What activities & attractions

During the safari expect to take the Gorilla tracking walk, the chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest. You will do a lot of birding like at Bigodi Sanctuary and game drives in private vehicles along the parks trials. The boat cruise is organized in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo.

Who can do it

Anybody can join this tour itinerary, though the gorilla tracking can be generally the most demanding activity in terms of readiness to walk many hours in the rain tropical forest.

When to go

Generally all the year long is possible to undertake gorilla tracking and game drives in Uganda. The dry seasons are most likely to guarantee a better road conditions in the parks.

DAY 1: Kampala

On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by our representative who will transfer you to Kampala, Mamba Point or similar.

DAY 2: The Murchison Falls

After breakfast, leave Kampala with a panoramic drive Northwest through the famous Luwero Triangle. If you start early morning, it is possible to visit the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary to see rhinos in the wild.

Lunch at Masindi Hotel in Masindi. Proceed to Murchison Falls National Park, the largest protected area in Uganda, with 3.840 Kms, whose name is derived from the falls on the Victoria Nile, which divides the park in two sectors. Relax a bit at a situated site on the top of the spectacular falls, where you can see the Nile’s perfected beauty, and marvel as it compresses and squeezes itself from over 1 kilometer wide down through a 8 meter canyon. The 43 meter drop of the falls creates a thunderous roar and a beautiful rainbow in a plume of spray – the best thing to ever happen to the Nile. Dinner and overnight at Paraa Safari Lodge with unique view on the Nile.

DAY 3: Boat Cruise on the River Nile

After a cup of tea, embark on an early morning game drive on the Northern bank where your guide will help you spot elephants, lions, cape buffalos, Rothschild’s giraffes, hartebeests, waterbucks, oribis, bushbucks, spotted hyenas and, if you are lucky, leopards. Return to the lodge for breakfast. Relax at the swimming pool side.

After lunch, you will safari upstream by boat to the calm Victoria Nile and the base of the falls just tens of meters from the “Devil’s Cauldron.” There you can marvel at toothsome hippos, crocodiles and over the 17-kilometer stretch you may also see elephants, waterbucks and Uganda kobs. This is also the habitat for many bird species including goliath herons, Egyptian geese, pelican bee-eaters, kingfishers, Hombills, cormorants and the rare shoebill stork. After taking photographs of the Murchison Falls you will return for dinner and overnight at Paraa Safari Lodge.

DAY 4: Fort Portal on the shadow of the Mountains of the Moon

After breakfast drive from Murchison Falls Southwest via the Albertine Escarpment of the Western Rift Valley. You drive through Hoima, the town of the Bunyoro kindgom, passing though verdant countryside, tea plantations and traditional homesteads. You reach the colorful and pretty town of Fort Portal, the capital of the Tooro kingdom, in the shadow of the fabled “Mountains of the Moon,” the Rwenzori. Dinner and overnight at Mountains of the Moon Hotel/Rujuna Hilltop Guest House with view of the mountains range.

DAY 5: Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park

After Breakfast, we shall drive to Kibale Forest National Park, for primate viewing. The activity starts at 8.00 am in the morning. A half day search for chimpanzees and other primates including phoestes, Red-colobuses, Blues, Red-tailed and grey cheeked mangabeys swinging through the dense forest and birds, butterflies and many small insects.

The guide will provide detailed explanations on not only primates, but also on all the forest’s fauna and flora. After lunch a visit to Bigodi swamp eco -tourism site is amazing, as we shall encounter rare and beautiful flora and fauna. On the way back do not miss the beauty of the Kasenda Crater Lakes, which dominates all the surrounding areas with the possibility of amazing panoramic views. Dinner and overnight at Mountains of the Moon Hotel/Rujuna Hilltop Guest House.

DAY 6: The boat cruise on Kazinga Channel

After early breakfast, proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park, following the mystical Ruwenzori Mountain Range most of the journey. A game drive enroute may be rewarded with view of waterbucks, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, spotted hyenas and a variety of antelope species. Arrive early for lunch at Mweya Safari Lodge, with its wonderful location on top of the Mweya peninsula. Enjoy the unique two hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel and into Lake Edward.

This trip passes through possibly the highest concentration of hippos and many animals may be seen drinking at the water’s edge. This launch cruise offers an excellent platform for photography, bird watching and game viewing. The prolific bird life is colorful and stupendous with well over 550 resident species. Dinner and overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge.

