Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe, Uganda
You will be received by your driver/guide at the airport. Depending on your arrival time, if you arrive nighttime, we check into your hotel for a relaxation moment after the long flight.
Luxury: Protea Hotel Entebbe
Midrange: 2 Friends Beach Hotel | Karibu Guesthouse Entebbe
Low Budget: Papyrus Guesthouse Entebbe
Day 2: Sezibwa Falls, Mabira Forest & Jinja to Sipi Falls
After breakfast, an early morning drive on Jinja Road with our first visit being to Mabira Forest for 2 hours where we have a forest walk. The Mabira Forest is a rainforest area covering about 300 square kilometres (120 sq mi) in Uganda, located in Buikwe District, between Lugazi and Jinja. Mabira forest is home to over 300 bird species and many Ugandan primates.
We continue to Jinja, to the source of the River Nile where we get to the speed boat and continue to Samuka Island for relaxation and lunch. if you are a bird lover, this is a must place for you. Return later and drive to Sipi Falls in Mbale.
Accommodation (including all meals):
Luxury: Sipi Valley Resort
Midrange: Sipi Valley Resort
Low Budget: Sipi Valley Resort
Day 3: Sipi Falls Tour
You will start your morning with a guided nature walk around the Sabiny community and a few Bagishu people and walk around the Sipi River with the 3-Sipi waterfalls. Get to the viewpoint and view Mt. Elgon National Park, plus the second-highest peak of Mt. Elgon-Jackson Summits.
Return later and drive to Jinja for overnight to cut short the distance to Murchison Falls National Park.
Spend the night at
Accommodation
Luxury: Wildwaters Lodge
Midrange: Haven Lodge Jinja
Low Budget: kalagala falls lodge
Day 4: Murchison Falls National Park
We set off from Jinja at 7 a.m. after our morning breakfast and drive to Murchison Falls and the Ziwa Rhino tracking.
You will track the rhinos in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for about 2 hours depending on where the rhinos are feeding from. Continue to Masindi town for lunch at the Masindi Hotel and continue to the park.
Murchison Falls National Park is the largest in Uganda at 3,840 square kilometres. Here is the awe-inspiring Murchison Falls where the river Nile hurls itself in convulsions through a narrow crevice and then plunges 40 metres in one breathtaking leap.
The park has a variety of vegetation ranging from riparian forests and swamplands to broad savannah and provides visitors with the opportunity of seeing large concentrations of wildlife including lion, leopard, civet, hyena, elephant, giraffe, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, a host of smaller game, small primates and many bird species, including the rare shoebill stork. The park is especially famous for crocodiles and hippos.
Apart from game viewing, the launch trip to the bottom of the falls is another memorable adventure giving you the experience of the mighty Biblical Nile.
Accommodation Options (Full Board)
Up-market: Paraa Safari Lodge
Moderate: Pakuba Safari Lodge or Fort Murchison Lodge
Budget: Fort Murchison Lodge (tents) | Red Chilli Rest Camp
Day 5: Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast head to the delta in search of bird life and enjoy the game drive to look for lions, giraffes, herds of elephants, buffaloes and many more.
We will drive back to the lodge for lunch before taking an afternoon boat cruise to the foot of Murchison Falls. This boat trip along the Nile is often cited as being the highlight of a trip to Murchison since it allows you to get up close and personal with the animals. Along this stretch of the river, there are reported to be around 4,000 hippos in addition to some enormous Nile crocodiles.
The bird life is stunning with brightly colored kingfishers and bee-eaters darting along the riverbanks. If lucky, you may see the rare and prehistoric-looking shoebill, which is a cross between the dodo and a dinosaur. The boat takes you to the base of the falls which only adds to their impressiveness.
Accommodation Options (Full Board)
Up-market: Paraa Safari Lodge
Moderate: Pakuba Safari Lodge or Fort Murchison Lodge
Budget: Fort Murchison Lodge (tents) | Red Chilli Rest Camp
Day 6: Fort Portal & Kibale National Park
Leave Murchison Falls National Park for Kibale Forest National Park via the Lake Albert escarpment, having a good view of the lake.
Stopover at Kolping Hotel in Hoima for lunch and after a drive across the interesting river Nkusi (flowing from the southern end of Lake Albert, through the villages of Kagadi, joining Victoria Nile). Both rivers join Lake Kyoga and flow through the Murchison Falls continuing to Lake Albert and north to the Mediterranean Sea.
This is a great day as the drive takes you through the community and forests with chances of seeing vervet monkeys, and black and white Colobus monkeys jumping up in the trees as you advance into the Kyenjonjo on a rocky road.
