Arise & Shine – The Ultimate 12-Day Uganda Safari

Your adventure begins the moment you land in Uganda - the Pearl of Africa! Our professional guide will warmly receive you at Entebbe International Airport and transfer you to your hotel for refreshing and relaxation.

Depending on your arrival time, enjoy:

• A fresh Ugandan coffee or juice on arrival

• Breakfast, lunch, or dinner arranged at the hotel

• Time to rest and gently recover from the flight

• A relaxing walk along the lakeside beaches of Entebbe

• Optional visit to local craft markets or botanical gardens

Feel the tropical breeze, admire the beauty of Lake Victoria, and let your excitement rise - tomorrow, the real adventure begins

Wake up to the gentle sounds of Lake Victoria and enjoy a delicious African breakfast - fresh tropical fruits, aromatic Ugandan coffee, and warm hospitality to start your day right.

Morning in Entebbe:

• Guided walk through the Entebbe Botanical Gardens - established in 1898

• Home to ancient trees, playful monkeys, colorful birds, exotic plants & film scenery spots (scenes from Tarzan were shot here!)

• Boat ride into the wetlands in search of the legendary Shoebill Stork

• One of the rarest birds on Earth - prehistoric look, massive beak, incredible photos!

• Optional visit to Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (Zoo)

• Learn about wildlife rescue and conservation while seeing lions, chimps, shoebill storks & more

• Enjoy lakeside photo stops and relax by the beach

Afternoon in Kampala:

• Visit the Gaddafi National Mosque for stunning 360° city views

• Visit Kasubi Royal Tombs

• Explore the Baha'i Temple - the only one of its kind in Africa

• Dive into culture with a museum or crafts market visit (Ndere or Buganda Heritage)

• Optional: Kampala City Boda Boda Tour (the ultimate local thrill!)

• Ride through the heart of the city - feel the rhythm, chaos, and pure excitement of downtown

Taste of Kampala:

• Try Uganda's famous street snack: ROLEX (chapati + eggs + veggies)

• Enjoy a delicious local dinner - goat barbecue, luwombo, matooke, fresh tilapia!

Wrap up the evening with a relaxed check-in at your Kampala hotel or optional nightlife experience - music, dance & lit city energy. Rest and recharge - tomorrow, the Big Game adventure begins

Start your morning with an early breakfast at the hotel - Ugandan coffee to fuel your adventure and fresh tropical fruits to kickstart the day. By 7:00 AM, hit the road for a scenic drive through Uganda's lush countryside.

Road Trip Vibes:

• Enjoy beautiful views of rolling green hills, banana plantations & lively roadside markets

• Try tasty Ugandan road snacks - roasted maize, gonja (grilled plantain), fresh pineapple & passion fruits

• Short storytelling stops for photos and culture moments

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Experience:

Arrive at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where white rhinos live in the wild. This sanctuary was established to reintroduce rhinos after they became extinct in Uganda in the 1980s.

Here, you will:

• Track rhinos on foot with professional rangers

• Learn about rhino conservation and anti-poaching efforts

• Get incredible photos as rhinos graze in the open savannah

• Experience your first Big 5 animal on this adventure

After lunch, continue north towards Murchison Falls National Park - Uganda's largest and oldest safari park.

Arrival Into the Wild: Check into your lodge, unwind, and admire a magical African sunset over the savannah. First wildlife sightings near the lodge - giraffes, antelopes, warthogs. Tonight, listen to nature - the sound of the wild sets the tone for the safari ahead. Tomorrow, we chase Murchison's roaring waterfalls and begin full game drives!

Murchison Falls - quick facts: Uganda's oldest and largest National Park. Named by explorer Sir Samuel Baker in 1864 after Sir Roderick Murchison, the waterfall surges through a narrow 7-metre gap and falls 43 metres, creating the world's strongest waterfall, thunderous spray and rainbows.

In the surrounding park you'll spot elephants, buffaloes, lions, giraffes, hippos and crocodiles - rich savannah wildlife in one of Uganda's most spectacular landscapes.

Rise and Shine at 6:00 AM!

Wake up to the sounds of the wild - birds calling, hippos grunting, nature waking up with the sun. Grab a quick coffee/tea and head out for an unforgettable morning game drive on the Northern Delta plains.

Sunrise Safari Highlights:

• Witness the golden light painting the savannah

• Spot lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes & buffaloes

• Herds of Uganda kob and waterbuck grazing freely

• Iconic photos against Borassus palm-dotted landscapes

• Expert ranger-guide shares wildlife knowledge and tracking skills

After your safari, return to the lodge for a well-deserved full bush breakfast and some time to relax by the pool or lounge.

