16 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour – DETAILED SAFARI ITINERARY

Day 1 of the 16 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour: Arrive in Uganda Via Entebbe International Airport & Transfer to the Lodge.

Arrive in Uganda on your flight from your respective country of origin. You land at Entebbe International Airport which is positioned within a majestic peninsular and surrounded by freshwaters of Lake Victoria – the world’s largest tropical lake.

You’ll be welcomed by the soothing fresh breeze and brightening equatorial sunshine. Connect to the waiting area and meet our company representative. Attend a short briefing about Uganda and this 16 days camping Uganda safari tour-trip in particular after which you board the vehicle and connect to Kampala, the capital city of Uganda.

The drive to Kampala city is about an hour. Along the way you catch a glimpse of Lake Victoria on your right, see several matatus and Boda Bodas (local 4-wheel and 2-wheel taxis) weave daringly through traffic, smartly dressed residents in colorful fabrics negotiating the pot-holed streets, food stalls serving delicious Rolex. On arrival, you check in your accommodation for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

The highlight of the day: – Viewing the serene waters of the world’s largest tropical lake as you touch down Entebbe Airport.

Accommodation: –

Budget/Basic: – Camping at Back Packers Hostel

Meal Plan: – Lunch & dinner

Drive distance & time: – Approx. 40km or 1 hour 

Activities & Services of the day:-

• Pick up from Entebbe International Airport and transfer to the hotel in Kampala

Optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:-

• Visit the Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Lake Victoria’s Ngamba Island
• Explore the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre
• Visit Entebbe Botanical Gardens
• Fishing trip on Lake Victoria
• Sunset boat cruise on Lake Victoria
• Kampala city tour

Day 2 of the 16 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour: Half Day White Water Rafting In Jinja & Afternoon Boat Cruise to the Source of River Nile.

Have an early breakfast at 6.00 am at your place of stay in Kampala. After breakfast,  embark on a 1- 3 hours’ drive from Kampala to Jinja which is a large historical town of Uganda, famed for the source of the Nile, one of the most iconic places in Africa – the point at which the Nile River exit Lake Victoria to commence an epic 6,650km journey north to the Mediterranean Sea.

Along the way to Jinja, you’ll pass through the impressive landscapes of the Kampala city outskirts before entering into the sugarcane plantations at Lugazi, the forested lands of Mabira. Upon arrival check-in, at the lodge, and then get onto the rafts to undertake a challenging whitewater rafting adventure along the Nile River.

Jinja source of the Nile is one of the most spectacular white-water rafting destinations in the world. Here you can expect long, rollicking strings of Grade IV and V rapids, with plenty of thrills and spills. You’ll raft in the company of expert guides who are at your rescue in case the waters push you off the raft. The crowd cheers from the locals on the river bank enjoying the free sights of your struggle with waters will make you part of the community. The adventure goes for a half-day after which you relax a little and then connect to the source of the Nile in the afternoon for a boat cruise. Cruising to the source of the Nile

River exposes you to opportunities of exploring counts of birds.

You will step at the point where John Hanning Speke stood as the first European to discover the source of the Nile, a rewarding adventure that takes you back to the ancient times when the mystical source of this longest river on Earth lured great men into the world of the unknown. Retreat from Jinja and settle in Kampala for overnight

The highlight of the day: – Whitewater rafting on the Nile and cruise to the source of the Nile River.

 

Budget/Basic: – Camping at Back Packers Hostel

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities & Services of the day:-

• Drive from Kampala to Jinja
• Whitewater rafting
• Boat cruise to the source of the Nile River
• Drive back to Kampala

Optional activities you can choose to do on this day in Jinja include:-

• Kayaking along the Nile
• Bungee jumping into the historic Nile River
• Fishing for the Nile Perch
• Jet boating
• Quad Biking
• Mountain biking

Day 3 of the 16 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour: Travel to Lake Mburo National Park. Make a Stop at the Equator Crossing & Do an Evening Game Walking Safari on Arrival.

