This Mount Elgon and Uganda safari ranks among the most popular safaris in Uganda that have visitors excited in the last two years. This Uganda safari shall take you through Mount Elgon National Park for an opportunity to visit the most beautiful Sipi Falls in Eastern Uganda. Hiking Sipi falls in Uganda is so beautiful. You will also visit other spectacular national parks in Uganda including Lake Mburo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park for a wildlife safari tour to watch wild mammals.
The 9 days Mount Elgon and Uganda safari gives you the rare encounter with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Gorilla trekking is a must do experience, and on this trip you will take on 2 days of gorilla trekking, visiting two (2) different gorilla families.
Mount Elgon Uganda Safari Itinerary:
Day 1: Kampala – Sipi Falls Mount Elgon National Park
Our driver guide shall pick you up from your hotel or place of residence in Kampala ready for a drive eastwards of the country arriving in Mbale town for a mid-morning stretch and a cup of coffee, after which we shall proceed to Sipi Falls. You will arrive and check in, and then have lunch afterwards.
After lunch, we will take a local guide to trek on the foothills of Mount Elgon where we shall find Sipi Falls, a paradise full of flowers, birds, waterfalls and creeks. At least three (3) waterfalls can be visited here. Walking in this area must feel like being Adam or Eve, so, prepare yourself for a beautiful full day in paradise!
Overnight stay and meals at Mount Elgon Hotel / Sipi River Lodge / Lacam Lodge. Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner.
Day 2: Visit the waterfalls – Kampala
After breakfast, you will take on an excursion and visit the three (3) waterfalls. The guided walk to the waterfalls is outstanding, so you can be certain that you will pass more picturesque waterfalls, plantations and caves. Local villagers will be sure to greet you with jambo and beaming smiles.
If you are feeling brave, one of the waterfalls is even perfect for that early morning shower. When you come back, you will enjoy a nice cup of warm Mount Elgon coffee which will be waiting for you! Thereafter, you will proceed to Jinja via Kakira with a visit and discovery of the source of River Nile while on a boat trip along the mighty River Nile.
Overnight stay and meals at Kampala Serena hotel (high-end), Cassia Lodge (mid-range facility) or Forest Cottages (budget facility). Meal Plan: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 3: Kampala – Lake Mburo National Park
Our drive will pick you up from your hotel or place of residence in Kampala at 0700am in the morning, ready for a drive to Lake Mburo National Park. You will have a stopover at the Equator crossing line in Masaka, arriving in the afternoon ready for your lunch at your lodge.
You will then get a peaceful and exclusive retreat in Lake Mburo National Park. Thereafter, get on an evening sun down game drive for your rewarding experience.
Overnight stay and dinner at Mihingo Safari Lodge (high-end), Lake Mburo Safari Lodge (mid-range facility) or Eagles’ Nest Lake Mburo (budget facility). Meal Plan: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 4: Full Day Lake Mburo National Park – Part of Mount Elgon and Uganda Safari
Enjoy an early morning horseback riding for 2 hours, while seeing the wildlife at a close quarter, including zebras, impala, elands, buffaloes, oribi and defassa waterbucks among others. Thereafter, you will get your lunch at the comfort of your lodge, and then an afternoon boat cruise amidst the hippos, which is amazing.
Overnight stay and dinner at Mihingo Safari Lodge (high-end), Lake Mburo Safari Lodge (mid-range facility) or Eagles’ Nest Lake Mburo (budget facility). Meal Plan: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 5: Lake Mburo – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Take on a mid-morning game drive en route to Mbarara town, with a visit to Igongo Cultural Centre. This is more rewarding and amazing as you visit the Ankole museum. Get your lunch break at Agip Motel in Mbarara city.
After lunch, you will drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is the lushest highland rain forest on earth, filled with primates and exotic birds, valleys, hilltops and papyrus swamps.
