Safari of a Lifetime
14 days / 13 nights
Sustainability Highlights:
Your trip helps support wildlife conservation in the different parks visited as part of your fees going toward anti-poaching efforts, habitat preservation, and wildlife protection.as well as support local communities by working with guides, artisans, and small businesses, helping to create sustainable livelihoods and empower the people who call these areas home.
Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Start your day with a heavy Ugandan breakfast and embark your wild safari with a 7-8 scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, also known as the Medley of Wonders, located in western Uganda. As the second oldest national park in the country, it’s undoubtedly one of Uganda’s most popular tourist destinations. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the jagged Rwenzori Mountains, the park offers stunning views of vast craters carved into rolling green hills, along with panoramic vistas of the Kazinga Channel, where you can spot hippos, buffaloes, elephants, and a wide variety of other wildlife. The park’s diverse ecosystems, including expansive savanna, shady humid forests, and sparkling lakes, make it the perfect home for over 95 species of mammals and more than 600 species of birds. Queen Elizabeth offers a range of exciting activities, including game drives, boat cruises, chimpanzee tracking, and bird watching, all promising unforgettable experiences. You’ll arrive at the park, check into our hotel and rest up in preparation for the adventures that awaits the next day.
GAME DRIVE
Set off early for an exciting game drive through the stunningly scenic park, searching for wildlife like waterbucks, elephants, buffaloes, and more. After lunch, relax with a captivating sundowner boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, where you’ll have another chance to spot animals you may have missed during the morning drive.
LAKE BUNYONYI
Start your day with an early breakfast and a drive to Lake Bunyonyi, known as the "Lake of a Thousand Birds." This breathtaking destination is famed for its serene waters, lush landscapes, and the charm of its 29 islands. Lake Bunyonyi, which literally means “Lake of Small Birds,” is said to be the second deepest lake in Africa, with its crystal-clear waters nestled between terraced hillsides. The Lava Dam offers stunning views and the non-polluted air provides a refreshing, rejuvenating experience. The lake’s diverse birdlife makes it a haven for birdwatchers, while its tranquil atmosphere is perfect for relaxation and reflection. Whether you explore by boat or enjoy the calm surroundings, Lake Bunyonyi offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and peaceful serenity, making it an unforgettable place to fall in love with nature and enjoy each others company.
THE LAKE OF THE SMALL BIRDS
Wake up to the gentle sounds of the little birds greeting the dawn. After breakfast, we’ll take you on a journey to explore the tranquil islands of Lake Bunyonyi. The journey begins with a peaceful walk through a lush eucalyptus plantation, where you’ll be surrounded by the stillness of nature and the vibrant vegetation that flourishes in this serene environment. As you reach the water’s edge, you’ll embark on a scenic boat ride, gliding over the crystal-clear waters of the lake, with stunning views of the terraced hillsides and islands ahead. Each island has its own unique history and charm, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region. After the exploration, we’ll set off on a scenic three-hour drive to our accommodation near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where we’ll rest for the night in anticipation of the next thrilling adventure.
GORILLA TRACKING
Awaken to the melody of birds in the wild, setting the perfect tone for a thrilling day ahead. Start with a briefing from park guides on essential trekking tips before plunging into the forest. Trekking to see the gorillas is a captivating journey through dense jungle, demanding moderate fitness as you search for these magnificent creatures, a quest that can take between 2 to 6 hours. Once found, you’ll have up to two unforgettable hours in their presence. Afterward, return to the hotel for a well-earned lunch and rest for the beautiful day ahead
LAKE MUTANDA
Head to the serene shores of Lake Mutanda, where you'll find the perfect escape to relax, soak in the tranquil views, and enjoy each other’s company. Let the calm waters and stunning mountain backdrop set the scene for moments of connection and peaceful reflection, an unforgettable retreat into nature's embrace.
EXPERIENCING FORTPORTAL
Begin your day with a scenic drive to Rweteera, Fort portal, famously known as the Tourism city of Uganda. It was the base for early British colonialists in Uganda including Gerald Portal who the town is named after. The town is not only historical in nature but also has a number of tourist attractions with amazing landscapes comprising of the highest number of crater lakes in the world. Here, a brief yet enriching nature and community tour awaits. Take in the local charm and enjoy a short evening stroll through the vibrant community, soaking in the scenic surroundings. Afterward, retire to your hotel for a well-deserved rest, ready for the adventures that lie ahead.
THE WORLD'S MOST POWERFUL WATERFALLS
The bright beautiful morning will catch us setting off for Murchison Falls national park, the oldest and largest national park in the country. The Park derives its name from Murchison falls, the World’s most powerful waterfalls. This is where the Nile explodes through a narrow gorge and cascades down to become a placid river whose banks are thronged with hippos and crocodiles, waterbucks, and buffaloes. The vegetation is characterized by savannah, riverine forest and woodland. The Park has 76 animal species and over 450 bird species. Wildlife includes the big five like lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, hartebeests and many more. There are several activities to do while at the park such as a hike to the falls, game drive, boat cruise, chimpanzee tracking and more. Reach the park in the afternoon, drive to the top of falls and check into the hotel afterwards and prepare for the next day’s adventure.
