Best Of Uganda 16 Days
Tour Details
If you are in the mood for a good safari tour on an epic river Nile adventure, then Murchison Falls National Park is a good place to visit. Spreading inland from the shore of Lake Albert around the Nile, Murchison Falls National Park forms part of the Murchison Falls Conservative Area (MFCA). Come see four of the ‘big five’ (elephant, lion, leopard, and Cape buffalo) just above the Nile. Then have a peek at the famous Murchison Falls where the waters of the Nile squeeze through a narrow gorge to make a beautiful waterfall.
Home to one of Uganda’s most beautiful tropical forests, Kibale National Park is a haven for chimpanzees and other wildlife, which makes for a great safari tour. Witness firsthand the density and diversity of primates, including endangered species in their natural habitat. The northern section of the park experiences plenty of rainfall during the months of March to May and September to November, so be sure to take along a raincoat during those wet months. A simple bus ride from Kampala will get you to the park any day of the week.
Located in western Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park was named after the royal Queen Elizabeth II of England and was established in 1954. Famous for its exotic wildlife, the park is home to many elephants, hippos, Congo lions, African Leopards, chimpanzees, and 95 species of mammals. Bird watchers will be delighted to learn that the park also houses 500 species of birds. Come see two of the park’s main attractions: the tree-climbing lion and its volcanic features, like volcanic cones and deep craters. Services that are available include a telecenter, boat launches, park lodges, games, and scenic drives.
For many tourists, gorilla tracking is the highlight of their trip and often a reason to travel to Uganda. In Uganda, you can visit the Gorillas at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest NP and Mgahinga Gorilla NP. Bwindi is Africa’s oldest rainforest and has beautiful ridges, steep valleys, and waterfalls. Be prepared for some steep hikes though. Buhoma is the most accessible track, whereas in Rushaga you can find the largest number of primates. Mgahinga is the path less traveled. Occasionally the gorillas cross to Rwanda but don’t worry as you will get a replacement ticket for Bwindi.
Trip Highlights
- Gorilla Tracking
- Bwindi Impenetrable N.P
- Wild Expeditions Uganda
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe Airport
Arrival at Entebbe Airport where you will be welcomed by a Wild Expeditions representative and transferred to your accommodation in Entebbe.
Day 2: ENTEBBE – MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
Today we will depart for the most beautiful protected area in Uganda: Murchison Falls National Park. En route, we will make a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to the only wild rhinos in Uganda. The reserve was created to reintroduce rhinos to the country which have been extinct since 1982. Together with a guide you will track the rhinos and observe them in their habitat at a very close and safe distance. After this activity continues to Murchison Falls. Dinner and overnight at Red Chilli Rest Camp.
Day 3: MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
After an early breakfast, we start the day with a game drive on the northern bank of the Nile, with chances of seeing giraffes, elephants, lions, hartebeest, and different species of birds. In the afternoon the safari will be continued with a boat cruise on the river Nile for game viewing at close quarters. Upon reaching the bottom of the waterfalls we will depart the boat and climb our way up to the Top of the Falls where we will be rewarded with amazing views of the Nile. Dinner and overnight at Red Chilli Rest Camp.
Day 4: MURCHISON FALLS – KIBALE FOREST NATIONAL PARK
We depart Murchison Falls and head towards Fort Portal. This long journey will be rewarded with stunning views as you pass small villages and local markets. Fort Portal rests in the shadow of the fabled “Mountains of the Moon” and is famous for its many tea plantations. From this lovely town, we will continue to the dense forest of Kibale National Park. Dinner and overnight at the cottages of Primate Lodge Kibale.
Day 5: KIBALE FOREST & BIGODI SWAMP
Today the forest opens its doors for sensational chimp tracking. Kibale Forest is reputable for having the greatest variety and the highest concentration of primates in East Africa. Enjoy a guided nature walk in the tropical rainforest in search of the wild chimpanzee, red-tailed monkey, black-and-white colobus monkey and many others. After a hearty lunch, we transfer to the Bigodi Swamp for another, totally different nature walk. The Bigodi Swamp Walk is an initiative of the local community and is known for its rich diversity of birds and primates. Dinner and overnight at the cottages of Primate Lodge Kibale.
Day 6: CRATER LAKES
Have a calm breakfast before we head off for an exploration of the crater lakes. Enjoy the beauty of the numerous small lakes, surrounded by gentle hills, and stunning views. Take a hike at Lake Nkuruba to encounter different species of primates and birds, and visit the Mahoma Falls. Meet the local people as you walk through their villages, learn about the customs of the Batoro tribe and enjoy the panoramic views. Dinner and overnight at the cottages of Primate Lodge Kibale.
