Day 1: Pick-up from Kampala/Entebbe and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

On this day, you will meet our english speaking guide for a warm welcome and briefing about the safari. Embark on a 409km journey via Masaka, Mbarara to Kabale with a brief stopover at the equator in Kayabwe. Drive through daily and weekly markets, busy towns of Baganda, Ankole and Bakiga communities with luncheon in Mbarara.  Pursue your drive to Bunyonyi overland resort or Bunyonyi safari resort for check in for refreshment, dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Ziplining and canoeing

Rise up early, have your breakfast and catch up with your safari guide. Embark on a motorized boat at 8:00am from the main land base and arrive at the zipline launch area at 8:30am.  Get fitted with a harness and helmet, complete a mandatory safety briefing with the professional site guides. Climb the launch platform and take a high speed zipline flight across the open waters of the lake, finish with an optional water dip and de-gear. Take a return boat transfer back to your starting point and head back to your lodge for relaxation and lunch.

After your lunch break, take a walk to the dock to complete the safety orientation and gear out with a dugout canoe for a cruise on the deepest lake in Uganda(feel free to exercise the paddling). The lake consists of over 29 islands including the famous punishment island named Akampene where the Bakiga girls who became pregnant before marriage would be left in isolation to die of starvation. Visit the Bwama island to learn the local histories and the lifestyle of Bakiga. During the cruise, look out for birds like speckled pigeon, augur buzzard, the African paradise fly catcher, white browed Robbin chart, bronze sun bird, common stone chart, great sparrow hawk and many more. Retreat from the cruise, meet your safari guide and head back to your lodge. At leisure, you may dive and feel the magnificent that measures 900 meters of swimming in the deepest lake for dinner and overnight

Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi and Batwa experience

Rise up, check out from your lodge with all your luggage, have your morning breakfast and catch up with your guide at 8:00am. Embark on the car and drive on a 58km journey to Bwindi Impenetrable national park one of the typical tropical forests in Uganda situated at the edge of the great rift valley, north of the Virunga mountains. Check in at Kiho, Rushaga gorilla lodge, Lake mulehe gorilla lodge, Buhoma gorilla camp, Bakiga lodge or similar for lunch and relaxation. After your lunch break, head out for an enchanting cultural experience with the communities neighbouring the park. Disembark from your car and walk to the nearby Batwa community settlement, participate in immerse cultural storytelling, native dance performance and primitive fire making. Explore and support the livelihoods by buying hand woven products made by women craft groups from their souvenir shops. After the cultural immersion, head back to your lodge before its dark, to refresh up, have dinner and slumber.

Day 4: Gorilla trekking experience

Rise up early morning well dressed in your trekking attires, have hot coffee or tea, grab your packed lunch meet your safari guide and drive to the visitor’s information centre for entertainment by energetic Bakiga dancers. Receive the briefing on the Do and Don’ts during the trekking, you will be assigned a gorilla family to visit. Catch up with your designated ranger guide and head out to the allocated gorilla family. You will trek in this iconic typical rain forest for 2-3 or more hours in search for the gentle giants. Once sighted, an hour of observation photography and videography will be granted. While in the forest Expect mammals like Forest elephants, Chimpanzee. Black and white colobus monkeys, mangabey, L’hoest monkeys, antelopes of different species. Sight out birds like African green broadbill, the white-headed wood hoopoe, little bee-eaters, the great blue turaco, the white napped raven, Rwenzori double collared sun bird, shikra, aga buzzard and many more. After your amazing experience, you will graduate and receive your trekking certificates from the ranger guide then embark on your car and drive back to your lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth and game drive in Ishasha

