20 DAYS BEST OF UGANDA FROM

Day 1: Welcome to Uganda!

Your Mgahinga Walking Safaris driver/guide will pick you up from Entebbe airport and transfers you to your hotel.

 

Day 1: Welcome to Uganda!

Yourm Mgahinga Walking Safaris driver/guide will pick you up from Entebbe airport and transfers you to your hotel This is where your Mgahinga Walking Safari driver/ guide will find you tomorrow morning for the start of your tour after a good breakfast.
Day 2: Jinja (Source of the Nile)

Jinja lies on the shore of Lake Victoria, about 3 hours East from Kampala. This town is famous as the historic source of the river Nile and at the same time the adrenaline capital of East Africa. Besides enjoying peaceful sunsets, birdlife and tranquillity, this is also where visitors get their adventurous fix. Enjoy activities such as white-water rafting, kayaking, tubing, quad biking, mountain biking and horse riding. Jinja has a gorgeous natural setting with crumbling colonial architecture. With the arrival of British colonial rule in 1906 the town began to grow as a trading canter and important river crossing. These days Jinja has a vibrant downtown and broad leafy residential streets set next to the Nile River.

 

Journey Time	3 hours
Accommodation	As per programme.
Meal Plan	Bed and beakfast

Optional activities in Jinja

Today you can relax at the lodge or choose optional activities:

 

• A visit to Jinja market
• Rafting
• Source of the mighty river nile
• Kayaking
• Quad biking
• Bungee jumping

Day 3: Sipi Falls

A drive through the north-eastern part of Uganda, to the foothills of Mt Elgon you reach a plateau 1800m above sea level where the beautiful Sipi Falls are located. These green area has a spectacular series of waterfalls (some nearly 100m high), surrounded by village walking trails and lush green coffee-producing hills. There are three falls separated by steep hillsides. It is quite cool here compared to the other parts of Uganda with temperate weather conditions. You will relax and enjoy the fresh air and the calm environment away from city hustles and traffic. Abseiling, a coffee tour and community visits are some of the activities you can enjoy besides the hikes.

Sipi River Lodge is located on the foothills of Mount Elgon in a perfect location. This is by far the most comfortable place to stay in the area. Within the picturesque setting you will experience the view on one of the Kapsurur Falls right from your veranda. This is where you will comfortable enjoy some garden-grown coffee (some of the best Arabica coffee in the world) and hopefully enjoy a magical sunsets this place is so famous for. The restaurant serves hearty home-style meals using local produce. The freshly baked bread and fresh fruits will trigger your taste buds at breakfast to get you ready for a wonderful day in the beautiful Sipi region!

Journey Time	6 Hours
Accommodation	Sipi River Lodge
Meal Plan	Breakfast and dinner

Day 4: Sipi Falls hike, To Moroto

Prepare yourself for a beautiful day in paradise. The Sipi River flows over the foothills of Mount Elgon, forming a series of waterfalls – these culminate in a spectacular drop, which is surrounded by pretty walking trails and lush green hills. You can choose to go on a 3 or, for the real adventurers, 7 hour hike through the region. A local guide will accompany you on your hike. You can go only for the nature and waterfall walk, but it is also possible to combine the tour with a coffee tour or cultural tour. Whichever you choose, you can be certain that you pass many waterfalls, plantations and caves. Local villagers will be sure to greet you with ‘Jambo!’ and beaming smiles.

 

In the afternoon you will travel to Moroto town the heart of the Karamoja area for your cultural activities tomorrow. The Karamoja tented camp in Moroto is located in the beating heart of the Karamoja region at the slopes of Mount Moroto (3085m). This is a central location serving as the perfect base for your adventure through northeast Uganda The camp design is a blend of traditional customs and local materials with a modern touch. Your time here brings you a unique experience of heritage, comfort and hospitality during a safari through Uganda’s untouched northeast.

