Day 1: Welcome to Uganda, guided tour of Kampala City

Welcome to the beautiful Pearl of Africa! On arriving at Entebbe International Airport, our company representative (your private driver) will be waiting to receive and transfer you to your place of accommodation.

Having checked-in and settled, be ready to begin exploring the Town with top highlights being the Uganda Museum, Uganda Martyrs Shrine at Namugongo and Craft Centers.

Accommodation options;

• Sheraton Hotel Kampala or Kampala Serena Hotel (luxury).
• Protea Hotel or Grand Imperial Hotel (moderate).
• Emerald Hotel Kampala or Yellow Haven Lodge (basic).

Meals: Dependent on arrival time

Day 2: Transfer to Murchison falls National Park with Ziwa Rhino tracking and optional hike to top of falls

Have breakfast this morning and get picked up by your driver for a transfer to Murchison falls National Park. Situated about 6-7 hours from the Capital, this treasure trove is an area of woodlands, savannah grasslands, waterfalls, stunning Nile River stretch, wetlands and others.

The journey involves making a stop at Nakasongola district, branching off to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to track the giants that call this Area home.

After exploring this Sanctuary, your private driver will proceed with the journey to Murchison falls National Park where the rest of the evening is free to explore the Lodge’s surrounding.

Lunch is along the way (possible at Kabalega Diners) but dinner and overnight is at the Lodge.

Accommodation options;

• Paraa Safari Lodge or Chobe Safari Lodge (luxury).
• Pakuba Safari Lodge or Twiga Safari Lodge (midrange).
• Sambiya River Lodge or Murchison River Lodge (basic).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 3: Murchison Game viewing experience and Nile Boat cruise

On this day, the driver will lead you into the heart of Murchison falls National Park where a game drive is undertaken in the company of a Park Ranger.

Consider stops at some of the wildlife-rich areas as recommended by the Ranger with views of lions, Uganda Kobs, Oribis, leopards, spotted hyenas, Lelwel’s hartebeests, Defassa waterbucks, serval cats, African bush elephants, Olive baboons, Cape buffaloes, Topis, bushbucks, vervet monkeys, duikers, Roan antelopes, to mention but a few.

Take a break from this game drive after 3-4 hours to have lunch and prepare for the second leg of the Murchison Falls National Park discovery.

Join the boat cruise by assembling at Paraa jetty for a briefing from the Ranger, and thereafter begin cruising through the calm waters towards the bottom of the falls.

Look out for the birds- African bush elephants, great white and pink-backed pelicans, grey crowned cranes, Pied and Giant kingfishers as well as animals in the form of Hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes. Dinner and slumber at the same Lodge.

Accommodation options;

• Paraa Safari Lodge or Chobe Safari Lodge (luxury).
• Pakuba Safari Lodge or Twiga Safari Lodge (midrange).
• Sambiya River Lodge or Murchison River Lodge (basic).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 4: Connect to the Primate Capital of the World (Kibale Forest National Park)

This day takes you to the Primate Capital of the World, as Kibale Forest National Park is fondly known and it is one of the must-visit safari destinations in the country.

It is about 7-8 hours’ drive from Murchison falls National Park, which is undeniably a long journey but you will be blessed with jaw-dropping views of green tea and banana plantations, the countryside and snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains before being ushered into Fort Portal Town for lunch.

Simple excursions here include Crater Lake tours before checking into the Lodge and spending the rest of the evening unwinding.

Accommodation options;

• Ndali Lodge or Kyaninga Safari Lodge (luxury).
• Chimps Nest or Kibale Forest Camp (moderate).
• Rwenzori View Guesthouse or Chimpanzee Guesthouse (basic).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Exploring the Primate Capital of the World via chimp treks

Transfer to Kanyanchu Visitor Center after breakfast and join other trekkers for briefing on the dos and don’ts of trekking chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

Be allocated to any of the chimpanzee troops and begin walking for about 1-4 hours searching for these Great Apes. Watch them go about their day-to-day activities for an hour and have a picnic lunch within the jungle or hot meal at the Lodge.

In the afternoon, visit Bigodi wetland Sanctuary to discover the 6 primate species and birds that call this Protected Wetland home, as well as its history of establishment. Close the day with a sumptuous meal and later overnight at the comfort of the Lodge.

Accommodation options;

• Ndali Lodge or Kyaninga Safari Lodge (luxury).
• Chimps Nest or Kibale Forest Camp (moderate).
• Rwenzori View Guesthouse or Chimpanzee Guesthouse (basic).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Connect to the beautiful medley of wonders (Queen Elizabeth National Park)

This day, make the three to four-hour trip to the medley of Wonders (Queen Elizabeth National Park).

On arrival, be welcomed by sights of Topis, African bush elephants, Cape buffaloes, Uganda Kobs, warthogs, Defassa waterbucks and so much more.

Make way to the Safari Lodge for Lunch. After a delicious lunch, continue for a cultural visit and enjoy traditional dinner before resting.

Accommodation options;

• Elephant Plains Lodge or Mweya Safari Lodge (luxury).
• Buffalo Safari Lodge or Queen Elizabeth Bush Camp (moderate).
• Bush Lodge Tents or Kazinga Channel View Resort (basic).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 7: Explore the medley of wonders through game drives and Kazinga boat rides

Arise early to witness life of the nocturnal animals before they return to their hideouts and this is through the game drive.