DAY 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park

After a cup of coffee embark on an early morning game drive along Kasenyi tracks and Queens mile in the park and expect to see lions, elephants, cape buffalos, warthogs, spotted hyenas, mangoose, waterbucks, kobs and, if lucky, the leopard, plus a lot of small animals and birds. You will reach the Lake George. Drive back to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon drive to the splendid Crater Lakes region for sightseeing’s. Dinner and overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge.

DAY 8 The tree climbing lions of Ishasha sector

After breakfast proceed to the Ishasha sector of the Park via Maramagambo Forest. Have a midday game drive on a search for the rare tree climbing lions which you can see only in this area of Uganda. Here lives a population of lions which enjoy resting on the fig trees when the day is warm. The landscape is an open savannah with a variety of acacia trees. Lunch at Savannah Hotel. Proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for dinner and overnight at Buhoma Homestead, Lake Kitandara Tented Camp or Kisoro Tourist Hotel.

Day 9 The encounter with mountain gorillas

Early morning entry into the gorilla sanctuary of Bwindi Forest. The rainforest is spectacular as it offers a dramatic, heavily forested and dense landscape crisscrossed by numerous animal trails, allowing access for tourists. This park is best known for the fascinating mountains gorillas, where the time taken and terrain varies according to the movements of these marvelous primates.

The thrill of spending time with and observing the gorillas is a rare, moving, awesome and exciting adventure. The gorillas are shy and peaceful animals and it is an unforgettable experience to watch and photograph them as they interact with each other. Dinner and overnight at Lake Kitandara Tented Camp or Kisoro Tourist Hotel.

DAY 10 The wonderful Lake Bunyonyi

Take breakfast before making a scenic journey to Kabale through the beautiful terrain of the rolling hills with terraced landscape. An area referred as the “Switzerland of Africa”. Stopover at the Bakiga Museum in Kabale to discover the culture of the people living in the area. Lunch at Arcadia Cottages, with unique and amazing panoramic view of the Lake Bunyonyi, the deepest in Uganda. Afternoon boat ride inside the lake to various islands for bird viewing and sight seeing. Return to Arcadia Cottages for dinner and overnight.

DAY 11: Lake Mburo National Park

After breakfast, you will drive to Lake Mburo National Park, the smallest in Uganda in size. Take a game drive in search for the beautiful impalas, zebras, cape buffalos, elands, oribi and topi. Along with the game drive, many visitors also enjoy a boat trip on Lake Mburo. The park is a very good opportunity for bird watchers, who will enjoy more than 250 species of birds found here, including Papyrus gonoleks, Brown-faced lapwings, Carruther’s cisticolas, the extraordinary White winged Warbler and Bare-faced Go-away bird. Stop over at the Equator on the way back to Kampala for dinner and overnight at Hotel Africana or similar.

DAY 12

Reserved for departure.

The tariff includes

• Airport transfer
• Full board accommodation
• Ground transportation 4×4 Land Cruiser or minibus
• English speaking Driver/Guide
• Entrance fees, taxes and “gorilla permit”

The tariff does not include

• Air ticket
• Tourist insurance
• Entry Visas
• Any other extras not stated as ‘included’ above

This safari gives you the opportunity to visit the three most important national parks in Uganda – Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi National Parks. More to these, you can relax and enjoy the scenery of Lake Bunyonyi in Kabale.

What activities & attractions

During the safari expect to take the Gorilla tracking walk, the chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge. You will do a lot of birding and game drives along the parks’ trials.

Who can go on this trip

Anyone can join this tour itinerary, though the gorilla tracking can be generally the most demanding activity in terms of readiness to walk many hours in the rain tropical forest.

When to go

Generally all the year long is possible to undertake gorilla tracking and game drives in Uganda. The dry seasons are however more likely to guarantee better road conditions in the parks.

DAY 1: Kampala

On your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by our representative who will transfer you to Kampala, Mamba Point or similar hotel.

DAY 2: The marvelous Murchison Falls on the Nile

After breakfast, leave Kampala driving Northwest through the famous Luwero Triangle. If you start early morning, it is possible to visit the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary to see rhinos in the wild. Lunch at Masindi Hotel in Masindi. Proceed to Murchison Falls National Park, the largest protected area in Uganda, with 3,840 Kms, named after the falls on the Victoria Nile, which divides the park into two sectors. Relax a bit at a situated site on the top of the spectacular falls, where you can see the Nile’s perfected beauty and marvel as it compresses and squeezes itself from over 1 kilometer wide down through a seven meter canyon. The 43 meter drop of the falls creates a thunderous roar and a beautiful rainbow in a plume of spray – the best of the Nile River. Dinner and overnight at Paraa Safari Lodge with a unique view of the River.

