Uganda, The Pearl of Africa is a landlocked country in East Africa boasting diverse landscapes including Lake Victoria, lush forests, Rwenzori mountains, wildlife like endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable national park, rich in culture with various ethnic group, languages and traditional ceremonies.
Kampala is the capital city known for lively markets, diverse culture and scenic shores of Lake Victoria, it is composed of welcoming atmosphere of the people and the night life of this city is so vibrant.
10 days best of Uganda safari gives you the opportunity to tour around Kampala the capital city, Kibale national park, Queen Elizabeth national park, encounter gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable national park and spending the whole day at the scenic lake Bunyonyi.
These 10 days can be spent as follows,
Day 1: Kampala city tour
The driver will pick you up from your lodge early in the morning to beat traffic as you start on your Kampala city tour. A Kampala city tour will take you to landmarks like Uganda museum where you will encounter traditional artifacts, ethological displays and archaeological collections, the colorful markets of Owino with a wide range of goods, fabrics and clothing not forgetting fresh food and, Nakasero market known for fresh fruit produce, local crafts and spices, and the energy of daily life as you interact with friendly vendors.
You can then head to Kasubi tombs a UNESCO heritage site serving as burial grounds for all the Buganda kings. The traditional architecture and cultural significance make it a unique historical site.
Namugongo shrine which is also a significant martyrdom site for the early Christians, you will get to know that Uganda Martyrs were executed here in the 19th century and since then it has become a pilgrimage destination and hosts an annual celebration on every 3rd of June.
You can get lunch in any of the Kampala restaurant ranging from luxury, midrange and budget options serving both local and international cuisines. Get the privilege to try out local dishes in any of the restaurants and eating areas like Four points at Sheraton, Serena hotel, Speke resort, Protea hotel, Café Javas, Middle East restaurant, KFC, and The food hub.
Enjoy the tour to Makere university founded in 1922 as a technical school that has played a significant role in shaping education and fostering intellectual growth in Africa. The university has a rich history of producing notable alumni who have contributed to various fields in the country.
Get thrilled with the night life of the city as you get to enjoy from any of the various bars that are within. Some of the bars that provide fun are Cayenne, sky lounge, Vault, Governor, and Thrones.
Head back to your lodge to rest and overnight stay.
Day 2: Transfer to Kibale national park
Kibale national park is a prominent national park located in southwestern Uganda covering an area of approximately 795 square kilometers renowned for diverse eco systems and incredible bio diversity. This is home to over 13 different of primates making it one of the best places for primate trekking and research hence its name ‘the primate capital.”
The driver will pick you from your lodge and transfer you to Kibale national park a distance of about 320 kilometers that is approximately 5 hours of drive depending on road conditions and traffic.
You will have a stop in Fort portal a town located near the park and have some lunch as well as shop a few souvenirs before heading to the park. Once you reach, the driver will take you to your booked lodge, check in and have dinner then sleep overnight.
Day 3: Chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi swamp walk
Kibale national park is also known as the primate capital because of its high population of primates specifically chimps. Chimpanzee trekking is a thrilling and fantastic way o encountering with these primates in their natural habitat.
After an early morning breakfast, the driver will transfer you to the starting point where experienced guides will lead you through the forests of Kibale in search of these primates, these guides will help you spot and identify these primates.
Trekking takes about 2 hours depending on where these primates will be found since they are found of moving from one tree branch to another. Once you get to spot them, you are given one hour to enjoy their presence as you learn about their different ways of socializing with others within their natural habitat.
After the trek, you are required to go back to the starting point and have some lunch and water to regenerate as you prepare or the evening Bigodi swamp walk.
The Bigodi swamp walk is a popular eco-tourism activity located near Kibale national park, it offers visitors with the opportunity to explore wetlands and forests providing a chance to observe diverse bird species like Great blue turaco, white spotted luftail, western nicator, narina trogon and African emerald cuckoo, primates, butterflies and wildlife. This guided walk is a fantastic way to experience the region’s natural beauty and bio diversity.
After the walk, head back to your lodge, have rest and overnight stay.
