16-day family-friendly vacation African safari tour

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, a Home to Africa assigned English-speaking Professional Tour Driver-guide will receive and welcome you to Uganda – the Pearl of Africa. Thereafter, you will transfer to the booked accommodation. You will check in and take your rest – recovering from jet lag, and adjusting to the time difference.
#Optional (extra cost): Just in case you reached early and are interested in some activity, you may consider; a). excursion to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens to sight a few primates and birds, b). excursion to Mabamba wetland in search of the prehistoric shoebill stork. Otherwise, check-in and just take your rest.

Accommodation: (Airport Guesthouse-Budget Level)
Meals: Dinner
Transfer Time: Approx. 10-15 minutes.

Main Destination: Entebbe International Airport (Entebbe)
Accommodation: Mid-range guest house located in or near Entebbe
Meals & Drinks
• Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included

This morning we shall have breakfast and at around 7 or 7:30 am, we shall move out and head for the Mabamba wetlands. The area is considered one of only a few places in Uganda with a higher chance of spotting the prehistoric shoebill stork. It's fascinating to watch this bird in its natural setting. It may stand absolutely still for a long period awaiting the movements of its prey and then suddenly strike with a marvellous speed. From Mabamba, we shall return for lunch and thereafter, embark on a transfer (not so long) that will see us overnight in Jinja – a city famous as the historic source of the Nile River. Arrive, check-in and have the evening at leisure.

Accommodation: (Mid-range lodge)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer Time: Approx. 3 hours.
Main Destination: Jinja (Town)
Accommodation: Mid-range lodge located in or near Bujagali

Meals & Drinks:
• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

This morning you are at liberty to choose the activity of your interest and do it. Note: costs are not included as rates will vary according to one’s choice. If you're an adventurous type, what better way to start your safari than to experience this most exciting, exhilarating adventure on the Nile firsthand? Get wet! Get wild! Get rafting! No experience is required to undertake this unforgettable adventure on the Nile (140$). But if you're scared of the rapids, you can consider Kayaking and exploring the Nile on its calm waters (30$). If being in the water is not your thing, let's go quad biking (125$) or mountain biking (30$) and have fun in the countryside. After all the fun in Jinja, we shall embark on a transfer to the Sipi Area – Kapchorwa. Check-in and the evening at leisure.

Accommodation: (Mid-range lodge) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: 4-5 hours.
Main Destination: Sipi Falls (Highlight)
Accommodation: Mid-range lodge located in or near Sipi Falls

Meals & Drinks:
• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

You will have breakfast and thereafter proceed out to explore the Sipi Falls. The hiking (about 2½ - 3 hours) takes you to explore the nearby Sipi Falls which is a set of 3 falls. The views are breathtaking and make for a great excursion while in Sipi. The (afternoon) coffee tour on the other hand will enable you to trace the story of coffee from seed to that in the cup and you don’t want to miss this informative experience. Later, just relax at the accommodation with a spectacular view of Sipi right in front of you.

Accommodation: (Mid-level lodge)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer Time: N/A.
Main Destination: Sipi Falls (Highlight)

Accommodation: Mid-range lodge located in or near Sipi Falls
Meals & Drinks:
• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

We shall enjoy breakfast and then embark on a (not-so-long) transfer to Moroto via Soroti. Moroto is a town situated at the foot of the massive Mt. Moroto and the surrounding savannah plains. A visit here gets you closer to one of Uganda’s most indigenous tribes – the Karamojong and the Tepeth. We hope to arrive around 12 or 1 pm and after check-in at the camp; there will be lunch before we can proceed to visit the Tepeth tribe. These are hunter-gatherers from the origin and were the first inhabitants of Karamoja land. When the nomadic pastoral Karamojong migrated into their land, they moved into the highlands till today. This visit will surely offer us an insight into their lives.