DAY 3: The boat cruise on the river Nile

After an early breakfast, transverse the Northern part of the park for a game drive to view and take photographs of elephants, buffalos, waterbucks, hippos, giraffes, Uganda kobs, lions, if you are lucky the leopards, plus a variety of bird species. After lunch, proceed for a two-hour cruise to the bottom of the mighty Murchison falls from where appalling water escapes through the narrow gorge forming a great thunder. This is an opportunity to see the amazing hippos, crocodiles along the riverbanks. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

DAY 4: Fort Portal on the shadow of the Mountains of the Moon

After breakfast drive from Murchison Falls NP heading Southwest via the Albertine Escarpment of the great Western Rift Valley. Drive through Hoima and reach the colorful and beautiful town of Fort Portal, the capital of the Tooro kingdom, situated in the shadow of the fabled “Mountains of the Moon,” the Rwenzori. Have lunch at Mountains of the Moon Hotel in Fort Portal or similar. In the afternoon you proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and sightseeing on the way to Mweya Safari Lodge for dinner and overnight. This day’s journey is long, as it takes an average of 8 hours.

DAY 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Pearl of Uganda

Take an early morning cup of coffee before setting off for a game drive along Kasenyi track and Queen’s mile in the park and expect to see lions, elephants, buffalos, warthogs and lots of animals and birds. Get back to the lodge for breakfast. After lunch, enjoy the two hours launch trip on Kazinga Channel for amazing bird life and a variety of wild life. Evening drive to the crater lakes region is lovely and splendid. Dinner & overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge.

DAY 6: The habituated chimpanzees of Kyambura Gorge

After a cup of coffee, with a packed breakfast and lunch, drive to Kyambura gorge for a forest walk to look for the habituated chimpanzees and other primates. This gorge is 16 km long on the Rift Valley and 100 meter deep. The rangers will provide you with a walking stick for this spectacular trekking. After primate walk, drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park through Maramagambo and Ishasha sector of the Park. Dinner and overnight at Buhoma Homestead or Lake Kitandara Tented Camp.

DAY 7: The magic encounter with the mountains gorillas

After an early breakfast and briefing from the guides, set off for the mountains gorilla tracking inside the Bwindi forest. You need to carry drinking water, rain jacket and jungle boots while the rangers will provide you with a walking stick. Gorilla tracking is one of the unique activities you will enjoy while photographing and observing the gorillas. After tracking, come back to the Homestead for lunch before making a scenic journey to Kabale through the beautiful terrain of the rolling hills with terraced landscape. An area referred as the “Switzerland of Africa”. Dinner and overnight at Arcadia Cottages, with the best, incredible view on the Lake Bunyonyi.

DAY 8: The fabulous scenery of Lake Bunyonyi

After an early breakfast, have a two hour boat ride inside Lake Bunyonyi to various islands inside the lake for bird viewing, sight seeing and discovering the sites of the Bakiga culture. Drive to Kampala. Lunch en route in Mbarara at Lake View Regency Hotel. A stopover is made at the Equator for photography. Dinner and overnight at Mamba Point or similar hotel in Kampala.

DAY 9:

Reserved for departure.

This safari gives you the opportunity to visit the most important National Parks in Uganda for primates viewing, Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth and Kibale National Parks.

What activities & attractions

During the safari expect to take the Gorilla tracking walk and the chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest. You will do a lot of birding and game drives in private vehicles along the Queen Elizabeth National Park, including the boat cruise along Kazinga Channel

Who can join this tour

Anybody can join this tour, though the gorilla tracking can be generally the most demanding activity in terms of readiness to walk many hours in the rain tropical forest.

When to go

Generally, all the year long is possible to undertake gorilla tracking and game drives in Uganda. The dry seasons are most likely to guarantee a better road conditions in the parks

DAY 1: Kampala

On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by our representative who will transfer you to Kampala for your dinner and overnight at Mamba Point or similar.

DAY 2: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest via Mbarara, where you will have lunch at Lake View Regency Hotel. On the way you can admire the green tea plantations, the Ankole cattle and the Ugandan farms. You reach Bwindi in the evening for dinner and overnight at Buhoma Homestead set close to the forest, in comfortable self contained Bandas.
Gorilla at Bwindi

DAY 3: The encounter with mountains gorillas

After breakfast drive to the site for briefing before the start of the trekking at 8am. The forest is spectacular as it offers a dramatic, heavily dense landscape crisscrossed by numerous animal trails, allowing access for tourists. This park is best known for the fascinating mountains gorillas. The time taken to reach them and the terrain varies according to the movements of these marvelous primates. The thrill of spending time with and observing the gorillas is a rare, moving, awesome and exciting adventure. The gorillas are shy and peaceful animals and it is an unforgettable experience to watch and photograph them as they interact with each other. Dinner and overnight at Savannah Hotel.

