Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe and Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you'll be warmly welcomed by your knowledgeable guide. After a brief introduction, embark on a scenic drive to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda's largest protected area and home to a diverse array of wildlife. Along the way, you'll pass through the lush countryside, catching glimpses of rural life and the stunning natural beauty of Uganda.
Upon arrival at the park, check into your comfortable lodge, nestled on the banks of the Victoria Nile. Spend the afternoon at leisure, relaxing by the pool, enjoying a guided nature walk, or simply taking in the breathtaking views of the river and the surrounding wilderness. In the evening, gather for a delicious dinner and a briefing on the exciting activities that await you in the coming days.
Day 2: Launch Cruise on the Nile and Murchison Falls Hike
Wake up to the sounds of the African bush and enjoy a hearty breakfast before embarking on a thrilling launch cruise along the Victoria Nile. As you glide along the river, keep your eyes peeled for a variety of wildlife, including elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and a wide array of birdlife. The cruise will take you to the base of the majestic Murchison Falls, where you'll witness the raw power of the Nile as it thunders through a narrow gorge.
After the cruise, enjoy a picnic lunch before setting off on a guided hike to the top of Murchison Falls. The hike offers stunning views of the falls and the surrounding landscape, as well as the opportunity to spot wildlife along the way. In the evening, return to the lodge for a delicious dinner and a relaxing night under the stars.
Day 3: Game Drive in Murchison Falls National Park
Rise early for a morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park, taking advantage of the cool temperatures and active wildlife. As you explore the savannah grasslands and riverine forests, keep an eye out for a variety of species, including lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and the rare Rothschild's giraffe. Your knowledgeable guide will provide insights into the park's ecology and share fascinating facts about the animals you encounter.
After the game drive, return to the lodge for a leisurely lunch and some downtime. In the afternoon, you may opt for a guided nature walk, a fishing excursion on the Nile, or simply relax by the pool, soaking up the tranquil atmosphere of the lodge.
Day 4: Transfer to Kibale National Park
After breakfast, bid farewell to Murchison Falls and embark on a scenic drive to Kibale National Park, a lush tropical rainforest renowned for its incredible biodiversity and large population of chimpanzees. The journey takes you through the picturesque countryside, past tea plantations, and rural villages, offering a glimpse into the daily life of Ugandans.
Upon arrival at Kibale, check into your comfortable forest lodge, nestled in the heart of the national park. Spend the afternoon at leisure, enjoying the lodge's amenities, taking a guided nature walk, or simply relaxing on your private balcony, immersed in the sights and sounds of the forest.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Today, you'll have the incredible opportunity to encounter our closest living relatives in the wild during a chimpanzee trekking experience. After an early breakfast, meet your expert guides for a briefing on trekking etiquette and safety before setting off into the forest.
As you trek through the lush undergrowth, keep your eyes and ears open for signs of the chimpanzees, listening for their distinctive vocalizations and watching for movement in the trees. When you locate a group, spend a thrilling hour observing these fascinating primates as they play, groom, and forage for food, witnessing their remarkable intelligence and social bonds firsthand.
In the afternoon, visit the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run conservation project that protects the local wetland ecosystem. Enjoy a guided walk through the sanctuary, spotting a variety of birdlife, primates, and other wildlife, while learning about the importance of wetlands and the local community's efforts to balance conservation and sustainable livelihoods.
Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, depart Kibale and embark on a scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, a diverse wilderness area known for its stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha. Along the way, you'll pass through the Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the "Mountains of the Moon," which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Upon arrival at the park, check into your comfortable lodge and take some time to relax and unwind. In the afternoon, set off on a game drive in the park's northern sector, keeping an eye out for elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, and various antelope species. As the sun sets over the savannah, enjoy a sundowner drink and the stunning views before returning to the lodge for dinner.
Day 7: Game Drive and Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel
Rise early for a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, exploring the park's diverse landscapes and wildlife. Keep your camera ready as you search for lions, leopards, hyenas, and the park's famous tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector. Your expert guide will share insights into the park's ecology and the behavior of the animals you encounter.
In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George. The cruise offers a unique perspective on the park's wildlife, with excellent opportunities to spot hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of water birds, including the spectacular African skimmer and the rare shoebill stork.
Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today, you'll experience one of the most unforgettable wildlife encounters in the world: gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After an early breakfast, you'll be transferred to the park headquarters for a briefing on trekking etiquette and safety.
Accompanied by expert guides and trackers, you'll venture into the dense forest, searching for signs of the mountain gorillas. The trek can be challenging, but the reward of coming face-to-face with these gentle giants is truly extraordinary. Spend a precious hour observing a gorilla family as they play, groom, and interact with one another, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
After your gorilla trekking experience, return to the lodge for a well-deserved rest and a delicious dinner, sharing stories of your incredible encounter with your fellow travelers.
Day 9: Cultural Experience and Departure
On your final day in Uganda, immerse yourself in the local culture with a visit to a nearby community. Meet with friendly locals, learn about their traditional way of life, and participate in a cooking demonstration, preparing authentic Ugandan dishes using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
After a heartfelt farewell to your hosts, you'll be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.
