ARRIVAL: 25th Aug 2024
DEPARTURE: 14th Sept, 2024
This tailor-made safari offers you the opportunity to visit all the corners of Uganda, with a wide variety of things to see & do in a single itinerary this includes cultural interactions. Starting with the shoebill hunt in Mabamba, the tour extends to all the wonders of the pearl of Africa ranging from; the source of the Nile, Sipi falls, Kidepo’s wildlife plus vegetation to Murchison falls, the Kibale chimps, the unique Semliki National Park, Queen Elizabeth N. Park & the craters to the gorillas & golden monkeys of the south west, relaxing at Lake Bunyonyi with a visit to Lake Mburo for the Zebras & elands. End your safari with a half day Kampala City Tour and unwind in Ssese Islands – Lake Victoria prior to your onward travel.
Journey time: 20 – 30 Min
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport you will be warmly received by our safari guide for an immediate transfer to the hotel.
Optional activity: Best for morning arrival; you will go birding in Mabamba Swamp on a dugout canoe. This is one of the best places to spot the rare shoebill stork in Uganda.
This swamp is found on the north-western edge of the Entebbe Peninsular on Lake Victoria. It is home to endemic bird species ranging from the shoebill stork to over 260 other bird species like:
• Pallid harrier
• Black kite
• Papyrus canary
• Papyrus gonolek
• Blue swallow
• Goliath heron
• Malachite kingfisher
• Gull-billed terns
• Winding Cisticola
After your birding excursion, return to the hotel & enjoy the rest of your day/evening at leisure.
Overnight: Boma Guesthouse https://www.boma.co.ug/ – Or similar
Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast
Have an early breakfast and thereafter enjoy your sightseeing journey to Jinja City.
En-route to Jinja, make your first stopover at: SEZIBWA FALLS
A Buganda cultural heritage site in Mukono district. According to a traditional myth, the two sibling rivers “Sezibwa and Bwanda” were born by a woman on her way to Kavuma – Bukunja. Traditional pilgrimages are conducted here in belief that it possesses supernatural powers. Activities include; Rock climbing, self-guided nature walks and bird watching.
Your next stopover will be at: MABIRA FOREST
This tropical rain forest covers an area of 300 sq.km, located in Buikwe district between Lugazi and Jinja City and has been protected as a forest reserve since 1932.
Here you will visit Griffin Falls Camp for the Super skyway zip-line
This canopy zipline will keep you high up in the trees just like monkeys. Go soaring between the tallest trees in the rainforest, in company of expert Sky Captains, leading you through primeval trees high up across a network of 5 zip-lines – 250m traversing River Musamya. Enjoy splendid views of the forest canopy, primates, birds & the photogenic griffin falls. You will as well have a walk to Griffin Falls for a photo moment.
Thereafter continue to Jinja City, arriving for lunch and at a local restaurant.
After lunch make a brief drive through the city with a stopover at Jinja’s largest a local market.
Proceed to the hotel, check-in and enjoy the rest of your evening at leisure.
Overnight: 2 Friends Guesthouse https://www.2friendsjinja.com/ – Or similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast + Lunch
Journey time: 3 – 4 Hours
Have breakfast at the hotel and at 8:00AM go explore a few fun activities, stating off with:
The Source of the Nile Cruise; composed of scenic views & birding. You will also visit Mahatma Ghandi monument; built in memory of the world’s apostle of peace, killed in 1948. You will be sightseeing Speke Monument; Built in commemoration of John Hannington Speke, an explorer who discovered the Nile in 1856. Shop for souvenirs at the Nile craft shops.
Head to Bujagali and sample any of the below optional activities:
• Bungee jumping
• Whitewater rafting
• Quad biking
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and thereafter travel to Sipi Falls-Kapchorwa.
Overnight: Sipi River Lodge https://www.sipiriverlodge.com/ – Or similar
Meal Plan; Full Board (Breakfast + En-route lunch + Dinner)
With breakfast & lunch at the lodge, you will spend the day exploring Sipi Falls & with its fun activities which include;
Sipi Falls Hike (explore the hiker’s paradise); follow the existing scenic tracks that lead hikers through local communities to the roaring waterfalls, farms and forests, with scenic views.
Sipi Coffee tour; here comes the story of Sipi Falls’ finest Arabica coffee from seed to cup. Meet local farmers & visit their plantations to learn about the lifecycle of the crop and their role in the process. Learn how to roast coffee by yourself and enjoy an authentic coffee cup or two.