DAY 4: Tree climbing lions of Ishasha

After breakfast you drive via the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Go for the game drive in the open savannah covered by Acacia trees on the edge of the Albertine Rift Valley. You will search for the typical tree climbing lions, a population which is only found in this part of the country. It is impressive to see these animals while they are resting lying on top of the fig’s trees. Have lunch en route. In the afternoon proceed to Mweya Safari Lodge for dinner and overnight.

DAY 5: Boat cruise along Kazinga Channel and Lake Edward

After a cup of coffee, embark on an early morning game drive along Kasenyi and Queens’s mile tracks in the park and expect to see lions, elephants, Cape buffalo, warthogs, leopard, spotted hyena, mongoose, waterbucks, Uganda kobs, topi and a lot of other animals and birds. Return to the lodge for breakfast and relax by the swimming pool or other for the rest of the morning. After lunch board the boat cruise for the best navigation of the Kazinga Channel, a good experience for birding, as you will see many water birds, cormorants, pelicans, eagles, as well as crocodiles, hippos, elephants. In the evening you proceed to Fort Portal for dinner and overnight at Rujuna Hilltop Guest House or Mountains of the Moon Hotel.

DAY 6: Chimpanzees trekking in Kibale National Park

After Breakfast, you drive to Kibale National Park for the chimpanzee and primate trekking in the forest. Here is found one of the largest populations of chimpanzees in Uganda. After lunch in Fort Portal, return to Kampala for dinner and overnight at Hotel Africana or similar.

DAY 7: Kampala

Departure.

The safari package includes

• Full board accommodation included soft drinks for the meals
• Ground transportation by 4×4 Land Cruiser
• English speaking Driver/Guide
• “Gorilla permit” and chimpanzee permit
• Entrance fees, taxes

The safari package does not include

• Air ticket
• Tourist insurance
• Entrance visas: USD 30 directly from Entebbe Int. Airport
• Extra drinks and tips, and any other item of a personal nature, not stated as ‘included’ above

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in South Western Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda a magnificent verdant swathe across the steep ridges of the Albertine Rift Valley. This ancient rainforest is one of the few in Africa to have flourished and a home to half of the world’s endangered population of mountain gorillas. Looking into the expressive brown eyes of these giants is surely the most exciting and poignant wildlife encounter Uganda has to offer! Apart from gorilla trekking, the park boosts of 90 mammal species, including 11 primates and prominent bird species. It is a treasure chest of flora and fauna with four gorilla groups currently available to be visited by only six persons per group on daily basis. However, strict rules have to be followed to prevent behavioral disturbances and transmission of diseases.

Activities & Attractions

Famous for gorilla trekking in Uganda. Flora and fauna, 90 mammal species, including 11 primates and prominent bird species. Ideal for nature guided walks.

Who can take this trip

Whoever enjoys walking for a few hours within one of the most interesting rain tropical forest

When to do

Gorilla tracking in Bwindi is organized all-year-round. You will need to book the Gorilla permits in advance

Day 1: Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Leave Kampala in the morning and drive South stopping at the Equator, a famous spot for photography. For the rest of the journey, view the long horned Ankole cattle, papyrus, acacia woodland and terraced landscape of Kigezi highlands on your way to Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park. Lunch enroute in Mbarara. Dinner and overnight at Buhoma homestead in self contained Bandas or Lake Kitandara Tented Camp.

Day 2: Gorilla Tracking in the rain tropical forest

After an early breakfast and briefing from the guides, set off for the gorilla tracking in the forest sanctuary. The activity starts at 8.00am. You need to carry packed lunch, drinking water, rain jacket and jungle boots while the rangers will provide you with a walking stick. The time taken to find the gorillas varies according to the movements of these marvelous primates. An encounter with an earth shaking 350 pound silver back or a baby gorilla is very exciting and a never forgotten experience! Dinner and overnight at Buhoma Homestead or Kitandara Tented Camp.

Day 3: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Kampala

After breakfast, return to Kampala at leisure. Lunch enroute.
Possible one day extension: Spending the night on Lake Bunyonyi is a rewarding choice; visit Lake Mburo National Park as well on the way back to Kampala.

