18 Day Pearl of Africa Tour
Tour Overview
The Nile is the longest river on Earth; this mighty river flows from Africa’s largest lake (Lake Victoria) straight through Uganda to Murchison Falls National Park.
You will encounter the river at many places during this 18-day Uganda Safari. In the national parks, you will search for lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, hyenas, hippos, zebras, giraffes, and the unique Ugandan kob. Naturally, this tour also takes you to the chimpanzees and mountain gorillas in the high-altitude mountain rainforests. Together with the friendly locals, all the ingredients for an unforgettable adventure along the highlights of Uganda are present!
The accommodations have been carefully selected based on location and atmosphere. For example, you can choose to stay at the Murchison River Lodge in the heart of Murchison Falls National Park. The comfortable tents are situated directly on River Nile, with hippos and kingfishers right on your doorstep. Virtually all excursions listed in this tour are included in the price.
At Greenway Nature Tours Africa, we are constantly looking for innovative and original experiences. For those who want to get even more out of their time in Uganda, our specialists are happy to advise on even more special excursions. How about a cooking class experience with a local women group at Bwindi, lion GPS tracking in Queen Elizabeth National Park, or mountain biking among wildlife in Lake Mburo National Park?
Your Itinerary In Details
Day 1 | Welcome To The Pearl of Africa
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by a driver who will take you to the first accommodation in Entebbe. Entebbe is your gateway to Uganda’s considerable treasures, a laid-back waterside town with palm-fringed promenades lapped by Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa. Settle into your hotel with your evening free to relax and anticipate your explorations of this East African nation graced with deep lakes, soaring mountains and rich biodiversity.
Accommodation levels
Budget: Via Via Hotel or similar
Midrange: The Boma Hotel Entebbe or similar
Luxury: Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa or similar
Meal Plan: Bed and breakfast
Day 2 | Search for shoebills in Mabamba Swamp
After a good breakfast, you leave your hotel and drive for about one hour to Mabamba Swamp on the shores of Lake Victoria. This is the best place in Africa to search for the rare shoebill in the wild.
You board a small canoe with your guide and a local fisherman. You move slowly through narrow channels, surrounded by papyrus, tall grasses, and water lilies. Along the way, you may spot kingfishers and other wetland birds, while your guide explains the ecosystem. The shoebill is one of the most extraordinary birds in Africa. It looks prehistoric. It stands up to 1.6 meters tall. Its beak is massive, up to 24 cm long and 20 cm wide.
Once found, your guide carefully positions the boat for the best view, usually at a respectful distance. With binoculars, you may even watch it hunt fish or reptiles. You spend about an hour observing this remarkable bird.
After the excursion, you return to Entebbe for lunch at a top local restaurant. In the afternoon, you enjoy a relaxed walking tour of Entebbe, visiting local markets and sampling a Rolex, Uganda’s famous street snack. You then return to your lodge to relax, followed by dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation levels:
Budget: Via Via Hotel or similar
Midrange: The Boma Hotel Entebbe or similar
Luxury: Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa or similar
Included Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 3 | To the beauty of the Nile - Jinja
After breakfast, you will be driven through colorful markets and beautiful scenery to the historic town of Jinja. Outside the town lie various lodges, all offering stunning views of the Nile. From here, you can enjoy the nature and the view, but there are also plenty of activities to enjoy.
One overnight stay is planned in Jinja. This breaks up the long journey from Entebbe to Sipi Falls. Here, you can also go horseback riding, rafting or tubing on the Nile, bungee jumping, and quad biking. If you would like to participate in more than one activity in Jinja and/or go rafting (rafting takes the whole day), we recommend booking an extra night.
Jinja
Jinja is a city in eastern Uganda, situated on the eastern shore of Lake Victoria. Before the arrival of the Europeans, Jinja was a small fishing village. In the 19th century, various explorers went in search of the source of the Nile. It was eventually John Hannington Speke who found it here in Jinja. Today, Jinja attracts travelers who enjoy the beautiful tropical nature and the many available activities.
Jinja Excursions – (optional)
From your accommodation, you can truly do anything! There is plenty of choice for both the adventurer and those who prefer to take things a little easier. Various sports can be enjoyed on the river or in the surrounding area. Rafting is highly recommended for adventurers, as this is the ultimate spot for it due to all the rapids of the Nile near Jinja. Additionally, you can choose from tubing, whitewater canoeing, mountain biking, quad biking, Kayaking or Bungee Jumping. Those who prefer to take it easy might enjoy a boat cruise to the source of the Nile, a beautiful horseback ride along the Nile or a walk through the village. Of course, you can also simply relax at the lodge with a view of the Nile! You can book all activities through your guide or accommodation.
