Experience all the highlights in just one trip! You will visit the most beautiful national parks of the country, meet the gorillas and swim the deepest lake of Uganda!

• Day 1: Arrival
• Day 2: Kampala – Murchison Falls National Park
• Day 3: Murchison Falls National Park
• Day 4: Murchison Falls – Fort Portal
• Day 5: Semliki National Park
• Day 6: Kibale National Park & Bigodi Swamp
• Day 7: Kibale – Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Day 8: Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Day 9: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Bwindi
• Day 10: Bwindi Gorilla Safari
• Day 11: Bwindi – Lake Bunyonyi
• Day 12: Lake Bunyonyi
• Day 13: Lake Bunyonyi – Lake Mburo National Park
• Day 14: Lake Mburo National Park – Kampala
• Day 15: Departure

• Day 1 ⇾ Arrival
• You will be welcomed by a representative of Great Lakes Safaris who will transfer you to your hotel in Kampala. Depending on the time of arrival, our guide will take you on a city tour for an exciting introduction with the capital. Visit some interesting and historical sites, including the Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, the Uganda Museum and of course the African Craft Village. We also advise you to have money changed today. Overnight at Orchidea Guesthouse.For upgrade you can stay at Le Petit Village.

• Day 2 ⇾ Kampala – Murchison Falls National Park
• On the first day we will depart for the most beautiful protected area in Uganda: Murchison Falls National Park. Enjoy a lunch stop in Masindi before we enter the park. We will visit the magnificent falls where you will enjoy and marvel at the mighty Nile. The famous waterfall is being forced into a seven meter crevice, to thunder 45 meters below in a serie of cascades. This spectacular scenery can be viewed from different points up at the baler’s summit. Dinner and overnight at Red Chilli Rest Camp.For upgrade you can stay at Paraa Safari Lodge.

• Day 3 ⇾ Murchison Falls National Park
• After an early morning breakfast you will enjoy a half-day game drive on the northern bank of the Nile, escorted by a ranger. Game in this part includes the elephant, Rothschild giraffe, Jackson hartebeest, lions, oribis, waterbucks and a variety of savannah woodland birds. After lunch we will go on a Nile cruise for game viewing at close quarters. Watch how hippos take a bath, elephants come to drink and crocodiles lying lazy at the shores. Dinner and overnight at Red Chilli Rest Camp.For upgrade you can stay at Paraa Safari Lodge.

• Day 4 ⇾ Murchison Falls – Fort Portal
• We depart Murchison Falls and head towards Fort Portal. The drive is almost eight hours but will provide you with some stunning views as you pass small African villages and banana plantations. The lovely town of Fort Portal rests in the shadow of the fabled Mountains of the Moon and is famous for the many tea plantations. Dinner and overnight at the cottages of Primate Lodge Kibale.For upgrade you can stay at the deluxe safari tents of Primate Lodge Kibale.

• Day 5 ⇾ Semliki National Park
• After breakfast we drive towards Semliki National Park. The scenic, winding road will lead us through green mountains and offers you a magnificent view at the River Semliki and Congo. After arriving in the protected area, a ranger will accompany us on a beautiful nature walk through the Ituri Rainforest. Enjoy the peacefulness of the forest, look out for the rich birdlife at the swamp and boil an egg in the hot springs that have become an interesting natural attraction. It will be completed with a picnic lunch provided by the guide, while you explore the real Africa. Later in the afternoon we return to Kibale Forest. Dinner and overnight at the cottages of Primate Lodge Kibale.For upgrade you can stay at the deluxe safari tents of Primate Lodge Kibale.

• Day 6 ⇾ Kibale National Park & Bigodi Swamp
• Today the forest opens it doors for a sensational chimp tracking. Kibale Forest is reputable of having the greatest variety and highest concentration of primates in East Africa. Enjoy a guided nature walk in the tropical rainforest in search of the wild chimpanzee, red-tailed monkey, black-and-white colobus monkey and many others. After a hearty lunch we transfer to the Bigodi Swamp for another, totally different nature walk. The Bigodi Swamp Walk is an initiative of the local community and takes approximately two hours. The swamp is known for its rich diversity of birds and primates. Dinner and overnight at the cottages of Primate Lodge Kibale.For upgrade you can stay at the deluxe safari tents of Primate Lodge Kibale.

