Experience the 12-day Uganda Safari exploring the “Pearl of Africa,” uncovering unique adventures across the country’s five major National Parks. Highlights include Murchison Falls National Park for wildlife encounters and stunning landscapes, Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee tracking and cultural tours of Bigodi Swamp, Queen Elizabeth National Park for thrilling game drives and a scenic boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, Ishasha with its famed tree-climbing lions, Bwindi Forest National Park for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience, and Mgahinga National Park to encounter the enchanting Golden Monkeys.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe
Once your flight has landed in Entebbe our team will meet you at the airport where you meet the Nyumbu Beyond Journeys safari guides team. We’ll set out on a short ride through the city to our accommodation and depending on what time you arrive, you’ll have time to relax and recover before we share a welcome dinner together in the early evening – a great opportunity to get to know the group of incredible women you’ll be travelling with!
Day 2: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park & Walking Safari
Our adventure begins today with an early breakfast, setting the stage for an exciting journey to Lake Mburo National Park. Along the way, we’ll make a memorable stop at the Equator, where you can enjoy a fresh cup of coffee, browse local shops, and capture the perfect photo at this iconic landmark.
Lake Mburo National Park is a gem among Uganda’s conservation areas, renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Its expansive wetlands and rolling grasslands create an ideal sanctuary for a wide range of wildlife.
Upon arrival, we’ll embark on an exhilarating walking safari, a true highlight of our 2024 itinerary. This unique experience offers the thrill of encountering wildlife up close, including hyenas, hippos, zebras, giraffes, topis, and buffaloes. There’s nothing quite like walking amidst these magnificent creatures, fully immersed in the natural world. For bird enthusiasts, the park is also a haven, with countless species soaring through the skies and across the vibrant terrain.
Day 3 : Cultural Milking Experience & Transfer to Bwindi impenetrable
We’ll begin the day with an early breakfast before visiting a local farm for a fascinating cultural tour, where you may even get the unique opportunity to milk Uganda’s iconic long-horned cows. Afterward, we embark on our scenic journey south to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, arriving in time for a relaxing late lunch.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is world-renowned as a sanctuary for the rare and majestic mountain gorillas. Beyond these remarkable primates, the park teems with a diverse array of wildlife, including blue and red-tailed monkeys. Its lush, dense forest, interwoven with meandering streams, creates a vibrant and thriving ecosystem, inviting exploration at every turn.
Day 4 : Ultimate Encounter with Mountain Gorillas- Bwindi impenetrable
Prepare for an incredibly early start as we transfer to the park headquarters for an essential briefing before entering the breathtaking gorilla sanctuary of Bwindi Forest!
This park is globally renowned for its population of mountain gorillas, and the experience of tracking and spending time with these magnificent creatures is both profoundly moving and exhilarating. Despite their impressive size and strength, mountain gorillas are known for their gentle and peaceful demeanor, allowing you to observe and photograph them in their natural habitat—truly a memorable and awe-inspiring experience.
After a day filled with these extraordinary adventures, we’ll return to your lodge for a well-deserved dinner. As the sun sets, gather around the campfire to share stories about what many describe as the most unforgettable day of their lives. This intimate setting is the perfect backdrop to unwind and reflect on the incredible experiences you’ve had in one of the most remarkable places on Earth.
Day 5: Transfer to lake Bunyonyi & Canoeing Experience
This morning, we say goodbye to Bwindi and set off on an exhilarating journey to the stunning Lake Bunyonyi in Kabale! Celebrated as one of Uganda’s most beautiful lakes, Lake Bunyonyi—translated as “place of many little birds”—offers a breathtakingly serene environment that is sure to captivate your senses. It’s renowned for being free from bilharzia, crocodiles, and hippos, making it one of the safest lakes in East Africa for a refreshing swim!
In the afternoon, prepare for an unforgettable adventure as we embark on a thrilling canoe trip to explore Lake Bunyonyi up close. We’ll navigate the tranquil waters and visit several picturesque islands, immersing ourselves in the stunning landscapes and vibrant wildlife that make this destination truly extraordinary.
Day 6: Transfer to Kibale National Park & Crater lakes Exploration
After breakfast, we’ll embark on an exciting drive to the vibrant town of Fort Portal, the capital of the Tooro kingdom! Nestled in the shadow of the legendary “Mountains of the Moon,” this lively town serves as the perfect gateway to the incredible activities surrounding Kibale Forest National Park.
Kibale Forest boasts one of the most diverse tropical forests in Uganda, home to an astonishing 70 mammal species and 13 primate species. After a hearty lunch, get ready for an exhilarating adventure as we explore the enchanting Bigodi Wetland, a haven for bird enthusiasts! Here, you’ll have the chance to spot over 200 species of birds, including majestic hornbills, colorful turacos, vibrant parrots, elegant cranes, and the stunning kingfishers, along with many unique swamp endemics.
But that’s not all! The wetland sanctuary is also home to eight fascinating species of primates, including the charming Black and White Colobus, the playful Red Colobus, the agile Red-Tailed Monkey, the curious Grey Cheeked Mangabey, the spirited Olive Baboon, the elusive L’Hoest’s Monkey, the social Vervet Monkey, and the delightful Blue Monkey. This day promises to be filled with thrilling wildlife encounters and unforgettable natural beauty!
