Mabamba Wetlands Shoebill Stork Search and Journey to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Mabamba Swamp Bird Watching - The 16-Day Great Loop Uganda Safari kicks off with a pickup from your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala, heading towards the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a 4-hour drive from Entebbe. The first stop is Mabamba Swamp, renowned for sightings of the Shoebill Stork and other water-bird swamp specialists in Uganda. Situated along Lake Victoria, Mabamba Swamp is a RAMSAR site. A fishing boat with an expert birding guide will navigate the narrow channels of the swamp to spot the Shoebill Stork.

The Shoebill Stork, Africa’s most sought-after bird, can be seen in the early morning, standing still in the swamp hunting for lungfish and other prey, its beak swiftly capturing fish. Visitors often get close enough for excellent photos of the Shoebill Storks. The tour usually concludes by 10:30 am – 11 am. The journey continues to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, arriving at 3:30 pm after a 4-hour drive. Check into Ziwa Rhinos Guesthouse, featuring permanent tented cottages.

On-foot Rhino Tracking and Travel to Gulu Town en Route to Kidepo Valley Park

Rhino Fund Uganda - At Ziwa Rhinoceros Sanctuary, visitors can track southern white rhinos on foot. Skilled Uganda Wildlife Rangers will guide you to the rhinos’ location on the day of your visit.

Observe these endangered, magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, spanning 7,000 hectares. While at the Sanctuary, you may also encounter other wildlife species, including Uganda Kobs, oribis, bushbucks, waterbucks, and various bird species. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity not to be missed!

Your guide ensures your safety, so paying attention to the safety briefing is crucial. The on-foot trek lasts about 1½ hours, depending on the rhinos’ location. Wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots with woolen socks, long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, and a hat. Don’t forget effective insect repellent.

Gulu - After the trek, the journey continues to Gulu town for lunch, dinner, and an overnight stay. The drive north takes approximately 3 and a half hours.

Morning Drive to Kidepo Valley Park and Afternoon Game Drive

Kidepo Valley National Park - After an early breakfast, the journey continues to Kidepo Valley Park, arriving around lunchtime. The drive traverses diverse terrain, offering a unique experience in Uganda. Few venture here due to the long drive, but those who do are astounded by the park’s beauty and the discoveries made even during the drive.

Travel through the Karamajong region, where pastoralists maintain their ancient ways, with cattle being central to their culture. There are many exciting sights and activities along the way. Lunch is either along the journey or at your Kidepo lodge, depending on the previous night’s stay.

Check into the Lodge, enjoy a late lunch, settle in, and get acquainted with your surroundings with a refreshing drink. Wildlife is often visible near the chosen lodge, followed by an afternoon game drive lasting until dusk.

Kidepo Valley Park - Game Drives

Kidepo Valley National Park - Game drives occur in two areas of the park, the wildlife-rich Narus Valley, best explored early in the morning around 6 am, a prime time to see Lions and other predators returning from their night hunt. Leopards, Cheetahs, and various other cats, some unique to Kidepo Valley Park, are also present. Kidepo Valley is famous for its vast buffalo herds and antelopes, some unique to the park.

You might even spot Spartacus, a lion often seen on a rock, reminiscent of a scene from The Lion King, recently popularized by a wildlife photographer’s photos titled “The real Lion King is found at Kidepo Valley Park.”

Game drives last over 3 hours, with a 4-wheel drive vehicle featuring a pop-up roof. A Uganda Wildlife Authority Ranger accompanies you, along with your knowledgeable Driver Guide, to point out wildlife and ensure security.

Kidepo Valley National Park - During the morning and afternoon game drives, some may enjoy a nap, but a book is suggested. After lunch or the afternoon game drive, enjoy a Ugandan Waragi with Krest Bitter Lemon, a Ugandan Beer, or a Tangawizi – Stoney Soda.

