DAY 1: ARRIVE IN ENTEBBE.
Arrival at Entebbe Airport, where you will be welcomed by a Allied Car Safaris representative and transferred to your hotel.
Dinner and overnight in Entebbe lodge.
DAY 2: ENTEBBE TO MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK.
Today we will depart for the most beautiful protected area in Uganda: Murchison Falls National Park. and route we will make a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to the only wild rhinos in Uganda. The reserve was created to reintroduce rhinos to the country which have been extinct since 1982. Together with a guide you will track the rhinos and observe them in their habitat at a very close and safe distance. After this activity continue to Murchison Falls.
Overnight and dinner at your lodge near the falls.
DAY 3: MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK.
After an early breakfast we start the day with a game drive on the northern bank of the Nile, with chances of seeing giraffes, elephants, lions, hartebeest and different species of birds. In the afternoon the safari will be continued with a boat cruise on the river Nile for game viewing at close quarters. Upon reaching the bottom of the waterfalls we will depart the boat and climb our way up to the Top of the Falls where you will be rewarded with amazing views of the Nile.
Overnight and dinner at your lodge.
DAY 4: MURCHISON FALLS TO KIBALE NATIONAL PARK.
We depart Murchison Falls and head towards Fort Portal. This long journey will be rewarded with stunning views while you pass small villages and local markets. Fort Portal rests in the shadow of the fabled “Mountains of the Moon” and is famous for the many tea plantations. From this lovely town we will continue to the dense forest of Kibale National Park.
Overnight and dinner at your loge near the park.
DAY 5: CRATER LAKES.
Have a calm breakfast before we head off for an exploration of the crater lakes. Enjoy the beauty of the numerous small lakes, surrounded by gentle hills, and the stunning views. Take a hike at Lake Nkuruba to encounter different species of primates and birds, and visit the Mahoma Falls. Meet the local people as you walk through their villages, learn about the customs of the Batoro tribe and enjoy the panoramic views.
Overnight and dinner at your lodge.
DAY 6: CHIMPANZEE TRACKING AND BIGODI SWAMP WALK.
Today the forest opens for a sensational chimp tracking. Kibale Forest is reputable for having the greatest variety and highest concentration of primates in East Africa. After a pre-tracking briefing at walking distance from your accommodation, you will start your hike adventure into the forest. Follow the footsteps of a large habituated family of chimpanzees, with over 120 individuals that have made Kibale one of the best locations in Africa for chimp viewing.
And route your guide will explain more about the forest and the other inhabitants, including other primates and birds such as the Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Black-billed Turaco, Pied Hornbill, Chestnut winged Starlings and many more.
Upon sighting the chimpanzees, you will stay with them for one unforgettable hour as they continue their daily routine – growling, grooming, feeding, taking care of the young ones and agilely climbing up trees. It certainly is one unforgettable wildlife encounter and the hour is always over too soon.
After your forest walk, return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon we transfer to Bigodi Swamp for another, totally different nature Walk. The Bigodi Swamp Walk is an initiative of the local community and is known for its rich diversity of birds and primates.
Overnight and dinner at your lodge.
DAY 7: KIBALE FOREST TO QEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK.
Today you can enjoy the majestic Rwenzori Mountains in its full glory! Have a guided walk at the foothills of the mountains and learn about the local culture first-hand. After this hike we calmly transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Overnight and dinner at your lodge.
DAY 8: QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK.
The day begins early when we start with a morning game drive and head to the mating ground of the Uganda Kobs. We search for lions, elephants, buffaloes and other wild animals in their natural habitat.
In the afternoon we take on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural channel between Lake Edward and Lake George. The channel is 33 km long and 2-3 km at its widest points. The scheduled 2-hour boat ride (beverages and snacks included!) will cover a 12-14 km stretch of the channel, with almost guaranteed excellent wildlife sightings including multitudes of hippopotamus – possibly the world’s highest concentration – Nile crocodiles, wallowing buffaloes on its reedy banks, elephants, and many birds.
Overnight and dinner at your lodge.
DAY 9: QUEEN ELIZABETH TO RUSHAGA (SOUTHERN BWINDI NATIONAL PARK.
Today we will depart the beautiful area of Queen Elizabeth and drive to the southwest. After a calm and scenic drive, we will arrive at the shores of Lake Mutanda in the afternoon.
Overnight and dinner at your lodge.
DAY 10: GORILLA TRACKING.
Arise early today and prepare for the highlight of your safari, an unforgettable encounter with the Gentle Giants!
Following breakfast, transfer to the national park offices where you will be allocated a gorilla family in groups of 8 as well as a gorilla tracking guide. After a pre-tracking briefing by your guide touching on the gorillas generally, your assigned gorilla family as well as appropriate safety precautions, you drive to the trailhead for the start of a thrilling adventure. Expect to walk between 2 and 8 hours in steep and sometimes muddy conditions with rain overhead, which can be tough and require a degree of (average) fitness. However, the thrill of coming face to face with a giant Mountain Gorilla silverback completely makes up for the effort!
Please remember to bring your passport for registration, appropriate, water proof hiking boots and a light rain coat. To protect from stinging nettles, we recommend long pants and long-sleeved tops. A pair of old gardening gloves can help grabbing onto the vegetation while most hotels/lodges provide a walking stick that come in very handy especially when hiking downhill. A small waterproof backpack is an excellent idea to carry a light snack, bottled water as well as protection for your camera.
Upon sighting the gorillas, you spend the allowed one hour with them as they go about their daily life; feeding, moving, playing, raising their young and sometimes wrestling with the juveniles – it is a totally unique and unforgettable experience!
Overnight at your lodge.
DAY 11: THE BATWA TRIL IN MGAHINGA NATIONAL PARK.
Although Bwindi is mainly known for the gorillas it has a lot more to offer. Batwa Trail in Mgahinga Gorilla Park allows you to experience the ways of the ancient Batwa People who once lived in these forests and now show the way of their ancient culture – See the forest through the eyes of the First People of the Forest – the Batwa People who have lived here for 500,000 years. Experience the lives of the Batwa People on the Interactive Batwa Trail in Mgahinga Gorilla Park.
A first-hand introduction to one of the most unique cultures worldwide. The Batwa pygmies are a forest people displaced from the rain forest they shared with mountain gorillas. This experience will give you the opportunity to learn more about their age-old culture while you enjoy a hike with the Batwa guides, see how they lived and hunted, hear ancient legends and learn about medical plants. The revenue generated from these activities directly benefits the Batwa to strengthen their community.
Overnight at your lodge.
DAY 12: BWINDI NATIONAL PARK TO LAKE BUNYONYI.
After breakfast we depart to Lake Bunyonyi, the second deepest lake in Africa. At 14.00 hour, after lunch, you will be able to join a 5-hour trek that leads you to the peaks of the Kyabahinga peninsula for breath-taking views, a nursery, and herbalist and craft maker.
Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
DAY 13: LAKE BUNYONYI TO KAMPALA.
After a calm breakfast we depart the beautiful lake and head back to the capital city. And route we will pass the Equator where we will make a stop for photos and souvenir shopping. Late in the afternoon arrival in Kampala.
Overnight and dinner at your cassia lodge.
DAY 14: DAY OF DAPARTURE.
Enriched with an experience of a lifetime and unforgettable memories you will say goodbye to the Pearl of Africa. In time you will be transferred to Entebbe Airport for your international flight. THANK YOU.
