Visit all highlights of Uganda! From the amazing Murchison Falls you will track the wild chimpanzees in Kibale Forest and visit the impressive Crater Lakes area. Your safari continues to Queen Elizabeth National Park, with excellent wildlife viewing, and you will find yourself staring in the eyes of the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, following the Batwa Trail for a cultural drift, Moments of relaxation are found on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi, Your adventurous safari ends at the true origin of the Nile, a world class place for rafting!
Day 1 : Arrival (1.5hrs)
Arrival at Entebbe Airport where you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your accommodation in Kampala. Overnight at Orchidea Guesthouse.
Day 2 : Kampala - Murchison Falls National Park (7hrs)
Today we will depart for the most beautiful protected area in Uganda: Murchison Falls National Park. En route we will make a stop at Zziwa 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 Fort Murchison (safari tent).
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. After this activity we continue to the rainforest for dinner and overnight at Budongo Eco Lodge
Day 4 : Murchison Falls National Park - Kibale National Park (9hrs)
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.
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, black-and-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.
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.
Day 7 : Kibale Forest - Queen Elizabeth National Park (3hrs)
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.
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.
Day 9 : Queen Elizabeth National Park - Bwindi National Park (6-7hrs)
Today we will depart the beautiful area of Queen Elizabeth and drive to the southwest. After a calm and scenic drive we will arrive in Kisoro late in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at Travellers Rest Hotel
Day 10 : Gorilla tracking
TThe 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 explore the village of Kisoro at own arrangement or join a village walk. Dinner and overnight at Travellers Rest Hotel
Day 11: Batwa Trail
Although Bwindi is mainly known for the gorillas it has a lot more to offer. Today you will enjoy the Batwa Trail, 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 Travellers Rest. (B-L-D)
Day 12 : Bwindi National Park - Lake Bunyonyi (4 hrs)
After breakfast we depart to Lake Bunyonyi, the 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.
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 Orchidea Guesthouse.
Day 14: Kampala -Jinja ( 3hrs)
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. Visit to true origin of the Nile, former Bujagali Falls and historic city centre of Jinja. Dinner and Overnight at 2 friends Guest House
Day 15 : Jinja
Ready for a full day of adventure? Then start rafting at the Source of the Nile! Early morning we will leave the busy capital and head towards the east. Jinja is situated directly at Lake Victoria, where the Nile finds its origin. 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 2 friends Guest House.
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. You can decide to relax while enjoying the breathtaking views of the river, take a stroll in the charming centre of Jinja or maybe explore the surroundings with an exciting quadbike safari. In time you will be transferred back to Entebbe Airport for your flight home.
Included in the price:
- Airport transfer
- Ground transport per comfortable 4WD safari vehicle
- English speaking driver/guide
- Accommodation in places mentioned in the itinerary, based on a double room
- Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner), apart from the stay in Kampala (B&B)
- Bottled mineral water throughout the safari
- Park entrance fees
- Game drives, boat launches and walks according to the program
- Chimp tracking in Kibale Forest NP
- Ferry in Murchison Falls NP
Exclusions:
- International flight
- Visa
- Gorilla permit (USD $500 per person)
- Forest Walk Bwindi (USD $40 per person)
- Chimp tracking in Kyambura Gorge (USD $50 per person)
- Rafting on the Nile (USD $125 per person, full day)
- Quadbike safari along the shores of the Nile (USD $55 per person)
- Meals and drinks not mentioned above
- Laundry and tips
- Items of personal nature
Note:
* Prices are subject to change.
* Availability of accommodation, permits and activities is not guaranteed until confirmation.
* The safari is based on budget accommodation, consisting of basic hotel rooms, bandas or tents with one double or two single beds and mosquito nets where necessary. Bathrooms will be either private or shared, depending on availability.
* The chimp tracking in Kibale Forest may take place on day 5 or 6, either in the morning or afternoon, depending on the availability of the permits for chimp tracking.
* The rafting adventure on the Nile requires a minimum of 6 participants in total.
PLEASE NOTE : The price shown is for a Minimum of 4 persons
