16 DAYS UGANDA SAFARI HOLIDAY – GORILLA TREKKING, CHIMPANZEE TRACKING, WILDLIFE VIEWING, SCENERY & COMMUNITY TOUR

16 Days Uganda Safari Holiday Package– SAFARI OVERVIEW

16 days Uganda safari holiday is a relaxed, amazing 15 nights/16-day Uganda holiday tour that starts and ends in Entebbe/Kampala to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Murchison Falls Park, Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, and Lake Mburo National Park.

Your safari starts with rhino tracking on foot in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Continue to Murchison Falls Nation Park, a classic savannah park that is neatly bisected by the world’s longest river, the Nile. Embark on game drives looking for big game species such as elephants, buffalo, lion, leopard, hippo, and plenty of birdlife.

Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise to the base of the spectacular falls themselves where the thundering Nile River explodes through an 8-meter rock gap. Also, visit the top of the falls where their immense power is best appreciated.

From there, drive to Kibale National Park for an enlightening insight into life in the tropical rainforest that is home to 1500 wild chimps, numerous monkeys, dazzling butterflies, and gorgeous forest birds. Track a community of chimpanzees on foot and walk in the nearby Bigodi Community to see African rural life in Uganda.

Head down to the extensive grassland of Queen Elizabeth National Park, a biologically diverse park with over 95 mammals of Uganda and 611 Uganda bird species! Enjoy game drives to see big games. Cruise on the hippo-filled Kazinga Channel and visit Ishasha, known for tree-climbing lions.

Finally, travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a life-changing gorilla trekking adventure in a majestic forest that is home to half of the world’s 1063 Mountain Gorillas. After your jungle adventure, go relax on Lake Bunyonyi before moving to Lake Mburo National Park.

Finish your 16 days Uganda safari in Jinja source of the Nile. Spend the last days of your holiday relaxing at a resort on the Nile or fill your time with a selection of the vast array of activities on offer.

If you’d like to book/customize this unforgettable, affordable Uganda safari, please contact us!

16 Days Uganda Safari Holiday Package – PRIME SAFARI ACTIVITIES

  • Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
  • Chimpanzee tracking on foot in Kibale Forest
  • Rhino tracking on foot in Ziwa Sanctuary
  • Searching for the rare tree-climbing lions
  • Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park
  • Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Interactive village community walks/tours
  • Boat trip along the Nile to the Bottom of Murchison Falls
  • Visiting the top of the powerful Murchison Falls
  • Boat cruise to the Nile delta area
  • Kazinga Channel boat cruise
  • Relaxation at the magical Lake Bunyonyi
  • Relaxation in the middle of the world’s longest river.
  • Canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi (optional)
  • Traditional lunch at Igongo Culture Centre
  • Game walk in Lake Mburo National Park
  • Photoshoots at the Uganda Equator crossing
  • White-water rafting on the Grade 5 rapids of the Nile River (Optional)
  • Kampala city tour (Optional)

16 Days Uganda Safari Holiday Package – FEATURED SAFARI DESTINATIONS

Day 1, 2 &3: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary & Murchison Falls National Park

Day 4 & 5: Kibale National Park & Bigodi Community

Day 6, 7, 8, & 9: Ruboni Community & Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 10: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day 11 & 12: Lake Bunyonyi.

Day 13: Lake Mburo National Park

Day 14 & 15: Jinja – the Source of the Nile River

Day 16: Entebbe/Kampala

16 Days Uganda Safari Holiday Package – SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS

Day 1: Transfer from Entebbe/Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park. Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary en route

Day 2: Enjoy a morning game drive & an afternoon Nile launch cruise to the bottom of the falls.

Day 3: Private Nile River delta boat cruise & evening game drive

Day 4: Visit the top of Murchison Falls & transfer to Kibale Forest National Park.

Day 5: Morning chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest & afternoon Bigodi Community walk.

Day 6: Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Visit Ruboni Community on the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains en route & enjoy a game drive upon arrival.

Day 7: Morning game drive in Kasenyi plains, afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise & evening game drive along the channel track.

Day 8: Have Crater Lake and Baboon Cliff view drive in Queen Elizabeth Park. Then transfer to the southern section of Queen Elizabeth National park – Ishasha.