Accommodation: (Budget tented camp)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer Time: Approx. 4-5 hours.
Main Destination: Moroto (Town)
Accommodation: Budget tented camp located in or near Moroto

Meals & Drinks:
• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included

Have breakfast and drive off to Kidepo Valley National Park, arriving in time for some rest and lunch before going out for game viewing. You will proceed for game viewing in the Narus Valley in the south sector of Kidepo. Narus is the sector of Kidepo that has savannah grasslands mixed with acacia woodland. It is also the area of the park with permanent water sources throughout the year and for that matter, most of the animals are in this part of the park. Be on the look for large herds of Buffaloes, elephants, many Zebras, antelope species and the lions, the elusive leopards. You will return to the accommodation for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation: TENT-Budget Level
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer Time: Approx. 4-5 hours.
Main Destination: Kidepo Valley National Park
Best Time to Visit: September to March (Dry season)
High Season: September to March (The Park rarely gets crowded)
Best Weather: September to November (End of the rains)

Wildlife in Kidepo Valley NP
• Elephant: Common
• Buffalo: Abundant
• Zebra: Common
• Giraffe: Occasional
• Lion: Occasional
• Cheetah: Occasional
• Hyena: Occasional
• Leopard: Rare
• Wild Dog: Rare
• White Rhino: None
• Black Rhino: None
• Wildebeest: None
• Hippo: None

Accommodation: Budget lodge bordering Kidepo Valley NP without fences
Meals & Drinks:
• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Enjoy your breakfast then embark on a sunrise game drive/safari where you will have the opportunity to encounter wildlife including; lions, herds of buffalos, elephants, zebras, or the elusive leopard among others. Return to the lodge for lunch and afternoon relaxation. After a good rest, move out for the Karamojong community, a cultural encounter where you will spend a wonderful afternoon (evening) with the Karamojong people and have an insight into their way of life and beliefs. Dinner and overnight at the booked accommodation.

Accommodation: (Budget Level Lodge)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer Time: N/A.
Main Destination: Kidepo Valley National Park
Accommodation: Budget lodge bordering Kidepo Valley NP without fences

Meals & Drinks:
• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Be up early, have breakfast and proceed for an early-riser game viewing. Thereafter, exit Kidepo and hit the road to Murchison Falls National Park. The highlights of this park include the roaring rapids of the Murchison, and the rolling plains of Uganda’s largest National Park where you will have the chance of viewing lions, giraffes, hartebeest, buffalo, and elephants. Then surely, the concentration of hippos and Nile crocodiles here will fascinate you. You will reach Murchison and do little but check into your accommodation then have some rest, dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation: (Budget Level)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer Time: Approx. 5-6 hours.
Main Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
Best Time to Visit: December to February (Easier to spot animals)
High Season: June to September (Peak time for Uganda)
Best Weather: June and July (Less rain and lower temperatures)

Wildlife in Murchison Falls NP

• Chimpanzee: Occasional
• Elephant: Common
• Giraffe: Common
• Buffalo: Common
• Hippo: Abundant
• Lion: Occasional
• Leopard: Rare
• White Rhino: None
• Black Rhino: None
• Cheetah: None
• Zebra: None
• Wildebeest: None
• Wild Dog: None

Accommodation: Budget-tented camp located just outside Murchison Falls NP
Meals & Drinks:
• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Have your breakfast, depart for an early morning game drive across the rolling plains of Uganda’s largest National Park and be on the look for wildlife including lions, and leopards (though hard to spot) among others. For any birder, there are quite several birds to sight too during the drive. Return to the accommodation for some rest time and lunch. After lunch, you will head out for the boat trip to the base of Murchison Falls where you will also be able to catch sight of more animals including Hippos and Crocodiles and several water birds. #Optional (extra cost 15$): If interested, continue with a hike to the top of the falls. The hike may be a strenuous one but the thrill on reaching the top is unforgettable. Return to your accommodation and relax.