Not only will the spotted hyenas, leopards, lions, serval cats and jackals be possibly spotted but also African bush elephants, Cape buffaloes, Topis, Uganda Kobs, giant forest hogs, warthogs, Defassa waterbucks, Topis and Banded mongoose among others.

You will return for lunch at the Lodge before driving back again to the Park (this time at Mweya Peninsula) for another activity.

In the afternoon, cruise through the beauty of Kazinga Channel where African bush elephants, Hippos and Nile crocodiles are spotted along the banks.

These animals will be going about their activities under the watchful eye of flying African fish eagles. Also expected during the cruise are Pelicans, Kingfishers and many others. Return to the Lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation options;

• Elephant Plains Lodge or Mweya Safari Lodge (luxury).
• Buffalo Safari Lodge or Queen Elizabeth Bush Camp (moderate).
• Bush Lodge Tents or Kazinga Channel View Resort (basic).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 8: Journey to the ultimate gorilla trekking destination (Bwindi)

Early morning, hop into the waiting Safari vehicle from the Lodge and embark on a countryside tour to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

This drive involves stopping at Ishasha sector to see the tree climbing lions then lunch at Savannah Resort in Kanungu. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to your accommodation for overnight and dinner.

Accommodation

• Mahogany Springs Camp or Silverback Lodge (upmarket).
• Kigezi Forest Cottages or Engagi Lodge (moderate).
• Buhoma Community Rest camp or Bwindi View Bandas (basic).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 9: Trekking the Giant Apes in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Depart for the Park Headquarters after breakfast and arrive by 7:00am, followed by a pre-tracking briefing.

Go through the guidelines of trekking and spending time with the Giant Apes, then at 8:00am begin searching for them in the company of armed Ranger and guide. Enjoy a magical one hour encounter with the Giant Apes and return to the Lodge to enjoy lunch.

In the evening, be prepared to immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of surrounding local communities. Learn about their simple but heart-Warming ways of life before settling for dinner and overnight at the Lodge.

Accommodation

• Mahogany Springs Camp or Silverback Lodge (upmarket).
• Kigezi Forest Cottages or Engagi Lodge (moderate).
• Buhoma Community Rest camp or Bwindi View Bandas (basic).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 10: Transfer to the spectacular Lake Bunyonyi for unwinding

Be up early to relish the delicious breakfast before undertaking a transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, your perfect relaxation spot after the non-stop adventure in the savannah and jungle.

Enjoy views of the terraced rolling hills and secluded villages before being ushered into your place of lodging on the shores. After the lunch, take a canoe ride through Africa’s second deepest Lake and drive back to the Lodge to enjoy dinner and overnight.

Accommodation options;

• Arcadia Cottage Lake Bunyonyi (upmarket).
• Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort (moderate).
• Bushara Island Camp (basic).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 11: Explore the beauty of Lake Bunyonyi via Boat ride and nature walk

Following a leisurely breakfast, start your Lake Bunyonyi explorations on a boat ride, stopping at outstanding Islands like the Akampene and Bucuranuka among others.

Proceed with the tour until mid-morning when you get back to the Lodge for lunch. Afterwards, tour the nearby village through a nature walk where the customs and traditions of the people are learnt by tourists.

Accommodation options;

• Arcadia Cottage Lake Bunyonyi (upmarket).
• Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort (moderate).
• Bushara Island Camp (basic).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 12: Journey to the whispers of the wilderness (Lake Mburo National Park)

Arise early to watch the sunrise over Lake Bunyonyi and afterwards embark on the journey to Lake Mburo National Park, the whispers of the Wilderness.

The roughly five-hour drive will be broken up with a number of stopovers for lunch. Spend the afternoon on a boat cruise on Lake Mburo and this is after having lunch at the phenomenal Lakeside Lodge.

While driving to the restaurant, expect to see zebras, giant elands, warthogs, Defassa waterbucks, impalas, Cape buffaloes, and Topis, but for the boat ride, there will be views of Hippos and Nile crocodiles.

Accommodation;

• Mihingo Safari Lodge or Mantana Tented Camp (luxury).
• Rwakobo Rock Lodge or Lake Mburo Safari Lodge (moderate).
• Eagle’s Nest Camp or UWA Bandas and Camps (basic).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 13: Lake Mburo game drive and drive back to Kampala

Set out to drive through Lake Mburo National Park this morning with the open-roof safari vehicle to catch a glimpse of more animals that call this Park home. After lunch, be driven back to the Capital, where dinner and overnight will be provided.

Accommodation options;

• Sheraton Hotel Kampala or Kampala Serena Hotel (luxury).
• Protea Hotel or Grand Imperial Hotel (moderate).
• Emerald Hotel Kampala or Yellow Haven Lodge (basic).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 14: Experience an adrenaline rush at Jinja City

Take a road transfer to Jinja, the adventure Capital of East Africa, after breakfast and arrive after 1-2 hours. On arrival, transfer to the starting point for the boat cruise, where you will brace yourself with lifejackets.

Begin sailing through the grade 4 or 5 rapids on Nile Rivers and settle for lunch.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise to the source of the Nile with views of the countryside and sights of unique bird species. At the end of the day, refresh yourself with a cold drink and dinner at the comfort of the Lodge.

Accommodation;

• Nile Village Hotel & Spa or Jinja Nile Resort (moderate).
• BN Private Beach or Pacific Cottages and Guesthouse (basic).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 15: Depart Kampala and take a flight back home

Relish the sunrise views of Jinja City, followed by breakfast, before getting transferred to Kampala, then to the Airport. This marks the end of our 15-day Uganda Safari.