15 Day Culture and Wildlife Safari

15 Day Culture and Wildlife Safari

This exceptional adventure 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, Murchison Falls, and Lake Mburo National Parks, where you’ll witness an array of spectacular wildlife in their natural habitats.

Conclude your safari with a cultural immersion with Farm Activities at the Luxury Emburara Farm Lodge. 

Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in the heart of Uganda’s natural beauty and vibrant culture. Book now and let the adventure begin

Highlights of the 15 Day Culture and Wildlife Safari

  • Mighty Murchison Falls: Marvel at the raw power of one of Uganda’s top natural attractions.
  • Game Safaris: Enjoy exhilarating wildlife drives in Murchison and Queen Elizabeth National Parks.
  • Acholi Village Experience, Folklore and Dance
  • Chimpanzee Trekking: Track chimps in Kibale Forest for a unique primate encounter.
  • Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary: Discover diverse birdlife and nature in this vibrant sanctuary.
  • Lion Project & Kazinga Boat Cruise: Join a lion research project and cruise the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel.
  • Kyambura Eco-tourism & Tree Planting: Support conservation by planting a tree in the wildlife buffer zone.
  • Ishasha Adventures: Savor a bush breakfast, sundowner, and nature walk in the Ishasha Sector.
  • Gorilla Trekking: Trek to see mountain gorillas in Bwindi’s lush forests.
  • Cultural Immersion: Engage in farm life and traditions at Emburara Farm Lodge.
  • Midrange Lodges: Stay in Uganda’s finest eco-friendly lodges, blending with sustainability.

This adventure promises a perfect blend of luxury, wildlife, and cultural experiences, designed to inspire and captivate travelers seeking an extraordinary Ugandan safari.

 Itinerary 15 Day Culture and Wildlife Safari

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe Airport

Upon your arrival, a Company Representative will warmly greet you and ensure a seamless transfer to your hotel. Indulge in an exquisite overnight stay at the Boma Guest House

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 at the Murchison River Lodge in the evening. 

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. Conclude your day with a serene return to Murchison River Lodge.

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! Later head back to Murchison River Lodge arriving in time for relaxation.

Acholi Village Experience

Making Peanut Paste

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. Meals and accommodation are provided at Turaco Treetops.

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. Later head back to Turaco Treetops for relaxation. 

Day 7: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth – Boat cruise Kazinga Channel- Eco Tourism Project

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. Retreat to Bush Lodge for relaxation. 

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. Accommodation and Meals at Ishasha Jungle Lodge.

13 Day Fly In Adventure

Tree Climbing Lions

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. Accommodation and Meals at Ishasha Jungle Lodge. 

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. 

Accommodation and Meals at the Haven Lodge

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.

Accommodation and Meals at the Haven Lodge

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Day 12: Transfer to Emburara Farm 

After breakfast, embark on a journey to Emburara Farm, where you’ll arrive just in time for a sumptuous 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 cutting-edge gym, fully equipped with the latest in fitness technology for an unparalleled workout experience.  Accommodation and meals at Emburara Farm Lodge.

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. Indulge in luxurious accommodations and meals at Emburara Farm Lodge.

Watering cows

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 Boma Guest House offering the perfect end to a memorable journey.

Day 15: Departure

Depending on your flight back home, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight back home.

Included in the 15 Day Culture and Wildlife Safari

  • Ground transportation in a safari customized 4WD with gasoline/fuel,
  • Drinking Water – Refillable water bottle 
  • Services of an English speaking Driver/guide,
  • Accommodation and Meals
  • All Park Entrance Fees,
  • Gorilla Trekking Permit
  • Chimpanzee Trekking permit

Excluded in the 15 Day Culture and Wildlife Safari

  • International Airfares; Excess baggage charges;
  • Ugandan Entry Visa Fees
  • Tips, and Gratuities for your Driver/guide and Hotels staff
  • Optional activities unless specified as included,
  • Any other services not expressly shown in the itinerary or indicated as included.

Ready to start planning your safari trip today? Let’s start with an Enquiry