After breakfast an early breakfast at your hotel at around 6.30 am, you‘ll embark on a 240km (3-4 hours) drive southwest to Lake Mburo National Park.

You’ll break this journey after driving only 77km from Kampala at the Equator crossing Kayabwe which is a re-known site for photography since most of the travelers prefer taking pictures with one leg in one hemisphere and the other leg in a different hemisphere. There are also geographical experiments that can be carried out for the keen geographers to demonstrate the geographical separation of the north and southern hemispheres.

You retreat from this break and continue on the drive to Lake Mburo National Park. You will check-in at the lodge and rest for lunch and simple relaxation. In the early evening, you embark on a thrilling three hours game-walking safari.

The 370km² Lake Mburo Park may be the smallest savannah park in Uganda but it should not be underestimated. Besides the impressive scenery, the park hosts over 350 bird species and 68 species of mammals. This is the only place in southern Uganda where you can see Zebras and the only park in the country with impalas.

During your game walk, you will pass through a savannah ecosystem dotted with lots of acacias as you enjoy the beautiful views of the area including open stretching plains. You’re assured of spotting Zebra,

Buffalo, Impala, Warthog, Waterbuck, and acacia-associated birds. Also available sometimes in large herds of over 100 are Eland antelopes, however, they are quite shy. Recently introduced Giraffes are also sometimes encountered. Retreat from the activity for relaxation, dinner, and overnight

The highlight of the day: – The Uganda Equator crossing experience and game walk in Lake Mburo National Park.

Accommodation: –

Midrange/Standard: – Rwonyo Camp/Arcadia Cottages Mburo/Rwakobo Rock

Budget/Basic: – Camping at Eagles Nest

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities & Services of the day:-

• Drive from Kampala to Lake Mburo National Park
• Photo session at the Uganda Equator crossing
• Evening game walk in Lake Mburo National Park

Optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:-

• Afternoon boat cruise on Lake Mburo
• Horseback safari in Lake Mburo NP
• Evening game drive
• Night game drive

Day 4 of the 16 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour: Experiential Cultural Tour to the Banyankole Community & Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi.

Wake up for breakfast at around 6.00 am and then connect to Enyemebwa Centre to catch up with the herdsmen getting up to do the milking and their daily routine. Arrive and get the milking equipment including the tying rope and the milking pot to actively participate in the traditional hand milking of the world-famous Ankole long-horned cattle.

From milking, participate in sick animal treating, caring for cows like brushing their body using the locally made fiber brush known as Enkuyo, and then set out to graze in the wilderness. Enjoy the stimulating sounds that are made by the herdsmen as they get out to the grazing field. Be mesmerized by the cows know how to align themselves forming a line headed by those that have the special character of leading others.

Retreat from the encounter and visit the traditional hut where you find the women churning milk in the churning gourd. From here, you can explore the extensive banana plantations where you learn about various banana types and their respective use. You can participate in pruning and weeding using local methods and then participate in initial arrangements for traditional lunch.

Take a break from that and rush to the well with red soil that is used for smearing the soil made water trough. Smear the trough, fill it with water and then wait for the cattle to come and water them accordingly. You can also opt to have a bull slaughtered and grilled traditionally for you where you can also have it alongside the delicious local sauce that is made without fire called Eshabwe. Join the women as they clean milk pots and smoking them with the help of handmade ceramic and specially chosen tree and grass Species, making crafts and calf pen arrangements.

