16-Day Uganda Family Safari with Gorillas, Chimps and Tribal Encounters

1

Day 01

Arrival in Entebbe and Transfer to Your Hotel

• Arrival: Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, an assigned English-speaking professional tour driver-guide will receive and welcome you to Uganda - the Pearl of Africa.
• Transfer: Thereafter, you will transfer to the booked accommodation.
• Hotel: You will check in and take your rest, recovering from jet lag and adjusting to the time difference.
• Optional (extra cost):
  • 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
• Accommodation: (Airport Guesthouse-Budget Level)
• Meals: Dinner
• Transfer Time: Approx. 10-15 minutes.
• Main Destination: Entebbe International Airport (Entebbe)
• Accommodation: Mid-range guest house located in or near Entebbe
• Meals & Drinks: Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included); Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

2

Day 02

Mabamba Shoebill Excursion and Transfer to Jinja

• Breakfast: This morning, we shall have breakfast and at around 7 or 7:30am, we shall move out and head for the Mabamba wetlands.
• Activity: The area is considered one of only a few places in Uganda with a higher chance of spotting the prehistoric shoebill stork.
• Lunch: From Mabamba, we shall return for lunch.
• Transfer: Thereafter, embark on a transfer (not so long) that will see us overnight in Jinja - a city famous as the historic source of the Nile River.
• Leisure: Arrive, check in, and have the evening at leisure.
• Accommodation: (Mid-range lodge)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Transfer Time: Approx. 3 hours.
• Main Destination: Jinja (Town)
• Accommodation: Mid-range lodge located in or near Bujagali
• Meals & Drinks: All meals included; Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

3

Day 03

Jinja Adventure Choices and Transfer to Sipi Falls

• Choice of activity: This morning, you are at liberty to choose an activity of your interest and do it.
• Note: Costs are not included, as rates will vary according to one's choice.
• Optional activities (costs stated):
  • Rafting: (140$)
  • Kayaking: (20$)
  • Quad biking: (130$)
  • Mountain biking: (30$)
• Transfer: After all the fun in Jinja, we shall embark on a transfer to the Sipi Area - Kapchorwa.
• Leisure: Check in and spend the evening at leisure.
• Accommodation: (Mid-range lodge)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Transfer Time: 4-5 hours.
• Main Destination: Sipi Falls (Highlight)
• Accommodation: Mid-range lodge located in or near Sipi Falls
• Meals & Drinks: All meals included; Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

4

Day 04

Sipi Falls Hike, Coffee Tour, and Community Encounter

• Activity: You will have breakfast and thereafter proceed out to explore the Sipi Falls.
• Hiking: The hike (about 2½ - 3 hours) takes you to explore the nearby Sipi Falls, which are a set of 3 falls.
• Coffee tour: The afternoon coffee tour, on the other hand, will enable you to trace the story of coffee from seed to cup, and you don't want to miss this informative experience.
• Leisure: Later, just relax at the accommodation with some spectacular view of Sipi right in front of you.
• Accommodation: (Mid-level lodge)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Transfer Time: N/A.
• Main Destination: Sipi Falls (Highlight)
• Accommodation: Mid-range lodge located in or near Sipi Falls
• Meals & Drinks: All meals included; Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

5

Day 05

Transfer to Moroto and Visit the Tepeth Community

• Transfer: We shall enjoy breakfast and then embark on a (not so long) transfer to Moroto via Soroti.
• Destination info: Moroto is a town situated at the foot of the massive Mt. Moroto and the surrounding savannah plains.
• Community visit: A visit here gets you closer to one of Uganda's most indigenous tribes - the Karamojong and the Tepeth.
• Arrival: We hope to arrive around 12 or 1pm and after check-in at the camp, there will be lunch before we can proceed to visit the Tepeth tribe.
• Activity: These are hunters-gatherers by origin and were the first inhabitants of Karamoja land. When the nomadic pastoral Karamojong migrated into their land, they moved into the highlands, where they remain today. This visit will surely offer us an insight into their lives.
• Accommodation: (Budget tented camp)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Transfer Time: Approx. 4-5 hours.
• Main Destination: Moroto (Town)
• Accommodation: Budget tented camp located in or near Moroto
• Meals & Drinks: All meals included; Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

6

Day 06

Travel to Kidepo and Afternoon Game Drive in Narus Valley

• Transfer: Have breakfast and drive off to Kidepo Valley National Park, arriving in time for some rest and lunch before going out for game viewing.
• Game drive: You will proceed for game viewing in the Narus Valley in the south sector of Kidepo.
• Wildlife viewing: Be on the lookout for large herds of buffaloes, elephants, many zebras, antelope species, lions, and the elusive leopards.
• Return: You will return to the accommodation for dinner and overnight stay.
• Accommodation: (TENT-Budget Level)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Transfer Time: Approx. 4-5 hours.
• Main Destination: Kidepo Valley National Park
• Best Time to Visit: September to March (Dry season)
• High Season: September to March (The Park rarely gets crowded)
• Best Weather: September to November (End of the rains)
• Accommodation: Budget lodge bordering Kidepo Valley NP without fences
• Meals & Drinks: All meals included; Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