Optional Activities:
1. Sipi Runners experience (best time to interact with Olympic athletes); Kapchorwa district is the birth place of most Ugandan Olympic medallists, you will have an opportunity to join the athletes during their routine training.
2. Go explore Mount Elgon. Climb this massive solitary volcanic mountain on the border of eastern Uganda and western Kenya. Its vast form, 80 kilometres in diameter, rises 3,070 metres above the surrounding plains.
Return to the lodge later in the evening and stay at leisure.
Overnight: Sipi River Lodge https://www.sipiriverlodge.com/ – Or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board
Journey time: 6 – 7 Hours
Have breakfast at the lodge & at 06:00am travel to Uganda’s most beautiful safari park as you enjoy the north-eastern Uganda scenery.
If by chance today is a Wednesday, it will be an opportunity to experience a traditional Karamojong cattle market, where herders buy and sell their goats, cows and chicken.
Continue to Uganda’s most remote national park, the only ‘’True African Wilderness’’ with photogenic scenery, vegetation and a minimal encounter of other visitors.
Arrive at the lodge, check-in and have lunch with a later evening game drive.
Overnight:
Kidepo Savannah Lodge https://naturelodgesuganda.com/kidepo-savannah-lodge/
Meal Plan: Full Board
After an early breakfast, at 6:00AM go for a game drive in Uganda’s most scenic national park. What to expect includes zebras, giraffes, elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hartebeests, waterbucks, bushbucks in large numbers together with an amazing scenic view.
This is an exclusive experience with minimal encounters of other visitors.
Your game drive extends to the Sudanese boarder offering an opportunity to see the Ostriches in their hundreds (exclusive to Kidepo N. Park) and the unique wildlife here.
Have a picnic lunch in the middle of the jungle overlooking the park & wildlife.
Return to the lodge later in the evening and have dinner at leisure.
Overnight:
Kidepo Savannah Lodge https://naturelodgesuganda.com/kidepo-savannah-lodge/
Meal Plan: Full Board
Journey time: 6 – 7 Hours
After an early breakfast with lunch En-route, you will depart Kidepo Valley for Murchison Falls past north-eastern Uganda’s beautiful scenery.
On arrival at the park, get to the lodge and check-in with a later evening game drive based on your ability in the evening. Dinner will be ready on time.
Overnight: Fort Murchison https://naturelodgesuganda.com/fort-murchison/ – Or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board
After an early breakfast, at 6AM you will have a game drive through the delta circuit, reputably known for high concentrations of wildlife. This 4-5-hour game drive will reward you with stunning views of the savannah and other plant vegetation of the acacia and borassus palm trees propagated by elephants all the way from Congo.
Later on, drive back to the lodge and have your delicious lunch.
In the afternoon go for a launch cruise on the Nile; offering you a chance to experience a variety of wildlife as you enjoy an African scenery along the world’s longest river. In addition to taking you close to the base of the waterfall, this 3-hour launch trip follows a stretch of the Nile with a compelling African atmosphere.
Game viewing is excellent where you will expect;
• Hippos in their hundreds
• The Nile crocodiles
• Small herds of buffalo, waterbuck, and kob
• Elephants
The birdlife on the banks is so captivating with several bird species including but not limited to the African fish Eagle, Goliath heron, saddle-billed stork, African Jacana, Pied and malachite kingfishers, African skimmer, Piacpiac, rock pratincole kingfishers, bee-eaters and many more.
After the launch cruise, return to the lodge and refresh for dinner in a peaceful atmosphere.
Overnight: Fort Murchison https://naturelodgesuganda.com/fort-murchison/ – Or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board
Journey time: 7 - 8 Hours
Have an early breakfast, at 6:00AM depart Murchison to Kibale N. Park with lunch En-route.
Kibale National Park has one of the loveliest and most varied tracts of tropical rain forest in Uganda. Forest cover, interspersed with patches of grassland and swamp, dominates the northern and central parts of the park on an elevated plateau.
Upon your arrival drive straight to the Lodge stay relaxed for the rest of your evening.
Overnight: Isunga Lodge https://isungalodge.com/ – Or similar
Meal Plan: Half Board
On this day you will take part in Chimpanzee tracking for an adventurous experience of the chimps plus many more primates which include but not limited to the following; Ugandan Mangabey, red-tailed monkeys, de brazza’s monkey, red colobus monkey, black & white colobus monkey, blue monkeys, baboons and many more varied types of primates.
After your adventure, visit Tinka’s Homestead from where you will have a local Ugandan lunch.