Journey Time	4-5 hours depending on road conditions
Accommodation	As listed in the programme.
Meal Plan	Breakfast and Dinner

Day 5: Nature Hike and visit the traditional “Kraal”

Mgahinga Walking Safaris takes its responsibility by bringing you to places where no one else will go. One of these examples is Karamoja; an area in North-Eastern Uganda where you can learn about traditional life of the Karamojong, the most traditional tribe still living in Uganda. In the early morning you leave for a scenic nature walk through the valley of Mt Moroto, the highest mountain of Karamoja. During the walk we will set camp at a traditional village of the So Tepeth mountain people.

After this, you’ll meet the Karamajong living in a Kraal, better known as Manyatta or Boma in Swahili. A Kraal is basically a village made out of huts surrounded by fences made of wood and thorns. These are put up to keep the cattle in and to protect them against rival tribes and wild animals. Some of the Kraals are permanent and others are temporarily for when they tail the fresh grass to feed the cattle.

The Karamajong are related to the Maasai in Kenya and live a similar lifestyle. The main difference is that the Karamajong is completely unknown and you are therefore sure to experience a very authentic and memorable visit. Tonight you’ll again stay at Karamoja Safari Camp, or you can choose to camp in the Kraal.

Accommodation	As listed in the programme.
Meal Plan	Breakfast and local dinner

Optional activity: Night in the Kraal

Spending a night in the Kraal is an unforgettable experience. You will participate with the lifestyle and daily activities of the cattle herding Karamojong rather than sight-seeing. Endless singing and dancing around the campfire at night, preparing local foods together and sip of the local brewed beer (if you are feeling adventurous). Your accommodation might not be as comfortable as in the lodges but the incredible experience definitely makes up for that.

The additional cost for this optional activity is $20 per person

 

 

Day 6: To Kidepo National Park

In the morning you can still enjoy this unique opportunity to spend more time with the Karamojong tribe. After this thrilling experience it is time to travel to the most remote and pristine national park in the country: Kidepo Valley National Park.

In the rugged semi-arid valleys in the extreme northeast of Uganda, Kidepo Valley National Park lies hidden away in a lost and not frequently visited corner between Uganda’s borders with Sudan and Kenya. It is a long but very rewarding journey to get to this area with some of the most beautiful scenery in Uganda. You’ll experience an afternoon game drive in the wild Narus valley where herds of elephants & buffalos as well as beautiful sights of lions and leopards sitting on various valley rocks can be spotted.

Day 7: Safari in Kidepo

Kidepo Valley national park is one of the few parks in Uganda where you can do a walking safari. An armed ranger is joining you for your safety and you will explore the wilderness on foot. During this activity you get the chance to experience the wildlife up-close, a totally different experience than game-viewing by car. Buffalo, waterbuck, giraffe, warthog, zebra, bush-buck and of course the naughty baboons can be seen all year round as well as many different bird species. The guide stops regularly, not merely searching for game, but telling you about birds, insects, trees, animal droppings, the medicinal use of plants and which animals eat which plants.

Today in the afternoon you will go for another game drive in this amazing national park. The savannah is ringed by mountains and rocky ridges. It has a profusion of big game and hosts 475 bird species and over 80 mammal species, of which 28 were not known to occur (or very rarely) in any other Ugandan park. For example; ostriches, zebras, bat-eared foxes, aardwolves, caracals, cheetahs, and greater and lesser kudus. Kidepo Valley National Park ranks among Africa’s finest wildernesses and is ranked nr. 3 on the list of CNN of best national parks in Africa. Let’s try to get that famous lion king picture of a lion on a rock before you’ll spend another night at Kidepo Savannah Lodge.

Day 8: To Murchison Falls National Park

Today you continue your journey to Murchison Falls National Park one of the oldest conservation areas in Uganda. This is a long but rewarding journey through various landscapes of Northern Uganda.

