"Best of Uganda" Safari Adventure

12 Days

Overview

Experience a transformative 12-day journey combining community outreach and natural exploration in Uganda. Your itinerary includes hands-on project work in rural communities, an orientation in the capital city of Kampala, and a rewarding safari at Murchison Falls National Park.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Welcome to the "Best of Uganda" Safari Adventure

  • Arrival: Land at Entebbe Airport, where our warm and welcoming guide will greet you.
  • Transfer: Enjoy a comfortable ride to your hotel in the vibrant city of Kampala.
  • Lake Victoria: As you settle in, feel the refreshing breeze from the nearby Lake Victoria, the world’s second-largest freshwater lake.
  • Rest & Relaxation: Prepare for the adventure ahead with a rejuvenating night’s sleep at your Kampala accommodation. Your Ugandan journey begins in earnest tomorrow.

Day 2 – Journey to Murchison Falls with Rhino Tracking Experience

  • Early Start: Begin your day with an early breakfast to fuel up for the adventure ahead.

  • Departure: Set off for Murchison Falls National Park, located in the northern/western circuit of Uganda.

  • Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: Pause your journey for a unique Rhino tracking experience at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Spend an hour observing these magnificent creatures, guided by an expert ranger.

  • Murchison Falls: Upon reaching the park, head to the top of Murchison Falls. Witness the awe-inspiring moment as the Nile River forces its way through a narrow 7-meter gorge, creating a powerful waterfall right before your eyes. Note: The visit to the top of the falls may depend on your lodging location.

  • Journey Time: Approx. 4 hours

  • Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner provided

Accommodation Options:

  • Upmarket: Paraa Safari Lodge
  • Mid-range: Murchison River Lodge
  • Budget: Heritage Lodge

Prepare for another day of exploration and wonder as you settle into your chosen accommodation.

Day 3 – Immersive Wildlife Experience in Murchison Falls National Park

  • Early Start: Kick off your day with an early breakfast, gearing up for an enthralling game drive.

  • Morning Game Drive: Explore the northern bank of the River Nile within the expansive Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest national park. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of wildlife including giraffes, elephants, hartebeest, buffaloes, leopards, lions, and an array of bird species.

  • Nature Observation: Experience the privilege of watching these magnificent animals in their natural habitat as they feed, play, and care for their young.

  • Afternoon Boat Safari: Your adventure continues with a serene boat cruise along the River Nile. This relaxed journey offers additional opportunities to spot various animals and bird species.

  • Murchison Falls: As you sail, take in the spectacle of the Murchison Falls, also known as the ‘Devil’s Cauldron.’ This unique boat cruise experience is unparalleled in Africa and can only be found in Uganda.

Prepare for more surprises as you head back to your accommodation, reflecting on a day rich in natural beauty and wildlife encounters.

Day 4 – Transition to Kibale National Park, the Primate Capital

  • Early Breakfast: Fuel up with an early morning meal as you bid farewell to Murchison Falls National Park and prepare for the next leg of your adventure.

  • Departure: Head to Kibale National Park, globally acclaimed as the primate capital of the world, featuring 13 species of primates with a special focus on chimpanzee tracking.

  • Scenic Journey: As you travel, enjoy breathtaking vistas punctuated by small villages, bustling local markets, and a plethora of bird species. This is a full-day journey, so we’ve arranged for a packed lunch or a meal stop in a town en route.

  • Arrival: Reach your lodge by evening, rejuvenate and get set for tomorrow’s explorations.

  • Journey Time: Approximately 8 hours

  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner provided

Accommodation Options:

  • Upmarket: Papaya Lake Lodge
  • Mid-range: Primate Lodge
  • Budget: Chimpanzee Guest House

Settle into your chosen accommodation, relishing the anticipation of yet another day filled with unique experiences and unforgettable adventures.

Day 5 – Chimpanzee Trekking and Community Visit in Kibale National Park

  • Chimpanzee Trekking: Begin your day with a journey deep into the tropical forests of Kibale National Park, East Africa’s primate capital. Traverse streams and immerse yourself in the vibrant ecosystem as you go in search of chimpanzees.

  • Wildlife Sighting: Alongside the main attraction of chimps, keep an eye out for other forest inhabitants such as red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, as well as butterflies and various bird species echoing from the treetops.