Accommodation Options (Full Board)
Upscale: Ndali Lodge | Crater Safari Lodge
Midrange: Isunga Lodge | Chimpanzee Forest Lodge (ensuite cottage) | Turaco Treetops or ensuite tents at Kibale Forest Camp
Low Budget: Tents at Kibale Forest Camp (with bedding and mosquito nets, shared bathroom) | Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse
Day 7: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Assemble at Kanyankyu River camp at 08:00 hours to go for the most popular activity in this park which is chimpanzee tracking.
Chimpanzees are man’s closest cousins though they are one of the most threatened primate species. More primates like black and white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, red-tailed monkeys, bush babies, pottos and many bird species like the yellow-spotted nicator, rumped tinker bird, little greenbul, green breasted pitta, the crowned eagle, black bee-eater and mammals like elephants can be seen in this walk.
Kibale National Park, which averages about 3,300 feet in elevation, is an extension of the great rainforests of central Africa. It is inhabited by three large communities of chimps, each numbering more than 100 individuals. Each community has a complicated social structure. The big adult males dominate the group and defend the community territory against incursions by male outsiders; the females usually wander in small family groups.
Typically, we locate the chimps by listening for their pant-hooting calls, then hustle to the area from which they are calling. We get to observe them as they feed in fruiting trees, lounge, and socialize with each other, or even, occasionally hunt.
In the afternoon we visit a nearby forest swamp that is excellent for viewing primates and other forest animals. At the eastern edge of Kibale Forest is Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary which is maintained by the local community. You will expect birds like the great blue turaco, blue monkeys, baboons, otters, mongoose, bushbucks, bush pigs and among others.
Accommodation Options (Full Board)
Upscale: Ndali Lodge | Kyaninga Lodge | Crater Safari Lodge
Midrange: Isunga Lodge | Chimpanzee Forest Lodge (ensuite cottage) | Turaco Treetops or ensuite tents at Kibale Forest Camp
Low Budget: Tents at Kibale Forest Camp (with bedding and mosquito nets, shared bathroom) | Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse
Day 8: Tour Fort Portal, Crater Lakes, Amabeere ga Nyinamwiru Caves & Queen Elizabeth National Park
Leave the national park after breakfast and drive to Fort Portal.
You will visit the Amabere caves in the Nyakasura area. This is the traditional home of the Bachwezi who were believed to be demi-gods. This area still has the historical regalia of the Bachwezi that helps one in understanding the life they lived while still on earth (they later disappeared). You will then take a nature walk to the crater lakes whose history is associated with the mysterious Bachwezi.
We incorporate some crater lake hikes into this program. You will simply be amazed by the beauty of these ancient and not ancient crater lakes found in the Fort Portal area.
After you have witnessed all these amazing landscapes, you will be transferred to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Accommodation Options (Full Board)
Up-market/Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge | Katara Lodge
Mid-range: Buffalo Safari Lodge | Enganzi Lodge | Bush Lodge
Budget: Bush Lodge (tents)| Simba Safari Camp (tents) | Engiri Cottages
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 9: Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, we depart to Queen Elizabeth National Park which is dominated on its northern border by the snow-capped 16,000-foot Rwenzori Mountains - the famed "Mountains of the Moon". This 767-square-mile conservation area is bordered on the northeast by Lake George and on the southwest by Lake Edward; its western border adjoins the Congo Parc du Virunga.
As we drive through the park, expect to spot teeming herds of impala-like Uganda kob, as well as topi, elephant, and Cape buffalo. There are also several soda lakes filling ancient volcanic calderas where flamingos reside seasonally.
In the afternoon we will go for a boat trip along the Kazinga Channel. This gives you the opportunity to view wildlife up close: hippos huff and spray at very close range from the boat, and buffalo linger in the shallows. The shores of the channel are also home to an array of birds including pink-backed pelicans, pied and malachite kingfishers, saddle-billed storks, and many others.
Accommodation Options (Full Board)
Up-market/Luxury: Katara Lodge
Mid-range: Buffalo Safari Lodge | Enganzi Lodge | Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge
Budget: Bush Lodge (tents)| Simba Safari Camp (tents) | Engiri Cottages
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 10: Ishasha Tree-climbing Lions & Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Mid-morning after breakfast we drive further south through stunning savannah grasslands as we head towards the breathtaking adventures of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
Either (roads permitting) we will pass the southern sector of the park – Ishasha, a remote and beautiful extension of Queen Elizabeth National Park that is host to a large variety and volume of wildlife. (It is a fabulous site to see the lions draped from the trees and nowhere in Africa do you stand a better chance of seeing this than in the large low limbed fig tree of Ishasha).
