7 Days Canoeing and Hiking Adventure

Discover the wonders of Lake Bunyonyi, nestled within the breathtaking Gorilla Highlands Region. Delve into the charm of its islands and immerse yourself in Uganda’s stunning scenic vistas along the way.

Safari Highlights of the 7 days Canoeing and Hiking Adventure

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
Positive Impact on the Local Communities.

Tour Itinerary – 7 days Canoeing and Hiking Adventure

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe

Upon your arrival in Entebbe, you will be picked up by a company representative and transferred to your hotel at the start of the 7 days Canoeing and Hiking Adventure. Overnight at Hotel No.5

Day 2: Entebbe – Lake Bunyonyi

Breakfast and then depart to the Gorilla Highlands region – Stop over at the Equator to watch the water flow demonstration of the northern and southern hemispheres. Thereafter proceed for lunch in Mbarara before proceeding to Lake Bunyonyi arriving in the evening.

Accommodation and Meals at Birdnest Lodge.

Day 3: Bushara, Akampene, and Bwama Island

After breakfast, head to the meeting point for a 30-minute briefing session, and then paddling starts at 10 am. Head to Bushara Island where you will be welcomed with a glass of organic juice. Take a half-hour walk through a forest trail and get immersed in bird-watching sessions before proceeding to Bwama Island, a former leper colony set up by Dr. Leonard Sharp in 1921.

You will canoe past Punishment Island, where pregnant unmarried girls were left to die then proceed for a picnic fruit lunch at Sharps Island. After lunch head to Mama Bena’s place to set up camp in a dugout canoe. With the help of the guides, pitch your tents close to the grass-thatched home, where you will be served your evening meal.

You may climb to the top of the peninsula, to see one of the primary schools of the Bunyonyi area and take in the amazing scenery.

Accommodation and Meals at Mama Bena’s Camp.

Day 4: Karembe Hill – Batwa Cultural Experience

After breakfast at 7:30 am cross to Kyevu embarking on a day of trekking. The first hour will be spent walking alongside a pretty and extensive swamp.

Get to meet the Batwa (‘Pygmies’) for the traditional dance experience and learn how to use a bow and arrow. Thereafter, head to a steep slope that rises into Karembe Hill (2,478 meters).

The first 1 hour, climb uphill is the most challenging part and thereafter the hike becomes gentle. Within 30 minutes, reach the top for a picnic lunch taking in the sights of Mt. Muhavura, a volcano shared by Rwanda and Uganda. Thereafter you will descend for 3-4 hours where you will be entertained by the Bakiga Group and a local women’s crafts shop.

Later head to the Bufundi peninsula where you will get back into the canoes for a ride to Habukomi Island proceeding to Tom’s Homestay where a campsite will be set up. Meet the family for dinner and a campfire for story time.

Accommodation and Meals at Tom’s Homestead- Tents set up.

Day 5: Habukomi –Anna’s Home – Back to the Mainland

After breakfast hike to the top of Habukomi, the Lake Bunyonyi pelican hideaway, and hear about the island’s history. A canoe route close to Upside Down / Akabucuranuka Island which has a sorceress story on a group of male revelers whose canoe turned upside down because they refused to share their stock of beer with the woman!

Thereafter, spend some time on the Kyabahinga peninsula, and you will experience a demonstration on the making of local crafts by Anna. You may try out making some small crafts as well.

Later head back to the mainland for lunch and relaxation. Accommodation and Meals at Birdnest Lodge

Day 6: Lake Bunyonyi – Entebbe

Breakfast and then head back to Entebbe with a stopover for lunch arriving in the evening. Accommodation and Meals at Hotel No.5

Day 7: Departure

Breakfast and then head to the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre for the Behind-the-Scenes Program. Experience the thrill by going beyond just watching the animals, getting to visit the holding facilities or exhibits, food preparation areas, the pharmacy, quarantine facility, workshops, taking part in rescues, etc.

The program will give you an inside view of what takes place in areas out of reach to the public including the animal holding facility, animal hospital, and rescue center (upon the advice of the veterinarian), and in-depth information from an animal keeper, veterinarian /educators. Later you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight back home on the final day of the 7 days Canoeing and Hiking Adventure.

Note: This is a difficult – hard experience covering the west-east coast at a distance of 39km /24miles ( nearly 50% of the experience is by a dugout canoe)

Camping Experience involves pitching up tents close to the hosts homestead and will require you to share the squat down toilets and shower provisions.

Included in the 7 days Canoeing and Hiking Adventure

Ground transportation in a safari customized 4WD Toyota Land cruiser with gasoline/fuel, Mineral water in the vehicle, services of an English-speaking Driver/guide, Accommodation, and campsite, Meals as shown (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner), all Park Entrance Fees, Canoeing, Hiking, Statutory Taxes where applicable.

Excluded in the 7 days Canoeing and Hiking Adventure

International Airfares; Excess baggage charges; Ugandan Entry Visa Fees USD 50 per person; Room service, Beverages, Laundry, etc.; Postage fees, Porterage fees, Tips and Gratuities for your Driver/guide and Hotels staff, International Airport Departure Taxes, Optional activities unless specified as included, Any other services not expressly shown in the itinerary or indicated as included.