  • Guided Experience: With the expertise of your guide, you’ll locate the chimpanzees, capturing this special moment with photos as you observe them playing and feeding in their natural habitat.

  • Afternoon Exploration: If time permits, head to Bigodi Village and its neighboring wetland, a hub for bird and primate diversity.

  • Community Impact: Your tour of Bigodi not only enriches your understanding of local ecology but also contributes to community development. The proceeds from your visit are invested in local schools and small loan programs, fostering positive change in the community.

Prepare to return to your lodge, reflecting on a day that combines natural wonder with social impact.

Day 6 – Journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kazinga Channel Cruise

  • Morning Departure: After a nourishing breakfast, we set off for Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its wildlife and scenic vistas.

  • En Route Attractions: Marvel at the sight of various crater lakes and the ethereal Rwenzori Mountain ranges as we make our way to the park.

  • Arrival and Game Drive: Upon arriving, enjoy a brief game drive as a preview of the park’s wildlife offerings before proceeding to your lodge for lunch.

  • Afternoon Boat Cruise: Embark on a leisurely boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. This cruise is a photographer’s delight, offering relaxed opportunities to capture various bird species, crocodiles, and elephants that frequent the channel.

  • Journey Time: Approximately 2.5 hours

  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included

Accommodation Options:

  • Upmarket: Mweya Safari Lodge
  • Mid-range: Parkview Safari Lodge
  • Budget: Bush Lodge

Settle into your selected lodging as you prepare for another day of adventure and discovery.

Day 7 – Morning Game Drive and Ishasha Sector Exploration

  • Early Rise: Wake up early to witness the wildlife of Queen Elizabeth National Park as they embark on their daily routines. Observe how the behavior of these animals in their natural environment contrasts with those confined in zoos.

  • Kasenyi Plains Game Drive: Board our custom-designed safari vehicles and head to the Kasenyi Plains. Keep an eye out for Lions, Elephants, Buffaloes, Kobs, and Waterbucks, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains and the Rift Valley escarpment.

  • Ishasha Sector: Afterward, journey to the Ishasha sector, located in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This area is renowned for its tree-climbing lions. With the assistance of local rangers, go on a quest to spot these unique felines.

  • Lunch: Depending on your interests and how the day unfolds, lunch can be a picnic en route or served at your lodge.

  • Journey Time: Approximately 2 hours

  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner provided

Accommodation Options:

  • Upmarket: Ishasha Wilderness Camp
  • Mid-range: Destination Jungle Lodge
  • Budget: Enjojo Lodge

As you settle into your accommodation of choice, anticipate another exciting day ahead as your exploration continues.

Day 8 – En Route to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Home of the Mountain Gorillas

  • Morning Departure: After breakfast, we embark on a journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the sanctuary of the majestic mountain gorillas.

  • Scenic Drive: Traverse the captivating Kigezi Highlands, known for their terraced hills and breathtaking landscapes.

  • Lunch Options: Depending on your time of arrival, lunch will either be served en route or at your selected lodge.

  • Rest and Prepare: Your chosen lodge, situated in or near the impenetrable forest, provides a tranquil environment to rest and prepare for tomorrow’s thrilling gorilla trek.

  • Journey Time: Approximately 2 hours

  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included

Accommodation Options:

  • Upmarket: Buhoma Lodge
  • Mid-range: Buhoma Haven Lodge
  • Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp

Settle in and get a good night’s sleep; tomorrow brings the adventure of a lifetime with the gorilla trek.

Day 9 – Encounter with the Mountain Gorillas of Bwindi National Park

  • Gorilla Trekking: Today is the pinnacle of your safari journey—meeting the awe-inspiring mountain gorillas of Bwindi National Park. Immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity of this impenetrable forest, home to a variety of birds, butterflies, primates, and mammals. Assisted by your guide, who is also a certified park ranger, navigate the forest to experience a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with these magnificent creatures. The trek can vary in duration, lasting anywhere from an hour (though this is rare) to about 8 hours. Once you reach the gorillas, you’ll have an unforgettable hour to observe them and capture this extraordinary moment on camera.