Day 9: Full-day Ishasha game drive in search of tree-climbing lions and other wildlife of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Day 10: Depart Queen for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Enjoy an en-route community tour upon arrival in the evening.

Day 11: Do Mountain Gorilla trekking in Bwindi & undertake a scenic drive to Lake Bunyonyi.

Day 12: Whole day relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi.

Day 13: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park. Have a traditional lunch stop at Igongo Cultural Centre & do an evening game drive upon arrival.

Day 14: Do a morning game walk and transfer to Jinja – the source of the Nile River for relaxation at Lemala Wildwaters Lodge in the middle of the Nile

Day 15: Full day relaxation at Lemala Wild Waters Lodge. Optional white-water rafting on the Grade 5 rapids of the Nile.

Day 16: Transfer back to Entebbe for your onward flight. Optional Kampala city tour.

16 Days Uganda Safari Holiday Package – DETAILED SAFARI ITINERARY

Day 1: Transfer From Entebbe/Kampala To Murchison Falls National Park. Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary En Route

After a good night’s sleep at around 6.30 am, you’ll be met by your guide to begin your safari. You’ll embark on a 311km (5-6 hours) drive northwest to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest national park with an area of 3840km2.

Drive through bustling towns and traditional Ugandan villages with friendly locals. Branch off at Nakitooma in Nakasongola district after about a 115km drive. Divert from the main road for another 7km drive to Ziwa Sanctuary – home to Uganda’s only wild rhinos. Undertake a 2-hour on-foot rhino tracking with an expert local ranger guide.

Watching these prehistoric-looking heavyweights on foot is a thrilling experience. And since proceeds go toward breeding and ultimately reintroducing rhinos into Uganda’s parks, visiting this amazing place is a must.

After this exciting start of your safari, enjoy lunch at the nearby Kabalega dinner. After lunch, continue on a further 1-hour drive into Murchison Falls NP. Bisected by the longest river in the world, the park boasts a beautiful palm-dotted savannah landscape, 76 mammals, 450 bird species, and the world’s most powerful waterfall.

Arrive at your lodge in the early evening to freshen up, relax, and have dinner and a good night’s rest under the stars in Africa.

The highlight of the day: – Rhino tracking on foot in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Accommodation:-

Upmarket/Luxury: – Paraa Safari Lodge/Bakers Lodge

Moderate/Mid-range:- Murchison River Lodge/Pakuba Safari Lodge

Basic/Budget: – Hornbill Bush Lodge/Red Chilli Rest Camp

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drive distance & time: – Approx. 311km or 5-6 hours

Activities & Services Of The Day:-

  • Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
  • Rhino tracking in Ziwa Sanctuary

Other Optional Activities You Can Choose To Do On This Day Include:-

  • Evening game or night game drive in Murchison Falls National Park

Day 2: Enjoy A Morning Game Drive & An Afternoon Nile Launch Cruise To The Bottom Of The Falls

Enjoy an early breakfast at around 6.30 am. Then set off on a 3-4 hours game drive, exploring the savannah plains of Murchison Falls National Park’s northern section which is home to almost 80% of the park’s animals. Look out for Lions, Leopards, Buffalo, Elephants, Warthogs, towering Giraffes, Hippos, Crocodiles, ground-dwelling Patas monkeys, and Olive baboons.

There are also a variety of antelopes including Waterbucks, Bushbucks, Uganda Kobs, reedbucks, and the unusual-looking Jackson’s hartebeest.

After the game drive, return to the lodge for lunch. After lunch, transfer to Paraa Jetty for a relaxing 3-hour boat trip to the base of falls – a highlight of any Uganda trip. You cruise on the historic Nile River viewing huge Crocodiles basking in the sun as they lie in wait for the unsuspecting Antelope that wanders to the river for a drink. You see many hippos, elephants, and buffaloes.

You also see l00s of birds, including brightly-colored Bee-eaters, Spoonbills, Herons, Kingfishers, Fish eagles, and – if you’re lucky – you can even see the incredible Shoebill.