• Day 7 ⇾ Kibale – Queen Elizabeth National Park
• We transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is a beautiful route via Kasese, with the Rwenzori Mountains on your right side and the green valley on the left. A game drive on our way to the accommodation in the middle of the national park gives us the chance to spot waterbucks, warthogs and other wildlife. After lunch we take on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural channel between Lake Edward and Lake George. Thanks to the elephants, buffaloes and hundreds of hippos, this cruise will definitely be one of the highlights of your safari. Dinner and overnight at Simba Safari Camp.For upgrade you can stay at Mweya Safari Lodge.

• Day 8 ⇾ Queen Elizabeth National Park
• The day begins early as we head for the mating ground of the Uganda kobs. We search for lions, elephants, buffaloes and other wild animals in their natural habitat, before returning for lunch. In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to stretch your legs as we will visit the Maramagambo Forest for a walk through the tropical forest. It is known for the Blue Lake and the Bat and Hunters Cave. You will get the chance to have a close look at the bats and maybe even the rock python and forest cobras, that feed on the bats. The same walk will provide you with views of primates, different bird species and beautiful fauna. Dinner and overnight at Simba Safari Camp.For upgrade you can stay at Mweya Safari Lodge.

• Day 9 ⇾ Queen Elizabeth National Park – Bwindi
• After breakfast you may choose for the optional activity of exploring Kyambura Wildlife Reserve (not included). Driving through a grassland area, all of a sudden we come across an amazing gorge of one hundred meters deep, covered with tropical rainforest. You will hike into the gorge of the Kyambura River in search of the wild chimpanzees. It is a beautiful walk through the river valley, home to many birds and butterfly species.Later we will leave Queen Elizabeth National Park and head towards Bwindi. The scenic route runs through a verdant countryside while you pass traditional homesteads and farms. In Bwindi dinner and overnight at Buhoma Community Bandas.For upgrade you can stay at Mahogany Springs.

• Day 10 ⇾ Bwindi Gorilla Safari
• Another highlight of your safari: a meeting with the gentle giants of Bwindi! Especially hikers will love the tracking in the beautiful ecosystem of the park. It is difficult to foresee how many hours you will hike, it may take two to eight hours. Expect to walk a long distance in steep and muddy conditions, sometimes with rain overhead, before you encounter any gorillas. But it will definitely be worthwhile as you observe them closely while they eat, play and rest. A unique and unforgettable experience! For conservation purposes, time spent with the gorillas is limited to one hour. The ranger guide always briefs you on how to behave with these giant apes. Dinner and overnight at Buhoma Community Bandas.For upgrade you can stay at Mahogany Springs.

• Day 11 ⇾ Bwindi – Lake Bunyonyi
• After breakfast you can choose to have a guided village walk for a closer meeting with the local community. Learn about their way of living as you walk through coffee, tea and banana plantations. Afterwards we depart to Lake Bunyonyi, the deepest lake in Uganda. This area is often called “Little Switzerland of Uganda” and boosts one of the most beautiful parts of the country. Relax or go for a canoe trip while you watch the beautiful sunset. Dinner and overnight at Bunyonyi Overland Camp.For upgrade you can stay at Birdnest Resort.

• Day 12 ⇾ Lake Bunyonyi
• After the challenging and strenuous hike in Bwindi, some relaxing moments on the shores of this peaceful lake are most welcome. The options here are birding, nature walks, swimming or canoeing (not included). Dinner and overnight at Bunyonyi Overland Camp.For upgrade you can stay at Birdnest Resort.