On this morning, Rise up early and check out of your lodge with all your luggage, have your breakfast and meet your guide at 8:00am, Embark on the 4.5 hours journey through banana and tea plantations. Queen Elizabeth National Park is the Uganda’s popular visited national park for her beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife. The eco-system ranges from lush wetlands, sparkle lakes, forests and grasslands. Access the park from the southern end adjacent to Maramagambo forest popularly known for pythons and the bat cave in search for the tree climbing lions. Scan the low hanging branches of the massive fig and acacia trees where lions rest during the hot days to catch some cold breeze and retreat from the stinging insects. This game drive will last for about 1-2 hours. After these beautiful encounters, drive northeastern part of the park and check in at Irungu forest lodge or Kasenyi safari camp for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Morning game drive, bunyampaka Salt Lake and afternoon boat

Rise up early, have your early breakfast and catch up with your guide at 6:30 am and head out to the open plains of Kasenyi for an adventure of both big and small game. Look out for animals like elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, bushbucks, waterbucks, warthogs, and many more. Birds like the lappet faced vultures, grey-headed king fisher, martial eagle, southern red bishop, red-necked spurfowl, black billed bustard, African wattled lapwing and so forth. This Park is set against a backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains and indeed these breathtaking sceneries are worth seeing. This game drive will last for about 3 hours. After your experience here, drive to bunyampaka Salt Lake, step out, stretch and get demonstrations on how salt is locally extracted from the pans using solar energy, processed and stored by the people in the surrounding communities. These methods have evolved down for years thus supporting the wellbeing of the people in the locality. While at the lake, you will be able to see the laser flamingos that come around between October and April when the blooms of blue to green algae are plenty. Drive to the craft village close to the Salt Lake for some souvenirs. After this experience, pursue the drive back to your lodge for a lunch break up to 1:30pm ahead of your afternoon boat cruise.

After your lunch, catch up with your guide and drive to Kazinga channel for the 2:00pm boat cruise. This channel is about 3meters deep, stretching for 40km from Lake George to Edward and plays a keystone role in the eco-system. It inhabits numerous wildlife including crocodiles, hippopotamus, neck-spotted otters and varieties of fish as permanent residents. Elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, forest hogs, warthogs will also be sighted drinking and wallowing to regulate the body temperatures. The Park is a vibrant birding destination with over 550 resident species.  Expect some water birds like the goliath heron, great white pelicans, little grebe, African darter, long tailed cormorants, African fish eagle, African jacana, papyrus gonolek, white faced whistling duck, palm nut vulture and many more. This activity will last for about 2 hours, meet your safari guide and drive to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Day 7: Morning game drive and transfer to Rwenzori Mountain

Check out of the lodge with all your luggage, have your early morning breakfast and catch up with your guide at 6:00am, head out to the eastern part of the park for a morning game drive. This drive gives you more chances to increase on wildlife encounters like lions, leopards, elephants and buffaloes, spotted hyenas exhibiting different behavioral changes. Queen Elizabeth national park is a birding paradise with over 600 species of birds. Your safari guide will aid you lookout for fascinating birds like southern red bishop, long crested eagle, Bateleur, white tailed lark, Senegal plover, lappet faced vulture among others. Retreat from the drive to exit the park before your permit expires. Embark on a 35km journey with a stopover at the Equator point in Kikorongo. This impressive landmark dives the earth into two, the northern and southern hemisphere. The equator is the major factor behind Uganda’s beautiful sunshine and vibrant ecosystem in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Uganda experiences warm and hot weather throughout the year as opposed to the winter and summer seasons in other parts of the world. You will have picturesque moments before you proceed with your drive through Kasese town and the historic Kilembe copper mines to the Trekkers hostel in Kyanjuki for check in, lunch and relaxation.

