Whether you are a newbie or expert but planning holiday vacation as well as Uganda safari holiday is exciting but also stressing.  There are so many bucket list to choose from cultural experience, gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, wildlife viewing in savannah national parks etc.  At Four Crane Safaris, we have been planning safaris for 17 years and we thrive of matching destinations, lodges, activities etc. for our clients.

Below are our experts  planning tips If you are planning spending your  holidays in Uganda.

Know Your Travel time;

Its important to know when you want to travel as timing is everything because some safari experiences in Uganda depend on natural occurrences like seasonal rainfalls.  Some activities  like gorilla and chimpanzee tracking and mountain hiking’s cant be done during heavy rain seasons. Always book your safari holiday in June, July, August and December, January and February and always book your safari package 12 months in advance.

Know what you want to see;

Uganda has many national parks and game reserves that each offers different experiences therefore, knowing what you are interested most to see on safari will enable tour operator to tailor the itinerary precisely.

Have a Budget estimate;

Planning safari holiday to Uganda is not cheap as there are lots of logistics involved. Having budget estimate will help to guide the tour operator while curating the itinerary  that meets your budget estimates.

Know your Travel style;

Travel style involves type of accommodation, group size etc. knowing how you intend to travel is important. For example, If you have very low budget then set group departures can be fit for you, travel style also involves private safari for example if you are planning honeymoon, need private charter flight. Knowing and sharing your travel style with tour operator will make your holiday more organized with memorable safari experience.

Choose a reliable tour operator;

Choosing experienced and reliable tour operator like Four Crane Safaris is very important task that you should concentrate on. Book your safari with tour company which has experienced tour guides and drivers as well as experienced safari consultants. Do not look for very cheap tour operator below the average. The cheapest Uganda wildlife package for couple is $1100 which is 3 days Murchison falls tour. Do not book with tour operator that tells you to pay deposit into through western union or personal bank account.

Victoria falls is one of the most famous and powerful waterfalls in the world and most powerful in African continent. Its famousness has attracted big number of African safari travelers across the globe. Victoria Falls is shared by mainly two countries of Zambia and Zimbabwe, with Zimbabwe is taking biggest part of it. Travelers have opportunities to spot migratory Elephants, white rhinos, zebras, giraffes, Impalas, wildebeest, bushbuck, warthog, monkeys, hippos, baboons, and crocodiles that reside in Moai Oa national park  which is located above  Victoria falls in Zambian side. A visit to these two South African countries is enjoyable when staying in perfect safari lodges. That’s why we have carefully selected the best hotels for you to stay when in having your quality time enjoying Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Zambia. Below is the list of Best hotels and lodges in Victoria falls;

Zambia Victoria Falls safari Hotels and Lodges:

1. Royal Livingstone Hotel 

This is the best luxury  5 star hotel to stay while in Zambia side of Victoria falls in Zambia. This hotel offers opportunity for Zambezi river sunset cruise and its only 5 minutes walk into Victoria falls safari.

2. Royal Chundu Resort

This royal resort is located on  the banks of Zambezi river, the resort is walkable distance to Victoria falls, just 40 minutes walk.

3. Sanctuary Sussi Chuma

This upscale treehouse is perfect for families, couples and solo travelers. Sussi Chuma  luxury Hotel is a place for crowd and noise escape.

4. The  River Club  lodge

This is another Elegant, it offers amazing  tranquil waters view of Zambezi river, I also offers game drives in mosi-Oa Tunya national park.

5. Victoria Falls river and Island Lodge

This Lodge is one of the best lodges in Victoria falls, offering luxury accommodation, Victoria river Lodge offers amazing safari activities such as white water rafting in Zambezi river, helicopter flights, bungee jumping etc.

Zimbabwe Victoria waterfalls safari Lodges and Hotels:

6. Mpala Jena Camp

This lodge is located in Zambezi national park and offers luxury safari tents, hundreds of impalas can be seen while staying at your tent.

7. The Elephant Camp

You will not only enjoy breathtaking of Victoria falls while staying in Elephant Camp, you will also do various activities such as game drive, bungee jumping etc.