• Day 13 ⇾ Lake Bunyonyi – Lake Mburo National Park
• After breakfast we drive to Lake Mburo National Park which takes us about four hours with lunch en route. As we enter the park and head towards the accommodation it is likely that you will see some wildlife, like impalas, topis, warthogs, zebras and buffaloes. After checking in you will go on a boat ride on the lake and enjoy the rich birdlife and the hippos that are cooling off. Dinner and overnight at Mburo Safari Lodge.For upgrade you can stay at Mihingo Lodge.

• Day 14 ⇾ Lake Mburo National Park – Kampala
• Early start of the day as we will go for a nature walk guided by a ranger. Lake Mburo is the only national park where you can experience a safari on foot. After breakfast we transfer to Kampala with a stop at the equator for photos or shopping. Arrival late in the afternoon in Kampala. Overnight at Orchidea Guesthouse.For upgrade you can stay at Le Petit Village.

• Day 15 ⇾ Departure
• Enriched with an experience of a lifetime and unforgettable memories you will say goodbye to the Pearl of Africa. Depending on the time of departure you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home. We are looking forward to seeing you again!.

Fly into Entebbe and overnight at the booked accommodation. On the next day, transfer to Murchison Falls NP with en-route rhino tracking in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Proceed to the edge of Kibale Forest. Bigodi wetlands excursion and connect to Queen Elizabeth NP. Afterward, transfer to Bwindi via the Ishasha area – known for its tree-climbing lions’ population. Enjoy gorilla trekking in Bwindi before relaxing at Lake Bunyonyi and visiting Lake Mburo NP. Lastly, you’ll return to Entebbe Airport.

DAY 1 ARRIVE AT ENTEBBE AIRPORT, PICK UP AND TRANSFER TO THE BOOKED HOTEL

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, a Home to Africa assigned English-speaking Professional Tour Driver-guide will receive and welcome you to Uganda – the Pearl of Africa. Thereafter, you will transfer to the booked accommodation. You will check in and take your rest – recovering from jet lag, adjusting to time difference. #Optional (extra cost): Just in case you reached early and interested in some activity, you may consider; a). excursion to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens to sight a few primates and birds, b). excursion to Mabamba wetland in search of the prehistoric shoebill stork. Otherwise, check in and just take your rest.

DAY 2 TRAVEL TO ZZIWA FOR AN HOUR OF RHINO TRACKING AND PROCEED TO MURCHISON NP

Be up early, have breakfast and drive off to Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Once there, you will proceed for an hour of on-foot rhino tracking. From the rhino tracking, head to Masindi where you will have a lunch stop. After lunch, embark on the transfer to Murchison Falls NP. The highlights of this park include the roaring rapids of the Murchison, the rolling plains of Uganda’s largest National Park where you will have the chance of viewing lions, giraffes, hartebeest, buffalo, and elephants. Then surely, the concentration of hippos and the Nile crocodiles here will fascinate you. If interested and time allows, you can proceed for a late afternoon-evening game drive.

DAY 3 MORNING GAME DRIVE/SAFARI AND AFTERNOON BOAT TRIP UPSTREAM TO THE FALLS

Have your breakfast, depart for an early morning game drive across the rolling plains of Uganda’s largest National Park and be on the look for wildlife including: lions, leopards (though hard to spot) among others. For any birder, there are quite a number of birds to sight too during the drive. Return to the accommodation for some rest time and lunch. After lunch, you will head out for the boat trip to the base of Murchison Falls where you will also be able to catch sight of more animals including Hippos and Crocodiles and several water birds. #Optional (extra cost): If interested, continue with a hike to the top of the falls. The hike may be a strenuous one but the thrill on reaching the top is unforgettable. Return to your accommodation and relax.

DAY 4 DRIVE TO THE TOP OF THE FALLS AND TRANSFER TO THE EDGE OF KIBALE FOREST NP

We will have breakfast and then drive to the top of the falls to truly appreciate the beauty and magnificence of the Murchison Falls. From the top, we shall embark on a transfer that will see us overnight at edge of Kibale Forest National Park. The drive is quite long but incredibly scenic – passing through villages, lush green countryside and hills dotted with tea plantations that characterize this part of Uganda. The beautiful scenery will amaze you all the way. Upon arrival at the accommodation, check in and just relax. #Optional (extra cost 15$): If interested, you can proceed for the crater lakes excursion. You will enjoy the beauty of the numerous small lakes, surrounded by gentle hills, and the stunning views all over. Else, just enjoy your rest at the facility.

