OVER VIEW
The 16 Day Highlights of Uganda offer unforgettable encounters with diverse wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and vibrant cultures. Experience unforgettable wildlife encounters, breathtaking scenery, and vibrant cultures as you explore Uganda's remarkable destinations:
SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS
- Wildlife Encounters in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo National Parks.
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for Rhino trekking.
- Primate Experiences, Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest and Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest.
- Cultural & Adventure at Ewaffe Cultural Center
- Jinja for White-water rafting, Quadbiking, Mountain Biking and Guided Village Walks.
- Scenic Beauty at the Volcanic Crater Lakes & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
- Stay in mid-range lodges supporting conservation and communities.
Upon your arrival in Entebbe, a company representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Meal Plan: Dinner depending on time of arrival.
Accommodation: Papyrus Guest House
Comfort Level: Mid-range
After an early breakfast at 7:00 am, begin your journey north to the captivating Murchison Falls National Park. Along the way, stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where wild rhinos roam. Established in 1998, the sanctuary is dedicated to reintroducing rhinos to Uganda's protected areas and educating local communities on conservation, poaching, and protecting these endangered species.
Head out for an exciting rhino trek, lasting 1-2 hours, offering a rare chance to see these majestic creatures up close. Enjoy lunch before continuing to your place of overstay for relaxation.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Fort Murchison
Comfort Level: Mid-range
After breakfast, you will continue to Murchison Falls National Park with a game drive on the northern bank of the Nile, giving you a greater chance of seeing animals such as giraffes, elephants, lions, hartebeest, and different species of birds.
In the afternoon, you have a boat trip to the base of the falls. Look out for the Nile crocodile, hippos, waterbucks, and a variety of bird species at the bottom of the falls, an amazing scenic view of the Nile awaits you as well before returning to the lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Fort Murchison
Comfort Level: Mid-range
After breakfast, transfer to Murchison Falls National Park with lunch en route arriving in the evening for relaxation in Kibale National Park.
You may spot black-and-white colobus monkeys, baboons, and more primates hiding in trees along the road. You will have lunch in Fort Portal Town, this area is famed for the fabled mountains of the moon and many tea plantations.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Turaco Treetops
Comfort Level: Mid-range
Today the forest opens its doors for sensational chimp tracking. Kibale Forest is reputed for having the 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 lunch, explore the crater lakes region, starting with a tour of the Ridge of Lake Kyaninga overlooking the lodge, followed by visits to the scenic Lake Saaka, Kigere, and Bikere. For a truly breathtaking view, hike up Kyengangwa Hill to take in the panorama of the crater lakes and the majestic Rwenzori Mountains—the "Mountains of the Moon."
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Turaco Treetops
Comfort Level: Mid-range
After breakfast, head to Queen Elizabeth National Park and arrive in time for lunch. Thereafter transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park arriving in time for late lunch on the Classic Uganda Adventure.
Thereafter, enjoy a scenic boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a 33 km natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. On this 2-hour cruise, you'll encounter abundant wildlife, including hippos, Nile crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants, and a variety of birds. Plains game also frequents the banks for water, offering incredible sightings.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge
Comfort Level: Mid-range
After breakfast, proceed to the Kasenyi Track which is a hotspot for lion sightings, often seen hunting the large herds of Uganda kob that roam the area. Look out for herds of elephants and buffalos, leopards, warthogs, topis, and waterbucks which are excellent photographic opportunities.
Later, check out and journey to the Ishasha Sector, the southern part of the park, arriving in time for a relaxing lunch. In the afternoon, set off on an exciting game drive, keeping an eye out for the famous tree-climbing lions.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Ishasha Jungle Lodge
Comfort Level: Mid-range
Start your day with an early breakfast before embarking on a thrilling morning game drive in search of the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha. Afterward, return to the lodge for some well-deserved relaxation and a delightful lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a peaceful nature walk along the scenic Ishasha River, where you'll encounter hippos, elephants, and buffaloes, as well as a variety of bird species.
As the day winds down, indulge in sundowner drinks while watching the sun set gracefully over the Ishasha wilderness.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Ishasha Jungle Lodge
Comfort Level: Mid-range
After breakfast head to Bwindi National Park, the home of the mountain gorillas with lunch en route, take time to look at the amazing scenery and homesteads of the local communities. You will arrive in the early evening for relaxation in preparation for your gorilla trekking adventure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge.
Comfort Level: Mid-range
In the early morning, you will be briefed on gorilla tracking at the park headquarters and assigned groups of 8 people per group. Accompanied by a guide and your packed lunch, you will go in search of the gorillas in a small group. You walk through the forest, sometimes you descend again and then climb up a slope again. The duration of gorilla tracking is unpredictable.
The walk can be quite strenuous due to the muddy trails and mountainous areas and can take up to 8 hours depending on how far the gorillas have moved in search of food. It is worth it and what awaits you, in the end, is indescribable.
