16-Day Private Uganda Safari | Nile, Primates & Lake Mutanda

Route: Entebbe airport → Karibu Guesthouse

Meet your arrival driver and transfer to Karibu Guesthouse. Settle in and rest before meeting your safari guide for the journey ahead.

ACCOMMODATION: Karibu Guesthouse (Breakfast)

Route: Entebbe → Jinja

Meet your guide for a briefing, then travel to Jinja and The Haven Eco River Lodge. One night is planned here; optional Nile activities can be arranged, while full-day rafting or several excursions may require an additional night.

* 1 overnight stay is planned in Jinja. This will give you a peaceful and beautiful start to your journey and interrupt the long journey from Entebbe to Sipi Falls. You can also go horseback riding, rafting or tubing on the Nile, bungee jumping and quad biking. If you would like to do more than 1 activity in Jinja and/or want to go rafting (rafting lasts all day), we recommend that you book an extra night.

Jinja

Jinja is a city in eastern Uganda and is located on the eastern shore of Lake Victoria. Before the arrival of the Europeans, Jinja was a small fishing village. In the 19th century, several explorers went in search of the sources of the Nile. In the end, it was John Hannington Speke who found them in Jinja. Today, Jinja attracts travelers who enjoy the beautiful tropical nature and the many activities that are possible.

Excursions Jinja – (Optional)

You can really do anything from your accommodation! For both the adventurer and those who prefer to take it a little easier, there is plenty of choice. Various sports can be done on the river or in the surrounding area. Highly recommended for the adventurers is rafting, because this is the ultimate place for that because of all the rapids of the Nile near Jinja. In addition, you can also choose from tubing, whitewater canoeing, mountain biking or quad-biking. Those who want to take it a little easier may want to take a nice horseback ride along the Nile, or take a village walk. Of course you can also just relax at the lodge with a view over the Nile! You can book all activities through your guide or accommodation.

Rafting On the Nile In Jinja – Full Day (Optional)

You will be picked up from your accommodation and taken to the starting point of the greatest adventure on this trip, rafting on the Nile! In Jinja, the Nile shoots through the beautiful green landscape. The sounds of violently swirling water make you realize what the power of nature is. During rafting, different whitewater grades (rapids) are overcome (with rapid 5 as the highest and most extreme grade). In well-maintained inflatable boats, accompanied by a professional team, you will embark on the adventure. Although you don’t need any experience, it’s good to know that you can be thrown out of the boat. Safety equipment reduces risk but does not guarantee safety and kayakers are present in the water to help you. Rafting on the Nile near Jinja is one of the most spectacular activities in Uganda! This activity can only be booked for adults over 16 years old.

*You book this activity at your own risk. You may have to take out an additional module with your travel insurance for this.

ACCOMMODATION: The Haven Eco River Lodge (Half Board)

Route: Jinja → Sipi Falls

Agree your departure time with your guide: linger in Jinja or leave earlier for Sipi. In the afternoon, an optional coffee tour or time at the lodge introduces the waterfalls and cultivated hillsides.

It takes about three hours to drive to Sipi Falls, on the border of Uganda and Kenya at the foot of Mount Elgon. The waterfalls, streams, flowers, and 40 shades of green add to the feeling that the Garden of Eden was meant to look something like this. This afternoon you can do a nice coffee tour or just enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Sipi Falls

The area consists of three waterfalls and is located in eastern Uganda. The waterfalls are located on the edge of Mount Elgon National Park on the border with Kenya. The Sipi Falls and the Sipi River are named after the ‘Sep’, a native plant on the banks of the river, a medicinal plant used by the locals against measles and flu. The area is characterized by coffee plantations, rivers, waterfalls, chameleons, wild vegetation, traditional African villages and beautiful views of the Karamoja savannahs.