DAY 5BIGODI WETLANDS EXCURSION AND TRANSFER TO QUEEN ELIZABETH NP, THEN GAME DRIVE

Have breakfast and proceed for the Bigodi wetlands excursion. The Bigodi wetland boasts of extensive array of biodiversity among which are several primates’ species like the black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkey, and baboons. The Bigodi is also a paradise for bird watchers. Among the major bird species within the area is the Great Blue Turaco. From Bigodi, we shall embark on a transfer (about 2hrs) to Queen Elizabeth National Park. You will reach Queen early enough to have lunch, rest and then proceed out for game viewing. During the game drive, look out for wild animals like reedbuck, bushbuck, kob, warthogs, elephants, lions and buffaloes to mention but a few. Alternatively, you could choose to go for the Queen’s breathtaking explosion crater drive (instead). Return to the accommodation and take your rest.

DAY 6 CHIMP TRACKING IN KALINZU FOREST RESERVE, AFTERNOON BOAT TRIP – KAZINGA CHANNEL, AND SOME GAME DRIVE

Be up early, have breakfast and drive out to the nearby Kalinzu Forest Reserve. The Forest is home to habituated Chimpanzees plus other primates including baboons, monkeys and also bird species. Today, you will spend the early part of the day tracking chimpanzees here. Thereafter, return to the accommodation for some rest time and lunch. After lunch, you will go for a 2-hour boat trip on the Kazinga Channel that connects Lakes George and Edward. During the trip, the sight of wildlife including giant hippos, elephants and crocodiles among others will fascinate you. You will also see many varieties of birds at the water shores. After the boat trip, you can proceed for a brief late afternoon game drive and thereafter, return to the lodge.

DAY 7 SUNRISE GAME DRIVE – KASENYI PLAINS AND HEAD TO ISHASHA SECTOR, THEN CONNECT TO BWINDI

Be up early and proceed for an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains. Be on the look for Cape buffalos, herds of elephants, lions, leopards (though hard to spot) among others. Return to the lodge and check out then head to Ishasha sector in search of tree-climbing lions. The chance of spotting these lions is about 70% though sometimes they are hard to spot (most especially when they are down in the grassland looking for prey). Should you get to spot them, the sight is picturesque and memorable. From Ishasha, we shall continue to the accommodation at the edge of Bwindi National Park (Buhoma sector). Once at the lodge, we can choose to just relax OR (at extra cost 15$) move out for the late afternoon-to-evening local community and cultural encounter.

DAY 8 BWINDI FOREST WALK/HIKE – WATERFALLS TRAIL AND TRANSFER TO THE RUHIJA SECTOR OF BWINDI

We will have breakfast and then move out for the Forest walk along the waterfall trail. This is the perfect way to experience the depth of this “impenetrable” forest. Starting from Buhoma – at the north gate, Munyaga river trail gets you to some beautiful pristine waterfalls – a truly rewarding experience. Along the way you will encounter some flora and fauna, black and white colobus monkeys, sometimes blue monkeys among others. Return to the accommodation, check out and transfer to the Ruhija sector of Bwindi where we will have the gorilla trekking tomorrow. With a strenuous day ahead, we recommend that we take this afternoon relaxing.

DAY 9 GORILLA TREKKING BWINDI FOREST AND TRANSFER TO LAKE BUNYONYI FOR RELAXATION

Have breakfast and move to the rangers’ post. You will receive some briefing (from a ranger guide) on the dos and don’ts during trekking. Thereafter, you will enter the Bwindi Forest for your adventure. The time taken and the terrain vary with the movements of these great primates. Once you have located a gorilla group, you will be allowed an hour in their presence. The thrill of spending time observing these gentle but endangered giants is unforgettable. Return to the accommodation, check out and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi. Lake Bunyonyi is framed by lush, green-terraced hills that reach a height of (2,200 – 2,478m) but it’s the 29 islands of various shapes and sizes scattered across the water that make it most magical — you could admire them all day.

