OVER VIEW
This 7-day Uganda Canoeing and Hiking Adventure journeys through Uganda’s stunning landscapes. Explore the serene waters of Lake Bunyonyi, tucked within the picturesque Gorilla Highlands Region, and discover its tranquil islands.
Along the way, you’ll hike through lush hills and vibrant forests, immersing yourself in breathtaking views of Uganda’s natural beauty. This safari offers a perfect blend of canoeing, hiking, and exploration, allowing you to connect with nature while uncovering the charm of this unique destination.
Experience the rich culture, wildlife, and scenic vistas that make Lake Bunyonyi and the surrounding region an extraordinary adventure.
UGANDA CANOENG AND HIKING ADVENTURE HIGHLIGHTS
- Dugout Canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi
- Hiking and Scenic Nature walks
- Batwa Cultural Experience
- Behind the Scenes - Uganda Wildlife Education Center
- Camping Experience and Lake Side Resorts.
- Tasty Traditional Food and Fruits
- Discover the Home of Edirisa - Bakiga Museum in Kabale.
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 at the start of your 7 -day Uganda Canoeing and Hiking Adventure.
Alternative Activity: Explore Uganda's Flora and Fauna at the Uganda Wildlife Education Center.
Meal Plan: Dinner depending on time of arrival.
Accommodation: Papyrus Guest House
Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 2: Entebbe - Lake Bunyonyi
Enjoy breakfast before departing for the Gorilla Highlands region. Make a stop at the Equator to witness the fascinating water flow demonstration, showcasing the differences between the northern and southern hemispheres. Continue your journey with a lunch stop in Mbarara before heading to Lake Bunyonyi, where you'll arrive in the evening.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Birdnest Lodge
Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 3: Bushara, Akampene, and Bwama Island
After breakfast, head to the meeting point for a 30-minute briefing, with paddling starting at 10 am. Your journey begins with a canoe ride to Bushara Island, where you’ll be greeted with a refreshing glass of organic juice. Take a scenic 30-minute walk along a forest trail, immersing yourself in a bird-watching session before continuing to Bwama Island, a historical site that once housed a leper colony established by Dr. Leonard Sharp in 1921.
Canoe past Punishment Island, where unmarried pregnant girls were once left to die, and then enjoy a picnic lunch with fresh fruit at Sharps Island. After lunch, head to Mama Bena’s place to set up camp using a traditional dugout canoe. With assistance from your guides, pitch your tents near her grass-thatched home, where you’ll be served a delicious evening meal.
For an extra adventure, take a short climb to the top of the peninsula for a view of one of the local primary schools and enjoy the stunning panoramic scenery of the area.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mama Bena’s Camp.
Comfort Level: Camping
Day 4: Karembe Hill - Batwa Cultural Experience
After breakfast at 7:30 am, you'll cross to Kyevu to begin your trekking adventure. The first hour will take you alongside a beautiful, expansive swamp, offering a peaceful start to your journey. Next, you'll meet the Batwa (Pygmies) for an engaging traditional dance experience and learn the fascinating skills of using a bow and arrow. From there, you'll tackle a steep slope leading up to Karembe Hill (2,478 meters).
The first hour of the climb is the most challenging, but once past that, the hike becomes gentler. In about 30 minutes, you’ll reach the summit where you'll enjoy a picnic lunch with panoramic views of Mt. Muhavura, a shared volcano between Rwanda and Uganda.
After lunch, descend for 3-4 hours, and along the way, you’ll be entertained by the Bakiga Group and have the opportunity to visit a local women’s crafts shop.
Later, you'll head to the Bufundi Peninsula, where you’ll board canoes for a scenic ride to Habukomi Island. From there, proceed to Tom's Homestay, where a campsite will be set up for the night. Enjoy a delicious dinner with the family and unwind around a campfire as they share local stories.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tom's Homestead
Comfort Level: Camping
Day 5: Habukomi –Anna's Home - Back to the Mainland
After breakfast, hike to the top of Habukomi Island, known as the Lake Bunyonyi pelican hideaway, and learn about its fascinating history. Next, embark on a canoe journey near Upside Down / Akabucuranuka Island, where you'll hear the intriguing legend of a group of male revelers whose canoe capsized after they refused to share their beer with a woman.
Continue to the Kyabahinga Peninsula, where you'll enjoy a local craft-making demonstration by Anna. Feel free to try your hand at creating some small crafts yourself.
Later, head back to the mainland for a delicious lunch and time to relax.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Birdnest Lodge
Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 6: Lake Bunyonyi - Bakiga Museum - Entebbe
After breakfast, begin your journey back to Entebbe, making a stop at the Home of Edirisa – Bakiga Museum. Here, you'll explore a traditional homestead and discover a fascinating collection of musical instruments, hunting tools, and traditional healing practices of the Bakiga people. The museum also offers outreach programs to engage youth and promote heritage preservation.
Along the way, enjoy a lunch stop before arriving in Entebbe in the evening for some well-deserved relaxation.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Papyrus Guest House
Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 7: Uganda Wildlife Education Center - Departure
After breakfast, depending on your flight details, take an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour at the Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC), where you’ll get an insider’s look at the conservation efforts that help protect Uganda's wildlife. Meet dedicated staff and learn about animal rehabilitation, breeding programs, and educational initiatives aimed at preserving endangered species.
Get up close with the animals and discover how the center plays a vital role in wildlife protection and awareness. This behind-the-scenes experience provides a unique opportunity to engage with wildlife conservation in action.
Later you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight back home at the end of your Canoeing and Hiking Adventure in Uganda.
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 Uganda Canoeing and Hiking Adventure
- Ground transportation in a safari customized 4WD Toyota Landcruiser with gasoline/fuel
- All Nature walks mentioned
- Canoeing and Hiking Experience
- Batwa Cultural Experience
- Drinking water / refillable water bottle
- English-speaking Guide
- Accommodation and Meals
Excluded in the Uganda Canoeing and Hiking Adventure
- International Airfares;
- Visa Fees;
- Drinks and Beverages
- Tips, and Gratuities for your Driver/guide
- 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!