Finally, you dock in a small bay a few meters away from the crashing waterfall. You marvel at Murchison Falls. Here, the 50-meter wide Nile River forces itself an 8-meter rocky gap before falling 45m to what has been termed the “devil’s cauldron” below, forming a plume of spray marked by a thunderous roar and a permanent rainbow. It is a truly unforgettable experience! Return to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

The highlight of the day: – Afternoon boat cruise to the bottom of Murchison Falls

Accommodation:-

Upmarket/Luxury: – Paraa Safari Lodge/Bakers Lodge

Moderate/Mid-range:- Murchison River Lodge/Pakuba Safari Lodge

Basic/Budget: – Hornbill Bush Lodge/Red Chilli Rest Camp

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities & Services Of The Day:-

  • Morning game drive
  • Afternoon boat cruise to the bottom of the falls

Other Optional Activities You Can Choose To Do On This Day Include:-

  • Hot air balloon safari
  • Sportfishing along the Nile River
  • Community tour
  • Night game drive

Day 3: Private Nile River Delta Boat Cruise & Evening Game Drive.

Have breakfast at around 8.30 am and then embark on another full day of exploring the Murchison Falls National Park’s abundant wildlife.

Start with a private (4-5 hours) 20km boat ride from Paraa to the Nile delta area, home to unique wetland birds including the shoebills and papyrus endemics. Gently cruise downstream away from the fierce Murchison Falls. Look out for Hippos in the water, as well as African Elephants, Rothschild’s giraffes, and Nile Crocodiles on the water’s edge.

End your trip at the confluence of the Victoria Nile and Albert Nile. It’s at this point the Nile flows south into Lake Albert and then continues into South Sudan and eventually to the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt.

After the boat cruise, return to your lodge for relaxation and lunch. In the early evening at around 4.00 pm, undertaking a game drive to explore more wild games of Murchison. From, the game drive, return to your lodge for relation, dinner, and overnight.

The highlight of the day: – The boat cruise to the Nile Albert Delta area

Accommodation:-

Upmarket/Luxury: – Paraa Safari Lodge/Bakers Lodge

Moderate/Mid-range:- Murchison River Lodge/Pakuba Safari Lodge

Basic/Budget: – Hornbill Bush Lodge/Red Chilli Rest Camp

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities & Services Of The Day:-

  • Morning game drive
  • Afternoon boat cruise to the bottom of the falls

Other Optional Activities You Can Choose To Do On This Day Include:-

  • Hot air balloon safari with a bush breakfast
  • Fishing for the Nile Perch along the Nile River
  • Visit the Mubako community for amazing dance performances
  • Night game drive in Murchison Falls Park

Day 4: Visit The Top Of Murchison Falls & Transfer To Kibale Forest National Park.

After breakfast at around 8.30 am, drive to the top of Murchison Falls. This 2-hour experience at the top of the falls is highly recommended. Witness the staggering power of the world’s longest river, crashing through a narrow gap in the rock before ferociously plunging down 45m. Feel the force of the water beneath the rocks underfoot. You need to shout to make your voice heard above the tons of water thundering beneath you!

From the falls, slowly continue on a 366km (6 hours) scenic drive southward to Kibale National Park – home to the highest density and diversity of primates in Africa. Drive through lush countryside, traditional farms, and homesteads with serious sightseeing of the Albert Rift en route.

Have a lunch stop in Fort Portal town, a naturally scenic area of Uganda with the Rwenzori Mountains as its backdrop. After lunch continues a 1-hour drive south to Kibale. This 776km2 park is home to over 1500 wild chimpanzees. Besides chimps, it contains a variety of monkeys including Olive Baboon, Red Colobus, Red-tailed, Black-and-white colobus, Blue, and L’Hoest’s Monkeys.

There are also 68 other mammal species, 375 species of birds, and over 250 species of butterflies. Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

The highlight of the day: – Visiting the top of the powerful Murchison Falls

Accommodation:-

Luxury/Upmarket: – Crater Safari Lodge/Kyaninga Lodge/Primate Lodge Kibale

Midrange/Standard: – Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse /Kibale Forest Camp

Budget/Basic: – Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse /Kibale Forest Camp

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drive distance & time: – Approx. 366km or 6 hours

Activities & Services Of The Day:-

  • Transfer to Kibale National Park

Optional Activities You Can Choose To Do On This Day:-

  • Night walk in Kibale Forest to see Pottos & Bushbabies

Day 5: Morning Chimpanzee Trekking In Kibale Forest & Afternoon Bigodi Community Walk.