The safari includes

• Full board accommodation at Buhoma Homestead or Lake Kitandara Tented Camp (Classic) or Buhoma Community Rest Camp (Budget)
• Ground transportation by a 4×4 Land Cruiser.
• Park entrance fees.
• One Gorilla permit per person to be secured and paid for in advance.
• English Speaking Driver/Guide
• Government Taxes.

The safari package excludes

Any cost of personal nature e.g. drinks, tips, laundry, telephone, cigarettes etc., and any other item not stated as ‘included’ above

Queen Elizabeth National Park, the “Pearl” of the Ugandan parks, has been designated a Biosphere Reserve for humanity under UNESCO auspice. The park, in the western arm of the Great Rift Valley, covers 1,978sq.km and includes a remarkable variety of ecosystems, from semi-deciduous tropical forest to green meadows savannah and swamps. It is the home of the famous tree climbing lions as well as the Uganda kob, other antelope’s species, elephant, baboons, hippos, buffalo, and chimps and many more. Over 500 species of birds have been recorded, making the park a magnet for bird watchers. The bird species includes the black bee- eater, 11 types of king fisher, and several species of falcons, eagles and the raptors and many more. In the crater lakes to the north, flocks of flamingoes can be found. A favorite way to view the game is by launch trip on the Kazinga Channel between Lakes George and Edward.

What activities

Game drives, boat cruise along Kazinga Channel and Lake Edward, chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge. Anyone can join this wonderful safari!

When to go

The dry season is the best period, however tours are arranged all-year-round.

Day 1: Kampala to Queen Elizabeth Game Park

Leave Kampala heading Southwest via Masaka and Mbarara. Stop at the Equator – a famous spot for photography. For the rest of journey, enjoy the beautiful papyrus swamps, Acacia woodland and Ishaka tea plantation. Lunch at Mweya Safari Lodge and go for an evening game drive returning at dusk for dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Game drive and launch trip on Kazinga Channel

After a cup of coffee, enjoy the sunrise and take an early morning game drive along Kasenyi track, Queen’s mile and expect to see Elephants, Buffaloes, Lions, Kobs, Waterbuck, and if you are lucky the shy Leopard and Spotted Hyena. Return to the lodge for breakfast and lunch and relax at the swimming pool site. Afternoon, go for a spectacular boat cruise on Kazinga Channel for amazing bird life and a variety of wild animals. Evening sight seeing around the crater area set deep into the volcanic craters and Baboon cliff is amazing! Dinner and overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge.

Day 3 : Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge

After breakfast, drive to Kyambura Gorge for a forest walk in search for the habituated chimpanzees and other primates. This gorge is 16 km long on the Rift Valley and 100 meter deep. The rangers will provide you with a walking stick for this spectacular trekking. Lunch en route. Return back to Kampala.

Optional Extension

Take a game drive to Ishasha sector in search for the tree climbing lions and spend the night at Savannah Hotel.

The safari package includes

• Ground transportation by a 4 x 4 Land Cruiser
• English Speaking Driver Guide
• Full board accommodation at Mweya Safari Lodge for a classic Safari or Mweya Hostel for Budget Safari
• Park entrance fees
• Chimpanzee trekking along Kyambura Gorge
• Boat trip on Kazinga Channel
• Government taxes

The safari package excludes

• Any cost of a personal nature e.g. drinks, tips, laundry, telephone, cigarettes etc., any any other item not stated as ‘included’ above

About the White Nile

The White Nile has up to seven times the volume of the Zambezi. The raft explodes through huge walls of white water and drifts through warm pools in the equatorial sunshine.

Do clients need experience

Clients do not need any previous rafting experience. The guide instructs the clients on all aspects of safety, and prepares them for an unforgettable experience.

Safety

Rafting the Nile has 100% safety records. Clients can enjoy the rafting knowing that they are in the safest hands.

The tariff includes

Transfer from/to Kampala, lunch, soft drinks and beers, rafting equipment, guides. You have lunch on an island in the middle of the Nile. For two days rafting spend the night in tents, in full board accommodation.

Other activities:

• Float trips from Nile High Camp: family boat trips for two hours.

• Try out the Bungee Jumping! Tariff: 65 USD per one jumping

Organization

Collecting point from Kampala at around 7 am and return to Kampala in the evening at around 7pm or next day for package trip.
What to bring with you

Cotton shorts, light t-shirt, rafting sandals or trainers, clothes for changing, towel, sunscreen.