Overview
Visit all highlights of Uganda! Explore the abundant wildlife in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Park, and track the chimpanzees and gorillas in Uganda’s tropical rainforests. Meet the Batwa pygmies and relax at the shores of one of the most scenic lakes in the country. Your adventurous safari ends at the true origin of the Nile, a world class place for rafting!
Safari Highlights:
- Rhino tracking at Ziwa
- Boat safari to the Murchison Falls
- Chimp tracking in Kibale Forest
- Exploration of the crater lakes
- Game viewing in Queen Elizabeth NP
- Gorilla tracking in Bwindi Forest
- The Batwa Experience
- Relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi
- Adventure at the Source of the Nile
Day 1 – Arrival
Arrival at Entebbe Airport where you will be welcomed and transferred to your accommodation in Entebbe. Overnight at Airport Guesthouse (B&B).
Day 2 – Entebbe – Murchison Falls National Park (7 Hrs)
Today we will depart for the most beautiful protected area in Uganda: Murchison Falls National Park. En route we will make a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to the only wild rhinos in Uganda. The reserve was created to reintroduce rhinos to the country which have been extinct since 1982. Together with a guide you will track the rhinos and observe them in their habitat at a very close and safe distance. After this activity continue to Murchison Falls. Dinner and overnight at Red Chilli Rest Camp. (B-L-D)
Day 3 – Murchison Falls National Park
After an early breakfast we start the day with a game drive on the northern bank of the Nile, with chances of seeing giraffes, elephants, lions, hartebeest and different species of birds. In the afternoon the safari will be continued with a boat cruise on the river Nile for game viewing at close quarters. Upon reaching the bottom of the waterfalls we will depart the boat and climb our way up to the Top of the Falls where you will be rewarded with amazing views of the Nile.
Dinner and overnight at Red Chilli Rest Camp. (B-L-D)
Day 4 – Murchison Falls – Kibale National Park (9 Hrs)
We depart Murchison Falls and head towards Fort Portal. This long journey will be rewarded with stunning views while you pass small villages and local markets. Fort Portal rests in the shadow of the fabled “Mountains of the Moon” and is famous for the many tea plantations. From this lovely town we will continue to the dense forest of Kibale National Park. Dinner and overnight at the cottages of Primate Lodge Kibale. (B-L-D)
Day 5 – Kibale Forest & Bigodi Swamp
Today the forest opens its doors for a sensational chimp tracking. Kibale Forest is reputable of having the greatest variety and highest concentration of primates in East Africa. Enjoy a guided nature walk in the tropical rainforest in search of the wild chimpanzee, red-tailed monkey, blackand-white colobus monkey and many others. After a hearty lunch we transfer to the Bigodi Swamp for another, totally different nature walk. The Bigodi Swamp Walk is an initiative of the local community and is known for its rich diversity of birds and primates. Dinner and overnight at the cottages of Primate Lodge Kibale. (B-L-D)
Day 6 – Crater Lakes
Have a calm breakfast before we head off for an exploration of the crater lakes. Enjoy the beauty of the numerous small lakes, surrounded by gentle hills, and the stunning views. Take a hike at Lake Nkuruba to encounter different species of primates and birds, and visit the Mahoma Falls. Meet the local people as you walk through their villages, learn about the customs of the Batoro tribe and enjoy the panoramic views. Dinner and overnight at the cottages of Primate Lodge Kibale. (B-L-D)
Day 7 – Queen Elizabeth National Park (3 Hrs)
Today you can enjoy the majestic Rwenzori Mountains in its full glory! Have a guided walk at the foothills of the mountains and learn about the local culture firsthand. After this hike we calmly transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Dinner and overnight at Simba Safari Camp. (B-L-D)
Day 8 – Queen Elizabeth National Park
The day begins early when we start with a morning game drive and head to the mating ground of the Uganda Kobs. We search for lions, elephants, buffaloes and other wild animals in their natural habitat before returning for lunch. In the afternoon we take on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural channel between Lake Edward and Lake George. Thanks to the abundant birdlife that is sighted, and the elephants, buffaloes and hundreds of hippos that are cooling off at the shores, this cruise will definitely be one of the highlights of your safari. Dinner and overnight at Simba Safari Camp. (B-L-D)
Day 9 – Queen Elizabeth – Bwindi National Park (4-5 Hrs)
After breakfast you will have the possibility to go in search of the chimpanzees in Kyambura Wildlife Reserve, a beautiful gorge completely covered with tropical rainforest (optional, not included in the price). In the afternoon departure to Bwindi National Park, home of the endangered mountain gorillas. Dinner and overnight at Buhoma Community Bandas. (B-L-D)
Day 10 – Gorilla Tracking
The highlight of your safari: a meeting with the gentle giants of Bwindi! Especially hikers will love the tracking in the beautiful ecosystem of the park. Expect to walk a long distance in steep and muddy conditions, sometimes with rain overhead, before you encounter any gorillas. But it will definitely be worthwhile as you observe them closely while they eat, play and rest. A unique and unforgettable experience!