Dinner and overnight stay at Mahogany Springs (high-end) or Silverback Lodge / Chameleon Hill Lodge (mid-range) or Buhoma Community Bandas / Wagtail Eco Camp (budget facility). Meal plan: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 6: Bwindi Gorilla Trekking
Begin the day with breakfast while getting ready for gorilla trekking, which begins at 8:00am with briefing from the Uganda Wildlife Authority staff. Ensure that you carry along with you a rain jacket, drinking water, snacks and jungle boots among others. The guides will lead you inside the jungle to see the shy primates for a group you have been booked for. Do not forget to take your lunch boxes and all the necessary gear to track the rare mountain gorillas, perhaps one of the most exciting wildlife experiences on earth.
The tracking may take between 2 and 6 hours but it’s well worth the effort.
Your afternoon is spent on a village walk. The Buhoma Village Walk gives you a great opportunity to see how the people surrounding Bwindi Impenetrable Forest live. It is also a great way to support the local community in a directly. The walk begins with your guide at Buhoma Community Rest Camp and is most informative, rewarding to the average visitor. It will amaze you how resourceful the local people are as you see and learn their ways.
Dinner and overnight stay at Mahogany Springs (high-end) or Silverback Lodge / Chameleon Hill Lodge (mid-range) or Buhoma Community Bandas / Wagtail Eco Camp (budget facility). Meal Plan: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 7: Second Gorilla Trekking – Part of Mount Elgon and Uganda Safari
After breakfast, you will go for the second gorilla tracking experience, but with another group, returning in the afternoon for relaxation and sightseeing around the lodge.
Dinner and overnight stay at Mahogany Springs (high-end) or Silverback Lodge / Chameleon Hill Lodge (mid-range) or Buhoma Community Bandas / Wagtail Eco Camp (budget facility). Meal plan: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 8: Bwindi – Queen Elizabeth National Park
Drive into Ishasha Sector for a mid-morning game drive, searching for tree climbing lions and other great mammals before proceeding to the Mweya section. The journey takes about 3 hours but driving through interesting features. You will get your lunch break at Mweya Safari Lodge.
After lunch, take on an afternoon launch cruise along Kazinga Channel – one that joins Lakes Edward and George. The cruise is a wonderful way to see hippos, buffaloes, Kob and the occasional Nile crocodile and a spectacular bird watching on the water bank. Many who experience the launch cruise consider it the highlight of their entire African safari.
Dinner and overnight stay at Mweya Safari Lodge (high-end) or Enganzi Lodge (mid-range facility) or Simba Safari Camp (budget facility). Meal Plan: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 9: Queen Elizabeth – Entebbe Out
Begin your day with a cup of coffee, and then get on an early morning game drive along Kasenyi and Queens’ Mile which makes visitors encounter elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, warthogs, lions, Uganda Kobs and a variety of bird species.
Thereafter, you will drive back to Kampala using Kasese – Fort Portal road via Queen Elizabeth National Park for en route game viewing. If you are lucky, you may spot the elephants, antelopes and warthogs. Get a stop over at the Equator crossing line in Kasese, while enjoying the winding scenery of the foot hills of Rwenzori mountains, arriving in Fort Portal for lunch. Thereafter, you will continue to Kampala or Entebbe for your outgoing flight back home or to your nest destination. Meal Plan B & L.
Mount Elgon and Uganda Safari Inclusions and Exclusions
Includes
- Transportation by 4WD Safari vehicle,
- Fuel expenses,
- Hike Sipi Falls
- Visit to the 3 waterfalls
- Accommodation on full board while on safari
- The costs also cover the services of English speaking driver/guide
- Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) while on safari,
- 1 soft drink per meal i.e. a soda or mineral water at/during lunch and dinner,
- Park entrance fees
- Boat ride Mburo
- Horseback riding
- Game drive Mburo
- Two gorilla permits per person
- Community visit
- Ranger fees
- Fuel plus all activities while on the tour as detailed in your itinerary.
- Return Airport transfers if you wish on your last day
Excludes
Local and international flights, Personal Travel insurance, Visa Fees, drinks, cigarettes, tips, souvenirs and any other items of personal nature.