Rafting on the Nile in Jinja – Full day (optional)
You will be picked up from your accommodation and taken to the starting point of the greatest adventure of this trip: rafting on the Nile! In Jinja, the Nile rushes through the beautiful green landscape. The sounds of violently churning water make you realize the power of nature. During the rafting, various levels of whitewater (rapids) are conquered (with Rapid 5 being the highest and most extreme level). You will embark on this adventure in well-maintained rubber boats, accompanied by a professional team. Although no experience is required, it is good to know that you could be thrown out of the boat. The life vest ensures that you always surface, and kayakers are present in the water to assist you. Rafting on the Nile near Jinja is one of the most spectacular activities in Uganda! This activity is exclusively bookable for adults aged 16 and over.
Accommodation levels:
Budget: 2 Friends Guest House or similar
Midrange: The Haven Eco-River Lodge or similar
Luxury: Wildwaters Lodge or similar
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 | To the beautiful and little visited Sipi Falls
In the morning, you can decide what you want to do (in consultation with your guide). You can stay in Jinja a little longer (and do another activity) and only drive to Sipi Falls after lunch.
You drive to Sipi Falls in about three hours, on the border of Uganda and Kenya at the foot of Mount Elgon. The waterfalls, streams, flowers, and 40 shades of green contribute to the feeling that the Garden of Eden must have looked something like this.
Sipi Falls
The area consists of three waterfalls and is located in eastern Uganda. The waterfalls lie on the edge of Mount Elgon National Park, on the border with Kenya. The Sipi Falls and the Sipi River are named after the ‘Sep’, an indigenous plant on the riverbanks, a medicinal plant used by the local population against measles and flu. The area is characterized by coffee plantations, streams, waterfalls, chameleons, lush vegetation, traditional African villages, and beautiful views of the Karamoja savannas.
Accommodation levels:
Budget: Sipi Heritage Lodge – Banda or similar
Midrange: Sipi Heritage Lodge – Banda or similar
Luxury: Sipi Heritage Lodge – Waterfall Cottage
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 | Full Day Sipi Falls Hike
Today you will hike through this beautiful area. You can decide how long you want to hike in consultation with your guide. If you choose the hike of approximately 6-7 hours, you can walk past all the waterfalls. In addition to the waterfalls, you will also walk past coffee and banana plantations, local villages, and enjoy beautiful panoramic views. Along the way, you can spot chameleons, and if you bring your swimwear and towel, you can even swim in a stream or shower under a waterfall. Whatever you choose, it will be a wonderful day in paradise!
Sipi Falls Hike – Full Day
You will hike – accompanied by a local English-speaking guide – through the beautiful Sipi Falls area. During a walk through this green region, you will alternate between enormous waterfalls and the local village life of the Ugandan countryside. You will also walk along streams and enjoy the colorful flowers and beautiful vistas. This is roughly what the Garden of Eden must have looked like! During a full day of hiking, you can visit three waterfalls and spot chameleons in the coffee plantations along the way. It is fun to swim in one of the streams and even take a refreshing shower under a waterfall. So, bring your swimwear and towel! You can also choose to hike for a shorter period in consultation with your guide. You will be out for the entire day. Along the way, you will enjoy a local Ugandan lunch.
Accommodation levels:
Budget: Sipi Heritage Lodge – Banda or similar
Midrange: Sipi Heritage Lodge – Banda or similar
Luxury: Sipi Heritage Lodge – Waterfall Cottage
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6 | Coffee Tour & Travel back to Kampala
On the fertile slopes of Mount Elgon, coffee farming is part of everyday life. Around Sipi Falls, high-quality Arabica coffee grows in ideal conditions. The altitude, rich soils, and cool climate make this one of the best coffee regions in Uganda. As you walk through the area, coffee plants are everywhere. They grow alongside bananas and other crops. Red cherries ripen in the sun. Beans dry in open spaces near family homes. Everything feels real and unfiltered.
You join a guided coffee experience led by a local farmer. You walk through the plantation and learn each step of the process. You see how cherries are picked by hand. You watch beans dry and roast over an open fire. Then you grind them yourself using a traditional wooden mortar and pestle. Finally, you brew and taste your own fresh cup of coffee.