Day 7: Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park
Your day kicks off with an early morning briefing at the legendary Kanyanchu Trailhead, setting the stage for an unforgettable wildlife encounter. By 8:00 AM, you’ll step into the heart of the jungle for a thrilling half-day chimpanzee trek—an up-close adventure tracking these fascinating primates as they swing, leap, and call to one another through the treetops.
But chimpanzees aren’t the only stars of this vibrant forest. Keep your eyes peeled for playful red colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and the striking red-tailed monkeys, all moving gracefully through the lush canopy. The forest is alive with color and sound—birds, butterflies, and even the tiniest insects play their part in this spectacular ecosystem.
Your expert guide will share captivating insights not just about the primates, but also the rich tapestry of life that makes this forest a natural wonder—from ancient trees to medicinal plants and hidden creatures of all kinds.
After your immersive jungle experience, the afternoon is yours to unwind—kick back by the pool and soak in the tranquility of your surroundings.
Day 8: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast, savoring the moment before we set off on an exciting journey to Murchison Falls National Park, traveling through the scenic landscapes of Bulisa and the breathtaking Wanseko Escarpments. As Uganda’s largest and premier wildlife park, Murchison Falls is a sanctuary for a stunning variety of wildlife, including majestic elephants, powerful buffaloes, regal lions, elusive leopards, and a healthy population of hippos and crocodiles along the iconic River Nile. The park is also famed for its spectacular waterfalls and vibrant birdlife, including the rare and magnificent shoebill stork.
Upon entering the park, we’ll make our way directly to the top of Murchison Falls, where we’ll embark on an exhilarating nature walk to the base of the falls. This captivating journey offers breathtaking views and an up-close encounter with the thundering power and beauty of the falls, creating an unforgettable highlight of our visit to the park. Today promises to be filled with adventure, awe, and the incredible natural wonders of Uganda!
Day 9: Guided Game Drives & Nile Delta Boat Cruise
After an early breakfast at the lodge, we’ll set off on an exhilarating game drive through the stunning Murchison Falls National Park! This adventure will have you on the lookout for a remarkable array of wildlife, including graceful giraffes, swift Ugandan kobs, striking oribi, waterbucks, hartebeests, and the elusive sitatunga and bushbuck. You’ll also have the chance to spot warthogs, bush pigs, powerful lions, stealthy leopards, and various fascinating creatures like mongooses, genets, hyenas, jackals, and bat-eared foxes as we traverse the park’s diverse landscapes.
Mid morning we’ll embark on a magical three-hour sunset cruise along the Nile. This enchanting journey offers a unique perspective to view Murchison Falls from below, as well as incredible opportunities to spot playful hippos, sunbathing crocodiles, grazing antelopes, and a variety of vibrant aquatic birds lining the riverbanks.
After the cruise, we’ll return to the lodge where you can unwind by the sparkling swimming pool or relax before dinner. With a full schedule of wildlife observation and breathtaking scenery, today promises to be an unforgettable exploration of one of Uganda’s most spectacular national parks!
Day 10: Transfer Game drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Prepare for an exhilarating experience at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a true highlight of the safari! That’s why we’re indulging in two thrilling nights here!
After a delightful breakfast, we’ll embark on a scenic drive to the top of Murchison Falls, where you’ll be mesmerized by the breathtaking views of the powerful waterfalls from a stunning elevated vantage point. The thundering roar of the water and the picturesque surroundings will leave you spellbound!
But the adventure continues! We’ll then head to the extraordinary Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Founded in 2005, this incredible sanctuary aims to reintroduce southern white rhinos back into their natural habitat around Murchison Falls National Park. Starting with only six rhinos, the sanctuary has successfully increased its population to over 42 majestic animals!
This visit promises not just a close encounter with these magnificent creatures but also an opportunity to engage with vital conservation efforts. Witness the incredible strides being made to protect and preserve these animals in their safe and nurturing environment. Get ready to be inspired and awed by the wonders of nature and the dedicated work behind their conservation!
Day 11: Rhino Tracking & Transfer to Entebbe
Get ready for one final once-in-a-lifetime adventure! After a hearty breakfast, we’ll set off on an exhilarating rhino-tracking expedition on foot at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, guided by our skilled ranger escorts. This isn’t just any ordinary experience; it’s your chance to closely track and observe the magnificent southern white rhinos in their natural habitat! Imagine the adrenaline rush as you get up close to these awe-inspiring creatures in their serene environment! Once our unforgettable tracking journey concludes, we’ll return to the lodge for a delicious lunch, where you can savor the flavors of the region.
After a leisurely lunch, we’ll check out of the lodge and embark on your final journey back to Kampala—a trip where dreams become reality! The drive back will be more than just a journey; it’s a chance to soak in the vibrant sights and sounds of Uganda one last time, reflecting on the incredible adventures you’ve experienced. With each passing moment, you’ll feel the excitement of everything you’ve discovered, bringing your adventure full circle as you make your way to the lodge for an overnight.
Day 12: Shoebill tracking & Airport drop off
An early start today. After a very short drive, we will board a wooden boat in search of the prehistoric-looking Shoebill, a huge, stork-like bird with a huge, shovel-shaped bill. Sometimes called the Whale-headed Stork, this extraordinary bird, which is placed in a family of its own, is confined to papyrus swamps and has its main stronghold in the inaccessible swamps of southern Sudan and central Zambia.
We’ll depart after lunch for Entebbe to connect with an international flight back home. End of 12 Days Uganda Classic Adventure Safari