Enjoy breakfast at around 6.30 am. Then transfer to the Visitor Centre in Kibale National Park for a briefing from an expert local ranger guide about chimpanzee tracking adventure which starts at 8.00 am. After the briefing, your guide leads you on a 2-5 hours trek in search of this great ape. As you trek in Kibale Forest’s lush flora, look out for monkeys, birds, and colorful butterflies.

On encountering the chimps, viewing them as they swing in trees, munch fruit, socialize, patrol, mating, and make hooting calls is a remarkable experience that you will prize forever. You have a full hour to enjoy these precious creatures. You are free to take as many photos as you wish!

After the encounter, return to the starting point for your picnic lunch. After lunch, the adventure doesn’t stop, as you visit the Bigodi Village to explore the daily life of the Batooro and Bakiga people. Visit men making local banana beer, banana juice or wine, and Uganda banana waragi gin. Also, visit traditional healers and learn about spirits, herbs, plants, and local medicines.

End your cultural tour with a visit to the Bigodi Women’s Group for handicrafts demonstrations. It is a group of 150 weavers and has worked cooperatively for more than 15 years to perfect its crafts. They sell baskets, mats, bags, and jewelry made from local materials. Income from these activities is invested in education, health, sanitation, and improving the livelihood of residents. Return to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

The highlight of the day: – Tracking wild Chimpanzees on foot in the primate-rich Kibale Forest

Accommodation:-

Luxury/Upmarket: – Crater Safari Lodge/Kyaninga Lodge/Primate Lodge Kibale

Midrange/Standard: – Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse/Kibale Forest Camp

Budget/Basic: – Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse /Kibale Forest Camp-

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities & Services Of The Day:-

  • Chimpanzee tracking
  • Bigodi village community walk

Optional Activities You Can Choose To Do On This Day:-

  • Night forest walk in Kibale Forest National Park

Day 6: Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Visit Ruboni Community on the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains en route & enjoy a game drive upon arrival.

Have a relaxed breakfast today at around 9.00 am. Then embark on a 2-3 hours scenic drive further southward to the extensive grasslands of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s premier conservation area. Make a stop in Kasese on the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains to explore the Ruboni Community. Explore and discover the cultural traditions of the hardy Bakonjo people who have lived on the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains for centuries.

Visit the local blacksmith who practices his craft as in the days of old, a storyteller, ladies making crafts, and a traditional healer that will explain various herbs, how roots, and leaves from the nearby forest are used, and the ailments that they treat. It is a most interesting time and supports the villagers.

After this inspiring cultural encounter, continue to Queen, arriving at your lodge in time for a late lunch. After lunch, undertake a 2-3 hours evening game drive to explore the beautiful landscapes of Queen Elizabeth NP. The park covers 1978km2. Its beautiful lakes, rolling savannah, emerald forests, and fertile swamps make it a haven for big game like elephant, hippo, lion, and buffalo, as well as ten primate species including chimpanzee.

Queen is also home to a whopping 611 bird species. After your first game drive, return to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

The highlight of the day: – Ruboni Community visit and the scenic views of the Rwenzori Mountains

Accommodation:-

Upmarket/Luxury: – Mazike Valley Lodge/Mweya Safari Lodge,

Midrange/Standard: – Enganzi Game Lodge/Bush lodge/Kasenyi Safari Camp

Budget/Basic: – Pumba Safari Cottages

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities & Services Of The Day:-

  • Transfer to Queen Elizabeth Park
  • Ruboni Village cultural tour
  • Evening game drive

Optional Activities You Can Choose To Do On This Day Include:

  • Night game drive

Day 7: Morning Game Drive In Kasenyi Plains, Afternoon Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise & Evening Game Drive Along The Channel Track

Enjoy an early breakfast at the lodge at around 6.00 am. Then take a 3-4 hours game drive through the Kasenyi Plains, the prettiest section of Queen Elizabeth National Park, especially in the golden light of the morning.

You have an opportunity to spot some impressive animals of Uganda including Elephants, Buffalo, Lions, Leopard, Uganda Kob, Bushbuck, Hippo, Warthog, Giant Forest Hogs, Hyaena, and various smaller creatures. Also, look out for special bird species like Grey-crowned cranes, Ayres’s hawk-eagle, Martial eagle, African fish eagle, Rüppell’s vultures, Palm-nut Vulture, and Grey Kestrel, Black bee-eater, Broad-billed roller, Great blue turaco, Red-chested Sunbird, and more.

