7 Days Uganda Cultural Tour – DETAILED SAFARI ITINERARY

Day 1: Transfer from Kampala to Lake Mburo National Park. Make at the Equator Crossing En-Route & Do an Evening Game Walking Safari on Arrival.

 

Have an early breakfast at around 6.30 am and embark on a 240km (3-4 hours) drive southwest to Lake Mburo National Park. You break this journey after driving 77km from Kampala at the Equator crossing Kayabwe; Uganda is one of the few countries in the world where you can cross this imaginary geographical line on land.

Enjoy photoshoots with one leg in the southern hemisphere and the other in the northern hemisphere. You can also undertake geographical experiments to observe how water swirls in opposite directions on either side of the equator.

Retreat from the break and continue on the drive to Lake Mburo National Park. On arrival, check in at your lodge, settle for lunch and relax. At around 4 pm, embark on the thrilling experience of exploring the park on foot on a unique game-walking safari through an impressive savannah ecosystem with lots of acacia.

Search for wild games including Burchell’s zebras, Impalas (found here in Uganda), Rothschild’s giraffes, Cape buffalos, Defassa waterbucks, Bushbucks, Topis, Common elands (the world’s second-largest antelope), and Warthogs. Of course, you’ll also see a variety of birds! Over 350 species have been recorded in the park, ranging from the unique acacia-associated birds, and waterbirds to rare and range-restricted species.

Some of the top birds to look for are the Red-faced Barbet, Rufous-bellied Heron, Bateleur, Coqui Francolin, Black-bellied Bustard, Brown-chested Lapwing, Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove, Brown Parrot, Red-headed Lovebird, Ross’s Turaco, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Green Wood-hoopoe, and White-headed Barbet, to name just a few. Retreat from the activity for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

The highlight of the day:  – The Uganda Equator crossing experience at Kayabwe and the evening game walk amongst the wild mammals of Lake Mburo National Park.

Accommodation:-

Luxury/upmarket: – Mihingo Safari Lodge

Mid-range/Standard: – Rwakobo Rock/Arcadia Cottages Mburo/Mpogo Safari Lodge

Budget/Basic: – Eagles Nest Mburo

Meal Plan: – Breakfast & Lunch

Drive distance & time: – Approx. 240km or 3 – 4 hours

Activities & Services of the day include:-

• Transfer from Kampala to Lake Mburo National Park
• Photo session at the Uganda Equator crossing Kayabwe
• Evening game walking safari in Lake Mburo NP

Other optional activities you can choose to do in Lake Mburo Park include:-

• Evening boat cruise on Lake Mburo
• Evening game drive
• Horseback safari
• Night game drive in search of nocturnal animals such as bushbabies, pottos, and leopards.

Day 2: Whole Day Interactive Cultural Tour To Banyankole community.

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, participating in sick animal treatment, 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 smoke 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 in the local culture. Retire for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

The highlight of the day: – Gaining a deep immersion of the local culture on the full-day interactive cultural tour to the Banyankole community.

Accommodation:-

Luxury: – Mihingo Safari Lodge

Mid-range:- Rwakobo Rock/Arcadia Cottages Mburo/Mpogo Safari Lodge

Budget: – Eagles Nest Mburo

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities & Services of the day:-

• Whole Banyankole community tour

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

• Horseback safari in Lake Mburo National Park
• Cycling tour in Lake Mburo Park
• Birding in Lake Mburo NP
• Sportfishing in Lake Mburo
• Game drive
• Boat cruise

Day 3: Transfer To Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Explore Igongo Cultural Centre Museum & The 1520AD Eclipse Monument En Route.

Enjoy your breakfast at around 8.30 am and then transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You make a stop after driving 33km from Mburo at Igongo Cultural Centre Museum.

The tour to Erijukiro Museum exposes you to counts of collections of all tribes of Southwestern Uganda dating back to their traditional era. Continue southwest with another stop at the eclipse Monument on Biharwe hill which commemorates the 1520 AD solar eclipse.

You can opt to climb the hill and then drive there which is a magical experience to encounter. The 3-pillar monument reminds local people of the time when the Omukama (King) of Bunyoro had confiscated the entire cows of the Ankole Kingdom leaving people in complete starvation.

The tide of events turned when one day as he was from raiding those of Rwanda and reached Biharwe; the eclipse took place and the sky fell ominously dark during daylight hours. This prompted the terrified Omukama to flee back to Bunyoro leaving behind several stolen cattle at the site and when the eclipse was over, the Banyankole found cows all over.

They thought that they had come from heaven, sent by God for their rescue from starvation. They were able to repossess the cows again.

Retreat from the activity and continue on the drive to Bwindi arriving in the afternoon for relaxation, dinner, and overnight. 

The highlight of the day: – Exploring the Igongo Cultural Centre Museum and Biharwe Eclipse Monument in Mbarara.

Accommodation:-

Luxury/Upmarket: – Gorilla Forest Camp/Buhoma Lodge/Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

Mid-range/Moderate: – Gorilla Valley Lodge/Bakiga Lodge/Silverback Lodge

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

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drive distance & time: – Approx. 266km or 5 – 6 hours

Activities & Services of the day:-

• Visit Erijukiro Museum at Igongo Cultural Centre
• Hike/drive to the 1520 AD solar eclipse monument on Biharwe hill
• Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Other optional activities you can choose to do this day:-

• Morning game drive in Lake Mburo National Park

Day 4: Do Gorilla Trekking & Attend Bakiga Performances At The Lodge.