Day 8: Hike to Sine Camp

Meet your guide for briefing before walking to the UWA ranger post. Set off through the lush afro-montane forest zone, with towering trees and vibrant birdlife. This leg begins with a steady 6km climb along the valley floor. After crossing a river, the trail becomes stepper as you ascend towards Sine camp. Enroute, keep an eye out for playful blue monkeys and soak in the sounds of the forest, just 200 metres from sine Hut, Enock’s falls offer a magical photo opportunity, brightly clouded lichen and verdant vines frame the cascading water like a dream. Sine camp is nested on a narrow ridge beneath towering trees. The wooden huts provide a cosy forest retreat where you can relax by the campfire and swap stories with guides about mountain life and community culture. Located just below the bamboo zone, the area is teeming with bird species and dense greenery.

Day 9: Hike to Samalira camp

The day begins with a vigorous climb through the enchanting bamboo forest.  As you ascend through mixed forest patches bursting with berries and fruits, you will hear the calls of the majestic Rwenzori turaco, its crimson wings adding a splash of colour between trees, the drier seasons, the shimmering female malachite sunbird often graces the lower elevations, feeding on a nector-rich flowers.

At around 3,000 metres, enter the heather zone where towering giant heather trees stretch up to 15 metres. Pose at Kalalama camp (3,147m), an alternative overnight stop boasting panoramic valley views and glimpse of Lake George in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

From Kalalama, hike along a mossy ridge and traverse dense heather forests, ascend briefly to 3,515 metres, the descend into picturesque valley dotted with lobelia flowers, A short climb leads to Kyalavula, followed by a descent along a stunning moss-covered ridge to reach Samalira camp a serene dip in the landscape offering breath taking vistas.

Day 10: Descend to Base camp and Transfer to Fort portal

Head down through bamboo forests and return to the Afro-Montane zone, alive with birds and primates. Just below Omusita rest area, choose to continue directly or take a scenic detour along the Nyamwamba river trail an awe-inspiring forest stretch leading back to the park entrance and basecamp. Meet your safari guide and embark on a 114km journey to fort portal city drive through Bakonzo and Basongora communities, opening up to into the rolling hills covered with commercial tea estates on the foothills of the mountain Rwenzori, banana plantations and rain forest. Some wildlife like forest elephants, Chimpanzee, baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, red colobus, vervets and many others may be seen along the way. Expect various bird species such as grey-backed fiscal, the grey-crowned crane, the broad-bill roller, long crested eagle, hammer kop and many more. Check in at Kalya courts or Koi koi for refreshment, dinner and overnight.

Day 11: Transfer to Masindi

Today you will wake up at your own leisure, have your hot breakfast and check out of the room with all your belongings. Meet your safari guide and embark on a 5 hours’ journey to Masindi via Kagadi-Muhoro with a lunch break in Hoima. Here you will be in a different kingdom of Bunyoro Kitara empire, one of the most powerful kingdoms in the central and East Africa. Proceed with your drive to Masindi town and check in at petal palace motel, High court view hotel or Kabalega resort Masindi for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Day 12: Chimpanzee trekking and transfer to Murchison falls

Check out of your room, well dressed in your trekking attires and have your breakfast. Catch up with your safari guide at 7:30am and drive to the forest for the morning trek. Meet the forest guide for the rules and regulations while trekking. This activity takes 2-3hours depending on the movement and activities of the chimps, once you encounter them, 1 hour of observation and photography will be recommended. Your guide will help you look out for other primates like baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys and so on. After your encounter with the great apes, return to the start point to meet your safari guide and head back for lunch. After your lunch break, embark on a 22km journey south west of Masindi to Murchison Falls National Park through Kichumbanyobo gate where payments for your park admission will be made here by your guide. Drive through a transition of tropical rainforest (Budongo), with an oversight of primates like black and white colobus monkeys, baboons, red tailed monkeys, blue monkeys and many more. Different bird species, trees, butterflies, spiders will also be seen. Proceed with your drive with a scenic view of woodland and grassland to the top of the Falls.