After the game drive, return to the lodge for relaxation and lunch. In the afternoon transfer to Mweya Jetty for a 2-hour Kazinga Channel boat cruise which begins at 2 pm. This is one of the most memorable recreational Uganda safari activities you shouldn’t miss. You cruise just meters from hundreds of Hippos, Buffalo, Elephants, and Crocodiles.

Expect to see over 100 species of water birds including African Skimmer, Pelicans, and Storks. After the cruise, do a short game drive along the channel track as you head back to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

The highlight of the day: – The afternoon boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel

Accommodation:-

Upmarket/Luxury: – Mazike Valley Lodge/Mweya Safari Lodge,

Midrange/Standard: – Enganzi Game Lodge/Kasenyi Safari Camp/Bush lodge

Budget/Basic: – Pumba Safari Cottages

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities & Services Of The Day:-

  • Morning game drive in Kasenyi Plains
  • Afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise

Optional Activities You Can Choose To Do On This Day Include:-

  • Lion tracking
  • Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge or Kalinzu Forest
  • Night game drive inside the park
  • A nature walk in the Maramagambo forest – home to forest birds and monkeys
  • Coffee tours

Day 8: Have Crater Lake And Baboon Cliff View Drive-In Queen Elizabeth Park. Then Transfer To The Southern Section Of Queen Elizabeth National Park – Ishasha.

Have breakfast at 7.00 am and check out of your lodge.

Embark on a scenic Crater Drive to explore the volcanic explosion crater lakes that remind us of the Albertine Rift’s violent tectonic history. Follow the breathtaking route around the rims of extinct craters filled, variously, with lakes, forests, and grassland.

Visit the Katwe Salt Lake. Here, the local community has been extracting salt from this lake for over 600 years. Meet a local guide from the community to take you for a tour around the salt mines while explaining how salt mining is done, the challenges faced as well as the opportunities available. Lake Katwe salt extraction project is one of the living examples of man and biosphere reserves or conservation areas in the whole world where man is harmoniously co-existing with wildlife.

Because of the salty condition of this lake, it cannot support any animals within it. However, you will be able to view elephants, buffaloes, and flamingoes at the baboon cliff.

Return from the activity and drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park southern Ishasha sector. It is a famous home for the pride tree-climbing lions who have made old fig trees their regular ‘hangout’. The drive takes about 1-2 hours. Upon arrival, enjoy your lunch and a short relaxation. Then embark on a search for the tree-climbing lions. The drive also exposes you to other games including the Topis, waterbucks, the elephants, the Buffaloes, and the Uganda Kobs.

Retreat from the activity for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

The highlight of the day: – Exploring the Katwe Salt Lake Community

Accommodation:-

Luxury/Upmarket: – Ishasha Wilderness Camp

Mid-range/Moderate: – Enjojo Lodge – Private Cottage

Budget/Basic: – Enjojo Lodge – Self-Contained Tent

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities & Services of the day:-

  • Visiting Katwe Salt Lake
  • Game drive in Ishasha in search of the tree-climbing Lions

Day 9: Full-Day Ishasha Game Drive In Search Of Tree-Climbing Lions And Other Wildlife Of Queen Elizabeth National Park

Have a relaxed breakfast at around 9.00 am. Then undertake a full-day game drive in Ishasha looking out for its rare tree-climbing lions. These mysterious creatures are not something that you’ll encounter on your Africa safaris. Even seasoned animal behaviorists agree that lions are not evolutionarily adapted to climb trees and perch atop branches.

And no one knows exactly why the lions in the Ishasha plains prefer to spend their days perched in trees, and not on the ground like other African lions. Many sources say that maybe the love of the cool weather up in the branches compels them to rest up in the trees while others think that the bites of tsetse flies are less in the trees than on the ground that’s why. Whatever the reason may be, everyone agrees that the sight of the lions resting in the branches of huge trees is unmatched.

Besides tree-climbing lions, you will spot other fantastic Uganda wildlife including huge herds of Buffaloes, Topis, Uganda kobs, Waterbucks, Elephants, Hippos, various monkeys, and birds. Retreat from the activity for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

The highlight of the day: – Finding the rare tree-climbing lions of Ishasha Sector.

