OVER VIEW
Get ready for an unforgettable journey deep into Uganda’s wild heart, where adventure and inspiring landscapes await. Immerse yourself in this 12 day Wildlife and White Water Rafting Safari for a perfect blend of discovery, culture, and unforgettable encounters with Uganda’s pristine wilderness.
SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS
- Kazinga Channel Cruise: Enjoy birdwatching and amazing game safaris in Queen Elizabeth.
- Ishasha’s Tree-Climbing Lions in the Southern Part of Queen Elizabeth Park.
- The Ultimate Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi Forest
- Batwa Community Experience in Echuya Forest
- Igongo Cultural Center
- Nile Rafting: Brave thrilling rapids on a white-water rafting adventure.
- Luxury Eco Lodges that support local community empowerment.
Upon your arrival in Entebbe, a company representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Meal Plan: Dinner depending on time of arrival.
Accommodation: Emin Pasha Hotel
Comfort Level: Luxury
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
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
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, buffaloes, 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
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
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 unforgettable gorilla encounter.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge
Comfort Level: Luxury
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
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 sport 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
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
Today you will head out of 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
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
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.
• 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
Sturdy Walking Sandals
Sunglasses and Hat
Waterproof Rucksack
Included in the Itinerary
- Ground transportation in a safari customized 4WD Toyota Landcruiser with gasoline/fuel
- All Nature walks
- All Community Visits
- All Boat Cruises
- All Game Drives
- Rafting on the Nile
- Drinking water / refillable water bottle
- English-speaking Birding Guide
- Accommodation and Meals
- All Park Entrance Fees.
Excluded in the Itinerary
- 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, deservedly dubbed the Pearl of Africa, is in the Great Lakes Region in central Africa and boasts an ecological diversity that rivals that of many larger countries. Here, the Eastern Savannah meets the West African jungle. Uganda offers visitors incredible diversity through its multitude of varying ecosystems. Bordered by the Rwenzori Mountains (often called the Mountains of the Moon, the third highest in Africa), the Virunga Mountains, and Africa's largest lake, Lake Victoria, it's a beautiful country bursting with birds and wildlife.
In no other African destination can one see a comparable variety of primates with so little effort - not just the great apes but also more than ten monkey species. And, if Uganda had primate enthusiasts grinning with satisfaction, it would have birdwatchers doing cartwheels. Uganda is, by far, the smallest of the four African countries in which more than 1,000 bird species have been recorded, and it is particularly rich in western rainforest specialists - undoubtedly the finest birdwatching in Africa.
For most, the highlight is found amongst the forests in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where facing endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is one of the most profound wildlife encounters you will ever experience. Discover tree-climbing lions around Ishasha in Queen Elizabeth National Park, trek chimps in Kibale Forest or Kyambura Gorge, or snatch massive Nile perch up north at Murchison Falls, where the mighty Nile cascades through a gap just seven meters wide. Adrenaline junkies will find Jinja simply exhilarating with its white-water rafting, kayaking, and bungee jumping activities. Jinja is rapidly emerging as East Africa's answer to the more southerly "adrenalin capital" Victoria Falls.
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$55). Visas cannot be obtained on arrival. You must apply and pay for them online at https://visas.immigration.go.ug 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).
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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, which is valid for 90 days for tourists only. The cost is USD100 per visa. For more information go to: https://visas.immigration.go.ug/#/apply if you are entering Uganda first, or alternatively, the Government visa site for the East Africa country you will be first entering.
Banking and Currency:
US Dollars cash is widely accepted and, in most cases, preferred as the currency that travellers should use to EXCHANGE into UGX on arrival for spending money on the road e.g. for drinks, curios, tips. Please note that USD bills older than 2009 are not accepted. Ensure your USD bills are 2009 or younger. Small USD bills are difficult to change – use Uganda shillings for small tips.
Credit Cards:
Credit cards can be used at some lodges and hotels, but a transaction fee of up to 5% may be charged. Ask first.
Travel, Transport, and Getting Around Flights:
Note that baggage allowance on all domestic flights is max 15 kgs in soft bags
Health and Medical Information
Travellers require a Yellow Fever inoculation more than 10 days prior to your departure. The certificate will be checked on arrival in Uganda. If you have a history of liver disorders (hepatitis etc.), consult your physician first.
Tetanus and Cholera inoculations are recommended but not compulsory. Hepatitis inoculation is at the discretion of the traveler.
Malaria prophylactics are a must and can be purchased from your local pharmacy. Please consult your pharmacist/doctor.
Diarrhoea / Giardia - Bottled water is readily available throughout Uganda, however, it’s advisable to bring medicine just in case.
This is a guide only. Please check with your doctor or travel clinic for the latest information
