Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 16-Day Safari Adventure in Uganda | Primates, Game, and Cultural Experience with Pamoja Tours and Travel to explore and discover Uganda, affectionately known as ‘The Pearl of Africa’. This comprehensive journey takes you through Uganda’s four renowned savannah parks: Kidepo Valley National Park in the northeast, Murchison Falls National Park in the north, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park in the southwest.
Our carefully curated itinerary offers a blend of thrilling game drives, scenic boat cruises, and immersive cultural experiences. Highlighting the trip are unique opportunities to track the world’s great apes, including chimpanzees in diverse environments and the magnificent mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This adventure ensures you interact with local communities, providing insight into the rich cultures and traditions of Uganda. Book this 16-day safari with Pamoja Tours and Travel for an experience you will cherish forever.
Detailed Itinerary
Arrival
Upon your arrival in Uganda, you will be warmly welcomed and picked up from the airport or your hotel. Accommodation before the tour departs can be arranged at an extra cost.
Day 1: Drive to Budongo Forest via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Your 16-day safari adventure begins with a drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to track the endangered white rhinos being restocked in Uganda. After spending some time observing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, you will continue to Budongo Forest, located within the Murchison Falls National Park Conservation Area. You will spend the night at Budongo Eco Lodge, enjoying the serene forest atmosphere.
Drive time: Approximately 4-5 hours
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Lodging: Budongo Eco Lodge
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking and Top of the Falls Visit
After an early breakfast, you will head to the forest headquarters for a briefing on chimpanzee trekking. Guided by experienced ranger guides, you will explore Budongo Forest, encountering various primates, birds, and plant species. Once you find a community of habituated chimpanzees, you will have an hour to observe and photograph them. In the afternoon, you will drive to Murchison Falls National Park, visiting the top of the falls to witness the Nile waters squeezing through a narrow gorge before exploding into one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls. Overnight will be at Murchison River Lodge.
Drive time: Approximately 2 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, and Dinner
Lodging: Murchison River Lodge
Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Boat Cruise on the Nile
Your action-packed day starts with an early morning game drive on the northern banks of the Nile, known as Paraa. This area offers a great opportunity to spot various wildlife, including antelopes, hippos, buffaloes, giraffes, and possibly big cats like lions and leopards. After lunch, you will go on a boat cruise to the bottom of Murchison Falls, where you will see a variety of wildlife and bird species. Return to Murchison River Lodge for overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Lodging: Murchison River Lodge
Day 4: Morning Game Drive and Delta Cruise
Another early morning game drive on the northern bank of the Nile awaits you, offering a chance to see wildlife you might have missed before. After lunch, you will embark on a late afternoon boat cruise to the Albert Delta, where you may spot elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and crocodiles, as well as the rare shoebill stork. Overnight will be at Murchison River Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Lodging: Murchison River Lodge
Day 5: Drive to Hoima Town for a Cultural Walk
After breakfast, you will drive to Hoima Town, a journey of about three hours. Depending on road conditions, you might take a scenic route via Lake Albert. Upon arrival and check-in at your hotel, you can enjoy a cultural walk or cultural performances at the lodge, learning about the local people’s traditions and way of life. Overnight at Kontik Hotel.
Drive time: Approximately 3 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Lodging: Kontik Hotel
Day 6: Drive to Kibale Forest National Park
Today, you will drive to Kibale Forest National Park via Fort Portal Town. After a lunch stop in Fort Portal, you will proceed to Rwenzori View Guest House. Depending on time, you might explore Fort Portal Town before settling in for the night.
Drive time: Approximately 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Lodging: Rwenzori View Guest House
Day 7: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Walk
After breakfast, you will head to Kibale National Park headquarters for a briefing on chimpanzee trekking. A guided walk through the forest will bring you face-to-face with habituated chimpanzees and other primate species. After lunch, you will visit Bigodi Village for a wetland walk, a community-managed initiative that supports local conservation efforts. Overnight at Rwenzori View Guest House.
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, and Dinner
Lodging: Rwenzori View Guest House
Day 8: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Your journey continues with a drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through scenic landscapes and small towns. After checking in at Bush Lodge or Buffalo Resort, you will go on a late afternoon game drive in Mweya, where you can spot a variety of wildlife. Overnight at Bush Lodge or Buffalo Resort.
Drive time: Approximately 3-4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Lodging: Bush Lodge or Buffalo Resort
Day 9: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
An early morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains provides a chance to see predators like lions and leopards, along with other wildlife. After lunch, you will enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, where you can observe numerous bird species and other animals. Overnight at Bush Lodge or Buffalo Resort.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Lodging: Bush Lodge or Buffalo Resort
Day 10: Chimpanzee Trekking and Katwe Salt Mines
After breakfast, you will go to Kyambura Gorge for a chimpanzee trekking experience. Later, you will visit Lake Katwe salt mines to learn about traditional salt extraction methods and the coexistence of humans and wildlife. Overnight at Bush Lodge or Buffalo Resort.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Lodging: Bush Lodge or Buffalo Resort
Day 11: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Today’s drive takes you to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas. The journey offers stunning views of terraced hills and local farms. Overnight at Broad Bill Forest Camp.
Drive time: Approximately 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Lodging: Broad Bill Forest Camp
Day 12: Gorilla Trekking and Village Walk
The day begins with a briefing at the park headquarters before you embark on a trek to see the mountain gorillas. The trek can be challenging, but the experience of observing these magnificent creatures is incredibly rewarding. In the evening, you will visit a local village to learn about the community’s efforts in conservation. Overnight at Broad Bill Forest Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Lodging: Broad Bill Forest Camp
Day 13: Drive to Lake Bunyonyi
After breakfast, you will drive to Lake Bunyonyi, known for its beautiful islands and diverse birdlife. The afternoon can be spent relaxing or exploring the area. Overnight at Crater Bay Cottages or Bird Nest Overseas Cottages.
Drive time: Approximately 3-4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Lodging: Crater Bay Cottages or Bird Nest Overseas Cottages
Day 14: Canoeing and Birding
Spend the day canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi, visiting some of the 29 islands, and enjoying the diverse birdlife. The serene atmosphere and stunning scenery make for a relaxing day. Overnight at Crater Bay Cottages or Bird Nest Overseas Cottages.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Lodging: Crater Bay Cottages or Bird Nest Overseas Cottages
Day 15: Drive to Lake Mburo National Park
You will drive to Lake Mburo National Park via the Igongo Cultural Center for a traditional lunch and cultural tour. Upon arrival, you will go on a boat cruise on Lake Mburo. Overnight at Lake Mburo Safari Lodge.
Drive time: Approximately 4-5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Lodging: Lake Mburo Safari Lodge
Day 16: Morning walking safari and Transfer to Entebbe Airport
Your safari adventure concludes with an early morning walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park. After breakfast, you will transfer to Entebbe Airport, stopping at the Equator for photos and souvenirs. This marks the end of your incredible 16-day safari in Uganda.
Drive time: Approximately 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Departure: Your guide will ensure you arrive at the airport in time for your departure flight.
Inclusive of:
– Park fees
– Gorilla and chimpanzee permits
– All activities mentioned
– All meals
– Drinking water
– Professional driver/guide
– Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
– Accommodation as specified
Exclusive of:
– International flights
– Visa fees
– Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, etc.)
– Additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
– Tips and gratuities
Book your 16-Day Safari Adventure in Uganda | Primates, Game, and Cultural Experience with Pamoja Tours and Travel today for a journey through the heart of Africa that you will never forget.