This experience gives you a deeper understanding of local life and the land. After the tour, you begin your drive back to Kampala. The journey takes about 4 to 5 hours. You arrive in the evening, marking the end of a rich and memorable day.
Accommodation levels:
Budget: Cassia Lodge or similar
Midrange: Latitude 0º hotel – Executive Room or similar
Luxury: Latitude 0º hotel – Suite or similar
Included Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 7 | Visit Ziwa Rhino Ranch & Travel Murchison Falls
Your day starts early with breakfast at the hotel. After check-out, you drive northwest toward Murchison Falls National Park. The journey takes about 5 to 6 hours, with a few relaxed stops along the way. Late in the morning, you turn off at Nakitooma and visit Ziwa Rhino Ranch. This is the best place in Uganda where you can track rhinos on foot. You walk with expert rangers for about two hours. Seeing white rhinos up close is a powerful experience. The sanctuary is home to around 48 individuals, so sightings are very reliable.
After the walk, you continue to Kabalega for lunch. You can try local Ugandan dishes or choose lighter options. In the afternoon, you enter Murchison Falls National Park. The scale and beauty are immediate. The park is rich in wildlife and home to over 450 bird species. It is named after Murchison Falls (possibly the world’s strongest waterfall), where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge and crashes about 45 meters below. You arrive at your lodge in the early evening for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay.
Accommodation levels:
Budget: Fort Murchison Lodge
Midrange: Murchison River Lodge – Thatched Tents or similar
Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge – Deluxe Room or similar
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8 | Game drive and afternoon boat safari on the Nile
Today is entirely dedicated to all the wildlife and natural beauty that Murchison Falls National Park has to offer. In the early morning, you will go on a game drive, and in the afternoon, you will take an amazing boat safari on the Nile in search of hippos, crocodiles, waterbirds, and with a bit of luck, even bathing elephants! At the end of the day, you will be dropped off at your accommodation feeling satisfied.
Game drive– Morning
After an early breakfast at 6.00 am, you go out for a game drive. The sun is rising and it is still cool, the best time for a safari across the savannah plains. The safaris in Murchison Falls focus on the area northwest of the Nile. The green, rolling landscape is dominated by the characteristic Borassus palms, whose fruits are a delicacy for the savannah elephant. In addition to elephants, you will look for Rothschild giraffes, hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, various types of antelopes, and many tropical bird species.
Boat safari Murchison waterfall – Afternoon
Under the watchful eyes of crocodiles, hippos, buffaloes, and monkeys, you sail slowly along the Nile. Monkeys betray your approach, and waterbirds are busy fishing. Elephants and other wildlife are regularly spotted coming to quench their thirst along the banks of the mighty Nile. The trip eventually takes you to the foot of the 45-meter-high and famous waterfall (Murchison Falls). The trip takes approximately three hours. (We recommend sitting on the left side of the boat, as you sail along the left bank.)
Private boat safari– Afternoon (optional)
You can book private boat safari on the Nile. This offers enormous added value compared to the large general boat, as a small boat allows you to get much closer to the wildlife. You also set the pace yourself, and it is wonderful to share this experience exclusively with your own group.
Accommodation levels:
Budget: Fort Murchison Lodge
Midrange: Murchison River Lodge – Thatched Tents or similar
Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge – Deluxe Room or similar
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9 | Another day in Uganda most wildlife-rich game park
Today is also dedicated to Uganda’s most wildlife-rich park. You will go on a game drive in the morning. We have nothing planned for the afternoon, so you can relax and enjoy your accommodation with a swimming pool. If you prefer to stay active, you can choose to go on a second boat safari. This boat safari goes to the beautiful delta area and is scenically completely different from the first boat safari. If you choose this option, you will do so in the early morning, and the jeep safari will be moved to the afternoon.
Game Drive – Second morning
After breakfast, you will drive to the delta area for the safari. This morning is dedicated to different safari tracks to discover even more of the park. Naturally, your guide will also go looking for predators if they were not spotted during the first safari.
Boat Safari Delta Lake Albert – Morning (optional)
In addition to the regular boat safari to the waterfall, it is also possible to take a boat safari through the delta area in this park. The delta area is located where the Victoria Nile flows into Lake Albert and subsequently into the Albert Nile. This delta area looks like a smaller version of the famous Okavango Delta (Botswana) and is teeming with wildlife, such as hippos, crocodiles, and bathing elephants. This boat safari is also a dream for bird lovers. Special birds such as the Saddle-billed Stork, the African Giant Kingfisher, and the prehistoric-looking Shoebill are regularly spotted.