Accommodation: (Budget tented camp)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer Time: N/A.
Main Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
Accommodation: Budget-tented camp located just outside Murchison Falls NP

Meals & Drinks:
• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

We will have breakfast and then drive to the top of the falls to truly appreciate the beauty and magnificence of the Murchison Falls. From the top, we shall embark on a transfer that will see us overnight at edge of Kibale Forest National Park. The drive is quite long but incredibly scenic – passing through villages, lush green countryside and hills dotted with tea plantations that characterize this part of Uganda. The beautiful scenery will amaze you all the way. Upon arrival at the accommodation, check in and just relax. #Optional (extra cost 15$): If interested, you can proceed for the crater lakes excursion. You will enjoy the beauty of the numerous small lakes, surrounded by gentle hills, and the stunning views all over. Else, just enjoy your rest at the facility.

Accommodation: Cabin-Budget Level
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer time: Approx. 7 hours.
Main Destination: Kibale National Park (Chimps)

Best Time to Visit: December to February and June to July
High Season: June to September (Peak time for Uganda)
Best Weather: June to July and December to February (Least rain)

Wildlife in Kibale NP
• Chimpanzee: Common
• Elephant: Occasional
• Buffalo: Occasional
• Leopard: Very Rare
• Hippo: Rare
• Lion: Rare to None
• Giraffe: None
• White Rhino: None
• Black Rhino: None
• Cheetah: None
• Zebra: None
• Wildebeest: None

Accommodation: Budget lodge located just outside Kibale NP

Meals & Drinks:
• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Have breakfast and proceed for the Bigodi wetlands excursion. The Bigodi wetland boasts of extensive array of biodiversity among which are several primates’ species like the black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, L'Hoest's monkey, and baboons. The Bigodi is also a paradise for bird watchers. Among the major bird species within the area is the Great Blue Turaco. From Bigodi, we shall embark on a transfer (about 2hrs) to Queen Elizabeth National Park. You will reach Queen early enough to have lunch, rest and then proceed out for game viewing. During the game drive, look out for wild animals like reedbuck, bushbuck, kob, warthogs, elephants, lions and buffaloes to mention but a few. Alternatively, you could choose to go for the Queen’s breathtaking explosion crater drive (instead). Return to the accommodation and take your rest.

Accommodation: Budget Level lodge)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer Time: 2-3 hrs.

Main Destination:
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Best Time to Visit: January to February and June to July (Dry seasons)
High Season: June to September (Peak time for Uganda)
Best Weather: June to July and January to February (Less rainfall)

Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth NP
• Chimpanzee: Occasional
• Elephant: Common
• Lion: Common
• Buffalo: Common
• Hippo: Abundant
• Leopard: Occasional
• Giraffe: None
• White Rhino: None
• Black Rhino: None
• Cheetah: None
• Zebra: None
• Wildebeest: None
• Wild Dog: None

Accommodation: Budget lodge located just outside Queen Elizabeth NP

Meals & Drinks:
• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

We shall have breakfast and proceed for the Chimpanzee tracking in the Kyambura gorge. The gorge is home to habituated Chimpanzees plus other primates including baboons, monkeys and also bird species. Today, you will spend the early part of the day tracking chimpanzees here. Thereafter, return to the accommodation for some rest time and lunch. After lunch, you will go for a 2-hour boat trip on the Kazinga Channel that connects Lakes George and Edward. During the trip, the sight of wildlife including giant hippos, elephants and crocodiles among others will fascinate you. You will also see many varieties of birds on the water shores. After the boat trip, you can proceed for a brief late afternoon game drive and thereafter, return to the lodge.

Accommodation: Budget Level Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer Time: Approx. N/A.
Main Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation: Budget Lodge located just outside Queen Elizabeth NP

Meals & Drinks:
• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Be up early and proceed for an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains. Be on the look for Cape buffalos, herds of elephants, lions, and leopards (though hard to spot) among others. Return to the lodge and check out then head to the Ishasha sector in search of tree-climbing lions. The chance of spotting these lions is about 70% though sometimes they are hard to spot (most especially when they are down in the grassland looking for prey). Should you get to spot them, the sight is picturesque and memorable. From Ishasha, we shall continue to the accommodation at the edge of Bwindi National Park (Ruhija sector) – arriving in the evening (5 or 6 pm).

