15 Days Uganda Safari

Day 1: Arrival and Airport Pickup
Day 2: Leave Kampala for Murchison Falls National Park
Day 3: Game Drive and Launch Cruise
Day 4: Head to Semuliki National Park – Nature Walk
Day 5: Visit the Sempaya Hot Springs and the Batwa Pygmies
Day 6: Track Chimpanzee in Kibale National Park and Tour Bigodi swamp
Day 7: Visit “Mabera ga Nyina Mwiru” caves – Head to Queen Elizabeth National Park for sunset Launch Cruise
Day 8: Full day Game Drive at the Kasenyi and Mweya Areas
Day 9: Game drive in Ishasha – Head to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Day 10: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – Canoeing in Lake Mulehe
Day 11: Head to Lake Bunyonyi
Day 12: Head to Lake Mburo National Park – Afternoon boat cruise
Day 13: Game drive at Lake Mburo Park – Head to Kampala and then Jinja
Day 14: White Water Rafting in Jinja
Day 15: Head back to Kampala – Transfer to Entebbe to catch your departure flight

Day 1: Arrival and Airport Pickup

A guide from Mission Africa Safaris will welcome you at the Airport in Entebbe and drive you to your lodge in Kampala or Entebbe. Depending on your time of arrival, you might have an opportunity to tour the town of Entebbe of the city of Kampala. You can read about the tourist attractions in Kampala and the things to do in Entebbe. After the city tour, you will be driven back to your hotel. Dinner and Overnight at Cassia Lodge or La Petite Village Hotel.

Day 2: Leave Kampala for Murchison Falls – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Visit to of the falls

After your breakfast at the hotel, the guide will pick you up and head to Murchison Falls national park in Uganda. On your journey, you will pass through several districts including the Luwero triangle. Luwero was a war zone in the early 1980’s leading to victory for the National Resistance Movement. You will stop over at Masindi for lunch and also at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to relax and spot the endangered White Rhinos. Rhinos can no longer be seen in Uganda’s game parks after extensive poaching wiped them out. There is a plan to reintroduce them into the national parks after their numbers increase from the sanctuary. After visiting the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary, the driver will take you straight to the top of the Murchison falls for photography and marveling at the thunderous roars of the river Nile. Your day ends with dinner and overnight at Pakuba Lodge.

Day 3: Game Drive and Launch Cruise

After breakfast at the lodge, you will go for a morning game drive at the Northern section of the park. After spotting Rhinos at the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary, you will now spot the big 4 (Buffaloes, Elephants, Leopards and Lions). Murchison Falls National Park has the largest population of Rothschild giraffe in East Africa. You will also spot warthogs and several species of antelope include waterbucks and Bushbucks. After the game drive, you will head back for lunch as you prepare for the afternoon launch cruise. The launch cruise takes you along the river Nile right up to the bottom of the falls. As the boat moves slowly along the river, you will spot antelope, crocodiles, elephants, hippos and many other park animals drinking along the river bank. The river has over 200 species of birds but look out for the intriguing shoe bill stork. Your day ends with dinner and overnight at Red Chilli (budget), Pakuba Safari Lodge (Midrange) or Paraa safari lodge (Luxury).

Day 4: Head to Semuliki National Park –  Evening relaxation and tour of the town

Your day will begin with early breakfast that should prepare you for a long journey south to the beautiful Town of Fort Portal. The journey takes you past the towns of Hoima and Masindi. Watch out for the beautiful scenery along the way especially while in Fort Portal. It is a small but very beautiful town. The driver should take you for a tour of the town late in the afternoon. Your dinner will be at Fort Motel.

Day 5: The Sempaya Hot Springs, Nature walks, visiting the Batwa Pygmies

You will have an early breakfast and go out to tour the Semuliki hot springs. After visiting the hot springs, you will be taken for a nature walk inside the forest and within the savanna plans to spot some birds and wildlife. The day ends with a visit to see the Batwa pygmies living near Semuliki National Park in Uganda. The Batwa have an interesting culture and history. They were removed from the gorilla parks in Uganda and resettled in other areas. Most have failed to adjust to their new environment and way of life. They face extreme poverty and are sometimes persecuted by neighboring tribes because of their short stature. Some see them as encroachers on their land. In the past, the forests helped them avoid conflicts with neighboring tribes. While visiting the Batwa, expect a demonstration of their past way of life through song, dance and drama. The company Guide will take you to a suitable place for picnic lunch within the park. After completing all activities in the park, the driver will drive to the nearby Kibale Forest National Park. Your dinner will be at Chimpanzee Guest House.