Accommodation Options (Full Board)
Up-market: Mahogany Springs Lodge | Four Gorilla Lodge | Buhoma Lodge | Bwindi Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge
Moderate: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge | Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge
Low Budget: Gorilla Conservation Camp | Gorilla Havens Lodge Bwindi
Day 11: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, proceed for the morning briefing before enjoying the highlight of the trip - gorilla trekking, which may last the entire day.
We trek through the rainforest and bamboo-covered slopes, accompanied by a guide and trackers, in search of a mountain gorilla family. The walking can sometimes be tough and long, but when you catch a glimpse of the magnificent silverback, any discomforts will be quickly forgotten. When sighted, visitors will be guided to within 6 meters of the gorillas and sit around them for a whole hour while gazing into their big round eyes.
Gorilla trekking is unpredictable. It's difficult to foresee how many hours you will hike. The gorilla excursion can take from 2 to 8 hours. Expect to walk long distances in steep and muddy conditions, sometimes with rain overhead, before you encounter any gorillas. A good physical condition is recommended. For conservation purposes, time spent with the gorillas is limited to one hour. A ranger will brief you on how to behave with the gorillas.
Accommodation Options (Full Board)
Up-market: Mahogany Springs Lodge | Four Gorilla Lodge | Buhoma Lodge | Bwindi Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge
Moderate: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge | Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge
Low Budget: Gorilla Conservation Camp | Gorilla Havens Lodge Bwindi
Day 12: Transfer to Kisoro
You can have the morning at rest while at the lodge. At 10:00 am, you proceed to check out before we drive for about 4 hours to the other side of Bwindi.
During the evening, you could choose from the optional activities like Batwa pygmies walk, hiking one of the hills, and Lake Mutanda canoeing among others.
Overnight
Up-market: Chameleon Hill Lodge
Moderate: Ichumbi Hotel Kisoro
Low Budget: Travellers' Rest Hotel Kisoro
Day 13: Golden Monkey Tracking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
After breakfast we will trek the scenic Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and our target this morning will be to track a troop of golden monkeys.
Mgahinga is more famous for mountain gorillas but is also the only place in Uganda where rare golden monkeys can be found. Apart from primates, the park has rare bird species, some endemic to the Albertine Rift area such as scarlet-tufted malachite sunbird, mountain yellow warblers, Rwenzori batis, Rwenzori turaco, Archer’s robin-chat, and many more.
We then take a scenic drive to Lake Bunyonyi taking you through the beautiful terrain of the rolling hills with terraced landscape. A short drive leads us to the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi where we can relax and enjoy some reflection time. With its freshwater, bilharzia-free and beautiful landscapes, Lake Bunyonyi is a small paradise for travelers.
Overnight
Up-market: Birdnest Lake Bunyonyi Lodge | Archadia Cottages
Moderate: Birdnest Lake Bunyonyi Lodge | Archadia Cottages
Low Budget: Bunyonyi Overland Resort
Day 14: Canoe Trekking, Drive to Lake Mburo National Park
After breakfast, set out for a 5-hour canoe trek as well as bird watching on the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi, traversing to the gorgeous Kyabahinga peninsula. Here you will be gladly welcomed with songs plus dances by the resident school children. You will enjoy with the locals at least a cup of “Obushera” which is a local brew. You will ascend the Kyabahinga slopes having a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the birdlife and the verdant terrain. The view is very breathtaking! The guide will certainly brief you about the history of the area.
Among the bird species you will see are the Dusky Turtle Dove, the Handsome Francolin, and Alpine Chat. A renowned herbalist who is a traditional healer -Omugurusi Jeremiah, based on the hilltop will disclose to you some of the secrets about the flora on the tropical highland.
We will then take a 3-hour drive to Lake Mburo National Park, a small but picturesque national park renowned for its herds of antelope and one of the only two Ugandan parks home to Buchell’s zebra. The park is also especially good for acacia-associated birds.
Overnight
Luxury: Mihingo Lodge | Mantana Tented Camp
Medium: Rwakobo Rock Lodge | Lake Mburo Safari Lodge
Low Budget: Mburo Eagles Nest
Day 15: Game Drive in Lake Mburo National Park- Entebbe
After breakfast, you will go for the last game drive within the park to search for the early risers and also look out for animals that you could have missed out on in the previous game drive.
Later transfer back to Entebbe with a brief stopover at the Equator for photographs; arrive in Entebbe in the afternoon for your flight departure back home.