Accommodation:-

Luxury/Upmarket: – Ishasha Wilderness Camp

Mid-range/Moderate: – Enjojo Lodge – Private Cottage

Budget/Basic: – Enjojo Lodge – Self-Contained Tent

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities & Services of the day:-

  • Game drive in Ishasha in search of the tree-climbing Lions

Optional Activities You Can Choose To Do On This Day Include:-

  • Community walk to learn about the local Bakiga culture and see their crafts and unique village
  • Bush breakfast in the park

Day 10 Of The 16 Days Uganda Safari: Depart Queen For Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Enjoy An En-Route Community Tour Upon Arrival In The Evening

After a good night’s sleep, enjoy a steaming cup of coffee. Then check out of your lodge at around 8.30 am and depart Queen Elizabeth National Park. Embark on 4 hours drive further south to the great Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The landscape will change dramatically: Bwindi is a place of steep hillsides, dense jungle, and towering trees. After about 4 hours on the road, you’ll arrive at your lodge, at this acclaimed World Heritage Site. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is the most biologically diverse area on Earth.

A sanctuary for half the world’s population of mountain gorillas, an astonishing number of bird species, and healthy populations of colobus monkeys, Bwindi delivers the most incredible jungle adventure.

You will check in to your lodge, have lunch, and relax. In the evening, embark on a community walk through the village to explore the customs and practices of the local people.  Bwindi has long been home to the Batwa people and although they no longer live as they once did in the forest, they have kept many of their indispensable hunter-gatherer skills that they are happy to share with visitors.

Talking to the Batwa will give you a greater understanding of the forest ecosystem and how intermeshed human and animal life is. You can also Bwindi Community Hospital, where you will be humbled by the work done by the Hospital, which services at least 60 000 people. Return to your lodge for relaxation and dinner, after which you are off to bed for a good night’s rest, for tomorrow you go gorilla trekking!

The highlight of the day: – The community village walk around Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Accommodation:-

Luxury/Upmarket: – Haven Lodge Buhoma/Gorilla Forest Camp/Buhoma Lodge

Mid-range/Moderate: – Gorilla Mist Camp/Agandi Uganda Eco-Lodge/Ichumbi Lodge

Budget/Basic: – Trekkers Tavern Cottages.

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drive Distance & time: – Approx. 218km or 4 hours

Activities & Services of the day:-

  • The scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
  • Community village walk around Bwindi

Day 11: Do Mountain Gorilla Trekking In Bwindi & Undertake A Scenic Drive To Lake Bunyonyi.

Wake up at around 6.30 am for a nourishing breakfast (you will need the energy). Then transfer to the national park headquarters for registration.

At 8.00 am, meet your expert local ranger guides for an informative briefing about gorilla trekking. After the briefing, embark on a jungle for a trek to see our closest cousin. Trekking takes between 2 to 8 hours, so a reasonable degree of fitness and a sturdy pair of walking shoes are required. The thrill of encountering these gentle apes in the wild is well worth the fairly challenging trek through steep trails and thick undergrowth. Once you find the gorillas, spend some time watching them feed and interact with each other.

You get to hear the gorillas communicating with one another and marvel at the sheer size of the dominant adult male gorilla, called Silverback. You generally get up close to the adult gorillas to watch them feeding, grooming, and resting, as well as witness baby gorillas at play.

After your encounter, return to the starting point to receive your gorilla trekking certificates. Enjoy your packed picnic lunch and then depart for serene Lake Bunyonyi, about 90 minutes away. Drive through the fascinating Kigezi Highlands where locals apply a terracing method to cultivate their slopes, making for an impressive and scenic landscape. Arrive at Bunyonyi in the late afternoon for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

Lake Bunyonyi – the ‘place of many little birds. The beautiful lake is surrounded by intensively terraced Kigezi highlands and dotted with 29 islands of different sizes and shapes. It second deepest lake in Africa, formed over 10,000 years ago when a river was dammed by lava.

The highlight of the day: – The one magical hour with the gentle mountain gorillas who roam Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Accommodation:-

Luxury/Upmarket: – Birdnest @Bunyonyi Resort

Mid-range/Moderate: – Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drive Distance & time: – Approx. 52km or 90 minutes

Activities & Services of the day:-

  • Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
  • Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
  • Evening boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi

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

  • Birding in the Bwindi Buhoma sector of Bwindi

Day 12: Whole Day Relaxation At Lake Bunyonyi

After a relaxed breakfast today at around 9.00 am, you are free to admire the beauty of the lake and its surrounding hills. You will have a choice of taking a canoe ride on the lake to explore the different Islands with exciting histories behind them. For example, you will visit the Akampane or Punishment Island. The story about this Island is a place where unmarried girls who became pregnant would be exiled. Here, they faced one of two possible fates.

