Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival day into Uganda

When you arrive in Uganda at the Entebbe International Airport our driver/tour guide shall be there to warmly receive and welcome you. From the airport the driver/tour guide shall drive you to your hotel in Kampala where you shall spend the rest of the evening and overnight. Should you arrive earlier in the day, first you shall be taken for a meal and brief relaxation in Entebbe before your transfer to Kampala.

Journey time: 1 hour

Meal plan: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Luxury: Kampala Serena Hotel

Mid-range: Imperial Royal Hotel

Budget:  Acacia Lodge

Day 2: Kampala – Sezibwa Falls – Mabira – Jinja

Have early breakfast as the driver guide shall be picking you up by 7am to set off for the tour. Eastern Uganda, popular as Uganda’s Adventure capital, shall provide your first exciting experiences for the tour.

Driving from Kampala to Jinja, you shall stopover at two interesting tourist sites, starting with the Sezibwa Falls. The Sezibwa are relatively small but beautiful waterfalls that are surrounded with lush greenery. A site guide shall take you on an hour light trek around this serene site, climbing the rocks to access lovely views of the falls, and also explore the nearby bushes, trees and small forest to observe some nature such as birds, monkeys, skinks, butterflies, and others. Sezibwa is also a preserved Cultural Heritage Site where the ancient traditions of spirit worship is still practiced by the local traditionalists. Shrines and other elements used in this cultural practice are visible near the falls. The local guide shall narrate the intriguing myths about the formation of the Sezibwa Falls (believed to be formed by super natural powers) which make the site important for and used by the traditionalists.

After Sezibwa you shall come to the second stopover which is Mabira Forest Reserve. Covering 306 square kilometers, Mabira supports an array of wildlife including many endangered species. You shall set out for a 2 hour trek into the forest to observe plenty of nature! There are is network of trails that shall give you good views into the forest. In a nutshell Mabira supports 316 bird species, 219 butterflies, 97 moths and 35 species of small mammals such as Duikers, Bushbucks, Squirrels, Red-tailed Monkeys, and Grey-cheeked Mangabey. The walk under cool canopies shall give you a beautiful feeling of being one with nature! When you return from the forest, continue with the drive until you reach Jinja. You shall have lunch in Jinja town after which you shall go for the boat ride on Nile to visit the famous Source of the Nile and Lake Victoria, the world’s second largest freshwater lake. Enjoy the beautiful scenery at the source and across Lake Victoria. The avid birder will record plenty of water birds. Transfer to your accommodation for the evening and overnight.

Journey time (Kampala – Jinja): 2 hours

Meal plane: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinneer

Accommodation

Luxury: Wildwaters Lodge (super luxury!)

Mid-range: 2 Friends Guest House

Budget: Source of the Smile Guest House

Day 3: Jinja – Sipi Falls/Mt. Elgon

Have early breakfast, check out of the lodge and travel to Sipi. Arrive in Sipi and transfer to your lodge overlooking the Sipi Falls in the foothills of Mountain Elgon. After a brief relaxation and refreshment at the lodge head out to hike the Sipi Falls. The Sipi Falls consists of three beautiful waterfalls (65m, 85m & 100m) situated at different spots along the base of the Mountain Elgon when the Sipi River flows over high rocks and cliffs. You shall follow a trail about 8km to reach each of the waterfalls starting with the topmost and second biggest of 85m, descending down to the smallest of 65m. The trail passes through local communities and farmlands giving you an insight into the livelihoods of the local people. During the hike you access great view points of the mountain and the panoramic Karamoja plains in the distance. After the two waterfalls you shall return to the lodge for lunch before going back to hike to the last waterfall and the biggest of them all, 100m. It has a big plunge pool and it is commonly called the “natural swimming pool”. Spend the hot afternoon feeling the cool splashes from the plunge and can also take a swim in the pool. Each waterfall offers a different experience, from the views, plunge pools, caves, surrounding nature and challenge of the hike. Basic fitness is enough for this hike, and depending on the pace, the entire hike will take from 3 – 4 hours.  Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight.

