12 days wilderness safari Uganda & Rwanda
12 days wilderness safari Uganda & Rwanda offers a unique opportunity to explore the unexplored wilderness of Uganda. The 14 day wilderness safari includes visits to three remarkable destinations: Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, queen elizabeth national park, Akagera national park, embark on an expedition down the stormy currents of the Nile, the most extensive river in Africa! subsequently embarking on a journey to the remote north-eastern region of the countryside, where one can immerse themselves in a beautiful natural environment and partake in a challenging trekking expedition to visit the underprivileged IK tribe. Before proceeding to the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary for a Rhino walk, I recommend visiting the Lorukol Karamojong village to immerse yourself in a rich cultural experience. Upon concluding this expedition, you will undoubtedly be filled with awe and admiration for the exquisite beauty of Uganda.
Day 1: Departure from Entebbe to Kidepo Valley National Park.
Commence the journey by collecting you from your accommodation in Entebbe during the early hours of the morning. Proceed to Kidepo Valley National Park by either the Kitgum-Moroto road or the eastern route. Upon arrival, please proceed to check in at your prearranged accommodation.
Based on your arrival time, you have the option to join an evening game drive. This will give you the chance to observe the stunning landscapes of River Narus and encounter a variety of wildlife such as buffaloes, elephants, lions, hartebeests, and klipspringers. Enjoy an evening meal and spend the night at your accommodation.
Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge offers budget tents.
Day 2 engaged on a game drive in kidepo savannah park
On the first day of 12 days wilderness safari Uganda & Rwanda, departed at 6am for a game drive in the Narus Valley, known for its abundant wildlife due to the presence of the Narus River, which serves as a vital water source for the animals in the park. Embark on a safari expedition along the designated routes in search of various species of wildlife, notably Elephants which are found in abundance in Kidepo, making it the region with the largest concentration of elephants in Uganda. Other notable animals to be encountered include Bush Duikers, Buffaloes, Hartebeests, and if fortunate, one may catch a glimpse of the elusive Kavirondo Bush baby, Jackal, Leopard, and Lions perched on the rocks within the valley.
During the late afternoon, you will get the opportunity to visit the Karamojong local community and engage yourself in their culture. Specifically, you will visit the Lorokul village, known for their cattle-herding practices. Immerse yourself in the distinctive culture of the Karamojong people by visiting the Lorokul Cultural group situated on the periphery of Kidepo National Park. Discover the Karamojong tribe’s means of subsistence through cow grazing, as well as their social, cultural, and traditional way of life. Additionally, you may have the opportunity to encounter the Karamojong King, who will share with you the tribe’s folklore and beliefs.
Day 3: Ik Hiking Adventure
Day 3 of 12 days wilderness safari Uganda & Rwanda, Ik are an exceptional ethnic group with distinct characteristics. They communicate in their own distinct language and reside in the Morongule mountains, located to the north of Kidepo National Park. The Ik and the Karamojong are not ethnically connected, as the Ik possess a distinct culture centered around hunting and gathering fruits, rather than engaging in cow herding. The visit to the Ik tribe entails a comprehensive day-long trekking expedition, involving a leisurely ascent lasting 4 hours and a descent lasting 2 hours.
Distance: unknown
Meal Plan: Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Accommodation options include Savannah Lodge and Adere Lodge.
Day 4 Proceed to Murchison Falls National Park, where you will engage in Rhino tracking at Ziwa and enjoy lunch on the way.
12 days wilderness safari Uganda & Rwanda, travelling north, you will pass through Luweero and Nakasongola before reaching Murchison Falls National Park, one of Uganda’s oldest parks. Along the way, you can also visit the rhinos. Murchison Falls Park was officially designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1926. It is situated in the northern part of the Albertine Rift Valley, and is home to more than 76 species of mammals and 451 species of birds. The Victoria River Nile cuts through the Murchison Falls, with a drop of 45 meters over the remaining rift valley wall, resulting in a breathtaking spectacle. The river provides a fantastic backdrop for a wildlife drive, with frequent sightings of elephants, giraffes, and buffaloes along its banks. Additionally, hippos, Nile crocodiles, and birds of water are constant inhabitants of the area.
Day 5 explore Murchison falls national park
Wake up sufficiently early on 12 days wilderness safari Uganda & Rwanda, have breakfast and prepare for a morning game drive at Kaniyo Pabidi Forest, located in the southern part of the Murchison Falls Conservation Area. This will allow you to observe the animals that are active during the early hours of the day. This forest serves as a habitat for numerous species and primates, such as white colobus and blue monkeys, olive baboons, and a habituated chimpanzee troop that can be monitored and traced. Additional regular visitors to the area include elephants, buffalos, lions, and leopards. Several bird species can be observed at this location, including chocolate-backed kingfishers, white-thighed hornbills, and the exclusive purel illadopsis, which is not found anywhere else in East Africa. You will be allotted a period of time to enjoy your lunch and unwind. Following lunch in the afternoon, embark on a boat excursion towards the foot of the falls, passing by large groups of hippos, crocodiles, bathing buffalos, and many aquatic birds. The journey will take you to the north bank as you make your way towards the powerful waterfalls. There are numerous opportunities to spot the shoebill stork, however it is not guaranteed. Additionally, you will encounter various bird species as you approach the base of the falls, where you may observe wildlife such as groups of hippos, crocodiles, and a diverse array of bird species. You will then have dinner and spend the night at your lodge.
