DAY 1   

• When you arrive at Entebbe airport, a tour operator representative will meet you to start your adventure and bring you to your accommodations.

• During your trip, you'll be able to enjoy the beautiful landscape, go on exciting game drives, take boat safari cruises, and interact with friendly local people.

• It's important to note that Entebbe, the city where the airport is located, is best known for a significant event in history. In 1976, an Air France flight was hijacked, and 100 hostages were kidnapped by a militant group.

• Overnight: Entebbe, <where to stay>

DAY 2 

• Your journey will take you to Murchison Falls National Park located in northwest Uganda. This wildlife reserve is known for its namesake attraction, Murchison Falls, where the Nile River flows through a narrow gap and drops dramatically.

  • The park is mostly made up of savannah grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands, which provide a diverse habitat for a wide range of animal species.

• Paraa is a location within Murchison Falls Park's tourism hub. It's an important location because all the park's access roads converge here, making it a central point for visitors to begin their journey. <Route>

  • Many of the park's activities, such as lodges, game drives, launch trips, & nature walks, also begin from the Paraa region.

    • Additionally, Paraa is the largest wildlife reserve in Uganda, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience a wide range of animal species in their natural habitat.

• Diversion: On your way to Paraa, it's recommended that you make a quick stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. 

  • It's the only place in Uganda where you can see rhinos in the wild, making it a unique and worthwhile experience.

• Overnight: Paraa accommodations, (3 nights)

  • Paraa Safari Lodge is highly recommended for its amenities and proximity to the park's tourism hub. 

• Distance:

  • Entebbe ---> Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, 3.5 hrs.

    Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.---> Paraa, 3 hrs.

DAY 3

• Explore Murchison Fall National Park, along with a boat ride to the Falls.

• The highlight is visiting “Murchison Falls” a point along the Nile, where the Nile River forces its way through a narrow gorge 8 meters wide.

• In addition, hiking trails are available at the Falls.

• Game drives:

  • What is a game drive? A game drive is an adventure that entails viewing wildlife in the comfort of a 4×4 open-sided safari vehicle that accommodates 4 to 8 people, a sure way to give you that classical safari feeling.

  • Each game drive takes around 3 hours. Expect to see elephant, buffalo, giraffe, many exotic birds and more.

  • Morning game drive begin at 6-6:30 am.

  • Afternoon game drive begin at 2-3 pm.

  • Evening drive start at 7 pm.

• Overnight: Paraa

DAY 4

• The day begins with a lively boat ride on the Nile River toward Lake Albert.

• Trips usually last five (5) hours. You will see an abundant amount of birds and wildlife including hippos and crocodiles.

• Later enjoy a afternoon game drive in the Paraa region.

• Overnight: Paraa

DAY 5

• Depart to Kibale Forest to trek the chimpanzees.

  • <Park location>

• The scenic drive offers a captivating experience that spans across various towns, allowing you to witness the diverse culture and way of life of the local people.

  —As you journey from town to town, take in the breathtaking sights, such as the stunning views of Lake Albert and the majestic Rwenzori Mountains. Notably, the Rwenzori Mountains boast six of Africa's ten tallest peaks, making them an impressive and awe-inspiring natural wonder to behold.

• Overnight: Fort Portal. (2 nights)

• <Where to stay>

• Distance:  Paraa ---> Fort Portal, 8.5 hrs./ 380 km.

DAY 6 

• Kibale Forest, situated within Kibale National Park is a evergreen forest known for its rich variety of primates. <location>

  • The most renowned are the chimpanzees, considered our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. Embarking on a Chimp Trek in Kibale Forest is an incredibly rewarding adventure and an experience not to be missed.

• The guided Chimp Trek takes 5 to 6 hours. Sometimes you will see many chimpanzees and sometimes a few. The Chimp trek is fast paced due to the constant movement of the chimpanzees. Being in good physical condition is a benefit when you’re trying to keep up with the chimps.

  • Review the Trekking information before you go.

• Advance booking is all-important during peak season, arranged by your tour operator.

• Overnight: Fort Portal.

DAY 7

• Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park. <map> Arrive by early afternoon.

  • The Park is undoubtedly Uganda’s most famous national park. The beautiful lakes, extensive savanna, the natural forests and fertile swamps makes it the best place to view big game.

• Besides the remarkable wildlife attraction, Queen Elizabeth Park also boasts a heritage/culture history. Tourists can opt to visit the local villages which are entertaining in terms of local music and cultural dances.

• Overnight: Queen Elizabeth Park. (2 nights), Mweya Safari Lodge suggested.