Journey time: 3 hours

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Luxury: Sipi River Lodge

Mid-range: Lacam Lodge

Budget: Camping

Day 4: Sipi/Mt. Elgon – Kidepo Valley National Park

After breakfast, check out of the lodge and leave for Kidepo Valley National Park located in the far northeastern corner of Uganda. You shall have lunch en-route. You shall get to Kidepo in the evening, and transfer to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Journey time: 8 hours

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Luxury: Apoka Safari Lodge

Mid-range: Nga’ Moru Wilderness Camp

Budget: Apoka Rest Camp

Day 5: Safari in Kidepo Valley National Park

Wake up to an early cup of coffee or tea with a snack before setting out for a morning game drive into one of Africa’s most pristine wilderness. Explore the savannah grasslands of the Narus Valley in the south of the park to see many animals. Kidepo is rich with preying animals such as Cheetah, Stripped Hyena, Aardwolf, Bat-eared Fox, and Caracal. Others game include Lions, Leopards, Zebra, Giraffe, Kob, Topi, Waterbuck, Jackson’s Hartebeest, Oribi, and Warthog. You shall return to the lodge for breakfast and relaxation. After lunch, you shall return to the park to continue the game drive, this time heading to the semi-arid northern part of the park. Observe plenty of wildlife and spectacular scenery and features. You will return in the evening for dinner and overnight.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Luxury: Apoka Safari Lodge

Mid-range: Nga’ Moru Wilderness Camp

Budget: Apoka Rest Camp

Day 6: Kidepo – Murchison Falls National Park

Have breakfast, check out of the lodge and depart for Murchison Falls National Park. You shall have stopover in Gulu town for lunch before continuing to Murchison Falls, arriving in the late afternoon. Check into your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Journey time: 6 – 7 hours

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge

Moderate: Fort Murchison Lodge (cottages)

Budget: Fort Murchison Lodge (tents)

Day 7: Safari in Murchison Falls National Park

You should be up by first light, have a quick cup of tea or coffee to warm your tummy before setting out for a 4 hour morning game drive into Murchison Falls National Park to observe a variety of wildlife, and enjoy the beautiful savannah wilderness as the sun rises over it. Murchison Falls is Uganda’s largest park situated along the mighty River Nile. It is the prime park for safaris in Uganda as it offers the biggest volume and variety of animal sightings. Your animal check list to include Lions, Giraffes, Hyenas, Kobs, Bushucks, Oribi, Warthog, Pattas Monkeys, Baboons, Buffaloes, Elephants, Hippos, and Waterbucks. The bird lovers will record plenty of savannah and woodlands. A pair of Abyssinian Ground Hornbill is so common that it has almost turned out to be the iconic birds of Murchison Falls. There are plenty of Wood Doves, and Bee-eaters. The point where the Nile touches Lake Albert (commonly called Albert Delta point) is common with water species and you may be chanced with sighting of a Shoebill.

Return from a 4 hour game drive, have full breakfast and rest the rest of the morning.

Have lunch

At 2pm, set out for a boat ride on River Nile for yet another chance to observe the beautiful nature of Murchison Falls National Park. The 2 hour ride goes upstream to the base of the Murchison Falls. You shall be treated to sightings of Hippos, Crocodiles, and Elephants among other wildlife. Water birds are in plenty and some of the species to look out for include Herons, Fish Eagles, Kingfishers, Egrets, Bee-eaters, etc… When you get to the base of the Murchison Falls, you shall disembark from the launch/boat to meet a waiting ranger guide and set out for a 45 minute hike on a trail that runs along the thunderous falls all the way to the top where mighty Nile squeezes through a tiny space 7 meters between the rocks as a result exploding into the world’s known strongest waterfalls – little wonder park is named after these falls. This activity is called the top of the falls hike and it is one of the highlights of the tour in Murchison Falls National Park, if not the entire trip. You will get to great view points along the trail where you shall enjoy spectacular views of the waterfalls! The driver guide will be waiting at the top to drive you back to the lodge. Have your dinner and overnight.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge

Moderate: Fort Murchison Lodge (cottages)

Budget: Fort Murchison Lodge (tents)

Day 8: Murchison Falls – Hoima/Lake Albert

After breakfast, check out of the lodge and depart for Hoima. You shall stopover in Masindi town to have lunch. You get to Masindi in the late afternoon and transfer to your lodge located near Lake Albert. Spend the rest of the evening resting by the lodge while enjoying the scenic views of the lake and surrounding nature. The stay in Hoima is primarily meant to break down what would have been a very long and tedious one day drive from Murchison Falls to Kibale Forest National Park. Have dinner and overnight.

Journey time: 4 hours

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Albert Safari Lodge

Day 9: Hoima – Fort Portal – Kibale National Park

Have early breakfast, check out and leave for Kibale Forest National Park. This journey is filled with nice views of the scenic Albertine Rift escarpment, and the lush and verdant countryside. You shall get to Fort Portal town in time for an early lunch, after which you shall set out to explore the beautiful volcanic scenery near the town. You shall hike to a wonderful view point called “the top of the world” and from there you can see a beautiful Crater Lake and an incredible volcanic landscape of lush hills. Fort Portal sits in the shadow of the Rwenzori Mountains which can be seen forming a backdrop to this beautiful landscape.

