Overview
This 18 Days Uganda Safari will give you ample time to explore and discover Uganda, also known as ‘The Pearl of Africa’. You will get to visit five of Uganda’s national parks which include Murchison Falls National Park. Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale Forest National park, Bwindi Impenetrable National park and Lake Mburo National Park. During your adventure, you will enjoy safari activities. Such as game drives, boat cruises, a canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi, gorilla and chimpanzee trekking as well visits to the various local communities and getting to know about their different cultures. Some of the incredible highlights during your safari will be the tours of some of Buganda kingdom’s cultural sites/attractions such as King Wamala’s tombs, Namugongo Martyrs’ Shrine and Kasubi Royal Tombs.
This will definitely be an experience of a lifetime for you and your loved ones!
Day 1: Pick up from the airport and transfer to the hotel
As soon as you arrive at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and received by one of our professional tour guides. He will give you a short briefing about your safari before transferring you to your hotel for relaxation, dinner and overnight stay.
In case you arrive during the early hours of the day, you may first go for a city tour in Kampala- Uganda’s capital city before proceeding to your hotel. On this 18 Days Uganda Safari, some of the places that may be exciting to visit include; the Kabaka’s palace, the Uganda Museum, some restaurants (for the delicious local and international cuisines), the crafts market and so on.
Accommodation:
ViaVia Hotel (below budget)
Cassia Lodge (on budget)
Protea Hotel by Marriott (above budget)
Meal plan: all meals and drinking water
Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
You will start your day off with a well prepared breakfast before checking out of your hotel and embarking on your journey to Murchison Falls National Park.
Along the way, you will have a stop-over at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking. This activity will be thrilling as you will have an encounter with the endangered Southern white rhinos. Rhino tracking takes about 3 hours, after which you will have lunch and proceed to the park.
When you arrive at your lodge, you will check in and relax as you wait for dinner and a good night’s rest.
Accommodation:
Red Chilli Rest Camp (below budget)
Pakuba Safari Lodge (on budget)
Chobe Safari Lodge (above budget)
Meal plan: All meals and drinking water
Day 3: Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest and a visit to the top of the Falls
Having finished your breakfast, you will get ready for the day and head out to the Kaniyo Pabidi eco-site for briefing about the safety precautions, rules and regulations concerning chimpanzee trekking. Thereafter, you will start your primate walk in the Budongo Forest under the guidance of professional and experienced ranger guides. During your walk, you will have an encounter with other primates, birds and different plant species in the forest. Once you get into close proximity with the chimpanzees, you will be given only one hour in their presence. Take this chance to take photos and watch the interesting behaviors of humans’ closest cousins.
After the trekking session, you will return to your lodge for lunch and some relaxation. Later in the afternoon, your tour guide will drive you to the top of the falls-one of the most spectacular points of the park. While there, you will see how the Nile waters squeeze through a narrow gorge exploding into what is known as the world’s strongest waterfalls. After this breathtaking experience, you will return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation:
Red Chilli Rest Camp (below budget)
Pakuba Safari Lodge (on budget)
Chobe Safari Lodge (above budget)
Meal plan: All meals and drinking water
Day 4: Morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise
After having a hot cup of coffee, depart for an early morning game drive across the rolling plains of Uganda’s largest National Park where you will have the opportunity of viewing lions, giraffes, hartebeests, buffaloes, elephants among others. Morning game drives are exciting because you are able to see the early risers as they go out to hunt for food/ their prey. Also, you are rewarded with views of the beautiful sunrise while listening the melodious sounds of mother nature in a rather serene environment, not forgetting the refreshing morning breeze.
Return to your lodge for a relaxed breakfast. Later in the afternoon, after having you lunch, you will go for a boat cruise on the Nile where you will spot lots of animals including hippos, Nile crocodiles drinking and bathing in the river’s refreshing waters as well as several bird species. Thereafter, you will return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation:
Red Chilli Rest Camp (below budget)
Pakuba Safari Lodge (on budget)
Chobe Safari Lodge (above budget)
Meal plan: All meals and drinking water
Day 5: Morning game drive and transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
After taking a cup of coffee or tea, you will head out for yet another game drive in search of some of the wild animals that you could have missed during your previous game drive. Expect to spot animals like lions, hyenas, elephants, buffaloes and several others.
Return to your lodge for a delicious breakfast, check out and start on your journey to Kibale Forest National Park. Along the way, you will stop-over in Fort Portal for lunch and sightseeing. 18 Days Uganda SafariYou may visit the grand King’s palace and learn about the history, culture and traditions of the Batooro people. Proceed to the park and upon arrival, you will check into your lodge for relaxation, dinner and a good night’s rest.