After lunch you will go for Bigodi Community Tour – cultural visits only.
Planned activities include;
• Bigodi coffee experience
• Taste banana beer & local vodka
• Admire local arts & crafts + souvenir shopping
• Cultural songs and dances
• Learn about herbal medicines & uses
Spend the rest of your evening at leisure with dinner at the lodge.
Overnight: Isunga Lodge https://isungalodge.com/ – Or similar
Meal Plan: Half Board
Journey time: 4 – 5 Hrs
After an early breakfast with your packed lunch, at 5AM depart Kibale to Semliki National Park, on the western side of the Rwenzori Mountains; this is a day excursion.
Most of this park’s features are associated with West Africa, rather than East Africa like many other parks, thus providing a West African feel within Uganda. It has hot springs which have been in existence since 14 million years ago to date. Upon arrival you will explore the unique animals of Semliki including; the elusive bush babies, pygmy hippo, leopards, buffaloes, waterbucks, warthogs, Uganda kob, crocodiles, bushbucks, sitatungas, and a variety of birds such as Ross’ Turaco, Shoebill stork, White-tailed hornbill, Black-wattled hornbill and Crested flycatcher.
You will have a picnic lunch within the park.
Thereafter, tour the Hot springs; boil some eggs with plantain and have a taste of nature. Spot some primates like grey-cheeked Mangabey, colobus monkeys and get to a tree house from where you will have an aerial view of the entire park.
You will also visit the Batwa people of Semuliki only to witness their lifestyle and culture.
Thereafter drive back to Kibale arriving at the lodge for dinner, refreshment & relaxation.
Overnight: Isunga Lodge https://isungalodge.com/ – Or similar
Meal Plan: Half Board
Journey time: 2 – 3 Hours
After breakfast enjoy part of your morning at leisure; at 10AM travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park & upon arrival after a stopover at the Queen’s Pavilion, you will head to the lodge for lunch.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is famous for diverse ecosystems which include sprawling savannah, shady humid forests, sparkling lakes, wetlands and amazing craters. Ideal for big game, primate species to include Chimps in Kyambura and over 600 bird species. It has great scenic views of Kazinga Channel, the Rwenzori Mountains and crater lakes with a variety of birds.
After lunch, head for a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel: from the boat spot several birds like; pelicans, flamingos, African fin foot, pied kingfishers, vultures, kites & many more, alongside animals like hippos, buffalos, warthogs, crocodiles, waterbucks and more including stunning views of Mweya peninsular and a local fishing village ashore.
Off the boat, go for a Dusk Game Drive prior to returning to the lodge.
Overnight: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge https://www.twinlakesafarilodge.com/ – Or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board + Lunchbox for Ishasha
Journey time: 7 – 8 Hours
After breakfast with your packed lunch, you will have a transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable N. Park via Ishasha Sector. Here you will spot the Tree climbing lions; the most captivating experience in Ishasha, tree climbing lions are sighted in the acacia and fig trees, trying avoid tsetse flies and other ground insects’ bites as well as flies while prey feasting.
Enjoy a picnic lunch near River Ishasha and continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
The rest of the day is yours at leisure after check-in at the lodge in Bwindi.
Overnight: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge http://ichumbigorillalodge.com/ – Or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board
After an early breakfast pick your lunchbox with mineral water in a backpack, and head to the park headquarters for registration and briefing at exactly 8:00AM.
Gorilla tracking is a very captivating and an unforgettable experience which more than repays the effort needed to reach Bwindi. From 8:30AM; it can last for an hour to a whole day depending on where the gorillas were left the previously. Meet the gorillas and take as many photos as you can, but following precautions addressed by your ranger guides.
Time permitting: you will visit the Batwa of Bwindi in the late afternoon. See their culture and history portrayed in performing arts, crafts, traditional foods, herbs and language.
Return to the lodge after tracking and stay relaxed for the rest of your evening.
Overnight: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge http://ichumbigorillalodge.com/ – Or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board
Journey time: 3 – 4 Hours
Have breakfast at the lodge and at 8:00AM depart Bwindi for Lake Bunyonyi.
On arrival Hike through the popular Bunyonyi Terraces to the main view point from where you will have a picnic lunch. (Lunch Box included)
You will be rewarded with spectacular views of all the 27+ Islands of Lake Bunyonyi.
Planned Activity:
• Hike through the famous Bunyonyi terraces to the scenery view point
Spend more time here taking pictures and sightseeing. Later descend to the lodge, check-in and refresh for dinner at leisure.