In the evening after the cows have settled in their Kraal, you attend to the traditional performances including citations, dancing, and singing. It is a fascinating encounter that allows you to gain a deep immersion of the local culture. Retreat from the activity and embark on the transfer to Lake Bunyonyi. You can opt to have a well set traditional lunch at Igongo Cultural Center 12km to Mbarara town before proceeding in the drive to arrive in Bwindi in the evening for relaxation, dinner, and overnight

The highlight of the day: – The interactive cultural tour in the Banyankore community 

Accommodation: –

Midrange/Standard: – Bunyonyi Overland Resort – Furnished Safari Tents

Budget/Basic: – Camping at Lake Bunyonyi Eco-resort/Bunyonyi Overland Resort-campsite

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities & Services of the day:-

• Boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi
• Visit island communities and School

Optional activities you can choose to do on this day:-

• Cycling in Lake Mburo National Park
• Morning game drive in Lake Mburo NP
• Birding in Lake Mburo National Park
• Traditional meal experience at Igongo Cultural Centre

Day 5 of the 16 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour: Island hopping on Lake Bunyonyi & transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

After breakfast, embark on the whole day of Island hopping exploration visiting the main Islands of Lake Bunyonyi. You explore the Bucuranuka (Upside down) Island which is believed to have buried people alive after refusing to offer local brew to an old woman and she cursed the Island to turn upside down burying its inhabitants.

You also visit the Akampane (Punishment) Island where the girls with unwanted premarital pregnancies would be dumbed to die of hunger or as they as try to swim back to the mainland. There is also Bushara which has impressive forest cover with extensive Eucalyptus plantation, Kyahugye which is a resort Island with wildlife including waterbucks, De Brazza Monkeys, and Impala antelope and Njuyera Islands which is a traditional leprosy healing center that can also be visited.

The hopping experience exposes you to the local life of the Island communities including the process of brewing local beer. Retire from the activity and drive along Kabale – Kisoro road with magical scenery and connect to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for relaxation, dinner, and overnight

The highlight of the day: – Exploring the magical islands of Lake Bunyonyi on a canoe/boat.

Accommodation: –

Budget/Basic: – Camping at Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities & Services of the day:-

• Island hopping at Lake Bunyonyi
• Drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Optional activities you can choose to do on the day include:-

• Community walk at lake Bunyonyi

Day 6 of the 16 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour: Climb Mount Sabyinyo in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Optional Golden Monkey Tracking.

Have a hearty breakfast at around 6.30 am, pack your lunch, mountain trekking essentials, and transfer to Ntebeko visitor center. Have a short briefing about the encounter,

after which embark on the hike to the peak of Sabyinyo Volcano at 3,669m above sea level. Hike through regenerating forest, home to bushbucks and buffaloes. Entering a beautiful bamboo forest where you might be lucky and see the beautiful golden monkeys.

Then hike Afro-montane forest dominated by Hagenia trees whose boughs are laden with wispy old man’s beard. Look out for unique birds including the Rwenzori turaco. Hike further, upper slopes to encounter the alpine moorland vegetation dotted with bizarre giant lobelias and groundsels. The path is very steep and there is a little wooden ladder along the way to prevent erosion and help you on more difficult parts of the ascent.

The final part of the climb requires summiting three peaks linked by high-altitude saddles. Hiking up from the second to the third and the highest peak−located at a tripartite border of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo is particularly spectacular.

Depending on your fitness level and how many stops you make on the way, the hike can take anything from 7 to 10 hours. If it proves to be very strenuous for you or if you battle with the altitude, you can opt to turn back after summiting the first peak. That way, you still get to experience all the different vegetation zones and on a clear day, you’re rewarded with an amazing view from the top. Retreat from the climb to mark the end of the encounter

Alternatively, embark on the golden monkey tracking where you have the opportunity to explore the endangered golden monkeys that are confined to the Virunga massif on a world scale. The habituated groups thrive in the Bamboo zone on the slopes of Mount Gahinga and their golden patch and playful tactics make them interesting to encounter on Uganda safaris.