Return from the hike and continue to Kibale Forest National Park, arrive in the evening. Check into you lodge located near the forest.

Journey time: 6 hours

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge

Mid-range: Primates Lodge

Budget: Kibale Forest Camp

Day 10: Chimpanzee tracking & Nature walk

Be up for early breakfast and transfer to the visitors’ center by 7.00am to meet the rangers and other fellow trackers. After the pre-tracking briefing from the park rangers begin the trek into the forest to find the Chimps and observe plenty of life supported by the evergreen forest. Kibale Forest is home to the biggest population of Chimps in Uganda from which three large communities have been habituated for the Chimpanzee tracking adventures. Kibale Forest is famous not just for the Chimps but the largest concentration of primates in the world. 12 other species of primates inhabit the evergreen rainforest and you shall be able to see some of them during the trek for example L’Hoest’s Monkey, Red Colobus, and Baboons among others. The keen birder will observe some of 335 bird species recorded in the park. Each of the three Chimpanzee communities occupies a known territory which makes tracking them easier. You shall be allowed no more than one hour to be the Chimps. Return to the lodge for lunch and brief relaxation. Later set out for a light nature walk in the Bigodi Wetlands to observe more wildlife such as monkeys, birds, colorful butterflies, various species of trees and shrubs. Return to lodge by evening for dinner and overnight.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge

Mid-range: Primates Lodge

Budget: Kibale Forest Camp

Day 11: Kibale National Park – Semuliki National Park

Have early breakfast, check out of the lodge and drive to Semuliki National Park. On arrival to the park you shall set out for a hike to the famous Sempaya Hot Springs which have geysers shooting up as high as 2 meters and visible from as far as 2km. The Hot Springs boil at such temperature that can cook eggs and bananas within 10 minutes. Raw foot staffs like bananas will be availed for you to cook in this steaming ‘natural cooker’. The trail to the springs leads through a beautiful palm forest inhabited by plenty of wildlife such as Red-tailed Monkey, De Brazza’s Monkey and lots of birds among others. Upon return from the trek transfer to your lodge, have lunch and refresh. Later set out for an evening game drive in the Toro-Semuliki Wildlife Reserve to see the beautiful scenery and some game such as antelopes, and elephants. Return to the lodge in the evening for your dinner and overnight.

Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight

Journey time: 2 – 3 hours

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

Luxury:  Semuliki Safari Lodge

Mid-range: Ntoroko Game Lodge

Day 12: Semuliki to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, check out of the lodge and leave for Queen Elizabeth National Park. You shall make a stop in Fort Portal town for lunch. You shall arrive in Queen Elizabeth National Park in the evening, check into the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Journey time: 6 – 7 hours

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge

Mid-range: Kingfisher Lodge

Budget: Bush Lodge

Day 13: Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Be up as early as 6.00am, have a quick cup of tea or coffee with a snack and set out for the morning game drive into the park. The early start increases the chance of catching the nocturnal and elusive cuts such as Lions, Leopards and Hyenas which are actively hunting by that time. You shall drive to the Kasenyi Plains which is the main area for game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is a mating ground for Antelopes, thus attracting the predators such as Lions and Hyenas. Elephants and Buffaloes are a common sight here. Queen Elizabeth National Park is blessed with one of the best scenery among Africa’s parks. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the crater lakes, and grassy hills. After close to three hours of wildlife viewing, return to the lodge for a heavy breakfast and rest till the afternoon. After lunch, set out for a boat ride on the Kazinga Channel, a natural stream of water that joins two Lakes Edward and George. The boat ride offers sighting of several wildlife at very close distance. Hippos and Crocodiles are inhabitants of the channel. Many other animals come to the drink and cool in the water such as Buffaloes, Elephants, and Antelopes. To the delight of the birders, there are hundreds of species of water birds along the channel such as Skimmers, Kingfishers, Fish Eagles, Herons, and Pelicans among others. The boat ride is about 2 hours long. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge

Mid-range: Kingfisher Lodge

Budget: Bush Lodge

Day 14: Queen Elizabeth N.P.  – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Have early breakfast, check out of the lodge and depart for Bwindi. You will drive through the Ishasha area to look out for the famous Tree Lions and also spot many other animals including Topis, Uganda Kob, Waterbuck, Elephants, and Buffaloes. You shall have lunch in Kihihi and thereafter continue to Bwindi National Park – home of the Mountain Gorillas.