Sipi Falls Coffee Tour – (Optional)

In Sipi Falls, fantastic Arabica coffee is grown of high quality. Many farmers with small plots of land form a cooperative. For example, their artisanal coffee beans are sold worldwide. You will experience the entire process from picking to drying, grinding with a large wooden mortar to cooking and drinking the coffee, all at the local farmer, who also gets a little extra.

ACCOMMODATION: Sipi Heritage Lodge – Banda (Full Board)

Route: Based at Sipi Falls

Walk with a local English-speaking guide through waterfalls, villages and coffee and banana plantations. A full circuit can take approximately six to seven hours, with a local lunch; shorter walks can be discussed.

Sipi Falls Hike – Full Day

You will walk – accompanied by a local English speaking guide – through the beautiful Sipi Falls area. While strolling through this green area, you will alternate huge waterfalls with the local village life of the Ugandan countryside. You will also walk along streams and enjoy the colorful flowers and beautiful views. During a full day of hiking, you can visit three waterfalls and spot chameleons in the coffee plantations along the way. It’s fun to swim in one of the streams and even take a refreshing shower under a waterfall. So bring your swimsuit and towel! You can also choose to walk shorter in consultation with your guide. You will be on the road all day. Along the way, you will have a local Ugandan lunch.

ACCOMMODATION: Sipi Heritage Lodge – Banda (Full Board)

Route: Sipi Falls → Murchison Falls National Park

Travel west through Uganda’s rural landscapes to Murchison Falls. Settle into Murchison River Lodge; optional bush camping is a separate arrangement with basic facilities, not a substitute assumed within the lodge booking.

Murchison Falls National Park

The Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest wildlife park and is split in two by the mighty Nile River. The landscape varies from dense rainforest in the hilly southwestern part to flat savannahs in the northwest. Murchison Falls is one of the greenest parks in Africa due to its location on the Nile. Perhaps the most impressive thing that happens to the Nile on its long journey from Lake Victoria to the Mediterranean Sea are the Murchison Falls.

Bush Camping Murchison Falls – (Optional)

By means of a safari you drive to the delta of Lake Albert, deep in the Murchison Falls National Park. Upon arrival, you will be amazed by the camp set up just for you in the middle of the wilderness. This is a basic wilderness camp, with fewer facilities than the lodges. With the professional camping equipment (tent, strecht beds, bbq, table, chairs and lights) you will camp under the guidance of an armed ranger, guide and cook in the middle of the bush! There are no sanitary facilities or running water available, but the ‘ultimate bush experience’ makes up for it. In the evening by the campfire, listen to the sounds of hyenas and watch the hippos coming out of the water.

ACCOMMODATION: Murchison River Lodge (Full Board)

Route: Based at Murchison Falls

Begin with a morning game drive, then explore the Nile by boat towards the falls. A private-boat version is optional and must be confirmed separately; wildlife sightings remain unpredictable.

Jeep Safari Murchison Falls – Morning

The safaris in Murchison Falls focus on the area northwest of the Nile. The green, rolling landscape is dominated by the characteristic Borassus palms, whose fruits are a delicacy for the savannah elephant. In addition to elephants, you will look for Rothschild giraffes, hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, several species of antelopes, and many tropical bird species. After an early breakfast, drive towards the delta area for the safari. The sun is rising and it’s still chilly, the best time for a safari across the savannah plains. Along the way, you will make a stop at the Nile, where hundreds of hippos are bathed in the sun.