Day 6: Track Chimpanzee in Kibale National Park and Tour Bigodi swamp

You will wake up early for breakfast after which the guide will drive you to Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking briefing. There are more primates in Kibale than any other country in East Africa. It not only has the highest number of chimpanzee in Uganda. Although chimpanzee tracking is the most known activity here, you will get to see blue monkeys, red tailed monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, baboons, L’Hoest monkeys, black and white Colobus among others. The park has over 100 butterfly species, giant forest hogs and antelope. After tracking the chimps, you will return to the lodge for lunch then go to Bigodi swamp. Bigodi swamp is a birders paradise because of the over 290 species recorded in its vast swamps. Dinner and sleep is at the Chimpanzee Guest House.

Day 7: Hike up the “Mabera ga Nyina Mwiru” caves – Head to Queen Elizabeth National Park for sunset Launch Cruise

Our Guide will pick you up after taking breakfast for the journey to Queen Elizabeth National park. You will have great views of the Rwenzori Mountains – also known as “Mountains of the moon”. Along the way, you will make a stop to visit the “Mabera ga Nyina Mwiru caves”. There is a local myth surrounding these limestone caves and which is connected to the tribal groups living in the area. A local caretaker will explain to you the history of the caves and how important it is to people living in the area. After the caves, you will continue the journey to the park in time for the sunset Launch cruise at the Kazinga Channel. During the boat cruise at the Kazinga Channel, you will get to see hippos spraying water just next to your boat. You will spot several species of antelopes, elephants, crocodiles, hippos, buffaloes. The Kazinga channel is a great birding destination and expect to see kingfishers, pelicans and other storks along the shores. You will have dinner and sleep at Park View Safari Lodge.

Day 8: Game Drive at the Kasenyi Sector – Afternoon Game drive – Transfer to Ishasha Game Drive at Ishasha sector Queen Elizabeth Park

The guide will pick you early in the morning with your packed breakfast to set off to the Kasenyi sector of the park. This morning game drive will provide opportunities to spot elephants, lions, hyena, various antelope species, buffaloes, baboons, the elusive leopard and giant forest hogs. The Kasenyi sector is blessed with a rich collection of craters, savannah, swamps, lakes and other volcanic features. After the morning drive you will be taken back to the lodge for lunch. After lunch you will go for another game drive in areas not covered in the morning but still in the Kasenyi and Mweya area. After the second round of game viewing, the drier will take you to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Queen Elizabeth has over 450 bird species that include flamingos, King Fisher, storks and eagles. After such an eventful day, you will be driven back for dinner and sleep at the Ishasha jungle lodge.

Day 9: Second game drive in Ishasha to see tree climbing lions –  Transfer to Bwindi

You will be picked up from your hotel after breakfast to begin the journey to Bwindi but after another game drive at the Ishasha sector to spot  tree climbing lions. Tree climbing lions are very rare and only found in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park, Tanzania’s Lake Manyara and Kruger National Park in South Africa. As you head to Bwindi, you will pass through some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere in East Africa. The area around the Kigezi highlands is known as “the Switzerland of Africa”. The rolling hills, lakes, rivers, forests and the views of The Rwenzori Mountains will keep you awake and engaged. Dinner and overnight will be at Bwindi Jungle Lodge.

Day 10: Mountain Gorilla Trekking – Canoe along Lake Mulehe

You will have breakfast by 7:00am and then be taken for briefing at the park station. Your hotel will give you parked snack. During the briefing, the park Rangers let you know what to expect, how to act around the gorillas and what you need to carry along. After being assigned a gorilla family, the rangers and armed guards will then take you to the forest for tracking. As you move searching for the gorillas, you will pass through thickets, steep and muddy slopes. Mountain gorilla tracking can take between 2 to 5 hours depending on which gorilla family you were allocated. Once you get to the gorillas, you are expected to be with them for 1 hour. While with the gorilla group, observe and take as many photos/videos as you can. After gorilla trekking, you will go back to the lodge to freshen up and have lunch. Later in the day, you will be taken for canoeing along Lake Mulehe. Apart from Gorillas, Bwindi is home to several primates and birds. Some of the bird species found within the park are African green broadbills, bee-eaters, chapins flycatchers and the black billed turaco. Dinner and overnight will be at Bwindi Jungle Lodge.

Day 11: Head to Lake Bunyonyi – Relaxations, Canoeing, nature walks and island hopping

After breakfast, our Guide will drive you to Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda’s deepest and most romantic lake. The lake has 29 islands and you will spend your time canoeing, watching birds, going for nature walks and visiting the different islands. Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda has many romantic spots for those on honeymoon. One can choose to visit the different villages, schools and settlements in the islands. You can also visit the famous punishment island where you will learn about its tragic past. Young girls who got pregnant outside marriage where left to die in this particular island. Most were saved by poor men who had failed to find a bride. Dinner and overnight will be at Acadia Cottages.

Day 12: Activities in Lake Bunyonyi – Head to Lake Mburo National Park

After breakfast early in the morning, you will go out to complete activities in Lake Bunyonyi before starting the  journey to Lake Mburo National Park. You will pass through Kabale, a region with great scenery, stunning hills and highlands. On arrival at the cottage, you will have lunch, rest for a short while and then go for a boat ride in Lake Mburo. Lake Mburo is great for bird watching and spotting animals as they drink along the lake shores. Look out for animals like crocodiles and hippos. You will have dinner and overnight at Acadia Cottages.