The highlight of the day: – Hiking the magnificent extinct 3,669m Sabyinyo Volcano

Accommodation: –

Budget/Basic: – Camping at Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp

Accommodation: –

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities & Services of the day:-

• Climb Sabyinyo volcano

Optional activities you can choose to do on the day include:-

• Trek the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family in Mgahinga
• Track the beautiful Golden monkeys which are endemic to the Albertine rift

Day 7 of the 16 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour: Batwa Heritage Trail Exploration & Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

After your breakfast at around 7.30, transfer to the Ntebeko visitor center for a briefing about the Batwa Trail experience which starts at 8.30 am. The trail introduces you to the Batwa/Twa (pygmy) people – a hunter-gatherer tribe who for generations depended on the forest for shelter, food, and medicine. The trail is led by a local Twa guide, who explains how they used to live in

the forest before being ousted when it became a national park.

You follow the trail along the lower slopes of Virunga as Twa guide demonstrates several traditional practical skills such as: – lighting fire by rubbing sticks together, bivouac building that they lived in, hunting and trapping techniques, target practice with a bow and arrow, and how to fetch water in a bamboo cup.

Learn about food gathering; nutritious leaves, plants, berries that are found in the forest that you might not even notice. Also, learn about the plants, roots, herbs, bark from trees that the Batwa have used as medicine for centuries. (You see plants. The Batwa people see a pharmacy). The trail ends inside 342m long Garama Cave where a group of women in the darkness sing and acts out a song of sadness about the loss of their beloved forest and their desire to return to what is now a national park. The trail also includes a discussion of the current plight of the Batwa. It is a journey back to the authentic culture that now facing the risk of extinction.

Retreat from the encounter and embark on the transfer to Bwindi arriving in the evening for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

Covering 321 km², Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a tropical forest wonderland. It has been declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO because of its breathtaking natural beauty and unique ecological significance. The park is world-renowned for excellent gorilla trekking opportunities, harboring nearly half of the Mountain Gorillas on Earth. Aside from the gorillas, there are other drawcards including over 120 mammal species, 10 species of primates, over 350 species of bird to spot, 1000 species of flowing plants, and a variety of colorful butterflies

The highlight of the day: – Encountering the rare tree-climbing Lions in Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth NP.

Accommodation: –

Luxury/Upmarket: – Gorilla Forest Camp/Nkuringo Gorilla Camp

Midrange/Standard: – Gorilla Mist Camp/Nkuringo Gorilla Camp/Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

Budget/Basic: – Buhoma Community Rest Camp/Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

 

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Drive Distance & time: – Approx. 97km or 3-4 hours

 

Activities & Services of the day:-

• Batwa Heritage Trail exploration
• Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day 8 of the 16 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour: Gorilla Trekking & Bakiga/Batwa Traditional Performance at the Lodge in the evening.

Today, experience what some people define as a life-changing event: a meeting with the gentle giants of Bwindi of Impenetrable Forest! Wake up very early in the morning (at around 6.00 am). Have a hearty breakfast, pack your lunch and then embark on a short drive to the respective park headquarter where you meet the expert local ranger guides. At 8.00 am, the guides give an informative briefing on how the gorilla trekking experience is conducted.

After the briefing, embark on a trek to find the gorillas. A Gorilla trek in the dense forest of Bwindi is relatively difficult and needs some stamina. It usually takes 2- 6 hours and may reach altitudes of almost 2000m above sea level. The forest also can sometimes be wet, muddy, and uncomfortable, but the sheer thrill in coming across a habituated family group of gorillas, dominated by a giant male Silverback, more than outweighs any difficulty. An adult male can weigh up to 220kg and reach 6 feet in height but gorillas are placid and gentle; watching their movements are like seeing a mirror image of yourself. Contact time with gorillas is limited to one hour but coming face to face with a family of mountain gorillas is indeed a life-changing experience that will be etched on your mind

forever.

After your one hour with the gorillas, return to the starting point and connect to the lodge for relaxation. In the evening, chilling at the lodge grounds you are treated to a traditional thrill performance of the local Batwa or the Bakiga that live around the park. They have magical songs and dancing styles which make your evening colorful.