Boat Safari Murchison Waterfall

Under the watchful eye of crocodiles, hippos, buffaloes and monkeys, you will sail slowly down the Nile. Monkeys will tell you that you are coming and waterfowl are busy fishing. Elephants and other wildlife are regularly spotted, quenching their thirst along the banks of the mighty Nile. The tour will eventually take you to the foot of the 40 meter high and famous waterfall (Murchison Falls). The trip takes about three hours. (We advise you to sit on the left side of the boat, as you will be sailing along the left bank)

Private Boat Safari Murchison Waterfall – Afternoon (Optional)

Under the watchful eye of crocodiles, hippos, buffaloes and monkeys, you will sail slowly down the Nile. Monkeys will tell you that you are coming and waterfowl are busy fishing. Elephants and other wildlife are regularly spotted, quenching their thirst along the banks of the mighty Nile. The tour will eventually take you to the foot of the 40 meter high and famous waterfall (Murchison Falls). The trip takes about three hours.
You have booked this activity in a private boat. This has a huge added value compared to the large general boat, because with a small boat you get much closer to the wildlife. You also set the pace yourself and it is nice to share this experience exclusively with your own company.

ACCOMMODATION: Murchison River Lodge (Full Board)

Route: Based at Murchison Falls

Enjoy another game drive and time at the lodge. If you choose the optional Lake Albert delta boat excursion, it takes place early and the game drive moves to the afternoon.

Murchison Falls Jeep Safari – Second Morning

After breakfast you will drive again to the delta area for the safari. This morning is all about other safari tracks to discover even more of the park. Of course, your guide will also look for predators if they have not yet been seen during the first safari.

Boat Safari Delta Lake Albert (Delta) (Optional)

In addition to the regular boat safari to the waterfall, it is also possible to take a boat safari through the delta area in this park. The delta area is located in the part where the Victoria Nile merges into Lake Albert and then into the Albert Nile. This delta area looks like a smaller version of the famous Okavango Delta (Botswana) and is full of wildlife, such as hippos, crocodiles and bathing elephants. This boat safari is also a dream for bird lovers. Special birds such as the Saddle-billed Stork, the African Giant Kingfisher and the prehistoric-looking Shoebill Stork are regularly spotted.

ACCOMMODATION: Murchison River Lodge (Full Board)

Route: Murchison Falls → Fort Portal / Kibale

Visit the top of Murchison Falls before continuing towards Fort Portal and Kibale through villages, tea fields and crater-lake country. Turaco Treetops is your forest-area base.

Hike Murchison Waterfall – Morning

At the top of the Murchison waterfall, you will take a walk to see this natural spectacle from different points. You will see the falls up close and feel the power of the Nile plunging into the depths with enormous force through a fissure barely seven meters wide. If time permits, you can walk down a bit to see the entire waterfall, a beautiful sight! Before leaving the park this morning, you will make a short photo stop at the top of the waterfall.

Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale’s rainforest and the wetlands around Bigodi support diverse primates and birdlife. Tea plantations and papyrus wetlands frame the landscape. The chimpanzee trek and wetland walk offer different ways to explore this environment.

ACCOMMODATION: Turaco Treetops – Standard Cottage (Full Board)

Route: Based in the Kibale area

Combine chimpanzee trekking with the Bigodi wetland walk, with lunch and rest between activities. Their order depends on permit availability.

*The order of the activities is based on the available chimpanzee permits. So you may find that your swamp walk is in the morning and the chimpanzee trekking is in the afternoon.

Chimpanzee Trekking Kibale Forest – Morning

You undertake the special chimpanzee trekking. Using broken branches, droppings, food debris and sounds, you and a ranger will search for these noisy primates. It is always a question of how you will meet the chimpanzees, but face to face with a great ape that looks very much like us is a fascinating experience. This excursion takes place in the morning.

Bigodi Swamp Walk – Afternoon

Today you will take a swamp walk through Bigodi Swamp, where you will look for the special giant turako in addition to several monkey species; one of Uganda’s most beautiful birds. You will make the walk in the afternoon. Then it gets cooler and you will see most of the monkey species going foraging.

ACCOMMODATION: Turaco Treetops – Standard Cottage (Full Board)

Route: Kibale → Kasenyi / Queen Elizabeth National Park

Travel from the Kibale area to Queen Elizabeth National Park for the listed Kazinga Channel boat safari. Private boating and Kyambura Gorge trekking are optional. The route currently allows one night in Kasenyi and one in Ishasha, with changes available by agreement.

