Day 1: Entebbe Arrival – Transfer to Kampala
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide from Intro Tours & Safaris Africa. Transfer to your hotel in Kampala for check-in and relaxation. (D)
Kampala, the capital city of Uganda, sprawls across seven picturesque hills and offers a range of comfortable accommodations, charming al fresco dining venues, vibrant nightlife, and lush public gardens. Established around a fort built by Frederick Lugard in 1890 for the British East Africa Company, Kampala became the national capital in 1962, succeeding Entebbe.
Accommodation: Choose between Emin Pasha Hotel or Hotel Africana .
Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls NP via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
After breakfast, depart for Murchison Falls National Park via Masindi, entering the park through the Kichumbanyobo gate from the south. En route, visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Cross the Nile River via ferry to reach your accommodation on the north bank. Enjoy a late afternoon game drive. (B-L-D)
Masindi Town, situated in the Bunyoro Kingdom, served as a pivotal gateway during the colonial era, facilitating trade routes from Northern Congo and Southern Sudan to European markets. Explore this historical context before continuing your journey to Murchison Falls NP.
Activities: Bird Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Parks & Places: Murchison Falls National Park (MFNP)
Day 3: Game Drives & Boat Trip upstream the Nile
Embark on an early morning game drive, exploring the rich wildlife habitat along the peninsula between the Victoria and Albert Niles. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat excursion upstream towards the Falls, witnessing a plethora of wildlife along the riverbanks, including hippos, elephants, and Nile crocodiles. Return to your lodge for overnight stay. (B-L-D)
Gain insights into the history of Murchison Falls, discovered by Sir Samuel White Baker in 1864. Named after the President of the Royal Geographical Society, the Falls offer a spectacular natural spectacle.
Activities: Bird Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Parks & Places: Murchison Falls National Park (MFNP)
Day 4: Game Drives & Visit to the Top of the Falls
Embark on another game drive to spot lions, leopards, and patas monkeys. After lunch, take the ferry to the south bank and explore the area around the top of the falls, offering breathtaking views and potential sightings of the elusive Shoebill stork. Overnight at Nile Safari Lodge. (B-L-D)
Discover the significance of the River Nile as it flows into Lake Albert, forming the Albert Nile and continuing through northern Uganda.
Activities: Bird Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Parks & Places: Murchison Falls National Park (MFNP)
Day 5: Transfer to Kibale NP via Fort Portal
Depart for Kibale National Park via Butiaba, Hoima, and Fort Portal. Admire the scenic vistas of the Western Rift Valley (Albertine Rift) and Lake Albert en route. Visit Butiaba on Lake Albert and explore the remnants of the Robert Corringdon Steam Ship before reaching Fort Portal. Time permitting, enjoy shopping before continuing to Kibale Forest NP. (B-L-D)
Learn about the historical and geographical significance of Lake Albert and Fort Portal, established during the colonial era.
Activities: Bird Watching, Chimpanzee Trekking
Parks & Places: Kibale Forest National Park (KFNP)
Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking & Transfer to Mweya (Queen Elizabeth NP)
Embark on a guided nature walk in Kibale Forest, renowned for its diverse primate population. After lunch, journey to Mweya via Fort Portal, marveling at the scenic beauty of the Rwenzori Mountains. Enjoy a short game drive upon arrival. (B-L-D)
Experience the unique biodiversity of Kibale Forest, home to the highest concentration of primates in East Africa.
Activities: Chimpanzee Trekking
Parks & Places: Kibale Forest National Park (KFNP)
Day 7: Game Drives & Boat Excursion on Kazinga Channel (Queen Elizabeth NP)
Set out for early morning game viewing, exploring the rich wildlife along the Kazinga Channel. Afternoon boat excursion on the channel, renowned for its diverse birdlife and aquatic species. Return to your lodge for overnight stay. (B-L-D)
Discover the ecological importance of the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake George and Lake Edward.