Hiking to the bottom of falls and Sunset drive

Disembark from the car and meet the UWA ranger guide, under take a briefing session and begin 1 hour hike to the bottom of the falls along the Sir Samuel Baker/Winston Churchill trail for a magnificent view of Uhuru and Murchison falls dropping down river on the devil’s cauldron. Expect thunderous roars and mist spray from the violent waterfalls squeezing through the 7m narrow gorge at the top.  From falls, embark on the car and head straight to the savannah for a precise sunset drive. Traverse the Nile and drive for an adventure of both the big and small game. Look out for animals like elephants, buffalos, water bucks, bush bucks, giraffes, leopards, lions and many more. Your safari guide will aid you sight out colorful birds like northern red bishop, grey-headed kingfisher, Grey crowned crane, vultures and so on. This activity will last for about 3 hours. Retreat and check-in at savannah Murchison lodge, Murchison River lodge, Pakuba safari lodge for refreshment, dinner and overnight.

Day 13: Morning game drive and boat cruise

Rise up early for your morning breakfast, catch up with your guide at 6:20am, drive to the open plains of Savannah with the aid of your safari guide and search for the big cats like lions and leopards before they move to their safe dens. More diurnal Mammals like elephants, buffalos, water bucks, bush bucks, giraffes, spotted hyenas, jackal and many more. Numerous birds like Abyssinian ground hornbill, Northern red Bishop, bee-eaters, egrets, yellow-billed ox-peckers, pia piac, the list continues. Expect a scenic view of the palm dotted savannah, cliffs and blue hills of the democratic Republic of Congo. This activity will last for about 4-5 hours. Drive back to the lodge for your lunch break ahead of the boat cruise.

Boat cruise experience

After lunch, drive to the jetty for your afternoon boat launch on the Nile that takes you to the bottom of the water falls. The Nile plays a key role in sustaining the marine life, therefore expect Nile crocodiles, hippos and a lot of water birds like, the king fishers, fish eagles, bee-eaters, egrets, cormorants, darter birds, goose, herons, storks. Some regular visitors like to the Nile like waterbucks, elephants, bushbucks, warthogs, giraffes and many others will be seen quenching.  This Activity will last for about 3hours. Meet your guide at dock and drive to the savannah for a precise sunset drive until 7:00pm. During this moment, predators like lions, leopards may be seen upon luck. Expect more diurnal animals as the weather gets cooler. Retreat to your lodge for refreshment, dinner and overnight.

Day 14: Transfer to Kidepo National Park and Karamojong cultural tour

Check out from your lodge with all your luggage, have your early breakfast and meet your safari guide. Embark on the car and start 314km journey to north eastern Uganda. Exit the park through tangi gate and drive via Gulu and Kitgum with luncheon. Continue with an adventurous drive through the Karamojong region and head to Kidepo National Park. If you ever thought of being on a real African safari, then Kidepo is the perfect place to be. This national park is Uganda’s most unexplored reserve teeming with abundance of wildlife. You will enjoy the true moments of an African savannah.  Arrive early and check in at the Savannah Kidepo lodge or Adere lodge for relaxation ahead of your cultural tour.

Later head out to the community for an authentic African cultural experience. The Karamojong tribe living near this park seem to live behind civilization, they still strongly hold on to their ancient traditions and culture which are similar to that of the Masai in Kenya and Tanzania. This tour will take you through their history/origin and how they associate. Enjoy and participate in their cultural dance before heading back to the lodge for dinner and overnight

Day 15: Morning game drive and Rhino trekking

Have your morning breakfast and proceed for game viewing in the Narus valley, look out for the big four which are present. The grassy Narus valley is most reliable spot for lions and the leopards, huge herds of buffalos and elephants are found in these savannah areas as well. Other animals like the giraffes, rock hyrax, buffaloes, Zebras, oribis, Uganda kobs, elands, hartebeest, reed backs can also be spotted. Birds like the ostrich, secretary bird will also be sighted during this drive. The Park is set against a backdrop of beautiful Mountains ranges offering the best scenery of a true African gem. Head back to your lodge for lunch.

