Details

Highlands of the Pearl of Africa: 16-Day Ultimate Adventure Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kampala/Entebbe

Morning:

• Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where you will be met by your guide and transferred to your accommodation in Kampala.
• Check-in at your hotel, such as Speke Resort or The Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort.

Afternoon:

• Relax and refresh after your flight. If time allows, you can explore Kampala’s vibrant markets and local attractions such as Kasubi Tombs or Uganda Museum.

Evening:

• Enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel or a local restaurant in Kampala, preparing for your exciting adventure ahead.

Day 2: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Morning:

• 7:00 AM: After breakfast, depart for Lake Bunyonyi, located in southwestern Uganda.
• The drive takes around 7-8 hours, passing through Kabale and scenic highland views, with stops for photos and lunch along the way.

Evening:

• Check-in to your lakeside lodge, such as Lake Bunyonyi Overland Resort or Bunyonyi View Resort.
• Relax and enjoy the serene beauty of Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda's most picturesque lakes.

Day 3: Explore Lake Bunyonyi

Morning:

• Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi to explore its many islands, including Akampene Island (Punishment Island) and Bushara Island.
• Take a leisurely nature walk around the lake or visit the nearby Bunyonyi community to experience the culture of the Bakiga people.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at the resort, overlooking the lake.
• Spend the afternoon at leisure—swimming, kayaking, or hiking the hills around the lake for panoramic views.

Evening:

• Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge by Lake Bunyonyi.

Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Morning:

• After breakfast, depart for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, home to the famous mountain gorillas.
• The journey takes around 3-4 hours through Ruhija, providing great views of the rolling hills.

Afternoon:

• Check-in to your lodge near Bwindi, such as Silverback Lodge or Buhoma Lodge.
• After checking in, enjoy a short nature walk or relax and prepare for the gorilla trekking experience.

Evening:

• Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Early Morning:

• After an early breakfast, transfer to Buhoma Visitor Centre for your gorilla trekking briefing.
• Your trek will begin in the dense forest, guided by an experienced ranger, as you search for a gorilla family.
• The trek can take anywhere from 1 to 5 hours, but the reward is an unforgettable hour with these magnificent primates.

Afternoon:

• After your trek, enjoy a celebratory lunch at your lodge.
• Spend the afternoon at leisure or take part in a community visit to learn about the local Batwa people's way of life.

Evening:

• Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Morning:

• After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park (4-5 hours).
• Stop at Ishasha Sector for a chance to spot the famous tree-climbing lions.

Afternoon:

• Check-in to your lodge in Queen Elizabeth, such as Mweya Safari Lodge or Elephant Plains Lodge.
• Enjoy a relaxing afternoon.

Evening:

• Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 7: Game Drive & Boat Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Morning:

• Early morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains to spot the park’s wildlife, including lions, buffaloes, elephants, and a wide variety of antelope species.

Afternoon:

• Boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, where you can see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds, including kingfishers and African fish eagles.

Evening:

• Return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.

Day 8: Transfer to Kibale Forest

Morning:

• After breakfast, depart for Kibale Forest National Park (5-6 hours).
• Enjoy the scenic drive through the lush Ugandan countryside, passing villages and fertile lands.

Afternoon:

• Check-in to your lodge near Kibale, such as Kyaninga Lodge or Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse.

Evening:

• Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 9: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest

Morning:

• Early morning briefing at Kanyanchu Visitor Centre before heading into Kibale Forest for a thrilling chimpanzee trekking adventure.
• Spend an hour observing the wild chimps and their fascinating behavior.

Afternoon:

• After your trek, enjoy lunch at the lodge.
• In the afternoon, take a nature walk through the forest to spot other primates and wildlife.

Evening:

• Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge.

Day 10: Transfer to Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Morning:

• After breakfast, depart for the Rwenzori Mountains National Park (4-5 hours).
• The Rwenzoris, also known as the “Mountains of the Moon,” are famous for their snow-capped peaks and lush vegetation.

Afternoon:

• Check-in to your lodge near the Rwenzori Mountains, such as Rwenzori View Guesthouse.

Evening:

• Dinner and relaxation at the lodge.

Day 11-13: Rwenzori Mountains Trekking

Day 11-12:

• Spend the next two days on a guided trek through the Rwenzori Mountains, with various hiking options depending on your fitness level. You can trek up to Sine Hut or higher if you're up for a more challenging climb.
• The Rwenzoris are known for their diverse plant life, including giant lobelias and alpine vegetation.

Day 13:

• On the final day of trekking, take a half-day hike before descending back to your lodge for a restful evening.

Day 14: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

Morning:

• After breakfast, drive to Murchison Falls National Park (6-7 hours).
• The park is home to the mighty Murchison Falls and offers an exciting safari experience.

Afternoon:

• Check-in to your lodge near Murchison Falls, such as Paraa Safari Lodge.

Evening:

• Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 15: Game Drive & Boat Safari in Murchison Falls

Morning:

• Game drive in the early morning, where you may encounter elephants, giraffes, lions, and a variety of bird species.

Afternoon:

• Boat safari along the Nile River, giving you a chance to spot hippos, crocodiles, and the magnificent Murchison Falls.

Evening:

• Return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.

Day 16: Departure to Kampala/Entebbe

Morning:

• After breakfast, drive back to Kampala or Entebbe (5-6 hours).
• Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a quick stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on your way.

Evening:

• Arrive at Entebbe International Airport for your flight home.