Journey time: Approx. 1 Hour

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be received by our safari guide and transferred to the hotel in Kampala. Check-in and use this time to recuperate and get set for your coming adventure in “The Pearl of Africa”.

Overnight:

Midrange: Gazelle Guest House – or similar

Luxury: Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort – or similar

Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast

Journey Time: Approx. 03 Hours

Pickup Time: 07:00AM. Have an early breakfast at the guest house and check-out. Thereafter, start your sightseeing journey to Jinja with a few activities En-route.

First Stopover: Sezibwa Falls (Buganda Heritage Site) – Not your normal beautiful waterfalls, the story behind the formation Sezibwa Falls is more like magic. It’s believed that a woman who was expecting twins instead delivered them inform of water, the two twin rivers that flow just below the waterfall are “Sezibwa and Bwanda”.

Next is a stopover at Mabira Eco Forest – This tropical forest covers a 300 sq.km, located in Buikwe district between Lugazi and Jinja; protected since 1932 with over 300 tree and bird species. At Mabira take part in a 2–3 Hour Guided Nature Walk to explore the tropical forest with its various tree species, and watch birds and resident monkeys. Lunch and refreshment at the Rain Forest Lodge in Mabira Forest.

Continue to Jinja for the Source of the Nile Boat Cruise – There could be fewer better ways than extending your trip to Uganda’s adventure capital with watching the sunrise from your boat cruise on the Nile as you have a taste of Uganda’s popular “Nile Special Beer”. Not forgetting all the scenic views and bird watching (birds such as kingfishers, cormorants, African fish eagle, egrets, and weaver birds). Common sights on the Nile Cruise: Ghandi Monument, Speke Monument, Several bird species, and Jinja Port.

From the boat cruise, transfer and check-in at the hotel to refresh and recuperate.   

Overnight:

Midrange: 2 Friends Guest House – or similar

Luxury: Jinja Nile Resort – or similar

Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast

Journey time: Approx. 7 Hours

Pick-up Time: 06:00AM. Early breakfast at the hotel and check-out. As scheduled, depart Jinja for Murchison Falls National Park. Lunch En-route at a restaurant.   

Planned Activity: En route to Masindi 05 Hour’ Drive out of Jinja, make a stopover at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to track the Rhinos before proceeding to the National Park.

From the Rhino Sanctuary, continue with the journey to Murchison Falls National Park. Upon entrance into the park – Visit the top of Murchison Falls: Murchison Falls National Park became Uganda’s first and oldest in 1952. At the top of Murchison Falls, the Nile squeezes through an 8m wide gorge and plunges with a thunderous roar into the “Devil’s Cauldron”, creating a trademark rainbow. View a permanent rainbow at a secure deck amid roars of the Nile with a permanent precipitation. The view is rewarding and explains why Murchison Falls features on most travellers’ bucket lists.

From the waterfall continue with an evening game drive or check-in at the lodge.

Overnight:

Midrange: Twiga Safari Lodge – or similar

Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge – or similar

Meal Plan: Half-Board (Dinner and Breakfast)

Pickup Time: 06:30AM. Early breakfast, and go for a game drive at sunrise. Early morning game drives offer chances of spotting nocturnal animals, as they return from hunting and back to their dens especially hyenas. The day starts with a Guided Game Drive at sunrise: This mostly covers the delta circuit, reputably known for high concentrations of wildlife. Your 4-5-hour game drive includes stunning views of the savannah and other plant vegetation especially the borassus palm trees dominating the park, as propagated by elephants from the DR Congo. What to expect: elephants, hippos, buffaloes, lions, several antelopes, patas monkeys and birds. Lunch at the lodge.  

Next is a Boat Cruise to the Base of the Waterfall: This is an excellent opportunity for viewing numerous hippos and crocodiles, as well as other wildlife and extensive birdlife. What to expect; Nile crocodiles, Hippos in their hundreds, small herds of buffalo, waterbuck, Kob and Elephants coming to water and cool off. Some of the birds commonly sighted on the boat cruise: saddle-billed stork, African Jacana, Pied and malachite kingfishers, African skimmer, Rock pratincole, bee-eaters and more.

Return to the lodge and refresh for dinner after the boat cruise.   

Overnight:

Midrange: Twiga Safari Lodge – or similar

Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge – or similar

Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Journey Time: Approx. 07 Hours

Pickup Time: 06:30AM. Early breakfast at the lodge and depart for Kibale National Park via Fort Portal City. Lunch at a restaurant followed by a visit to Amabere Caves.

Visit and explore Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru Caves – A cultural site with a remarkable history located in western Uganda (Fort Portal). Get here and learn about the formation of stalagmites and stalactites in the caves with cultural stories attached to the site. Take a guided hike to Nyakasura Hill for stunning views of the 3 Crater Lakes and visit the popular large footprints, believed to belong to one of the last giant Batembuzi people. Do not forget to take your best camera shot under the Nyakasura Waterfall. Culturally; the Batoro believe the caves, named after an ancient King Bukuku’s daughter “Nyina Mwiru”, translated as “Amabere Ga Nyinamwiru” would be ‘Breasts of “Nyinamwiru”. King Bukuku ruled the ancient Tembuzi Dynasty (Believed to be demi-gods).