The highlight of the day: – The one hour encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas

Luxury/Upmarket: – Gorilla Forest Camp/Nkuringo Gorilla Camp

Midrange/Standard: – Gorilla Mist Camp/Nkuringo Gorilla Camp/Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

Budget/Basic: – Buhoma Community Rest Camp/Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities & Services of the day:-

• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi
• Bakiga/Batwa Traditional Performance

Optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:-

• Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi
• Birding in Bwindi
• Evening village walk

Day 9 of the 16 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Do Game Drive in Ishasha Sector En Route in Search of Tree Climbing Lions.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast today at around 8.30 am. After breakfast, embark on a drive to the scenic Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most popular and accessible savannah game reserve, with a total area of 1978 square kilometers.

‘Queen’ is primarily associated with grassy savannah plains, but this impressive park also includes within its boundaries leafy rainforests, moist acacia woodland, lakes, rivers, dense papyrus swamps, rainforest, and extinct volcanic crater cones with lakes. As a result, it has one of the highest biodiversity ratings of any game reserve in the world, including a total of 95 recorded mammal species and more than 610 species of birds.

On the way, you’ll drive through the southern sector of named Ishasha well known for its tree-climbing

lions. The Ishasha sector presents a remarkable encounter with the unique tree-climbing lions which are only existing in two spots in the whole world with the Ishasha sector having the best viewing opportunities. You continue on the drive to the north of Queen Elizabeth National Park arriving in the evening for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

The highlight of the day: – Encountering the rare tree-climbing Lions in Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth NP.

Accommodation: –

Luxury/Upmarket: – Mweya Safari Lodge – Luxury Safari Tents/Ishasha Wilderness Camp

• Accommodation in JinjaBorder crossing fees (for cross border safaris)

Midrange/Standard: – Kasenyi Safari Camp/Bush Lodge – self-contained tents

Budget/Basic: – Bush Lodge – non-self-contained tents/ Twin Lakes Campsite/Kazinga Channel View Resort

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities & Services of the day:-

Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Searching for tree-climbing lions in Ishasha sector of Queen

Optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:-

• Birding in Bwindi
• Village walks around Bwindi
• Night game drive in Queen Elizabeth NP

• Day 10 of the 16 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour: Morning Game Drive in Kasenyi Plains & Afternoon Kazinga Channel Launch Cruise. Transfer to Kasese.

Enjoy breakfast at 6.00 am and then embark on a 3-4 hours game drive in the classic savannah plains of the Kasenyi sector in search of Elephants, Buffalos, Lions, Leopards, Hyenas, Waterbucks, Bushbucks, Warthogs, Giant forest hogs, Uganda kobs, Hippos, and various smaller creatures. This section, apart from the great wildlife, is also one of the prettiest in the park, especially in the golden light of the morning.

While a major attraction for you is of course the mammals, birding within Queen Elizabeth is superb. You spend some time ticking a good number of special species including Grey-crowned crane, Red-throated spurfowl, Yellow-throated longclaw, White-backed vulture, White-headed vulture, Long-crested Eagle, Black-bellied bustard, African Skimmer, and Brown Snake Eagle, to name just a few. Return to the lodge for relaxation and lunch.

In the afternoon, drive to Mweya Jetty for another remarkable, unforgettable activity planned; the 2-hour boat trip on the 40 Kazinga channel which flows between Lakes George and Edward. One of the world’s densest concentrations of hippo lives here, as well as large numbers of elephants, crocodiles, and water birds like African Open-billed, Yellow-billed, and Saddle-billed Storks; Water Thick-knee and Pelicans.

You retreat from the activity and connect to Kasese on the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains arriving in the evening for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

The highlight of the day: – An amazing wild boat cruise along the spectacular Kazinga Channel.

Accommodation: –

Luxury/Upmarket: – Equator Snow Lodge

Budget/Basic: – Camping at Ruboni Community Camp

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities & services of the day:-

• Morning game drive in Queen
• Afternoon boat cruise on Kazinga Channel
• Transfer to Kasese

Optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:-

• Bush breakfast
• Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge/Kalinzu forest
• Lion tracking in Queen
• Birding in Queen

• Day 11, 12 & 13 of the 16 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour: Adventure Hike to the Rwenzori Mountains – Explore the Muhoma Trail.

