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 Wildlife and White Water Rafting Adventure.
Accommodation: Emin Pasha Hotel | Comfort Level: Luxury
Day 2: To Queen Elizabeth National Park
After a hearty breakfast, embark on a picturesque drive from Uganda's vibrant capital, Kampala, to the wildlife-rich haven of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The 6 to 7-hour journey offers a visual feast of Uganda’s breathtaking countryside, with rolling hills, lush greenery, and charming rural landscapes.
Along the way, enjoy the sights of bustling roadside markets, sprawling tea plantations, and traditional villages that capture the spirit of Uganda. Stop at the iconic Uganda Equator for an intriguing demonstration of water flow differences between the northern and southern hemispheres.
Have lunch in Mbarara, Uganda's land of long-horned Ankole cattle, before continuing your journey. Arrive at the park in the early evening, ready to immerse yourself in its stunning wilderness and rich biodiversity.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge | Comfort Level: Luxury
Day 3: Lion Experiential Project and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
After breakfast, you will visit a lion experiential project. This experience allows visitors to actively participate in monitoring the prides in the park, using locator devices and learning habituation calls, as well as monitoring weather, surroundings, and behavior. The results are added to researchers' databases, contributing valuable information to the overall understanding of wildlife ecology and helping to conserve this wonderful ecosystem.
After lunch, enjoy a scenic two-hour boat cruise along the historic Kazinga Channel, which connects Lakes Edward and George. Glide past hippos, Nile crocodiles, wallowing buffaloes, and elephants. Marvel at countless bird species and plains game that gather at the water's edge for a truly unforgettable wildlife spectacle.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge | Comfort Level: Luxury
Day 4: To Ishasha Sector - Southern Part of Queen Elizabeth Park
Today, take a scenic drive from the Mweya Plains to the iconic Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its tree-climbing lions. The journey, lasting about 2 to 3 hours, takes you through diverse landscapes, from sprawling savannahs and acacia woodlands to tranquil wetlands.
Along the way, you'll encounter breathtaking views of the Rift Valley escarpment and spot wildlife such as elephants, buffalo, and an array of bird species. The transition into Ishasha’s wild beauty is unmistakable, with its serene fig trees standing tall, often cradling lions lazily draped across their branches. This scenic route promises both tranquility and thrilling wildlife encounters. You will arrive in time for lunch at the camp and relaxation.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Ishasha Wilderness Camp | Comfort Level: Luxury
Day 5: Bush Breakfast - Game Safaris- Community Visit
Start your day with a delightful bush breakfast, surrounded by the wild beauty of Ishasha. Afterward, embark on an exciting game drive in search of the famed tree-climbing lions, along with other wildlife roaming the plains.
Return to camp for a hearty lunch before heading out for a cultural experience with Agartha’s Taste of Uganda Tour. Learn firsthand how the Bakiga people grow, harvest, and prepare their traditional dishes. Try your hand at sifting, grinding, cooking, and keeping food warm the traditional way. Savor your creations and leave with a thoughtfully packed snack and a taste of local brew.
As evening falls, enjoy a serene sundowner at a scenic spot—either along the ridge or by the Ntungwe River. Soak in the breathtaking views and tranquil atmosphere, capping off a perfect day in this enchanting part of the park.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Ishasha Wilderness Camp | Comfort Level: Luxury
Day 6: Ishasha Sector - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today set off from the wild plains of Ishasha to the lush, mist-covered landscapes of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The journey, approximately 3 to 4 hours depending on the trailhead, offers a mesmerizing blend of Uganda's diverse landscapes. Travel through rolling savannah plains dotted with acacia trees, cross scenic valleys, and ascend into the cooler, forested highlands.