8. Victoria Falls Hotel

This is the favorite hotel for every traveler since its named after Victoria falls itself. This hotel is located close to Victoria falls.

 9. Ilala Lodge

Ilala lodge is located in the heart of Victoria falls town, this lodge offers best Victoria falls safari such as luxury cruises in Zambezi river.

10. Stanley & Livingstone Boutique hotel

This hotel has been described as the best hotel to stay in Zimbabwe’s Victoria falls safari. Stanley and Livingston lodge is has 5 star rating making it one of the best luxury lodges in Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls. This hotel is only 15 minutes walk away from majestic Victoria falls of Zimbabwe.

As the thirst of holiday travel rises, the demand for best destinations also shoots and the search for the perfect holiday places increases day by day. It seems like the appetite for flying for holiday has increased more in 2025 and luxury travel is growing more, this makes popular destinations booking out earlier in the year.

Here are 7 best destinations to travel in 2025

Maldives: Lies in the Asian continent, Maldives is famous country with well-established and developed tourism infrastructure. Diving is the hottest tourist attraction in Maldives, which takes place in Raa Atoll. Most travelers come here to see manta rays. Raa Atoll Resort is worthy spending your nights in. 

Egypt: Known as the land of Pharaoh and the oldest country in the world, Egypt offers authentic and memorable historical tours, right from the visit the valley of kings to tour tomb of kings, Visit of Mount Sinai, desert Ski and marvel at the pyramids of Giza is outstanding experience. Taking a Nile cruise is another way to experience ancient sites of Egypt as this cruise provide scenic view of most Temples, which were built near the river. Egypt also provides diving experience in the red sea.

Uganda: known for its mountain gorillas, Uganda is destination worth to visit in 2025. Combining, gorilla trekking, chimpanzees and game drives an amazing safari adventure in Uganda.

South Africa: Kruger national park attracts thousands of travelers to South Africa; it offers an amazing safari experience. South Africa has lot of other game reserves that are worth to visit to spend your holidays in 2025.

United Kingdom: This is another paradise the world has, United Kingdom comprises of Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The kingdom has lot of established tourists attraction, visiting the King of England palace is breathtaking experience that everyone crave for.

USA: United States of America has large number of national parks, such as Yosemite national park, Yellowstone national park and tourism sites like statue of liberty, which are all worth to visit in 2025. Holiday in USA can be from 3 days duration. Short trips in USA includes the following;3 days a beach hoping road trip through southeast Texas, 4 days Michigan road trip that focuses on history and culture etc.

Spain: Located in Europe and bordering Morocco and UK, spain is worth to visit in 2025. Visiting towns like Cantavieja well known for historic s streets, Oñati known for culture and history and Sigüenza city offering culture and adventure such as hiking, climbing, canoeing, and wine tourism. According to Forbes, Spain is on the travel bucket list of the best places to visit in the world.

Christmas is here and everyone is looking for where to spend the Christmas holidays and new year, that’s why we are happy to introduce this Christmas safari packages and happy new. Given that Uganda is traveler’s preferred African destination, spending your Christmas holiday on safari in Uganda will be experience of lifetime memories as you will get to spend your Christmas with a company of wildlife such as mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, hippos, lions, Giraffe, leopards, zebras, Elephants, buffaloes, hyenas etc.

Here we are happy to introduce to you the best Christmas packages that come with most competitive rates. This include the following;

7 Days Gorilla, Chimpanzee and Game Safari:

The Christmas offer for this safari is $2770 per person based on group of two travelers sharing double room accommodation. That means bigger group pays less than $2770 per person. This 7 days safari starts from Entebbe and ends in Entebbe and you get to visit gorillas, chimpanzee, you will also do game drive and boat safari.

3 days Gorilla trekking in Bwindi:

These 3 days of gorilla tracking in Bwindi Christmas offer costs only $1294 per person sharing double room based in-group of two travelers. This 3-day offer focuses on only gorilla tracking experience in Bwindi impenetrable national park.