In the afternoon, around 3 pm, embark on a drive through the more arid Kidepo Valley to the Kanangorok Hot Springs, passing through magnificent landscapes. North of Apoka, beyond the river crossing, the road winds between rock outcrops and hills before descending into the Kidepo Valley, crossing the Kidepo Sand River, and traversing open plains extending past Kanangorok Hot Springs towards mountains across the Sudanese border. This area is where ostriches are most commonly seen. While wildlife is less abundant here than in the Narus Valley, the scenery is worth the drive.

Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Kidepo Valley Park – Gulu Town

Kidepo Valley National Park - After breakfast, visit Karamojong Manyatta with a guide, meeting the Cattle Herders – Warriors, and gaining insight into their culture and ways.

Afterward, drive to Gulu for an overnight stay at Churchill Courts Hotel.

Travel to Murchison Falls Park and Afternoon Game Drive

Murchison Falls National Park - After breakfast, continue the journey to Murchison Falls National Park, arriving before lunchtime to check into the chosen lodge, Pakuba Lodge in this case. The drive takes about 3 hours.

A mid-afternoon game drive at around 3:30 pm offers sightings of abundant wildlife right from the lodge. The first wildlife game drive aims to spot Lions, Giraffes, Elephants, Leopards, Buffaloes, Birds, various antelopes, and more. This drive lasts about 3 hours, with sunset around 6:45 pm and darkness setting in past 7 pm.

Murchison Park Game, Afternoon Nile River Boat Safari, and Top of Falls Hike/Excursion

Murchison Falls National Park - An early morning game drive in search of wildlife, similar to the previous day, in one of Uganda’s best all-around wildlife parks. Murchison Falls Park boasts Africa’s largest Giraffe Population, thriving with over 1000 individuals. The elephant population is also increasing due to strict conservation and anti-poaching measures.

Waterfall Cruises - Murchison Falls - After lunch, embark on the renowned boat safari along the River Nile up to the falls. Along the leisurely journey, observe pods of hippos, numerous crocodiles, elephant herds, buffaloes, antelopes, monitor lizards, and more.

This is a highlight of your time in Murchison Falls Park. The Boat Safari offers more wildlife, birds, and reptiles than any game drive. At the base of the world’s most powerful waterfall, disembark and hike up the side of the falls to the top, where the Driver Guide awaits to return to the chosen lodge for dinner.

Remarkably, the Nile calms quickly after cascading down the escarpment above. The foam in the water is not pollution but vegetation churned up by the waterfall.

Transfer to Kibale Park - The Primate Capital of East Africa - Best Place for Chimpanzee Trekking in East Africa

Kibale Forest National Park - After an early breakfast, proceed to Kibale Forest, driving through beautiful countryside, a bonus of the journey. Drinking water is provided in the vehicle during travel. Arrive in the Fort Portal area for lunch. The drive takes 7 – 8 hours.

Day 4 Chimpanzee Tracking (Trekking) in Kibale Forest and Bigodi Wetlands – Jungle Swamp Walk

Kibale Forest National Park - Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before heading to Kibale Forest Headquarters for the Chimpanzee Tracking activity. The guided trek offers the chance to encounter 13 primate species in the park, typically spotting at least five or six different types.

The forest’s natural beauty and rugged terrain are breathtaking. The park is home to a diverse array of butterflies and exotic birds, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. While Chimpanzee tracking is popular, the stunning natural environment offers much more, providing a sanctuary for wildlife, birds, plants, and trees.

The chimpanzees encountered are habituated, accustomed to human presence. The Chimpanzee Trek lasts about 3½ hours, with a minimum age of 15. An alternate activity with Rangers is available for children.

Option: Instead of Chimpanzee trekking, where you spend an hour with a group of Chimpanzees, opt for an all-day Chimpanzee Habituation Experience.

Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary - In the mid-afternoon, explore the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary, a captivating jungle swamp with abundant natural wonders. The guided nature walk takes you along boardwalks made of planks, keeping you above the water.

For birdwatching enthusiasts, this destination is a must-visit. The large blue Turaco is a common sight here. In the afternoon, chimpanzees often forage from Kibale Forest, and other monkey species can also be seen.