In the afternoon, you will embark on a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel.

Please note: In this trip, you will stay 1 night in the northern part of Queen Elizabeth NP (Kasenyi) and 1 night in the southern part of the park (Ishasha). Because there are many special activities to do in this park, you can also choose to add an extra night. You can also skip Ishasha and stay 2 nights in the north. We tailor each trip to your needs, so we organize it the way you want it.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

The Queen Elizabeth National Park of almost 2000 km is located in the rift valley and borders the Rwenzori mountains to the north and Lake Edward to the west. At the heart of this nature reserve is the Kazinga Channel, which connects the Edward and George lakes. You can go on amazing boat safaris here. To the west of the Kazinga Channel there is a landscape with beautiful volcanic craters. The Kyambura Gorge is a huge crack in the savannah landscape, where there is a rainforest and where chimpanzees live. The Queen Elizabeth NP is home to elephants, buffaloes, topis, lions, leopards, hippos, crocodiles and much more. It is home to more than 600 species of birds.

Queen Elizabeth Boat Safari

The Queen Elizabeth National Park is surrounded by Lake Edward and Lake George lakes. These lakes are connected by the natural Kazinga Channel and are packed with wildlife! A boat trip on this canal is therefore one of the absolute highlights of your visit to the park. Rarely will you see so many hippos in one day! In addition to the hippos, you may see crocodiles, bathing buffalo and a huge variety of birds. When you also see a group of elephants spraying each other with water, you know that your day has been a complete success!

Queen Elizabeth Private Boat Safari – Afternoon (Optional)

The Queen Elizabeth National Park is surrounded by Lake Edward and Lake George lakes. These lakes are connected by the natural Kazinga Channel and are packed with wildlife! A boat trip on this canal is therefore one of the absolute highlights of your visit to the park. Rarely will you see so many hippos in one day! In addition to the hippos, you may see crocodiles, bathing buffalo and a huge variety of birds. When you also see a group of elephants spraying each other with water, you know that your day has been a complete success!

Where confirmed in your quotation, a private boat provides an outing for your own party. Departure point, duration and approach distances remain subject to operator and park rules; a closer approach to wildlife is not promised.

Gorge Kyambura Trekking Queen Elizabeth NP – (Optional)

Today you will make a truly beautiful hike through the Kyambura Gorge! The gorge is an 11 km long crack through the savannah of the Queen Elizabeth NP. Hidden in the gorge is a beautiful piece of tropical rainforest, which runs along the banks of the Kyambura River. This rainforest is home to snakes, chimpanzees and other animal species. Rangers make it a sport to spot the chimpanzees, but the chances of seeing them are about 50%. Therefore, enjoy the walk itself, because it is one of the most beautiful walks you can make in this country. It is an adventurous walk, with scrambling and climbing.

ACCOMMODATION: Katara Lodge (Half Board)

Route: Kasenyi → Ishasha sector

Take a morning game drive, or request the optional predator-tracking experience, then continue to Ishasha. After lunch, search for wildlife—including the region’s tree-climbing lions—before returning to Enjojo Lodge.

After this safari, you will drive to the southern part of the park in about 2.5 hours; Ishasha. Here you will enjoy a well-deserved lunch at your lodge. After lunch, you will go on another safari, looking for the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha.

Queen Elizabeth Jeep Safari – Morning

During the safari in Queen Elizabeth, you will look for large herds of buffalo, elephants, elegant Ugandan kobs, topis, lions, leopards and hyenas. The landscape varies from grassy plains with candelabra euphorbias, crater lakes and more densely forested areas. After an early breakfast, you will drive into the rising sun during the safari. In the morning there is still fog above the savannahs and you can hear the typical sounds of the African wilderness. An ideal start to a day in nature!