11 days best of Uganda safari:

This is the best package to experience all what Uganda has, tis 11 days safari takes you to the most visited national parks in Uganda. If you are looking for something that allows experiencing the Africa in details then this 11-day safari will meet your expectations. This safari costs $3970 per person sharing double room accommodation in a group of two travelers.

Note: all the above safari offers come with perfect accommodation option that adds value to your safari experience.

Conclusion;

If you are looking to spend your Christmas holiday in Uganda then you are at the right hand, contact us to have it reserved for your Christmas holiday and New Year celebration.

Coming closer or facing one in one with silverback mountain gorilla has been in everyone’s dream safari, this kind of gorilla trekking tours are found in Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park. There are several Uganda gorilla trekking tours that also feature chimpanzee tracking; game drives boat safaris, cultural experiences, sightseeing’s etc. Choosing one of Uganda gorilla trekking tours depends on your safari needs, you can choose to do short gorilla trekking that focuses only gorilla trekking or you can opt for a long safari package that features gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, game safari etc.

There are several safari packages that feature gorilla trekking experience, here we have picked few Uganda gorilla trekking tours, which are commonly booked;

• 3 Days Gorilla trekking experience;  The 3 day safari focuses only on gorilla trekking and cultural experience, this 3 days Uganda gorilla trekking tour starts from Entebbe on your arrival date . With this 3-Day gorilla trekking, the tour guide meets you at the airport on your arrival and transfers you to the lodge. The first day accommodation is not included in these 3 days and normally catered by a traveller and that means you will have to book the first night accommodation by yourself. There is also option of 4 days Uganda gorilla trekking tour that comes with first day accommodation included.

• 7 days gorilla, chimpanzee and game drive package; The 7 day Uganda gorilla safari also starts in Entebbe, the 7-day Gorilla, Chimpanzee and game  safari is good for travelers who are looking for something beyond gorilla trekking. One-week safari includes chimpanzee tracking, game drive in Queen Elizabeth national park and Gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable national park, however, the choice is yours to choose national park you want to do gorilla trekking from, Mgahinga gorilla national park or Bwindi Impenetrable national park.

• 5 days Gorilla and Chimpanzees; The 5 day Uganda gorilla trekking tour safari focuses on primates’ only and optional cultural experience. 5 days Gorilla and chimpanzee tracking is the best package for primate-focused travelers who are interested nothing but only in gorillas and chimpanzees.

• 11 days gorilla and game safari; The 11 day safari also features gorilla trekking in Uganda. Also known as 11 days best of Uganda safari, the package lest you to visit all the most visited national park in Uganda. It is the best safari package to explore and see all what Uganda has to offer.

Conclusion;

Uganda gorilla trekking packages are the best to see most of iconic African wildlife animals that you watch on television since your childhood.  There is no regret booking one of Gorilla trekking tours package.

Is it possible to do gorilla safari tour in Uganda in 2 days? The answer is yes, it is very possible to do 2 day gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable national park or Mgahinga gorilla national park. The 2 day gorilla trekking Uganda starts from Kigali not Entebbe because Kigali is near to Bwindi impenetrable national park than Entebbe. From Kigali international airport to Bwindi is only 3 – 4 hours’ drive, this makes Kigali Airport a perfect starting entry point for the short gorilla trekking in Uganda.

How do I Travel from Kigali to Bwindi for my 2 Day Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

Traveling to Bwindi from Kigali is simple as most of the Uganda tour companies operate gorilla trekking tours in both Uganda and Rwanda. You will be picked from Kigali Airport or from your hotel in Kigali and transfer to Bwindi impenetrable national park or Mgahinga gorilla national park through Cyanika border crossing point. You will arrive to Bwindi or Mgahinga on time where you will be able to do some cultural activities. The transfer journey from Rwanda to Uganda via Cyanika boarder is rewarding, as you will have good time stop in twin lakes known as Ruhondo and Bulera.

Take note that you will need to have East African visa, as you will be transiting between two countries. The East African visa allows you to travel Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda and it can be applied on the preferred country of entry. Therefore, you will need to obtain it from Rwanda for the 2 day gorilla trekking in Uganda.