For an hour you can admire these peaceful ‘Gentle Giants’ as they go about their daily activities of grooming, feeding, and playing. It is a once-in-a-lifetime memorable experience.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge.
Comfort Level: Mid-range
Breakfast and then head out to the Rushaga Batwa Trail Walking Experience with a packed lunch. This tour gives you a firsthand introduction to one of the most unique cultures worldwide. The Batwa pygmies are forest people who have been displaced from the rainforest they shared with mountain gorillas. This experience will allow you to learn more about their age-old culture while you enjoy a hike with the Batwa guides, see how they lived and hunted, hear ancient legends, and learn about medical plants.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Travelers Rest Hotel
Comfort Level: Mid-range
Head to Lake Mburo National Park arriving in time for lunch and relaxation. As you enter the park you will likely spot some wildlife, like impalas, warthogs, zebras, and buffaloes. In the evening head for a boat ride on the lake and enjoy the rich birdlife and the hippos that are cooling off or Have an Evening Game Safaris or an Evening Nature Walk.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mpogo Safari Lodge
Comfort Level: Mid-range
Set off early morning to Jinja, a charming town on the shores of Lake Victoria. As the historic source of the Nile and East Africa's adrenaline capital, Jinja offers a blend of tranquility and excitement. Engage in thrilling activities like white-water rafting, kayaking, tubing, quad biking, mountain biking, and horse riding amidst stunning sunsets and abundant birdlife.
Immerse yourself in Jinja's natural beauty, where colonial architecture adds charm to the vibrant downtown. Stroll along leafy residential streets bordering the Nile, savoring the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mpogo Safari Lodge.
Comfort Level: Mid-range
Take the day at your own pace—relax and unwind, or venture out to explore the surrounding area with various activities close to the lodge.
Rafting on the Nile: Sessions ranger from mild to wild and family floats.
Quadbiking along the River Nile and Jinja Communities.
Mountain Biking Adventure: Hop on a mountain bike and ride through the nearby village and forest. Marvel at the diverse tree species along the way. You can set off independently or join a knowledgeable local guide who will introduce you to the region’s crops and provide a glimpse into village life.
Guided Village Walk: Take a stroll through local villages and experience a traditional way of life that has remained largely unchanged for generations. Observe fish traps in action, watch the fishermen at work in the rapids, and see how the villagers tend their fields.
Bird Watching at the Eco Lodge For a more tranquil activity, stay close to the lodge and enjoy some birdwatching. The surrounding area is home to a rich variety of bird species.
Additional Adventures For thrill-seekers, you can also opt for white-water rafting, kayaking, tubing, or even quad biking.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Haven Eco River Lodge.
Comfort Level: Mid-range
After a relaxed breakfast, set off on your journey back to Entebbe, with a stopover at the Ewaffe Cultural Center arriving just in time to indulge in a refreshing organic fruit feast at the Ewaffe Cultural Center. Enjoy a guided tour of the farm, where you'll discover the fascinating world of medicinal plants and the traditional art of Bark cloth making. This immersive experience is followed by a hearty, authentic lunch, showcasing the renowned Luwombo dish.
In the afternoon, continue your journey to Entebbe, arriving by early evening to unwind and relax.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Papyrus Guest House
Comfort Level: Mid-range
After breakfast, depending on your flight details, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight back home at the end of your Highlights of Uganda Safari.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
• Comfortable hiking boots and lightweight clothing.
• Rain jacket and a warm sweater for cooler evenings.
• Insect repellent and sunscreen.
• Reusable water bottle.
• Binoculars and a good camera.
• Personal medications and a small first-aid kit.
• Nature blending clothes
Included in the Itinerary
- Ground transportation in a safari customized 4WD Toyota Landcruiser with gasoline/fuel
- All Nature walks mentioned
- Rhino Trekking
- Batwa Community Experience
- All Boat Cruises
- All Game Drives
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Chimpanzee trekking permit
- Drinking water / refillable water bottle
- English-speaking Guide
- Accommodation and Meals
- All Park Entrance Fees.
Excluded in the Itinerary
- International Airfares;
- Visa Fees;
- Drinks and Beverages
- Tips, and Gratuities for your Driver/guide and hotel staff
- Jinja Activities white-water rafting, kayaking, tubing, or even quad biking.
- Optional activities unless specified as included
- Any other services not expressly shown in the itinerary or indicated as included.
Uganda – The Pearl of Africa’s Untamed Beauty
Uganda, aptly named the Pearl of Africa, is a land Gifted by Nature. It is located in the Great Lakes Region with breathtaking landscapes, extraordinary biodiversity, and unforgettable adventures. This remarkably diverse country is where the East African savannah meets the lush West African jungle, creating an ecological paradise unlike any other.