Accommodation levels:
Budget: Fort Murchison Lodge
Midrange: Murchison River Lodge – Thatched Tents or similar
Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge – Deluxe Room or similar
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10 | Visit the top of the falls. Travel to Kibale National Park
After breakfast, you drive to the top of the waterfall from which this park derives its name. You take a beautiful walk here. Afterwards, you continue on to Kibale Forest. You drive past villages, rainforests, tea plantations, and crater lakes towards Fort Portal. On a clear day, you can see the Rwenzori Mountains with their snow-capped peaks, and upon arrival in Kibale Forest, you enter a completely different world: a world of monkeys!
Murchison Waterfall Walk – Morning
At the top of Murchison Falls, you take a walk to view this natural spectacle from various vantage points. You see the waterfalls up close and feel the power of the Nile plunging with immense force through a gorge barely seven meters wide into the depths. If time permits, you can walk a little further down to see the entire waterfall—a magnificent sight!
Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale Forest is one of the most primate-rich rainforests in Africa. Thirteen different primate species live in the forest, including the red-tailed monkey, black-and-white colobus monkey, red colobus monkey, diademed monkey, black-mantled mangabey, and the galago. The protected nature reserve is situated at an average altitude of 1,300 meters and is surrounded by tea plantations to the north and papyrus swamps to the south. In addition to the primate species, many special bird species can also be found in the forest and the Bigodi swamp.
Accommodation levels:
Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge – Main House or similar
Midrange: Chimpanzee Forest lodge – Cottage or similar
Luxury: Primate Lodge or similar
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11 | Chimpanzee trekking & Bigodi Village Walk
In the morning, after breakfast, you will go on a chimpanzee trek, and in the afternoon, you will take a walk through Bigodi Village. Between activities, you will enjoy lunch and a moment of rest at your accommodation.
The order of the activities is based on the available chimpanzee permits. Therefore, your swamp walk might be in the morning and the chimpanzee trekking in the afternoon.
Chimpanzee trekking Kibale Forest – Morning
You will undertake the extraordinary chimpanzee trek. Guided by broken branches, droppings, food remains, and sounds, you will search for these noisy primates together with a ranger. It is always a question of how you will encounter the chimpanzees, but coming face-to-face with an ape that bears a striking resemblance to us is a fascinating experience. This excursion takes place in the morning.
Bigodi Village Walk– Afternoon
Today you will take a walk through Bigodi Village. According to your interests, you will first visit a traditional healer who will happily share his knowledge about spirits, herbs, plants and local medicines. Secondly, you will visit the homes of elderly men and women who tell interesting stories about birth, marriage, ceremonies, clans and their traditional life. Learn more about the history and issues that they face as a developing community of rural Uganda. Along the way, you will also be given the chance to experience the Ugandan school system, visit a local church and Bigodi’s trading centre, a hub of rural life and activity. Your guide will be ready to answer any questions during the walk.
Accommodation levels:
Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge – Main House or similar
Midrange: Chimpanzee Forest lodge – Cottage or similar
Luxury: Primate Lodge or similar
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12 | Travel to Queen Elizabeth NP for a boat cruise
After your stay in the first rainforest of this trip, you continue today towards Queen Elizabeth National Park. Today you travel through rural life, from the green hills full of tea plantations and crater lakes to the dry savannah of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Along the way, you will come across various Matoke markets.
In the afternoon, you will take one of the most spectacular boat safaris the African continent has to offer.
Please note: On this trip, you will stay 1 night in the northern part of Queen Elizabeth NP (Kasenyi) and 1 night in the southern part of the park (Ishasha). Because there are many special activities to enjoy in this park, you can also choose to add an extra night. Alternatively, you can skip Ishasha and stay 2 nights in the north. We tailor every trip, so we organize it exactly as you wish.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
The Queen Elizabeth National Park, spanning nearly 2,000 km², lies in the Rift Valley and borders the Rwenzori Mountains to the north and Lake Edward to the west. Central to this nature reserve lies the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George. You can take amazing boat safaris here. To the west of the Kazinga Channel lies a landscape of beautiful volcanic craters. The Kyambura Gorge is a massive fissure in the savannah landscape, home to a rainforest and the habitat of chimpanzees. Elephants, buffaloes, topi, lions, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, and many more live in Queen Elizabeth NP. More than 600 bird species live there.
