Tour Overview
Winston Churchill was so impressed by Uganda during his ‘African Journey’ from Mombasa to Khartoum that he renamed the country the ‘Pearl of Africa’. Uganda is one of the most diverse countries in Africa in terms of landscape, culture and wildlife. On this 11 Days Uganda Discovery Safari, you’ll experience some of Uganda’s most fascinating cultures, stunning scenery, and incredible wildlife. In the national parks, you’ll look for lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, hyenas, hippos, and the unique Ugandan Kob.
In Kampala, you’ll visit the Buganda Kingdom, and in Jinja, you’ll see the source of the world’s longest river and enjoy exciting white-water rafting. Of course, this trip also takes you to the chimpanzees and mountain gorillas in the high mountain rainforests. Together with the friendly population, all the ingredients for an unforgettable adventure along the highlights of Uganda are present!
Tour Highlights
- Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest
- Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park & Tree-Climbing Lions
- Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel
- Visit to the Source of the Nile in Jinja & White-Water Rafting
- Kampala and Buganda Kingdom tour
Day By Day Program
Gyebalo Ko, and Welcome to Uganda! As soon as you arrive at Entebbe International Airport, you'll be greeted by a pleasant temperature, a bit of hustle and bustle, and hopefully a friendly smile from the immigration officer. Take it easy today and unwind after your flight in Entebbe, a calm town by the lake, just an hour and a half from the busy capital, Kampala. Overnight at Boma Hotel. For upgrade you can stay at Hotel No5.
Start your day with a delicious breakfast, and then your driver guide will be ready to take you on a journey to Kampala, the "City of Many Hills." Today, you'll be amazed by the rich culture of the city and the region. Your day will begin with a visit to the Uganda Museum, where you'll learn about the country's history, culture, and heritage. You'll also explore lively markets like Owino and Nakasero. Next, you'll visit the Buganda Kingdom. The tour will take you through the King's Palace, the Royal Mile (which connects the palace to the Parliament), and a visit to the man-made Kabaka Lake. The Buganda Kingdom preserves the heritage of the Baganda people and offers a deep dive into their history, from the pre-colonial to the colonial and post-colonial eras. Afterward, enjoy a traditional cultural meal from the central region, then head to the Kasubi Tombs, the burial site of Buganda's kings. Finally, visit Namugongo Martyr’s Shrine for a pilgrimage tour which happens to be the most spiritually nourishing experiences for a Christian pilgrim. It is also a great source of history about religion in Uganda. A place where Christians were killed for accepting the lord as their savior. Return to your lodgings for dinner and relaxation. Overnight at Cassia Lodge. For upgrade you can stay at Serena Hotel Kampala.
On Day 3, you'll travel from Kampala to Jinja, a two-hour drive-in eastern Uganda. Known as the "Source of the Nile," Jinja offers the chance to visit the beginning of this famous river. The city is a hotspot for exciting activities like white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and kayaking on the Nile's rapids. You can also enjoy the beautiful Bujagali Falls, learn about local history at places like the Old Boma, and experience the culture of the friendly communities. Jinja's location by Lake Victoria also offers boat trips, fishing, and a relaxing atmosphere. With plenty of accommodations, Jinja offers a perfect mix of adventure, nature, and culture for an unforgettable trip in Uganda. Overnight at The Haven Eco-River Lodge. For upgrade you can stay at Lemala Wildwaters Lodge.
Day 4 is all about fun and relaxation! Start by visiting the Source of the Nile on a peaceful boat cruise. You can also choose to explore the area on a mountain bike with Bike Ventures Uganda, where all the money goes to charity. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, enjoy an exciting day of world-class, grade-5 white-water rafting—an experience you’ll never forget! Overnight at The Haven Eco-River Lodge. For upgrade you can stay at Lemala Wildwaters Lodge.
On Day 5, after an early breakfast, you'll drive back to Entebbe, a journey of about 4 hours (134km). From there, you'll take a one-hour light aircraft flight to Kisoro. Once you arrive, a comfortable transfer will take you to Orugano Lodge, located in the peaceful Nkuringo Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where you can relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Ready for another experience of a lifetime? Today you will track the rare mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Bwindi's dense forest protects approximately 500 mountain gorillas, roughly half of the world population his includes 25 habituated groups which can be tracked by limited groups of people. The gorilla trek from Nkuringo will take between 2 and 7 hours, depending on where the gorillas are, but once you find them, you’ll spend about an hour observing and interacting with these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. Overnight at Orugano Lodge
Day 7 offers a variety of optional activities to suit different preferences. You can choose to relax at the lodge, take a peaceful walk around the property, or engage with the local community. If you're interested in another gorilla encounter, you may opt for a second trek into the jungle, or even participate in the more immersive "habituation experience" (please note, this requires a pre-booked trekking permit). Alternatively, you can visit Lake Mutanda for a traditional dug-out canoe ride, offering stunning views of the volcanic lake. Explore the forest on a Batwa Forest Trail or a Circular Trail through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where you'll experience the beauty of the jungle beyond the gorillas. Overnight at Orugano Lodge.
On Day 8, you’ll take a 283 km (6-hour) drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda's second-largest national park. With its diverse landscapes, including open savannas, lush rainforests, dense papyrus swamps, crater lakes, and the vast Lake Edward, it's no surprise that the park is home to one of Africa's richest biodiversities. Enjoy an exciting game drive in the Ishasha Plains, located in the southern part of the park, famous for its tree-climbing lions. Afterward, you’ll embark on a scenic drive through the park before arriving at Enganzi Lodge, where you'll stay for the next few nights.
After breakfast, get ready for an exciting day in Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s top wildlife spots, home to 95 species of mammals and over 600 bird species. Morning game drives are the best time to see elephants, buffalo, leopards, hyenas, lions, and more. But there’s more to explore than just game drives. The Kazinga Channel, an important water source for the park, attracts a wide range of animals, including some of the largest hippo populations in the world. In the afternoon, you'll take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, offering a different and exciting way to see wildlife up close. Overnight at Enganzi Lodge.
Today, you'll take a 153 km (3-hour) drive to Kibale Forest, located near the charming town of Fort Portal. Kibale is an 800 km² tropical rainforest, home to 13 species of primates and a wide variety of birds. It's a paradise for nature lovers, offering fantastic bird watching and chimpanzee trekking, along with chances to see other primates. The chimpanzee trek is a half-day activity, which can be done either early in the morning or after lunch, and must be booked in advance. Overnight at Turaco Tree Tops.
On Day 11, after a relaxed breakfast, you'll begin your 326 km (6-hour) drive back to Entebbe. As you travel along the smooth tarmac road, you'll pass through beautiful lush tea and matoke (banana) plantations, offering a scenic glimpse of Uganda's countryside. The journey provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on the amazing experiences you've had, as you head back to Entebbe to wrap up your unforgettable adventure.