Accommodation:
Chimpanzee Guest House (below budget)
Kibale Forest Camp (on budget),
Primate Lodge Kibale (above budget)
Meal plan: all meals and drinking water
Day 6: Chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi Swamp Walk
After getting prepared for this adventurous day, you will head out to the park headquarters located at Kanyanchu. Here, you will join other trekkers for briefing before you proceed into the forest for chimpanzee trekking. Under the guidance of well-trained and experienced ranger guides, you will embark on primate walk inside Kibale Forest. This forest provides an opportunity to visit one of the habituated communities of chimpanzees. 18 Days Uganda Safari, When you finally meet these fascinating creatures, you will be given only one hour in their presence. Take this time to observe their interesting behaviors and take photographs to keep these beautiful moments as lasting memories. After the trekking session, you will return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation.
Later in the afternoon, you will go for the Bigodi Swamp Walk. This activity is designed and managed by the local community surrounding the park. All the fees that are paid for this walk used for the well-being of the local community living around the national park. Additionally, the funds enable the locals to sustainably manage and utilize this wetland. During this adventure, you will see primates such as red colobus monkeys, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, mammals like bushbucks and bush pigs, reptiles and numerous bird species.
As you walk through the community, you will visit the Bigodi Women Group who are experts in weaving mats, baskets and other crafts-some of which you could buy as souvenirs. Also, as you move along, you will learn about the African rural life through observing the way of life of the locals.
Dinner and overnight stay:
Chimpanzee Guest House (below budget)
Kibale Forest Camp (on budget)
Primate Lodge Kibale (above budget)
Meal plan: all meals and drinking water
Day 7: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and a short evening game drive
After having breakfast and checking out of your lodge, you will drive for about 3 hours before reaching Queen Elizabeth National Park. Along the way, you will pass through small towns while viewing several foothills of Mountain Rwenzori. More to that, you catch sight of the small rivers that originate from the Rwenzori mountain ranges and then cross the Equator line – the major latitude (marked 0 degrees).
When you arrive at your lodge, you will check in, have lunch and relax as you prepare for an evening game drive in the Mweya Peninsula. This part of the park is endowed with animals such as antelopes, buffaloes, warthogs, elephants, lions, leopards and so on. After the game drive, you will return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation:
Pumba Safari Camp (below budget)
Twin Lakes Safari Lodge (on budget)
Mweya Safari Lodge (above budget)
Meal plan: All meals and drinking water
Day 8: Morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise on Kazinga Channel.
You will have a cup of coffee – first thing in the morning. Then, you will drive to Kasenyi plains for a game viewing experience. At this time of the day, the big cats are usually out to hunt for their prey. That said, there will be high chances of spotting lions/leopards hunting or feasting on their prey. If you are lucky enough to witness that moment, it could be quite a special memory to hold on to!
During the game drive, you will also have an encounter with animals such as buffaloes, hippos and several species of antelopes. You will also have an opportunity to watch the beautiful heartwarming sunrise.
Afterwards, you will return to the lodge for a relaxed breakfast as you enjoy the refreshing breeze and the beauty of your surroundings. Later in the afternoon, after having lunch, you will go for an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. These two hours of bliss will give you an opportunity to view a number of bird species, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and hippos – bathing and drinking in the refreshing waters of the channel. Take in every moment and ensure to take some photographs to remember these special moments by!
Accommodation:
Pumba Safari Camp (below budget)
Twin Lakes Safari Lodge (on budget)
Mweya Safari Lodge (above budget)
Meal plan: All meals and drinking water
Day 9: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After preparing yourself for the day, you will embark on your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This park is located in the Southwestern part of Uganda and is shared between three districts of Kabale, Kanungu and Kisoro. The journey to the park will take you through the rolling hills with terraced gardens and tea plantations.
When you arrive at your lodge, you will check in and have a delicious lunch. 18 Days Uganda Safari, Thereafter, you will relax as you get ready for gorilla trekking the following day.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park specifically home to almost half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas which makes it one of the most spectacular safari destinations that one could ever visit.
Dinner and overnight stay:
Broadbill Forest Camp (below budget)
Gorilla Mist Camp (on budget)
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp (above budget)
Meal plan: all meals and drinking water
Day 10: Gorilla trekking experience and Batwa community visit
Wake up early, have breakfast, prepare your trekking gear and transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing session. The professional and experienced ranger guides will talk to you about the rules, regulations and safety precautions concerning gorilla trekking.
Afterwards, you will follow your guide into the forest to begin this exciting activity. The trekking time depends on the gorillas’ nesting location the previous night. It is should be noted that gorilla trekking can be strenuous and thus one must be physically fit in order to enjoy the experience.