GAME DRIVE & BOAT CRUISE
Wake up in the middle of the action and watch the sunrise over the Nile with a coffee and some fresh fruits. After breakfast, we then begin our day of game viewing with a game drive to the Northern Bank in search of the big five such as Elephants, Lions, Buffaloes, Giraffes, Leopards, and many other wild animals. We shall then have lunch and thereafter enjoy a sundowner boat cruise on the Victoria Nile.
SOUL OF ACHOLI
We’ll set off for the 3-4 hour drive to Gulu after breakfast, heading toward one of Uganda’s richest cultural landscapes with so much to explore. The Acholi people, who predominantly reside in central Northern Uganda, known as Acholi land have preserved their vibrant culture, even after enduring a two-decade conflict. Dance, local craftsmanship, and the mouth watering traditional foods remain at the heart of Acholi heritage, showcasing their resilience and lively spirit. Here, you’ll meet and interact with locals, immersing yourself in the warmth and traditions of Acholi culture for an unforgettable culinary and local craftmanship experience.
KIDEPO VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
An early departure towards the northeastern corner of Uganda, to its best-kept secret: Kidepo Valley National Park. Kidepo is an untouched wilderness, featuring lush green valleys, dramatic mountain ranges, spectacular night skies, and breathtaking sunrises. Uniquely in Uganda, it is home to large herds of buffalo, mighty prides of lion, as well as zebra, eland, cheetah, leopard, ostrich, giraffe, elephant, and a variety of endemic bird species. Though the drive is long, it’s scenic views are nothing short of spectacular.
KIDEPO VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
Kidepo Valley national park is a land of contrasting landscapes and land features. From beautiful flat plains bustling with grasslands, to plateaus teaming with woodlands, the dry riverbanks lined with dessert palm forests and highlands buzzing with mountain forests, best way to take in all the view is through a game drive in search of the wild animals such as Elephants, Buffaloes, Giraffes and many more and head off for lunch thereafter. In the late Afternoon, you will have the option of a community visit for a Karamajong Cultural experience.
ARUU FALLS
After breakfast, we’ll set off on a 4-5 hour drive to Gulu, passing through Pader with a chance to stop by the captivating Aruu Falls. Take in the beauty of these cascading waters, surrounded by lush greenery, a perfect spot to pause, explore, and enjoy the refreshing scenery. From there, we’ll continue to Gulu City, where we’ll spend the night before heading back to Kampala the next day marking the end of our 13 day Safari
DEPARTURE TO KAMPALA
As your incredible 14-day journey comes to an end, we’ll set off on a comfortable drive back to Kampala, carrying unforgettable memories made along the way. Reflect on the enriching experiences, the beautiful landscapes, and the warmth of the communities we’ve encountered. as well as the stories and moments that will remain with you long after you return home.
INCLUDED IN THIS PACKAGE
- Transport
- English speaking community guides
- Accommodation on full board basis
- All Acholi Experiences & activities
mentioned in the itinerary - Hiking
- Local Souvenirs
EXCLUDED IN THIS PACKAGE
- Airfare to and from Uganda
- Visa’s
- Travel Insurance
- All beverages except tea, coffee or juice taken at breakfast where breakfast is
included. - Tips, gratuities and items of a personal nature
- Any activity, meal or accommodation
NOT mentioned in the itinerary.
WHAT TO BRING?
- There is no power supply in the village so please charge you cameras and phones to the brim before departure.
- Comfortable walking and hiking shoes.
- Sunglasses, hats and sunscreens.
Spending money for additional activities, there are no banks where we are going. - Beddings and toiletries for personal use during the trip.
- Additionally, carry a torch or a solar-powered light for nighttime, as there is no power supply in the area.
- Camping tents and sleeping bags. (Optional)
BASIC TERMS
This is a conscious tourism experience that will have your perspectives challenged and broadened as you experience a new culture and hopefully gain fresh insights. Here are a few things you should know;
- We do our absolute best to keep to the Programme and timings but sometimes the weather/animals/roads/slow rhythm of village life gets the better of us!
- Respect of the community and local culture is paramount. We recommend modest clothes that covers the knees for the ladies to avoid discomfort for the locals and some very long uncomfortable stares.
- Taking of photos with consent from parties involved is also to be observed. We do not recommend taking photos of children during the experience
- Hill trail can be rough and the rock is pretty sun exposed during dry seasons, we recommend wearing long sleeve shirts and pants
- In the rural area , only pit latrines (hole in the ground) are available.