Predator Tracking Queen Elizabeth – Morning (Optional)

In the morning you will make a special safari, where you will go on safari together with a biologist from the park. This biologist studies the behaviour and movements of various lion troops and a number of individual leopards. This allows you to look through the eyes of biologists and learn about the king of the savannah in a unique way! The lion troops (and leopards) are tracked by means of a radio collar, so lion sightings remain subject to the animals’ movements. Leopards are not guaranteed. Because you go with the biologist, any access beyond standard tracks follows current park permissions. The income from this activity is used to fund the research. This excursion takes place in the morning.

Ishasha

The southern part of the Queen Elizabeth National Park is Ishasha. The remote location on the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo ensures a small number of visitors, which benefits the wilderness content. The savannahs are punctuated by numerous wild fig trees used by the tree-climbing lions. The Ntungwe River flows through Ishasha where hippos live and the vegetation is lush and dense.

Jeep Safari Ishasha – Afternoon

During the safari you will look for the tree-climbing lions, which search for the upper branches of old fig trees. Ishasha is also home to buffaloes, large groups of Ugandan kobs and lyre antelopes. In the Ntungwe River you can look for hippos. You will make the safari in the afternoon when it is still warm and the lions still inhabit the trees. When the sun goes down, return to your accommodation for a nice drink. In the evening you can enjoy a campfire with the sounds of the African wilderness in the background.

ACCOMMODATION: Enjojo Lodge (Full Board)

Route: Ishasha → Lake Mutanda

Travel towards the volcanic landscapes of southwestern Uganda and settle into Mutanda Lake Resort. The listed stay is a standard cottage; alternative room tiers or a forest-based stay must be agreed separately.

*The luxury variant of this trip will also spend the night in the luxury cottage of the insanely beautifully situated Mutanda Lake Resort. The room is spacious and luxuriously furnished, but this is not a luxury lodge. We chose this because of the beautiful location, good service and delicious food. If you prefer more luxury, we can adjust this at any time.

* The budget variant does not sleep on Lake Mutanda, but directly on the Bwindi rainforest.

Lake Mutanda

The fairytale Lake Mutanda is located in the far southwest of Uganda, at the foot of the Virunga volcano chain. This impressive volcanic chain connects the countries of Uganda, Congo and Rwanda. In the vicinity of Lake Mutanda there are several rainforests, habitat of the endangered mountain gorilla. The lake is therefore an ideal base for one of the most special excursions in Uganda, the gorilla trekking. The mountain gorilla can be found in the nearby Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. However, a wide variety of animals and plants can also be found in the immediate vicinity of the lake. For example, it is possible to spot the kingfishers and the grey crowned crane. In addition to plants and birds, various species of snakes, otters, chameleons, frogs and lizards also live on the shores of the lake. In short: a large collection of special animal species.

ACCOMMODATION: Mutanda Lake Resort – Standard Cottage (Full Board)

Route: Lake Mutanda → confirmed Bwindi or Mgahinga trekking area → lodge

If booked, transfer to the confirmed trekking sector for a ranger-led gorilla experience. Gorilla trekking and the habituation alternative are optional and require the appropriate permits. Guests not trekking can discuss the activities listed for the Lake Mutanda stay.

If you don’t go gorilla trekking, you can also do all kinds of things. The possibilities are described on day 14

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Bwindi’s mountain rainforest is an important stronghold for mountain gorillas, alongside a wide variety of birds, plants and other wildlife. Trekking routes and duration vary with the allocated sector, conditions and the gorillas’ movements.