Day 11 of the 16 Days Camping Tour in Uganda: Hike from Ibanda to Omu’ka Kizza Rest Camp (2.977 m)

Following a moment of breakfast at your lodge at around 6.30 am, embark on the trek to the legendary mountains of the moon towering to 5,109m above sea level with snowcapped peaks.

The day 1 trek takes you through the Kyambogho pristine forest ridge gaining views of Mubuku Valley, climbing the ridge that is densely forested that shelters counts of primates including the Black and white colobus monkeys, the rare L’Hoest’s Monkey, and the blue monkey stretching up to the Omu’ka Kiiza Rest Camp standing at an elevation 2,977m.

• This point offers you an impressive view of the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains and the town of Kasese at 2,160 meters below and you can have the opportunity of viewing Rwenzori Turaco and hear the pant hooting calls of Chimpanzees. You camp overnight in the mountain wilderness.

Accommodation: – Omu’ka Kizza Rest Camp

Meal plan: – Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 12 of the 16 Days Camping Tour in Uganda:  Hike from Omu’Ka Kizza Rest camp to Lake Mahoma

Following your early morning breakfast at around 7.30 am, embark on the hike to the famous Lake Mahoma which the trail is named after.  The forest offers a way to an extended narrow ridge covered by moss rising to 3,515m above sea level passing through an incredible lush forest comprising of giant heather covered in bright green moss layers.

You impressively follow the mountain elephant footprints passing through the Bamboo and the heather

• forest where you might have the opportunity of encountering them as they consume water at the hot spring.

• The ridge takes you to Rukenga Valley where you can encounter everlasting flowers (mimulopsis eliotti) and the remarkable giant lobelia. After this point, you cross to the Mahoma Lake Camp for dinner and overnight. With a clear sky, you have the opportunity to view Mount Stanley, Mount Baker, and the Portal Peaks from the Camp.

Accommodation: – Mahoma Lake Camp

• Meal plan: – Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 13 of the 16 Days Camping Tour in Uganda:  Walk around Mahoma Lake & Descent to Ibanda. Transfer to Kibale National Park.

After breakfast at around 7.00 am, take a walk around this mountain lake before descending back to the starting point through Nyabitaba ranger post and the Mpanga ridge to adjoin the Valley of Mubuku which is home to the three-horned Chameleon leading you back to Ibanda.

• From Ibanda, you embark on your vehicles and drive to Kibale National Park, a natural habitat for an amazing 13 primate species, and contains the highest primate density of any area on earth including over 1500 chimpanzees.

Some of the trees in Kibale are 50 to 60m (150 to 180 feet) in height and provide a majestic canopy for the profusion of rain forest life, including 325 bird species. On arrival, check in your accommodation for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

Accommodation: –

Luxury/Upmarket: – Papaya Lodge

Midrange/Standard: – Kibale Forest Camp

• Budget/Basic: – Camping at Primate Lodge/Nkuruba Nature Reserve/Rwetera Safari Park

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities & services of the day:-

• Descend the Rwenzori Mountains
• Transfer to Kibale National Park

Optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:-

• Nocturnal walk in Kibale National Park to see nocturnal creatures such Bushbabys, Pottos, Genet, Tree hyrax, and others.

• Day 14 of the 16 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour: Morning Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park & Bigodi Wetland Walk.

Start your day with an early morning breakfast at around 6.00 am. After breakfast, you pack your lunch and transfer to Kanyanchu Visitor Centre to meet the expert local ranger guide. At 8.00 am, the guide gives you a short briefing on the chimpanzee tracking experience, as well as dos and don’ts. Top on the list: avoid getting too close. This is not only for your safety but also for the safety of Chimps as our diseases and virus can easily spread to them due to shared DNA.

