OVER VIEW OF UGANDA CULTURE AND WILDLIFE SAFARI
This 15 Day Culture and Wildlife exceptional safari offers exclusive access to Uganda’s mesmerizing primates, from the playful chimpanzees in Kibale Forest to the majestic gorillas nestled within the verdant landscapes of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Experience the thrill of unforgettable game safaris in the renowned Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls, where you’ll witness an array of spectacular wildlife in their natural habitats. Don't miss the tree climbing lions in Ishasha Sector!
Have a cultural immersion with Farm Activities at the Luxury Emburara Farm Lodge and the Acholi Village Experience. Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in the heart of Uganda’s natural beauty and vibrant culture.
UGANDA CULTURE AND WILDLIFE SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS
- Mighty Murchison Falls: Witness the breathtaking power of Uganda’s most iconic natural wonder.
- Game Safaris: Experience thrilling wildlife drives in Murchison and Queen Elizabeth National Parks, spotting elephants, lions, and more.
- Chimpanzee Trekking: Embark on an unforgettable journey tracking chimps in Kibale Forest.
- Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary: Explore vibrant birdlife and diverse ecosystems in this serene sanctuary.
- Lion Project & Kazinga Boat Cruise: Participate in lion research and enjoy a boat cruise teeming with wildlife along the Kazinga Channel.
- Ishasha Adventures: Relish unique experiences like a bush breakfast, sundowners, and a nature walk in the famed Ishasha Sector.
- Gorilla Trekking: Get up close with majestic mountain gorillas in Bwindi’s enchanting forests.
- Cultural Immersion: Dive into local traditions and farm life at Emburara Farm Lodge and Acholi Village Experience for an authentic Ugandan experience.
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 the Uganda Culture and Wildlife Safari.
Meal Plan: Dinner
Accommodation: Papyrus Guest House
Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 2: Entebbe – Murchison Falls National Park
Start your journey with a stopover at the Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Embark on a 2-hour Rhino Trekking session where you’ll have the rare opportunity to see rhinos up close in their natural habitat. Led by experienced guides, this adventure will provide you with fascinating insights into the behavior and conservation efforts for these majestic creatures. The sanctuary’s serene environment offers a perfect backdrop for this unique wildlife experience.
After your thrilling morning with the rhinos, take a break for a delicious lunch at the sanctuary before proceeding to Murchison Falls Region, arrive in the evening.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Murchison River Lodge
Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 3: Game Safari and Boat Cruise to Bottom of the Falls.
Begin your day with a delightful cup of coffee, setting the perfect tone for an adventurous morning game drive along the northern bank of the Nile. Marvel at the majestic sight of giraffes, elephants, lions, hartebeest, and a variety of bird species in their natural habitat. Enjoy a sumptuous brunch at the Top of the Falls, where you can soak in the breathtaking views of the awe-inspiring Murchison Falls.
Afterward, unwind at the luxurious lodge before embarking on the 2:30pm enchanting boat cruise to the bottom of the falls, offering an intimate game viewing experience. Look out for a range of wildlife animals such as birds, hippos, crocodile and others depends on what nature has to offer.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Murchison River Lodge
Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 4: Acholi Village Experience, Folklore and Dance
Head out to Nwoya Village for a captivating 2-hour village experience, where you’ll be warmly welcomed with vibrant traditional songs and dances. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Acholi people as you explore life in the village. Discover the daily rhythm of homesteads—harvesting honey from honeycombs, picking fresh vegetables (Boo and Malakwang) from the garden, mixing it with a peanut paste and cooking them, and gathering red hibiscus to brew a refreshing, healthy drink.
For those with a creative spirit, this hands-on experience invites you to craft your own traditional Acholi woven baskets or try your hand at clay pottery, connecting deeply with the artisanal traditions passed down through generations.
As the aroma of food fills the air, gather around the traditional cooking fire to savor dishes you’ve helped prepare while hearing captivating stories of the Acholi people’s history and customs.
After lunch, let the vibrant beats of the Acholi drums fill your soul as you watch a lively performance by the Acholi Dance Group. You’ll be swept up in the joyful energy of their traditional songs and dances, and feel free to join the dancers and move to the rhythm of the drums!
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Murchison River Lodge
Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 5: Murchison Falls – Kibale Forest National Park
Start your day with a delightful early morning breakfast before embarking on a scenic journey to Kibale National Park. Enjoy a lunch break along the way, arriving by evening for some well-deserved relaxation at Turaco Treetops, where you’ll settle in for a comfortable stay.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Turaco Treetops
Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 6: Chimpanzee trekking and Nature walk at Bigodi
Following the pre-tracking briefing at 7:30 a.m. you walk to the trailhead for the start of an unforgettable adventure –enjoy a guided primate walk in the tropical rainforest in search of the wild chimpanzee, red-tailed monkey, black-and-white colobus monkey, and many others.
The treks are generally 3-4 hours; expect good sightings of chimps in their natural environment. A maximum of 6 people per group will head out with a forest ranger guide and will be allowed to track chimpanzees. Spend an unforgettable hour with the chimpanzees watching them go through their daily routine in their natural habitat.
Have lunch and thereafter head to Bigodi Swamp Walk, an initiative of the local community that is known for its rich diversity of birds and primates. This wetland is a great attraction for birders with over 200 bird species, including the popular Great Blue Turaco.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Turaco Treetops
Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 7: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth – Boat cruise Kazinga Channel
Wake up to the soothing symphony of nature, setting the perfect tone for your luxurious journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Western Uganda. Begin your day with a sumptuous breakfast before embarking on a scenic drive to the renowned Queen Elizabeth National Park. Arrive just in time for a delightful lunch amidst the captivating wildlife, including hippos, buffaloes, elephants, kobs, and an array of bird species.