Any man who did not own sufficient cows to pay for an untainted bride was permitted to fetch the disgraced girl from the island and make her his wife. Failing that, the girl would usually starve to death.

Alternatively, you can hike one of the hills around Lake Bunyonyi, swim in the lake, zipline across the lake, or go for a community walk and visit a local school.

The highlight of the day: – Boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi

Accommodation:-

Luxury/ Upmarket: – Birdnest @Bunyonyi Resort

Mid-range/ Moderate: – Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities & Services of the day:-

  • Boat cruise and relaxation on Lake Bunyonyi

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

  • Zip ling
  • Community visits
  • Hiking

Day 13: Transfer To Lake Mburo National Park. Have A Traditional Lunch Stop At Igongo Cultural Centre & Do An Evening Game Drive Upon Arrival.

After a relaxed breakfast at around 9.30 am, depart Lake Bunyonyi for your final national park of this 16 days Uganda safari holiday. Drive northeast through Uganda’s meandering landscape of rolling hills and lush banana plantations – known as one of the most scenic roads in the country. Passing mystical villages often veiled in mist, exchanging waves with friendly locals, and admiring the impressive Ankole cattle (their horns are unusually large), you’ll fully understand just why Uganda is such a hidden gem of a destination.

Make a lunch stop at the Igongo Cultural Centre and Museum in Mbarara. After lunch, continue to Lake Mburo National Park. This Uganda’s smallest park covers 260km2 of wetlands, lakes, savannah grassland, and extensive acacia woodland. It is a famous spot for serious birders with over 350 bird species. It also offers some serene game viewing on nature walks, boat cruises, day and night game drive cycling tours, and horseback rides. You see Zebras, Impala, Eland, Buffalo, Oribi, Waterbuck, Leopard, Hippos, Hyaena, Topi, Reedbuck, and Mongoose.

You basically do an afternoon/early evening game drive in the park as you head to your lodge for relaxation dinner, and overnight.

The highlight of the day: – Game drive in Lake Mburo National Park

Accommodation:-

Luxury/Upmarket: – Mihingo Lodge

Mid-range/Moderate: – Rwakobo Rock/ Mpogo Safari Lodge

Budget/Basic: – Eagles Nest Mburo

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drive distance & time: – Approx. 199km or 4 hours

Activities & Services of the day:-

  • Transfer to Lake Mburo
  • Evening game drive in Mburo Park

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

  • Nigh game drive in Lake Mburo NP for the best opportunity to see the elusive leopards.

Day 14: Do A Morning Game Walk And Transfer To Jinja – The Source Of The Nile River For Relaxation at Lemala Wild Waters Lodge In The Middle Of The Nile River

After breakfast at 7.00 am, enjoy a game walk with an expert ranger guide. Explore the fascinating herbivorous animals of Lake Mburo National Park including Giraffes, Impalas, Zebras, Topis, Warthogs, Waterbucks, Bushbucks, Buffalos, Elands, and numerous birds.

Retreat from a 3-hour activity and embark on a 7-8 hours drive to Jinja city, famous for being the Adrenaline Capital of East Africa and the Source of the Nile – the point at which the world’s longest river exits Africa’s largest lake to commence an epic 6700km journey to the Mediterranean Sea. On the way, pause at the equator to take photos and see how water turns in opposite directions on different sides of this imaginary line.

Proceed to Jinja, and undertake a boat cruise to your Lemala Wildwaters lodge situated on a unique Private Island in the middle of the mighty Nile River. Guest accommodation includes 10 stand-alone elevated timber-floor and super-spacious luxury suites nestled in the rainforest with amazing river views. Each is linked by raised wooden walkways to the restaurant, bar, and library, and features glass-fronted windows, locally handmade furniture, stylish bathrooms with rain showers, and secluded wooden decks with daybeds and romantic free-standing open-air bathtubs. There are also delicious sunrise breakfasts and candle-lit three-course dinners, and a lovely swimming pool cantilevered above the river in the attractive main communal lodge area. On arrival, check in the lodge, relax, and enjoy your dinner and overnight.