Day 4: Drive from Kibale to Queen Elizabeth national park
After an early morning breakfast, check out from the hotel and head out to your journey from Kibale to Queen Elizabeth national park. This is a scenic journey through the country’s beautiful landscapes, you will head to east on the Fort portal -Kamwenge road, you can have lunch from the various restaurants located here before you continue on the Fortportal-kasese road.
Once you reach, get to your booked hotel and check in for relaxation, dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: Game drive and boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth national park
After an early morning breakfast, you are required to go to Kasenyi plains, Mweya peninsular Kyambura Gorge, Katunguru bridge or Ishasha sector depending on where you booked your accommodation depending on where you booked your lodge.
Game drives are conducted both in the morning and evening but the most thrilling and adventurous ones happen during the morning hours when these animals are more active. You will be accompanied with an experienced guide who knows the park and can help you spot and identify different wildlife.
Expect to see animals like lions, leopards, buffaloes, zebras, elephants and antelopes. The park is a birders haven hosting over 600 bird species including African fish eagle and African jacana. You are also rewarded with beautiful views and scenery of kazinga channel, Rwenzori mountains and vast savannah in a distance.
After the game drive, you can have lunch as you prepare for the boat cruise. The boat cruise is a rewarding and thrilling activity that allows you explore the park’s stunning waterways and observe a wide variety of wildlife. The most famous and beautiful boat cruise happens at kazinga channel a 32-kilometer-long natural waterway that connects lake Edward to lake George and known for high concentration of wildlife.
Expect to see numerous animals like hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and a wide variety of bird species. Guides will equip you with knowledge of kazinga channel enhancing your understanding of the region. Don’t forget to bring your camera and binoculars to capture every bit of the moment.
After the boat cruise, you can head back to your lodge to relax, have dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 6: Transfer to Bwindi impenetrable national park
After an early morning breakfast, check out from the lodge and head out to the amazing journey that will take you through beautiful landscapes from Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi impenetrable national park in south western Uganda.
Bwindi national park is located in the southwestern part of the country famous for giving awesome and thrilling gorilla trekking experiences to visitors. Depending on your location, you will drive on the Ishasha- Kihihi road which is approximately 200 kilometers until you reach Bwindi national park.
Once you reach, check in to your hotel, have lunch, and relax then an overnight stay.
Day 7: Mountain gorilla trekking
After an early morning breakfast, you are required to be at the park headquarters for a pre trek briefing session where you will be told on how to behave once you get to encounter these endangered mountain gorillas. Mountain gorilla trekking is a unique and emotionally rewarding experience offering a rare opportunity to witness these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.
You will be assigned to a specific gorilla group with not more than 8 individuals per gorilla family. It is important to be physically fit because the trek can take about 3 to 4 hours depending on your assigned group and location of gorillas. Once you get to encounter your gorilla family, you are given one hour to enjoy their presence as you take a few snaps for memories.
After trekking, you are required to go back to the starting point and receive your certificate of appreciation. You can then head back to your hotel, relax and have an overnight stay.
Day 8: Spend whole day at Lake Bunyonyi
Spending the whole day at lake Bunyonyi is a wonderful experience, the lake is a stunning and picturesque water body located in south western Uganda known for its breathtaking natural beauty surrounded by terraced hills and lush greenery creating a mesmerizing and tranquil environment. This is the second deepest lake in Africa and covers an area of about 25 square kilometers and having a depth of about 44 meters.
Start your day with a relaxing boat ride on lake Bunyonyi as you enjoy stunning natural beauty, visit the dotted 29 islands each having a unique charm. You can explore some like Punishment island and Bushara island known for having a beautiful resort.
Consider renting a canoe and paddle on the lake as its one of the tranquil way to enjoy the serene surroundings. Keep your eye out for various bird species like herons, weavers and kingfishers. If you enjoy swimming, take a drip in the lake since the water is fresh and free from Bilharzia hence safe for swimming especially for the experienced ones.
You can end the day by taking a breathtaking sunset over the lake and enjoy cool breezes from the lake. You can head back to your lodge and relax, have dinner and overnight stay.
Day 9: Transfer back to Entebbe
This marks the end of your Uganda safari tour, you will be required to check out of the lodge, and head out on the journey back to Entebbe with a stopover in Mbarara or Ntungamo for lunch and souvenir shopping.
Day 10: City Tour & Departure
Do a city tour and transfer to the airport after for departure.