Towering over Uganda’s landscapes are the majestic Rwenzori Mountains, Africa’s third-highest range, and the dramatic Virunga Volcanoes, while the shimmering waters of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake, cradle its southern border. Lying in a basin between the eastern and western branches of the Rift Valley, Uganda’s elevated position gives it a more temperate climate than its equatorial location might suggest. Most of the country sits over 1,000 meters above sea level, with a landscape that is largely flat apart from the forested mountain ranges that often define its borders.
One of Africa’s most water-rich nations, Uganda’s lakes, rivers, and wetlands cover 25% of its surface, keeping the landscape lush and green for most of the year—though the northern region gradually transitions into semi-desert.
Nowhere else on the continent can travelers witness such a rich variety of primates with such ease. From great apes—mountain gorillas and chimpanzees—to over a dozen monkey species, Uganda is a primate lover’s paradise. But it’s not just primates that thrive here. With over 1,000 bird species, Uganda is a birder’s wonderland, home to rare rainforest specialists and some of Africa’s most sought-after birds.
We invite you to explore Uganda, a diverse landscape with abundant wildlife, plenty to discover, and unique experiences. When recounting your time in this jewel of a country, you'll struggle to find the words that do justice to it.
Entry Requirements:
Your passport must have a minimum of at least two full clear pages for visas and stamps and be valid for more than 6 months from the date of entry into Uganda.
Please check visa requirements prior to travel with your booking agent or Bush Wander, as requirements are regularly changed with little notice.
Most passports require a single-entry visa (US$50). Visas cannot be obtained on arrival. You must apply and pay for them online at least two weeks before your arrival. You must upload clear copies of your current passport, a yellow fever certificate, and a passport photo.
Only Visa and Mastercard cards are accepted for visa payments. Once payment is made, the system will process your application and send you a barcoded email. Print out this email and bring it with you to Uganda. Upon arrival, you should present the barcoded email to the immigration officer, who will scan the barcode, take your fingerprints and photo, and place a visa in your passport.
Alternatively, the Ugandan High Commissions may issue visas where such commissions are located.
Visa Exempt Countries:
The following nationalities do not require a visa to enter Uganda: all nationalities from East African countries (Tanzania, Rwanda, Kenya, Burundi), all nationalities from COMESA countries (Angola, Eritrea, Malawi, Madagascar, Seychelles, Swaziland, Zambia, Comoros, Kenya, Mauritius, Zimbabwe), and passport holders from OTHERS (Antigua, Barbados, Fiji, Grenada, Lesotho, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, The Grenadines, Vanuatu, Cyprus, Bahamas, Belize, Gambia, Jamaica, Malta, Singapore, St. Vincent-Tonga and Ireland).
East Africa Tourist Visa:
If you are planning an East Africa trip to Uganda, Rwanda, and/or Kenya, it may be better to apply for a multiple-entry visa, valid for 90 days at USD 100 per visa. For more information go through the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration if you are entering Uganda first, or alternatively, the Government visa site for the East Africa country you will be first entering.
Money and Currency:
Before you travel, call your credit card companies to let them know you will be traveling. This will help to ensure the credit card company won’t flag any of your vacation expenses. ATMs are available in major towns or cities though at times may not be reliable due to a limited amount of money to be withdrawn.
- Credit cards are widely accepted within Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda. Major hotels and restaurants accept VISA and MasterCard. AMEX and others are not recommended as establishments usually don’t support them. Note that a surcharge of 5% is attached to their usage.
- Local Currencies are recommended to use while on safari. There are many forex bureaus and banks in the capital cities and the main towns. Smaller denominations than US$100 may attract a less favorable rate of exchange. Notes older than 2010 may not be accepted in the country.
- Forex Bureaus are located in major towns or cities and have regular banking hours Monday to Friday from 08:30hrs to 16:00hrs. Saturdays are open from 09:00hrs to 12:00hrs. Traveler’s Cheques may be changed in major towns/cities. American Express cheques are accepted but they do attract a low rate. If you can, forego this option. Note: A purchase receipt and a passport are often asked for by the bank and forex bureaus as proof of ownership.
Health and Medical Information
Travelers require a Yellow Fever inoculation more than 10 days prior to your departure otherwise you won't obtain a visa. The certificate will be checked on arrival in Uganda. On top of that it is also advised you get vaccinations for DTP, Hepatitis A and malaria. Some organizations may advice you to take Typhoid, Cholera, Hepatitis B and Rabies as well. Please consult your pharmacist/doctor.
Travel Insurance on tour
It’s highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and other unforeseen circumstances. Ensure that your insurance policy provides adequate coverage for your entire trip duration and the activities you plan to undertake, such as wildlife viewing and adventure sports.
Flights & Getting Around
If you need assistance with flight bookings, Travelers Link Africa offers an inflight service—simply share your travel dates, and we’ll take care of the rest!
