treetops Lodge.
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 5
Bigodi Wetland Walk and Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community managed ecotourism site renowned for birding and primate diversity. Look out for the great blue turaco, colobus monkeys, red tailed monkeys, and other species. Later, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, enjoying spectacular views of the Rwenzori Mountains along the way. En route or the following day, visit a nearby Kasoga fishing community for cultural interaction. Dinner and overnight are near Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Buffalo Safari Lodge
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 6
Queen Elizabeth National Park Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Cruise
Set out early for a morning game drive, exploring the park’s open plains where elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, and predators roam. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a wildlife rich waterway connecting Lake George and Lake Edward. The cruise provides close up views of hippopotamus, crocodiles, elephants, and an impressive variety of bird species. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 7
Ishasha Sector Tree Climbing Lions and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
After breakfast, drive to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree climbing lions. Enjoy a game drive through this remote and scenic region, searching the fig trees and acacia trees where lions are often seen resting. Continue onward to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, arriving in time for dinner. Overnight is at Haven Lodge or Mahogany Springs depending on selected accommodation tier.
Haven Lodge
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 8
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today is the highlight of your Ugandan safari, mountain gorilla trekking. After a briefing by park rangers, venture into the forest with experienced guides and trackers. Trek duration varies depending on the movement of the gorillas, but the reward of time spent observing a gorilla family in its natural habitat is unforgettable. In the afternoon, you may opt for a Batwa community visit, learning about the culture and traditions of the forest’s indigenous people. Dinner and overnight are near Bwindi.
Haven Lodge
Day 9
Bwindi to Lake Mburo National Park
After breakfast, drive east to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest savannah park but rich in plains wildlife. Enjoy lunch upon arrival, followed by an evening game drive. The park is known for zebras, impalas, elands, giraffes, and numerous bird species. Dinner and overnight are at Rwakobo Rock or Kigarama Wilderness Lodge depending on availability.
Rwakobo Rock
Day 10
Lake Mburo to Entebbe and Departure
After breakfast, return to Entebbe with a stop at the Equator Line, where you can stand in both hemispheres simultaneously and enjoy lunch. Proceed to Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your Urban Jay Safaris Uganda Explorer experience.
Breakfast,Lunch
Safari Pricing Guide
Prices are per person depending on group size.
| Group Size | Price Per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 Person (Solo Traveler) | $4,287 |
| 2 People (Per Person) | $4,287 |
| 4 People (Per Person) | $3,671 |
| 5 People (Per Person) | $3,642 |
| 6+ People (Per Person) | $3,470 |
Included
- One gorilla trekking permit with stated permit value where applicable
- One chimpanzee tracking permit
- Ziwa Rhino Tracking Permit
- All national park entry fees
- All ranger guided activities as per the itinerary
- Accommodation as per selected tier
- Meal plans as stated in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
- Private four wheel drive safari Land Cruiser with pop up roof
- Fuel, vehicle fees, and maintenance
- Professional English speaking driver guide
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ishasha Sector, and Lake Mburo National Park
- Nile boat safari in Murchison Falls National Park
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise
- Bigodi Wetland walk
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi
- Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo
- Community visits where applicable
Excluded
- International flights
- Uganda entry visa fees
- Mandatory travel insurance
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Personal expenses including laundry, tips, and souvenirs
- Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, and lodge staff
- Porter fees during gorilla trekking
- Single room supplements
- Anything not explicitly mentioned under inclusions
