African Jungle Tour

Quick Facts

Days

11

Takes you to

Kibale Forest, Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, Mahoma Falls, Semiliki Hot Springs, Queen Elizabeth Park, Ishasha Sector, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Mburo National Park.

SAFARI OVERVIEW OF

African Jungle Tour

On this 11-day African Jungle Tour, discover our closest relatives in their natural habitat with Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest. Immerse yourself in local culture with a Bigodi Village Walk or explore the diverse birdlife at Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. Experience the tranquil beauty of Mahoma Falls on a Guided Nature Walk. Marvel at Uganda’s stunning crater lakes and witness the geothermal marvels of Sempaya Hot Springs.

Encounter the rare sight of tree-climbing lions in Ishasha Sector and unwind with a picturesque Sundowner. Journey into Bwindi Forest for an intimate Gorilla Trekking experience. Explore wildlife up close on a Bush Walk in Lake Mburo and enjoy sustainable comfort in hand-picked mid-range eco-lodges.

SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS

Chimp Trekking and Bigodi Experience (Kibale Forest & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary)
Guided Nature Walk to Mahoma Falls & Crater Lakes Exploration
Sempaya Hot Springs Visit (Semuliki National Park)
Tree-Climbing Lions and Sundowner Experience (Ishasha Sector)
Kameme Village Interaction
Gorilla Trekking Adventure (Bwindi Impenetrable Forest)
Bush Walk and Wildlife Discovery (Lake Mburo National Park)
Hand-picked Midrange Eco-Lodges

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe Airport

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

Day 2: Kampala – Kibale Forest National Park

Today, head out for your unforgettable African Jungle Tour, beginning with your expert guide leading the way to Fort Portal, leading you on a scenic journey to Fort Portal, the gateway to Kibale Forest National Park. As you leave the bustling city behind, the landscape transforms into lush greenery, rolling hills, and charming rural homesteads. This African Jungle Tour promises breathtaking views and unique wildlife encounters along the route.

Along the route, look out for playful baboons that often linger by the roadside, curious about passing travelers. The striking black-and-white colobus monkeys gracefully swing through the treetops, adding an enchanting touch to your drive.

This African Jungle Tour offers incredible opportunities to witness the rich biodiversity of Uganda, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

As you approach Fort Portal, Uganda's pristine tea plantations and picturesque views welcome you. From there, a short but captivating drive leads you to Kibale Forest, renowned for its incredible biodiversity and home to an astonishing 13 species of primates.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Turaco Treetops | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 3: Chimp Trekking & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary / Community Visit

On this African Jungle Tour day, the forest opens its doors for sensational chimp tracking. Enjoy a guided nature walk in the tropical rainforest in search of the wild chimpanzee, red-tailed monkey, and black-and-white. After lunch, we transfer to Bigodi Village for a guided community walk.

Accompanied by a guide who can tell you everything about the traditional customs and lifestyle of the inhabitants. Visit a Catholic Church, and traditional homesteads, learn about the crops, and listen to the storytelling of a Mzee (elderly man).

This day of your African Jungle Tour is designed to immerse you in the magic of the rainforest and its inhabitants.

Alternatively, have a guided bird-watching expedition in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to about 200 species of birds, including the crested crane and elusive Great Blue Turaco. Look out for 8 primate species in the sanctuary, which include baboons, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, L’Hoest monkeys, red colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, chimpanzees, vervet monkeys, and black and white colobus monkeys.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Turaco Treetops | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 4: Top of the world hike and Mahoma falls

Start your day with a hearty breakfast, then set off on a captivating 3-hour nature trail winding through traditional homesteads, lush tea, banana, and coffee plantations. Engage with the vibrant local community as they go about their daily routines, offering you a rich immersion into their culture.

At the summit, feast your eyes on breathtaking vistas of crater lakes, Fort Portal town, the majestic Rwenzori Mountain, and the verdant Kibale forest.

Following a picnic lunch, head out for a hike at Lake Nkuruba. Encounter a plethora of primate and bird species while exploring the lush surroundings and visiting the mesmerizing Mahoma Falls. Be enchanted by the cascading waterfalls, vibrant birdlife, and serene ambiance, offering a refreshing and unforgettable experience. Later, return to the camp for relaxation.

The serene ambiance at Mahoma Falls is just one highlight of your African Jungle Tour, creating lasting memories of nature’s beauty.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Turaco Treetops | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 5: Fort portal – Semuliki National Park- Hotsprings

Embark on a thrilling journey today as you venture towards Semliki National Park, just a 2.5-hour drive away. This park is a treasure trove of attractions, boasting renowned hot springs and an abundance of wildlife. Encounter the majestic Uganda kobs, playful warthogs, graceful waterbucks, and an array of primates, including the lively chimps, elegant L'Hoests, and the striking black and white Colobus monkeys.