Following lunch, indulge in an unforgettable boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural wonder linking Lake Edward and Lake George. Marvel at the vibrant birdlife and witness elephants, buffaloes, and countless hippos basking along the shores.
Conclude your evening with a visit to the Kyambura Eco-tourism project, where you can contribute to conservation efforts by planting a tree seedling in the wildlife buffer zone.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Bush Lodge
Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 8: Lion Experiential Tour – Ishasha sector – Tree climbing lions
After breakfast, head for the lion research project that allows visitors to participate in monitoring the pride in the park, using locator devices and learning habituation calls, as well as monitoring weather, surroundings, and behavior. The Lion Project involves the clients and the researchers heading as early as 6:30 a.m. with a safari vehicle equipped with radio-collar-receiving equipment to keep track of the lions.
Later head for the Ishasha sector, home of the popular tree-climbing lions, you shall first check in at the lodge for lunch and thereafter head for the game drive in search of the tree-climbing lions as they cling to the fig trees.
Other animals like the kobs, elephants, and buffaloes among others may be spotted time as well.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Ishasha Jungle Lodge
Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 9: Bush Breakfast, Nature walk and Sundowner
Start your day with a delightful bush breakfast, prepared by your personal chef and served in a beautifully arranged dining setup amidst the natural surroundings. This exclusive breakfast can be paired with an early-morning safari drive, allowing you to soak in the serene beauty of the landscape as you dine.
After your morning adventure, head back to the camp for some well-deserved relaxation and a leisurely lunch. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and the comfort of your luxurious accommodations. In the afternoon, embark on a guided nature walk with a knowledgeable ranger along the Ishasha River. This intimate experience offers close-up views of hippos and provides a unique perspective on the bush environment.
As the day winds down, prepare for a memorable sundowner experience where you can relax with a refreshing drink while watching the sunset over the stunning landscape.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Ishasha Jungle Lodge.
Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 10: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Enjoy a warm breakfast and have another game en route in the Ishasha sector in search of the tree-climbing lions. This will give you such an amazing experience as you can see the tree-climbing lions hanging on the old fig trees.
Later head to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to have a late lunch after check-in, relax, and have personal time as you prepare for your Gorilla Trek the next day.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Haven Lodge.
Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 11: Gorilla trekking at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Embark on an unforgettable adventure at Bwindi Park, where you’ll join a gorilla-tracking expedition led by expert guides. Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to the park offices, where you’ll be paired with a gorilla family from group 8 and a knowledgeable guide.
Before setting out, the park warden will provide a comprehensive briefing on gorilla behavior, and safety protocols, and introduce you to your assigned gorilla family. Then, brace yourself for an exhilarating journey through the lush trails of Bwindi.
Be prepared for a trek ranging from 2 to 8 hours, navigating steep and sometimes slippery terrain beneath the canopy of the rainforest. This experience demands a reasonable level of fitness but promises unmatched rewards
.
In the heart of the jungle, you’ll encounter these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Witness them as they go about their daily rituals of feeding, playing, and grooming. The highlight of your day comes as you spend an awe-inspiring hour in the presence of these gentle giants, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
After your encounter, return to the lodge to unwind and reflect on the extraordinary experience. Get ready to relive the magic of your gorilla trekking adventure long after you’ve left the jungle behind.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Haven Lodge
Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 12: Transfer to Emburara Farm
After breakfast, embark on a journey to Emburara Farm, where you’ll arrive just in time for lunch and a leisurely afternoon at the exquisite Farm Lodge. Indulge in the serene ambiance of the Spa in the evening. From traditionally inspired foot cleansing rituals to advanced skin and body treatments, Emburara’s Spa offers an unparalleled range of massages and holistic therapies.
Indulge in the revitalizing warmth of the steam room and sauna, and energize your body at the gym, fully equipped with the latest in fitness technology for an unparalleled workout experience.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Emburara Farm Lodge
Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 13: Milking and Watering Cows, Ghee Processing, and Traditional Dance Group
After a delightful breakfast at 8:00 AM, embark on an exclusive guided experience, where you’ll partake in the traditional milking and watering of the majestic long-horned Ankole cows. Following this, return to the lodge for an immersive session on transforming this fresh milk into traditional ghee, a local butter delicacy that elevates every meal.
As the day winds down, be enchanted by an evening performance of local traditional dance and music, with the opportunity to join in the revelry.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Emburara Farm Lodge.
Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 14: Emburara Farm – Entebbe
After a delightful breakfast at Emburara Farm, embark on a scenic drive back to Entebbe, arriving in the early afternoon. Unwind with a leisurely late lunch at your hotel, savoring the peaceful atmosphere. As the day winds down, enjoy a serene evening of relaxation at the Papyrus Guest House.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Papyrus Guest House.
Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 15: Transfer back to Entebbe on wards for your departure flight
Depending on your flight back home, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight back home at the end of the Uganda Culture and Wildlife Safari.
Optional Activity: Visit the Ewaffe Cultural Village to experience authentic Buganda Village Life. Learn to prepare traditional Buganda dishes, try your hand at indigenous fishing, and immerse yourself in food tasting and fruit feast with captivating storytelling sessions. This hands-on cultural adventure offers a deeper connection to Uganda’s rich heritage.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
• 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 Culture and Wildlife Safari
- Ground transportation in a safari customized 4WD Toyota Land cruiser with gasoline/fuel
- Rhino Trekking
- All Nature walks
- All Community Visits
- All Boat Cruises
- All Game Drives
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Chimpanzee trekking permit
- Drinking water / refillable water bottle
- English-speaking Birding Guide
- Accommodation and Meals
- All Park Entrance Fees.
Excluded in the Uganda Culture and Wildlife Safari
- 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 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!