When you finally locate the gorillas, you will be allowed to spend only one hour in their presence. Use that opportunity to take as many photographs/videos as possible as you observe their unique behaviors.
After trekking, you will return to the park headquarters where you will be awarded a certificate in recognition of your effort in contributing to the conservation of these endangered mountain gorillas.
You will then return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation as you look forward to your evening walk in the Batwa community.
During the community encounter, you will be able to appreciate the effort of the Batwa people in conserving the forest and preserving the endangered mountain gorillas. Furthermore a donation of any kind will offer some support to the local community and in a way improve on their living conditions.
Also, during this adventure, you will get to explore the culture and way of life of the the Batwa people (pygmies). Check out the souvenir shops where you can buy some crafts that are made by the women in the community for instance mats and baskets, visit the local children’s school and learn more about the way of life of this unique group of people.
Dinner and overnight stay:
Broadbill Forest Camp (below budget)
Gorilla Mist Camp (on budget)
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp (above budget)
Meal plan: all meals and drinking water
Day 11: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi and sunset cruise
Get ready for the day, check out of lodge and embark on your journey to Lake Bunyonyi in Kabale District. Did you know that this is one of the lava dammed lakes in Uganda? This simply means that the lake was formed when lava flowing from one of the volcanoes blocked a river channel forcing water to flow backwards hence filling the space there. The word Bunyonyi locally means small birds which is portrayed by the abundance of small birds in this area.
Lake Bunyonyi holds a magnificent position of being the deepest lake in Uganda and the second deepest in East Africa. More to that, the beauty that it holds and its serene environment will definitely provide a suitable environment to relax after your gorilla trekking adventure. When you arrive at your lodge, you will check in, have lunch and relax. Later in the evening, you will go for a sunset cruise where you may enjoy your glass of wine as you admire the beautiful sunset and the surrounding wonders of nature!
Accommodation:
Bunyonyi View Resort (below budget)
Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort (on budget)
Lake Chahafi Resort/Acardia Cottages Lake Bunyonyi (above budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12: Canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi
This day’s activity – the canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi, will take you on an adventure to explore the different islands found on the lake as well as their intriguing historical backgrounds. For instance, when you visit the Punishment Island, you will be told that it was a place where girls who had been found to have gotten pregnant outside of the legitimate traditional marriage arrangement would be dumped and left to die. The island exploration will take a number of hours, after-which you will return to your lodge for lunch.
Later in the afternoon, you may go for a swim in the lake. Lake Bunyonyi is known for being bilharzia, crocodile and hippo free which means that it is an excellent spot for those who love to relax and swim in its refreshing waters.
Dinner and overnight stay:
Bunyonyi View Resort (below budget)
Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort (on budget)
Lake Chahafi Resort/Acardia Cottages Lake Bunyonyi (above budget)
Meal Plan: all meals and drinking water
Day 13: Transfer from Lake Bunyonyi to Lake Mburo National Park
After breakfast, drive to Lake Mburo National Park via the Igongo Cultural center to learn more about the cultures of the ethnic groups that are found in the Western part of Uganda and to have a sumptuous lunch. 18 Days Uganda Safari, When you arrive at your lodge, you will check in and rest for a while. Later in the evening, you may go for a nature walk where you will see animals at a close range such as zebras, impalas, elands, oribi, waterbucks and several others. Finally return to your lodge for dinner and a good night’s rest.
Accommodation:
Hyena Hill Lodge (below budget)
Rwakobo Rock Lodge (on budget)
Mburo Safari Lodge (above budget)
Meal plan: all meals and drinking water
Day 14: Transfer to Kampala with a stop-over at the Equator and the Mpambire drum makers.
After having a relaxed breakfast, you may have a short morning nature walk in the park before checking out of your lodge to set off for Kampala – Uganda’s capital. Along the way, you will stop-over at the Equator for lunch, souvenir shopping and taking photographs.
As you continue with your journey, you will have another stop-over at the Mpambire royal drum makers. For any one who may be interested in buying drums or find out how they are made, this is a perfect destination. However, on the side of the road, you will see drum makers’ shops selling handmade drums of different shapes and sizes. In the Buganda culture, the drum plays a big role during rituals and celebrations. 18 Days Uganda Safari, Some of the materials that are used to make a drum include a hollow log, a properly dried cow hide and an axe. After this drum making adventure, you may buy one to take back home and then proceed to Kampala for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation:
Millennium Terrace Hotel (below budget)
Cassia Lodge (on budget)
Protea Hotel by Marriott (above budget)
Meal plan: all meals and drinking water
Day 15: Visit to Katereke Prison Ditch, the Naggalabi coronation site and the Wamala tombs
The Katereke prison ditch is one of the important places that make up the history of Buganda Kingdom. This ditch was built in the 19th Century by Kabaka Kalema during a time when there was a lot of instability and violence within the palace. The other royal princes and princesses did not want the Kabaka to rule on the throne because he had killed his brother. Apparently, Kabaka Kalema killed his brother over a dispute that was caused by a woman.