Queen Elizabeth Boat Safari – Afternoon
Queen Elizabeth National Park is surrounded by Lake Edward and Lake George. These lakes are connected by the natural Kazinga Channel, which is teeming with wildlife! A boat trip along this channel is therefore one of the absolute highlights of your visit to the park. You will rarely see so many hippos in a single day! In addition to the hippos, you can spot enormous crocodiles, bathing buffaloes, and a huge variety of birds. When you also see a group of elephants spraying each other with water, you know your day has been a complete success!
Private Boat Safari Queen Elizabeth – Afternoon (optional)
You can also book this activity on a private boat. This offers enormous added value compared to the large general boat, as a small boat allows you to get much closer to the wildlife. You also set the pace yourself, and it is wonderful to share this experience exclusively with your own group.
Gorge Kyambura trekking – (optional)
Today you will take a truly magnificent hike through the Kyambura Gorge! The gorge is an 11 km long fissure running straight through the savannah of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Hidden within the gorge lies a beautiful stretch of tropical rainforest, situated along the banks of the Kyambura River. This rainforest is home to snakes, chimpanzees, and other animal species. Rangers make it a sport to spot the chimpanzees, but the chance of seeing them is about 50%. Therefore, above all, enjoy the hike itself, as it is one of the most beautiful hikes you can take in this country. It is an adventurous hike involving scrambling and climbing.
Accommodation levels:
Budget: Pumba Safari Cottages or similar
Midrange: The Bush Lodge -Banda or similar
Luxury: Elephant Plains Lodge or similar
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 13 | Full Day safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
In the morning, you will take a game drive through the northern part of this park (Kasenyi). You can also (optionally) choose to book the “Lion predator tracking”.
After this safari, you will drive for approximately 2.5 hours to the southern part of the park, Ishasha. Here, you will enjoy a well-deserved lunch at your lodge. After lunch, you will go on safari again, searching for the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha.
Game drive – Morning
During the safari in Queen Elizabeth, you will go in search of large herds of buffalo, elephants, elegant Ugandan kobs, topis, lions, leopards, and hyenas. The landscape varies from grasslands with candelabra euphorbias, crater lakes, and denser forested areas. After an early breakfast, you will drive towards the rising sun during the safari. In the morning, mist still hangs over the savannas, and you will hear the typical sounds of the African wilderness. An ideal start to a day in nature!
Predator Tracking– Morning (optional)
In the morning, you will go on a special safari accompanied by a park biologist. This biologist studies the behavior and movements of various lion prides and a number of individual leopards. This allows you to see through the eyes of biologists and learn about the king of the savannah in a unique way! The lion prides (and leopards) are tracked using radio collars, ensuring you will encounter the lions at all times. Leopards are not guaranteed. Because you are accompanying the biologist, you are permitted to leave the roads and paths. The proceeds from this activity are used to fund the research. This excursion takes place in the morning.
Ishasha
The southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park is Ishasha. Its remote location on the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo results in a low number of visitors, which benefits the wilderness character. The savannas are interspersed with numerous wild fig trees used by tree-climbing lions. The Ntungwe River flows through Ishasha, where hippos live and the vegetation is lush and dense.
Game drive Ishasha – Afternoon
During the safari, you will search for tree-climbing lions, which seek out the upper branches of old fig trees here. Ishasha is also home to buffaloes, large groups of Ugandan kobs, and lier antelopes, among others. You can look for hippos in the Ntungwe River. You will take the safari in the afternoon, when it is still warm and the lions are still inhabiting the trees. As the sun sets, you will return to your accommodation for a refreshing drink. In the evening, you will enjoy a campfire with the sounds of the African wilderness in the background.
Accommodation levels:
Budget: Enjojo Lodge
Midrange: Enjojo Lodge
Luxury: Ishasha Wilderness Camp or similar
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 14 | Travel to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where gorillas live
In the morning, you leave the savannas and travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a drive of about 3 to 4 hours. The drive is truly beautiful and typifies Uganda’s diversity. You drive past rainforests, and coffee plantations, and over mountains and hills, until you reach Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. What a view!
You can choose to go rafting today on the Birira River, which runs straight through the jungle in the area between Ishasha (south of Queen Elizabeth) and Bwindi Forest.