• Distance:  Fort Portal ---> Queen Elizabeth Park, 2.5 hrs.

DAY 8

• A thrilling day in Queen Elizabeth Park including game drives.

• A excellent boat cruise is offered and takes 2 to 3 hours while traversing the waters. The boat trip is done on the impressive Kazinga Channel a 40 km water long natural channel.

• Overnight: Queen Elizabeth Park.

DAY 9

• Queen Elizabeth Park, more highlights:

• Explore Kyambura Gorge for one more opportunity to trek the chimpanzees. (Trek lasts 3-4 hrs.)

  —The Kyambura Gorge is a outstanding area for  trekking chimps. These primates can be seen maneuvering around the forest hoping from one tree to another.

• Afterwards, continue your journey to the Ishasha Sector where you can witness the famous tree-climbing lions of Uganda. This unique phenomenon can only be seen in Ishasha, making it a must-visit destination. Additionally, Ishasha is known for its peaceful & less-crowded environment, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the wilderness during your evening game drive.

• Overnight: Ishasha Wilderness camp is recommended.

• Distance:

  Queen Elizabeth Park ---> Ishasha camp, 4 hrs.

DAY 10

• Journey to Bwindi National Park (Gorilla Trekking).

  • A lengthy day, with drive time of 7 to 8 hrs. <Learn more>

• The scenic route to Bwindi National Park is often referred as the "Switzerland of Africa". You will pass through mountains, green hills, lakes with cultivated terraces, tea farms, bamboo forest and tropical rainforest.

• Gorilla permits must be made at least 6 months in advance.

  • It is best to allow the Tour operator to handle the reservation process.

• Overnight: Bwindi area. (2 nights)

• Distance:  Ishasha ---> Bwindi Park, 7 hrs.

DAY 11 — The Day of the BWINDI GORILLA TRACKING.   

• Early morning check-in and briefing.

• The guided trek can be short ( 1 hr. ) or long (5 hrs.) before the gorillas are spotted. 

• Good physical condition is recommended.   

• You will spend one (1) hour maximum with the Gorillas.

• Best time to visit the gorillas is during the country's two dry seasons: December through February and from June to August.

• GAITERS - proven very useful when you accidentally step on a safari ant colony. These ants can quickly climb up your legs. We recommend gaiters to be worn over your pants. <Where to buy>

• BOOTS – are essential. A good quality pair of hiking boots from a outdoor sporting store will serve you well.

• GLOVES – during the trek you might be grabbing trees, branches and vines, and your hands can get scratched if you’re not careful. Many trees have prickers. Pack a tough pair of gardening gloves.

• LIGHT RAIN JACKET – Bwindi is a tropical rainforest, and there’s a good chance of rain almost all year-round. Pack a lightweight poncho or rain jacket that you can roll up in your bag and bring out if necessary.

• ENERGY SNACKS – the trek to the mountain gorillas can be tough. Energy snacks like nuts, dried fruit, chocolate or power bars are a great idea.

• WATER - use water bottles while you’re in Uganda. You’ll need to drink a lot of water during the trek.

• LONG PANTS AND LONG SLEEVE SHIRT– it’s best not to expose too much skin during the jungle trek and remember to tuck your trousers into your socks – Beware and alert of safari ants.

• INSECT REPELLENT a must.

  DAY 12 

• Depart to Lake Mburo National Park.  <Map>

• The park is located close to Kampala, making it easily accessible for visitors. This park offers a range of activities, including a boat cruise on Lake Mburo, game drives, and bird watching.

• What makes Lake Mburo Park unique is that it is the only national park in Uganda where you can see Impalas, as well as Zebras, which are also found in the remote Kidepo Valley.

  • Hop on a Boat Cruise - you will find hippos, crocodiles and otters in the lake. 

  • Horse riding safari - a different and unique way of seeing the animals.

• Overnight: Mihingo Lodge recommended.

• Distance: Bwindi ---> Lake Mburo. 6 hrs.

DAY 13 

• Depart to Entebbe for your flight home. 

• During your journey, make a stop at Masaka to take a memorable photo at the Equator.

• Once you reach Entebbe, you have the option to either catch your evening flight back home or stay overnight and depart the following day. 

• Overnight: depends on your flight schedule.

• Distance: Lake Mburo ---> Entebbe, 4 to 5 hrs.

      Historical Weather Data.

• Most rainfall (rainy season) is seen in March, April, May and November.

• The warmest month is January.

• The coolest months are July and August.

• April is the wettest month.

• December, July and August are best times to visit the Gorillas.

• Sunrise/Sunset times.