Afternoon: The Mighty Nile Boat Cruise

Board a scenic boat safari along the Nile toward the base of Murchison Falls - the world's most powerful waterfall. Be ready for amazing wildlife encounters:

• Huge pods of hippos & basking crocodiles

• Elephants drinking along the riverbank

• Rare birds like the African fish eagle & bee-eaters

As the thunder of the waterfall grows louder… excitement builds!

Top of the Falls Hike / Viewpoint:

Step out and feel the earth shake beneath your feet - Here, the mighty River Nile squeezes through a 7-meter rocky gap and plunges 43 meters below with incredible force! Mist, rainbows, roaring water - pure nature power. Perfect moment to capture bucket-list photos.

Return to your lodge for a beautiful dinner under the stars and a calm night in the African wild. Tomorrow - we journey toward the Primates Capital of the world: Kibale Forest!

Wake up to another beautiful morning in Murchison Falls National Park and enjoy a hearty breakfast with a view of the savannah - fueling up for the adventure ahead.

Top of the Falls Experience:

Take a short guided hike to the top of the thunderous Murchison Falls - where the mighty River Nile is squeezed through a narrow gorge and explodes into a roaring cascade. Feel the mist kiss your skin as rainbows form in the spray - the perfect photo moment

Road Trip to Kibale - Through Uganda's Green Heart:

After the hike, begin your scenic transfer south toward Kibale Forest - the Primate Capital of the World

Along the way:

• Enjoy views of tea plantations rolling like green carpets

• Make stops in local villages for lunch at roadside restaurants with fresh Ugandan cuisine

• Experience warm cultural interactions and smiles from the countryside

• Capture stunning landscapes from crater valleys to farmlands

Your guide will keep the road trip fun and interactive - fruit tasting stops (pineapple, jackfruit), music, stories, and hidden gems along the way.

Arrival in Kibale Forest:

Check in to your lodge surrounded by ancient rainforest - lush, peaceful, and full of mystery.

Evening options:

• Guided nature walk to sight forest monkeys and rare birds

• Relaxing dinner at the lodge - enjoy African flavors and hospitality

• Chill by the fireplace and listen to the music of the jungle at night

Tomorrow - Chimpanzee tracking! Your primate adventure continues!

Welcome to Kibale Forest National Park, proudly known as The Primate Capital of the World - home to 13 primate species, towering mahogany trees, and one of the richest tropical rainforests in Africa.

Start your morning with breakfast at the lodge, fresh coffee and fruits energizing you for the adventure ahead.

Chimpanzee Trekking - Deep in the Rainforest:

Venture into the heart of Kibale with expert rangers, listening to the forest wake up - bird calls, rustling leaves, and the distant whoops of chimps.

Your encounter includes:

• Watching chimps swinging high in the canopy

• Family interactions - grooming, mothers with babies

• Listening to their loud vocalizations and wild drumming

• Capturing close-up photos of this wild & emotional experience

You spend a magical hour with our closest relatives - truly unforgettable.

Return to your lodge for a delicious lunch and a short relaxation break.

Afternoon: Bigodi Wetlands & Cultural Touch:

Walk into the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary - a community-protected eco-paradise filled with:

• Colorful birds (like the Great Blue Turaco)

• Monkeys jumping between branches

• Butterflies dancing along the trail

Local guides share stories of conservation and how tourism sustains community livelihoods. Optional visit to:

• Craft workshops

• Indigenous herbal medicine gardens

• Cultural interactions with warm village families

Evening in Nature:

Head back to your rainforest lodge for a calm dinner under the stars. Chill time - pool, fireplace, or optional guided night walk to search for bush babies & nocturnal creatures. Close your eyes to the soothing soundtrack of the jungle - tomorrow, you travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park for more wildlife wonders

Begin your morning with a delicious breakfast at the lodge, then hit the road for a scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park - one of Uganda's most iconic and biodiverse safari destinations.

The park is home to tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, over 600 bird species, vast savannahs, sparkling crater lakes, and the great Kazinga Channel teeming with hippos and crocodiles.

Along the way, enjoy road-trip fun, local culture sightings, and a stop at the Equator Line for playful photos and a quick science demonstration of Earth's rotation - a must-have safari memory!

Upon arrival, enjoy a hearty lunch, then head out for an afternoon game drive.

Expect stunning wildlife encounters - elephants marching in herds, buffaloes grazing, antelopes leaping, and leopards hiding among the acacia trees. The surrounding volcanic landscape adds unmatched beauty to every moment.