  • Alternate Activities: For those who opt out of gorilla trekking, the day can be equally fulfilling with a guided community village walk or a short forest walk to explore Bwindi’s diverse flora and fauna.

Embrace this unparalleled experience, as it’s a day you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

Day 10 – Journey to Lake Mburo National Park and Boat Excursion

  • Morning Departure: Following breakfast, your driver-guide will pick you up to embark on a scenic drive to Lake Mburo National Park.

  • Cultural Interlude: En route, take the opportunity to visit a local cultural museum, showcasing the history and lifestyle of the area’s native inhabitants through the centuries.

  • Lunch Break: Enjoy a meal or a picnic at a restaurant along the way to Lake Mburo.

  • Afternoon Arrival: Reach the park in the afternoon and unwind with a boat trip on Lake Mburo, soaking in the serene natural surroundings.

  • Journey Time: Approximately 4 hours

  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included

Accommodation Options:

  • Upmarket: Mihingo Lodge
  • Mid-range: Rwakobo Rock
  • Budget: Eagles Nest

Relax and recharge for the next day’s adventures as you soak in the tranquil atmosphere of Lake Mburo National Park.

Day 11 – Lake Mburo Game Drive and Journey to Jinja, East Africa's Adventure Capital

  • Morning Game Drive: Start your day early with a breakfast before setting off for a game drive in Lake Mburo National Park. Discover the unique wildlife in this compact yet diverse park.

  • Drive to Jinja: After the game drive, we’ll head toward Jinja, widely considered the adventure capital of East Africa.

  • Equator Stopover: En route to Jinja, we’ll make a memorable stop at the famed Equator line monument. Capture the moment with photographs and enjoy a bit of shopping.

  • Lunch Stop: Depending on our timing, lunch will either be in Kampala or at the Equator.

  • Evening Arrival in Jinja: We’ll proceed to Jinja, completing our day’s journey.

  • Journey Time: Approximately 4 hours

  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included

Accommodation Options:

  • Upmarket: Wild Waters Lodge
  • Mid-range: Haven Lodge
  • Budget: Nile River Camp

As you settle into your chosen accommodation, anticipate the thrills that await you in East Africa’s adventure hub.

Day 12 – White Water Rafting and Farewell to Uganda

  • Early Morning Breakfast: Begin your day with an early morning meal to fuel up for the day’s adventures.

  • White Water Rafting: Head to the rafting launch site and get ready for a thrilling white water rafting experience.

  • Source of the Nile: While in Jinja, visit the origin point of the Nile River. Here the Nile embarks on its impressive 4,000 km journey across Africa. It’s not only an awe-inspiring sight but also a white-water rafter’s paradise.

  • Full-Day Rafting: Enjoy a day filled with adrenaline-pumping white water rafting on the mighty Nile.

  • End of Safari: After your exhilarating day and the entire Ugandan safari adventure, you’ll proceed to your hotel or catch a late-night flight.

  • Farewell: Thank you for choosing to travel with us. Your patronage is deeply appreciated.

Get ready for the day’s exhilarating activities, and as the sun sets, say your farewells to the beautiful land of Uganda.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Included in the Tour:

  • Ground Transportation: All necessary ground travel within the tour itinerary.

  • Gorilla Permit Fees: Access to gorilla tracking activities is fully covered.

  • Chimpanzee Permit: Permit for chimpanzee tracking included.

  • Park Admission: Entry fees to all parks mentioned in the itinerary.

  • Boat Excursions: All scheduled boat trips are included.

  • White Water Rafting: The cost of the rafting adventure is covered.

  • Bottled Water: Complimentary bottled water will be provided in the safari vehicle.

  • Accommodation: Full-board lodging for two nights is included.

  • Guide Service: The services of an English-speaking driver-guide are provided.

  • Scheduled Activities: All planned activities are included, except for those labeled as optional.

Not Included in the Tour:

  • Accommodation Extras: Additional expenses at the lodging, such as drinks, telephone calls, and laundry, are not covered.

  • Gratuities: Tips for porters and the driver-guide are not included.

  • Insurance: Travel insurance is not provided and is the responsibility of the traveler.

Note: The itinerary is subject to changes due to weather conditions, project availability, or other unforeseen circumstances. Thank you for choosing to make a difference in Uganda; we look forward to facilitating an enriching experience!

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