7

Day 07

Sunrise Safari and Karamojong Cultural Encounter

• Game drive: Enjoy your breakfast, then embark on a sunrise game drive/safari where you will have the opportunity to encounter wildlife including lions, herds of buffaloes, elephants, zebras, or the elusive leopard, among others.
• Leisure: Return to the lodge for lunch and afternoon relaxation.
• Community encounter: After a good rest, move out for the Karamojong community cultural encounter, where you will spend a wonderful afternoon and evening with the Karamojong people and gain insight into their way of life and beliefs.
• Accommodation: Dinner and overnight at the booked accommodation.
• Accommodation: (Budget Level lodge)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Transfer Time: N/A.
• Main Destination: Kidepo Valley National Park
• Accommodation: Budget lodge bordering Kidepo Valley NP without fences
• Meals & Drinks: All meals included; Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

8

Day 08

Early Game Viewing and Transfer to Murchison Falls

• Game viewing: Be up early, have breakfast, and proceed for an early-riser game viewing.
• Transfer: Thereafter, exit Kidepo and hit the road to Murchison Falls National Park.
• Highlights: The highlights of this park include the roaring rapids of the Murchison and the rolling plains of Uganda's largest National Park, where you will have the chance of viewing lions, giraffes, hartebeest, buffalo, and elephants.
• Wildlife: Then surely, the concentration of hippos and Nile crocodiles here will fascinate you.
• Arrival: You will reach Murchison and do little but check into your accommodation, then have some rest, dinner, and an overnight stay.
• Accommodation: (Budget Level)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Transfer Time: Approx. 5-6 hours.
• Main Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
• Best Time to Visit: December to February (Easier to spot animals)
• High Season: June to September (Peak time for Uganda)
• Best Weather: June and July (Less rain and lower temperatures)
• Accommodation: Budget tented camp located just outside Murchison Falls NP
• Meals & Drinks: All meals included; Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

9

Day 09

Murchison Game Drive and Boat Trip to the Base of the Falls

• Game drive: Have your breakfast, depart for an early morning game drive across the rolling plains of Uganda's largest National Park, and be on the lookout for wildlife including lions and leopards (though hard to spot), among others.
• Birding: For any birder, there are quite a number of birds to sight too during the drive.
• Lunch: Return to the accommodation for some rest time and lunch.
• Boat trip: 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, crocodiles, and several water birds.
• Optional (extra cost 15$): If interested, continue with a hike to the top of the falls. The hike may be a strenuous one, but the thrill of reaching the top is unforgettable.
• Return: Return to your accommodation and relax.
• Accommodation: (Budget tented camp)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Transfer Time: N/A.
• Main Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
• Accommodation: Budget tented camp located just outside Murchison Falls NP
• Meals & Drinks: All meals included; Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

10

Day 10

Top of the Falls Visit and Scenic Transfer to Kibale

• Activity: We will have breakfast and then drive to the top of the falls to truly appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Murchison Falls.
• Transfer: From the top, we shall embark on a transfer that will see us overnight at the edge of Kibale Forest National Park.
• Scenic drive: 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.
• Arrival: Upon arrival at the accommodation, check in and just relax.
• Optional (extra cost 15$): If interested, you can proceed for the crater lakes excursion.
• Accommodation: (Cabin-Budget Level)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Transfer time: Approx. 7 hours.
• Main Destination: Kibale National Park (Chimps)
• Best Time to Visit: December to February and June to July
• High Season: June to September (Peak time for Uganda)
• Best Weather: June to July and December to February (Least rain)
• Accommodation: Budget lodge located just outside Kibale NP
• Meals & Drinks: All meals included; Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

11

Day 11

Bigodi Wetlands Excursion and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth

• Activity: Have breakfast and proceed for the Bigodi wetlands excursion.
• Wildlife: The Bigodi wetland boasts an extensive array of biodiversity, among which are several primate species like the black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, L'Hoest's monkey, and baboons.
• Birding: Bigodi is also a paradise for bird watchers. Among the major bird species within the area is the Great Blue Turaco.
• Transfer: From Bigodi, we shall embark on a transfer (about 2hrs) to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
• Game drive: During the game drive, look out for wild animals like reedbuck, bushbuck, kob, warthogs, elephants, lions, and buffaloes, to mention but a few.
• Alternative: Alternatively, you could choose to go for the Queen's breathtaking explosion crater drive instead.
• Return: Return to the accommodation and take your rest.
• Accommodation: (Budget Level lodge)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Transfer Time: 2-3 hrs.
• Main Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Best Time to Visit: January to February and June to July (Dry seasons)
• High Season: June to September (Peak time for Uganda)
• Best Weather: June to July and January to February (Less rainfall)
• Accommodation: Budget lodge located just outside Queen Elizabeth NP
• Meals & Drinks: All meals included; Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