Along the way, pass traditional villages where friendly locals go about their daily lives, as well as terraced hillsides that paint a beautiful patchwork on the landscape. As you approach Bwindi, the scenery transforms into a dense rainforest teeming with life and shrouded in mist. You will arrive in time for lunch and relaxation. This ancient forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, welcomes you with its breathtaking beauty and the promise of an unforgettable gorilla encounter.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge | Comfort Level: Luxury
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking
After breakfast, transfer to the park offices, where you'll be assigned a gorilla family and introduced to your expert guide. Following a pre-trek briefing, drive to the trailhead and embark on an exhilarating adventure into Bwindi’s dense forest.
Expect a trek lasting between 2 to 8 hours, navigating steep, slippery terrain, possibly with rainfall adding to the challenge. Upon encountering the gorillas, spend a magical hour observing their daily routines — feeding, playing, grooming, and moving gracefully through the forest. It’s a truly unforgettable wildlife encounter. Return to the lodge to relax and unwind.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge | Comfort Level: Luxury
Day 8: Batwa Experience – Echuya Forest Trail
The Batwa people of southwestern Uganda, near the Echuya Forest Reserve, are one of the region’s oldest indigenous communities. Once forest dwellers, they were displaced due to conservation efforts, particularly in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Traditionally, they lived as hunter-gatherers, deeply connected to the forest through spiritual practices.
Today, visitors can explore Batwa culture through guided tours, learning about their survival skills like hunting, gathering honey, and using medicinal plants. The experience includes making a fire with sticks, crafting bamboo cups, and heartfelt performances of traditional songs, offering a glimpse into their rich cultural heritage.
Optional Evening Activity: Dugout Canoe ride along Lake Mulehe and Lake Mutanda. Through this activity, you may spot different species of birds, and visit some places like Punishment Island on Lake Mutanda.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge | Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 9: Transfer - Mbarara Town - Igongo Cultural Center
After breakfast, travel from Kisoro to Mbarara on a scenic 5 to 6-hour journey through breathtaking landscapes. Pass the majestic Virunga Volcanoes, terraced hills, and the serene Lake Bunyonyi. The route transitions from lush highlands to open plains as you approach Mbarara, home to the iconic Ankole cattle and vibrant town life. You will arrive in time for a late lunch and relaxation at the country hotel. After lunch, you may opt to tour the Cultural Village and Museum.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Igongo Cultural Center and Country Hotel | Comfort Level: Luxury
Day 10: Mbarara - Jinja
Today, you will head out on the 6 to 7-hour drive from Mbarara to Jinja, a journey that showcases Uganda's diverse landscapes. Pass through rolling savannahs, lush farmlands, and bustling towns like Masaka and Kampala. Cross the iconic Nile River bridge at Jinja and continue to Wildwaters Lodge, nestled on a private island in the Nile. Prepare to unwind amid the roar of white-water rapids and serene natural beauty.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Wildwaters Lodge | Comfort Level: Luxury
Day 11: White Water Rafting
Immerse yourself in a full day of adventure in Jinja, the thrilling adventure capital of Uganda. Start your morning with an exhilarating white water rafting experience at the source of the world’s longest river, the Nile. Whether you choose the more moderate Grade 3 or the challenging Grade 5 rapids, you’re in for an unforgettable ride that spans 4-5 hours, covering about 25 kilometers of thrilling river action.
After the adrenaline-pumping rafting session, unwind in the afternoon with a relaxing boat cruise along the Nile. As the sun sets over the river, take in the breathtaking views of the vibrant colors reflected on the water. This is the perfect time to capture stunning sunset photos, with the peaceful surroundings of the Nile providing a picturesque backdrop to end your adventurous day. Alternatively, you may choose to spend the day relaxing at the lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Accommodation: Wildwaters Lodge | Comfort Level: Luxury
Day 12: Jinja to Entebbe
After breakfast, depart from the resort and return to the mainland, embarking on your journey back to Entebbe. Cherish the scenic drive as you reflect on your unforgettable adventure before catching your onward flight home at the end of the Uganda Wildlife and White Water Rafting Adventure.