Activities: Bird Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Parks & Places: Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP)
Day 8: Kyambura Nature Walk & Transfer to Ishasha (Queen Elizabeth NP)
Embark on a nature walk in Kyambura Wildlife Reserve, home to a variety of wildlife species. Journey to Ishasha, exploring the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy a game drive upon arrival. Overnight at Ishasha Wilderness Camp. (B-L-D)
Experience the diverse ecosystems of Queen Elizabeth NP, from lush rainforests to open savannahs.
Activities: Bird Watching, Chimpanzee Trekking, Wildlife Viewing
Parks & Places: Kyambura – (QENP), Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP)
Day 9: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable NP
Embark on another exciting exploration of Ishasha, soaking in its natural wonders and diverse wildlife.
Commence the day with an early start, venturing into the southern circuit to encounter elephants and traverse the vast savannah plains of Ishasha. This region is renowned for its large buffalo herds, Uganda kob, and topi. Keep a lookout for leopards, particularly near the swamps of the southern circuit. Transition to the northern circuit, famed for its tree-climbing lions. Scan the numerous fig trees where these majestic cats often lounge. Explore the Uganda kob mating ground, a prime hunting territory.
After the morning expedition, return to camp for a leisurely lunch before embarking on the journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive, spanning up to two hours, includes a stopover in Kihihi for refueling and an opportunity for shopping at local stores, where the presence of “Muzungu” (white visitors) often delights village children.
Upon arrival in Bwindi, settle into your accommodation in Buhoma. Take a moment to savor a refreshing drink and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the rainforest. Overnight at your lodge. (B-L-D)
Accommodation: Choose from Buhoma Lodge , Bwindi Lodge , Engagi Lodge , or GF Camp .
Activities: Bird Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Parks & Places: Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP)
Day 10: Gorilla Trekking – Bwindi Impenetrable NP
Embark on an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its pristine wilderness and remarkable biodiversity.
Gorilla trekking is an unpredictable endeavor, requiring patience and resilience. Prepare for a trek lasting between two to eight hours, traversing steep, muddy terrain, and possibly encountering rain. A good level of physical fitness is recommended for this challenging excursion. Once you encounter the gorillas, cherish a precious hour observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. An experienced ranger will provide guidance on appropriate behavior around the gorillas.
Upon returning from the trek, enjoy traditional Bakiga dances performed by the orphans of Buhoma village, offering a cultural immersion experience. Consider contributing to the community by donating used clothes or school supplies to support the orphans’ welfare initiatives. (B-L-D)
The Bwindi Orphans Group, established in 1998, aims to provide care and support to orphaned children in Buhoma village. Through education, agriculture training, and hygiene education, the organization seeks to empower these children for a brighter future.
Activities: Bird Watching, Cultural Activities, Gorilla Trekking
Parks & Places: Gorilla Parks of Uganda
Day 11: Transfer to Lake Mburo NP via Kabale & Mbarara
Embark on a scenic journey to Lake Mburo National Park, traversing the picturesque Kigezi mountains.
After breakfast, depart for Lake Mburo via Kabale, enjoying breathtaking views of the Kigezi mountains en route. Take a lunch break in Kabale before continuing to Lake Mburo via Mbarara. Arrive in the afternoon and embark on a boat excursion on the lake, offering excellent opportunities for birdwatching, including sightings of the African finfoot. Spend the night at Mantana luxury tented camp. (B-L-D)
Lake Mburo is a vital component of a larger ecosystem encompassing Akagera NP (Rwanda) and Tanzania’s Ibanda and Rumanyika Game Reserve, offering unique wildlife encounters not found elsewhere.
Activities: Bird Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Parks & Places: Lake Mburo NP
Day 12: Transfer to Entebbe for Departure
Embark on a guided nature walk in Lake Mburo National Park, renowned for its zebra, impala, and African eland populations.
After an early breakfast