13 Days and 12 nights
Location Uganda
Highlights:
• Game drives (safaris) on the Savannahs of Lake Mburo, Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks with chances of seeing the wildlife from close quarters.
• Boat trip on the Nile to the Murchison Falls, where the Nile is forced through a gorge and drops 60 meters.
• Tracking primates in kibale and Bwindi impenetrable.
• Boat trip on the Kazinga Channel with the biggest concentration of hippos and spectacular birds.
• Walking safari in lake Mburo National Park.
Day 1: Transfer to Lake Mburo national park.
After a relaxed breakfast our tour guide will pick you from the lodge and transfer to lake Mburo National Park. Nestled in the heart of western Uganda, Lake Mburo National Park stands as a tranquil oasis amidst the rolling hills and savannah landscapes. This compact gem, spanning over 370 square kilometres, offers a rich tapestry of biodiversity and a serene escape into nature. We will do an evening game drive and if the weather is good, we do a sundowner on the lake.
Day 2: Walking Safari and Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi.
Whether you're a seasoned nature enthusiast or a first-time visitor to Africa, our walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park promises to be an enriching and memorable experience. Create lifelong memories as you explore the untamed beauty of Uganda's wilderness on foot. Our knowledgeable and experienced guides will accompany you every step of the way, sharing their expertise and insights into the park's flora, fauna, and ecosystems. Learn about the traditional uses of plants, track animal footprints, and uncover the hidden secrets of Lake Mburo's diverse landscapes. After this unforgettable experience we will transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, often referred to as "the Switzerland of Africa," is a hidden gem nestled in the southwestern highlands of Uganda. Its serene beauty, tranquil waters, and picturesque islands its a must-visit destination for any traveller seeking a peaceful retreat in nature.
Day 3: Boat ride Lake Bunyonyi and later transfer to Bwindi impenetrable national park.
A boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi is a serene and enchanting experience that immerses you in the breathtaking views of the beauty of the hills of kigezi. Referred to as the land of many birds, the lake is surrounded by lush, terraced hills and dotted with 29 islands. Your adventure starts as you board a motorized boat that is equipped with life jackets. This cruise will take you around the main historical island on the lake.
This cruise will take you around the main historical island on the lake. The highlight being the punishment island. A boat cruise on this lake is a magical journey through one of the most beautiful landscapes of Uganda. It offers a unique blend of natural, cultural diversity and peaceful relaxation. In the afternoon we will transfer to Bwindi impenetrable national park. Located in south western part of Uganda Bwindi impenetrable national park is home to more than half of the world’s mountain gorillas. The magical gorilla park was founded in 1991. The once sea of tropical rainforest now stands out as an island covering 321sqkms but still offers a lush tropical rainforest. This impenetrable national park is rich in habitant with over 120 mammal species including over 460 mountain gorillas. Four sectors constitute this park; Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo region. It’s from these sectors where 20 habituated gorilla families live. As you get closer to Bwindi, the landscape becomes increasingly mountainous and forested. You'll catch glimpses of the majestic Virunga Mountains in the distance, which form a natural border between Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
DAY 4: GORILLA TREKKING.
The gorilla tracking day experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is an unforgettable adventure, offering travellers a rare opportunity to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The day usually begins early in the morning with a hearty breakfast at the lodge. Before setting out, you'll attend a briefing by park rangers, who will provide essential information about gorillas behaviours, safety guidelines, and the rules and regulations for gorilla tracking. They'll also assign you to a specific gorilla family group and guide for the trek. With your guide and a small group of fellow trekkers, you'll set off into the dense forest of Bwindi. The trek can vary in duration and difficulty depending on the location of the gorilla family you're tracking.
Ranging from a few hours to a full day of hiking. You'll navigate through thick vegetation, across streams, and over uneven ground, all while keeping an eye out for signs of gorilla activity.
Encountering the Gorillas.
You'll spend a precious hour with the gorillas, quietly observing their behaviours, interactions, and social dynamics. This is a time to marvel at their intelligence, playfulness, and the striking similarities they share with humans. Photography is permitted, but flash photography is not allowed. As a token of your participation in gorilla tracking, you'll receive a certificate from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, commemorating your visit and contribution to gorilla conservation efforts. Back at your lodge you can relax and unwind after a rewarding day of gorilla tracking. The gorilla tracking day experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is not only a thrilling wildlife encounter but also a profound and deeply moving journey into the heart of Africa's natural beauty and biodiversity.
Day 5: Visit communities around Bwindi impenetrable national park.
The Batwa community are the indigenous people who originally lived in the forest with these gorillas in peace until 1994 when Bwindi was gazetted into a national park. They were re-settled around the boundaries of the national park. Visiting them is a deeply moving and enriching experience. This is journey into a unique cultural heritage of one of the most recent forest gathers.
Day 6: Transfer to ishaha sector for tree climbing lions.
After a relaxed breakfast we will transfer to ishaha the southern sector of queen Elizabeth national park. The relatively remote and untouched nature of Ishasha adds a sense of adventure to the game drive. Unlike more popular tourist destinations, this part of the park feels wild and untamed, with fewer vehicles on the trails. It’s ideal for those seeking a more immersive and off-the-beaten-path safari experience.