Journey time: 4 hours

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

Luxury: Buhoma Lodge

Mid-range: Silverback Lodge

Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp

Day 15: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi

You are up as early as 6am to prepare for the Gorilla trek, dress up in you trekking attire, have breakfast and transfer to the park office. Essential items to carry include a lunch box from the lodge, drinking water at least one liter and a rain jacket. Meet the ranger guide for allocation of the Gorilla groups. Meet with other trekkers for your group and after the pre-trek briefing from the rangers you shall transfer to the trail head for the start of the trek. Enter the thick jungle and start your search for the Mountain Gorillas. Bwindi has a Mountain Gorilla population of close to 400 which is nearly half the population of Gorillas left in the entire world. 14 groups have been habituated for the tracking experience. The trek through the dense forest offers up close encounter to plenty of life including other primates, birds, and plants. Time to find the Gorillas cannot be predicated as they move frequently while they feed (other factors notwithstanding), so it could take from few minutes to several hours. You shall spend one with the Gorillas, observing them from a safe distance of no more than 7meters. This is a moment that you shall never forget. After the Gorilla experience, return to the lodge.

Dinner and overnight

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

Luxury: Buhoma Lodge

Mid-range: Silverback Lodge

Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp

Day 16: Bwindi – Lake Bunyonyi

After breakfast, check out and depart for Lake Bunyonyi located between the terraced highlands in Kabale District. It is the ideal place to relax and unwind after the activities on the safari. Because of the cool weather and surrounding lush mountain landscape, the Lake Bunyonyi area is popularly referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa”. Spend the day relaxing by the lake and enjoy the wonderful scenery. Lunch and dinner and shall be at the lodge.

Journey time: 4 hours

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

Luxury: Bird’s Nest Lodge

Mid-range: Bunyonyi Overland Resort

Budget: Camping

Day 17: Lake Bunyonyi

Take an early morning canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyito to enjoy the mystic views and relax in the cool weather. Visit some of the islands on the lake, and observe some nature. Bunyonyi is a local term that translates to “birds”, aptly name so as you shall see the many bird species. Return to the lodge for breakfast, relaxation. In the afternoon you make hike the highlands to access great views across the lake and highlands.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

Luxury: Bird’s Nest Lodge

Mid-range: Bunyonyi Overland Resort

Budget: Camping

Day 18: Lake Bunyonyi – Lake Mburo National Park

Have early breakfast, check out and leave for Lake Mburo National Park. You shall make a stopover in Mbarara town for lunch and thereafter proceed to Lake Mburo National Park. After clearance at the park entrance you will drive through the game tracks to observe some wildlife. Lake Mburo is the smallest of the savanna parks but her diversity is very impressive. It is popular for the presence of many herbivores for example Giraffes, Zebras, Oribi, Impalas, Elands, Buffaloes, Waterbuck, Topi, Reedbuck, and Bushbuck. Other animals that inhabit the park include Warthogs, Leopard, Crocodiles, Hippos, Sitatunga, and Hyena. You will then continue to your accommodation. Later set out for a relaxing boat ride on Lake Mburo that too will expose you to the some wildlife and beautiful scenery. Hippos, Crocodile and Buffaloes are sighted during the ride. The lake is also home to plenty of birds including the rare African Finfoot. Thereafter return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Journey time: 4 – 5 hours

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

Luxury: Mihingo Lodge

Mid-range: Mburo Safari Lodge

Budget: Rwonyo Rest Camp

Day 19: Lake Mburo National Park – Kampala

You shall set out for a nature walk into the park accompanied by an armed ranger. Expect to observe plenty of nature up close. After close to two hours in the bush return to the lodge for breakfast, check out and leave for Kampala. You make a stopover at the Uganda Equator for some picture moments and also purchase some crafts. Thereafter continue to Kampala, arriving in the afternoon. Have lunch and proceed to your accommodation to rest and overnight.

Journey time: 4 hours

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

Luxury: Kampala Serena Hotel

Mid-range: Imperial Royal Hotel

Budget:  Acacia Lodge

Day 20: Kampala City – Entebbe

After breakfast, you shall set out for a tour of Kampala City to visit some cultural, economic and religious landmarks. Some of the must visit places are: Gaddafi’s mosque, the local markets, bahai temple, Uganda museum, etc… Lunch will be in between tours. Later you will transfer to Entebbe for evening flight back home

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tour Includes

• Transport with a 4X4 tour vehicle
• English speaking guide
• All activities as indicated in the tour itinerary
• Gorilla and Chimpanzee permits (one per person)
• All meals as indicated in the tour itinerary
• All accommodation as indicated in the tour itinerary
• Park fees
• Drinking water in the car through out the trip
• All taxes

Tour Excludes:

• Flights
• Visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Tips
• Porter fees
• Luxury drinks
• Laundry, phone bill and all personal expenditures

Items to bring

• Rain jacket
• Hiking shoes
• Long trousers & shirt to protect from stinging plants
• Gaiters
• Gloves
• Cap/hut

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