Gorilla Rafting – Full Day (optional)
Uganda is also the perfect place for jungle rafting! The Rwenzori Mountains feed countless rivers in Western Uganda, giving you the opportunity to go rafting in the dense tropical rainforests near the Rwenzori Mountains. How cool is that! You will raft from Kambuga on the Birira River in the area between Ishasha and Buhoma. A rafting trip in this area guarantees adventure and is, above all, scenically truly beautiful! You will sail past green hills, banana plantations, and lush rainforests full of monkeys and birds. This special rafting trip is suitable for adventurers and nature lovers alike, as well as for families (children aged 8 and up) who want to discover the beauty of the Bwindi Rainforest and the local communities. A day of rafting starts at 09:00 and ends at 15:00, and a typical Ugandan lunch is included.
Safety: Your enjoyment and safety are taken very seriously. A trip leader will be on the raft with you. He is responsible for your safety and the smooth running of the trip. In addition, every trip has two other guides in kayaks. These are safety kayakers. They are responsible for navigating the river and its surroundings. If you want to swim or fall into the water, these guys are there for you.
Bwindi
The mountain rainforest of Bwindi, together with the Virunga Mountains in Rwanda, is the most important area for gorilla trekking. This relatively small nature reserve is home to nearly half of all mountain gorillas living in the wild. In addition to the mountain gorillas, a total of 120 species of mammals and 350 species of birds live there.
Accommodation levels:
Budget: Ride 4 A woman Guest House or similar
Midrange: Buhoma Community Haven Lodge or similar
Luxury: Buhoma Lodge or similar
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 15 | Gorilla Trekking and Relaxation
Fuel up with an early breakfast before joining your gorilla guide, who leads you into the forest to find the forest’s most famous residents. The trekking may be strenuous — four hours or longer is not unheard of – but the reward is worth it: the chance to observe wild mountain gorillas from just yards away, with no bars or barriers. Spend an hour in the company of these magnificent creatures as they forage, play or simply lounge amid the greenery, their affinity to humans apparent in every interaction and glance. Return to the lodge and relax or, if time allows, go on a forest or community walk with your guides.
Accommodation levels:
Budget: Ride 4 A woman Guest House or similar
Midrange: Buhoma Community Haven Lodge or similar
Luxury: Buhoma Lodge or similar
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 16 | Free Day at Bwindi – Optional tour of nearby Bwindi communities.
Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You can relax at your lodge or choose from a range of meaningful activities. You may opt for a second gorilla trek for another encounter with a different gorilla family. For a cultural experience, you can visit nearby communities or take part in a guided walk with the Batwa people. The Batwa are the original forest dwellers. With a local guide, you learn about their history, traditions, and ancient hunting skills.
You can also visit Ride 4 a Woman, an inspiring social enterprise that supports local women through skills training and employment. Here, you can join a traditional dance workshop. You learn the lively rhythms and movements of the Bakiga culture in a fun and interactive way.
Alternatively, take part in a cooking experience. You harvest fresh ingredients, prepare local dishes, and learn traditional methods. In the evening, you share the meal around a campfire with the women and families—a warm and memorable cultural exchange.
Accommodation levels:
Budget: Ride 4 A woman Guest House or similar
Midrange: Buhoma Community Haven Lodge or similar
Luxury: Buhoma Lodge or similar
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 17 | To lovely Lake Mburo National Park
It is with very intense memories that you leave Bwindi behind. Not only is the experience with Dian Fossy’s protégés (‘Gorillas in the Mist’) etched in your memory for a lifetime, but also the beauty, the power, and the unique allure of Central African nature. Via the road connecting Rwanda with Kampala and Kenya, you drive to the lovely Lake Mburo National Park.
Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is the smallest safari area in Uganda and the only nature reserve where the impala and the eland live. Located centrally in the park is Lake Mburo, home to hippos, crocodiles, and many bird species.
Night Safari Lake Mburo – (optional)
Just before dinner, you will go on an exciting night safari where you search for galagos and hyenas, and also stand a good chance of spotting a leopard!
Accommodation options:
Budget: Eagles Nest Mburo
Midrange: Rwakobo Rock
Luxury: Mihingo Lodge
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 18: Walking or Mountain biking among the wildlife.
In the morning, you can choose between a mountain bike safari or a walking safari through the park. Since there are no lions or elephants living in this park, this can be done safely. Both activities are a great way to explore this park and its wildlife in an intimate setting.