From the caves continue to the lodge in Kibale, and check in to refresh for dinner.

Overnight:

Midrange: Turaco Treetops – or similar

Luxury: Chimpundu Lodge – or similar

Meal Plan: Half Board (Dinner and Breakfast)

Pickup Time: 07:00AM. Breakfast at the lodge and transfer to the park for briefing. Kibale Chimpanzee Tracking Experience – Briefing starts at 08:00AM with other park formalities observed before the trek. Kibale’s most popular activity is the Kanyanchu Primate Walk, with the most sought after on this trail being the chimps. Kanyanchu’s chimps have been tracked since 1993 and the chances of locating them are excellent! (Due to permit availability, an alternative sector is Buraiga). Your guided primate trek starts not later than 08:30AM, lasting between 1 – 2 Hours once you encounter the chimps in their natural habitat. The habituated groups are accustomed to human presence; some have been tracked for over 25 years, and the chances of locating stand at 95%. The biodiversity of Kibale comprises other wildlife – over 120 mammals, with several primates like baboons, Ugandan Mangabey, red-tailed monkeys, de brazza’s monkey, colobus monkeys, blue monkeys commonly spotted, with 370 bird species including 23 Albertine Rift endemics. Wear hiking boots, trousers, and gloves as well as sufficient water as the rain forest gets hot and humid in daytime.

After the trek, visit Tinka’s Homestead for a traditional lunch. Next is Bigodi Cultural Tour – Cultural engagements include Bigodi coffee tasting (be walked through the coffee process from seed to cup), taste banana beer and traditional vodka, look out for local arts and crafts, as well as enjoying cultural entertainment.

Overnight: Midrange: Turaco Treetops – or similar

Luxury: Chimpundu Lodge – or similar

Meal Plan: Half Board (Dinner and Breakfast)

Journey time: Approx. 02 Hours

Pickup Time: 07:30AM. Breakfast at the lodge and check-out to be dropped-off at the starting point. Planned Activity: Guided Top of the World Hike – This begins from Lake Nyabikere Crater, amid stunning views at sunrise! During the trek learn about the formation of crater lakes, and the traditional legends that revolve around the crater lakes. Hike across lush gardens, banana, coffee and tea plantations with views of the crater lakes, Fort Portal, Kibale Forest and the Rwenzori Ranges.

From the hike, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park with a late lunch at the lodge. Next is a sundowner in the Bunyaruguru Cater Lake Field: At the sundowner spot enjoy breath-taking views of the park, Lakes Edward and George, the Rwenzori Ranges in the backdrop, and stunning views at sunset.

Overnight:

Midrange: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge – or similar

Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge – or similar

Meal Plan: Full Board (Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast)

Pick-up Time: 06:30AM. Early breakfast and go explore the park’s highlights. Starting with Dawn Game Drive – Explore the park’s fauna which comprises sights of numerous bird species and animals such as elephants, buffaloes, hippos, impalas, waterbucks, Kob, and warthogs. Enjoy scenic views of popular crater lakes (Nyamunuka – animal clinic and Munyanyange – bird’s haven).  Included is a visit to Lake Katwe: Meet the locals, and about an ongoing traditional salt mining from the lake. This Crater Lake is 100% saline and supports zero aquatic life, thus the main activity being salt mining and extraction of black clay for skin treatment (bruises, acne, colds and rheumatism/joint pain). Lunch served at the lodge before the boat cruise. 

After lunch go for Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise – Your main activity after lunch where you will spot a number of birds like; the African fish eagle, pelicans, flamingos, Hammerkop, egrets, the African fin foot, pied kingfishers, marabou storks, vultures, kites and many more, together with animals like hippos, buffalos, warthogs, crocodiles, waterbucks and more as most of them visit to water and cool off; another common sight on the boat cruise are the fishing villages lining the lake shore.

Overnight:

Midrange: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge – or similar

Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge – or similar

Meal Plan: Full Board (Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast)

Journey Time: Approx. 5/7 Hours – Depends on the Route Taken

Pick-up Time: 06/08:30AM. After breakfast at the lodge, check-out and travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via Ishasha Sector or Kabale Town – Lunch is arranged at a restaurant. If taking the Ishasha Sector route – Stopover for chances of spoting the Tree climbing lions (Subject to change): This is the highlight of this section where the tree climbing lions are regularly spotted hanging up in acacia and fig trees. Arrival at Bwindi is foreseen late evening, to the lodge and check-in. The rest of the evening is yours at leisure to recuperate and prepare for the gorilla trek.

Overnight:

Midrange: Four Gorillas Lodge – or similar

Luxury: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge – or similar

Meal Plan: Full Board

Pickup Time: 06:30AM. After an early breakfast you will be handed a lunchbox and mineral water to put in your backpack, then proceed to the park office.