12

Day 12

Kyambura Chimpanzee Tracking and Kazinga Channel Boat Trip

• Chimpanzee tracking: We shall have breakfast and proceed for chimpanzee tracking in the Kyambura Gorge.
• Wildlife: The gorge is home to habituated chimpanzees, plus other primates including baboons, monkeys, and also bird species.
• Lunch: Thereafter, return to the accommodation for some rest time and lunch.
• Boat trip: After lunch, you will go for a 2-hour boat trip on the Kazinga Channel that connects Lakes George and Edward.
• Wildlife viewing: During the trip, the sight of wildlife including giant hippos, elephants, and crocodiles, among others, will fascinate you.
• Game drive: After the boat trip, you can proceed for a brief late afternoon game drive and thereafter return to the lodge.
• Accommodation: (Budget Level Lodge)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Transfer Time: Approx. N/A.
• Main Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Accommodation: Budget lodge located just outside Queen Elizabeth NP
• Meals & Drinks: All meals included; Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

13

Day 13

Kasenyi Game Drive, Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions, and Bwindi

• Game drive: Be up early and proceed for an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains.
• Wildlife viewing: Be on the lookout for Cape buffaloes, herds of elephants, lions, leopards (though hard to spot), among others.
• Transfer: Return to the lodge and check out, then head to the Ishasha sector in search of tree-climbing lions.
• Wildlife viewing: 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.
• Transfer: From Ishasha, we shall continue to the accommodation at the edge of Bwindi National Park (Ruhija sector), arriving in the evening (5 or 6pm).
• Accommodation: (Broadbill Forest Camp-Budget Level)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Transfer Time: 6 hours.
• Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)
• Best Time to Visit: June to August and December to February
• High Season: June to September (Gorilla permits are scarce)
• Best Weather: June to July and December to February (Less rainfall)
• Accommodation: Budget tented camp located just outside Bwindi NP
• Meals & Drinks: All meals included; Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

14

Day 14

Bwindi Gorilla Trekking and Afternoon at Leisure

• Briefing: Breakfast and move to the rangers' post. You will receive some briefing (from a ranger guide) on the dos and don'ts during trekking.
• Gorilla trekking: Thereafter, you will enter the Bwindi Forest for your adventure.
• Gorilla viewing: Once you have located a gorilla group, you will be allowed an hour in their presence.
• Return: Return to the accommodation and have a good rest after a strenuous trek.
• Optional (extra cost): If interested, you can move out to encounter the local community.
• Accommodation: (Broadbill Forest Camp-Budget Level)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Transfer Time: N/A.
• Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)
• Accommodation: Budget tented camp located just outside Bwindi NP
• Meals & Drinks: All meals included; Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

15

Day 15

Transfer to Lake Mburo and Evening Game Drive

• Transfer: Have breakfast and set off to Lake Mburo NP via Mbarara City.
• Game drive: You will arrive at the accommodation in Lake Mburo in time to rest before moving out for an afternoon-to-evening game drive.
• Wildlife viewing: On the game drive, expect to see the gigantic eland antelopes, zebras, topi, impalas, Uganda kob, and Cape buffaloes, among others.
• 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.
• Accommodation: (Hyena Hill Lodge-Budget Level)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Transfer Time: Approx. 4-5 hrs.
• Main Destination: Lake Mburo National Park
• Best Time to Visit: June to August and December to February
• High Season: June to September (Peak time for Uganda)
• Best Weather: June, July and January to February (Little rainfall)
• Accommodation: Budget lodge located just outside Lake Mburo NP
• Meals & Drinks: All meals included; Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

16

Day 16

Lake Mburo Walking Safari and Return to Entebbe

• Walking safari: Enjoy your early breakfast and proceed for the Mburo morning park (bush) walk in the presence of an armed Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger-guide.
• Wildlife viewing: On this early morning guided walk, you will have the opportunity to encounter at close range zebras, giraffes, eland, topi, other antelope, Cape buffaloes, among others.
• Viewpoint: 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.
• Transfer: Thereafter, return to the accommodation for check-out and then hit the road to Entebbe airport to catch your flight (1800hrs or later).
• Accommodation: Recommended on request
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Drive Time: Approx. 4 hours.
• Main Destination: Entebbe International Airport (Entebbe)
• Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)
• Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included); Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
• End of tour