After the briefing, you’re accompanied by the ranger guide into the forest to search for the chimps. The trek lasts 2-5 hours and contacts time with the chimpanzees is limited to 1 hour. As you track in the depth of the lush green forest, you’re surrounded by bird songs, colorful butterflies, and monkeys.

• Finally, you’ll approach the chimps which have been fully habituated and thus offering you an opportunity to draw closer and marvel at how similar they’re to humans, watching them (from a safe but intimate distance of 8-10 meters) as you take pictures.

You will retreat from the activity and connect to the starting point and settle for your packed lunch. After lunch, embark on a short drive to the nearby community-run Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a 2 hours swamp walk in this eco-tourism site which hosts 200 bird species and several primates. You can opt to undertake a cultural to Bigodi village and craft center to explore the local way of life. Retreat from the activity for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

The highlight of the day: – Tracking a troop of wild chimpanzees on foot in Kibale National Park

Accommodation: –

Luxury/Upmarket: – Papaya Lodge

Midrange/Standard: – Kibale Forest Camp

• Budget/Basic: – Camping at Primate Lodge/Nkuruba Nature Reserve/Rwetera Safari Park

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities & services of the day:-

• Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale
• A nature walk in the Bigodi Wetland

Optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:-

• Whole-day Chimpanzee Habituation Experience
• Birding in Kibale Forest
• Nocturnal walk in Kibale Forest

Day 15 of the 16 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour: Hike the Fort Portal Crater Lake Field, Tour the Amabere Caves, Cycle in Mpanga Tea Estate & Transfer to Kampala.

• Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at around 8.30 am after which you embark on a 26km drive to the Fort Portal. Upon arrival, you’ll embark on a heritage tour to Amabere caves named after the live stalactite formation, Amabeere ga Nyinamwiru – literally, Breasts of Nyinamwiru.

The breast-like features in the caves are believed to have belonged to Nyinamwiru, the daughter of King Bukuku who is said to have been so beautiful that no man could leave her alone. When the King became weary of receiving marital requests from unsuitable suitors, he took the extreme measure of cutting off his daughter’s breasts to make her less attractive.

But even this proved to be insufficient to deter Nyinamwiru’s many admirers, so the king hid her away in the cave now known as Amabere. Here, she was discovered by the Batembuzi King Isaza, who impregnated her with a son. Because Nyinamwiru lacked breasts, she stayed on in the cave with her baby, feeding him on the cloudy limestone ‘milk’ that drips from its stalactites. The child nurtured by the stalactite formation grew up and became king Ndahura of the legendary Bachwezi dynasty.

From the caves, proceed to hike the dramatic Fort Portal Crater field and summit the famous Kyeganywa hill which offers impressive views of the crater lakes and crater hollows below and the views of Rwenzori Mountains on a clear day.

• Retreat from the encounter and transfer back to Fort Portal town for lunch. After lunch, you connect to Mpanga tea estates for a cycling adventure. The green tea plantation is spread over a beautiful undulating landscape with endless scenic views which makes it ideal to encounter on your mountain bikes. On your cycling, you encounter the estate staff plucking tea and you are free to participate in the exercise to gain the exact touch. Retreat from the activity and embark on the drive back to Kampala 300km about 5 hours’ drive.

The highlight of the day: – Fort Portal Crater Lake field hike and cycling in the Mpanga tea estate.

Accommodation: –

Budget/Basic: – Camping at Back Packers Hostel

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & dinner

• Drive distance & time: – Approx. 300km or 5 hours

Activities & Services of the day:-

Optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:-

Day 16 of the 16 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour: Departure 

This day is dedicated to your departure back home through Entebbe International Airport

Meal Plan: – Breakfast

• Drive distance & time: – Approx. 40km or 1 hour

Activities & Services of the day:-

Optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:-

End of the 16 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour

16 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour − SAFARI INCLUSIONS

• Gorilla Permit (for gorilla trekking safaris)
• Full Board Accommodation on Safari
• Transportation in either 4X4 Safari Van or 4X4 Safari Land Cruiser all with Pop up roof & AC
• Fuel
• Professional English Speaking driver guide. Any other foreign language speaking guide can be arranged on request.
• Entrance fees to the tourist sites including Protected areas mentioned
• Activity fees of the tourist activities mentioned
• Bottled water while on safari