Your African Jungle Tour continues as you embark on this thrilling journey towards Semuliki National Park.

Set your sights on a captivating nature walk leading to the famous hot springs, spanning an 8-kilometer trail. The Sempaya Hot Springs await, featuring both the male and female springs nestled amidst lush forests and towering palm trees. Witness the power of the female spring, erupting with boiling water shooting several meters into the sky—a spectacle that never fails to amaze.

Don't miss the intriguing demonstration of boiling eggs or bananas amidst this natural wonder. In contrast, the male spring exudes tranquility, with its gentle flow of hot water creating a serene ambiance, inviting you to unwind and connect with nature's soothing embrace.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Turaco Treetops | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 6: Fort Portal – Ishasha Sector Queen Elizabeth Park.

After breakfast, head out for a 4-5 hour drive to Ishasha Sector, the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park and famed for its tree-climbing lions. Arrive in time for lunch and thereafter have a game safari in search of the tree-climbing lions.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Ishasha Jungle Lodge | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 7: Tree Climbing Lions, Kameme Village, and Ishasha Sundowner

Early morning bush breakfast along River Ntungwe, and then head out to search for the tree-climbing lions once again, and a visit to the Kameme Village. Guests can interact with the local community and experience making local brewing from millet and bananas (“bushera”).

You will visit the local vegetable market of Kameme and learn more about their way of living.

Head back to lunch and later in the evening, you will have a sundowner looking out for the sun setting over the sprawling savannah as you relax with some drinks and snacks—accommodation and Meals at Ishasha Jungle Lodge. Enjoy the sundowner experience on your African Jungle Tour, where the sunset over the savannah is truly mesmerizing.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Ishasha Jungle Lodge | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 8: Ishasha - Bwindi Forest - Rushaga Sector.

After breakfast, head out on a scenic drive from the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park to the Rushaga Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The journey takes you through diverse landscapes, transitioning from open savannah plains dotted with acacia trees to lush, rolling hills and dense tropical forests.

As you leave Ishasha, look out for other wildlife, like elephants, topis, buffaloes, including the famed tree-climbing lions often seen lazing on fig branches. The road winds through rural villages and verdant tea plantations, offering glimpses of local life and stunning views of terraced hillsides.

Upon arrival at Bwindi, enjoy a delicious lunch as you soak in the serene environment. Spend the evening at leisure, perhaps taking a gentle walk around the lodge's gardens or simply unwinding with the soothing sounds of nature.

Rest and recharge in preparation for the once-in-a-lifetime adventure that awaits — an intimate encounter with the magnificent mountain gorillas of Bwindi, the following day.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 9: The Ultimate Gorilla Trekking

Your African Jungle Tour culminates in an unforgettable experience with the magnificent mountain gorillas.

In the early morning, you will be briefed on gorilla tracking at the park headquarters and assigned to 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. Every moment of your African Jungle Tour is crafted to create unforgettable memories and connections with nature.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 10: Bwindi Park – Lake Mburo National Park- Nature Walk in the park

Today, you proceed to Lake Mburo National Park, arriving in time for lunch. In the evening, you will have a bush walk guided by a ranger. Lake Mburo National Park is renowned for its rich birdlife and beautiful lakes. Enjoy a nature walk searching for zebras, Warthogs, buffalo, and Impalas, and, if you’re lucky, see the largest of Africa’s antelopes, the beautiful Eland.

The diverse wildlife adds to the allure of your African Jungle Tour adventure.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Mpogo Safari Lodge | Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 11: Lake Mburo National Park – Entebbe

After breakfast, enjoy a final game drive as you exit the protected area, soaking in the last sightings of Uganda's incredible wildlife. Depart for Entebbe, traversing scenic landscapes and vibrant rural communities.

Along the way, stop at the Equator for a memorable break. Capture iconic photos, browse local craft shops for souvenirs, and enjoy a delightful lunch.

Continue the drive, arriving in Entebbe for a late afternoon break. Relax and refresh with a day room at a hotel before heading to the airport for your onward flight back home, carrying cherished memories of your African Jungle Tour in Uganda.

Reflecting on your journey, your African Jungle Tour has been a unique exploration of Uganda’s natural treasures.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

Included in the Itinerary

Ground transportation in a safari customized 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser with gasoline/fuel
All Nature walks
All Community Visits
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 from the Itinerary

International Airfares;
Visa Fees;
Drinks and Beverages
Tips and Gratuities for your Driver/guide and hotel staff
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 Commission 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, for USD 100 per visa. For more information, go through the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration if you are entering Uganda first, or 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 in 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 before 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 that you get vaccinations for DTP, Hepatitis A, and malaria. Some organizations may advise 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 in-flight service—simply share your travel dates, and we’ll take care of the rest!

What to pack

• 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