Whether it’s capturing the majesty of lions resting in trees, the grace of antelopes, or the stunning Ugandan landscape, Ishasha offers excellent opportunities for wildlife photography. With the guidance of your ranger, you’ll have ample time to capture those perfect moments.
Day 7: Morning game drive and transfer to Queen Elizabeth national park.
After an early breaking we will explore the giant fig trees in search of this rare species of lions that can climb trees.
Tree-climbing lions are a rare and fascinating phenomenon found in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda. Unlike most lions, which typically spend their time on the ground, the lions in this area have adapted to regularly climbing and lounging in the branches of fig and acacia trees.
This behaviour is believed to help them escape from the heat on the ground, avoid insect bites, and gain a better vantage point for spotting prey. The sight of these majestic animals resting or playfully interacting in trees is a unique attraction for wildlife enthusiasts visiting the park.
After the game drive we will transfer to the northern sector of queen Elizabeth national park with an option of an evening game drive or a sundowner on the twin lakes.
Day 8: Queen Elizabeth national park, Game Drive & Boat Safari.
After a very early breakfast we will go for a morning game drive on the Kasenyi plains. The Kasenyi Plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park epitomize the quintessential African savannah experience, offering vast expanses of open grasslands teeming with wildlife against a backdrop of rolling hills and distant horizons. These Plains are home to an abundance of wildlife, including large herds of Uganda kob, African buffalo, and waterbuck, which graze leisurely across the savannah. Lions are often spotted lounging in the shade of acacia trees, while leopards lurk stealthily in the tall grasses, waiting for an opportunity to hunt.
Elephants, warthogs, and various antelope species also roam the plains, creating an iconic African safari scene.
In the early afternoon, our best of Uganda safari driver will transfer you for a boat launch safari along the Kazinga channel. The channel is 40m wide and offers beautiful scenery of hundreds of hippos along the banks and different bird species seen when cruising west towards Lake Edward.
Day 9: Transfer to Kibale Forest.
This morning we have a relaxed breakfast and later transfer to kibale national park.
On reaching kibale be ready to embark on a journey that goes beyond the ordinary and immerse yourself in the heart and soul of Uganda's vibrant communities. In this community visit you'll discover the rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality of the local people.
Engage with local villagers and learn about their daily routines, traditions, and customs. Participate in hands-on activities such as traditional coffee making, craft workshops, and cultural performances, gaining firsthand insights into the vibrant tapestry of Ugandan culture. By choosing a community visit in Kibale National Park, you're not just experiencing the beauty of Uganda's wilderness but also making a positive impact on the lives of the people who call this land home.
We will later visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a nature walk; rich in biodiversity and beautiful scenery, the wetland is a birder’s paradise with about 138 species. Located outside the park in Magombe Swamp, it hosts eight primates species, including the black-and-white colobus, grey-cheeked mangabey, red-tailed, L’’Hoest’s and blue monkeys, and olive baboons. Bushbucks and mongooses can also be found here. The sanctuary was set up to preserve the exclusive environmental features and the wetland and is managed by the local community.
Day 10: Chimps tracking.
Embarking on a chimpanzee tracking experience in Kibale National Park is a thrilling adventure that offers a rare opportunity to observe these fascinating primates
Your day begins with an early morning briefing at the park headquarters, where you'll meet your experienced guide who will lead you on the chimpanzee tracking excursion. During the briefing, you'll receive important information about safety precautions, the rules of conduct in the forest, and what to expect during the trek. As you enter the dense forest of Kibale National Park, you'll be enveloped by the sights, sounds, and scents of the African wilderness. The air is alive with the calls of birds and the rustling of leaves, creating an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement.
As you venture deeper into the forest, your guide will communicate with trackers who are familiar with the movements of the chimpanzee groups. When a troop is located, you'll approach quietly and observe these incredible primates from a safe distance. Once you've found a chimpanzee group, you'll have the opportunity to observe their behavior up close. You may witness them grooming each other, playing, or foraging for food among the trees. Your guide will share insights into their social structure, habits, and communication, providing a deeper understanding of these remarkable animals.
Day 11: Transfer to Murchison Falls national park.
This is an African countryside road trip day where our private tour may take 8 hours off your adventure life and reward you with some rare countryside views and Uganda roads experience.
You will depart Fort portal city via the rift valley escarpment road offering spectacular views over Lake Albert to DR Congo and West Nile, passing via the towns of Burisa Hoima, Kenjojo, to our sleep over lodge in Murchison falls national park.
Day 12: Game drive and boat cruise.
The day begins early as we head for the Uganda Kobs mating grounds in hopes of catching sight of the predators swarming the unsuspecting antelopes. We search for lions, elephants, buffaloes, and other wild animals in their natural habitat, before returning to the lodge for lunch.
Murchison Falls is more than a destination; it's a gateway to an immersive natural spectacle, inviting you to explore the untamed beauty that defines Uganda's extraordinary allure. Later in the afternoon embark on an unforgettable adventure with our boat cruise experience in Murchison Falls National Park, where the mighty Nile River reveals its hidden treasures amidst stunning natural beauty. Day 13: Transfer to Kampala via Ziwa rhino sanctuary. After breakfast we will transfer to Kampala with a stopover at Ziwa rhino sanctuary for rhino trekking on foot. At Ziwa it’s the only place in Uganda where white rhinos can be found in the wild. Later will continue to Kampala to end our trip.