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s best-known and biggest nature reserve. With the impressive and powerful Murchison waterfall and its remarkable animal populations, this is a must visit in the Pearl of Africa. There are superb activities on offer such as a boat safari or Delta safari on the Nile. The river divides the park between a Northern and Southern section as it makes its way through multiple rapids and waterfalls to Lake Albert. Unfortunately, during the war years poachers and troops wiped out the majority of wildlife. Except for the park’s rhino population, fortunately all other wildlife has recovered fast since. A game drive in the park allows you to be eye-to-eye with the African animal kingdom and you will be amazed by the amount of elephants. Also giraffes, lions, antelope, waterbucks, buffaloes, hippos and crocodiles can all be spotted. Game drives take place on the tracks in the northern section which you reach by taking a ferry across the river. This park guarantees adventure!

Fort Murchison revokes the idea of an outpost from times where Arab traders frequented the African hinterlands and explorers led expeditions in search of the source of the Nile. The fort tower, earth coloured walls, and Swahili style make this lode a very unique one in Uganda. Set on the eastern banks of the gently flowing Albert Nile and just outside the northern park boundaries of Murchison Falls National Park you find these en-suite rooms with private balconies. First take a dip in the lovely swimming pool, sip a refreshing sundowner drink on the rooftop terrace enjoying the scenic views across the river followed by a four-course dinner in the very atmospheric restaurant.

Day 9: Murchison Falls National Park

After an early breakfast, it is time to explore the park. On your Game Drives you of course need a fair share of luck and very good eyes to try and spot as many animals as possible. While driving through the park you can come eye-to-eye with the African animal kingdom. Hopefully you see them all; elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, leopards, different species of antelope and many tropical birds. They are all there! A professional ranger with extensive knowledge on the park and its inhabitants will join you in your car. The park is especially known for its massive elephant population, huge array of bird species and big herds of buffalo. You will discover some of the parks ecosystems and different scenery with dense woodland, extensive savannahs and rolling grasslands. As this is a private game drive you can ask your guide to tailor your trip towards specific birdlife and/or wildlife if you like.

The afternoon boat safari towards the Murchison Falls is a very special activity, it takes approximately 3 hours and goes along the Victoria Nile to the base of the Falls. You can imagine; this boat safari will show you breathtaking scenery. Cold drinks are for sale on board for when you get thirsty for a local beer or a soda. Carefully watched by crocodiles, hundreds of hippos, buffaloes, water birds, monkeys and all the other (also thirsty) wildlife that the Nile attracts you go to the bottom of the powerful Murchison Falls. If you like hiking, the boat can drop you near the waterfalls and you can hike up to the top (this takes around 1 or 1,5 hours). The views are amazing!

Day 10: Boat Safari on Delta

The Nile Delta is the area where the Victoria Nile flows into Lake Albert. The banks of the delta are home to hundreds of bird species including the rare and prehistoric-looking shoebill stork and papyrus endemic species. A boat safari through the delta is a “must do” for every birdwatcher. During this (approximately) 5 hour boat tour you enjoy a breakfast while enjoy the peaceful scenery and while approaching Lake Albers you may see more fishermen in canoes catches of tilapia fish and local people fetching water from the Nile and if lucky wild game along the banks. You may also see many hippo, crocodile and if lucky you can witness elephant bathing in the river. Also keep an eye on the treetops as you can often spot monkeys such as eastern fringed monkeys and baboons. The boat trip starts early in the morning during the soft light, golden hours for photographers. This lights lasts till about 10 am when the light becomes brighter. Relax, sit back & enjoy!

In the afternoon you can go for another game drive searching for more exciting wildlife scenes in the park or you can decide to relax and go for a dip in the swimming pool.

DAY 10  will undertake the journey to green Kibale Forest. The drive is incredibly scenic, passing through tea plantations and the lush green countryside which characterizes so much of Uganda. On arrival at the forest, you will enter a completely different world… some serious monkey business!

Kibale   Forest National Park lies just outside the colonial town of Fort Portal and is made up of dense tropical rainforest. This park is considered one of the big highlights of Uganda due to some serious monkey business going on here. A big number of primates residing can be found here and particularly a visit to one of the habituated chimpanzee groups is a very memorable experience. The rare red colobus as well as the black and white colobus, red tailed monkey, olive baboon, the blue Monkey and l’hoest’s monkeys are also regularly seen here. Where would you find a better spot to experience encounters with nature; smelling the forest and listening to the many sounds. Your safari tent or cottage is surrounded by lush green diversity filled with countless bird species and butterflies.