Overnight: BirdNest Resort https://birdnestresort.com/ – Or similar
Meal Plan: Half Board
Journey time: 2 – 3 Hours
Have breakfast on a leisurely morning. Today’s main activity includes exploring the Islands of Lake Bunyonyi before departure to Lake Mutanda.
Planned Activity:
• Explore the Islands of Lake Bunyonyi (motorised canoe); cruise through the 29 Islands of Lake Bunyonyi plus sightseeing iconic Islands such as; Akampene, Bwama & Njuyeera.
Thereafter drive to Lake Mutanda, arriving for lunch after check-in.
In the afternoon, you will Kayak on Lake Mutanda located in South Western Uganda approximately 20 Kilometres from Kisoro town. This picturesque lake is nestled in the foothills of the Virunga mountain Ranges: Three volcanoes partly located in Uganda that is Mount Muhabura, Mount Sabyinyo and Mount Gahinga can be seen from Lake Mutanda.
After Kayaking on this beautiful lake, you will lay back at the lodge to relax and enjoy your evening.
Overnight: Mutanda Lake Resort https://www.mutandalakeresort.com/ – Or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board
Journey Time: 5 – 6 Hours
Have an early breakfast today and thereafter go explore the rare Golden Monkeys.
Proceed to the Park headquarters by 8:00AM for briefing & the actual trek will commence at 8:30 am. Hiking through the forests to reach the golden monkeys is less tedious as golden monkeys live in the lower bamboo areas. Spend an hour with the golden primates doing photography & a clear observation of their unique behaviour. Come along with waterproof hiking boots, wear long sleeved shirt, long trousers, and carry a backpack for your lunch and documents and do not forget to carry an insect repellent.
Thereafter travel to Lake Mburo National Park with lunch En-route. Arrival is foreseen in the evening with the rest of your time at leisure.
Overnight: Rwakobo Rock https://www.rwakoborock.com/ – Or similar
Meal Plan: Half Board
Journey Time: 4 – 5 Hours
Have breakfast at the lodge and go explore the park on foot for an up-close wildlife experience.
Expect a variety of flora and fauna comprised of zebras, Roth’s child giraffes, elands, wart hogs, and topi. During your game drive/walking safari you will Visit the salt licks and watch animals licking salty mud at a viewing platform.
After the tour, depart Lake Mburo N. Park back to Kampala City via Mbarara and Masaka City.
Make a stopover at the Equator for lunch and a photo opportunity and continue to Kampala, arrival foreseen in the evening. The rest of your evening is for leisure after checking-in.
Overnight: Fairway Hotel & Spa https://fairwayhotel.co.ug/ – Or similar
Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast + 1 En-route lunch
Journey time: 45mins – 1 Hour
Breakfast at the hotel on this final day. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a brief tour of Kampala City. You will be Sightseeing/stopover at the city’s highlights such Buganda palace, Uganda museum, Nakasero market, historical monuments, the largest craft village and temples.
You will have lunch at a restaurant in Kampala City in the due course of your tour.
Thereafter transfer to Entebbe Town. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and stay at leisure.
Overnight: Boma Guesthouse https://www.boma.co.ug/ – Or similar
Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast
Have breakfast at the hotel on a leisurely morning. At 12:30PM transfer to the dock to board a boat transfer to Ssese Islands. This departs the mainland at 1:00PM aboard MV Vanessa or MV Kalangala – Subject to availability.
Upon docking into the Islands with a transfer to the hotel, check-in and have lunch.
You will spend the rest of this day relaxed in Islands to recuperate and prepare for your onward travel out of Uganda.
You will have access to the swimming pool on a complementary basis, the optional activities to sample include:
Boat cruise – 15$ pp.
Jet skiing – 20$ pp.
Quad biking – 25$ pp.
Overnight: Brovad Sands Lodge http://www.brovadsandslodge.com/ – Or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board
Have breakfast at the lodge. At 9AM transfer to the dock to embark onto the boat and sail back to the mainland. Upon docking meet your safari guide for a ground transfer to the airport.
Check-in on time for an onward departure: this depends on your flight schedule.
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
Kampala | Bwindi Impenetrable Forest | Entebbe
Entebbe | Bwindi Impenetrable Forest | Entebbe
Kampala | Murchison Falls National Park | Entebbe
Kampala | Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park | Entebbe
Entebbe | Bwindi Impenetrable Forest | Entebbe
Kampala | Lake Mburo National Park | Bwindi Impenetrable Forest | Kigali City
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