Later, explore the Katunguru natural hot springs - a fascinating wonder that local communities believe have healing powers. Learn about the legend behind the male and female springs, each bubbling differently from deep in the earth.

Return to your lodge for a refreshing chill-out evening, a delicious dinner, and storytelling around a cozy fire as the wild sounds of the African night fill the air.

Start the day very early at 6:00 AM with a quick coffee or tea at your lodge before heading out for a sunrise game drive across Queen Elizabeth NP. Watch the savannah come alive as animals stir in the cool morning light - elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and maybe elusive leopards - a perfect photo opportunity.

Breakfast is enjoyed after the morning drive, either back at your lodge or as a picnic in the wild, depending on timing.

Kazinga Channel Boat Safari:

• Cruise along the shimmering waters of the Kazinga Channel - home to massive pods of hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife

• Spot African fish eagles swooping down, kingfishers perched on branches, and flamingos wading along the banks

• Experience the serene contrast between the river's calm and the dramatic savannah landscapes

• Capture magical reflections of wildlife and sky - nature photography heaven!

Lunch is served at a local riverside lodge or picnic, enjoying fresh African cuisine.

Road Trip to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest:

After lunch, embark on a scenic drive through Uganda's lush hills and valleys, with rolling tea plantations, local villages, and stunning viewpoints. Stop for short photo breaks, roadside fruit tasting, and interactive storytelling from your guide. Feel the excitement build as you enter the misty rainforest - the land of the endangered mountain gorillas

Arrival at Bwindi Lodge:

Check into your comfortable rainforest lodge. Chill time: relax, sip a hot drink, listen to the jungle, and prepare mentally for tomorrow's bucket-list gorilla trekking. Dinner at the lodge under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of the forest.

Tomorrow - your life-changing Gorilla Trekking & Batwa Cultural Experience!

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Africa's last remaining ancient rainforests. Spanning over 326 km², this lush, misty jungle is home to more than 400 mountain gorillas, dense vegetation, towering mahogany trees, and vibrant birdlife. Its tangled forests, moss-covered vines, and hidden waterfalls create a magical, almost mystical atmosphere, making it one of the world's most unique wildlife destinations.

Early Morning Start:

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the lodge, fueling up with fresh fruits, Ugandan coffee, and energy-packed treats. Today is the crown jewel of your safari. Trek through the dense rainforest, guided by experienced trackers, in search of a gorilla family. Spend a magical hour observing gorillas in their natural habitat: infants playing, adults foraging, and the forest alive with sound.

Set out at dawn for a guided Gorilla Trekking adventure, with expert rangers leading you into the heart of Bwindi. Trek through winding forest trails, stepping over roots and navigating small streams, all while listening to the forest awaken with bird calls and rustling leaves

Gorilla Encounter:

After an exhilarating hike, you reach a gorilla family, spending up to an hour observing their daily life. Watch as the silverback commands his family, mothers care for their babies, and playful juveniles swing through the canopy. Learn about gorilla behavior, conservation efforts, and the forest ecosystem from your guide. Capture once-in-a-lifetime photos in this breathtaking setting.

Post-Trek Relaxation & Lunch:

Return to the lodge for a well-deserved lunch and time to relax, refresh, and share stories of your magical encounter.

Afternoon - Batwa Cultural Experience:

After lunch, continue your adventure with an immersive Batwa Cultural Visit. After an unforgettable Gorilla Trekking experience in Bwindi, we continue the adventure with the Batwa Cultural Experience, walking with the original forest people, learning their stories, songs, dances, and traditional ways of life - a humbling and authentic cultural encounter that connects you to Uganda's roots.

Step into the ancient world of the Batwa - the original keepers of the Bwindi Forest. For thousands of years, the Batwa lived in harmony with the gorillas and the lush jungle, relying on traditional hunting, herbal medicine, and deep spiritual knowledge of the forest.

Walk with Batwa guides, learn traditional forest survival techniques, songs, dances, and hear stories passed down for generations. Understand how tourism supports their community and preserves their rich cultural heritage.

Evening in Bwindi:

Return to your lodge for dinner under the stars, soaking in the sounds of the forest and reflecting on a day full of wonder. Optional night stroll to hear nocturnal wildlife or simply relax and enjoy the serene jungle ambiance. Share stories with fellow travelers, and enjoy a well-deserved gourmet dinner surrounded by nature's serenity and prepare to travel to Lake Bunyonyi.

Morning Departure:

Enjoy an early breakfast at your lodge in Bwindi, energizing you for the scenic drive ahead. Set off on a winding road through lush hills and local villages, stopping for short photo moments and roadside fruit tasting.

