Primates, Rhinos and Murchison River Cruises

Entebbe is the jump-off point for most Uganda safari holidays, as it is home to the country’s only international airport.

It’s also the hub for light-aircraft flights to all the main attractions, such as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Kibale National Park.

Most stays in Entebbe will be short and sweet, providing a place of rest and recharge after a long international journey, ahead of an early flight out the following morning. However, for those willing to stay longer, its location on the northern shore of Lake Victoria provides a charming setting for a buzzing town

Murchison Falls, Uganda’s largest national park is a wonderful mix of savannah, woodland and the mighty Nile, with excellent opportunities to see elephants, giraffes, buffalo and a variety of predators.

The Nile is central to the experience here, with game drives complemented by boat trips towards Murchison Falls and into the wildlife-rich Nile Delta.

Budongo Forest is one of Uganda’s most rewarding destinations for chimpanzee trekking, offering an immersive experience in one of the country’s largest and most beautiful natural forests.

Set within the wider Murchison Falls landscape, the forest is home to habituated chimpanzee communities as well as a rich variety of birdlife, monkeys and other forest species.

Break up the drive north with a visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you’ll head out on foot with a ranger to look for Uganda’s rhinos. It’s a wonderful introduction to the country’s wildlife before continuing towards Murchison Falls National Park.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the most magical and evocative safari locations on the planet.

Its name alone conjures up images of mist-covered rainforest, home to the legendary mountain gorillas.

Once at risk of extinction, the gorilla population of Bwindi is now thriving, thanks to tireless conservation efforts and the benefits of international tourism. Today, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to more than 50% of the world’s wild mountain gorillas.

Beyond the gorillas, Bwindi is also home to some stunning hiking trails, phenomenal community co-operatives, and colourful birdlife. In short, no Uganda safari holiday would be complete without some time spent here.

Just 10 minutes from Entebbe International Airport, Karibu Entebbe is a peaceful and welcoming base for families beginning or ending a Uganda safari.

Set on the leafy hillside of a former presidential residence, this intimate boutique hotel is surrounded by mature tropical gardens, abundant birdlife and views towards Lake Victoria.

With just a handful of guests at any time, the atmosphere is relaxed and personal, making it a lovely place to settle into Uganda after a long journey.

Overlooking the River Nile and Murchison Falls National Park, Murchison River Lodge is a relaxed, eco-friendly base for a family safari in Uganda.

Set within 28 acres of natural bush, it offers thatched family cottages, riverside cabins and safari tents, with elephants, hippos and abundant birdlife adding to its wonderfully wild setting.

Families can enjoy a swimming pool with a shaded baby pool, kids’ lounge, sandpit, swings, toys and books, alongside a children’s menu and babysitting service.

Explore the park on guided game drives and Nile boat trips, or venture further afield for chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest, rhino walks at Ziwa Sanctuary and local cultural experiences.

Warm and informal, it’s an ideal choice for families seeking an authentic Uganda safari with plenty of wildlife and time to relax together.

Homely, welcoming and wonderfully positioned for gorilla trekking, Buhoma Lodge is one of the most appealing bases from which to explore Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Its ten individually designed cottages sit along a forested hillside, with locally sourced materials, private verandas and beautiful views across the rainforest canopy.

The lodge is located inside the national park, just a short walk from the gorilla trekking registration point.

After an exhilarating day in the forest, return to its cosy communal spaces and warm hospitality, with the chance to relax and share stories of your gorilla encounter.

Most visits to Entebbe will involve little more than a welcome meal and perhaps some time by the pool in one of its charming hotels. However, there is much more to enjoy for those who would like to spend a little more time in the city.

Recently, modern shopping malls have been built offering a variety of retail choices. There’s also a scenic golf course to enjoy. The botanical gardens provide an attractive respite in the city centre.

The proximity to Lake Victoria also means that visitors can head out on the lake and enjoy observing the birdlife and wildlife to be found there.

Chimpanzees are endangered, so there aren’t many places left where you can see them in the wild. Luckily, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda all feature incredible chimpanzee trekking.

Though the terrain is sometimes challenging, it is also spectacular, and your efforts are rewarded a hundredfold with forest-dwelling wildlife and a number of other primates as well as large numbers of chimpanzees. The birdlife is also outstanding and, in our book, would warrant the hike in its own right.

Your chimpanzee safari will depend on where the family group is on the day. Scouting guides head out early to locate their whereabouts; once they’ve been found, you’ll follow with your own guide.

Few wildlife experiences compare to meeting mountain gorillas in the wild.

After an early briefing, specialist trackers lead you into Bwindi’s dense rainforest to locate a habituated gorilla family.

The trek can involve steep, muddy and uneven terrain, but the reward is extraordinary: time spent watching the gorillas feed, groom one another, play and care for their young.

Gorilla trekking permits are included in the quotation. The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda is generally 15 years, making this experience particularly suited to families travelling with teenagers and older children.