16 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour − SAFARI EXCLUSIONS

• General tips for the driver guide, site guides, and service staff at the lodges
• Laundry Services
• Other Beverages/drinks of personal nature like Alcohol
• International Flights (Arranged on request)
• Domestic Flights (Arranged on request)
• Visas
• Optional Activity fees
• Other extras not mentioned in the Itinerary
• Airport Transfer (Arranged on request)
• Accommodation in Kampala or Kigali unless it is part of the Itinerary (Arranged on request)

18 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour 

10 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour

7 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour

5 Days Uganda Camping Safari

4 Days Uganda Camping Safari

3 Days Gorilla Trekking & Wildlife Camping Safari In Uganda Tour

3 Days Uganda Camping Safari- Wildlife Viewing In Queen

2 Days Uganda Camping Safari

 

 

 

Links Of Related Safari Accommodation In The Featured Safari Destinations For The 16 DAYS UGANDA CAMPING SAFARI TOUR

Accommodation in Kampala

• Luxury accommodation in Kampala
• Midrange accommodation in Kampala
• Budget accommodation in Kampala

• Luxury accommodation in Jinja
• Midrange accommodation in Jinja
• Budget accommodation in Jinja

Accommodation in Lake Mburo National Park

• Luxury accommodation in Lake Mburo National Park
• Midrange accommodation in Lake Mburo National Park
• Budget accommodation in Lake Mburo National Park

Accommodation in Lake Bunyonyi

• Luxury accommodation in Lake Bunyonyi
• Midrange accommodation in Lake Bunyonyi
• Budget accommodation in Lake Bunyonyi

Accommodation in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

• Luxury accommodation in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
• Midrange accommodation in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
• Budget accommodation in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Accommodation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

• Luxury accommodation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Midrange accommodation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Budget accommodation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Accommodation in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

• Luxury accommodation in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
• Midrange accommodation in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
• Budget accommodation in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Accommodation in Kasese.

• Luxury accommodation in Kasese
• Midrange accommodation in Kasese
• Budget accommodation in Kasese

Accommodation in Kibale National Park

• Luxury accommodation in Kibale National Park
• Midrange accommodation in Kibale National Park
• Budget accommodation in Kibale National Park

16 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour − GORILLA TREKKING TIPS

• Carry plenty of water and some quick calories. The trek is relatively tiresome.
• Put on strong hiking shoes/boots
• Wear a long-sleeved shirt/t-shirt, thick trousers.
• Strong gardening gloves for protection against stinging plants are also recommended
• Bring a warm sweater/fleece as it is often cold at the outset
• Carry a rain jacket or poncho since it can rain at any time in the tropical rainforest of Bwindi
• It is also a good idea to have sunscreen and sunglasses

Follow this link to read more about gorilla trekking tips and advice.

Visas for Uganda – do you need a visa to enter/tour Uganda?: Uganda entry, exit, and visa requirements

Passport

Any world traveler interested in a Uganda safari or a Uganda tour is required to be in possession of a valid passport issued by the respective country of origin. Uganda immigration Authorities require that the passport copy should be 6 months valid and must have at least one page where the stamp can be put.

Regarding the citizens of the East African Community, it can be noted that they do not require passports to enter Uganda. They can travel under the admissible temporary document and use their national identification cards for identification.

At Prime Safaris and Tours Ltd, your safety is our utmost priority. We have thus undertaken the necessary safety measures in compliance with the approved Standard Operating Procedures by the Governments of ALL African countries in which we operate with a goal of protecting our customers while traveling and on their Africa safari. The following guidelines will be applicable for your  Safari in Uganda, Rwanda, Congo, and other African Countries.