Custom East Africa Safari Holidays | Santaviva Luxury Tours

9-Day Unforgettable Gorilla and Wildlife Luxury Safari

You'll embark on a 9-day exclusive safari through Uganda’s most breathtaking destinations. You'll witness the mighty Murchison Falls, track chimpanzees in Kibale, marvel at tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth, and encounter majestic gorillas in Bwindi. You'll unwind by the serene waters of Lake Bunyonyi before concluding at Lake Mburo. Luxury lodges, private guides, and unforgettable moments await—this is Africa at its finest!

What do I need to bring?

Essential Gear

Hiking boots (waterproof, with good grip)
Long-sleeved shirt (to protect from stinging nettles)
Long hiking trousers (lightweight but durable)
Rain jacket / poncho (weather in the forest changes quickly)
Warm fleece or light jacket (cool mornings)

Cancellation policy

Bookings are non-refundable. All sales are final.

Accessories

Garden gloves (helpful for grabbing vines & branches)
Hat or cap (sun protection)
Sunglasses (optional)
Gaiters (if available, protect against mud & insects)
Reusable water bottle or hydration pack

Please note

Passport required
Dress code

More Info

Experience type

Multi day tour

Difficulty

Moderate

Booking in advance

Cut off: 1 week

Categories

Safari / wildlife , Adult Only

Duration

9 days

Live tour guide

English

Know before you go

Minimum age of participants is: 18

Accommodation & Meals

Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost

Day

Accommodation

Meals

Paraa Safari Lodge

Day 1: Lunch & Dinner Included

Luxury Lodge inside Murchison National Park

Paraa Safari Lodge

All Meals Included

Luxury Lodge inside Murchison National Park

Chimpundu Lodge

All Meals Included

Luxury Lodge Outside Kibale National Park

Mweya Safari Lodge

All Meals Included

Luxury Lodge inside Queen Elizabeth National Park

Mweya Safari Lodge

All Meals Included

Luxury Lodge inside Queen Elizabeth National Park

Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge

All Meals Included

Luxury Lodge Outside Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Birdnest Resort Bunyonyi

All Meals Included

Lodge at the shores of Lake Bunyonyi

Kigambira Safari Lodge

All Meals Included

Luxury Lodge Inside Lake Mburo National Park

End of Tour

Breakfast & Lunch included

No accommodation

What's included?

National park entrance fee
Gorilla trekking permits (for non-residents)
Chimp trekking permits (for non-residents)
All activities mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)
All accommodation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional upgrade)
Roundtrip airport transfer
A professional driver/guide
All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT

Exclusions

Tip or gratuity
International flights (from/to the client's home country)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees and other personal items)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees

Day 1 : Rhino Trek and Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

This tour kicks off with a pickup from your hotel in Entebbe and a scenic transfer to Murchison Falls National Park, offering stunning views of Uganda’s landscapes. En route, you'll stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for an exhilarating rhino trekking experience. You'll walk alongside these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, guided by expert rangers who share insights on conservation efforts. After the trek, you will continue the journey to Murchison, arriving in time to relax at your lodge. You'll enjoy the serene wilderness, preparing for the adventures ahead in Uganda’s largest national park.

Day 2 : Game Drive in Top of Falls Tour and Boat Ride on the Nile River

You will arrive at 5:30 am and have breakfast. You will begin with an early morning game drive, where you’ll spot lions, elephants, giraffes, and more as the savannah comes to life. Next, in the afternoon you will embark on a scenic hike to the top of Murchison Falls, witnessing the Nile’s powerful surge through a narrow gorge. After a refreshing break, you'll set off on a thrilling afternoon boat safari on the Nile, cruising past hippos, crocodiles, and vibrant birdlife. You'll end the day immersed in the park’s breathtaking beauty, a true African safari experience!