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

Accommodation:-

Luxury/Upmarket: – Lemala Wildwaters Lodge

Mid-range/Moderate: – Haven Lodge Jinja/2 Friends Hotel Jinja

Budget/Basic: – Source of the Smile Guesthouse

Meal Plan: – Breakfast

Drive distance & time: – Approx. 320km or 7-8 hours

Activities & Services of the day:-

  • Game walk in Lake Mburo National Park
  • Transfer to Jinja

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

  • Morning game drive in Lake Mburo Park
  • Cycling tour in Lake Mburo Park
  • Horseback safari in Lake Mburo Park
  • Banyankole community tour

Day 15: Full Day Relaxation At Lemala Wild Waters Lodge In The Middle Of The Nile River. Optional White-Water Rafting On The Grade 5 Rapids Of The Nile.

This day is dedicated to your relaxation in the tranquil environment listening to the flowing waters of the longest river in the world. You can have your breakfast at around 9.00 am and take a rest in your lush eco-friendly room, private balcony, or the lush garden setting the body just like new! The sumptuous meals served according to your preference also add spice to the experience.

You can opt to undertake a white-water-rafting adventure along the historic Nile River. It is very popular here, with many thrill-seekers claiming that this stretch of the Nile provides the best rafting in the world. Wildwaters uses adventure operator Adrift to bring you the most exciting experiences. Both half-day and full-day trips are available – the latter involves a picnic lunch on another private island. All levels of skill are accommodated, with excursions across calmer waters on offer too.

The highlight of the day: – Relaxation in the middle of the world’s longest river.

Accommodation:-

Luxury/Upmarket: – Lemala Wildwaters Lodge

Mid-range/Moderate: – Haven Lodge Jinja/2 Friends Hotel Jinja

Budget/Basic: – Source of the Smile Guesthouse

Meal Plan: – Breakfast

Activities & Services Of The Day:-

  • Relaxation at the Nile River in Jinja

Optional Activities You Can Choose To Do On This Day Include:-

  • Whitewater rafting along the Grade 5 rapids of the Nile
  • Birding along the Nile River
  • Families can take part in a special floating expedition
  • Bungee jumping into the historic Nile River
  • Kayaking – half day or full day, relaxing or really wild.
  • Stand-up paddleboarding
  • Horse rides along the riverbank and into a local village
  • Quad bike rides to the Bujagali Falls and the area’s forest and farmlands.
  • Sportfishing around Wildwaters’ island.

Day 16: Transfer Back To Entebbe For Your Onward Flight. Optional Kampala City Tour.

And so an amazing 16 days Uganda safari, unfortunately, comes to an end. After breakfast at the lodge, pack your bags and head to Entebbe International Airport 120km (4-5 hours) drive. Depending on flight departure time, you can opt to undertake a 5 hours tour of Kampala, the capital and commercial city of the Republic of Uganda.

Kampala sits on several hills. Before the British colonialists came to Uganda, the city was the capital of the Buganda Kingdom and remains so to this day. Buganda is one of the last surviving intact African traditional monarchies, established about 700 years ago and headed by a traditional king, called “Kabaka”. His subjects, the 7.6 million-strong tribe of Buganda, are called the Baganda who speak the Luganda language, the most widely spoken language in Uganda.

On the tour, you still see some of the thatched relics of the former glory years of Buganda at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kasubi Royal Tombs, a sacred burial ground of Buganda Kings. You also taste the frenetic energy of day-to-day Ugandan life between the sun-cracked streets of Central Kampala, a place of throbbing markets. You can also visit the Uganda National Museum, Uganda National Mosque, and Uganda Martyrs Shrine Namugongo.

Activities & Services of the day:-

  • Transfer to Entebbe International Airport

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

  • Kampala city tour

End of the 16 Days Uganda Safari Holiday

16 Days Uganda Safari Holiday− SAFARI INCLUSIONS

  • Gorilla Permit (for gorilla trekking safaris)
  • Chimpanzee Permit (for chimpanzee trekking safaris)
  • Full Board Accommodation on Safari
  • Transportation in either 4X4 Safari Van/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
  • Border crossing fees (for cross-border safaris)

16 Days Uganda Safari Holiday − 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)