Additionally, you may spot the elusive Sitatunga Antelope, a semi-aquatic species with webbed toes, enabling it to navigate the swampy terrain of the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary.

Your guide, a member of the Bigodi community, is dedicated to protecting the local swamp and its wildlife. This area is recognized as a UNESCO Sustainable Tourism Eco-Site.

Queen Elizabeth Park – Kasenyi/Mweya Area

Queen Elizabeth National Park - After breakfast, embark on a 3-hour drive to Queen Elizabeth Park. Before checking into your preferred lodge, enjoy the scenic Explosion Crater Drive, featuring craters and lakes with stunning views from the highest point in the lodge. The entire drive takes about 2½ hours, with some craters featured in National Geographic. Witness the breathtaking sights firsthand.

During this drive, capture numerous breathtaking photos. The accompanying ranger will enlighten you about the formation of this section of the park. Check in at Enganzi Game Lodge, a top-notch mid-range lodge consistently praised by clients.

Lunch

Queen Elizabeth National Park - Experience the thrill of an afternoon game drive on the vast Kasenyi plains of Queen Elizabeth Park, where you can witness majestic Lions, Leopards, Elephant Herds, Buffaloes, and antelopes up close. Accompanied by an experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority Ranger and your driver-guide, slowly drive down a game track, taking in all the sights and sounds of the wildlife. With two expert guides on board, you won’t miss a thing during the 2½ to 3-hour game drive. Plus, enjoy the advantage of a pop-up roof for the best wildlife-viewing experience.

Queen Elizabeth Park - Morning Safari Drive and Afternoon Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

Queen Elizabeth National Park - Choose to have breakfast before or after embarking on your second game drive, typically starting at 6:30 am. Morning game drives offer the chance to witness predators returning from their nightly hunts, with the stunning Savannah Sunrise enhancing the experience.

One exciting opportunity is the Lion Tracking Research, where you can join researchers in their search for collared lions. This project is in collaboration with the Uganda Carnivore Project and Uganda Wildlife Association. Learn about the habits and behaviors of these majestic animals during the experience.

Kazinga Channel - In the afternoon, the Kazinga Channel Boat Safari is the main attraction of any safari trip to Queen Elizabeth Park. This two-hour boat ride offers sightings of a variety of wildlife, birds, and reptiles. Choose a smaller boat at a higher cost or take the larger Uganda Wildlife Authority boat, both providing excellent views of elephants, buffalo herds, antelopes, crocodiles, monitor lizards, hippos, and a multitude of water birds, including large schools of pelicans.

The Kazinga Channel boasts a high number of hippos and is also home to various bird species. Additionally, it is a popular gathering spot for large herds of elephants and buffaloes.

Ishasha -Tree-Climbing Lions – Queen Elizabeth Park - Bwindi

Gorilla Trekking Day - Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - After breakfast, attend a pre-tracking briefing to review guidelines for your safety. Gorilla trekking begins soon afterward and can range from a short walk to an all-day hike through rough terrain. Typically, it lasts 3 - 5 hours, depending on the gorilla family’s location that day, with one hour spent with them. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most. (Not for those under 15 years of age).

To ensure comfort on the trek, wear light trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy boots, a hat, and a light rain jacket. Some find it helpful to bring cotton garden gloves for climbing vines or branches. Don’t forget a daypack for essentials.

The driver will assist in hiring a porter. You can also purchase a big walking stick, handy on the trek, available at the lodge or the Gorilla Trailhead.

There are rules of conduct while tracking, which must be followed for the protection of the Mountain Gorillas and your well-being.

Lake Victoria - Consider staying another night or take a 2½-hour drive to Lake Bunyonyi for exploration and relaxation. Activities at Lake Bunyonyi are optional and not included in the offer.

Don’t Miss Scenic Lake Bunyonyi with its Countless Things to Do and See

Lake Victoria - As the safari nears its end, take time to unwind and relax at Safari Lake Bunyonyi. This hidden gem in the Gorilla Highlands is often overlooked by visitors to Uganda but is definitely worth adding to your must-see list.