Those who prefer not to participate in the gorilla tracking can go for a guided forest walk or explore the surroundings with the Buhoma Village Walk. Dinner and overnight at Buhoma Community Bandas. (B-L-D)
Day 11 – The Batwa Experience
Although Bwindi is mainly known for the gorillas it has a lot more to offer. Today you will enjoy the Batwa Experience, a firsthand introduction to one of the most unique cultures worldwide. The Batwa pygmies are a forest people displaced from the rain forest they shared with mountain gorillas. This experience will give you the opportunity to learn more about their age old culture while you enjoy a hike with the Batwa guides, see how they lived and hunted, hear ancient legends and learn about medical plants. The revenue generated from these activities directly benefits the Batwa to strengthen their community. Dinner and overnight at Buhoma Community Bandas. (B-L-D)
Day 12 – Bwindi National Park – Lake Bunyonyi (4 Hrs)
After breakfast we depart to Lake Bunyonyi, the second deepest lake in Africa. Relax, take a swim or go for a canoe trip while you watch the beautiful sunset. Dinner and overnight at Bunyonyi Overland Camp. (B-L-D)
Day 13 – Lake Bunyonyi – Kampala (7-8 Hrs)
After a calm breakfast we depart the beautiful lake and head back to the capital city. En route we will pass the Equator where we will make a stop for photos and souvenir shopping. Late in the afternoon arrival in Kampala. Overnight at Hotel International. (B-L)
Day 14 – Kampala – Jinja
After breakfast we leave the busy city and head towards the east. Jinja is situated directly at Lake Victoria, where the Nile finds its origin. On our way we will make a stop at Mabira Forest, one of the largest and most beautiful tropical forests in Uganda. A hike will enable you to stretch your legs with chances of seeing different species of primates, birds and colourful butterflies. Continue to Jinja for lunch and a relaxing afternoon. Dinner and overnight at Adrift Nile High Camp. (B-LD)
Day 15 – Jinja
Ready for a full day of adventure? Then start rafting at the Source of the Nile! After receiving some instructions, you will start peddling and enjoy the beautiful scenery and thundering rapids at its fullest! And don’t forget to watch the incredible birdlife as you drift quietly between the rapids of the river.
Those who do not wish to go for rafting can choose for a calm boat ride at the Source of the Nile and watch the rafters going down at the spectacular Bujagali Falls. Dinner and overnight at Adrift Nile High Camp. (B-L-D)
Day 16 – Departure
Time to say goodbye to the Pearl of Africa! Enjoy the beauty of the Nile a bit more before we transfer back to Entebbe. In time you will be dropped at Entebbe International Airport for your flight home. (B)
Tour Includes:
- All Meals and accommodation as per the itinerary
- All ground transportation in a comfortable 4×4 vehicle
- Park entrance fees
- Services of a full-time English-speaking driver/guide
- Water while on safari
- All boat trips
- All airport pick-ups and drops
- All activities at stipulated in the itinerary
- And all government taxes/levies.
Tour Excludes:
- Activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Phone calls and bar bills
- Personal insurance
- Laundry
- Air fare
- All other Services of a personal nature
- Driver guide’s gratuity