 

Journey Time	5 hours
Accommodation	Rweteera safari park.
Meal Plan	Breakfast and dinner

 

Day 12: Chimpanzee Trekking & Swamp Walk

Chimpanzees share 98% of human genes making them our closest living relatives. They are found in 21 countries throughout Africa, but are most easily sighted in Uganda due to their dense populations. Today, in Uganda, there are approximately 5,000 chimpanzees left in the wild. The Chimpanzee Trekking experience here is done on several well maintained walking trails. There is also a wonderfully diverse concentration of other primates, more than any other forest in East Africa, in fact. Besides our delightful cousins, the chimpanzees, you can find red colobus, red-tailed guenon, white-nosed monkey, gray-cheeked mangabey, blue monkey, L’Hoest’s monkey, and the black and white colobus monkey. In addition, you may see olive baboons, bush babies and nocturnal pottos.

The aim for your trekking through the jungle under the care of professional guide, is 1 hour of eye to eye contact with the chimpanzees. We can however cannot guarantee 100% for you to see them as they are still wild animals, nevertheless your chances are very good.

 

Your next activity will take you to the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary which features 8 primate species, over 200 bird species and many reptiles. During the walk – which takes 2 to 3 hours – you have a chance to many animals but the highlight is catching a glimpse of a famous bird; the Great Blue Turaco.

Journey Time	15 minutes each way
Accommodation	Rweteera safari park
Meal Plan	Breakfast and dinner

Day 13: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Scenic Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in south western Uganda and is most often included in visitors’ itineraries. It is the second largest park in the country and located at the base of the majestic Rwenzori Mountain range, next to Lake Edward and Lake George which are joined by the Kazinga channel. Few reserves in the world have such a high biodiversity with landscapes including savannah, bushland, wetlands and lush forests. On your first game drive, it is time to explore the Queen Elizabeth National Park with her 200 kilometers of well-maintained game viewing tracks. We advise for you to be alert and pro-active on your game drive to help the ranger spot as many animals as possible.

With an astonishing 5000 hippos, 2500 elephants and over 10,000 buffalo thriving in its grasslands and shorelines, this park guarantees sightings of some of Africa’s most iconic species. All being well you see elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, different species of antelope and just maybe some of the exciting predators such as; lion, leopard, civet, genal and serval cats. Ten species of primates enjoy the park’s diverse habitats. Vervet and black-and-white colobus monkeys are easily spotted in the trees, and of course the boldest species; baboons! They are all there! A professional ranger with extensive knowledge on the park and its inhabitants will join you in your car so you can ask your guide to search for specific birdlife or wildlife.

Journey Time	3½ hours
Accommodation	As per programme.
Meal Plan	Bed and breakfast

 

Optional upgrade : Kasenyi Safari Camp

For a more luxurious and exclusive stay you can sleep in one of the en-suite safari tents on the rim of lake Bunyampaka inside the game drive area of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This small camp only has 4 tents where lion prides and other animals might accompany you during your stay. So keep your eyes open while enjoying this true Africa-experience!

Optional for day 13 & 14 at an additional costs of $40 per person per night

Day 14: Park Game Drive & Boat Safari

After an early breakfast, you go for a long game drive in time to see the sun rise. The morning is the best time for a game drive as the African animal kingdom tends to me most active when during the golden hours of the first sunlight touching the savannah. You will continue the search for all the wildlife; elephant, buffalo, lion, waterbuck, leopard, Uganda kob, warthog and do not forget about the birds and the primates.

 

After lunch, you will take a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel. Here, you will see a lot of hippos (more than you can possibly imagine), as well as a variety of other animals which come to the waterhole to drink or bathe. You can expect to see: Buffalo, Crocodile, bathing Elephant, and a range of beautiful birds. This will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of your tour. After the boat-safari you game drive back to the lodge.