Highlights of 2 Day Gorilla trekking Uganda

Day1; Pick up from Kigali Airport or from your Hotel in Kigali and transfer to Bwindi or Mgahinga.

Day2; you will do gorilla trekking in the morning in Mgahinga or Bwindi, then transfer back to Kigali airport in the afternoon after gorilla trekking.

How much is 2 Day Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

2-day gorilla trekking package price depends on group size, season of travel, and type of accommodation. However, the cost for 2-day gorilla trekking Uganda stars from $1,296 per person £1,030 per person the cost covers transportation from Kigali to Bwindi or Mgahinga and return, Gorilla permits, guide, and one night accommodation.

Do you wants us to assist you to plan for your next safari vacation? Just click contact us button below;

Catching Nile Perch, singidia Tilapia, Nile Tilapia, Catfish and more, Uganda attracts travelers for its beautiful landscapes, friendly people, the last standing endangered mountain gorillas, game life, and famous water bodies’ best for fishing safari experience. Uganda is a country, which is surrounded by several water bodies, including Lake Victoria, Lake Kyoga, Lake George, and the mighty River Nile etc.

Traveling to Africa from Europe without flying is more of challenging trip but possible! It needs you to use a combined alternative of transportation methods like use of trains, buses, ships, and or driving. Such cross borders journey takes much time than flying, but it is more rewarding than flying.

Below are some ways to reach there from Europe;

1. Travel to a European or Middle Eastern Port

First, you need to be in Europe for you to be able to travel to Africa without flying by reaching a port city in Europe where you can catch a boat or a ship. Below are the some departure points:

• From Europe:

You can travel to Africa without flying through the following ports;

Spain: The Spain port is located in Barcelona city that connects you to Morocco by ferry.

France: France port is located in Marseilles city; the oldest city in France, this port connects you to Spain. You can have rest in Spain before proceeding to Barcelona for a ferry to Morocco.

Italy: The Italy port is located in Genoa city; you can travel to Africa from Italy on ferry to Spain.

United Kingdom: Portsmouth is the main and popular port in UK and operates daily ferries to Santander port in Spain then Connect from Spain to Morocco from Barcelona city.

2. Board Train or Bus to the Port

If you are starting from a different part of the world (e.g., Asia or the Americas), you will need to travel by land or by sea to one of these departure cities. For example:

• From Europe or the UK: Take a train or bus to the port city.
• From the Americas: You would travel overland or by boat to a European or African port city, possibly via the Caribbean or South America. Trains and buses across South America can be part of the journey.

3. Cross the Mediterranean or Red Sea by Ferry

Once you have made it to a port in Europe or the Middle East, you can travel to Africa by boat. Below are the travel options:

• Mediterranean Ferry: You can take ferries from Spain, Italy, or France to Morocco, Tunisia, or Algeria.
• Cargo Ship: You can also book passage on a cargo ship traveling from Europe to African. It is a longer and less conventional option, but it is a possible if you are flexible with your itinerary.

4. Considerations

• Visas: Most African countries require you to have visas for entry, therefore, be very sure to check the visa requirements for each country you plan to transit through.
• Health and Safety: Ensure you have yellow fever vaccinations as its requirement for most African countries.
• Time and Budget: The journey of traveling from Europe to Africa without flying will take a lot of your time, weeks or months. Make sure you enough time to spend and enough money

Example Itinerary:

• Start in London by train or bus to a port in Southern Europe like Barcelona or Marseilles).
• Get a Ferry to Morocco from Spain or France
• Travel by Bus or train through Morocco into Mauritania, Senegal etc.
• Travel across West Africa by bus, train or get self-drive car.
• Continue by boat from a coastal port (e.g., Dakar in Senegal) to an African country like Ghana, or to the Canary Islands if needed for further connections.

Conclusion

While flying is by far the fastest and most common way to get to Africa, traveling without flying is possible, though much more time-consuming and challenging. It requires creativity, patience, and flexibility. Whether you are hopping on ferries, traveling by cargo ship, or going overland through several countries, this alternative journey can become an exciting, memorable adventure!