Overview
Journey through Uganda’s rich tapestry of wildlife, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. This 8-day experience is crafted for the mindful traveler seeking not just the beauty of nature but the wisdom of its people. From the power of Murchison Falls to the serene depths of Kibale’s rainforests, you’ll encounter primates, communities, and ancient caves in a deeply immersive and comfortable adventure.
Comfort Level: Mid-range (customizable)
Difficulty Level: Light to Moderate
Style: Small-group, sustainable, cultural & nature immersion
PRICES PER PERSON
NUMBER OF PAX | PRICES PER PERSON |
2Pax | $3,460 |
4Pax | $2,670 |
6Pax | $2,409 |
Tour Highlights
- Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park – the world’s primate capital
- Scenic boat safari and game drives in Murchison Falls National Park
- Cultural cooking experience with the Ewaka community
- Visit to Fort Portal’s mystical Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru caves
- Bigodi Wetland Walk & birdwatching adventure
Day To Day Descriptions
Drive Time: ~1 hr | Difficulty: None | Comfort: Boutique Eco-lodge. Upon arrival in Entebbe, settle into your lodge as your guide briefs you on the journey ahead.
Included: Airport transfer
Accommodation: Malakai Eco Lodge
Why Malakai Eco Lodge?
- Location: Kitende, around 20 minutes from Entebbe International Airport.
- Eco Highlights: Set in a serene environment with lush gardens, the lodge uses eco-friendly materials and promotes biodiversity through its landscaping.
- Amenities: Volcanic stone huts, swimming pool, reading platforms, and water features.
- Ideal For: Travelers looking for relaxation and a connection with nature in a sustainable setting
Meals: None
Drive Time: ~1.5 hrs | Difficulty: Light | Comfort: Urban Boutique.
Explore Kampala’s historical and cultural landmarks: Kabaka’s Palace, Bahai Temple, Gadafi Mosque and vibrant craft markets. Taste local cuisine and engage with artisan vendors.
Included: Guided city tour, cultural visits
Accommodation: Forest Cottages – Bukoto
Why Forest Cottages?
- Location: Bukoto, Kampala
- Eco Highlights: Nestled within a lush forested area, Forest Cottages offers a serene environment that promotes biodiversity. The use of natural materials in construction and a commitment to preserving the surrounding flora and fauna make it a standout eco-friendly choice.
- Amenities: 27 safari-style rooms, swimming pool, restaurant, bar, and conference facilities.
- Ideal For: Travelers seeking a tranquil retreat within the city that emphasizes nature conservation.
Drive Time: ~5 hrs | Difficulty: Light | Comfort: Safari lodge.
Spend the morning with the Ewaka women & youth preparing a traditional Ugandan lunch. Continue to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a serene overnight stay.
Included: Cultural cooking experience, transfer.
Accommodation: Amuka Safari Lodge
Why Amuka Safari Lodge?
- Location: Within Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Nakasongola District.
- Eco Highlights: Constructed using natural materials like timber and stone, the lodge emphasizes sustainability. It supports rhino conservation efforts and offers guided nature walks and birdwatching tours.
- Amenities: Features 10 chalets (including family options), a swimming pool, restaurant, bar, and Wi-Fi in public areas.
- Ideal For: Travelers seeking an immersive experience in nature with comfortable amenities.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: ~3.5 hrs | Difficulty: Moderate | Comfort: Safari lodge.
Track southern white rhinos on foot with experienced rangers. After lunch, head to Murchison Falls and hike to the top for panoramic views of the Nile’s power.
Included: Rhino tracking, guided hike.
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Why Pakuba Safari lodge?
- Location: Northern bank of the Nile inside the park
- Sustainability Highlights:
- Employs local staff and supports local sourcing
- Operates using solar power and eco-sensitive design
- Offers guided nature walks with community guides
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: ~1 hr | Difficulty: Light | Comfort: Safari lodge.
Enjoy an early morning game drive through Nyamsika Plateau. In the afternoon, a Nile cruise reveals crocodiles, hippos, and birdlife. End the day with a cultural village visit.
Included: Game drive, boat cruise, cultural tour.
Accommodation: Same as the previous night
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: ~6 hrs | Difficulty: Light | Comfort: Forest lodge.
Travel southwest to Kibale Forest. Along the way, enjoy scenic views of Uganda’s green highlands. At Bigodi, take a guided community walk through papyrus swamps.
Included: Bigodi Wetland Walk
Accommodation: Isunga Lodge
Why Isunga Lodge?
- Location: Crater Lake region, approximately 20–25 minutes from Kanyanchu Visitor Center.
- Eco Highlights: Solar-powered cottages, organic gardens, and locally sourced ingredients.
- Amenities: Eight en-suite cottages (including family options), panoramic views of Kibale Forest and Rwenzori Mountains, on-site restaurant and bar.
- Ideal For: Travelers seeking tranquility, birdwatching, and nature immersion.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: ~1 hr | Difficulty: Moderate | Comfort: Forest lodge.
Trek into Kibale’s forest in search of chimpanzees. Spend an hour watching them interact, then enjoy lunch before an afternoon walk through a nearby village.
Included: Chimp tracking, village visit.
Accommodation: Same as previous night
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: ~5 hrs to Entebbe | Difficulty: Light | Comfort: None
Explore the mystical Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru caves. Learn the legend behind these ancient formations before your journey back to Entebbe for your outbound flight.
Included: Cultural site visit, transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Includes/Excludes
Included
- Park fees
- All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation (Double shared)
- A professional driver/ guide
- Community experience
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All taxes/ VAT
- Round trip airport transfer
- Meals (As specified in the day by day section)
- Drinks (As specified in the day by day section)
- Chimpanzee permits one per person
Excluded
- 7 nights mid-range accommodation (double shared)
- All meals as per itinerary
- All park entrance fees and permits (including chimpanzee permit)
- Ground transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle
- English-speaking local guide and professional driver
- Cultural experiences and community visits
- Roundtrip airport transfers
- Bottled water on all excursions
Practical Information
- Best Travel Time: June–October, December–February
- Group Size: 2–15 travelers
- Transport: Private 4×4 safari vehicle
- Accommodation: Mix of eco-lodges and safari camps
- Health: Yellow fever certificate required; malaria prophylaxis recommended
Geography of Key Destinations
- Kampala: Uganda’s capital city on rolling hills near Lake Victoria, 1,190m elevation
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: Savanna ecosystem north of Kampala; home to Uganda’s only rhinos.
- Murchison Falls NP: Northern Uganda’s largest park split by the Nile; features tropical savanna, waterfalls, and riverine forests
- Kibale Forest: Western Uganda’s tropical rainforest famed for its primates
- Fort Portal: Town nestled near the Rwenzori Mountains with volcanic caves and lush tea estates
Communities Encountered
- Ewaka Community – Kanyanda: Participate in food preparation and cultural exchange with a youth and women-led cooperative.
- Murchison Falls Village Visit: Learn about traditional crafts, music, and rural life.
- Bigodi Community – Kibale: Engage in a community walk and wetland conservation storytelling with local guides.
- Fort Portal Community: Discover myths and legends at the caves, led by indigenous cultural custodians.