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.
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