You can also (optionally) choose to go on a horseback safari through the park. This can only be booked if you are staying at Mihingo Lodge.
After your morning activity and a (late) breakfast, you drive back to Entebbe across the equator. You will be dropped off at the airport in the early evening for your return flight home.
This is the end of your trip through Uganda. We hope you had a fantastic time!
Walking Safari Lake Mburo – Morning
Accompanied by a ranger, you will walk through the park in search of zebras, buffaloes, eland antelopes, and giraffes. This is also an excellent way for bird lovers to take beautiful photos, as there are no fewer than 310 species of birds found in Lake Mburo National Park!
Mountain Bike Safari Lake Mburo – Morning (optional)
You will take a wonderful mountain bike tour through the lush green nature of Lake Mburo National Park and the surrounding area. Along the way, you will encounter zebras, impalas, and topi antelopes, while also enjoying the panoramic views. Due to the elevation changes in Lake Mburo National Park, the mountain bike safari is a challenging ride, making it a wonderful start to your day!
Horseback riding safari Lake Mburo – Morning (optional)
During the horseback safari in Lake Mburo National Park, you will explore the region on horseback. It is an exciting adventure for both experienced and beginner riders. Please note: You must not weigh more than 90 kilograms and we cannot book this in advance, so availability must be checked on site. You can only book this activity if you are staying at Mihingo Lodge.
Accommodation: Not Include (end of tour)
Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Prices for this private trip
This tour is costed basing on different levels accommodation (budget, mid-range and luxury) and seasons. We would be happy to discuss in person whether the accommodations meet your needs. We can also combine different accommodation levels in one package. The price is per person and is in USD. The low season price applies for the months of April, May, and November.
High Season Prices
Budget Package
- 1 Pax: USD 9045
- 2 Pax: USD 5991 per person
- 3 Pax: USD 5389 per person
- 4 Pax: USD 4787 per person
- 5 Pax: USD 4667 Per Person
- 6 Pax: USD 4386 Per Person
Midrange package
- 1 Pax: USD 10961
- 2 Pax: USD 7205 per person
- 3 Pax: USD 6459 per person
- 4 Pax: USD 5718 per person
- 5 Pax: USD 5568 Per Person
- 6 Pax: USD 5222 Per Person
Luxury Package
- 1 Pax: USD 16193
- 2 Pax: USD 10352 per person
- 3 Pax: USD 10041 per person
- 4 Pax: USD 8820 per person
- 5 Pax: USD 8669 Per Person
- 6 Pax: USD 7988 Per Person
Low Season Prices
Budget Package
- 1 Pax: USD 8744
- 2 Pax: USD 5701 per person
- 3 Pax: USD 5096 per person
- 4 Pax: USD 4497 per person
- 5 Pax: USD 4375 Per Person
- 6 Pax: USD 4096 Per Person
Midrange package
- 1 Pax: USD 10413
- 2 Pax: USD 6844 per person
- 3 Pax: USD 6178 per person
- 4 Pax: USD 5464 per person
- 5 Pax: USD 5341 Per Person
- 6 Pax: USD 4987 Per Person
Luxury Package
- 1 Pax: USD 13571
- 2 Pax: USD 8970 per person
- 3 Pax: USD 8359 per person
- 4 Pax: USD 7372 per person
- 5 Pax: USD 7325 Per Person
- 6 Pax: USD 6840 Per Person
Inclusions
- Airport meet and greet on arrival
- All transfers as per the itinerary in a 4x4 safari landcruiser
- Luxurious accommodation for 17 nights
- Meals as indicated
- Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls NP
- Sipi Falls hike and coffee tours
- Rhino tracking in Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch
- Boat cruises in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Park
- Lion tracking in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Nature walk in the community-run Bugodi Wetland Sanctuary
- Canoeing in Mabamba Swamp in search of shoebills
- Game walk in Lake Mburo National Park
- One gorilla trekking permit per person
- One chimpanzee trekking permit per person
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
- Park entry fees for included activities
- All activities unless labeled as option
exclusions
- International flights to and from Uganda.
- Uganda visa fees
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Optional activities not listed as included
- Alcoholic drinks
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, and souvenirs
- Tips and gratuities for driver-guides, lodge staff, and park rangers
- Extra accommodation before or after the safari
- Any services not mentioned under safari inclusions
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