After your lunch break, embark on the car and drive for an afternoon Rhino trekking session. Meet the site ranger guide for briefing on the regulations while with the Rhinos, trek these rhinos on foot until you find them with the aid of guide. 1 hour will be allowed for you to take photos, videos and understanding their social behaviour in their natural habitat. Look out for different bird species while trekking. Walk back to the start point, meet your safari guide and head back to your lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Day 16: Transfer to Jinja

Rise up early and start your 502km journey to Jinja. Drive through districts of Kabong, Moroto, kapchorwa with a lunch stopover in Mbale. Continue with your drive through Iganga to Jinja and check in at Nile porch or Jinja backpackers for refreshment, relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Day 17: Half day rafting, transfer to Kampala and Ndeere cultural centre

Check out of your lodge with all your luggage, Have a morning breakfast at 7:00am and head out to the starting point at Nile for white water rafting. This is considered one of the best one-day activity in the world, no safari to Uganda would be complete without truly experiencing the Nile from its source. This trip down the Nile is safe and accompanied by those who know the river best. The time you spent rafting varies from 2-3 hours for half a day covering 21 KM. After Rafting, embark on the car and drive off for lunch, later proceed with a 2hours journey to Kampala through Mabira forest, one of the largest natural forests in Uganda. Arrive in Kampala early Check in at Bushpig back packers or four points for relaxation and early dinner before heading to Ndeere cultural center for an evening cultural experience.

After your early dinner, catch up with your safari guide and drive off to Ndere.  Ndere Cultural centre is a vibrant place where Uganda’s cultures come to life. It offers authentic Ugandan cultural experience through energetic dance, traditional music, drums, dances, storytelling and colourful costumes. You will experience the rich diversity of Uganda’s many tribes in one unforgettable evening. After your immersive cultural experience, embark on the car and be dropped off to your hotel for overnight stay. Diner plan at Ndeere.

Day 18: Transfer to Entebbe and visit to Entebbe Botanical gardens    

After your hot breakfast, meet your guide and embark on a 43km journey to Entebbe. Check in at best western, protea hotel, Airport view, dream jet suits or similar. Meet your safari guide then walk or drive to the botanical gardens and meet the site guide. Under take a nature walk in a garden for a native, exotic and medicinal tree species like wabugia ugandensis, magnolia, champaca and many more. The local guide will help you site out primate species most notably, black and white colobus monkeys, red tailed monkey and vervet monkeys. Botanical gardens being close to the shores of Lake Victoria, it hosts over 500 bird species. This rich diversity include: African-grey parrot, the Ross’s turaco, African emerald cuckoo, African fish eagle, Pink-backed pelican, water thick-knee, black-headed gonolek, olive-bellied sun bird mentions them. Walk or drive back to the lodge for your hot lunch and relaxation.

Day 19: Shoe bill watching at Mabamba

After your morning breakfast, meet your guide and drive to Nakiwogo landing site for depature. Take the first boat from Nakiwogo landing site on a 45 minutes journey to Mabamba Swamp. Board a small canoe for a guided tour of the swamp. Explore the swamps narrow channel and shallow waters. Spot the iconic shoe bill stork, encounter over 300 bird species and explore mabamba swamps unique ecosystem. This trip takes approximately 1.5-2 hours. Return to the fast boat, and embark on a 45minutes journey back to Nakiwogo Landing site. Arrive at Nakiwogo landing site and drive back to your lodge for lunch, relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Day 20: Transfer to Entebbe Airport

On this day, you will check out of your hotel room with all your belongings. Meet your safari guide, embark on the car drive to Entebbe international airport to catch up with your flight. End of safari.

Essential items for the safari

• Hiking boats
• Rain gear
• Gloves
• Long sleeved shirts/blouse
• Long trousers
• Cameras and extra batteries
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Long socks
• Pair of binoculars
• Toiletries
•  Face masks
• Warm and light clothes.