Day 6: Visit Murchison Falls.
Following breakfaston 12 days wilderness safari Uganda & Rwanda, the guide will lead you on a guided excursion through the swamp and Rabongo forest. This area is renowned as a haven for bird enthusiasts, providing a chance to observe the elusive shoebill and other avian species. This will be a highly rewarding experience for bird watchers, allowing them to add to their bird count. Following your lunch, you will proceed to the summit of the waterfall to witness the forceful compression of the water as it flows through a tiny ravine, creating a misty spray that extends up to a radius of 50 meters. This phenomenon generates a lasting spectrum of colors above the area of conflict and produces a constant and loud sound. Proceed to your lodge to have dinner and spend the night.
Day 7: Traveling from Murchison Falls to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Traveling from Murchison Falls to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Following breakfast, your chauffeur will meet you so that you will depart from Murchison Falls to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Queen Elizabeth National Park is a highly remarkable asset of Uganda. The drive will be enjoyable due to the abundance of breathtaking landscapes along the route. You will have the freedom to request the driver to halt at any intriguing location where you desire to observe or capture photographs. You will have your lunch in Masindi and then proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Arrive at your hotel to have dinner and spend the night.
- Mweya Safari resort and Jacana lodge offer exceptional services.
- The Ishasha Wilderness camp offers luxurious accommodations.
Day 8: Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park
Rise early to have breakfast and embark on an early morning game drive to observe various creatures such as herds of elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, lions, leopards, hyenas, and more. Observe many avian species. This location is home to more than 500 species, making it an ideal destination for bird enthusiasts. Some notable bird species found here are the Black-bee eater, 11 distinct kinds of Kingfisher, as well as several falcons, eagles, and raptors. Return to your hotel for lunch and unwind while you await the afternoon activity.
In the afternoon, you will go on a launch excursion in the Kazinga Channel, where you will have the opportunity to observe a diverse range of wildlife, particularly aquatic animals. The waterway connects Lake Edward and Lake George and is inhabited by a group of hippos, buffaloes, crocodiles, waterbucks, and several species of water birds. Observe aquatic birds such as the Marabou stork, bee-eater, and bronze-tailed starling as they dive for fish. Don’t miss the impressive crowned crane. Arrive at your lodge to partake in a meal and spend the night.
Day 9 Game drive around ishasha sector (visit tree climbing lions)
Explore the Ishasha area of Queen Elizabeth National Park and seek out the majestic tree-climbing lions that inhabit the large fig trees. At this location, you will get the opportunity to see picturesque terrain and observe elephants, topis, buffaloes, and other wildlife. You depart for an early morning game-drive, followed by a return to the lodge for lunch and leisure. Later in the afternoon, you embark on another game-drive to explore further the offerings of Ishasha during this Queen Elizabeth safari.
Topi Lodge is available for overnight stay.
Day 10 transfer from queen elizabeth national park to Akagera national park
During the 10 day of the 14 day wilderness safari, you will wake up early in the morning, eat breakfast, and pack all of your things. Then, you will meet up with your driver, who will transport you to Akagera national park via Ntungamo.
Day 11 game Drive and Boat Cruise in akagera national park
During the time that you are waiting for the Guide or Driver to pick you up on your 12 days wilderness safari Uganda & Rwanda, you should get up early and eat breakfast. Game drives are the focus of today’s activities. During your game drive, our guide will pick up an experienced park guide to accompany you and take you to the most desirable locations to explore the park. During your exploration of the park’s scenery, you will visit several regions of the park, such as the woodland forest, the savanna plains, the riverine forests, and the wetlands. Hippos, Impala, warthogs, Topi, Zebras, spotted hyenas, giraffes, buffaloes, crocodiles, elephants, and birds are some of the animals that you should keep an eye out for during the morning game drive session. It is expected that the park guide would play a significant part in assisting in the search for elusive animals such as lions, rhinos, and other animals.
In order to provide you with the opportunity to experience the one-of-a-kind sensation of dining in the African wilderness, lunch will consist of a picnic in the open Savannah plains. Following lunch, the driver will transport you back to your hotel, where you will have the opportunity to unwind and swim in the swimming pool that is available at the hotel. Depending on your preferences, you have the option of going on a second game drive in the afternoon before going on the night game drive, or you can go out particularly to look for birds. The Papyrus Gonolek and Shoebill storks are only two of the more than 500 species of birds that have been spotted in Akagera, making it one of the most popular birding locations in Rwanda. At the large marshes that are located within the park, you will have the best chance of spotting the birds.
In order to provide you with the opportunity to see nocturnal species such as leopards, hyenas, mongooses, owls, and primates, the night game drive has been designed.
Day 12 drive back to kigali end of 12 days wilderness safari Uganda & Rwanda trip
Wake up whenever it is most convenient for you, eat breakfast, and get ready for one more game drive in the park in case you didn’t see any of the animals on your previous excursion. Together with the park guide, our Guide/Driver will transport you to a different part of the park where you will have more opportunities to interact with the park’s wildlife. It is time to begin your journey back to Kigali once you have completed this game drive and moved on to other things.