About 30 of the Kabaka’s siblings are said to have been imprisoned inside this ditch and due to the fear of being overthrown in case they escaped, he ordered for their killing by torturing and burning.
Meanwhile, after your visit to the prison ditch, you will have lunch and proceed to the Naggalabi coronation site in Buddo. 18 Days Uganda Safari, This is another important site in the history of Buganda because it is where all the kings gave been coronated since the 13th century.
You will then proceed to the Wamala tombs where Kabaka Ssuna II, the first king to welcome foreigners into Buganda Kingdom, was buried. He was also the last to have his jaw bone removed after death. Kabaka Ssuna had 148 wives and 218 children.
Lastly, you will return to your hotel for dinner and a good night’s rest.
Accommodation:
Millennium Terrace Hotel (below budget)
Cassia Lodge (on budget)
Protea Hotel by Marriott (above budget)
Meal plan: all meals and drinking water
Day 16: Visit to Kasubi Royal Tombs and Uganda Museum tour
After preparing yourself for the day, you will head out for yet another exciting cultural experience. You will visit the Kasubi Royal Tombs – the major spiritual site for the Baganda where traditional and cultural practiced have been preserved. Being the burial ground for the previous four kings (Kabakas of Buganda) qualifies this place as a religious centre for the royal family. More to that, this is a place where the Kabaka and his representatives carry out important cultural rituals making it a site where communication links with the spiritual world are maintained.
When you complete your tour of the tombs, you will have lunch and proceed to the Uganda Museum. Located in the capital city of Uganda – Kampala, this museum is a destination that exhibits traditional life, ethnological and natural-historical collections of the cultural heritage of Uganda. Furthermore, it was founded in 1908 after a governor known as George Wilson called for “all articles of interest” on Uganda to be procured. 18 Days Uganda Safari, The Uganda museum is recorded in history as one of the oldest museums in East Africa.
Millennium Terrace Hotel (below budget)
Cassia Lodge (on budget)
Protea Hotel by Marriott (above budget)
Meal plan: all meals and drinking water
Day 17: Namugongo Martyrs’shrine visit and souvenir shopping
Located in Kira Municipality – Wakiso district (Central Uganda), the Namugongo Martyrs’ shrine is one of the largest Christian pilgrimage destinations in Africa. That is dedicated to the 22 Martyrs and saints of Uganda who were killed by the king of Buganda, Kabaka Mwanga II between 1885 and 1887. During your visit to the shrine, you will learn a lot about the history of the Christian faith in Buganda Kingdom.
After your visit, you will have your lunch and then visit various crafts shops for souvenir shopping. 18 Days Uganda Safari, You will definitely find a wide range of arts and crafts. That you can choose from to get the perfect souvenir to take back home with you.
Millennium Terrace Hotel (below budget)
Cassia Lodge (on budget)
Protea Hotel by Marriott (above budget)
Meal plan: all meals and drinking water
Day 18: Transfer to the airport for departure flight
This day will mark the end of your 18 Days Uganda Safari. You will have a relaxed breakfast, check out of your hotel. And transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your flight back home.
End of safari
Inclusions
- Park fees (For non-residents)
- Chimpanzee trekking permits
- Gorilla trekking permits
- All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional English speaking guide
- A comprehensive safari vehicle
- All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
- Fuel for the entire journey with unlimited milage
- All Taxes/VAT
- Round-trip airport transfer
- Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinking water (On all days)
Excluded
- International flights (From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc)
- The government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
NB:
The inclusions and exclusions of the safari can be handled depending on your preferences.
We can provide a professional tour guide that speaks any other language (of your choice) apart from English.
COVID 19 and Ebola travel Guidelines
Ensure to follow all the necessary COVID 19 and Ebola travel guidelines to ensure that you are in a safe and healthy condition during your safari with us. One of our major priority is to provide the best possible safety and comfort during your tour. so please rest assured that you will be in safe hands.
Some of the travel guidelines include wearing and carrying a sufficient number of surgical masks. Moving with an alcohol based hand sanitizer, vaccination against COVID 19 or taking a PCR test and several others. Book with us today and get the safari of your dreams!