Gorilla Trekking Bwindi Forest (Optional)

During the gorilla trekking you will walk and bend through the dense forest of Bwindi. Under the guidance of the most experienced rangers of the Ugandan Wildlife Authority (UWA), you will search for traces of a family of mountain gorillas. Feces, nests, gnawed bamboo stalks and broken twigs betray that we are getting close. Then, when the time comes for you to come face to face with a silverback protecting his family, observing you seemingly carelessly, you know that this is going to be an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Gorilla Habituation Day Bwindi Forest (Optional)

Wild Heritage of Africa Tour and Travel offers you the opportunity to take the unique gorilla habituation day instead of gorilla trekking. During this special excursion you will join a group of researchers to experience how a gorilla family is habituated. Participants are allowed to stay with the gorilla family for up to four hours and the excursion is undertaken in a group of only four people. A special look at the habituation of the gorillas.

ACCOMMODATION: Mutanda Lake Resort – Standard Cottage (Full Board)

Route: Based at Lake Mutanda

Enjoy a flexible day by the lake or choose separately arranged water activities, village visits, forest walks, golden-monkey trekking or a demanding volcano hike. Availability, conditions and suitability must be confirmed locally.

If you are not staying at Lake Mutanda, you can of course do the same activities, with the exception of the activities on and by the lake.

Excursions Bwindi & Lake Mutanda – (Optional)

In this green and diverse environment you can really do anything. There are several fun excursions to be undertaken on and around Lake Mutanda, such as sailing, supping or kayaking on the lake. A sundowner tour (with a drink) on the motorboat is also recommended. In the Mgahinga NP you can climb the Virunga volcanoes or do a Golden Monkey trekking and in the rainforest of Bwindi you can – in addition to gorilla trekking – also make several beautiful walks. You can also visit the Batwa community or take a village tour in the area. Do you have specific interests? Let our travel specialist know your wishes.

Water Sports Lake Mutanda – (Optional)

From Mutanda Lake Resort you can do great water sports activities. For example, you can enjoy swimming in this lake (seek current local health advice before swimming) or sunbathe from one of the three swimming jetties. If you want to be a little more active you can use the stand-up paddle boards, the kayaks or the laser sailboat and for a more local experience you can go canoeing in one of the dugout canoes. There is also a motorboat, with which you can take a trip on the lake to go bird watching or simply enjoy the surroundings (with a glass of wine). Whatever you choose; Enjoy the beautiful surroundings and the serenity of this fairytale lake.

Ascent Sabinyo Volcano, Mgahinga – (Optional)

Who wouldn’t want to climb a volcano where you are in three countries at the same time when you are at the top?! Today you will brave the Sabinyo volcano at an altitude of 3669 meters. It can get quite muddy, which is why wooden ladders have been installed to ensure that you make an adventurous climb on the three peaks of the volcano. The walk takes an average of 8 hours. From the peaks there are beautiful views and you can see the lakes and gorges in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

ACCOMMODATION: Mutanda Lake Resort – Standard Cottage (Full Board)

Route: Lake Mutanda → Kisoro airstrip → Entebbe → onward flight

Transfer to Kisoro for the scheduled flight back to Entebbe. A guest room at Karibu Guesthouse allows time to freshen up before the evening airport transfer; lunch and dinner are at your own expense.

Upon arrival in Entebbe, you will be met by a driver from your accommodation. He will take you to your hotel or guesthouse, where you can stay for the rest of the day, until you are dropped off at the airport in the evening for your return flight. We have booked a guest room for you, so you can freshen up. You can also have lunch and/or dinner here (own expense).

We hope you had a great trip!

ACCOMMODATION: Karibu Guesthouse (Guest accommodation)

Route: Onward flight → home

Arrive home according to your international flight schedule, concluding the 16-day programme.

• Overnight stays at the level of your choice and accompanying meals (see itinerary)
• All transfers as mentioned
• Park fees for non-residents, as quoted; individual trekking permits must be confirmed
• Scheduled activities specified as included; optional experiences require separate confirmation
• Accommodation as specified in the daily programme
• A professional driver/guide
• Taxes/VAT as quoted
• Listed arrival and departure airport transfers
• Meals (as specified in the daily itinerary)
• Drinks (as specified in the daily itinerary)