Accommodation	As per programme.
Meal Plan	Bed and breakfast

 

Day 15: Chimpanzees & tree climbing lions

Early in the morning you will go for a hike in the Kyambura gorge; another gem in the far eastern corner of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This gorge is also called the “Valley of Apes” and is another world on its own. Drained by River Kayambura it now has a rich wildlife bio-diversity, including a family of 16 chimpanzees and many bird species. The view from the top is very impressive as you look down a gorge filled with lush green tropical vegetation amidst an impressive valley. A hike through the gorge gives you the opportunity to see chimpanzees and other types of primates including red-tailed monkey, black-and-white colobus, baboons and vervet monkeys. This green-riverine forest also offers shelter to several forest birds. Although the chance of spotting chimpanzees is not as high as on an official trekking in Kibale or Budongo forest, this landscape is among the most impressive in Uganda and absolutely worth visiting.

 

After the hike you will drive in about 2,5 hours to the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This part is famous for its’ tree-climbing lions. While lion cubs around the world frequently climb trees for fun, adults rarely do. However, these lionesses enjoy spending the hot afternoons snoozing in fig trees to get away from the tsetse flies and to enjoy a cool breeze. This is the most memorable sight in the park as you have never seen such photogenic lions posing for your camera before. During a game drive you will try your luck! Meanwhile don’t miss the stunning scenery and superb birdlife in this southern remote section of the park either.

 

Birdlife is amazing and herds of elephants, buffaloes and antelopes are regularly spotted. Vervet monkeys, baboons, black- and white colobus have become residents to the lodge. From the grass-thatched restaurant and bar you can enjoy the tasty homemade food and the view on a small scenic natural lake in front of you. The thatched cottages at have an en-suite bathroom and an outdoor shower. On the wide verandas you can really take a moment to enjoy the tranquil environment overlooking the surrounding bush and savanna.

Journey time	2 hours
Accomodation	As listed in the programme.
Meal plan	Bed and breakfast.

Day 16: Lake Mutanda

Today you drive to Kisoro in the south-western part of Uganda; close to the borders with Rwanda and Congo. You cross a beautiful part of the country often referred to as ‘the Switzerland of Africa’. You will see a great country-side, bamboo forest and have great views over the Virunga Mountains. For lunch you will stop at a local restaurant on the road (lunch is not inclusive).

Journey Time	8 hours
Accommodation	As listed in the programme.
Meal Plan	Bed and breakfast

Day 17: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest

Today is the big day… Prepare yourself for an encounter with one of Bwindi’s gentle giants: the rare Mountain Gorilla. For most people this is the absolute highlight of their tour in Uganda.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a highlight for many visitors as this is where they will be visiting the home of the gentle giants. The park lies in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the Rift Valley. Uganda’s oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests lies on the mist-covered hillsides. This magnificent forest dates back over 25,000 years, even surviving the last Ice Age (most forests disappeared). Bwindi forest has an incredible diversity of flora and fauna and is the only forest in Africa which can make claim to host both mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. In fact, half the worlds’ population of gorillas live here divided over nine habituated family groups. Also 5 other primate species, 120 species of mammal, over 220 butterflies and 360 birds species call Bwindi home. This it THE place to see the critically endangered mountain gorillas up close for your very own ‘Gorillas in the Mist’ moment.

The gorillas you will trek belong to one of nine family groups who can tolerate the presence of humans for a brief period every day. Your trek will be an exciting (for some also challenging) journey along forested (sometimes slippery) slopes, entwined vines, bushes and bamboo before you eventually reach the gentle giants. En-route, your guide will point out signs of previous gorilla activity. Think of dung, nests and chewed bamboo shoots. The time to complete the gorilla trekking can be as little as 2 hours to as much as 7 hours! Once the the family of gorillas has been located, you will be allowed a maximum of one hour observing them. Coming face-to-face with the mountain gorillas is a truly humbling and emotional experience. This is a fantastic part of your tour you will definitely remember for the rest of your life.