Please note that activities here are not included in the tour cost. Options include swimming, paddling a dugout canoe, riding in a motorboat, or exploring any of the 29 islands. Additionally, hiking, biking, and birdwatching are popular for those seeking a more active experience.

After trekking gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla Park, enjoy nature walks, village visits, and interactive cultural experiences. Lake Bunyonyi stands apart from other lakes in East Africa due to its lack of bilharzia, crocodiles, and hippos, allowing for worry-free swimming in its crystal-clear waters.

On the Way Back to Entebbe, Stopover at Lake Mburo National Park.

Lake Mburo National Park - The Pearl of Africa Safari gradually concludes as we head to Lake Mburo Park. Start the day with an early breakfast before setting off.

Lake Mburo is the perfect spot to take a break during a long journey and is one of Uganda’s most charming places. The drive takes around 5 hours, so departing at 7 am is recommended for optimal arrival time. A lunch break is taken at Mbarara town.

After lunch, resume the journey to Lake Mburo. Before checking in, embark on a 1½ - 2-hour game drive through the rolling hill Savannah, where you can spot large Eland and other antelopes, Giraffes, Burchell Zebras, and occasional leopards.

Check into Rwakobo Rock Lodge, perched high on a ridge overlooking Lake Mburo Park, featuring delightful cottages and a swimming pool.

The Boat Ride here is skipped, as previous, more exciting ones have been experienced. Additionally, meeting the minimum number of participants needed at the chosen time is uncertain.

Lake Mburo Park - Walking Safari – Equator Stop – End of the 16-day Uganda Great Loop Safari Experience

Lake Mburo National Park - After breakfast, embark on a Nature Walk with a UWA Ranger to the Saltlick, where abundant wildlife can be seen. This is a ninety-minute hike, with a hide at the Salt Lick. Enjoy the variety of wildlife along the Nature Walk.

After the game drive, prepare for departure to Kampala – Entebbe.

After lunch, stop at the Equator for photos. Proceed to Kampala – Entebbe, arriving late afternoon for departure as the 16-day Uganda Great Loop Safari Experience concludes.

• Ground transportation & Airport transfers in a 4X4 pop-up roof safari vehicle & expert driver-guide
• Meals included: Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
• All activities listed in the itinerary: game drives, walking safari
• Bwindi Forest Gorilla Trekking Permit
• Nile boat safari at Murchison Park and Kazinga Channel boat safari at Queen Elizabeth Park
• Lodging and all meals as per the safari itinerary
• Visitor entry fees for all parks including the car and driver-guide
• Bottled drinking water on all drives
• Services of an English speaking driver/guide and an armed park ranger
• On-foot Rhino Tracking at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• Chimpanzee tracking permit at Kibale Park
• Bigodi Wetlands Swamp Trail and Mabamba Wetlands Shoebill Stork Search
• Top of Falls Hike or Excursion at Murchison Park

• Gratuities
• Fizzy and alcoholic drinks
• Personal & Travel insurance
• Laundry

Embrace the journey of a lifetime with our 16-day grand Ugandan safari adventure! Envision yourself being awe-struck by the unique Shoebill Stork at Mabamba Wetlands, assisting the noble cause of rhino preservation at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, and reveling in the wild splendor of Kidepo and Murchison Parks. In Kibale Park, get ready to track chimpanzees in their natural habitat, observe lion prides in Queen Elizabeth Park, and undertake a memorable trek to encounter mountain gorillas in Bwindi Park. Finally, unwind at the tranquil Lake Mburo Park.

Our safari isn’t only about observing wildlife; it’s an opportunity to create lasting bonds, collect unforgettable memories, and truly comprehend the heartbeats of Africa. Anticipate marveling at the diverse fauna, immersing yourself in authentic culture, and witnessing landscapes that are sure to leave you speechless. Be prepared to gather memories that will nourish your soul for a lifetime. The magic of Africa is prepared to warmly welcome you.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.