After the intensity of gorilla trekking, unwind at Lake Bunyonyi, the “Place of Many Little Birds.” Paddle a canoe to explore peaceful islands, hike trails with stunning views, or try optional zip-lining for an adrenaline kick. Watch the sun dip behind emerald hills, reflect on the lake's glassy surface, and share stories around an evening campfire - pure African magic.

Lake Bunyonyi, Africa's second-deepest lake, is a true gem of the Pearl of Africa. Its name, meaning “Place of Many Little Birds”, reflects the lake's rich birdlife and serene environment. With 29 islands scattered across emerald waters, each with its own history and culture, the lake offers breathtaking scenery, peaceful relaxation, and immersive cultural experiences.

Arrival at Lake Bunyonyi & Activities:

• Cultural Tour: Visit Punishment Island (Akampene), a small island with a tragic past where unmarried pregnant girls were once abandoned. Learn about the local history and traditions surrounding this place while reflecting on resilience and cultural transformation.

• Bird Watching: Spot endemic and migratory birds, including African fish eagles and kingfishers

• Hiking: Short guided trails to viewpoints overlooking the lake and surrounding hills - perfect for photography and soaking in the beauty

• Canoeing: Paddle across calm waters in a traditional dugout canoe, exploring hidden corners and tranquil islands

• Optional Swimming or Relaxation: Enjoy the cool, clean waters or simply relax by the shore

Lunch & Dinner:

Savor lunch on one of the islands or at your lodge, with fresh local fish, matooke, and seasonal vegetables. Evening dinner at the lodge with panoramic views of the lake as the sun sets, creating magical reflections across the water.

Evening Chill:

Lounge by the fire or terrace, listen to gentle lake sounds, and watch the sky fill with stars - a serene end to a day connecting with nature and culture.

Lake Mburo National Park - Uganda's smallest savannah park but one of its most charming, Lake Mburo is known for its rolling hills, acacia woodlands, lakes, and diverse wildlife. The park is famous for zebra herds, impalas, hippos, giraffes, leopards, and over 350 bird species, making it a photographer's paradise and a must-see safari destination.

Morning Departure & Road Trip Fun:

Enjoy breakfast at your lodge by Lake Bunyonyi before setting off on the scenic drive to Lake Mburo. Experience Uganda's countryside - patchwork hills, local villages, and vibrant markets along the way.

Stop at Igongo Cultural Centre to immerse yourself in Ankole traditions, crafts, and history, with a short museum tour and interactive exhibits. Continue to Mbarara town, known as the “Land of Milk and Honey,” for a quick cultural tour and photo stops.

Lunch:

Arrive at your Lake Mburo lodge in time for a delicious lunch, fresh local dishes served in a serene setting overlooking the park.

Afternoon Safari & Horseback Adventure:

Set out for a thrilling game drive, spotting zebras, impalas, buffaloes, hippos, and giraffes. Optional horseback safari - ride through rolling hills and savannah trails, getting closer to wildlife in an intimate and adventurous way. Capture stunning sunset views over the park's lakes and hills.

Evening Chill:

Return to the lodge for a relaxing evening, enjoying dinner under the stars, reflecting on the day's wildlife encounters. Optional night walk or simply relax, listening to the sounds of the African bush.

Check in at your lodge in Lake Mburo, where cozy comfort meets rustic elegance. Enjoy a relaxing evening by the lodge, perhaps with a sundowner overlooking the park, and reflect on your adventures as the African sunset paints the sky.

Wake up to your final African sunrise, the savannah bathed in golden light outside your lodge. Enjoy a hearty breakfast, taking in the serene views one last time - zebras grazing, birds soaring overhead, and the gentle rustle of the African bush.

Journey Back:

Depart Lake Mburo at a relaxed pace for Kampala / Entebbe. Stop at the Equator Line: take playful photos, learn about the Earth's rotation, and capture the quintessential “I crossed the Equator” moment.

Enjoy a Lukaya roadside barbecue lunch - fresh grilled meats, local flavors, and a fun, authentic Ugandan experience. Continue your scenic drive, stopping for souvenirs, photos, and last glimpses of rural life.

Reflect on the Journey:

From the thunderous Murchison Falls to the tranquil waters of Lake Bunyonyi. Tracking rhinos and gorillas, witnessing tree-climbing lions, and enjoying horseback safaris. Your guide shares stories and highlights, making the final journey unforgettable.

Arrival & Farewell:

Arrive at Kampala lodge or Entebbe airport in time for departure or onward travel. Take with you memories, breathtaking sights, and the heartbeat of the Pearl of Africa.

This is more than a safari - it's a life-changing adventure, a story you'll cherish forever, and a journey that awakens your spirit.