Journey Time	1 – 1,5 h each way
Accommodation	As listed in the programme.
Meal Plan	Bed and breakfast.

Days 18: Lake Mutanda/ Batwa Trail

Today you can choose to unwind from your trip at this stunning location. You can as well opt for some wonderful optional activities from the lodge.The south-western part of Uganda is known as ”Little Switzerland” , a lush, mountainous region dotted with freshwater lakes, which makes it the perfect base for a number of activities beyond gorilla tracking. The area is great for walking, hiking, mountain biking, cultural village tours, bird watching or water sport activities.

When you are interrested in tribes/ culture you should not miss this: A new tourism trail, result of a collaboration between the Uganda Wildlife Authority  and the United Organisation for Batwa Development in Uganda, is helping the indigenous Batwa pygmy people to keep their culture alive, following their eviction from the forests of southwest Uganda more than two decades ago. The Batwa are Uganda’s traditionally forest-dwelling pygmy people. About a century ago, there was a conflict between the Batwa and the Bantu speaking people in the region. The Bantu tried to expel the Batwa people from the area, so they hideout in Garama Cave. The Bantu had no idea there was a hidden cave in the forest and therefore could not find the crafty Batwa. Your guide will explain how the Batwa lived and fought out of this cave. The cave is 342 meters in length and 14 meters deep, and is now only inhabited by bats, The walk to and from the cave passes through mountain woodland with plenty of opportunity to enjoy the scenery or watch birds.

This activity is optional and costs $85,- per person, including Mgahinga National Park Fee

Accommodation	As listed in the programme.
Meal Plan	Breakfast and dinner

 

Day 19: Lake Mburo National Park

Lake  Mburo is a small national Park (on the route from Bwindi National Park back to Entebbe) but should certainly not be underestimated. This is the only place in southern Uganda to see zebras and the only park in the country with impalas, slender mongoose and giant bush rats. You can also look for hyenas, leopards, topis, elands and the beautiful Rothschild’s giraffes, not to mention the lake itself which is teeming with hippos and crocodiles!. There are a lot of wonderful activities on offer, such as horse-riding, bush walks, boat safari on the lake and a mountain bike safari. It is exciting to approach the wildlife at such close range, especially combining the fresh air with the beautiful scenery of Lake Mburo National P..

Journey Time	7 hours
Accommodation	As listed in thebprogramme.
Meal Plan	Breakfast and dinner

Optional activity: Night game drive

A whole new world of animal species (nocturnal) await you on a night game drive. It gives you a different perspective of the park and wildlife. You probably already know that it is not a common occurrence to spot the elusive and solitary Leopards. However, you should keep your eyes peeled on the night game drive because whenever you find eyes glowing in the dark this could be one of those rare cats! Your night safari is either just before dinner or just after dinner and takes about 2 hours.

 

Day 20: Bush walk or mountainbike tour, to Entebbe

Lake Mburo N.P. is one of the two parks in Uganda where it is permitted to go for a safari walk with an experienced ranger. Footprints and animal droppings tell which animal has been here and how long ago. It is exciting to approach the wildlife at such close range. This activity is included this morning.

If you prefer to explore Lake Mburo by mountain bike instead of walking, you can choose to upgrade this activity. It’s very exciting to make a safari by mountain bike. Get active and get close to zebra, gazelle, Eland and sometimes even giraffe!

After your activity you will get back to the lodge (between 9 and 10 am). From here you will have breakfast and then time has come to head back to Kampala or Entebbe (Airport). Of course you stop at the equator, the best place for your souvenir shopping.

Your driver/guide will take you to your accommodation in Kampala/Entebbe or to Entebbe Airport (this is only possible if your departure flight leaves at 8 pm or later). Accommodation for tonight is not inclusive in the itinerary. In case you wish us to include one (or more) nights in Kampala and/or Entebbe, please let us know.

Journey Time	5 hours to Kampala / 6 hours to Entebbe
Accomodation	Not included