Day 7: KIBALE FOREST – QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
Today you can enjoy the majestic Rwenzori Mountains in their full glory! Have a guided walk at the foothills of the mountains and learn about the local culture firsthand. After this hike, we calmly transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Dinner and overnight at Simba Safari Camp.
Day 8: QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
The day begins early when we start with a morning game drive and head to the mating ground of the Uganda Kobs. We search for lions, elephants, buffaloes and other wild animals in their natural habitat before returning for lunch. In the afternoon we take on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural channel between Lake Edward and Lake George. Thanks to the abundant birdlife that is sighted, and the elephants, buffaloes and hundreds of hippos that are cooling off at the shores, this cruise will definitely be one of the highlights of your safari. Dinner and overnight at Simba Safari Camp.
Day 9: QUEEN ELIZABETH – BWINDI FOREST NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast you will have the possibility to go in search of the chimpanzees in Kyambura Wildlife Reserve, a beautiful gorge completely covered with tropical rainforest (optional, not included in the price). In the afternoon depart to Bwindi National Park, home of the endangered mountain gorillas. Dinner and overnight at Buhoma Community Bandas.
Day 10: GORILLA TRACKING
The highlight of your safari: a meeting with the gentle giants of Bwindi! Especially hikers will love the tracking in the beautiful ecosystem of the park. Expect to walk a long distance in steep and muddy conditions, sometimes with rain overhead, before you encounter any gorillas. But it will definitely be worthwhile as you observe them closely while they eat, play and rest. A unique and unforgettable experience!
Those who prefer not to participate in the gorilla tracking can go for a guided forest walk or explore the surroundings with the Buhoma Village Walk. Dinner and overnight at Buhoma Community Bandas.
Day 11: THE BATWA EXPERIENCE
Although Bwindi is mainly known for the gorillas it has a lot more to offer. Today you will enjoy the Batwa Experience, a firsthand introduction to one of the most unique cultures worldwide. The Batwa pygmies are a forest people displaced from the rain forest they shared with mountain gorillas. This experience will give you the opportunity to learn more about their age-old culture while you enjoy a hike with the Batwa guides, see how they lived and hunted, hear ancient legends and learn about medical plants. The revenue generated from these activities directly benefits Batwa to strengthen its community. Dinner and overnight at Buhoma Community Bandas.
Day 12: BWINDI NATIONAL PARK – LAKE BUNYONYI
After breakfast, we depart to Lake Bunyonyi, the second deepest lake in Africa. Relax, take a swim or go for a canoe trip while you watch the beautiful sunset. Dinner and overnight at Bunyonyi Overland Camp.
Day 13: LAKE BUNYONYI
The morning starts early as you will go to the field to milk. After a calm breakfast, we depart the beautiful lake and head back to the capital city. En route, we will pass the Equator where we will make a stop for photos and souvenir shopping. Late in the afternoon arrived in Kampala. Overnight at Hotel International.
Day 14: KAMPALA – JINJA
After breakfast, we leave the busy city and head towards the east. Jinja is situated directly at Lake Victoria, where the Nile finds its origin. On our way, we will make a stop at Mabira Forest, one of the largest and most beautiful tropical forests in Uganda. A hike will enable you to stretch your legs with chances of seeing different species of primates, birds and colourful butterflies. Continue to Jinja for lunch and a relaxing afternoon. Dinner and overnight at Adrift Nile High Camp.
Day 15: JINJA
Ready for a full day of adventure? Then start rafting at the Source of the Nile! After receiving some instructions, you will start peddling and enjoy the beautiful scenery and thundering rapids to their fullest! And don’t forget to watch the incredible birdlife as you drift quietly between the rapids of the river.
Those who do not wish to go rafting can choose a calm boat ride at the Source of the Nile and watch the rafters going down at the spectacular Bujagali Falls. Dinner and overnight at Adrift Nile High Camp.
Day 16: DEPARTURE
Time to say goodbye to the Pearl of Africa! Enjoy the beauty of the Nile a bit more before we transfer back to Entebbe. In time you will be dropped at Entebbe International Airport for your flight home.
Mugisha Henry
Hotel Information
- Kyambura Gorge Lodge
- Ishasha Wilderness Camp
- Mweya Safari Lodge
- Murchison River lodge
- Nile Safari Lodge
- Masindi Hotel
The price includes
- Accommodation as per itinerary
The price excludes
- Gorilla & chimp permits