Overview
This 8 Days Uganda safari is perfect for travelers looking to combine a wildlife experience with adventure. It gives a brief about the country through a city tour and then takes us exploring the magical Murchison Falls National Park for game and scenic viewing. While in eastern Uganda, we shall do some of the most exciting adventures including bungee jumping and visiting Sipi Falls. The safari is more than just the activities at the destinations as it is kept alive with scenic drives.
Highlights
- Kampala city tour
- Nature walk at Mabira Forest
- Bungee jumping
- Quad biking
- Nile Boat cruise in Jinja
- Hike to Sipi Falls
- Coffee tasting in Kapchorwa
- Game drive at Murchison Falls National Park
- Boat cruise along the Victoria Nile in Murchison Falls National Park
- Rhino tracking
Itinerary
We shall be grateful to learn of your arrival at Entebbe International Airport. Our safari driver will welcome you and transfer you to your booked hotel in Kampala. Before he leaves you to relax, you will have a brief about the safari and mainly the next day’s program.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Meal plan: Dinner
You will have breakfast at the hotel and then we shall meet and set off for a city tour around Kampala. It takes us to tour attractions including the Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, Kasubi tombs, Kabaka’s palace, and the Gadaffi mosque. We shall have a break amidst the tour to have lunch and return to the hotel in the evening.
Meal plan: Full board
Wake up to a delicious breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive eastwards with our first stop over at Mabira Forest for a nature walk. Proceed to Jinja and go for the thrilling bungee jumping adventure. From here, we will drive to our lodge, check-in and later have dinner and relax.
Meal plan: Full board
We’ll have breakfast at the lodge and head out for quad biking. The ride takes us through the local communities where we shall be able to learn about the lifestyle of the locals and also enjoy the nature of the surrounding. After this adventure, we shall have lunch and go for a boat cruise along the Nile. Enjoy the breeze, views of the landscape, birds and some islands. When we return to the lodge, we will have dinner and rest.
Have breakfast, check out of the lodge and drive to Kapchorwa. We will arrive in the afternoon, check in to the lodge and have lunch. The program of the day allows us to relax for 1-2 hours before going for the evening hike to Sipi falls. We will move with a site guide who will share a lot of information about the falls, the people and other attractions in the surrounding. We could also capture the lovely sunset in addition to the beautiful sites of Sipi Falls.
We will return to the lodge, have dinner and rest.
Meal plan: Full board
The high altitude of eastern Uganda is one of the reasons it is favorable for coffee farming. We shall have a coffee tour to learn about how it is planted, and harvested and also have a chance to taste organically processed coffee at a local home.
Next, we set off to Murchison Falls National Park where we shall arrive in the evening. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Meal plan: Full board
An early morning breakfast at the lodge will be followed by a game drive. We shall spend about 4 hours out there in the plains while game viewing and thereafter go for an afternoon boat cruise. Animals we expect to see on the game drive include giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, lions, and Jackson’s hartebeests among others while the boat cruise offers an opportunity to see countless hippos and huge crocodiles.
The highlight for the launch trip is the bottom of the falls which leaves you in awe, and then return to the docking site and lodge.
Meal plan: Full board
After having breakfast, we will check out and visit the top of Murchison Falls. This is one of the most interesting places in Uganda and it offers thrills as we get showers from the falls and enjoy its thunderous sound. From here, we’ll drive out of the park to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking and then head back to Entebbe where our safari will end.
Meal plan: Breakfast and lunch
End of safari
Includes/Excludes
Includes
- Accommodation:
- 7 nights of accommodation in comfortable lodges, camps, or hotels as per the itinerary.
- Meals:
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) included during the safari, except where indicated.
- Transport:
- Comfortable transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a professional driver-guide.
- Activities and Experiences:
- City Tour of Kampala: Explore the capital of Uganda with visits to local landmarks and cultural sites.
- Murchison Falls National Park: Game drives in the park and scenic viewing of the Murchison Falls.
- Boat Cruise on the Victoria Nile: A boat trip to view wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species along the Nile.
- Bungee Jumping at Jinja (optional and subject to your interest).
- Visit to Sipi Falls: Explore the stunning Sipi Falls in eastern Uganda, famous for its scenic beauty.
- Game Drives: Exciting wildlife viewing in Murchison Falls and other parks visited.
- Scenic Drives: Travel through Uganda’s beautiful landscapes, including rolling hills, lakes, and forests.
- Park Entrance Fees:
- All park entrance fees are covered for the mentioned activities and game drives.
- Professional Driver/Guide:
- A qualified, English-speaking safari driver-guide throughout the tour.
- Water:
- Bottled water during the safari (2 liters per person per day).