Day 13: Game drive in Lake Mburo Park – Equator crossing – Head to Jinja via Kampala

After breakfast, you will be taken for a game drive at Lake Mburo National Park where you will spot Zebras and several other species of antelope. In Uganda, Zebras are only found in Lake Mburo National Park. There are over 300 bird species of birds found in the savannah grasslands, woodlands, swamps and Lake. The other animals to look out for are buffaloes, leopards, jackals and hyenas. After completing the game drive, you will then head to Kampala with a stop at the Equator crossing in Kayabwe for your lunch. You will continue to Jinja via Kampala with stops at the Sezibwa Falls and Mabira Forest. After checking in with your hotel, the driver will take you to visit the source of the Nile River. The source of the River Nile was discovered by John Speke and is the longest river in Africa. It flows from Uganda up to Egypt ending in the Mediterranean Sea. Dinner and overnight will be at 2 friends hotel (Budget), Jinja Nile Porch (Mid-range) and Jinja Nile resort (Luxury).

Day 14: Whole day White Water Rafting in Jinja

Wake up early to take breakfast before heading out to the Nile once gain for white water rafting. Whitewater rafting in Jinja is a whole day’s event and will be one of the most memorable part to your safari. You will receive all the training you need as well as the required equipment. You will need to be 16 years and above to qualify for white water rafting. The activity is very safe but can be intimidating for those who have no experience with it. After taking on the grade 4 and 5 rapids, you relax, mingle and party with tourists from all over the world. Our driver will transfer you back to your lodge. Dinner and overnight will be at 2 friends hotel (Budget), Jinja Nile Porch (Mid-range) and Jinja Nile resort (Luxury).

Day 15: Head back to Kampala – Transfer to Entebbe to catch your departure flight

You will have your breakfast in the morning and wait for our driver to pick you up for the journey back to Kampala. If you have a late flight in the evening and for some reason you didn’t stop by the source of the Nile, mabira forest or Ssezibwa falls, this will be the time to do so. You could also tour the city of Kampala as you continue towards the airport in Entebbe.

End of  Uganda Safari

The Safari includes

1. Ground transportation and fuel
2. Gorilla tracking permits
3. Bottled water
4. Chimpanzee tracking permits
5. Full time English speaking guide and related expenses
6. Full board Accommodation including meals
7. Boat cruises
8. Game drives
9. Cultural tours
10. Water Rafting in Jinja
11. All other activities mentioned in the itinerary
12. Park guide/Ranger Fees
13. Transportation by a 4×4 safari vehicle

Safari Exclusions:

1. Airfares
2. Visa Fees
3. Personal Insurance
4. Personal expenses like drinks, telephone, laundry, cigars, tips, accommodation and meals not included in the itinerary.

Jinja Nile Resort: This is arguably the most popular luxury hotel in Jinja. It located on the banks of the river nile and on land measuring 30 acres. The Resort offers self-contained rooms. Each room has free Wi-Fi, a sitting area, a Television screen, en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning and balconies overlooking the Nile. Other amenities include a beautifully landscaped garden, a large swimming pool, children’s playground, several restaurants, 5 bars, a fitness center, BBQ facilities, free parking, a fitness center, a tennis court, a mini-golf course and lounge areas with TV.  Jinja Nile Resort is built close to the starting point of many of Jinja’s famous activities like Bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, horseback riding and quad biking.

Ishasha Jungle Lodge: Ishasha Jungle Lodge is and Eco-friendly accommodation facility built 2 kilometers away from the Katokye Gate of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The lodge overlooks River Ntungwe but is also surrounded by savannah grassland and forests. The lodge is built using local material and furnished with local art to give guests that feeling of being out in the wild. The self-contained cottages are built on raised platforms to ensure the guest have sustained views of the savanna from their balconies. Each cottage has a large bed, warm showers, a fridge, sofas, working tables, clean towels and hair dryers. Other amenities offered include a restaurant and power generators. The lodge organizes special activities for its guests including visiting the river Ntungwe and taking a guided walk to the Kameme village.

Fort Motel: Fort Motel is a mid-range lodge offering quality services for tourists resting in Fort Portal town. Fort Motel is set on a hill with great views of Fort Portal town and the Rwenzori mountains from a distance. An old colonial house was turned into a lodge but modern extensions have been built over the years. All the 17 rooms are self-contained with free Wi-Fi, a Television, a luggage carrier, air-conditioning, a telephone, warm shows, flush toilets, working tables/desks, sofas and much more. Other amenities include room service, a swimming pool, spa, steam baths and a restaurant. Staff are very friendly and will go out of the way to make sure that you are as comfortable as possible.