After breakfast at 6.00 am, transfer to the park headquarters to get briefed by the expert local guides.

At 8 am, embark on an exhilarating trek within the ‘impenetrable forest’ in search of these great mountain creatures.

Gorilla trekking takes 2-8 hours including the 1 hour of direct encounter with the gorillas. The trek is relatively tiresome as the forest can be quite wet and the going fairly steep. But trust me, the bit of exercise is very well rewarded by meeting these awesome creatures.

This is one of the most moving wildlife experiences in Africa – arguably in the world. Put down your camera and sit awhile, just observing their social rituals, the keenness of their relationships, and the depth and range of their emotions.

There are only a few hundred of these gentle giants left on planet Earth, and watching them at the brink of potential extinction is, for many, a life-changing experience. Although the gorillas are the highlight, other mammals that you can find on your gorilla trek include Black-and-white colobus, L’Hoest’s monkeys, Red-tailed monkeys, and Blue monkeys plus a believable number of birds.

Following the trek, have a picnic lunch and return to the starting point for your gorilla trekking certificate. Then transfer back to the lodge for relaxation. In the evening, you’re treated to the thrilling traditional performances of the Bakiga local people.

Their dances and songs are thrilling and would definitely make your evening colorful.

The highlight of the day: – The face-to-face encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Accommodation:-

Luxury/Upmarket: – Gorilla Forest Camp/Buhoma Lodge/Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

Mid-range/Moderate: – Gorilla Valley Lodge/Bakiga Lodge/Silverback Lodge

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

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities & Services of the day:-

• Gorilla trekking
• Batwa cultural performance at the lodge in the evening

Other optional activities you can choose to do this day:-

• Gorilla Habituation Experience spend 4 hours with a gorilla family which is semi-habituated
• Birding in Bwindi
• Village Community Walk

Day 5: Transfer To Kisoro. Do Coffee Tours On The Shores Of Lake Mutanda.

Start your day with a relaxed breakfast at around 8.30 am and then check out of your accommodation, saying goodbye to the wonderful staff. Then embark on a very scenic drive to the Kisoro area situated under the peaks of the magical Virunga volcanoes. The drive to Kisoro takes about 2 to 3 hours.

On arrival, undertake the coffee exploration tour on the shores of Lake Mutanda while enjoying the magical views of the Virunga volcanoes, the waters of Lake Mutanda, and other lakes, and rivers in the area.

The coffee tour also allows you to learn the traditional practices of coffee growing including planting, maintenance, and harvesting. You do the coffee roasting and explore the coffee processing from the garden cup. Retire from the activity for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

The highlight of the day: – The stunning scenic views and coffee tours on the beautiful shores of Lake Mutanda.

Accommodation:-

Luxury/Upmarket: – Mount Gahinga Lodge

Mid-range/Moderate: – Lake Chahafi Resort/Traveler’s Rest Kisoro

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities & Services of the day include:-

• Transfer from Bwindi to Kisoro
• Coffee tours on the shores of Lake Mutanda

Other optional activities you can choose to do this day include:-

• Boat cruise to Lake Mutanda islands

Day 6: Connect To Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Undertake the Batwa Heritage Trail & Relax At The Lodge.

Have breakfast at around 7.00 at your lodge. Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park 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 evicted when it became a national park.

You follow the trail along the lower slopes of Virunga as the 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, and berries that are found in the forest that you might not even notice. Also, learn about the plants, roots, herbs, and bark from trees that the Batwa have used as medicine for centuries.

The trail ends inside Garama Cave where a group of women in the darkness sing and act 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. The Batwa Trail Experience takes about 7 hours, after which you return to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

The highlight of the day: – Hiking through the forest and learning about the ancient culture of the Batwa, hunter-gatherer people.

Accommodation:-

Luxury/Upmarket: – Mount Gahinga Lodge

Mid-range/Moderate: – Lake Chahafi Resort/Traveler’s Rest Kisoro

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities & Services of the day include:-

• Drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
• Batwa Heritage Trail Experience
• Relaxation at the lodge

Other optional activities you can choose to do this day:-

• Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga
• Golden monkey tracking
• Volcano climbing
• Hiking and nature walks around the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes
• Birding

Day 7: Drive to Kigali Rwanda And Depart.

After breakfast, cross the border to Rwanda driving past the impressive settlements of the Banyankole, their building styles, the crops grown, and the animals kept before arriving in Kigali to catch up with your afternoon flight.

Driving to Kigali would be easier than driving back to Kampala but if you wish to end your safari in Kampala, it is also possible.

Meal Plan: – Breakfast

Activities & Services of the day include:-

• Transfer to Kigali or Kampala

End of the 7 Days Uganda Cultural Tour

 

7 Days Uganda Cultural Tour & Safari – GETTING THERE

Transport Means to Your Safari Destinations

7 Days Uganda Cultural 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
• Border crossing fees (for cross border safaris)

7 Days Uganda Cultural 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)

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