Accommodation: (Broadbill Forest Camp-Budget Level)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer Time: 6 hours.

Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)

Best Time to Visit: June to August and December to February
High Season: June to September (Gorilla permits are scarce)
Best Weather: June to July and December to February (Less rainfall)

Wildlife in Bwindi NP
• Gorilla: Common
• Chimpanzee: Rare
• Elephant: Rare
• White Rhino: None
• Black Rhino: None
• Lion: None
• Giraffe: None
• Leopard: None
• Cheetah: None
• Buffalo: None
• Zebra: None
• Wildebeest: None
• Hippo: None

Accommodation: Budget tented camp located just outside Bwindi NP

Meals & Drinks:
• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Breakfast and move to the rangers’ post. You will receive some briefing (from a ranger guide) on the dos and don’ts during trekking. Thereafter, you will enter the Bwindi Forest for your adventure. The beauty of this rainforest is spectacular! The area offers a dramatic steeply forested landscape and is incredibly dense but crisscrossed by numerous animal trails allowing access to tourists. The time is taken and the terrain varies with the movements of these great primates. Once you have located a gorilla group, you will be allowed an hour in their presence. The thrill of spending time observing these gentle but endangered giants is unforgettable. Return to the accommodation and have a good rest after a strenuous trek.

#Optional (extra cost): If interested, you can move out to encounter the local community. Otherwise, continue with your relaxation.

Accommodation: (Broadbill Forest Camp-Budget Level)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer Time: N/A.
Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)
Accommodation: Budget tented camp located just outside Bwindi NP

Meals & Drinks:
• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Have breakfast and set off to Lake Mburo NP via Mbarara City. You will arrive at the accommodation in Lake Mburo in time and rest before moving for an afternoon-to-evening game drive. On the game drive, expect to see the gigantic eland antelopes, zebras, topi, impalas, Uganda kob and Cape buffalos among others. Later, relax at the accommodation where you will spend the night. #Optional (extra cost 30$): If interested, you may consider the night game drive to encounter nocturnal creatures which will be a rare sighting compared to the regular daytime sightings.

Accommodation: (Hyena Hill Lodge-Budget Level)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer Time: Approx. 4-5 hrs.

Main Destination: Lake Mburo National Park

Best Time to Visit: June to August and December to February
High Season June to September (Peak time for Uganda)
Best Weather: June, July and January to February (Little rainfall)

Wildlife in Lake Mburo NP
• Buffalo: Common
• Zebra: Common
• Hippo: Common
• Giraffe: Occasional
• Leopard: Occasional
• Hyena: Occasional
• Lion: Rare
• Elephant: None
• White Rhino: None
• Black Rhino: None
• Cheetah: None
• Wildebeest: None
• Wild Dog: None

Accommodation: Budget Lodge located just outside Lake Mburo NP

Meals & Drinks:
• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Enjoy your early breakfast and proceed for the Mburo morning park (bush) walk in the presence of an armed Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger guide. On this early morning guided walk; you will have the opportunity to encounter (at close range): Zebras, Giraffes and Eland, Topi and other antelope, and Cape buffaloes among others. Take the Trail to the top of the hills and see Lake Mburo and beyond. From this vantage point, you will have a great view of 9 of the twelve lakes surrounding Lake Mburo NP. Thereafter, return to the accommodation for checkout and then hit the road to Entebbe airport to catch a flight (1800hrs or later).

Accommodation: Recommended on request
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Drive Time: Approx. 4 hours.

Main Destination: Entebbe International Airport (Entebbe)
Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:
• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

End of tour (See Getting There for more details)
• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.