Day 3 : Transfer to Kibale National Park

You arise at 6:00 am. Breakfast will be served at 6:30 am then you'll embark on a scenic transfer from Murchison Falls to Kibale National Park, the primate capital of the world. As you journey through Uganda’s lush countryside, you'll witness breathtaking landscapes, vibrant villages, and rolling tea plantations—magical moments that bring the journey to life. You'll stop for a delightful lunch en route before arriving at Kibale, where the dense rainforest whispers of adventure. You'll settle into your lodge, surrounded by nature’s symphony, and prepare for an unparalleled encounter with wild chimpanzees the next day!

Day 4 : Chimp Trek and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

You will arise at 5:30 am, breakfast will be served at 6:00 am. You'll then embark on an early morning chimpanzee trek, where the air is alive with birdsong and rustling leaves. Then—an electrifying moment. A chimpanzee's gaze locks with yours, curiosity and wild wisdom in its eyes. The jungle awakens around you, a symphony of life.

After the trek, you'll journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park. You'll marvel at crater lakes, rolling savannahs, and wildlife along the way. By sunset, the Kazinga Channel shimmers, promising a night wrapped in nature’s embrace. This is more than a journey—it’s a story you’ll carry foreve.

Day 5 : Game Drive and Boat Ride on Kazinga Channel

As the sun rises over Queen Elizabeth National Park, the golden savannah awakens. You will arise at 5:30 am, breakfast will be served at 6:30 am. You'll then embark on a game drive which begins with elephants gracefully strolling spotting lions basking in the morning sun, and elusive leopards blending into the shadows. Buffalo herds thunder across the plains as hippos yawn in distant pools.

In the afternoon, after an exhilarating safari, the Kazinga Channel boat ride unfolds—a tranquil glide past crocodiles, sunbathing on the banks, and flocks of vibrant birds in the air, hippos grunt, elephants wade, and the sunset paints the waters in hues of gold and crimson, sealing an unforgettable day in the wild.

Day 6 : Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

You will arrive at 6:00 am and have breakfast at 6:30 am. You'll leave Queen Elizabeth National Park, the journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a scenic ascent through rolling hills and lush countryside. The landscape shifts from golden savannas to mist-covered valleys, dotted with tea plantations and vibrant local villages. As you approach Bwindi, the air grows crisp, and the towering forest canopy welcomes you into its ancient embrace. Sunlight filters through the dense foliage, casting an enchanting glow—a prelude to the unforgettable encounter with the majestic mountain gorillas that call this mystical wilderness home. You will then check in your lodge refreshen and then come for dinner where your guide will brief you on the day's gorilla trek, and the dos and don'ts.

Day 7 : Gorilla Trek and Evening Boat Ride on Lake Bunyonyi

You will wake up at 6:00 am and have breakfast at 6:30 am. You'll then head to the park gate at 7:00 am. As you trek through the dense, mist-covered Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the rustling leaves signal the presence of a majestic mountain gorilla family. Your heart races as you lock eyes with a silverback, his gaze deep and wise. Watching them interact, play, and nurture their young is a soul-stirring encounter—a rare communion with nature.

As the day fades, you journey to Lake Bunyonyi, where the golden sunset paints the waters in fiery hues. The tranquil lake, dotted with lush islands, whispers tales of old. You unwind by the shore, savoring the stillness, as the sun dips beyond the hills—an enchanting end to an unforgettable day.

Day 8 : Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park, Game Drive and Boat Trip

You will wake up at 6:00 am. Breakfast will be served at 6:30 am. You'll then embark on your journey to Lake Mburo. You will enjoy the golden savannah of Lake Mburo National Park during the game drive. Your game drive reveals herds of zebras grazing, towering giraffes moving gracefully, and elusive leopards slipping through acacia trees. The thrill of spotting a pride of lions or a sprinting impala fills the air with excitement.

As the sun climbs, a boat tour on Lake Mburo unveils a different world—hippos lazily bob in the water, crocodiles sunbathe on the banks, and colorful kingfishers dart above. The gentle ripple of the lake, framed by rolling hills, creates a serene escape. As the sun sets, the magic of the wild lingers, leaving an unforgettable imprint on your soul.

Day 9 : Transfer to Entebbe

You will wake up at 6:30 am. Breakfast will be served at 7:00 am. You'll then embark on your journey to Entebbe Airport. End of trip.

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