DAY 10 RELAXATION WHILE ENJOYING THE STUNNING BEAUTY OF LAKE BUNYONYI

After days of long drives and of course the strenuous gorilla trekking (previous day) in Bwindi, this day is at your disposal for relaxation. All meals will be served at the accommodation. Optional (at extra cost): Should you wish to go out for an activity, you may consider the following; Historical Islands’ tour, visit to the Batwa/pygmies’ community, Nyombe swamp excursion, Mountain Bike cycling, Zip lining, canoeing or kayaking on the lake. The activity can be arranged onsite with the help of your driver-guide. Enjoy your stay.

DAY 11TRANSFER TO LAKE MBURO NP AND ENJOY AFTERNOON (EVENING) GAME DRIVE

Have breakfast and set off to Lake Mburo NP via Mbarara City. You will arrive at the accommodation in Lake Mburo in time and rest before moving for an afternoon-to-evening game drive. On the game drive, expect to see the gigantic eland antelopes, zebras, topi, impalas, Uganda kob and Cape buffalos among others. Later, relax at the accommodation where you will spend the night. #Optional (extra cost 30$): If interested, you may consider the night game drive to encounter nocturnal creatures which will be a rare sighting compared to the regular daytime sightings.

DAY 12 MORNING WALKING SAFARI IN THE PARK AND RETURN TO ENTEBBE TO CATCH FLIGHT

Enjoy your early breakfast and proceed for the Mburo morning park (bush) walk in the presence of an armed Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger-guide. On this early morning guided walk, you will have the opportunity to encounter (at close range): Zebras, Giraffes and Eland, Topi and other antelope, Cape buffaloes among others.

Take the Trail to the top of the hills and see Lake Mburo and beyond. From this vantage point, you will have a great view of 9 of the twelve lakes surrounding Lake Mburo NP. Thereafter, return to the accommodation for checkout and then hit the road to Entebbe airport to catch flight (1800hrs or later).

Uganda, the “Pearl of Africa”, has ten national parks displaying the best of East Africa. Their Rift Valley landscapes and tropical forests make dramatic backdrops to an extensive variety of flora and fauna.

Managed by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the parks offer ‘traditional’ savanna safaris along with boat tours, forest hikes, and mountain climbing and wildlife research activities. Uganda is unrivalled on the continent as a bird watching destination with over 1,000 species of birds – several of which are found nowhere else on the planet. It is also home to 13 types of primates including over half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas; and our closest relative – the chimpanzee.

Explore the wild Kidepo Valley; spot Queen Elizabeth’s tree-climbing lions; trek up the Virunga Volcanoes; summit the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains; take on Bwindi’s “impenetrable forest”; learn ancient tribal traditions and crafts  – or just relax at your lodge surrounded by the wonderful sights and sounds of Africa’s most hospitable destination.

Explore Uganda – on the tip of discovery with the safest and most hospitable parks in Africa!

Day 1: Kampala – Mount Elgon.

Early morning departure from Kampala heading for eastern Uganda. Drive past local communities, tea, sugarcane plantations and colorful fruits along the roadside. Stop over at Ssezibwa Falls for a cultural feel of Uganda. Continue to Mbale town located on the foot hills of Mount Elgon. This area has got a rich heritage and culture. Have lunch and continue to Sipi Village located between beautiful hills and waterfalls.

Day 2: Mount Elgon.

In the morning after breakfast, go for a hike to the Mt. Elgon forest exploration center for guided walks. The nature walk will provide you with views of regenerating forests, fields of colorful flowers, extensive stands of bamboo and the chested bee-eater. Two different day hike areas allow you to explore Mt. Elgon’s diverse montane forest. The popular forest exploration center trail loop site can make one enjoy the cool mist at Chebonet falls, Kapkwai cave, the talking tree and a spectacular viewpoint, which lies just beyond.