Bwindi Gorilla Tracking Experience – Upon completing your park formalities, embark onto a once in a life time experience of tracking the endangered mountain gorillas. Once you meet the gorillas on a tracking adventure, you will be allowed between 1 to 2 hours watching and photographing the gentle apes including the silverback. This is perhaps one of the most breath-taking wildlife experience on earth!!!  On close encounter, you will stare at each other blankly not knowing who to break the long silence first. These massive primates are extremely rare, with less than 700 living today, but you will get within meters for stunning photography, but considering all the necessary safety measures. Gorilla tracking may be fairly strenuous lasting approximately an hour at a relatively high altitude. During the trek, your ranger guide will identify a safe spot for your picnic lunch after which you will proceed with the trek or back to the lodge (Subject to change). Wear hiking shoes, face mask, trousers, hand gloves, long-sleeves, insect repellent with enough drinking water. Later return to the lodge and stay at leisure.

Overnight:

Midrange: Four Gorillas Lodge – or similar

Luxury: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge – or similar

Meal Plan: Full Board

Journey time: Approx. 02 Hours

Pickup Time: 10:00AM. Today sleep-in a bit with breakfast at the lodge and part of this morning at leisure. At the scheduled time, check-out and depart Bwindi for Lake Bunyonyi. Arrive in time for lunch at the lodge upon check-in, followed by a hike.  

Planned Activity: Bunyonyi Top of the World Hike – Getting to Bunyonyi’s top of the World, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the 29 Islands of Lake Bunyonyi – magical views at sunset! On the same walk learn about the culture and traditions of the locals; interact with the residents for cultural interactions. This photogenic lake is home to over 200 species of birds for you to spot. Dinner served at the lodge.

Overnight:

Midrange: BirdNest Resort – or similar

Luxury: Arcadia Lodge Bunyonyi – or similar 

Meal Plan: Full Board (Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast)

Journey time: Approx. 5 Hours

Pickup Time: 08:00AM. Early breakfast, followed by a canoe ride prior to departure.   Planned Activity: Lake Bunyonyi Canoe Ride at Sunrise – Explore the stunning Islands of Bunyonyi on a traditional Dugout Canoe, through the lake’s 29 Islands. Canoeing is a traditional means of transport on Lake Bunyonyi and it has been used by locals for generations. While on a dugout canoe, experience the lake like locals for an insight into the area’s history and culture. Visit iconic Islands such as; Akampene, Bwama and Njuyeera with the nearby communities.

From the canoe, we start off the journey to Lake Mburo National Park with lunch at a restaurant En-route. Arrive in the evening to the lodge and check-in to stay at leisure.

Overnight:

Midrange: Rwakobo Rock – or similar 

Luxury: Mihingo Lodge – or similar

Meal Plan: Full Board (Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch)

Journey Time: Approx. 4 Hours

Pickup Time: 07:30AM. Have an early breakfast at the lodge; and go for a guided walking safari in the park. Mburo Walking Safari Experience – This foot safari kicks off at 07:00am lasting up to 2–3 Hours. Unlike other Ugandan parks, Lake Mburo National Park is considered the safest since the only wild cat usually spotted here is the leopard and shy to humans. Accompanied by a ranger guide, walk starts from Rwonyo leading you all the way to the saltlicks; a spot frequented by grazers to supplement their diet on salty rocks and muddy clay. Expect sighting animals such as impalas, elands, zebras, buffaloes, Uganda Kob and the recently introduced giraffes. See more animals during the walk such as hippos returning from the lake to graze as well as hyenas on their return to the dens. Hike to the hilltop view point from where you will spot 9 of the 14 magnificent lakes situated within the park; the view is splendid and worthwhile!

After lunch at the lodge, travel back to Kampala: Stopping over at the Equator. Arrive towards the evening and check-in at the hotel.

Overnight:

Midrange: Gazelle Guest House – or similar

Luxury: Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort – or similar

Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast

Journey time: Approx. 1 Hour

Pickup Time: 07:00AM. Early breakfast at the hotel and checkout to go for a half day excursion before departure (The travel group to choose only one excursion option).

Option 01: Kampala City Tour (Half Day) – This fun and educative city excursion takes you to cultural and historical landmarks of the bustling Kampala. Explore sights such as: The Independence Monument, World War II Monument, Parliamentary Building, Bank of Uganda, Uganda National Cultural Centre, Visit Nakasero Market, Hindu temples, the Buganda Kingdom Trail and Kasubi Tombs, Gadhafi National Mosque, Makerere University; Uganda’s oldest and the Baha’i Temple (Closed on every Mondays).

Option 02: Mabamba Shoebill Tour (Half Day) – Transfer to Nakiwogo Landing Site to board a motorized canoe to Mabamba Swamp, which was listed by Ramsar as a wetland of international importance. The swamp is situated northwest of the Entebbe Peninsular, along the western edge of Lake Victoria; and it can be accessed by a motorized canoe from Entebbe mainland. Get here and explore the various birds (Over 260 bird species) like the Shoebill stork and many more endemics.  

After your half-day excursion be dropped-off at Entebbe Airport for your onward flight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast only