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 night time, we check into Imperial Resort Beach Hotel for a relaxation moment after the long flight.
Entebbe Accommodation Options:
Upper Luxury and Luxury: Protea Hotel Entebbe
Medium: 2 Friends Guesthouse Entebbe
Low Budget: Papyrus Guest house.
No meals are included today.
Day 2: Driving and Tour the Sezibwa Falls, Mabira Forest & Jinja Source of River Nile
After breakfast, an early morning drive on Jinja Road with our first visit being to the historical Ssezibwa Waterfall for 1 hour.
The falls are about seven meters high and with the sweet hissing sound created by the falling water forms beautiful scenery. This is complemented by the natural vegetation cover and the undulating and steep rocks over which the waters fall. The site has several bird species that present a wonderful opportunity for bird watching. The site presents several tourist activities such as bird watching, camping, rock climbing, nature walks, hiking, and canoeing.
We continue to the Mabira Forest for 2 hours where we have a forest walk. The Mabira Forest is a rainforest area covering about 300 square kilometers (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 view the source of the River Nile.
Jinja Accommodation Options:
Upper Luxury: Lemala Wildwaters Lodge
Luxury: The Haven Lodge (luxury cottage)
Medium: The Haven Lodge (luxury cottage)
Low Budget: The Haven Lodge (lazy camping permanent tent)
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Optional activities while Jinja
Aside from the above program, you can choose to do any of the following optional activities:
- White water rafting (full day USD 145 / half day USD 125)
- A horseback safari (USD 50 for 2 hours / USD 70 for 3 hours)
- Quad-biking (USD 70 for 2 hours / USD 90 for 3 hours)
- A day of whitewater kayaking on the river (USD 120)
- A sundowner cruise on the Nile (USD 35)
- A visit to the Jinja market
Day 3: Driving to Sipi Falls
After breakfast, you drive through the eastern part of Uganda takes you to beautiful Sipi Falls, on a plateau 1800m above sea level.
The Sipi River flows over the foothills of Mount Elgon, forming a spectacular series of waterfalls (some nearly 100m high), surrounded by village walking trails and lush green coffee-producing hills. You will stay in a wonderful lodge. From your lodge, you have beautiful views over one of the waterfalls.
All Accommodation is at Sipi Valley Resort (full board basis)
Day 4: A tour of Sipi Falls, Mt. Elgon
Prepare yourself for a beautiful day in paradise. After breakfast, choose to go on a 3-hour or - for the real adventurers - a 7-hour hike through the region. A local guide accompanies you on your hike to explain flora, fauna, and culture.
Whichever option you choose, you can be certain that you pass many picturesque waterfalls, plantations, and caves. Local villagers will be sure to greet you with ‘Jambo!’ and beaming smiles.
All accommodation is at Sipi Valley Resort (full board basis)
Day 5: Karamojong tribe Experience in Moroto
After an early breakfast, you will continue your journey to Moroto town where you have an exclusive cultural interactive experience with the Karimajong tribesmen. Karamoja is an area in North-Eastern Uganda where the Karamajong people live. They are related to the Maasai in Kenya and live and dress similarly. The main difference is that not any other tourist is going here. Only a few years ago, tourism in Karamoja would not have been possible due to armed inter-tribal conflict but nowadays it’s safe.
The Karamajong live in a Kraal, better known as Manyatta or Boma in Swahili. A Kraal is basically a village made out of huts surrounded by fences made of wood and thorns to keep the cattle in and to protect them against rivaling tribes and wild animals. Some of the Kraals are permanent and others are temporary as the Karamojong follow the fresh grass to feed their cattle. The Karamajong are related to the Maasai in Kenya and live a similar lifestyle. The main difference is that the Karamajong is completely unknown, and you are therefore sure to experience a very authentic and unique visit. In the afternoon you will visit one of the impressive Kraal or Manyatta of this community.
Tourist infrastructure does not exist in Kotido. Please be patient and do not expect the services from hotels and restaurants that you would expect in other parts of Uganda. You will spend the night at Lia Springs Hotel in Moroto with stunning views overlooking the hills.
All Moroto Accommodation is at Kara-Tunga, Karamoja Safari Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 6: Driving To Kidepo Valley National Park
After breakfast leave Moroto to Kidepo Valley and arrive in time for the afternoon or evening activities depending on the conditions of the roads This afternoon you can either take a game drive around the lodge area or a refreshing dip-in stunning swimming pool. Carved out of a granite kopje the pool affords fantastic views down the Narus valley and over a waterhole frequented by many animals including Bullbull- our friendly elephant and unofficial head gardener, overnight.
If you can plan today on a Tuesday, you'll have the chance to experience an authentic Karamajong cattle market on Wednesday (that is today in this tour). Some herders walk for 5 hours to be able to buy or sell their goats, cows, or chicken here. It’s a colorful and stunning sight and one of the few remaining authentic experiences. Don’t miss this!
Kidepo Accommodation (all meals included)
Upper Luxury: Apoka Safari Lodge
Luxury: Adere Safari Lodge
Midrange: Kidepo Savannah Lodge (ensuite)
Low Budget: Kidepo Savannah Lodge (sheltered tents with bedding and mosquito nets)
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 7: Safari Kidepo Valley National Park
After an early breakfast, go for a morning game drive to Kanangorok hot springs. A variety of animals can be seen roaming around including Ostrich. In the afternoon have a cultural experience that will bring into contact with the Karamojong people at Karenna and Kapedo. Meet the local elders and have an opportunity to interact with them. They will show you the kraals, the grinding stones, and many more interesting items.
Kidepo Valley National Park Accommodation Options:
Upper Luxury: Apoka Safari Lodge
Luxury: Adere Safari Lodge
Midrange: Kidepo Savannah Lodge (ensuite)
Low Budget: Kidepo Savannah Lodge (sheltered tents with bedding and mosquito nets)
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 8: Depart Kidepo Valley, driving to Murchison Falls National Park
This morning, we shall be departing to another of Uganda's most popular safari parks, Murchison Falls National Park. If you are able to depart from the lodge before 7 am, we could probably attempt a game drive on our way out of the park.
The journey today is not less than 7 hours of driving via some of the most beautiful sceneries in Africa. This route also gives you an opportunity to enjoy the scenery of Labwor hills and in particular the massive and bare Alerek (Kidi Rwot) rock about 55 km from Kotido.
After entering Murchison Falls National Park, we shall be traversing tropical forests with primates like the black and white colobus, baboons, and chimpanzees. We also traverse some savannah plains, and you shall be sighting lots of grazing wildlife along the way.
Murchison Falls National Park is the largest in Uganda mostly renowned for the awe-inspiring Murchison Falls where the River Nile hurls itself in convulsions through a narrow crevice and then plunges 40 meters in one breathtaking leap.
The park has a variety of vegetation ranging from riparian forests and swamplands to broad savannah and provides visitors 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.
Our Top Recommendations Murchison Falls National Accommodation Options (Full Board)
Top Luxury: Nile Safari Lodge
Luxury: Baker's Lodge | Paraa Safari Lodge
Moderate: Fort Murchison Lodge | Murchison River Lodge | Pakuba Lodge
Budget: Fort Murchison Lodge (tents) | Murchison River Lodge (tents) | Red Chilli Rest Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 9: Game drives, a Boat trip, and more wildlife safaris in Murchison Falls National Park
Your driver shall be waiting for you at the lodge front desk at 6:3o AM for an adventurous and exciting half-day of game drives in the northern side of Murchison Falls National Park. If you are on the southern side of the River Nile, you will be crossing with the ferry for your game drive activities. The game drives could go on until about 11 AM or so. There is just so much to cover, and the tracks are so rich with wildlife and fascinating birdlife.
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 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.
Murchison Falls National Park Accommodation Options (Full Board)
Up-market: Baker's Lodge | Paraa Safari Lodge
Moderate: Fort Murchison Lodge | Murchison River Lodge | Pakuba Lodge
Budget: Fort Murchison Lodge (tents) | Murchison River Lodge (tents) | Red Chilli Rest Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 10: Drive from Murchison Falls NP to Kibale National Park
At about 8 AM, your Uganda safari guide shall be meeting you again for your departure from Murchison Falls National Park for Kibale Forest National Park. The journey today is about 5 hours of driving and goes along the Lake Albert escarpment, having a good view of the lake among other interesting rift valley scenery.
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.
Kibale Accommodation choices
Upper Luxury: Ndali Lodge | Kyaninga Lodge | Crater Safari Lodge
Luxury: Primate Lodge Kibale | Crater Safari Lodge
Midrange: Isunga Lodge | Chimpanzee Forest Lodge (ensuite cottage) | ensuite tents at Kibale Forest Camp
Low Budget: Tents at Kibale Forest Camp (with bedding and mosquito nets, shared bathroom) | Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 11: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale is conducted in two shifts, one at 8 AM and the other at 11 AM. Depending on your pre-booked preference, your Uganda safari guide shall help you to be available at the Kibale Park offices in good time for the briefing and the chimpanzee tracking itself.
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 out 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.
Kibale National Park Accommodation choices
Upper Luxury: Ndali Lodge | Kyaninga Lodge | Crater Safari Lodge
Luxury: Primate Lodge Kibale | Crater Safari Lodge
Midrange: Isunga Lodge | Chimpanzee Forest Lodge (ensuite cottage) | ensuite tents at Kibale Forest Camp
Low Budget: Tents at Kibale Forest Camp (with bedding and mosquito nets, shared bathroom) | Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 12: Tour Fort Portal, Crater Lakes, Amabeere ga Nyinamwiru Caves & Drive to 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 be simply 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 in Queen Elizabeth National Park (Full Board)
Upper Luxury: Elephant Plains Lodge | Kyambura Gorge Lodge | Kasenyi Safari Camp
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge | Katara Lodge
Mid-range: Buffalo Safari Resort | Enganzi Lodge | Bush Lodge
Budget: Bush Lodge (tents)| Simba Safari Camp (tents) | Pumba Cottages
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 13: Game drives and Kazinga Boat Cruise on 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.
The highlight for most visitors to Queen Elizabeth National Park is the 2-3 hours boat trip on Kazinga Channel. The boat trip is best done in the hot hours of the day when most wildlife come out of their hideouts to quench their thirst with the fresh channel waters. All along the 40km channel tourists are able to view the wildlife in their numbers at closer counters. From large schools of hippopotamus huffing just a few feet from your boat to herds of cape buffalo lingering in the shallows, to lions watching out for the careless prey watering along the channel shores. 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 in Queen Elizabeth National Park (Full Board)
Upper Luxury: Elephant Plains Lodge | Kyambura Gorge Lodge | Kasenyi Safari Camp
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge | Katara Lodge
Mid-range: Buffalo Safari Resort | Enganzi Lodge | Bush Lodge
Budget: Bush Lodge (tents)| Simba Safari Camp (tents) | Pumba Cottages
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 14: Queen Elizabeth National Park & Maramagambo Forest Bush Walk
After having extensive coverage of the tracks in the northern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, we make our way to its other side for slightly different experiences. Your first call is the Maramagambo Forest, a vast tropical rain natural forest offering some remarkably rewarding nature walks and fabulous crater lakes views on its peripherals.
We shall be entering the forest with a local guide. Maramagambo forest is especially rich with primates like wild unhabituated chimpanzees, olive baboons, L’Hoest’s Monkeys, Red-tailed monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, and Black and White Colobus Monkeys. If you have lucky today, you might spot the forest's shy residents, the pottos, and bushbabies (most easily seen at night though).
The 584 km sq. km forest is also home to 414 species of trees and 378 species of birds. It is a primarily Parinari and Cynometra-Celtis medium altitude moist forest. In total, there are 12 wildlife species found nowhere else in Uganda (9 butterflies, 1 small mammal, and 2 trees) and 10 species endemics to the Albertine Rift (4 trees, 3 birds, and 4 butterflies).
The walk culminates in a visit to volcanic caves - "the Bat Caves", that are home to thousands of bats. The cave has a viewing room from where you can observe the 1000s of bats.
Also on this walk is the picturesque blue Lake Kimeranjojo which got its name after swallowing an elephant.
Later in the afternoon, we shall be continuing with our drive to the Ishasha Sector. We shall be proceeding along the deep and wide dry craters that are occupied by savanna grasses and acacia. The drive takes you through the unique western rift valley escarpment and the (southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park) Ishasha sector.
Accommodation Options in Ishasha Sector, Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park (Full Board)
Upper Luxury: Ishasha Wilderness Campsite
Luxury: Ishasha Jungle Lodge
Mid-range: Enjojo Lodge
Budget: Enjojo Lodge (lazy camping sheltered ents)
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 15: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Before departing to Bwindi, we shall spend our morning on the game drive tracks of the Ishasha Sector of any visible wildlife. Be on the lookout for the famous tree-climbing lions, but also the large herds of elephants, and other big mammals.
After the game drives, we embark on our drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda's home to the rare mountain gorillas plus 10 other primate's species including the blue and red-tailed monkeys. The forest itself is lush and green and there are streams running through it. Depending on the location of the gorilla group you shall be tracking in Bwindi, the drive can be between 3-6 hours on mostly unsurfaced dirt roads.
Bwindi Accommodation Options (Full Board)
Upper Luxury: Gorilla Forest Camp | Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge | Bwindi Lodge
Luxury: Buhoma Lodge | Mahogany Springs Lodge | Four Gorillas Lodge | Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Moderate: Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge | Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Low Budget: Gorilla Conservation Camp | Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge | Ruhija Gorilla Friends Camp
Day 16: 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 isn't easy 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, the time spent with the gorillas is limited to one hour. A ranger will brief you on how to behave with the gorillas.
Accommodation options for 2nd night in Bwindi after the gorilla trekking.
Upper Luxury: Gorilla Forest Camp | Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge | Bwindi Lodge
Luxury: Buhoma Lodge | Mahogany Springs Lodge | Four Gorillas Lodge | Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Moderate: Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge | Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Low Budget: Gorilla Conservation Camp | Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge | Ruhija Gorilla Friends Camp
Day 17: Drive from Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi
After having breakfast, we shall take a scenic drive to Kabale taking you through the beautiful terrain of the rolling hills with a terraced landscape where you can relax and enjoy some reflection time. With its freshwater, bilharzia-free, and beautiful landscapes, Lake Bunyonyi is a small paradise for travelers.
Lake Bunyonyi Accommodation:
Upper Luxury and Luxury: The Bird Nest
Medium: The Bird Nest or Arcadia Cottages Lake Bunyonyi
Low Budget: Lake Bunyonyi Overland Resort
Day 18: Drive to Lake Mburo National Park
The 370 square kilometer Lake Mburo is home to 350 bird species as well as zebra, impala, eland, buffalo, oribi, Defassa waterbuck, leopard, hippo, hyena, topi, and reedbuck. Lake Mburo National Park is mostly acacia woodland and for sure you shall be able to see many acacia-related bird species hard to see anywhere in Uganda
Upon arrival in the park, you will go for the game drive before retreating to your accommodation for overnight and dinner.
Lake Mburo Accommodation for this Uganda safari
Upper Luxury and Luxury: Mihingo Lodge | Mantana Tented Camp
Medium: Rakobo Rock Lodge | Lake Mburo Safari Lodge
Low Budget:d Mburo Eagles Nest | Leopars Camp
Day 19: Game Drive in Lake Mburo - 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 missed out in the previous game drive.
Later transfer back to Entebbe with a brief stopover at the Equator for photographs; Reach Entebbe in the afternoon and proceed to check in for your flight departure back home.