- Airport Transfers:
- Arrival and departure transfers at Entebbe International Airport.
Excludes
- International Flights:
- Flights to and from Uganda are not included.
- Visa Fees:
- Visa costs for Uganda (if applicable) are not included.
- Personal Expenses:
- Expenses such as laundry, souvenirs, and personal items.
- Tips and Gratuities:
- Tips for the guide, hotel staff, and other service providers are not included.
- Optional Activities:
- Optional activities such as Bungee Jumping in Jinja (additional cost if chosen).
- Drinks:
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks outside of the safari package.
- Travel Insurance:
- Personal travel insurance is not included.
- Other Meals:
- Meals outside of the safari accommodations or mentioned in the itinerary (such as meals in Kampala or during travel).
- Additional Accommodation:
- Accommodation before and after the safari (if needed) outside of the tour dates.
FAQs
What is the best time to go on this safari?
The best time for an 8 Days Uganda Safari is during the dry season, which runs from June to September and December to February. During these months, wildlife viewing is optimal, and the roads are more accessible.
2. Do I need a visa to visit Uganda?
Yes, most travelers to Uganda will require a visa. You can apply for an East African Tourist Visa, which allows access to Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya for a single fee. It is recommended to check visa requirements based on your nationality before traveling.
3. Are there any age restrictions for activities like bungee jumping?
Yes, bungee jumping in Jinja typically has age restrictions, with participants needing to be at least 13 years old. However, there are weight restrictions (usually between 45-105 kg) for safety. Always check with the operator for the most current requirements.
4. What type of accommodation can I expect during the safari?
Accommodation during the safari will range from mid-range lodges and tent camps to comfortable hotels, offering a mix of comfort and adventure. Accommodations will be located near key park entrances and attractions.
5. Is the safari suitable for first-time travelers?
Absolutely! This safari is designed to be suitable for both first-time travelers and seasoned safari-goers. The well-maintained roads, professional guides, and diverse activities ensure that both beginners and experienced safari travelers can enjoy the experience.
6. Can I bring children on this safari?
Yes, children are welcome on the safari. However, certain activities (like bungee jumping) have age and height restrictions. It’s best to check with the safari operator if you plan to travel with younger children to ensure the itinerary suits your family’s needs.
7. How strenuous are the activities during the safari?
The safari includes moderate activities such as game drives, boat cruises, and light hikes to Murchison Falls and Sipi Falls. Gorilla trekking or bungee jumping (if chosen) may require more physical exertion, but most activities are relatively easy and suitable for all fitness levels.
8. What should I pack for the safari?
For a safari in Uganda, pack light, comfortable clothing for the day (preferably neutral colors), a light jacket for cooler mornings/evenings, sturdy hiking shoes, and sunscreen. For evening meals, casual smart clothing is generally acceptable. Don’t forget a camera, binoculars, personal medications, and a hat to protect against the sun.
9. Are there any health precautions I need to take?
Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into Uganda, and travelers should bring proof of vaccination. It’s also advisable to take malaria prophylaxis, wear insect repellent, and consult your doctor for any additional vaccinations or health precautions before travel.
10. Is there a possibility to extend the safari?
Yes, if you would like to explore more of Uganda or extend your time in any of the destinations, you can easily customize your itinerary. Please discuss any changes with your safari operator in advance to make the necessary arrangements.
11. Are the safari vehicles comfortable for long drives?
Yes, the safari vehicles are specially designed for comfort during long drives. They are 4×4 vehicles equipped with large windows for better wildlife viewing, and air conditioning to ensure a pleasant ride through Uganda’s scenic landscapes.
12. Will I see wildlife on the safari?
Yes, Uganda offers exceptional wildlife viewing. In Murchison Falls National Park, you can expect to see lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, and a wide variety of bird species. You’ll also experience wildlife sightings on boat trips and game drives, though sightings are never guaranteed in the wild.
13. What is the food like during the safari?
Most lodges and camps along the safari route provide delicious local and international cuisine. Meals typically include buffet-style options, with plenty of choices for vegetarians and non-vegetarians. If you have any dietary restrictions, be sure to inform your safari operator in advance.
14. Will I have access to Wi-Fi and electricity?
In most lodges and hotels, Wi-Fi is available in public areas, though it may be limited or intermittent due to the remote nature of some destinations. Electricity is available at the lodges, though you may be asked to conserve energy in more eco-friendly locations.
15. Can I customize the safari itinerary?
Yes, the safari can be customized to suit your preferences. Whether you want to extend your stay in one location, add more activities, or focus on specific interests (like bird watching or photography), your safari operator can work with you to adjust the itinerary accordingly.