A long ‘arm’ of Mt. Elgon bears the Wanale trails loop site. It has vertical cliffs of ridge and several cascading waterfalls that make a very scenic drive. Look for petrified wood in the Khauka caves as you enjoy splendid panoramic view over the plains of Eastern Uganda.

These two day hike areas have short walk trails ranging between 3km and 11km that offer an excellent opportunity to experience Mt. Elgon’s unique plants and wildlife in a short time period. Jungle walking shoes and rain gear are recommended in addition to extra cells for your torch if you plan to explore the caves. Have a quiet afternoon, relaxing after lunch.

Day 3-Mountain Elgon to Kidepo valley national park

Early in the morning after breakfast you will transfer to Kidepo valley national park.

Day 4 – Early morning Game drive and Community walk in the afternoon

After your early morning breakfast, you will have a morning game drive to Kanangorok hot spring. Kidepo Valley National Park harbors a total of 86 mammal species, making it the National Park with the third highest number of game in Uganda, Kidepo National Park also protects a far greater variety of large mammals than any other national park in Uganda that including 28 species found nowhere else in Uganda. Her bird species checklist has 463 confirmed and 26 of which are unconfirmed. Kidepo NP is only matched by Queen Elizabeth National Park.

After having your lunch at the lodge you will go to Karenna and Kapedo for a cultural performance by the native Karamajong people. You will dine and spend the overnight.

Day 5: Early morning Game drive and an Evening Game Drive in Kidepo valley National park

Today morning you will go for another game drive and later on return to your lodge for breakfast and lunch. After lunch relax and wait to go for an evening game drive along the Narus River Valley where you will view Elephants, herds of Buffaloes, Jackals, and Jackson’s Hartebeest, Klipspringer and Lions plus many other mammals.

Day 6: Drive to Murchison from Kidepo

Your guide will drive you to Murchison having your lunch en route. On arrival in Murchison National Park you will visit the top of the falls in the evening and cross by a ferry to Paraa Safari Lodge. Where you dine and overnight at Paraa Safari Lodge for Luxury (Full Board), Murchison River lodge for mid-range (Full board)

Day 7- Murchison Falls National Park tour

After an early morning breakfast, embark on a game drive to the north of the River Nile following delta tracks that runs west from the ferry jet at Paraa to the Lake Albert Delta. The 20 km2 area of grassland adjacent to the Victoria Nile delta- as it flows into Lake Albert has an overwhelming concentration of wildlife to the fascination of any tourist.

Go back in the afternoon enjoy a boat cruise to the bottom of Murchison falls. The launch trip to the base of the falls is the highlight of most trips to Murchison Falls, but the boat cruise downriver from Paraa towards the Lake Albert delta is best for birdwatchers, because it offers the best opportunity to see shoe bills than anywhere in Africa, especially during the rainy season. You will have excellent Game viewing on this trip such as hundreds of hippos, the largest crocodiles left in Africa, black-and-white Columbus monkeys, small herds of buffalo, bush buck, water buck, kob, and giraffe, Elephants, and if lucky lions and leopards. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight

Day 8: Murchison to Kibale Forest national park

Early in the morning after breakfast transfer to Kibale forest national park.

Day 9: Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale forest national park

After morning breakfast, you will start your journey to Kanyanchu. You will be briefed at 08.00am before tracking the chimpanzees. The chimps are man’s closest living animals. There are no motor tracks open to tourists at the park so they are only accessible by foot. After lunch a visit to Bigodi swamp eco-tourism site given its astounding flora and fauna will be a time worth adventure too.

Day 10: Return to Kampala

After breakfast this morning you will return to Kampala

Head to Murchison Falls National Park and expect: boat trip to the base of the falls plus a hike to the top of the falls. Transfer to Kibale for chimp trekking. You will be fascinated by the primates’ population here. Queen Elizabeth National Park makes your next stop where you expect classic big games (including chances of sighting the rare tree-climbing lions) and boat trip on the Kazinga channel. Visit Bwindi for the ultimate gorilla experience. Exit Bwindi for the Airport.